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Nixon Tapes on Diplomatic communications
39 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Bull, Haldeman
When Diplomatic communications comes up
Related topics: William P. RogersWhite House operationsHenry KissingerForeign PolicyPresidential schedulingVietnam WarSchedulingWhite House operatorUS-Soviet RelationsState DepartmentPeace negotiationsParis Peace AccordsNguyen Van ThieuNational Security
In this Oval Office meeting, President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other key staff to coordinate the rollout of a major breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union. The President emphasized the need to maintain secrecy regarding the specific channels used to achieve this diplomatic progress while ensuring that the public message highlighted his personal initiative and the transition to simultaneous negotiations on offensive and defensive weapons. Additionally, Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Finch reported on their recent foreign tour, discussing European perceptions of U.S. foreign policy, the status of U.S. ambassadors, and the challenge of managing drug usage among military personnel abroad.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:10 pm and 6:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-068 of the White House Tapes.
On May 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:24 am and 11:07 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-126 of the White House Tapes.
On May 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 2:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-176 of the White House Tapes.
On May 31, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:06 pm and 6:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-200 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss diplomatic progress regarding the People's Republic of China, expressing optimism that a response from the Chinese leadership is forthcoming. The conversation shifts to managing relations with the press, with Nixon proposing a conciliatory, personal outreach to media figures like William Paley to alleviate institutional tensions. Additionally, they touch upon political maneuvers involving figures such as Clark Clifford, Edward Kennedy, and Hubert Humphrey, alongside logistics concerning potential wheat shipments to the USSR.
Henry Kissinger and Egon Bahr discussed President Nixon's dissatisfaction with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s toast at a recent White House function, which the President perceived as focused on domestic politics and ambiguous regarding Vietnam. Kissinger urged Bahr to encourage Brandt to make more positive, public statements regarding U.S.-West German cooperation during his upcoming meetings with the press and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Bahr agreed to convey these concerns to the Chancellor, framing the request as a private diplomatic effort to clarify the relationship and dispel any lingering misunderstandings.
On July 1, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-078 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the political and economic strategy surrounding upcoming international monetary policy negotiations. Nixon emphasized that the complexity of these issues transcends the capacity of Peter G. Peterson's staff and requires a more high-level strategic approach. The participants also reviewed recent input from Treasury Secretary John Connally regarding the communication strategy for the President's public addresses and impending calls with global leaders Willy Brandt and Georges Pompidou.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon coordinate their schedule and lunch plans in preparation for an upcoming departure. The President requests a light meal in the Oval Office while he awaits an anticipated phone call from Morocco. They discuss timing their exit to ensure the President is prepared for the next phase of his day.
On November 3, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 013-097 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinate the communication strategy regarding a forthcoming announcement involving Japan. Nixon directs Kissinger to inform the Japanese government of the news immediately rather than delaying. To handle this diplomatic notification, they agree to use a back-channel approach via Treasury Secretary John B. Connally, a move Nixon views as a strategic effort to bolster Connally’s standing.
On November 20, 1971, the White House operator and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:24 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 015-061 of the White House Tapes.
On December 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:52 pm and 7:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-005 of the White House Tapes.
On December 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:09 am and 9:19 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the ongoing India-Pakistan crisis, focusing on the tactical necessity of maintaining pressure through the United Nations Security Council despite receiving a late-arriving diplomatic message from the Soviet Union. Nixon emphasized his determination to act decisively against bureaucratic resistance, which he contrasted with the indecisiveness he attributed to other potential leaders. Kissinger updated the President on their strategy to leverage communications with both the USSR and the People's Republic of China to secure a ceasefire and protect West Pakistan. Ultimately, they decided to proceed with the planned White House statement and UN actions to ensure their diplomatic objectives remained irreversible.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:10 pm and 5:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-030 of the White House Tapes.
On December 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:16 pm and 1:43 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 310-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to Henry Kissinger and H. R. Haldeman regarding media strategy and communication management. The discussion focuses on refining the public perception of the U.S. position toward the People's Republic of China, particularly concerning the recently released communiqué. Nixon also draws historical parallels to his 1959 trip to the USSR, reflecting on the effectiveness of radio and television addresses in shaping public opinion to inform his current diplomatic communications.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize the phrasing of a sensitive message intended for Chinese Premier Chou En-lai, specifically regarding the diplomatic rhetoric following recent visits by Senators Mansfield and Scott. The discussion centered on ensuring technical accuracy and carefully balancing U.S.-PRC relations while managing potential complications with the Soviet Union. Nixon directed Kissinger to have the document retyped with specific amendments to ensure the language remained consistent with previous administration statements.
