Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Henry Kissinger
1,386 conversations · page 5 of 14 · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Kissinger, Haldeman
President Nixon met with Robert Finch and H. R. Haldeman to discuss various administrative and political matters, including the potential financing of Eugene McCarthy as a spoiler candidate in the 1972 election. The group also evaluated the future of the National Center for Voluntary Action and the impact of the National Cancer Act of 1971. Finally, they reviewed the ongoing investigation into the Yeoman Charles E. Radford incident, specifically Henry Kissinger’s reaction to security breaches involving Joint Chiefs of Staff personnel and the complexities of potential prosecutions.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Henry Kissinger to address the fallout from the 'Radford incident,' which involved unauthorized access to sensitive documents by military liaisons. The group discussed the potential resignation of Admiral Thomas Moorer and the need to manage the professional rivalries and perceived disloyalty within the administration, particularly regarding Secretary of State William Rogers and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The President also reviewed legislative priorities, including environmental water quality bills and real estate taxation, while discussing personnel management strategies to maintain stability among his cabinet and senior staff during ongoing foreign policy crises.
President Nixon and George Shultz spoke to coordinate administration strategy on the defense budget, pending water legislation, and Federal Reserve policy. They reached an agreement to secure Melvin Laird's public support for the defense budget and decided that, despite budgetary concerns, the President would sign the water bill to avoid a politically unfavorable veto confrontation. Additionally, Nixon requested that Shultz provide moral support to Henry Kissinger regarding public criticism of U.S. foreign policy during the India-Pakistan War.
President Nixon calls Nelson A. Rockefeller to exchange Christmas greetings and discuss domestic and foreign policy priorities. Nixon requests that Rockefeller contact a discouraged Henry Kissinger to offer support regarding the administration's handling of the India-Pakistan War. Additionally, they discuss the status of federal revenue sharing legislation, with Nixon encouraging Rockefeller to anticipate its passage when planning the New York state budget.
President Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller exchanged Christmas greetings while discussing pressing political and foreign policy concerns. Nixon sought Rockefeller's support in bolstering the morale of Henry Kissinger, who was reportedly depressed over criticism regarding the administration's handling of the Indo-Pakistani War. The two also touched on political strategy for the upcoming election, specifically regarding John Ashbrook, and reaffirmed their commitment to passing revenue sharing legislation in the new year.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed various administration concerns during the holiday period, including the ongoing friction between Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William Rogers. The two reviewed recent press coverage of administration officials, the India-Pakistan War, and the release of Jimmy Hoffa, while noting the potential need to limit Kissinger’s future role as a media spokesman. They also coordinated personal scheduling details for upcoming trips to Florida and California, ultimately deciding to proceed with their planned objectives despite internal bureaucratic tensions.
President Nixon called Alexander Haig to offer Christmas greetings and discuss strategies for managing Henry Kissinger, who was struggling with personal frustration regarding public criticism of the administration's India-Pakistan policy. Nixon emphasized the need for Kissinger to maintain perspective, ignore media commentary, and focus on upcoming foreign policy initiatives like his 'state of the world' report and China diplomacy. Additionally, they addressed the internal investigation of Yeoman Charles Radford, deciding to keep him under surveillance in Washington rather than transferring him out of the area.
President Richard Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell exchanged holiday greetings before transitioning to a discussion on the recent release of Jimmy Hoffa and the political handling of the Pentagon surveillance scandal involving Yeoman Charles Radford. Nixon emphasized the need to keep the Radford matter under close control to avoid discrediting the military, while expressing concern over Henry Kissinger’s emotional volatility and tendency to view the situation through a purely personal lens. Ultimately, Nixon directed Mitchell to restrain Kissinger from impulsive personnel decisions, such as firing Admiral Thomas Moorer, and advocated for keeping Radford under surveillance at the Pentagon to mitigate potential leaks.
On December 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:30 am and 11:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-099 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig to discuss the administration's strategic handling of press relations, international crises, and upcoming diplomatic initiatives. Nixon specifically instructed Haig to ensure Henry Kissinger maintains a lower public profile to avoid bureaucratic friction and media scrutiny while focusing on high-stakes summits in China and the USSR. The conversation also touched on military operations in Vietnam, the recent India-Pakistan conflict, and the need for improved coordination between the White House and the State Department.
President Nixon met with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to dictate a memorandum regarding upcoming correspondence related to First Lady Pat Nixon's trip to Africa. Zosimo T. Monzon joined the meeting to facilitate the delivery of this document to Henry Kissinger’s office. The conversation focused on the logistical processing of administrative communications concerning the First Lady's diplomatic travel.
