Nixon White House Tapes — Conversation 136-017
Date: Saturday, July 22, 1972 at 4:20 PM
Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.
Recording device: Camp David Study Table
Source: https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/136-017

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 Do not cite it as authoritative.

[51:57] Yeah.
[51:58] Yes, please.
[51:59] Mr. Kissinger, please.
[52:00] Thank you, Mr. President.
[52:04] Mr. Kissinger is on.
[52:06] Hello.
[52:07] Mr. President.
[52:09] Oh, Henry, we were looking over one schedule item here that I wondered about, and I had a reaction that was negative on it.
[52:17] The people representing the three Baltic countries, republics, want to come in.
[52:26] My own view is that that just sends the Russians right up the wall.
[52:29] 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 gain.
[52:37] Well, what I thought I'd do is have Agnew see him.
[52:40] Let him see him.
[52:41] But I think if I do, I think it's just to just thumbs your nose right at the Russians, particularly with the Lithuanians having just had a hell of a fight.
[52:50] I think we can do them without receiving them.
[52:53] I would much prefer it, Mr. President.
[52:55] My instinct is exactly as good.
[52:57] Fine, fine.
[52:57] Well, we've got bigger games to play.
[52:59] I couldn't agree more.
[53:00] Bigger games to play, and we'll play them.
[53:03] Good.
[53:03] On the two points you made.
[53:04] Good, good.
[53:05] One other thing I wanted to tell you, if you felt, I mean, I didn't know what you were going to do, but...
[53:10] If you want to, you're welcome to come to Camp David, you know.
[53:13] It's cooler up here.
[53:14] Oh, you're very nice.
[53:16] It's much nicer if you want to come.
[53:18] Right.
[53:18] I have some friends down there.
[53:20] Okay.
[53:20] I appreciate it very much.
[53:22] All right.
[53:23] Fine, Henry.
[53:24] Okay, thank you.
[53:25] Mr. Colson, please.