Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Henry Kissinger
1,386 conversations · page 1 of 14 · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Kissinger, Haldeman
These are conversations about Henry Kissinger. For the 1,538 conversations Kissinger took part in, see Henry Kissinger’s page →
Key conversations
- Kissinger on the leak 005-059 · June 13, 1971
- The India–Pakistan war 637-003 · December 1971
- Home from China 020-106 · February 28, 1972
- “A decent interval” 760-006 · August 3, 1972
- The Christmas bombing 184-010 · December 18, 1972
When Henry Kissinger comes up
Show as a table
| Month | Conversations |
|---|---|
| Feb 1971 | 13 |
| Mar 1971 | 11 |
| Apr 1971 | 69 |
| May 1971 | 42 |
| Jun 1971 | 42 |
| Jul 1971 | 21 |
| Aug 1971 | 19 |
| Sep 1971 | 33 |
| Oct 1971 | 52 |
| Nov 1971 | 58 |
| Dec 1971 | 51 |
| Jan 1972 | 82 |
| Feb 1972 | 30 |
| Mar 1972 | 40 |
| Apr 1972 | 78 |
| May 1972 | 65 |
| Jun 1972 | 32 |
| Jul 1972 | 24 |
| Aug 1972 | 31 |
| Sep 1972 | 31 |
| Oct 1972 | 112 |
| Nov 1972 | 56 |
| Dec 1972 | 95 |
| Jan 1973 | 84 |
| Feb 1973 | 69 |
| Mar 1973 | 42 |
| Apr 1973 | 21 |
| May 1973 | 41 |
| Jun 1973 | 41 |
| Jul 1973 | 1 |
Related topics: Presidential schedulingVietnam WarWhite House operationsForeign PolicyWhite House communicationsPublic relationsWhite House administrationPresidential communicationNational Security1972 electionWilliam P. RogersSchedulingLogisticsWhite House logistics
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to conduct a brief review of the day's upcoming itinerary. The primary focus of the discussion was confirming the scheduling of an appointment with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. No other substantive policy matters were addressed during this short exchange.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, William Safire, and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the President's upcoming speech at the Woodrow Wilson Foundation and address diplomatic and media concerns. A primary focus was the ongoing conflict regarding arms control negotiations, specifically criticizing the conduct of U.S. negotiators William P. Rogers and Gerard C. Smith in their pursuit of an ABM-only agreement. The participants also discussed the necessity of an improved public relations strategy to counter negative press coverage related to Vietnam and military operations in Laos.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed Henry Kissinger's imminent arrival. The meeting's primary purpose appears to have been to coordinate with Kissinger, though the specific agenda remains unclear due to the unintelligible portions of the recording. The conversation concluded with Nixon and Bull departing the Oval Office.
On February 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:34 pm and 6:46 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 454-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on agriculture-related appearances and the management of high-level meetings with business and community leaders. The President expressed frustration with White House staffing processes, specifically regarding the frequency of his meetings with advocacy groups and his desire to delegate these engagements to senior staff members like George Shultz or George Romney. Additionally, the conversation included a candid assessment of Henry Kissinger’s personality, his ongoing conflicts with Secretary of State William Rogers, and the need for a more disciplined administration strategy when dealing with political opponents and the press.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate scheduling adjustments regarding Henry Kissinger and a pending National Security Council meeting. Bull confirmed that he successfully communicated the cancellation of a meeting between Kissinger and the President, streamlining the executive agenda. The discussion focused on managing these logistical shifts and ensuring staff were prepared for upcoming security briefings involving George H. W. Bush.
On February 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 1:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 460-015 of the White House Tapes.