On January 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:29 am and 10:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-124 of the White House Tapes.
On January 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:43 pm and 3:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-131 of the White House Tapes.
On January 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:43 pm and 3:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-133 of the White House Tapes.
On January 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:28 pm and 12:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-141 of the White House Tapes.
On January 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:36 pm and 3:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-145 of the White House Tapes.
On January 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:07 pm and 6:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-149 of the White House Tapes.
On January 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:30 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-168 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the National Security Advisor's upcoming professional schedule and logistical planning. The discussion focused on managing Kissinger’s time and prioritizing essential diplomatic commitments. The meeting served to align the administration's strategic agenda with Kissinger's immediate travel and consultation requirements.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and locate critical documents. The discussion primarily focused on arranging meetings involving Gerard C. Smith, William P. Rogers, and Henry Kissinger. Nixon emphasized the importance of retrieving specific notes, some of which may have been misplaced at the White House residence, and requested a follow-up call with Kissinger.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell and H.R. Haldeman to manage several administrative and political crises, most notably the escalating conflict between National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William Rogers. The discussion focused on controlling leaks regarding the India-Pakistan War, resolving bureaucratic friction ahead of the upcoming Moscow summit, and managing the political fallout from Jack Anderson’s columns. Additionally, the participants addressed personnel appointments, including the search for a new Deputy Secretary of Defense and the handling of various regional primary elections.
President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone on an unknown date, sometime between 5:15 pm on January 3, 1972 and 11:44 pm on January 8, 1972. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-111 of the White House Tapes.
On January 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-015 of the White House Tapes.
On January 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 12:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The primary purpose of the brief interaction was to facilitate an upcoming telephone call to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Beyond these arrangements, the majority of the brief exchange remains restricted due to the withdrawal of personal content.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Gerald R. Warren to discuss media strategy regarding the Jack Anderson papers and the defense of Henry Kissinger. The group evaluated upcoming administrative priorities, including the State of the Union address, budget messages, and potential announcements concerning Vietnam troop withdrawals. Additionally, the President reviewed logistical arrangements for the upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically addressing press attendance limits, and coordinated details for First Lady Pat Nixon's return from her trip to Africa.
President Nixon consulted with various administration officials and advisors, including Billy Graham, Melvin Laird, and Raymond Price, to discuss personnel appointments, campaign strategy, and foreign policy communication. Key subjects included potential roles for Edward Korry and Kenneth Rush, the public relations strategy regarding First Lady Pat Nixon's Africa trip, and managing the perceived credibility issues surrounding Henry Kissinger's influence on Middle East and India-Pakistan policy. Additionally, Nixon and Laird deliberated on Vietnam troop withdrawal levels, finalizing a strategy to manage public expectations while maintaining administration control over national security messaging.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed strategies for managing public perception and internal administration frictions following the India-Pakistan War. The conversation covered the need to defend Henry Kissinger against criticism from the State Department, the potential value of releasing a factual administration white paper, and concerns regarding leaks by columnist Jack Anderson. Additionally, they reviewed positive press coverage of Pat Nixon’s recent travels and touched upon the character and loyalty of staffers like Charles Colson.
President Nixon praises Herbert Klein for his recent media appearance defending the administration's policy toward India and countering criticism leveled against Henry Kissinger. The two men discuss the necessity of clarifying that the administration's actions were motivated by a rejection of Indian policies rather than anti-Indian bias, while also highlighting the political hypocrisy of Senate opposition to foreign aid. Nixon instructs Klein to call Kissinger in California to bolster his spirits by reporting positive press feedback and reassuring him that his professional credibility remains intact despite negative coverage from outlets like the New York Times.
H.R. Haldeman briefs President Nixon on a conversation with Henry Kissinger regarding ongoing diplomatic issues, including Vietnam troop withdrawals and Middle East negotiations involving Yitzhak Rabin. They discuss Kissinger's frustration with mounting press leaks and rumors of his resignation, which he believes stem from internal bureaucratic opposition. Nixon and Haldeman agree that Kissinger's habit of taking media calls is a counterproductive distraction, and they finalize plans for a upcoming meeting between Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Secretary of State William Rogers.
