Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 671
Nixon White House Tape 671 (February 14, 1972 – February 15, 1972)
5 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 12 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Kissinger, Sanchez, Haldeman, Bull
President Nixon met with Andre Malraux and Henry Kissinger to discuss the geopolitical implications of the upcoming U.S. opening to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the necessity of maintaining a U.S. global presence. They evaluated the stability of a 'balance of power' framework in light of regional concerns, specifically Japan's future nuclear and military trajectory, the risks of U.S. isolationism, and the containment of Soviet influence in Europe. Kissinger provided strategic updates on secret negotiations with North Vietnam and coordinated the drafting of a joint communiqué to be finalized during the President's visit to Beijing.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review recent polling data from George Gallup, comparing it against the Administration’s internal Opinion Research Corporation findings regarding public sentiment on the Vietnam War. They discussed the timing and accuracy of these polls, specifically noting the close alignment in approval numbers. The conversation also touched upon administrative logistics, including a follow-up inquiry regarding a telephone call made between Donald Rumsfeld and Gallup.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion centered on logistics involving Manolo Sanchez and H. R. Haldeman. The meeting concluded with the finalization of these internal arrangements for the President's staff and personal itinerary.
President Nixon met with his advisor Henry Kissinger and senior staff members H.R. Haldeman and Stephen Bull to finalize strategy and logistical details for the President's upcoming historic trip to the People's Republic of China. The participants discussed the management of the official communique, the role of translators to ensure accurate records of private meetings, and the President's approach to formal toasts and plenary sessions. Additionally, they reviewed domestic political concerns, including public opinion polls and the potential impact of a North Vietnamese military offensive on the trip's reception.
Secret Service personnel engaged in brief, informal logistical exchanges regarding movements and potential meetings near the White House residence. The dialogue consists primarily of routine operational coordination and personal pleasantries between staff members. No substantive policy matters or major administrative decisions were recorded during this short interaction.