Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Henry Kissinger
1,386 conversations · page 6 of 14 · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Bull, Haldeman
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and unidentified individuals to coordinate logistical details and preparations for an upcoming radio address. The discussion involved clarifying the President's schedule and the role of Henry Kissinger in the broadcast process. The meeting concluded with administrative arrangements regarding the President's personal movements during these preparations.
On February 9, 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 1:05 pm and 2:52 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 321-009 of the White House Tapes.
On February 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:51 pm and 3:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-085 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the need to clarify the administration's stance on peace negotiations in Vietnam, specifically regarding recent reports of U.S. "flexibility." Kissinger explains that Secretary of State William P. Rogers and press secretary Ronald Ziegler inadvertently sparked controversy by appearing to soften the U.S. position. The two agree to publicly emphasize that South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's offer to resign was entirely his own initiative, thereby distancing the White House from the perception of making unauthorized concessions.
President Nixon met with his personal valet Manolo Sanchez and aide Stephen B. Bull to address the misplaced location of important documents. The discussion primarily focused on locating specific papers and coordinating the President's schedule with key staff, including Henry Kissinger and Rose Mary Woods. The meeting concluded with efforts to resolve administrative logistical issues regarding the President’s working materials.
Henry Kissinger informs President Nixon that North Vietnamese officials have initiated a meeting with Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters, marking a rare shift in diplomatic engagement. The two discuss potential motivations behind this move, including the possibility of a new meeting request or a strategic diplomatic gesture regarding past negotiation proposals. Additionally, Kissinger confirms his plan to brief Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird on the promotion of Alexander M. Haig, Jr. during an upcoming breakfast meeting.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Stephen Bull to coordinate strategy for the upcoming presidential trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically focusing on press management. They discussed maintaining an upbeat tone with the press corps to avoid frustration and deliberated on how to handle potential inquiries involving Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The President ultimately decided against allowing Kissinger to conduct Q&A sessions with the press to prevent substantive leaks or conflicts, opting instead for controlled briefings that avoid policy details.
On February 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:04 pm and 3:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 670-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss staffing arrangements for an upcoming meeting involving André Malraux and Henry Kissinger. Nixon explicitly expressed his opposition to utilizing female interpreters, directing Butterfield to ensure a male interpreter is selected for the assignment instead. This exchange reflects the President’s rigid preferences regarding professional protocol and the composition of his diplomatic staff.
President Nixon met with his advisor Henry Kissinger and senior staff members H.R. Haldeman and Stephen Bull to finalize strategy and logistical details for the President's upcoming historic trip to the People's Republic of China. The participants discussed the management of the official communique, the role of translators to ensure accurate records of private meetings, and the President's approach to formal toasts and plenary sessions. Additionally, they reviewed domestic political concerns, including public opinion polls and the potential impact of a North Vietnamese military offensive on the trip's reception.
On February 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:22 pm and 10:32 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-091 of the White House Tapes.
Governor Nelson Rockefeller called President Nixon to express strong support for the President’s upcoming historic trip to the People’s Republic of China, emphasizing the initiative's significance for global peace. The two discussed the complex negotiations regarding Taiwan and the positive public reception reflected in recent Gallup polling. To ensure continued collaboration, the President committed to having Henry Kissinger provide Rockefeller with a formal briefing on the trip upon his return.
President Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller met to discuss the upcoming political challenges of the election year, specifically regarding the economy and the administration's foreign policy objectives. Nixon emphasized the importance of international relations between major global powers and solicited Rockefeller's support for his scheduled remarks at an evening dinner. To ensure continued coordination, Nixon committed to having Henry Kissinger provide a briefing to Rockefeller in New York.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to deliver an item to Leslie C. Arends at the request of Henry Kissinger. The brief meeting in the Oval Office focused solely on this delivery task. No other significant topics or decisions were discussed.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed communication strategies and talking points for the President’s upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically focusing on the tone for addressing Zhou En-lai and handling press inquiries during a planned stop in Hawaii. The pair also coordinated logistical and thematic plans for an upcoming meeting with Congressional leadership, including the potential role of Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Additionally, they reviewed strategies for managing the PRC's complex concerns regarding the Soviet Union and the Vietnam conflict.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to briefly coordinate the President's daily schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was confirming an upcoming appointment with Henry Kissinger. The interaction concluded quickly as Bull exited the office immediately following the briefing.