On February 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:20 pm and 2:44 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 460-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Alexander Haig discussed the Israeli government's intransigent stance on the 1967 borders and its potential to isolate the US internationally. Nixon expressed frustration with State Department official Joseph Sisco's perceived pro-Arab bias and instructed Kissinger to convey to Secretary of State William Rogers that the US will not push Israel into a corner and must support its security. Kissinger was tasked with delivering a message to Israeli envoy Yitzhak Rabin, urging flexibility and camouflage in diplomatic tactics, encapsulated by the phrase 'Help me to help you.' The conversation also touched on Soviet caution and the potential for a preemptive Israeli strike if they felt abandoned.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate strategy for an upcoming meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding Middle East policy. Nixon requested concise talking points to probe the views of Henry Kissinger, Joseph Sisco, and Israeli Ambassador Yitzhak Rabin on sensitive issues like the 1967 borders and arms shipments. Additionally, the pair briefly discussed arrangements for acquiring portraits of John Quincy and Louisa Catherine Adams for First Lady Pat Nixon.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate his late afternoon schedule and review upcoming appointments. The discussion centered on finalizing meetings with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. The President confirmed a 6:00 p.m. meeting time and directed Bull to prepare for the arrival of pending administrative documents.
On February 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:45 pm and 5:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 460-026 of the White House Tapes.
In this Oval Office meeting, President Nixon meets with aides to discuss media strategy, public opinion polling, and the political management of sensitive foreign policy issues, including the situation in Laos and Vietnam. Nixon emphasizes his preference for low-key communication, cautioning against staff members like Henry Kissinger appearing on television, and stresses the need to maintain a composed, presidential demeanor despite public controversy. The conversation also touches on potential diplomatic letters to Soviet leadership and the tactical management of domestic political issues like public housing and upcoming elections.
On March 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:00 am and 8:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 462-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and administrative engagements. The discussion focused on securing time for meetings with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer and National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief exchange served to finalize the logistical arrangements for these high-level national security consultations.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and refine his daily schedule, specifically coordinating meetings with key advisors Henry Kissinger, John Ehrlichman, and George Shultz. They also discussed logistical arrangements for professional photography during these sessions, specifically mentioning White House photographer Ollie Atkins. This brief coordination served to organize the President's upcoming appointments and manage the visual documentation of high-level meetings.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss persistent tensions between the White House and the State Department, specifically addressing Kissinger’s frustrations with Secretary of State William Rogers and his own potential resignation. The conversation encompassed broader foreign policy concerns, including the military situation in Laos, trade negotiations, and strategic arms limitations. Nixon reaffirmed his support for Kissinger’s role, prioritizing the need to manage bureaucratic leaks and unfavorable media coverage while coordinating future diplomatic strategies for Vietnam and the Middle East.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and other advisors to navigate complex legislative and diplomatic challenges, including dairy price supports, Social Security reform, and welfare legislation. The discussion focused on managing relations with House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills and coordinating the administration's position on sensitive issues like Japanese textile trade negotiations. Additionally, the President assessed the professional friction between National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William P. Rogers, considering the implications for foreign policy decision-making.
On March 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:32 pm and 2:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 467-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson to discuss foreign policy messaging, the administration's defensive stance regarding the Vietnam War, and potential media strategies. A primary focus was the potential recruitment of journalist John A. Scali to assist in communications and press relations, despite concerns about how he would interact with Henry Kissinger and the National Security Council. The group also reviewed current Gallup poll trends and the impact of public-facing appearances, including the President's daughter’s engagement and media interviews, on the administration's approval ratings.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to evaluate the tactical success and public relations strategy surrounding the ongoing Laotian operation (Lam Son 719). They discussed the disruption of North Vietnamese supply lines and ammunition stockpiles, while addressing concerns about South Vietnamese President Thieu’s withdrawal decisions and their impact on the upcoming election. Nixon decided to keep his plans for an accelerated U.S. troop withdrawal confidential to maintain leverage in future peace negotiations, specifically intending to manage the announcement process independently of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird.
On March 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:01 pm and 7:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 471-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize the upcoming announcement of U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam and the framing of the Laotian operation (Lam Son). They discussed managing domestic political fallout, particularly regarding anti-war sentiment and press coverage, while ensuring the military withdrawal timeline remained flexible to avoid providing tactical advantages to the enemy. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a successful communication strategy to characterize the Laotian operation as a significant strategic achievement that damaged North Vietnamese supply lines and morale, effectively shifting public attention away from the conflict.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the scheduling of upcoming meetings with key advisors, including Henry Kissinger, John Ehrlichman, and George Shultz. They specifically addressed the timing of appointments to ensure the President's agenda remained manageable. The discussion concluded with a firm decision to slot a meeting into the 12:30 p.m. time block.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and subsequently Senator Mike Mansfield to refine the messaging and strategy for an upcoming major address regarding the Vietnam War. The discussion centered on balancing the public announcement of troop withdrawal plans with the need to maintain negotiating leverage against North Vietnam and manage domestic Congressional pressure. Nixon also reviewed geopolitical concerns, including the political situation in Chile under Salvador Allende and broader strategies for international arms control and the Middle East, while seeking to reassure Mansfield regarding the administration’s commitment to ending the conflict.
