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Conversation 330-041

TapeTape 330StartWednesday, April 12, 1972 at 3:26 PMEndWednesday, April 12, 1972 at 3:27 PMTape start time04:27:46Tape end time04:27:57ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  [Unknown person(s)]Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon consults with an aide regarding diplomatic strategy toward China and the Soviet Union, specifically focusing on how to calibrate rhetoric to avoid alienating the Chinese while signaling U.S.-Soviet tensions. The discussion explores leveraging a potential secret trip to Moscow to create strategic leverage and diplomatic cover. Nixon also inquires about the status of a scheduled strike and requests a meeting with an individual named Cade.

Foreign policyChina-United States relationsSoviet UnionDiplomacySecret negotiations
AudioNARA Description

On April 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:26 pm and 3:27 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 330-041 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 330-41

Date: April 12, 1972
Time: Unknown between 3:26 pm and 3:27 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with an unknown person.

       The President’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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

One thing I was going to say, for the Chinese, I think you probably ought to, I don't think it's any need to play a too hard game with them on the rhetoric side now.
What do you think?
I think with them, I'd say we understand, but please, as the President said, we want to join line, and we do it here not directly against you.
You know,
You see, they could get a little bit, wouldn't want them to say, decide that a man-filled scotch would come to them, so they might like it.
I'll give them something that will make them realize we're still playing that much against the Russians.
Do you have any ideas on that, Gordon?
That's what I need.
I meant it another way to indicate that, look, we're not getting along very well with the Russians, and that the president's directing his remarks to the Russians, and so told the legislative figures.
Why don't you put it that way?
And he's not putting any responsibility on the president.
How's that?
Are you going to call Mr. D and just tell him that we will consider a trip to the Russian?
I think that has great merit.
If they'll do it secretly, it provides also the opportunity that we would like to have anyway if you're taking the trip to prepare the song.
Which, you see, we couldn't do it with the rockers, but if you're going for this purpose, nobody can squeal in a secret seat.
So I think it has an advantage for us, apart from this.
On the other hand, this is the major reason.
And that's enough to do for now anyway.
Incidentally, there was one other thing.
Did any strike get off?
Or is it going off or not?
What is the situation?
I just want to have a chance to see Cade before we're out of here.
Okay.
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