On February 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-104 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-143 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H.R. Haldeman meet to discuss the fallout from the President’s recent trip to the People's Republic of China, expressing significant frustration with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The President and Kissinger characterize Rogers's performance at recent Cabinet and Congressional briefings as self-serving, petty, and damaging to the administration’s foreign policy objectives. They decide that Rogers must be prevented from further undermining the trip’s significance, particularly regarding his negative depictions of the Chinese government, and discuss plans to marginalize his influence in future briefings and communications.
Charles W. Colson calls President Nixon to offer congratulations and share positive domestic feedback following the President's recent trip to the People's Republic of China. Colson emphasizes that the President's demeanor and confidence during the visit successfully impressed the public and converted political skeptics. The brief conversation concludes with the President requesting that Colson call back in five minutes so he can address pending administrative paperwork.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly to coordinate administrative logistics and scheduling for upcoming White House events. The conversation focused on managing the attendance of key staff members, including H. R. Haldeman, Ronald Ziegler, and Alexander Haig, at a forthcoming dinner. Additionally, the President offered casual remarks regarding Kissinger’s personal grooming and evening plans, underscoring the informal nature of the scheduling coordination.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the aftermath of Nixon's historic trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically focusing on Secretary of State William P. Rogers's critical reaction to the visit. The conversation highlights friction regarding the administration's policy toward Taiwan and the PRC, with Nixon expressing frustration over Rogers's perceived lack of understanding of the geopolitical nuances. Haig affirms his support for the trip's success before Nixon requests a briefing call with Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss logistics for upcoming travel to Florida and coordinate the messaging for Kissinger’s interactions with the Nixon family. The conversation addresses reports of skepticism from Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the President’s China policy, which Nixon and Kissinger dismiss as a lack of understanding. The two reaffirm their control over foreign policy strategy, specifically regarding China, the Soviet Union, and Vietnam negotiations.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:12 am and 8:32 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:12 am and 8:32 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 676-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:30 am and 8:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 677-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the logistics and strategic approach for an upcoming meeting with Taiwanese Ambassador James C.H. Shen. The discussion focused on the urgency of the Ambassador's concerns regarding the Republic of China and the President's desire to gain a nuanced assessment of the diplomat's temperament. They also reviewed Henry Kissinger's role in the broader context of these diplomatic engagements.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate administrative logistics and manage public relations regarding upcoming cabinet appearances and press engagements. The discussion centered on controlling the optics surrounding diplomatic interactions, specifically emphasizing that ambassadors should not be granted high-profile access to the White House. Nixon directed Kissinger to finalize specific memorandums and manage expectations for upcoming meetings with foreign representatives and administration officials.