President Nixon instructed his secretary, Marjorie P. Acker, to modify a draft of an upcoming speech before delivering it to Henry Kissinger. He directed Acker to revert the conclusion to a previous version of the text starting from a specific passage regarding the "long and difficult trial." This directive ensured that Kissinger received the finalized language Nixon preferred, specifically ordering that the document be provided to no one else at that stage.
On April 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:37 am and 1:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 245-017 of the White House Tapes.
On April 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:53 am and 12:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-003 of the White House Tapes.
On April 6, 1971, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:51 pm and 5:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-022 of the White House Tapes.
On April 6, 1971, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:23 pm and 5:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-025 of the White House Tapes.
On April 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:09 pm to 4:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 246-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate strategy ahead of the President's April 7, 1971, address regarding Vietnam policy and troop withdrawals. The discussion covered potential reactions from political figures, the management of congressional expectations, and the status of ongoing peace negotiations. Additionally, Kissinger briefed the President on intelligence suggesting North Vietnamese morale was declining, while they debated the risks of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird's separate attempts to influence negotiation timelines.
On April 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, unknown person(s), and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-009 of the White House Tapes.
On April 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:20 pm and 10:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Ronald Ziegler, Pat Nixon, and Julie Nixon Eisenhower discuss the immediate press and public reaction to the President's televised address on Southeast Asia. Ziegler reports that the briefing conducted by Henry Kissinger was well-received, noting that the press appeared silenced and impressed by the President's consistency and the speech's emotional conclusion. Nixon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in his policy decisions and ensuring the defense of American servicemen remains a central theme.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the political reception of the President's recent televised speech regarding the war in Southeast Asia. While they shared a supportive cable from Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker, Nixon expressed frustration over the perceived silence or hesitation from various administration officials and political allies. They reviewed feedback from key figures including Ronald Reagan, who praised the address, and Nelson Rockefeller, whom they analyzed as a self-interested political actor.
On April 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:14 pm and 11:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-040 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the need to reach out to Mrs. Karl Taylor to bolster her resolve following the President's recent speech on Southeast Asia. Fearing press intrusion, Nixon instructs Kissinger to contact her personally to convey the President's appreciation for her support. Kissinger commits to making the call and reporting back to Nixon shortly thereafter.
On April 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:13 am and 9:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 475-013 of the White House Tapes.
On April 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:37 pm and 9:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-050 of the White House Tapes.
On April 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-051 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:52 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-005 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:52 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-006 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, Henry A. Kissinger and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:30 pm and 1:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly to coordinate their respective daily schedules and upcoming appointments. They discussed timing adjustments for meetings involving General Alexander Haig, David M. Kennedy, and policy deliberations concerning Pakistan. Ultimately, the two agreed to reconvene later in the afternoon to accommodate Kissinger's attendance at Good Friday services.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-019 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1971, Henry A. Kissinger and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:41 pm and 12:42 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 477-003 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:22 pm and 7:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-071 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone from 7:23 pm to 7:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-072 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to review and finalize the President’s daily schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating appointments with John A. Scali, Oliver F. Atkins, and Henry A. Kissinger. They confirmed the expected duration and logistical arrangements for these upcoming meetings.
