Nixon White House Tapes — Conversation 020-103
Date: Thursday, February 17, 1972 at 8:28 AM
Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); Rockefeller, Nelson A.
Recording device: White House Telephone
Source: https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/020-103

This transcript was generated automatically by AI (WhisperX) and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite it as authoritative.

[0:00] Hello?
[0:01] Governor Nelson Rockefeller.
[0:03] Hello?
[0:04] Hello?
[0:05] Mr. President.
[0:06] Yeah, hi, how are you?
[0:07] Great.
[0:07] I just called last night to tell you that I just think this is the most exciting and significant initiative that's been taken.
[0:14] And I just think we're all so grateful to you.
[0:18] Well, very kind to call, and we're...
[0:21] going to leave in about an hour.
[0:22] And in the meantime, as you know, it's a real tough road because the negotiations, particularly on Taiwan, will be very hairy.
[0:34] But on the other side, the coin, we couldn't miss the opportunity to try to see that these two countries that hold the future of the world in their hands are
[0:48] have some chance to avoid fighting in the next few years.
[0:53] I just think what you're doing is the greatest thing for the history, the future history, let's put it, of our country that is happening.
[1:02] and I was thrilled to see this Gallup poll arise this morning, and I think these are the things the public loves.
[1:09] They just admire what you're doing.
[1:11] Let me say that while we're talking that I can't tell you how grateful I've been for your support in the foreign policy field and also
[1:20] as I wrote you a little note for your remarks at the dinner the other night.
[1:27] We've got a hard, I know, but we have a hard year, but, you know, all these things, everything from the economy to this and that and the other thing, but I really think that we've got a great opportunity to pull things together.
[2:26] Okay, well, give our best of happy, and when we get back, why...
[2:35] I'll see that Henry gets to New York.
[2:38] He goes up anyway, and maybe you'd like to get a little private briefing.
[2:42] And if you don't, I'm going to brief the intelligence panel anyway at your next meeting.
[2:50] So we'll do it one way or the other, okay?
[2:52] You're the greatest, Mr. President.
[2:55] I just think it's fabulous.
[2:56] Good luck now.
[2:57] Well, see you and take care.
[2:58] Bye.
[2:59] Okay, thanks for calling.
[3:00] Bye.