Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 664
Nixon White House Tape 664 (February 2, 1972)
16 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, White House photographer, Ziegler
President Nixon discusses political strategy and the anticipated public reaction to his upcoming diplomatic visit to China with a White House operator. He expresses confidence that the trip will be viewed favorably, emphasizing that the mission serves as a diplomatic opening rather than a final conclusion. The conversation also touches upon domestic political challenges, specifically mentioning internal frustrations regarding Senator Kenneth Keating.
President Nixon and Congressman Charles S. Gubser discuss the political optics and strategic challenges surrounding the upcoming diplomatic mission to China. Gubser expresses concern regarding the difficulty of reaching a consensus on the Taiwan issue that would satisfy domestic critics. Nixon maintains that while total agreement on Taiwan is impossible, the administration has successfully secured the Chinese government’s consent to disagree on other sensitive matters, such as the Japan defense treaty.
President Nixon and the White House operator discuss the sensitive diplomatic nuances surrounding U.S. policy toward Taiwan ahead of future negotiations. Nixon expresses firm resistance to abrogating existing treaty commitments while weighing the challenges of securing mutual pledges for a peaceful resolution. The exchange highlights the strategic difficulty of managing conflicting positions between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China regarding the status of the island.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the tactical handling of Secretary of State William Rogers regarding his involvement in the funeral arrangements for fallen New York City police officers Gregory P. Foster and Rocco Laurie. Nixon sought to manage Rogers’ public position to prevent negative press coverage and potential internal dissent from within the State Department. The President concluded that while Rogers' attendance would be strategically beneficial, he preferred not to force the issue if Rogers remained reluctant.
President Nixon and Representative Thomas N. Downing discussed the loyalty of the Foreign Service and its implications for Secretary of State William Rogers's position. The conversation touched upon political maneuvering regarding Senator Edmund Muskie’s potential vulnerability on a specific, undisclosed issue. Nixon used the moment to frame the situation as a critical test of his administration's ability to withstand political pressure.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler to manage press relations, personnel issues, and foreign policy strategy. The participants discussed the upcoming China trip, handled internal friction regarding Secretary of State William Rogers’s management style, and addressed potential conflicts between John Connally and David Kennedy over economic policy. Furthermore, they coordinated the administration's position on the India-Pakistan conflict and the sensitive issue of diplomatic recognition for Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for consistency ahead of the President's scheduled travel.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review the President’s daily schedule, including appointments with John D. Ehrlichman, former Speaker John W. McCormack, and entertainer Pearl M. Bailey regarding her Heart of the Year Award. During the discussion, Nixon pivoted to a brief foreign policy critique concerning recent geopolitical tensions involving India, Russia, and the stability of the West Pacific. He requested a formal briefing document summarizing past diplomatic overtures, foreign responses, and the regional anxieties stemming from these international interactions.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and various staff members to address upcoming legislative strategies and high-level diplomatic positioning. The primary focus involved preparing for Congressional testimony regarding U.S. policy toward India and Pakistan, with the President emphasizing the need to project a firm, principled stance on the recent conflict while maintaining an "arms-length" relationship. The President provided guidance on how to counter political criticism from Congressional opponents, asserting that the administration acted in the interest of global peace and U.S. policy requirements.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate an upcoming meeting with Treasury Secretary John B. Connally. The discussion focused on finalizing the President’s schedule and determining the timing for the session. Additionally, they reviewed potential talking points and suggested remarks to guide the President's interaction with Connally.
President Nixon met with Representative Richard W. Mallary and White House aide Richard K. Cook to discuss strategic congressional committee assignments for Mallary. The President offered political advice regarding potential placements on the Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Agriculture committees, while considering the influence of figures such as George D. Aiken and Gerald R. Ford. Beyond legislative matters, the participants exchanged gifts and discussed the personal logistics of the Mallary family's transition to Washington.
President Nixon met with aides Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistical details regarding his daily schedule and upcoming ceremonial signings. The discussion focused on the arrangements for a meeting with former Speaker of the House John W. McCormack, specifically addressing the appropriate location for the event. The brief session concluded with the participants confirming administrative preparations for the President's immediate agenda.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the personal health history and recent activities of an unnamed individual, specifically regarding a past heart attack suffered while hunting. The conversation touches upon the physical limitations resulting from this medical event and implications for future scheduling. The exchange serves as a brief check-in regarding the logistics of an upcoming engagement involving the President’s spouse.
President Nixon met with former Speaker of the House John W. McCormack to discuss foreign policy, national defense, and the President's upcoming diplomatic trips to the PRC and the USSR. They reviewed the status of the Vietnam War, including potential peace proposals and ceasefire negotiations, while also evaluating the necessity of a robust U.S. defense budget. Additionally, the pair touched upon broader geopolitical themes, including U.S. relations with India and the role of women in politics.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the President's upcoming schedule at the Executive Office Building. The brief exchange focused on administrative logistics regarding Nixon's movements for the day. No significant policy decisions were reached during this short logistical update.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Ronald Ziegler, and Stephen Bull to coordinate administration responses to current political and national security issues. Key topics included developing a strategic rebuttal to Senator Edmund Muskie’s Vietnam peace plan, managing the fallout from a Justice Department antitrust suit against Associated Milk Producers, Inc., and refining the President’s approach to public appearances and advisory commissions. Nixon emphasized the need for a disciplined, pragmatic messaging strategy ahead of upcoming political challenges and instructed staff on handling these high-pressure administrative concerns.
President Nixon articulates his foreign policy perspective on India to a group of Secret Service agents, framing the nation as a critical democratic experiment that must succeed in competition with communist China. Despite acknowledging a lack of formal alliances or treaties, Nixon emphasizes his historical commitment to respecting India's non-alignment and providing aid without political conditions. He characterizes his diplomatic stance as a strategic effort to prevent regional instability rather than a sign of preferential favoritism toward the Indian government.