Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Anatoliy Dobrynin
52 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Haig, Bull
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss legislative strategy regarding the Mansfield resolution on U.S. troops in Europe and the upcoming announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Kissinger updated the President on sensitive negotiations with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and emphasized the political value of Nixon leading the 'establishment' on foreign policy to neutralize congressional opposition. The conversation underscored the President's goal of securing a bipartisan consensus to bolster his foreign policy agenda ahead of the upcoming congressional recess.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed urgent strategy regarding the ongoing Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the necessity of finalizing agreements with Soviet officials. The conversation focused on navigating diplomatic obstacles, specifically concerning the precise wording of proposed terms and coordination with Anatoliy Dobrynin. Nixon emphasized the importance of resolving these issues promptly during the current week to preempt potential domestic political complications, such as the Mansfield amendment.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the status of negotiations for the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and concerns regarding a potential delay or rejection of the agreement by the Soviet Union. Kissinger provided updates on his communications with Anatoliy Dobrynin, emphasizing the importance of managing the announcement timing and the need to maneuver around domestic congressional pressure, specifically the Mathias Amendment. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the lack of resolve among Republican congressional leadership and reiterated his commitment to maintaining a firm stance on foreign policy and military force levels despite political opposition.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors to coordinate the administration's messaging strategy following the announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. The participants discussed managing the press, addressing potential discrepancies between U.S. and Soviet translations of the agreement, and ensuring the President received proper credit for the diplomatic breakthrough. Kissinger provided updates on his communication with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, while the group planned briefings to counter potential negative interpretations from the media and ensure a unified administration position.
President Nixon met with an unknown associate to discuss an upcoming 3:30 meeting, labor relations involving George Meany, and a sensitive, limited-scope project possibly involving grain exports. The participants deliberated on strategic diplomatic maneuvering with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, specifically emphasizing that any potential agreement must remain temporary and strictly excluded from broader technological exchanges. Nixon underscored the necessity of compartmentalizing these negotiations to ensure they do not expand beyond the immediate, narrow objective.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place a telephone call to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. The brief interaction serves as a logistical bridge to initiate high-level diplomatic communication. No substantive policy discussions occur during this exchange as the operator confirms the request to connect the President with the Soviet embassy.
President Nixon met briefly with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to acknowledge and express appreciation for a thoughtful message sent by the ambassador. The exchange served primarily as a diplomatic courtesy, confirming the receipt of the wire and emphasizing the positive personal sentiments shared by Dobrynin and his family. No substantive policy negotiations or strategic directives were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the recent deadly rocket attack on the Da Nang Air Base and review Henry Kissinger’s ongoing diplomatic trip to Southeast Asia. They focus on Kissinger's efforts to bolster South Vietnamese morale regarding troop withdrawal timelines, while affirming continued commitments to air power and economic aid. Additionally, they coordinate potential final communications with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin regarding upcoming administration travel plans.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate strategy for the President's upcoming peace plan speech, evaluate the North Vietnamese military build-up, and discuss diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and China. They concluded that while the U.S. would not immediately launch new bombing campaigns to avoid complicating the peace proposal, they would prepare for a firm military response should the North Vietnamese offensive escalate. Additionally, the pair reviewed the success of the recent State of the Union address and finalized preparations for Kissinger’s forthcoming meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin.
Henry Kissinger contacted Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to urge the Soviet government to pressure North Vietnam toward constructive peace negotiations before they launched a potential military offensive. Kissinger emphasized that while the U.S. remained willing to negotiate, including a possible meeting in Moscow, any new North Vietnamese military escalation would trigger a severe American response. The two agreed to meet for lunch on Friday to further discuss these diplomatic efforts and the status of ongoing communication channels.
Henry Kissinger coordinated with Alexander Haig to gauge the domestic and international reactions to President Nixon’s recent speech on Vietnam. The pair discussed positive feedback from various officials, including George H.W. Bush, and noted Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin's distress over the administration's actions. Kissinger concluded the call by instructing Haig to have Winston Lord draft two urgent cables regarding the situation.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss administrative appointments, specifically exploring the potential role of Caspar Weinberger as a successor to George Shultz at the Office of Management and Budget. They also coordinate communication strategies regarding Henry Kissinger’s recent meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to ensure Secretary of State William Rogers remains informed without disclosing excessive detail. Finally, the two review recent polling data that shows a slight uptick in the President's approval ratings following his January 25th speech on Vietnam.