On March 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:13 pm and 7:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Henry Kissinger, and others to manage the fallout and public relations surrounding the recent trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically addressing Secretary of State William P. Rogers' perceived alienation from the process. The participants discussed strategies to neutralize negative press coverage and mitigate perceived leaks from the State Department, while also deliberating on the upcoming US-Soviet summit. Additionally, the conversation touched on various domestic political matters, including the ITT case, busing policy, 1972 campaign financing, and the political maneuvers of Democratic candidates.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the scheduling of an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger at the Executive Office Building. The conversation briefly reviews Secretary of State William P. Rogers' recent, successful press conference regarding foreign policy and his role in the Peking summit. Nixon also discusses his firm rejection of State Department involvement in his meetings with heads of state, emphasizing the need to maintain presidential control over diplomatic proceedings.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the return of Henry Kissinger and coordination issues between the National Security Council and the Department of State. Nixon expresses strong resistance to the idea of allowing a State Department official to join his team, emphasizing the need to maintain control over his advisory structure. The discussion touches upon broader geopolitical strategy, noting the distinct leadership dynamics between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to evaluate the public relations performance of Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William Rogers following the President's recent trip to the People’s Republic of China. The discussion focused on the tension between the two men, specifically regarding Kissinger's media management, his perceived influence, and concerns about Rogers' lack of alignment with administration messaging. Nixon expressed apprehension regarding the public perception of Kissinger's power and instructed Haldeman to monitor potential bureaucratic friction within the State Department.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the public messaging for his upcoming decision on busing, specifically aiming to avoid any perception of being influenced by the Florida primary. They discussed the timing of the announcement and the importance of presenting the policy as a national issue rather than a regional one. The conversation also touched on the ongoing Attorney General confirmation hearings for Richard Kleindienst and strategies for utilizing Henry Kissinger in television interviews to emphasize the President's personal role and achievements during the recent trip to China.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate strategy for upcoming foreign policy challenges and domestic political management. They discussed potential questions from White House staffer Pat Buchanan regarding the recent trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically focusing on the Taiwan communiqué and its domestic impact. The pair also reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, including a potential Moscow trip announcement and the logistics of Kissinger’s future travel to Japan, Korea, and Paris.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Stephen Bull to discuss the timing of an upcoming press conference in light of damaging media scrutiny surrounding the ITT controversy and the ongoing scandal involving corporate contributions to the San Diego convention. His advisors urged him to postpone the conference to avoid being cornered by reporters on sensitive issues, particularly regarding his personal knowledge of the ITT situation. The group also analyzed the political impact of recent public opinion polls following Nixon's China trip and assessed the effectiveness of Henry Kissinger's media appearances in promoting the administration's agenda.
On March 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:00 am and 9:28 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 681-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Rosemary Manarin met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:40 pm and 4:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 322-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the management of sensitive diplomatic backchannels, specifically regarding the People's Republic of China and upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit negotiations. Nixon expresses deep frustration with State Department leaks and bureaucratic resistance, reaffirming his intent to centralize control over foreign policy and minimize the State Department's role in sensitive communication. They also strategize on managing Secretary of State William P. Rogers by keeping him occupied, while preparing personal outreach to international leaders to maintain foreign support for the President's diplomatic initiatives.
President Nixon called Senator J. William Fulbright to coordinate a brief delay for a scheduled lunch with Henry Kissinger and to discuss domestic and foreign policy concerns. Nixon briefly noted the difficulty of managing the busing issue before pivoting to the administration's even-handed diplomatic approach regarding the Soviet Union following his recent trip to China. Nixon directed Kissinger to consult with Fulbright on Soviet relations and to arrange future informal meetings with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Clark MacGregor discussed navigating political tensions involving Secretary of State William Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, specifically regarding Kissinger's private briefings with the Foreign Relations Committee. The participants addressed the perceived rift between Rogers and Kissinger, strategies for managing legislative relations, and concerns about the ongoing ITT hearings. The President also reviewed his communication strategy, emphasizing the use of television press conferences to bypass traditional media narratives and reach the public directly.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the administration's messaging strategy regarding upcoming policy decisions on busing and public inquiries into executive branch personnel. They agree that Nixon will address the busing issue via a formal message to Congress rather than a broadcast address to maintain procedural flexibility. Additionally, they strategize on how to dismiss media speculation and "backstage gossip" concerning the perceived rivalry between Secretary of State William Rogers and Henry Kissinger, emphasizing the President's authority over his own cabinet.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule to manage various executive and legislative priorities. They discussed arrangements for meetings with George H. Mahon, Otto E. Passman, and Henry Kissinger, alongside a request from John D. Ehrlichman and Edward L. Morgan to discuss the administration's stance on busing. The conversation focused on coordination of these engagements to ensure the President remains in control of key policy decisions.
