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Conversation 253-030

TapeTape 253StartWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 6:33 PMEndWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 6:42 PMTape start time02:46:49Tape end time02:48:30ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the strategic importance of U.S. relations with the People's Republic of China, emphasizing the Chinese leadership's long-range geopolitical thinking. Nixon contrasts this perspective with the more tactical approach of the Soviet Union while advising Kissinger on logistical arrangements for his potential upcoming trip to Asia. The brief consultation serves as a high-level assessment of the diplomatic climate regarding the administration's outreach to Beijing.

People's Republic of ChinaHenry KissingerGeopoliticsU.S.-China RelationsDiplomatic StrategyForeign Policy
AudioNARA Description

On May 26, 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 6:33 pm and 6:42 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 253-030 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 253-30

Date: May 26, 1971
Time: Unknown between 6:33 pm and 6:42 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Henry A. Kissinger

     An unidentified man

     People’s Republic of China [PRC]

     Kissinger’s schedule
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Anything men.
Yeah, yeah, I know.
I knew you would.
And at a later time, when you do meet him sometime, you'll just understand that, you know, you can tell he just has an understanding of the Chinese that's so deep.
You know, when he said, look, you know, whatever happens in China is going to affect
until all of Asia, one way or another.
He's really thinking in terms of, so many of our people don't even understand, they're looking for the whole place, or whether you recognize this one or that event.
And he's thinking long range terms, and he's thinking, you know, that's right.
Which may be an indication of what we're up against with that, too.
They are not nearly as tactical as we have found them, aren't you?
The Russians, I've heard of you taking all the cheap shots of the Russians, too.
And then when you, actually, if you do make the trip, you should, I mean, you want to stop someplace in the way that you might stop there for a day and take a day off.
Because the reason to stop is you sort of get over there and go, and everybody does it.
Tell me about it.
It's like a cat.
It's a cat.
And then the word must be out.
But can you hold it for one moment?
I think it's hoovering.
And I'll call you right back.
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