News In Brief

Richard Nixon has been elected an associate member of France's Acad'emie des Beaux-Arts, the Wall Street Journal reported. The former US President received the honor for his help in creating a tax bill that, since the early 1970s, has allowed US citizens to deduct contributions for the restoration of the palace of Versailles and the home of painter Claude Monet at Giverny.

Nixon's membership allows him the rights and privileges of wearing the official uniform, hat, and sword.