On January 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:06 pm and 8:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-060 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the internal tensions between Secretary of State William P. Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, specifically addressing Kissinger’s fragile emotional state and reported threats of resignation. They strategize on managing Rogers' grievances regarding communication and bureaucratic exclusion while ensuring White House control over foreign policy, particularly concerning the upcoming trips to China and the Soviet Union. Additionally, the pair reviews the President's upcoming schedule, including the State of the Union address and meetings with Republican leadership and Cabinet members.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods and valet Manolo Sanchez to review administrative matters, including phone logs and upcoming scheduling requirements. The discussion addressed staffing concerns regarding the President’s impending trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically focusing on the involvement of USIA personnel and Henry Kissinger's decision-making process. The group also briefly touched upon recent public relations activities and upcoming swearing-in ceremonies.
On January 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:39 pm and 3:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-065 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon expresses deep frustration regarding Henry Kissinger’s rigid control over information flow and foreign policy execution within the White House. The President complains that Kissinger is creating an unhealthy bottleneck, filtering out essential perspectives and isolating the President from necessary intelligence. Consequently, Nixon emphasizes the need for alternative channels of communication to bypass Kissinger’s restrictive influence.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler discussed various administrative concerns and public relations strategies, including potential leaks involving the Anderson papers and investigations into a cabinet official. The group evaluated Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird's recent successful press briefing on Vietnamization and the positive media reception of Pat Nixon's African trip. Additionally, Nixon and Haldeman strategized on how to manage Henry Kissinger's desire for a high-profile press conference regarding his foreign policy initiatives, ultimately favoring a more controlled, low-key interview with journalist Max Frankel to avoid unwanted media speculation.
President Nixon met with his senior staff, including H. R. Haldeman, to address ongoing frustrations regarding the mismanagement of his daily schedule, the handling of sensitive staff briefings, and the need for stricter control over administrative operations. He expressed irritation with staff who deliberately misrepresented the time requirements of meetings, specifically citing Henry Kissinger’s performance, and emphasized the necessity of maintaining personal and professional discipline ahead of critical upcoming events like the State of the Union and the China trip. Nixon also clarified his stance on public relations, notably his decision to refuse portrait sittings until after his presidency and his skepticism toward further press commentary regarding foreign policy leaks.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the public perception and emotional state of Henry Kissinger, particularly regarding his recent struggles with press coverage and internal administrative pressures. The conversation touches upon the successful handling of a recent press conference by Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and the management of a Soviet student's attempted defection in New York. Ultimately, Nixon and Haig express concern over Kissinger’s psychological stability and his capacity to withstand the intense political scrutiny expected during the upcoming 1972 campaign, emphasizing the necessity of supporting him to ensure the success of critical diplomatic negotiations with China and the Soviet Union.
President Nixon met with William Safire to refine a high-stakes speech regarding secret negotiations to end the Vietnam War. They focused on drafting a clear, persuasive narrative that emphasizes the administration's commitment to peace and the specific details of their withdrawal and prisoner-of-war proposals. Nixon tasked Safire with coordinating the final language with Henry Kissinger while ensuring Secretary of State William Rogers is kept informed, all while managing the internal friction between his senior advisors.
On January 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s)[members of Henry Kissinger's staff] met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:23 pm and 5:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 314-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss administrative matters regarding a memorandum authored by John B. Connally. The discussion focused on personnel requests involving Henry A. Kissinger, the National Security Council staff, and potentially Peter G. Peterson. The brief exchange served to coordinate internal executive staffing and organizational oversight.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and John Connally met to discuss 1972 political strategy, the President's upcoming schedule, and the administration's internal power dynamics. A central focus was addressing the professional friction between Henry Kissinger and William Rogers by drafting a formal directive to ensure the President remained fully informed on sensitive foreign policy matters, including negotiations with China, the Soviet Union, and the Middle East. Additionally, the participants evaluated 1972 election campaign tactics, polling data, and plans to manage public perceptions of the President, including strategies for handling potential political attacks from the Kennedy camp.
President Nixon met with his staff, including Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Ronald L. Ziegler, to finalize the text and release strategy for his upcoming State of the Union Address. They discussed refining the speech's tone and content, particularly regarding foreign policy, agriculture, and the need for a non-partisan approach to contrast with Senator Edward Kennedy's recent criticisms. Additionally, the President and Ziegler addressed the political fallout from the Jack Anderson Papers, focusing on managing administration credibility and the role of Henry Kissinger in sensitive foreign policy matters.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff to review administrative priorities, including the upcoming State of the Union address preparations and the handling of congressional relations. A significant portion of the discussion focused on managing the conflicting foreign policy roles of Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William Rogers, with Nixon emphasizing the need for better information flow and coordination. Additionally, the President discussed his reliance on Treasury Secretary John Connally for economic policy and political judgment, strategizing on how to integrate Connally’s role without alienating other Cabinet members or White House staff.
