President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the North Vietnamese offensive into South Vietnam, which Nixon characterizes as a violation of prior understandings. Expressing grave concern that this aggression threatens diplomatic progress, the President demands a swift and forceful American response rather than a measured retaliation. Kissinger acknowledges the directive, agreeing to convey the President's firm stance regarding these breached expectations.
On March 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone from 12:45 pm to 12:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-053 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 22-53 Date: March 30, 1972 Time: 12:45 pm - 12:47 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Henry A. Kissinger. [See Conversation No. 697-28] Kissinger’s location The President’s morning briefing -North Vietnam’s offensive into South Vietnam -The President’s view -US reaction -Understanding between the US and the Soviet Union -The President’s correspondence with Leonid I. Brezhnev -The President’s talk with Anatoliy F. Dobrynin -Kissinger’s response
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.