WASHINGTON — Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James today issued the following statement on the death of former Secretary of State George Shultz:

"George Shultz always knew where he was.

 

 

 
 

"When a newly appointed ambassador would visit Shultz at the State Department, George would take his guest to a giant globe and say, 'Please point to your country.' Most would make the mistake of pointing out the country where they were to be deployed. George would point to the United States and remind them, 'This is your country.'

 

 

 

"He served his country long and well, first as labor secretary and treasury secretary under President Nixon and later as secretary of state under President Reagan.

 

 

 

"George understood President Reagan’s desire to rid the world of nuclear weapons, and he played a major role in standing up to the Soviet Union during the 1980s. Eventually, that led to the Reykjavik Summit and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

 

 

 

"George’s work was a key reason the United States was able to win the Cold War. All Americans owe him a debt of thanks."