President Nixon dictates a series of directives to H.R. Haldeman concerning administrative scheduling, press strategy, and political messaging. The President outlines plans for an upcoming White House church service featuring the Army Chorus and suggests using Henry Kissinger's meetings with political groups to manage his schedule. Furthermore, Nixon orders research into the growth of ITT during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations to bolster the administration’s defense against antitrust criticism and requests historical precedents of media bias regarding the House Un-American Activities Committee to support his public relations efforts.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to organize the President's daily agenda. The primary focus of the discussion was the scheduling of a high-level consultation with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This administrative coordination served to finalize the President's priorities and meeting flow for the day.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:37 pm and 7:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-071 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:37 pm and 7:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-072 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion focused on final preparations for a meeting with Irish Ambassador William Warnock, with potential input from National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. No further substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
On March 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:40 pm and 4:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 688-019 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:30 am and 10:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-111 of the White House Tapes.
On March 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:30 am and 10:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-112 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the scheduling of Henry Kissinger and the President's desire to insulate him from bureaucratic distractions regarding personnel like Marshall Green and Arthur K. Watson. The conversation shifts to the military situation in Vietnam, specifically the influx of North Vietnamese aircraft and skepticism regarding recurring military predictions of enemy offensives. Nixon expresses a cautious outlook on the coming month, emphasizing the need for prepared, strategic responses to potential enemy aggression.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate administrative foreign policy, specifically addressing the upcoming Moscow summit and the management of Henry Kissinger's role. They discussed delicate geopolitical issues, including Soviet-American relations, potential arms control negotiations (SALT), and the need to maneuver around domestic political pressures regarding Israel and Northern Ireland. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining tight control over the substance of foreign policy negotiations to ensure they align with his strategic objectives rather than becoming subject to outside interference or Congressional criticism.
On March 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:48 pm and 7:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-033 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized this time to dictate formal correspondence expressing appreciation to Mexican President Luis Echeverría Alvarez and General William Westmoreland. The letter to Echeverría focused on strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting Henry Kissinger’s recent diplomatic outreach to Mexico, and formally inviting the President to Camp David. Additionally, Nixon dictated a separate message of gratitude directed toward General Westmoreland regarding his service and contributions.
On March 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:38 am and 10:10 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-047 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Senator John C. Stennis discuss the need for a confidential briefing regarding the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit. Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to contact Stennis to explain sensitive strategic information necessary for managing Senate reactions before the summit. Additionally, the two men agree to arrange a future private, off-the-record meeting to discuss broader, undisclosed policy concerns away from the cabinet and aides.
On March 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:42 am and 12:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-052 of the White House Tapes.
On March 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 12:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 697-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly to coordinate administrative logistics regarding a scheduled call with an individual referred to as Mark. The discussion primarily focused on finalizing communications strategy and confirming that necessary preparations had been effectively managed. The exchange served as a quick status check to ensure both parties were aligned before proceeding with the planned engagement.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding Kissinger's travel and official calendar. The discussion focused primarily on the alignment of upcoming administrative schedules and professional commitments. No major policy shifts were recorded, as the brief exchange was restricted to administrative planning.
On March 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:45 pm and 8:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-061 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Ronald Ziegler, and others to strategize on public relations, specifically regarding the media appearances of Henry Kissinger and the Nixon family. They decided to postpone Kissinger's prime-time television appearances until after the upcoming Moscow summit to maximize impact and avoid premature foreign policy debates. The group also discussed the logistics of a potential television special featuring Pat Nixon's China trip, the strategy for handling press conferences, and ways to shift the narrative regarding the administration's performance.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the massive North Vietnamese spring offensive and their deep dissatisfaction with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird's management of military reporting and operations. Nixon expressed frustration over delays in information flow and suspected Laird was obstructing aggressive military responses for political reasons. The two decided to exert direct pressure on the Pentagon to ensure a robust military counter-offensive, while simultaneously coordinating a public relations strategy to frame the North Vietnamese actions as a clear violation of international accords.
