Conversation 253-006

TapeTape 253StartFriday, May 21, 1971 at 6:34 PMEndFriday, May 21, 1971 at 7:05 PMTape start time00:10:19Tape end time00:15:54ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the strategic importance of ongoing negotiations with the Soviet Union and the necessity of establishing clear linkage between various diplomatic issues. They evaluate the political risks of a potential failure in reaching an agreement, characterizing the situation as a critical test of whether the two nations can conduct substantive business. The conversation emphasizes that the administration’s forthcoming public announcement will serve as a definitive gauge of Soviet intentions.

US-Soviet relationsDiplomatic linkageNegotiation strategyForeign policyPolitical strategy

Audio

NARA Description

On May 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:34 pm and 7:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 253-006 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 253-6

Date: May 21, 1971
Time: Unknown between 6:34 pm and 7:05 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President met with Henry A. Kissinger

     US-Soviet relations
         -Kissinger’s position on an unknown issue
         -Arthur F. Burns
         -President’s announcement
               -Kissinger’s conversation with Robert S. McNamara (?)
               -An agreement
               -Union of Soviet Socialist Republics [USSR]

     The President’s schedule

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[Previous archivists categorized this section as unintelligible. It has been rereviewed and
released 09/11/2019.]
[Unintelligible]
[253-006-w001]
[Duration: 20s]

[This portion of the tape is mostly room noise with some muffled background
                                                                       Conv.conversation.]
                                                                             No. 253-45 (cont.)

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Kissinger left at an unknown time before 7:05 pm

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.

So you see, here's a guy who's brighter than that and doesn't really know what's happening.

Yeah, but I think it's... That's what you want.

I think it's helpful, and it's sinking, and I was just beginning to talk to Frank, when I heard about the president was going to make his announcement, and that he was reasonably confident of getting the agreement.

And now, if there is no agreement, we'll know that the Soviets have made a political decision that they shouldn't be, but that they have played with us for four, four months.

And also...

that there are many other areas that will either open or close depending upon this.

I put that right out there.

There is linkage.

I agree with the linkage argument that this is really a test on both sides as to whether we're going to do business or whether we're going to be.

And that's a very important point.

We have done well here.

And I've seen it in your sense, people.

Oh, I think, you know, in a way, it's been disrespectful.

They don't know exactly what it means.

I know it means more than it means to be honest.

I think it's going to build.

It's better that they don't scream.

They make sure people stand where we put the toilet bag in.

Of the negotiations that are true, but if you're not comfortable with it, beside the accidental war, it's not right.

It's not right.

Thank you.

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