Diplomatic Discourse Quotes

Drawing forceful distinctions and being civil are not mutually exclusive.

I have no disposition to withhold any information which the duty of my station will permit, or the public good shall require to be disclosed: and in fact, all the Papers affecting the negotiation with Great Britain were laid before the Senate, when the Treaty itself was communicated for their consideration and advice

What we (U.S.) have done, is undertaken diplomacy through public assertions that tend to alienate everyone.

Diplomacy is the lowest form of politeness because it misquotes the greatest number of people. A nation, like an individual, if it has anything to say, should simply say it.

When you’re in the White House and are asked to defend a policy you do not agree with, you defend the policy.

American diplomacy is easy on the brain but hard on the feet.

Diplomats tell lies to journalists and then believe what they read.

There was no authority with which diplomacy could deal.

Discretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.

I'm a charming coward; I fight with words.

The White House described the talks as “frank” which is diplomatic language for the fact that the talks went badly.

We cannot allow situations where leaders threaten war on television or on Twitter.

Diplomacy is the art of saying “Nice Doggie!” till you can find a rock.

I don't think the United States has done anything whatsoever to merit any criticism by the British.

It's true that John Bolton would not win the most popular ambassador award at the U.N., but being popular shouldn't be the priority.

I don't ever talk about red lines whether in coalition negotiations with other partners or in Europe. It is important that we listen to others and find a way forward.

We always have hoped that American diplomacy deploys itself in dialogue and persuasion rather than by ultimatums. That is the path we want in international relations.

People who talk about peace are very often the most quarrelsome.

The art of diplomacy is to take your humiliations in private.

Diplomats are only useful in fair weather. As soon as it rains they drown in every drop.

I'm simply saying that there are advantages in sending a skilled diplomat who can always say, 'I'll get back to you on that, Mr. Minister'.

We have normal relations with lots of countries whose leadership we do not like..

My style is to be a diplomat, not a bomb thrower.

I don't approve of the notion that we should be announcing who should step down from the position of a head of a state unless we are seriously prepared to remove that person. But if we are not, if we are being prudent and careful, then let's also be careful with how we talk.

I will not comment [to the press] on the negotiations. Every comment produces an hour of recriminations [among the negotiators.]