On January 20, 1972, 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 2:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 652-006 of the White House Tapes.
On January 20, 1972, 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 2:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 652-007 of the White House Tapes.
On January 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:59 pm and 6:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 652-014 of the White House Tapes.
On January 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:08 pm and 6:12 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 652-016 of the White House Tapes.
On January 23, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:04 pm and 10:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-039 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire coordinated the final revisions for an upcoming address regarding Vietnam policy. Nixon directed Safire to hold off on sharing the draft with Secretary of State William P. Rogers while he personally reviewed recent additions proposed by Henry Kissinger. The President committed to providing further instructions and finalized feedback on the speech text later that afternoon.
On January 24, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:05 pm and 4:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-050 of the White House Tapes.
Henry Kissinger informs speechwriter William Safire of final edits to the President's upcoming Vietnam address, noting that several clever wordings were removed to ensure effective translation. Kissinger conveys that the President considers the draft finalized and decides against further review by Secretary of State William Rogers, despite Rogers's expectations. Rose Mary Woods is tasked with typing the final version for delivery to Safire, signaling the end of the drafting process.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the guest list for an upcoming presidential speech on Vietnam, focusing specifically on whether to include key members of the Appropriations Committee. The pair also addressed the health status of Henry Kissinger and coordinated a follow-up regarding a personal matter Kissinger wished to discuss. The conversation concluded with Nixon deciding to personally inquire about Kissinger's concerns.
On January 25, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:33 pm and 2:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 316-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized this session in the Old Executive Office Building to rehearse his televised 'Address to the Nation Making Public a Plan for Peace in Vietnam.' Accompanied at various points by Manolo Sanchez and an unidentified woman, Nixon refined the delivery of his speech, which sought to disclose previously secret negotiations with North Vietnam. The rehearsal focused on presenting the administration's comprehensive peace plan, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces, the release of prisoners of war, and proposals for new presidential elections in South Vietnam.
President Nixon held this session to rehearse his upcoming nationally televised address detailing a comprehensive peace plan for the Vietnam War. By disclosing the details of previously secret negotiations conducted by Henry Kissinger, the President aimed to demonstrate that the United States had made significant, ignored overtures to North Vietnam. This strategic public disclosure was intended to break the deadlock in Paris and clarify to the American public that the administration had pursued every viable diplomatic channel to achieve an honorable peace.
President Richard M. Nixon used this meeting to rehearse his televised 'Address to the Nation,' in which he aimed to break the deadlock in Vietnam War negotiations. He reviewed the history of secret diplomatic channels and clarified his administration's extensive, previously private peace proposals, including a plan for total American force withdrawal. By going public with these terms, Nixon sought to counter domestic criticism regarding the pace of negotiations and pressure North Vietnam to engage in meaningful diplomatic dialogue.
President Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. discuss the drafting of an upcoming speech regarding the Vietnam War, focusing specifically on how to phrase the administration's willingness to implement military concessions, such as troop withdrawals and POW exchanges. Nixon expresses concern regarding the ambiguity of the current draft and its impact on his credibility, while Haig defends the vague language as a tactical choice that Henry Kissinger intends to clarify through press briefings. The two also review the positive reception of Kissinger's recent internal briefings, noting a shift toward a more optimistic tone to ensure the speech conveys a clear, forward-looking policy proposal.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated final preparations for an upcoming nationally televised speech on Vietnam. They confirmed that key political figures and Cabinet members had been briefed to ensure unified support, while also reviewing the strategic tone of the address. The discussion specifically addressed concerns over Henry Kissinger’s original draft, which was deemed too defensive, favoring the President’s preference for a more positive and dramatic presentation of the secret negotiations.
