Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Israel
18 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Haig, Bull
President Nixon and Leonard Garment reviewed the President's recent press conference, focusing on his confrontational strategy toward the media. Nixon defended his direct communication style, suggesting that bypassing the press to speak to the public was a necessary tactic despite the resulting friction. The discussion also covered the ongoing situation in Laos, which Nixon compared to World War I tactical attrition, and his commitment to Israel that the U.S. would not impose a peace settlement.
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.
President Nixon met with Landrum Bolling and D. Elton Trueblood to discuss their recent travels to the Middle East and the USSR, as well as their personal connections to Quakerism. During the discussion, Nixon emphasized his refusal to allow domestic political pressure from the American Jewish community to dictate his Middle East foreign policy or drag the U.S. into a conflict. The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts, including correspondence regarding Abraham Lincoln, and plans for a future meeting with Quakers in October.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss shifting diplomatic strategies regarding the Middle East and the fallout from a sensitive media leak concerning the People's Republic of China. The conversation addresses the influence of Soviet leadership on Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat and examines statements made by King Faisal regarding Israel. Nixon and Rogers coordinate their response to the Washington Post report, evaluating the roles of Henry Kissinger and administration press secretaries in managing the potential security breach.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers met to coordinate their public messaging strategy ahead of an upcoming presidential press conference. They discussed the political implications of recent comments regarding Middle East policy and the administration's stance toward Israel. Nixon instructed Rogers to maintain a low-key approach regarding these diplomatic sensitivities to ensure consistent communication.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield coordinate the signing of pending legislation and an urgent action paper regarding foreign aid. Butterfield requests approval for a $50 million transfer to Israel, which the State Department deems necessary for the end of the fiscal year. Nixon approves the immediate processing of the Israeli funds but directs that the remaining bills be held for his review the following morning.
President Nixon met with Representative Jack Kemp and Alexander Haig to discuss Kemp’s recent fact-finding trip to Vietnam and Laos, where he countered domestic criticism regarding the effectiveness of Vietnamization. The participants discussed strategies for countering political opponents—specifically referencing Paul N. McCloskey, Jr.—and addressed domestic legislative concerns, including aid to parochial schools and defense funding. Nixon encouraged Kemp to take a firm public stance on supporting Israel and maintaining national defense, while the conversation also touched on Kemp’s legislative priorities and a scheduled visit to Buffalo.
President Nixon held a brief, informal discussion with an unidentified individual regarding matters pertaining to Israel. Given the extremely limited duration and fragmented nature of the recording, no specific policy decisions or substantive diplomatic actions are discernable from the transcript. The exchange serves primarily as a brief point of contact concerning Middle Eastern affairs.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize administrative or strategic details involving the Sixth Fleet's home port in Greece and diplomatic positioning regarding Israel. The discussion suggests a focus on maintaining geopolitical stability in the Mediterranean while managing interdepartmental relations with the State Department. The participants confirmed their course of action, signaling a decision to move forward with their established diplomatic objectives.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss diplomatic leverage regarding the Soviet Union, specifically weighing how ongoing conflicts in Vietnam and economic incentives influence Soviet cooperation. Kissinger reported progress in Middle East negotiations, noting a rare departure from the Soviets' previous blanket support for Egypt, while Nixon emphasized the need for a cautious and controlled approach to these engagements. The President also confirmed his strategic decision to signal disengagement to the Israelis to maintain his negotiating position and gain greater clarity on current developments.
President Nixon and Senator Jacob Javits discussed regional Middle East security and the influence of the Soviet Union in the context of ongoing foreign policy and the upcoming 1972 election. They specifically reviewed the implications of George McGovern's campaign, focusing on his potential impact on New York voters and his controversial stance on defense spending and Israeli security. Beyond these geopolitical concerns, the President extended personal congratulations to Javits regarding his son's graduation.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Henry Kissinger to coordinate public messaging, campaign strategy, and foreign policy initiatives. They finalized plans for a Cabinet-level anti-terrorism committee to bolster the administration's image ahead of the President's meeting with Jewish leaders. Additionally, they strategized on how to address the 1972 election, emphasizing a disciplined response to George McGovern's comments on POWs and reinforcing the President’s commitment to supporting Israel through arms policy rather than public rhetoric.
President Nixon and Billy Graham discuss the positive national reaction to the return of American POWs from Vietnam and express mutual frustration with the anti-war stance of Senators Mark Hatfield and Harold Hughes. The conversation shifts to foreign affairs, specifically condemning Israel’s recent shoot-down of a civilian airliner and the resulting diplomatic tensions ahead of Golda Meir's visit. Finally, the two address growing societal friction regarding Jewish-Christian relations and antisemitism, while briefly discussing their shared desire to challenge the perceived radicalism of the World Council of Churches through a new international religious initiative.
President Nixon met with CIA Director Richard Helms and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to discuss several critical foreign policy issues. Key topics included the Shah of Iran's potential visit to the US, the ongoing situation in Oman, and Israel's weapon requests, with particular attention to air power. The conversation also touched upon the complexities of the Vietnam settlement, including ceasefire violations and POW releases, and the strategic importance of oil and US relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the ongoing negotiations and press management related to the Vietnam War, including potential cease-fire violations and the status of POWs. They also touched upon US military aid to Israel, the upcoming press conference, and a critical review of John F. Kennedy's presidency. A key action item involved strategizing how Ziegler should handle press inquiries regarding troop withdrawal and mine removal.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Stephen Bull discussed various personnel appointments and foreign policy matters. Key topics included the selection of an ambassador to Israel, with Kenneth Keating being considered despite age concerns, and the potential implications for Rockefeller's support. They also addressed ongoing financial activities related to the Watergate investigation, specifically how funds were being managed and distributed to defendants. Additionally, the conversation touched upon congressional relations, including invitations for lawmakers to travel abroad and the handling of diplomatic protocol for visiting dignitaries.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files covering several high-level administrative and foreign policy matters. The recording details his reflections on a Quadriad meeting involving Arthur F. Burns, observations from Henry A. Kissinger regarding the Treaty of Versailles, and personnel discussions concerning the reassignment and loyalty of John Lodge. The President also noted considerations related to Israel during this administrative review.
President Nixon and Representative Leslie C. Arends discuss the fallout from the recent resignations of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman and the positive congressional reception to the President’s April 30th address regarding the Watergate scandal. Arends reassures the President of continued support among House Republicans while expressing frustration with Senator Charles Percy’s criticism and call for a special prosecutor. The two also touch upon recent legislative discussions regarding Israel, with Arends confirming his intent to offer an amendment to restrict aid.