President Nixon dictates a confidential memorandum to Secretary of State William P. Rogers to guide his upcoming discussions with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin ahead of the Moscow summit. The President emphasizes a cautious approach toward the summit agenda, specifically regarding the Middle East, Vietnam, and SALT negotiations, while urging Rogers to avoid premature commitments or explicit references to linkage. Nixon further instructs that US trade and credit concessions should be utilized as strategic bargaining chips rather than early giveaways. Finally, the President mandates that these sensitive guidelines remain restricted to Rogers and Henry Kissinger to maintain tactical control over the diplomatic process.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the political fallout and public reception following Nixon's recent trip to China, specifically focusing on clarifying the U.S. defense commitment to Taiwan. Kissinger provides updates on support from Ronald Reagan and concerns regarding criticism from conservative commentators like William F. Buckley, Jr. They also coordinate plans for upcoming meetings with Congressional leaders and determine that a meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin should be postponed to avoid potential diplomatic friction with the Chinese.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the North Vietnamese offensive into South Vietnam, which Nixon characterizes as a violation of prior understandings. Expressing grave concern that this aggression threatens diplomatic progress, the President demands a swift and forceful American response rather than a measured retaliation. Kissinger acknowledges the directive, agreeing to convey the President's firm stance regarding these breached expectations.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming travel schedule, specifically focusing on logistics for trips to Philadelphia and Florida. The discussion included the inclusion of Henry Kissinger in these plans and the management of sensitive foreign policy issues, particularly concerning the Vietnam War. Additionally, Nixon directed Haldeman to facilitate a meeting between Kissinger and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming administrative schedules. The discussion focused on finalizing the arrangements for Henry Kissinger’s meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and setting the timing for the President’s meeting with General John W. Vogt, Jr. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative check-in.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the logistical arrangements for upcoming U.S.-USSR relations, including a meeting between First Lady Pat Nixon and Mrs. Anatoliy Dobrynin, and the coordination of the President's planned Moscow summit. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the North Vietnamese offensive and the administration's strategic response, which included aggressive surveillance of Soviet ships and the potential use of naval mines. Kissinger and Nixon evaluated the geopolitical stakes of the Vietnam conflict, framing it as a critical test of U.S. credibility that could influence future Soviet actions in the Middle East and the viability of the Berlin treaties.
President Nixon requested that First Lady Pat Nixon meet with Irini Dobrynin, the wife of Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, prior to the Ambassador's scheduled return to Moscow. The President sought this meeting for foreign policy purposes, framing it as a strategic diplomatic gesture. They agreed to schedule the appointment for 4:30 p.m. the following day, to be held in the Yellow Oval Room.
Henry Kissinger consulted with a White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. President Nixon was present in the background during the request, signaling his direct involvement in managing diplomatic communication. The primary objective of the call was to establish a channel for high-level engagement with the Soviet representative.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss diplomatic maneuvering regarding the Vietnam War, focusing on communication with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to influence Moscow ahead of the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit. Kissinger reports on the Soviets' lackluster public support for Hanoi and the administration's strategic efforts to maintain leverage in diplomatic messaging. Additionally, the President finalizes logistics for an evening meeting with General Alexander Haig at Camp David to coordinate current policy objectives.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the tactical delay of a meeting or communication involving Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin. Expressing concern over potential manipulation by the Soviets, the President emphasizes the need for an FBI background check to ensure security. The two agree to postpone their next move until they have verified the reliability of the situation.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the ongoing Vietnam War and the administration's strategic response to North Vietnamese aggression. They reviewed recent intelligence regarding a North Vietnamese message relayed through Soviet intermediary Anatoliy Dobrynin, concluding that the North's recent overtures for peace talks resulted from the pressure of intensified U.S. air strikes. Nixon reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a hard-line military strategy, including targeted bombing in the North, while Kissinger prepared for his upcoming diplomatic trip to Moscow to discuss a potential summit and the Vietnam settlement.
Henry Kissinger requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. This action indicates ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts between the United States and the Soviet Union during a period of critical foreign policy negotiations. The call was initiated to facilitate direct communication with the Soviet leadership.
Henry Kissinger and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin coordinated a meeting between President Nixon and the Soviet Trade Minister to address commercial matters. The two officials confirmed the logistics for the upcoming discussion, specifying that Dobrynin would accompany the Minister to the White House. Kissinger also instructed Dobrynin to keep certain discussed principles confidential while permitting them to be reported internally within the Soviet government.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to evaluate the Soviet Union's moderate response to the U.S. naval blockade and mining of North Vietnamese ports. They discussed managing diplomatic communications regarding the upcoming Moscow summit, specifically ensuring that Soviet interests and the German Treaty were handled without jeopardizing the President's scheduled visit. Kissinger provided updates on his recent interactions with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, and the two agreed to keep the State Department and Secretary of State William P. Rogers largely uninformed of these sensitive negotiations to maintain control over the administration's Vietnam policy.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the logistical arrangements for an upcoming signing ceremony concerning the U.S.-Soviet Union Joint Commission on Science and Technology. The discussion centered on the expected attendance of key officials, including Anatoliy F. Dobrynin, Henry Kissinger, and Edward E. David, Jr., while noting the absence of Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They finalized the seating protocol to ensure the event proceeded as scheduled.