President Nixon met with Mark I. Goode, William H. Carruthers, and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate the broadcast logistics and final presentation of his televised Vietnam peace proposal. The conversation focused on the technical nuances of the speech's delivery, including microphone placement and the handling of scripts, as well as the strategic scheduling of the address to maximize audience reach across television networks. Following these preparations, the President delivered the speech, which publicly detailed previously secret negotiations and offered a comprehensive plan for troop withdrawals, prisoner exchanges, and a ceasefire.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger, President Richard M. Nixon, and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 9:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-064 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, the White House operator and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 10:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-066 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H.R. Haldeman discuss the overwhelmingly positive initial media and public reception to the President’s recent televised speech regarding Vietnam. Kissinger reports that his pre-speech briefings with major network commentators effectively countered critical perspectives, specifically noting how Marvin Kalb and Eric Sevareid defended the administration's policy against skepticism from Dan Rather. To maintain this momentum, the President instructs Haldeman to have Charles Colson organize a grassroots telegram campaign while Kissinger continues to leverage a potential future interview to keep media coverage favorable.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection between Henry Kissinger and Charles Colson. This brief administrative interaction serves as a logistical bridge to enable communication between two key White House advisors. The President personally oversees the routing of this call to ensure the two officials are connected.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 10:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-072 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 10:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-074 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 10:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-075 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:55 pm and 10:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-078 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, during a brief evening telephone call. While a portion of the conversation involved Henry Kissinger, the exchange served as a personal check-in between the President and his daughter. No substantive policy decisions or political actions were recorded for this interaction.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:10 pm and 10:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-081 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:10 pm and 10:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-082 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:10 pm and 10:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-083 of the White House Tapes.
On January 25, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:10 pm and 10:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-085 of the White House Tapes.
On January 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, Ronald W. Reagan, and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:11 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 656-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Ronald Ziegler, and Rose Mary Woods to assess the domestic and political reception of his January 25 Vietnam peace proposal. Kissinger provided a detailed briefing on his efforts to explain the complexities of the proposal to congressional leaders and the press, specifically focusing on the administration’s strategy to maintain a unified front despite opposition. Nixon emphasized the importance of aggressive communication to counter critics and directed his staff to combat misinformation, reinforcing that the administration's current proposal represented the maximum extent of their concessions.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the preparation of a briefing book based on Henry Kissinger's recent work to effectively manage anticipated public and political inquiries. The President directed that a concise two-to-three-page list of questions and answers be drafted, specifically identifying William Safire or James Gannon as potential authors to refine the material. This document was intended for strategic distribution to members of Congress and the press to ensure a controlled and consistent administration message.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the positive public and political reception to the President’s January 25 Vietnam speech, specifically noting the effectiveness of their late-night preparation sessions. Nixon directs Kissinger to formalize a Q&A document drafted by William Safire and Patrick Buchanan for distribution to the Cabinet and Congressional leaders to clarify administration policy. Additionally, the two analyze North Vietnamese intentions regarding POWs, with both men concluding that Hanoi is unlikely to offer a prisoner release in exchange for a U.S. troop withdrawal.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and other staff members discuss communication strategy following a televised speech, specifically focusing on the favorable public reaction and the need to capitalize on it. They coordinate the dissemination of a Q&A document to help the press and administration officials defend the President's peace plan. Additionally, the group brainstorms a publicity stunt involving a surprise live telephone call from the President to Henry Kissinger during a public dinner to highlight the administration's unity and focus.
President Nixon initiated this brief telephone call to check on Henry Kissinger's current whereabouts and coordinate his return to the White House. Nixon directed Kissinger to prioritize his immediate obligations before reporting back for a debriefing session. The President jokingly remarked that he intended to admonish Kissinger upon his arrival to discuss ongoing matters.
President Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, and Stephen B. Bull discussed the reception of a recent dinner event, contrasting Henry Kissinger's successful performance against the perceived hostility of Senator Frank Church. The conversation touched on the President's frustrations with antagonistic press coverage and his refusal to attend future industry dinners. Additionally, they reviewed legal updates regarding a stock case involving Charles Rebozo and coordinated Woods's upcoming attendance at the DeWitt Wallace dinner and her work preparations for the President's forthcoming trip to the People's Republic of China.
On January 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:03 pm and 2:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 658-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his aide, Stephen B. Bull, met to coordinate and review administrative logistics regarding the President's personal schedule and Henry Kissinger's upcoming agenda. The discussion focused on managing the President's availability for reading time and ensuring alignment between executive calendar requirements and Kissinger's travel or meeting itinerary. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative session.
