On the Death of Ambassador Mike Mansfield

October 5, 2001

The United States has lost one of its greatest statesmen today. The dictionary says a statesman is one "who exhibits great wisdom in the art of government and is experienced in carrying out governmental affairs." I can think of nobody in America today for whom that definition is more appropriate than Ambassador Mike Mansfield.

Ambassador Mansfield's career reads like a profile of 20th century American leadership--a young Marine, a worker in the mines in Montana, a professor of Asian studies, a member of the House of Representatives, a Senator, advisor to Presidents and finally Ambassador to Japan under both a Democratic and a Republican administration. Indeed, he holds the record of longest serving American Ambassador here.

With his beloved wife Maureen by his side, Ambassador Mansfield met the world's leaders and was engaged in almost all the great events of the post-war world. Yet he never lost the common touch. I'm sure many Japanese who called on him at the embassy were surprised when he would personally make coffee or tea for them. Not given to small talk, but blessed with a memory for old acquaintances that would make any politician envious, he always had a kind, appreciative word for everybody. He was a listener, not a talker, and I can remember him with his ever-present pipe intent on his guest's every word. At a time when his peers were thinking retirement, he took on the responsibility of representing the U.S. in Japan. Indeed, age never slowed him down: he prided himself on visiting all the prefectures of Japan, many more than once.

During his time in Japan he dealt with many crises; one involved the sinking of a Japanese ship by an American submarine. His decision to apologize to Foreign Minister Sonoda with a deep public bow led to a photograph that pleased the Japanese, bothered some Americans and provoked a minor controversy. But Ambassador Mansfield knew it was the right thing to do and he always had the courage to do the right thing. When I first went to the Senate, I can remember the respect, even awe, that many of us new senators had for him. In those days giants roamed the halls of Congress and his election as majority leader says much about the esteem his peers felt. Ambassador Mansfield's passing is an occasion for great sorrow, but it is also a time to remember and treasure his contribution to US-Japan relations. America has lost a leader; Japan has lost a good friend. We are both the poorer for it.

My wife Nancy and I counted him as a friend and colleague. We will miss him sorely.

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