He acted as government consultant on defence (1955–68) and was appointed by President Nixon as head of the National Security Council (1969–75) and as Secretary of State (1973–77). He was largely responsible for improved relations (détente) with the Soviet Union, resulting in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) of 1969. In addition, he helped to achieve a resolution of the Indo-Pakistan War (1971), rapprochement with communist China (1972), which the USA now recognized for the first time, and above all the resolution of the Vietnam War. This he had at first accepted, supporting the bombing offensive against Cambodia (1969–70), but he changed his views and after prolonged negotiation he reached agreement for the withdrawal of US troops in January 1973. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the Vietnamese representative Le Duc Tho, who refused the honour. Later in that year he helped to resolve the Arab–Israeli War and restored US diplomatic relations with Egypt. After the Watergate scandal and President Nixon’s resignation, he remained in office to advise President Ford. He has since been a consultant and respected commentator on international affairs.