Richard Nixon actually said...
It was important to bring it to a conclusion in the right way, in a way that America remained respected throughout the world, in a way in which our allies had confidence in us, the neutrals did not lose their faith in us, and particularly where those who might be our opponents still respected us, respected not only our power but respected our strength in terms of will and willingness to use that strength for a cause to which we were committed.
Context
Remarks on Signing a Proclamation Honoring Vietnam Veterans
02/25/1974