In this memorandum dictated at Camp David, President Nixon reflects on the domestic and political fallout of the recent bombing halt in North Vietnam. He discusses the necessity of military action to force Hanoi back to the negotiating table and outlines strategy for shaping public and congressional perception of these events through Charles Colson. Furthermore, the President touches upon his own personal struggles with sleep and stress, and touches on organizational considerations for his second term, including the roles of Henry Kissinger and Herbert Klein.
On December 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:47 am and 12:00 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 238-027 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 238-27
Date: December 31, 1972
Time: Unknown between 11:47 am and 12:00 pm
Location: Camp David Hard Wire
The President dictated a memorandum for the file.
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[Begin segment reviewed under deed of gift]
Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon schedule
-The President’s schedule
-Stress
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NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. Aug.-08)
Conversation No. 238-27 (cont’d)
-Tricia Nixon Cox
-Julie Nixon Eisenhower
-Rose Bowl Parade
Vietnam negotiations
-Telephone call to Charles W. Colson
-Public reaction to bombing halt
-The President’s May 8, 1972 decision
-“Valleys and peaks”
-1972 Moscow Summit
-John B. Connally
-William F. (“Billy”) Graham
-Bombing of North Vietnam
-Public reaction
-Compared to May 8, 1972 decision
-Necessity
-Hopes for peace
-Telephone call to Adm. Thomas H. Moorer
-The President’s sleep habits
-Effects
-US service members
-Courage
-Compared to the President
-Press relations
-Newspaper coverage
-Bombing halt
-Colson
-Political benefits
-Press reaction
-Bombing halt
-Effect
-Public relations
-White House efforts
-Attacks on the administration
-Congressional relations
-Consultations
-Armed Services Committee
-Appropriations
-Michael S. Mansfield
-James B. (“Scotty”) Reston article
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NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. Aug.-08)
Conversation No. 238-27 (cont’d)
-Negative content
-Henry A. Kissinger
-Portrayal compared to the President
-Response
-Colson
-Kissinger
-Press relations
-Second term reorganization
-Herbert G. Klein
-Possible retention
-Counselor
-Travel
-Television [TV]
-H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman
[End segment reviewed under deed of gift]
*****************************************************************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.