Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Diplomatic appointments
38 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Haldeman, Bull
President Nixon met with Charles Whitehouse, Alexander Haig, and Raymond Price to discuss the progress and challenges of the war in Vietnam, particularly focusing on pacification efforts and the difficulties of establishing democratic institutions in a nation lacking such historical tradition. The conversation explored the comparative success of various governmental structures in different regions of the world, acknowledging the political complexities of maintaining democracy in developing countries. Following this strategic review, Nixon and his advisors briefly discussed Whitehouse's potential future assignments, including potential ambassadorships, before concluding the meeting with a presentation of gifts.
President Nixon met with U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Guilford Dudley, Jr. and advisor Harry S. Dent to discuss Dudley’s desire to step down from his diplomatic post. Dudley requested a sabbatical for 1972, citing his intention to focus on Nixon’s reelection campaign and to settle personal business affairs. The President expressed appreciation for Dudley’s service and agreed to coordinate the transition to ensure a suitable successor for the ambassadorship.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The primary focus of the discussion concerned the status and engagement of Robert C. Hill. This brief exchange served to finalize administrative arrangements regarding Hill's role and the President's immediate agenda.
President Nixon met with William P. Rogers, Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate an administration response to the publication of the Pentagon Papers. The participants discussed strategies to minimize the perceived impact of the leaks by emphasizing that the papers represented an internal Department of Defense study rather than a consensus view of the administration, while concurrently highlighting the President's commitment to a new, independent Vietnam policy. They also addressed broader diplomatic issues, including NATO relations, arms limitation negotiations with the Soviet Union, and personnel transitions involving key foreign service positions.
President Nixon and his advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, discussed a recent New York Times leak suggesting Nixon was seeking a diplomatic opening to China. The President expressed frustration with the unauthorized disclosure and its potential impact on his delicate diplomatic strategy, deciding to postpone ambassadorial appointments as a disciplinary measure against leaks. Additionally, the group addressed the necessity of tighter control over presidential travel, the management of personal guests at the President's California home, and the political insights provided by John Connally regarding the President’s public image and the 1972 election strategy.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, for a brief, informal discussion regarding his schedule and personal matters. The conversation shifted between lighthearted observations about diplomatic appointments and a brief, cryptic reflection on maintaining resolve in the face of ongoing challenges. The meeting concluded with Nixon extending a social invitation for lunch to Sanchez's wife.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss a successful meeting with senators and coordinate on various foreign policy and administrative issues. They deliberate on potential diplomatic assignments, including a proposed trip to Japan and Vietnam by John Connally, and express frustration regarding the conduct of Gerard C. Smith at the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Additionally, they evaluate administrative strategy regarding UN voting, specifically aiming to pressure countries like Panama and Venezuela to support U.S. positions.
President Nixon directs Peter M. Flanigan to follow up on staffing changes following Vice President Spiro Agnew’s recent trip to Southeast Asia. Agnew communicated requests from foreign leaders regarding the replacement of U.S. ambassadors in Singapore and Kuwait, the latter due to concerns over the incumbent's personal issues. Secretary of State William P. Rogers has already committed to these personnel changes, and Flanigan is tasked with overseeing the execution of these appointments.
President Nixon consulted with Peter M. Flanigan regarding potential diplomatic appointments, specifically inquiring about progress on the NATO ambassadorship and a position concerning Japan. Flanigan indicated he was awaiting feedback from Henry Kissinger regarding John J. McCloy’s interest in the NATO post and confirmed an upcoming meeting with Hoyt Ammidon to discuss the Japanese assignment. Additionally, the two discussed personnel vetting, with Flanigan noting that William S. Stuckey, Jr. had been deemed unsuitable for a specific role following advice from Clark MacGregor.
President Nixon and Peter M. Flanigan discussed the recruitment of Frederick M. Eaton for a high-level diplomatic post, which the President emphasized was a personal priority rather than a recommendation from Henry Kissinger. Nixon instructed Flanigan to coordinate with Secretary of State William P. Rogers to ensure the administration viewed this appointment as a significant strategic coup. They finalized plans for Eaton to meet with the President at his Florida residence the following Monday at noon.
President Nixon and Pepsi executive Donald Kendall discuss the potential appointment of George S. Moore as the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, agreeing that a strong business figure with Spanish-language skills is needed to protect U.S. interests in the region. Kendall also provides an update on his recent trade negotiations in Moscow regarding Pepsi's expansion into the Soviet market, noting that Nixon's upcoming diplomatic overtures to China have created a favorable environment for these discussions. The two conclude by reviewing Pepsi's sales performance and coordinating further briefings on the results of Kendall’s international business dealings.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate the presidential schedule. The discussion focused primarily on arranging a forthcoming meeting with Ambassador David Kenneth Rush. No further policy or administrative developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss the pending appointment of Robert Anderson, a Foreign Service officer, to an ambassadorship in Dahomey. The primary objective was to review the necessary background documentation and prepare the paperwork for the President's signature. The brief exchange focused on verifying Anderson's credentials and ensuring the nomination process was moving forward.
