Former senator discusses his past
5/15/2008 12:00 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By APRIL BAILEY Staff writer

Former South Carolina State senator and ambassador Marion H. Smoak describes former president Richard Nixon as a "classic loner."

"He didn't want anyone getting too close to him," Smoak told the group gathered at the Aiken Historical Museum on Wednesday. Smoak was the guest speaker at a special Aiken County Historical Society meeting where he talked about his time as deputy, acting and chief of protocol for Nixon from 1969-1974.

Aiken Historical Society president Allen Riddick said Smoak's role of chief of protocol was during a crucial time for America. "He has seen a lot of history," he said.

During the meeting, Smoak shared stories of his experiences and the people he had met. Among those he talked about included Prince Charles of Wales and former president Ronald Reagan. He also shared little-known details of the Nixon administration. He said the former president micro-managed everything.

"That man knew everything," said Smoak.

One of the political figures Smoak discussed was the Shah of Iran (Mohammad Reza Pahlavi). He called him the most misunderstood man he's ever known.

"He was a great man, he was very calm and gentle," said Smoak.

He said while on duty, Smoak said the Shah had confided in him a desire to create a chemical industry in Iran with the help of the United States. In exchange, Iran would pledge all of its oil to America, Smoak said.

"Could you imagine what would have happened if we would have that kind of agreement with Iran?" Smoak asked, adding that the agreement could have eliminated some of the issues going on in the world right now.

Smoak said Reagan, whom he traveled to several countries with before Reagan became president, was "just the greatest guy in the world."

Following the meeting a book signing was held for Smoak's book, "Gallant Chance."

An Aiken County native, Smoak received a bachelor's degree from The Citadel and later a law degree from the University of South Carolina Law School. He was elected to the South Carolina State Senate in 1966.

In the early part of his career, Smoak served as instructor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and as staff judge advocate of the 11th and 82nd Airborne Divisions, the Berlin Command, Germany and in the International Affairs Division, Department of the Army.

He retired from the Department of State in 1974 as an ambassador.

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com

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