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Conversation 136-016

TapeTape 136StartSaturday, July 22, 1972 at 3:59 PMEndSaturday, July 22, 1972 at 4:20 PMTape start time00:51:26Tape end time00:51:33ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Camp David OperatorRecording deviceCamp David Study Table
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger regarding a proposal to receive representatives from the Baltic republics. Both men agreed that such a meeting would unnecessarily provoke the Soviet Union, with Nixon suggesting Vice President Agnew handle the matter instead to avoid a diplomatic incident. Concluding that maintaining international relations for 'bigger games' was the priority, Nixon officially decided against receiving the delegation and extended an invitation for Kissinger to join him at Camp David.

Baltic RepublicsSoviet UnionHenry KissingerForeign PolicyDiplomacyCamp David
AudioNARA Description

On July 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:59 pm and 4:20 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 136-016 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 136-16

                                          (rev. Jan-02)

Date: July 22, 1972
Time: Unknown between 3:59 and 4:23 pm
Location: Camp David Study Table (telephone)

The President talked with the Camp David operator.

[See Conversation No. 197-17B]

       Request for Henry A. Kissinger
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah.
Yes, please.
Mr. Kissinger, please.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. Kissinger is on.
Hello.
Mr. President.
Oh, Henry, we were looking over one schedule item here that I wondered about, and I had a reaction that was negative on it.
The people representing the three Baltic countries, republics, want to come in.
My own view is that that just sends the Russians right up the wall.
I'm not much in favor of it, and the only reason I would go along with it is if you thought there was a major political game.
Well, what I thought I'd do is have Agnew see it, let him see it.
But I think if I do, I think it just thumbs your nose right at the Russians, particularly with the Lithuanians having just had a hell of a fight.
I think we can do them without receiving them.
I would much prefer it, Mr. President.
My instinct is exactly as yours.
Fine, fine.
Well, we've got bigger games to play.
I couldn't agree more.
Bigger games to play, and we'll play them.
Mr. Connolly, incidentally.
Good.
On the two points you made.
Good, good.
One other thing I wanted to tell you.
If you felt, I mean, I didn't know what you were going to do, but if you want to, you're welcome to come to Camp David.
You know, it's cooler up here.
Oh, you're very nice.
It's much nicer if you want to come.
Right.
I have some friends now.
Okay.
I appreciate it, man.
All right, fine, Henry.
Okay, thank you.
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