President Nixon consults with Charles Colson regarding an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger and John Scali, ultimately deciding to speak with them privately to manage potential professional rivalries. Colson updates the President on the progress of Harris polling, noting that the White House has provided comparative data from the Opinion Research Corporation to ensure accuracy. Additionally, they discuss strategies to improve relations with POW wives, determining that Don Hughes should assist Kissinger in future meetings to provide a softer, more effective approach.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the administration's ongoing diplomatic overtures to the People's Republic of China, press relations, and the political implications of the Vietnam War ahead of the 1972 election. Kissinger reported on his recent meeting with journalist Eric Sevareid and analyzed how the administration could leverage foreign policy successes—specifically the China opening and potential Vietnam settlements—without appearing to be politically motivated. The discussion emphasized maintaining a firm negotiating stance to secure the release of American prisoners of war while ensuring that the transition of U.S. policy in Southeast Asia remained insulated from partisan interference.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-090 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 8:12 pm to 8:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-092 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with unknown individuals to discuss an upcoming trip to Europe involving Robert H. Finch and Donald Rumsfeld. The dialogue focused on managing press relations and coordinating report delivery, with specific instructions to be provided by Henry Kissinger. No formal decisions were reached during this brief organizational discussion.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:41 pm and 12:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 480-009 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-099 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the administration's ongoing diplomatic initiatives, specifically focusing on the recent outreach to the People's Republic of China and the resulting reactions from the Soviet Union and the press. Kissinger provided an update on his interview with Newsweek, asserting that the China initiative had successfully overshadowed Vietnam in the media, and expressed optimism that a breakthrough in Vietnam negotiations could occur suddenly due to Asian negotiation patterns. The two also addressed concerns regarding Soviet agitation and potential future diplomatic moves, with Nixon emphasizing the necessity of maintaining forward momentum despite the delicate international climate.
President Nixon directs H. R. Haldeman to coordinate a meeting between Henry Kissinger, Ronald Ziegler, and journalist John Scali to manage Scali’s views on Vietnam and the administration's China initiative. Nixon expresses frustration with Scali’s perspectives and Kissinger’s handling of the situation, insisting that Haldeman facilitate the discussion to align their messaging. The President explicitly tasks Haldeman with managing these communications to shield himself from the direct conflict and ensure policy consistency.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly to discuss follow-up actions related to a previous conversation with Henry Kissinger and the administration's strategic response to media coverage. The discussion also touched upon preparations for an upcoming meeting with news editors. The dialogue remained informal, focusing on administrative coordination and media management tactics.
On April 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-107 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-113 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:10 pm and 11:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-118 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman debriefed the President's appearance before the American Society of Newspaper Editors, focusing on the effectiveness of his responses regarding Vietnam, J. Edgar Hoover, and foreign relations with the People's Republic of China. The discussion also addressed the technical presentation of the event, including the use of a rostrum and the impact of the President's speaking style. Additionally, the participants coordinated preparations for an upcoming meeting involving Henry Kissinger and John A. Scali to further discuss diplomatic outreach to China.
President Nixon met with Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to discuss U.S. foreign policy toward the People's Republic of China (PRC). The President sought to use Mansfield as a private channel to gauge interest in a potential high-level visit to China, aiming to initiate a dialogue while maintaining a step-by-step approach regarding trade and travel restrictions. The participants emphasized the importance of conducting these overtures privately to avoid public rejection and to manage the delicate balance of power between the U.S., China, and the Soviet Union.
On April 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:12 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-141 of the White House Tapes.
On April 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:18 pm and 1:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-148 of the White House Tapes.
On April 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:18 pm and 1:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-149 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate scheduling logistics and administrative briefings. The discussion centered on upcoming meetings with Republican senators, specifically regarding a planned session in the Executive Office Building the following day. Additionally, the group reviewed the status of Henry Kissinger’s schedule and relevant briefings involving John L. McClellan.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the Israeli proposal for a Suez Canal withdrawal, a diplomatic development encouraged by Henry Kissinger to secure a temporary period of stability in the Middle East. Haig expressed concern that the State Department might react negatively to the proposal's initial toughness, potentially leading to a premature rejection by the Egyptians. They concluded that the administration should allow the diplomatic process to play out for now, with the President reserving potential intervention with Israeli leadership for a later stage.
On April 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 1:11 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 483-011 of the White House Tapes.
On April 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:33 pm and 7:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-017 of the White House Tapes.
On April 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-018 of the White House Tapes.
