Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Canada
16 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Butterfield, Rogers
When Canada comes up
Related topics: DiplomacyRichard NixonSpeechwritingInternational RelationsWhite House communicationsUnited NationsPresidential travelIndia-Pakistan WarForeign PolicyWhite House schedulingWhite House operatorWhite House operationsUSSRUS Foreign Policy
On December 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone from 11:45 pm to 11:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-039 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the positive impact of Nixon’s recent conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, which resulted in Canada voting with the United States at the United Nations regarding the India-Pakistan War. The two strategize on building further momentum through Senate resolutions demanding an Indian withdrawal from Pakistan while criticizing Soviet involvement. Additionally, they briefly touch upon the effectiveness of a recent background press briefing and plan to arrange a meeting between the President and Nelson Rockefeller.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. confer regarding final revisions to the upcoming State of the Union address. The discussion focuses on refining specific phrasing to improve the tone and ensuring the inclusion of Canada alongside Japan in references to international trade and diplomatic relations. Nixon directs Price to finalize these technical edits and coordinates communication with staff members Marjorie Acker and John D. Ehrlichman to ensure the speech is ready for delivery.
On March 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 6:07 pm to 6:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-057 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield talked on the telephone from 2:59 pm to 3:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-099 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate logistics and gift-giving protocols for the President's upcoming diplomatic trip to Canada. They discussed the appropriate presentation of gifts for Governor General D. Roland Michener and Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau, including questions regarding the Governor General's family. Nixon directed Butterfield on how to distinguish the gift distribution between the two Canadian officials.
On April 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 329-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized this session to rehearse portions of an upcoming speech in French ahead of his diplomatic visit to Canada. The brief meeting focused exclusively on linguistic preparation for the international trip. No substantive policy matters or broader political strategies were addressed during this practice session.
On April 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:34 pm and 4:37 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 708-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized this session to rehearse French-language segments for his upcoming address before the Canadian Parliament. The discussion involved a review of his intended remarks and a brief assessment of his oratorical performance in previous international engagements. No major policy decisions were made, as the primary focus remained on refining the linguistic delivery of his speech.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file regarding a specific administrative or diplomatic matter, referencing internal records and procedural details. The brief exchange involves the President reviewing documentation, specifically noting a reference to Canada and an unpopular act or decision. This recording serves as an official record of the President's internal directives and administrative notes.
President Nixon consulted Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the most effective way to persuade Canadian Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau to keep Canada in the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS). The two agreed that Nixon would send a personal letter to Trudeau followed by a telephone call to emphasize that global leadership depends on continued Canadian participation, while avoiding the appearance of undue American pressure. Rogers also cleared a joke with the President regarding executive privilege to be used during an upcoming social event with the diplomatic corps.
On March 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:26 pm and 3:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-013 of the White House Tapes.
On March 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon informed William Rogers about his recent phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau regarding trade issues and a potential Canadian decision to "stay on" for several months. Nixon conveyed that Trudeau would have Sharp contact Rogers the following day to discuss their position, and Nixon also mentioned he had spoken with George Shultz about the matter and intended to follow up with Sharp to reinforce the administration's position while the issue was still active.