President Nixon held a brief morning meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified woman before transitioning to discussions with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Thomas H. Moorer and Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth Rush. Henry Kissinger was also involved in the deliberations during this session. Although the specific substance of the dialogue remains unrecorded, the participants focused on high-level foreign policy and national security matters.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the implementation of air strikes in Vietnam, specifically addressing a request made by General Creighton W. Abrams. The President instructed Kissinger to investigate the specific details of the military's requests and the status of ongoing operations. The conversation emphasized the need for a clear assessment and tracking of these military actions following recent logistical concerns.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the administration's public relations response to the North Vietnamese offensive and discuss the associated risks of increased U.S. casualties. Nixon emphasized the need for a disciplined, centralized messaging strategy involving Henry Kissinger, Ronald Ziegler, and John Scali to manage press reports and counter media distortions. Beyond the Vietnam situation, the two discussed upcoming personnel appointments, the President’s travel schedule, and the internal dynamics of the ITT antitrust case, with Nixon stressing the importance of controlling the narrative through strategic leaks.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming travel schedule, specifically focusing on logistics for trips to Philadelphia and Florida. The discussion included the inclusion of Henry Kissinger in these plans and the management of sensitive foreign policy issues, particularly concerning the Vietnam War. Additionally, Nixon directed Haldeman to facilitate a meeting between Kissinger and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin.
On April 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:35 pm and 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-068 of the White House Tapes.
On April 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:19 pm and 7:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-070 of the White House Tapes.
On April 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:15 pm and 1:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 701-015 of the White House Tapes.
On April 4, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:15 pm and 8:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-076 of the White House Tapes.
On April 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:55 pm and 4:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 703-005 of the White House Tapes.
On April 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:19 pm and 7:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-089 of the White House Tapes.
On April 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:45 am and 8:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 704-002 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger, White House operator, and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:51 pm and 12:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-096 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to facilitate the retrieval of an unidentified document or item originating from Rose Mary Woods’s office. The brief discussion centered on the logistics of obtaining this material, which had been linked to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. No further details regarding the nature of the item were recorded during the short meeting.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the escalating military situation in Vietnam, specifically evaluating the impact of recent B-52 strikes and the performance of South Vietnamese forces against the North Vietnamese offensive. They strategized on managing domestic political fallout and media messaging, agreeing that Nixon should delay a formal speech to avoid appearing overly defensive or anxious. Additionally, they reviewed diplomatic maneuvers regarding the Soviet Union and China, emphasizing the need for firm resolve in maintaining foreign policy objectives despite potential criticism.
President Nixon hosted Henry Kissinger’s father, Louis, and his wife, Paula, for a brief social visit to the Oval Office. The meeting served as a gesture of appreciation for Henry Kissinger’s service, during which the President formally commended the parents for their son’s achievements. Nixon presented the couple with commemorative presidential gifts, including a money clip and a compact, before concluding the session with a photo opportunity.
On April 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:10 am and 10:49 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-104 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield coordinated the agenda for an upcoming congressional leadership meeting, specifically narrowing the focus to a defense and China policy briefing led by Henry Kissinger. Nixon explicitly excluded Secretary of State William Rogers and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird from the presentation to ensure Kissinger could lead the session without bureaucratic interference. Additionally, the President requested the inclusion of select committee chairmen while directing that political liaisons be excluded to foster a more candid atmosphere regarding China policy discussions.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield discuss the tactical orchestration of an upcoming meeting regarding China policy. Nixon explicitly decides to exclude Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird to avoid the necessary inclusion of Secretary of State William Rogers, tasking Henry Kissinger with leading the briefing instead. The President emphasizes that China-related matters should remain distinct from standard congressional relations to ensure the initiative is perceived as a significant diplomatic event rather than partisan politics.
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield and other aides to coordinate an upcoming meeting with congressional leaders. The discussion focused on establishing talking points for key policy issues, specifically addressing concerns regarding school busing, drug control, and rising food prices. Nixon instructed staff on the order of speakers, prioritizing Henry Kissinger’s foreign policy briefing while emphasizing that domestic economic explanations should be handled by George Shultz, Herbert Stein, or Elliot Richardson.
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield and John Ehrlichman to coordinate an upcoming briefing for prominent, hawkish Democrats including John Stennis, George Mahon, and F. Edward Hebert. Nixon emphasized that the session, led by Henry Kissinger, should avoid a strictly partisan tone to ensure effective engagement with these key legislators. The participants also briefly addressed scheduling concerns and administrative memoranda before concluding the meeting.
