← 664-001664-003 →

Conversation 664-002

TapeTape 664StartWednesday, February 2, 1972 at 9:10 AMEndWednesday, February 2, 1972 at 9:13 AMTape start time00:16:51Tape end time00:18:04ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Gubser, Charles S.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and Congressman Charles S. Gubser discuss the political optics and strategic challenges surrounding the upcoming diplomatic mission to China. Gubser expresses concern regarding the difficulty of reaching a consensus on the Taiwan issue that would satisfy domestic critics. Nixon maintains that while total agreement on Taiwan is impossible, the administration has successfully secured the Chinese government’s consent to disagree on other sensitive matters, such as the Japan defense treaty.

China-United States relationsTaiwanDiplomacyForeign policyJapan-United States Security Treaty
AudioNARA Description

On February 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles S. Gubser met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:10 am to 9:13 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 664-002 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 664-2

Date: February 2, 1972
Time: 9:10 am - 9:13 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with Charles S. Gubser.

[See Conversation No. 20-17]
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

The Chinese will lay it on with great decorum and enormous dignity.
They'll see you working like crazy.
And I don't see how they can fail to be impressed.
They'll get invited to every state banquet.
But I've read over the communique, Mr. President.
On the Taiwan part?
On the Taiwan part, Mr. President, we won't be able to get anything that Joe Buckley will like.
That's impossible.
That beating can't be done.
I think they'll make a serious effort to go as far as they can with evidence, et cetera.
The best you can agree to there is that you say we don't agree.
Well, that they're doing anyway, but even the statement of disagreement has to get them a little bit before they'll say...
I mean, on everything else, they're letting us disagree totally.
And they're letting us say they'll maintain the defense treaty with Japan.
← 664-001664-003 →