On April 13, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:38 pm and 4:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-123 of the White House Tapes.
On April 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:35 am and 11:50 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 2:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinate the scheduling of an upcoming telephone call with the Soviet ambassador. Nixon expresses concern regarding the timing of the engagement while verifying that his administrative staff has addressed necessary preparatory communications. The brief interaction focuses on ensuring the President is available to receive the call as intended.
John V. Brennan and Alex G. Toumayan met at Camp David to conduct technical preparations for an upcoming telephone call between President Nixon and Ivorian President Felix Houphouet-Boigny. The participants tested the communication equipment in the Aspen Lodge to ensure the line was secure and operational for the international discussion. The brief interaction concluded with logistical adjustments to facilitate the connection for the President.
On December 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-074 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Under Secretary of State U. Alexis Johnson discussed the security protocols for communicating the decision to halt U.S. bombing north of the 20th parallel. Johnson explained that he took the initiative to inform the relevant parties to listen to the public announcement rather than risking an insecure transmission of the sensitive news. The two men acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to pause the bombing, with Nixon reflecting that only history would judge the efficacy of his choice.
President Nixon consulted with Colonel Richard T. Kennedy regarding the status of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. The President requested an immediate briefing upon the arrival of the latest report from the recently concluded session, which was expected shortly. They agreed that Kennedy would personally deliver the documentation to the Executive Office Building once it became available to ensure the President remained informed of any developments.
President Nixon met with Col. Richard T. Kennedy and Peter J. Brennan to strategize the final stages of the Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing that the U.S. would move forward with an agreement regardless of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's reservations. Nixon instructed that information regarding these sensitive talks be tightly controlled to prevent interference from State Department staff or other officials. The group also discussed the timing of a potential ceasefire announcement, the management of international relations with foreign heads of state, and the necessity of maintaining pressure on South Vietnamese leadership to ensure a successful outcome.
Henry Kissinger contacted Cmdr. Jonathan T. Howe to organize an urgent diplomatic notification strategy regarding the upcoming announcement of his February 1973 trip to the People's Republic of China. Kissinger directed Howe to send back-channel communications to key diplomatic personnel and foreign governments, including representatives in South Korea, Japan, France, West Germany, Great Britain, and Laos. The instructions emphasized framing these notifications as routine consultations following the recent Vietnam settlement and maintaining strict confidentiality under the guise of contributing to peace in Asia.
Henry Kissinger instructed Commander Jonathan T. Howe to coordinate a high-level notification process regarding an upcoming policy announcement following the Vietnam settlement. Kissinger directed that critical diplomatic channels, including Ingersoll, Bunker, and LaPete, be informed of the text and timing of the statement to ensure a unified message during consultations. The communication was to be handled with strict confidentiality, framing the announcement as a move toward international peace.
On March 1, 1973, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:05 am and 10:36 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-013 of the White House Tapes.
On March 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:03 am and 11:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed incoming messages and the views of diplomats regarding attendance at meetings, specifically mentioning the potential involvement of wives. The conversation was brief, with Bull departing before 8:20 am, and no major decisions or action items are apparent from the limited transcript.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers consult on the appropriate method for communicating a sensitive recommendation, debating whether a formal letter or a direct phone call is more suitable. Nixon expresses hesitation regarding the timing and nature of the call, ultimately seeking Rogers’s advice on the matter. Following their brief exchange, the President decides to proceed with the communication.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his daily schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was arranging a potential telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau. Bull left the meeting shortly thereafter to finalize these administrative details.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:03 pm and 12:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed General Brent Scowcroft to relay a personal message to South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu regarding ongoing Vietnam negotiations. Nixon promised to issue a unilateral public statement—separate from the Joint Communiqué—reaffirming specific commitments on elections to address Thieu’s concerns. Scowcroft was directed to ensure Thieu understands this commitment will be personally delivered by Nixon and emphasized during an upcoming meeting with congressional leaders.
President Nixon instructed General Brent Scowcroft to deliver a personal message to an unnamed contact, affirming the President's commitment to specific concerns from a Christian perspective. Nixon emphasized his desire to issue a unilateral statement that he would personally clear to ensure the recipient's satisfaction. The President also directed that this matter be routed through the Congressional Review process.