William E. Simon Quotes


The Shah is a nut!


Context

While President Nixon and Henry Kissinger were putting all their eggs in the Shah’s basket, Simon was one of the government who had a different perception of our key ally. See {620093} for a CIA corroborating view.


Citations

William E. Simon, 1928-2000, U. S. Secretary of the Treasury (Republican), Statement to his staff when he told them to bypass Iran on his trip to the Middle East, Summer 1974

Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations

Linked Quotes

The assessment was secret but was leaked by columnist Jack Anderson. President Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger placed great faith and trust in the Shah who did indeed pursue his own aims. He doubled the price of oil overnight, and was the first Iranian leader to seek nuclear weapons—see {586394}. The CIA got that one right. {620094} gives a concurring opinion by a member of the Cabinet.


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William E. Simon
William E. Simon
  • Born: November 27, 1927
  • Died: June 3, 2000
  • Nationality: American
  • Profession: Public Servant

William Edward Simon was an American businessman and philanthropist who served as the 63rd United States Secretary of the Treasury. He became the Secretary of the Treasury on May 9, 1974, during the Nixon administration. After Nixon resigned, Simon was reappointed by President Ford and served until 1977 when President Carter took office. Outside of government, he was a successful businessman and philanthropist. The William E. Simon Foundation carries on this legacy. He styled himself as a strong advocate of laissez-faire capitalism. He wrote, "There is only one social system that reflects the sovereignty of the individual: the free-market, or capitalist, system".