On April 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:21 pm and 7:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-110 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate the final drafting and review process for an upcoming speech concerning Canadian relations. The discussion focused on incorporating feedback from Henry A. Kissinger and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. while finalizing the President's personal revisions. The meeting functioned as an administrative check-in to ensure the speech was ready for delivery.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the potential for a secret trip to the Soviet Union to negotiate an end to the Vietnam War, weighing the implications of such a visit on U.S. relations with Hanoi and the People's Republic of China. Kissinger emphasized his belief that Soviet leadership was feeling increased pressure and might be willing to act as a intermediary. Following the strategic discussion, Alexander Butterfield and Lee Huebner joined the meeting to finalize and refine the tone of an upcoming presidential speech intended for delivery in Canada.
On April 12, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-118 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to facilitate a telephone discussion regarding administrative matters, including the status of H.R. Haldeman and arrangements involving Alexander P. Butterfield at Camp David. Following Bull's departure, Nixon engaged in a brief follow-up call with Henry A. Kissinger. This interaction highlights the internal coordination of staff logistics and communications between the President and his key foreign policy and operational advisors.
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 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 022-124 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate strategy regarding the Vietnam War, specifically addressing the North Vietnamese proposal for a public plenary session on April 27. They determined that the U.S. should condition its attendance at the public meeting on the North Vietnamese agreeing to a prior private meeting on April 24, aimed at breaking the diplomatic deadlock. Furthermore, they discussed the possibility of a naval blockade of Haiphong and emphasized that Nixon’s upcoming trip to Moscow must be contingent upon substantive progress regarding Vietnam, with the President prepared to cancel the summit if necessary to protect his administration's political standing.
On April 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:12 pm and 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 329-051 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed intensified military operations in North Vietnam, specifically focusing on naval bombardment and air strikes against Haiphong's shore batteries and oil storage facilities. The conversation centered on the potential cancellation of Kissinger’s upcoming Moscow trip and the subsequent implementation of a blockade as a retaliatory measure. Additionally, they reviewed diplomatic strategy regarding future peace negotiations, with Nixon instructing Kissinger to ensure the administration takes a firm public stance against repeating the failed 1968 bombing halt.
On April 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:01 pm and 11:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 022-130 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful outcome of recent U.S. air strikes against North Vietnamese targets, specifically noting the extensive damage inflicted on petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) storage areas near Hanoi and Haiphong. They assess the status of the North Vietnamese offensive at An Loc, emphasizing the importance of continued military pressure to erode the enemy's fighting capability while maintaining strategic flexibility. Kissinger provides updates on his preparations for a high-stakes trip to Moscow, where he intends to leverage the administration's firm military stance to manage relations with the Soviet Union and pressure North Vietnam toward negotiations.
President Nixon coordinates logistics with Major John V. Brennan for an afternoon helicopter departure to Camp David, accompanied by the First Lady and Manolo Sanchez. Amidst these travel arrangements, the President expresses strong approval regarding recent U.S. air strikes in Vietnam. He specifically notes positive feedback from Henry Kissinger concerning the Pentagon’s enthusiastic reaction to the success of the military operation.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the tactical situation in Vietnam, specifically the successful use of B-52 strikes and air power to stabilize the defense around Route 13 and An Loc. The two review reports from General Alexander Haig and General James Hollingsworth, expressing confidence that South Vietnamese forces can withstand current enemy pressure. Additionally, the pair coordinates arrangements for Kissinger's upcoming trip to Moscow, including a strategy to manage Secretary of State William P. Rogers's involvement and the planning of a private, secure meeting at Camp David to finalize preparations.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed strategies for managing the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive while maintaining the possibility of the upcoming Moscow summit. They agreed to adopt a "tough as nails" negotiating stance on Vietnam, rejecting North Vietnamese proposals that were contingent on halting U.S. bombing, while keeping the diplomatic channel to the Soviet Union open. Nixon emphasized his determination to protect the U.S. position, signaling his willingness to authorize a naval blockade if diplomatic pressure and military action failed to curb Hanoi's aggression. The President also directed his staff to maintain a calm, public-facing posture while intensifying criticism of political opponents who appeared to align with the enemy's interests.