Nixon was his own Secretary of state. But he was a real loner. Anyone who knew Nixon knew he had a half dozen people he dealt with and no one else.
Kissinger had all the power of a telephone. Nations, senators, congressmen, ambassadors et all, would talk to Kissinger. He would go talk to Nixon and then Kissinger got back to the contact with Nixon's decision. The only authority Kissinger had was to listen, ask Nixon and get back to the contact.
When Kissinger got appointed to be national security adviser he was a Professor at Harvard. Nixon came to trust him and soon the only way to do anything on foreign policy was see Henry. Henry would see Nixon and get back. The secretary of state did not like being out of the loop, so with the usual Nixon problem solving technique, Dick made Henry Secretary of state.
The media could not believe that any Republican president could tie his own shoes so they atributed every thing to Kissinger. Henry was their only real contact with the media on foreign affairs.
Even Jerry Ford ordered Kissinger around. Jerry, by the way, does a mean Kissinger imitation. It is a riot.
Nixon liked Henry because he was loyal, followed orders with German precision and kept his mouth shut.
Jerry Ford liked Henry because he was loyal, followed orders with German precision and kept his mouth shut.
Dubya Bush likes Henry because he is loyal, follows orders with German precision and keeps his mouth shut.