Henry Kissinger contacts Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Elliot Richardson to request that he attend the upcoming inauguration of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu as the President's personal representative. Kissinger argues that Richardson’s presence would signal a focus on peaceful development and humanitarian aid, intentionally opting for a less hawkish diplomatic profile than Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. Richardson expresses willingness to accept the assignment, pending a brief review of his schedule and congressional commitments.
On October 12, 1971, Henry A. Kissinger and Elliot L. Richardson talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:59 pm and 9:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 011-066 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 11-66 Date: October 12, 1971 Time: Unknown between 1:59 pm and 9:07 pm Location: White House Telephone Henry A. Kissinger talked with Elliot L. Richardson. [See Conversation No. 589-2B] Nguyen Van Thieu's inauguration -Richardson's schedule -Melvin R. Laird -Timing
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.