President Nixon consulted John B. Connally regarding the search for a new U.S. Ambassador to West Germany after William P. Clements, Jr. declined the position. Nixon inquired about Richard M. Paget, seeking Connally's assessment of his temperament, professional background, and suitability for the diplomatic post. Connally expressed confidence in Paget's abilities and agreed to contact him to gauge his interest in the appointment.
President Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate final logistics for the President's upcoming diplomatic trip to the People’s Republic of China, including the handling of correspondence from well-wishers and dignitaries like Lyndon B. Johnson. The discussion shifted to domestic management, where the President and Haldeman reviewed staffing adjustments, specifically the movement of personnel to support political operations under John Mitchell and the appointment of a new ambassador to Portugal. They ultimately decided to keep airport farewells low-profile to avoid political friction and prioritized streamlining White House staff responsibilities ahead of the campaign season.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods to discuss personal and administrative matters, including his desire for more privacy and rest at Camp David away from burdensome social obligations with acquaintances like the Drowns. The conversation addressed the President’s upcoming travel, specifically the logistics for his trip to the Soviet Union and the need to separate his schedule from those of other administration officials and their spouses to avoid excessive group oversight. Additionally, they reviewed potential diplomatic appointments for Emil Mosbacher, Jr. and Wiley Buchanan, ultimately deciding on Portugal as a suitable post for Buchanan.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss a range of foreign policy priorities and domestic political pressures following Kissinger's recent trip to Mexico. They address the timing of a Middle East settlement relative to the 1972 election, the status of negotiations with North Vietnam, and the strategic management of U.S.-Soviet relations. Additionally, they touch upon the political fallout of the ITT case and the administrative challenges of securing diplomatic appointments without inviting scrutiny over campaign contributions.
President Nixon and George Shultz discussed the upcoming diplomatic assignment of Robert S. Ingersoll, who was preparing to travel to Tokyo to serve as ambassador. Shultz reported that Ingersoll’s decision to accept the position was directly influenced by his high regard for Shultz’s own appointment within the administration. The President confirmed that he would send private letters to Japanese leaders Eisaku Sato and Takeo Fukuda to facilitate a smooth transition for the new ambassador.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the positive public reception and political fallout regarding his recent Vietnam blockade speech. The group reviewed feedback from various supporters and strategized on how to leverage the President's perceived courage and leadership in the face of partisan opposition. Additionally, the President addressed administrative items, including a letter to Wilt Chamberlain, diplomatic recommendations for ambassadorships, and scheduling concerns related to upcoming events.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss public relations strategies, domestic policy priorities, and the administration's political messaging ahead of the 1972 election. They reviewed the outreach efforts toward supporters following the President’s international trips, as well as the management of domestic issues like busing legislation and the upcoming debt limit negotiations. Additionally, the President issued instructions regarding the reassignment of U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Jerome Holland and evaluated the political viability of various domestic policy stances.
President Nixon, William P. Rogers, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate a comprehensive foreign policy agenda, focusing heavily on the logistics of Secretary Rogers’s upcoming international tour and Congressional advocacy for the SALT I treaty. The participants discussed itinerary planning for Rogers's visits to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while simultaneously addressing personnel appointments and strategies to manage press and public perception. Additionally, the President engaged in outreach to Senator John L. McClellan to secure support for the defense budget and SALT-related military funding amidst potential opposition from other members of Congress.
President Nixon met with Henry Cabot Lodge, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger to review recent presidential press coverage, including his return from the Soviet Union and comparisons between George McGovern and Dwight Eisenhower. The discussion focused heavily on Lodge’s diplomatic experiences and personal relationship with the Vatican, particularly concerning the influence and support of American Cardinals. Furthermore, the group evaluated potential future diplomatic appointments for the Lodge family and discussed various strategic administrative staffing assignments.
President Nixon met with Chief of Protocol Emil Mosbacher, Jr. to discuss potential future assignments within the administration, including diplomatic opportunities in Pakistan and Iran. The two reviewed various official contacts, specifically referencing the Shah of Iran and Henry Kissinger regarding the Middle Eastern portfolio. Additionally, the President took the opportunity to present a gift to Mosbacher’s wife, Patricia, during the brief meeting.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the potential restructuring of executive appointments and diplomatic portfolios for the second term. The conversation centers on the feasibility of Peter G. Peterson’s new role, specifically regarding the impracticality of combining East-West trade duties with European Economic Council responsibilities. Consequently, Nixon instructs Haldeman to have George Shultz propose merging the EEC and NATO ambassadorships into a single, unified position.
