Fifty-two years ago today, on August 22, 1973 (July 24, 1973 lunar calendar), Kissinger became Secretary of State, Diplomat Henry. Diplomat Henry Kissinger On August 22, 1973, Secretary of State William P. Rogers tendered his resignation to President Nixon. Nixon announced that he would accept his resignation with regret and nominate White House National Security Adviser Henry A. Kissinger for the post. Kissinger retained the position of National Security Adviser to the President to strengthen the management of the 12,000 staff of the State Department.