President Nixon directed the Camp David operator to connect him with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Nixon sought to determine if Kissinger was currently meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko at Birch Lodge. The primary objective was to facilitate a direct communication line with Kissinger amidst his high-level diplomatic discussions.
President Nixon instructs Henry Kissinger to emphasize to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin that his past willingness to take decisive actions, such as the bombing of Cambodia and the Moscow summit, reflects a readiness to act despite political risks. Nixon intends to project a firm stance, signaling that while he prefers diplomatic restraint, the Soviets should not underestimate his resolve or his capacity for unilateral action. Kissinger agrees to convey this message of underlying strength to ensure the Soviets understand the President's commitment to his policies.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate his upcoming schedule and manage administrative priorities. The discussion centered on organizing meetings with Soviet officials, including Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin, and addressing legislative matters such as the recent rejection of a spending limit. The President also deliberated on the necessary messaging and involvement of staff members John Ehrlichman and Caspar Weinberger regarding these congressional relations.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations following Hanoi's public disclosure of sensitive information, which the President viewed as a breach of trust. Haig reported that he had confronted Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin regarding the leaks and their potential to derail the progress made by Henry Kissinger. The pair emphasized the need to strictly control press access, specifically warning Secretary of State William P. Rogers to prevent further leaks to outlets like the Washington Post. They also affirmed that they would explicitly avoid using the term "coalition government" in any public characterization of the ongoing political settlement.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate their strategy regarding ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations and the potential for a direct meeting between the President and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin. Nixon expresses concern over a recent Soviet leak that alienated South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu and stresses that Henry Kissinger must avoid traveling to Hanoi before the 1972 election to prevent the appearance of a political surrender. The two decide to meet later that day at the Executive Office Building to finalize their approach for stabilizing US-Soviet relations and maintaining pressure on Hanoi to reach a military settlement.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the diplomatic response to the stalling Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically focusing on managing the fallout from recent North Vietnamese leaks and South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's resistance. Nixon instructs Haig to inform Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin that North Vietnam must cease public disclosures to avoid a total breakdown of talks before the upcoming election. Furthermore, the President orders a discreet, unannounced halt to the bombing north of the 20th parallel and adjusts Henry Kissinger’s travel schedule to ensure their meeting occurs after Nixon returns from campaigning in New York.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing the importance of remaining resolute against North Vietnamese pressure tactics and avoiding rushed concessions. The President instructs Haig to coordinate a response through Charles Colson to counter George McGovern's public allegations regarding the administration's negotiation motives. They also address the logistical complications in communicating with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and reinforce the need to prevent leaks from the State Department, confirming that Secretary of State William Rogers is aligned with the President's strategy.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the status of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations and strategies for managing South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's resistance to a potential settlement. The conversation emphasized the necessity of securing a peace agreement without appearing to abandon South Vietnam, while acknowledging the political importance of finalizing a deal or maintaining steady progress leading up to the 1972 election. Nixon expressed a firm desire to bring the conflict to a close and directed Haig to ensure that State Department bureaucracy or leaks would not undermine the administration's delicate diplomatic efforts.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to delay an upcoming meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin by 15 minutes. Nixon emphasized that the appointment needed to be extended to a half-hour duration to account for translation time. Additionally, the President confirmed the schedule for a subsequent brief meeting with Beatrice Willard at 10:45 am.
President Nixon met with John V. Brennan at Camp David to facilitate communication regarding Henry Kissinger’s request for a discussion with the President. The conversation centered on the logistical timing of Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin’s departure for Moscow, which influenced the President’s scheduling. Additionally, the participants briefly confirmed the arrival status of Charles “Bebe” Rebozo.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review a cable from Henry Kissinger regarding a discussion between Colonel Richard T. Kennedy and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. The two men critically evaluated the emotional tone and content of recent interviews given by Kissinger, specifically criticizing his remarks to Oriana Fallaci. This exchange served as a debriefing session on diplomatic communications and the potential political fallout from Kissinger's public commentary.
President Nixon and Colonel Richard T. Kennedy discuss a communication strategy regarding ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon approves a message for Henry Kissinger that commends his recent negotiating performance while emphasizing the critical importance of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) issue. The two also coordinate the arrival of Alexander Haig, scheduling a follow-up meeting at Camp David to discuss developments with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin.