President Nixon met with Peter Flanigan to review ambassadorial appointments and strategy for his second-term administration. The discussion focused on replacing non-performing or aged diplomats with individuals possessing strong economic backgrounds capable of influencing European political leaders. Nixon explicitly tasked Flanigan with taking personal responsibility for vetting candidates and managing the appointment process to prevent back-channel influence from Henry Kissinger or campaign contributors like Maurice Stans. Additionally, the two discussed organizational restructuring within the State Department and proposed consolidating certain European ambassadorial posts to enhance administrative efficiency.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly to coordinate administrative logistics and executive appointments. The discussion centered on the timing of the announcement regarding John A. Scali’s nomination as Ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, the participants reviewed the President’s schedule, including a planned telephone call to Arthur Krock.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss White House management, public relations strategies, and the ongoing Vietnam War negotiations. They reviewed the administration's outreach to their 'New Majority' of supporters through social events and debated how to address the domestic political implications of the Vietnam bombing campaign without projecting an atmosphere of crisis. The conversation also touched on personnel matters, including scheduling, staff assignments, and diplomatic appointments.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the progress and strategic effectiveness of the ongoing B-52 bombing campaign in Vietnam, noting the disruption of Radio Hanoi and minimal public backlash. Kissinger reported that Alexander Haig would soon provide updates from his meetings with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, with both men agreeing that the military pressure was necessary to enforce a potential peace agreement. Additionally, the President confirmed upcoming diplomatic appointments, including William Sullivan as ambassador to the Philippines and Marshall Green to Australia.
President Nixon met with John B. Connally to discuss domestic and international economic strategies, particularly focusing on trade and energy policies. The two analyzed the U.S. competitive position against Japan and Canada, and debated potential protectionist measures and the role of American corporations. Nixon also sought Connally's counsel on staffing key diplomatic positions and navigating political strategy, including Connally's potential switch to the Republican Party following the death of Lyndon B. Johnson.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss the appointment of ambassadors, specifically focusing on the representation of Mexican-Americans and Black individuals. The participants exchanged brief, cryptic remarks regarding potential candidates and the logistics of finalizing these diplomatic selections. The conversation concluded without a definitive announcement, appearing to serve as a cursory review of personnel demographics for ambassadorial posts.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the tragic killing of U.S. diplomats in Khartoum, Sudan, and to reaffirm the administration’s firm policy against paying ransom or yielding to terrorist blackmail. The discussion touched upon the strategic challenges of protecting ambassadors in volatile regions and the necessity of maintaining pressure on Arab governments to control terrorist factions. Additionally, the President reviewed various diplomatic appointments and personnel matters, including potential candidates for ambassadorial posts in Pakistan, Thailand, and other nations.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the potential appointment of publisher Thomas Vail as the U.S. Ambassador to West Germany. Nixon emphasizes his preference for Vail’s political loyalty and editorial support over other potential businessman candidates, despite anticipated resistance from Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Henry Kissinger. Haldeman is directed to contact Vail to gauge his interest in the position before formally proceeding with the nomination.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger to discuss foreign policy objectives, specifically regarding negotiations with the Soviet Union, the status of Vietnam, and strategic ambassadorship appointments. Kissinger briefed the President on a proposed treaty on the prevention of nuclear war and the management of sensitive domestic and international concerns, including Jewish emigration issues. Additionally, the pair evaluated potential diplomatic candidates, such as William Kintner and Richard Stilwell, for key postings in Pakistan and Cambodia to strengthen U.S. influence.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate administrative and foreign policy matters, including scheduling a meeting with the Spanish representative to accept a letter from Francisco Franco. They discussed ambassadorial appointments in Thailand and Pakistan, emphasizing the need for absolute loyalty to the administration, and reviewed the domestic political situation in Cambodia. Finally, the two assessed upcoming diplomatic engagements, specifically focusing on Lee Kuan Yew’s perspectives on global leadership and the potential for leadership instability within the Soviet Union ahead of a planned summit.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss diplomatic appointments, administration strategy, and foreign policy matters during a telephone call. They review potential ambassadorial assignments for Moscow, Thailand, and Pakistan, while also coordinating the President's upcoming schedule and meetings. Furthermore, they deliberate on Vietnam strategy, including the necessity of a coordinated planning process, and assess ongoing negotiations with the Soviet Union regarding the upcoming summit.
President Nixon met with Ambassador John A. Volpe to discuss Volpe's diplomatic activities in Italy, specifically regarding the political strength of Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. The conversation also covered the selection process for a new ambassador to Poland, with Volpe providing recommendations and status updates on potential candidates who had been vetted by the FBI and Catholic leadership. The two also addressed the logistical complexities of appointing a military officer to a civilian diplomatic post.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to coordinate his official daily schedule. The discussion primarily focused on logistical preparations for a subsequent appointment with Dr. David K. E. Bruce. The session concluded when the visitor departed shortly before 9:48 am, leaving the President to proceed with his planned diplomatic engagements.
President Nixon met with Phillip V. Sanchez and Anne L. Armstrong to commemorate Sanchez's appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras. During the brief session, which included a photo opportunity, the participants discussed the transition from Sanchez’s former role at the Office of Economic Opportunity and the positive impact this new diplomatic assignment would have on his family. The President offered his well wishes for the move, emphasizing the professional and personal significance of the upcoming ambassadorship.