President Nixon instructs Henry Kissinger to emphasize to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin that his past willingness to take decisive actions, such as the bombing of Cambodia and the Moscow summit, reflects a readiness to act despite political risks. Nixon intends to project a firm stance, signaling that while he prefers diplomatic restraint, the Soviets should not underestimate his resolve or his capacity for unilateral action. Kissinger agrees to convey this message of underlying strength to ensure the Soviets understand the President's commitment to his policies.
On October 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at Camp David from 8:51 pm to 8:52 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 145-023 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 145-23 Date: October 2, 1972 Time: 8:51 pm - 8:52 pm Location: Camp David Study Table The President talked with Henry A. Kissinger. [See Conversation No. 214-36] Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SALT] -Kissinger’s negotiation with Anatoliy F. Dobrynin -The President’s position -Cambodian bombing -Previous US-Soviet Union summit -The President’s policies -1972 election -Tone
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.