President Nixon and Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin engaged in a diplomatic call to address a final sticking point in the Vietnam peace negotiations regarding the status of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Nixon expressed his firm insistence on returning to previously agreed-upon language, emphasizing that this resolution was essential to removing an irritant from U.S.-Soviet relations and enabling future cooperation. Accompanied by Alexander Haig, Nixon requested that Dobrynin convey this position to Moscow and Hanoi, resulting in a decision to coordinate a follow-up meeting to finalize technical details.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the stalled Vietnam peace negotiations and the potential for a diplomatic breakdown with North Vietnam. The two reviewed the possibility of taking the stalled talks public, though Nixon expressed skepticism about such an approach. Nixon emphasized the need for a firm military response to North Vietnamese intransigence, suggesting an escalation of the bombing campaign should a negotiated settlement remain out of reach.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations following an update from Henry Kissinger, focusing on the administration's frustration with Hanoi's delays and the need to pressure South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. Nixon directed Haig to initiate a subtle, low-key communication with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to cancel the upcoming visit of Tricia Nixon Cox to the Soviet Union. This action was intended as a calculated diplomatic signal to the Soviets that the U.S. was preparing to resume significant military activity in Vietnam.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinated the President's schedule regarding a meeting with Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. They discussed the timing of Agnew's visit in relation to briefings involving Henry Kissinger and Anatoliy Dobrynin. Nixon instructed Bull to convey that he would be available around 10:00 a.m. following a breakfast meeting.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed logistical arrangements for Henry Kissinger's upcoming meetings with Anatoliy Dobrynin. Additionally, the President directed an initiative to pivot promotional efforts for the Roberto Clemente Memorial Fund, requesting that the Advertising Council secure free airtime. Nixon specifically instructed that NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle replace standard volunteer advertisements with spots supporting the earthquake relief fund during the upcoming Super Bowl broadcast.
President Nixon prepares to meet with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin, who is waiting in an aide's office. The brief discussion with an unidentified staff member serves to coordinate the logistics and timing for this diplomatic encounter. The conversation concludes with the President confirming his readiness to proceed with the meeting immediately.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the messaging and content for an upcoming presidential speech regarding the Vietnam War, focusing on the enforcement of the cease-fire agreement. They collectively decided to remove references to economic aid for North Vietnam while incorporating stronger language to threaten consequences for ongoing cease-fire violations and infiltration. Additionally, they addressed the need to pressure the bureaucracy to take a more vigilant stance against potential Communist offensives and coordinated on Kissinger's upcoming diplomatic meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin.
President Nixon coordinates a meeting with Henry Kissinger following Kissinger's discussion with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. The operator relays that Kissinger is en route to the White House to debrief the President on these negotiations. Nixon approves the arrival, allowing for a brief transition between the diplomatic engagement and the meeting at the Oval Office.
President Nixon recorded a memorandum for the file to document his views on ongoing diplomatic and political issues. The dictation addressed the status of the Vietnam settlement, specifically referencing the roles of Anatoliy Dobrynin and Henry Kissinger and the impact of prolonging the war. He also touched upon press relations and his engagements with leaders of the Jewish community.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. informed President Nixon that Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev had agreed to visit San Clemente, while simultaneously canceling a planned stop in Houston. Nixon expressed enthusiasm for the visit, emphasizing his desire to host Brezhnev as a personal guest in his own home to facilitate private, secure, and relaxed discussions. Haig was instructed to confirm these arrangements with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and ensure the security and lodging details were settled for the upcoming summit.
President Nixon directed General Brent Scowcroft to inform Henry Kissinger about a successful arrangement with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin regarding the upcoming summit with Leonid Brezhnev at San Clemente, which would be limited to a small group of key principals. The two also discussed sensitive Vietnam negotiations, specifically the pressure being placed on South Vietnam to finalize a communique. Nixon emphasized that he had provided personal assurances to the South Vietnamese and warned that failure to comply would risk the loss of Congressional funding.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated the logistical arrangements and agenda for the upcoming summit with Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev. The two discussed the protocol for Nixon to personally present an automobile as a gift to Brezhnev and established a sequence for upcoming meetings, including sessions involving Kissinger and Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, as well as private time for the President and Brezhnev. Kissinger committed to delivering a brief outlining the remaining summit goals to ensure the plenary sessions and private discussions proceeded as planned.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated a strategic communication effort to influence Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev ahead of his upcoming visit. Kissinger was instructed to contact Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to convey that Congressional leaders held a positive reaction toward the President's diplomatic initiatives, specifically emphasizing the progress on Most Favored Nation (MFN) status. This action aimed to reassure the Soviet leadership and build momentum for negotiations despite delays in the summit's business agenda.