President Nixon reached out to AFL-CIO President George Meany to offer private briefings regarding ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations and defense budget priorities. Nixon proposed that Henry Kissinger and George Shultz meet with Meany to provide detailed insights into the administration's strategic efforts, specifically emphasizing the necessity of an honorable withdrawal from Vietnam and the need to counter the growing Soviet naval threat. Meany agreed to the briefings, and both parties discussed the importance of maintaining a firm stance against congressional deadline amendments that could undermine the administration's bargaining position.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and upcoming meetings. The discussion centered on finalizing a 3:30 p.m. appointment and arranging for Henry Kissinger to brief the President on recent diplomatic talks with Canadian officials. Additionally, the pair touched upon scheduling a small press panel event and addressed the President’s ongoing interest in the defense budget.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate White House public relations strategies, focusing on the announcement of Marina von Neumann Whitman to the Council of Economic Advisers and potential attendance at a sickle cell anemia fundraiser. The discussion pivoted to a broader political strategy involving a 'vicious' counterattack against Vietnam critics, framing them as advocates of surrender and supporters of a communist government. Nixon stressed the importance of aggressive, unified messaging and expressed frustration with Henry Kissinger’s reluctance to utilize staff expertise—specifically that of John Scali—in refining public communication regarding peace initiatives.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming photo feature in Life magazine. They discussed the inclusion of Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler and National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger in the session. The brief meeting focused on integrating these photography sessions into the President's existing schedule.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to review photographs intended for an upcoming Life magazine feature. The discussion centered on images of Henry Kissinger and those taken by White House photographer Oliver Atkins. The President evaluated these visual materials to finalize selections for the publication.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the guest list for an upcoming dinner hosted by DeWitt and Lila Acheson Wallace. They coordinate final invitations for administration officials and their spouses, including the Secretary of State, while balancing the attendance numbers. Nixon specifically suggests inviting Henry Kissinger to increase the event's prestige, prompting Woods to facilitate the invitation following Kissinger's briefing with POW wives.
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.
On January 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-156 of the White House Tapes.
On January 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 660-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss various political and administrative issues, including managing a potential media scandal involving Jack Anderson, coordinating a rest period for John Connally at Camp David, and assessing the 1972 campaign strategy. They addressed the public relations fallout from a recent protest at a Reader's Digest dinner and analyzed demographic shifts in voter support. Additionally, the President and his staff coordinated the messaging for an upcoming North Vietnamese press conference and reviewed the ongoing secret peace negotiations handled by Henry Kissinger.
On January 31, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:05 pm and 5:13 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 661-010 of the White House Tapes.
Henry Kissinger briefed President Nixon on a recent private meeting he held at the home of journalist James "Scotty" Reston, which was attended by Senator J. William Fulbright and John W. Gardner. Kissinger described the encounter as a sign of weakness and confusion within the political establishment, noting that the participants expressed a desire to moderate their public criticism of the President in light of the upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China. Nixon encouraged Kissinger to continue keeping these figures "loose" while expressing frustration over the establishment's skepticism regarding his preparations for the China summit. The discussion concluded with administrative updates from Stephen Bull regarding the President's schedule and the delivery of gifts to Apollo XV astronauts.
On February 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:31 pm and 7:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to discuss preparations for his upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China, including logistical arrangements and media strategy. The conversation centered on managing the professional friction between Secretary of State William Rogers and Kissinger, with Nixon emphasizing the need for a unified administration front to ensure the success and perception of his China initiative. Additionally, they reviewed domestic issues such as stock market performance, unemployment figures, and the President's upcoming schedule, which included a visit to Florida to provide a quiet environment for policy study.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods engaged in a wide-ranging discussion regarding the personal dynamics and professional tensions among his Cabinet members and close associates. The President expressed frustration over the interpersonal conflict between Secretary of State William P. Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger, as well as his irritation regarding Martha Mitchell. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted Nixon's sense of professional isolation and his struggle to identify close confidants who could provide companionship without bringing political or personal drama into his inner circle.
President Nixon directed H. R. Haldeman to instruct speechwriter William Safire to expand a foreign policy document by 250 words to reach a total length of 1,500 words. Nixon expressed a desire to avoid further administrative friction regarding the draft, noting that the length should remain strictly at the 1,500-word limit to align closer to Henry Kissinger’s original submission. The President stipulated that once this adjustment was made, he would finalize the document without further revisions.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discussed administrative details regarding a speech draft prepared by William L. Safire, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining Henry Kissinger’s approval for the document. The two also reviewed Nixon's upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating a meeting with Jack Brown. Furthermore, the conversation touched upon the logistics of Manolo Sanchez's speech drafting and acknowledged the steady stream of visitors to Woods’ office.
On February 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:51 pm and 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 320-022 of the White House Tapes.