On April 21, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:46 am and 12:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 484-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate media strategy regarding the administration's China initiative, focusing on countering news reports that suggested a rift between Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William Rogers or that the State Department deserved primary credit. They discussed using journalist John Scali to correct the narrative and emphasized that the China policy was fundamentally driven by the President. Additionally, the pair reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, including a meeting with the U.S. table tennis team, and considered potential administrative personnel reassignments for Clifford Hardin and Bryce Harlow.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss strategies for managing the upcoming U.S. visit of the People's Republic of China ping pong team to ensure the event is handled with appropriate subtlety and control. Nixon directs Kissinger to coordinate with John Scali to oversee the logistics and press engagement, specifically intending to keep the State Department from dominating the initiative. The President emphasizes the need for a discreet, well-managed approach to avoid domestic political pitfalls while managing delicate diplomatic outreach.
President Nixon consulted with John A. Scali regarding the sensitive management of an upcoming visit by a Chinese athletic team to the United States. Emphasizing the need for subtlety, the President instructed Scali to coordinate with Henry Kissinger and William T. Gossett to ensure the visit was controlled, low-key, and aligned with diplomatic protocol. Nixon stressed the importance of timely execution to maximize the impact of the initiative while maintaining a balance between visible government oversight and avoiding excessive press scrutiny.
President Nixon calls Senator William B. Saxbe to express appreciation for Saxbe's recent televised comments regarding his ten-day fact-finding mission to Southeast Asia. The discussion centers on the complex situation in Laos, with Nixon emphasizing the presence of North Vietnamese and Chinese troops and highlighting the historical context established by W. Averell Harriman. Nixon directs Saxbe to provide a comprehensive debriefing to Henry Kissinger regarding his observations and the performance of Ambassador G. McMurtrie Godley.
On April 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:47 am and 11:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 487-006 of the White House Tapes.
On April 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:42 pm and 12:52 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 487-014 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:22 am and 9:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 488-003 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:22 am and 9:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 488-004 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:00 pm and 2:54 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 489-012 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:00 pm and 2:54 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 489-013 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 6:36 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 489-022 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:16 am and 10:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 488-013 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:16 am and 10:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 488-014 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-050 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:45 pm and 8:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-051 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H. R. Haldeman met to strategize the opening of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC), focusing on the logistics of a secret emissary mission to arrange a potential presidential summit. They debated the merits of using public versus private envoys, ultimately favoring a clandestine approach to maintain leverage and control over sensitive issues like Taiwan and the Vietnam War. The President emphasized his desire to manage these negotiations personally through Kissinger to ensure the initiative remained under strict White House control rather than through the State Department.
On April 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 10:24 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 251-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig reviewed the administration's strategic messaging regarding North Vietnamese Prisoners of War (POWs) to ensure that the term "reciprocity" was avoided in official negotiations. Haig clarified that while the proposed prisoner releases were conditional upon agreement regarding neutral host countries, the U.S. remained flexible regarding specific numbers and inspection arrangements. The discussion focused on differentiating new proposals, such as expanded inspection rights for neutral organizations, from prior public statements to maintain tactical clarity with North Vietnamese counterparts.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig briefly discuss the semantics of differentiating between "modern" and "grand" in an unspecified administrative context, with Nixon expressing frustration over the distinction. Haig confirms that he and Henry Kissinger are working to restore certain traditions. The conversation concludes with a brief check on other outstanding issues, which Haig indicates are well-covered.
On May 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:13 pm and 7:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-094 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Connally discussed the potential devaluation of the dollar and European monetary actions, with Nixon emphasizing that the US would not take blame for European bankers' actions and that the dollar remained strong. They also reviewed positive economic indicators, including stock market performance and retail sales, while downplaying concerns about the unemployment rate. Nixon instructed Connally to maintain a calm and firm stance when speaking with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns and to coordinate with Henry Kissinger regarding foreign affairs.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate administrative logistics regarding the President's daily schedule. The discussion focused on finalizing the timing of an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger and managing potential scheduling alternatives. No major policy decisions were made, as the exchange remained limited to clarifying logistical arrangements for the afternoon.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:48 pm and 12:57 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 496-007 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:08 pm and 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-140 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-141 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming daily schedule, focusing on coordination for a series of high-level meetings. The discussion specifically addressed the logistics for upcoming appointments with Henry Kissinger, Barber, and James M. Roche. John D. Ehrlichman and Peter G. Peterson were identified as additional participants for the scheduled meeting with Roche.