President Richard M. Nixon told Congress today in his State of the Union address that the United States would continue reducing involvements abroad under a new policy of disengagement. It was clear that his intention to move “from confrontation to negotiation” pertained to the Middle East as well as other areas. While avoiding specific mention of Israel, Mr. Nixon said the U.S. and the USSR must resolve differences on a basis of “mutual self-interest” rather than “sentimentality.” Mr. Nixon envisaged a “new relationship” with the Soviet Union to preserve peace. It was apparent that this would be achieved by reduced American responsibility to countries not protected by American treaties. Nations will be responsible for their own defense under the emerging Nixon philosophy. His main emphasis was on domestic needs and improving the quality of American life. Today’s message will be supplemented by special statement on foreign affairs which the President will send to Congress early in February.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
