Henry Kissinger’s death has brought a flow of predictable judgements: ‘He created some evils – 1973 Chile, for example. But overall he helped end the Cold War.’ And as a beneficiary – the 1971 opening to China, for example – Australians should be grateful.

His non-Anglo background and his experience in dealing closely with a variety of world leaders gave him a sophistication not found among our own diplomats who to their eternal disgrace opposed the China opening.

But it also endowed him with an unflinching cruelty and cynicism.

Take the much-quoted remark by the US author Anthony Bourdain after visiting the areas hit by Kissinger’s secret bombing of Cambodia: “Once you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands. You will never again be able to open a newspaper and read about that treacherous, prevaricating, murderous scumbag sitting down for a nice chat with Charlie Rose or attending some black-tie affair for a new glossy magazine without choking. Witness what Henry did in Cambodia – the fruits........

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