Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on John J. McCloy
15 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, McCloy, Bull
When John J. McCloy comes up
Related topics: NATOForeign PolicyWhite House operationsWhite House communicationsPresidential schedulingNational Security CouncilJohn D. EhrlichmanHenry KissingerH. R. HaldemanWhite House staffWhite House schedulingWhite House logisticsWatergateVietnam War
President Nixon uses this brief session to dictate a formal response to a May 21 letter he received from John J. McCloy. The President expresses his appreciation for McCloy’s generous correspondence and supportive sentiment regarding his presidency. This interaction serves as a routine administrative act to maintain diplomatic relations with a prominent advisor.
On November 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:30 pm and 6:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-060 of the White House Tapes.
On November 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:30 pm and 6:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-061 of the White House Tapes.
Henry Kissinger contacted John J. McCloy to gauge his interest in serving as the U.S. Ambassador to NATO. Motivated by a desire to strengthen U.S.-European relations and address concerns regarding Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR), the administration sought a figure of McCloy’s stature to restore confidence among allies. Kissinger framed the potential one-year appointment as a significant sacrifice, intended to preemptively test McCloy's willingness before a formal request from the President.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed strategies for managing Vietnam troop withdrawal announcements to minimize political backlash and maintain leverage in ongoing negotiations. During their conversation, they identified John J. McCloy as a potential candidate for the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, tasking Kissinger with persuading him to accept the position to bolster U.S.-European relations. They also reviewed personnel matters and planning for the President's upcoming trip to the USSR, specifically emphasizing the importance of avoiding stopovers that could undermine their diplomatic objectives.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the potential appointment of John J. McCloy to the administration. Seeking to avoid the complications of a Cabinet-level position, Nixon decides to offer McCloy a role specifically within the National Security Council focusing on European matters. This decision aims to utilize McCloy's expertise while limiting his influence over broader administrative concerns.
On November 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:54 pm and 4:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 617-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H.R. Haldeman met with John J. McCloy to recruit him for a high-level diplomatic role intended to reassure European allies and manage complex economic and security matters. The discussion centered on the necessity of a seasoned diplomat to handle Mutual and Balanced Force Reduction (MBFR) negotiations and broader NATO relations without downgrading the importance of these alliances. McCloy expressed reservations about the traditional bureaucratic structure of NATO and agreed to further consult with Kissinger to refine the strategic approach before formally committing.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule, including meetings with Congressional leaders, a planned farewell call to John J. McCloy regarding his resignation from the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and a briefing with Hermann Kahn. The conversation also covered administrative details for the President’s public events, specifically regarding the handling of drug enforcement personnel and protocol for White House reception lines. Nixon provided instructions to Bull on streamlining these social duties to improve efficiency and personal comfort during official engagements.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details for his upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on a reception for Foreign Service wives and a meeting with John J. McCloy. The President expressed a desire to minimize press visibility regarding these events, particularly concerning the involvement of the First Lady. Bull provided input on timing adjustments to better manage the sequence of these engagements.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files, addressing administrative matters and potential personnel appointments. The discussion included references to a recent meeting with John J. McCloy, from whom the President solicited advice and recommendations regarding the selection of a new chairman, specifically considering David Packard for the role. The President also touched upon staffing concerns and broader political outlooks related to future elections.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for his files, reflecting on recent consultations and administrative matters. He notes the value of advice received during a meeting with John J. McCloy and reviews his recent engagements, including meetings with a prisoner of war’s wife and discussions regarding foreign service personnel. Additionally, the President coordinates with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman on the review and drafting of documents concerning congressional relations and his reelection strategy.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen discussed the ongoing Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the potential granting of immunity to John Dean and the administration's need to maintain credibility. Nixon reiterated his decision not to meet with Dean, deferring all prosecutorial discretion regarding immunity and plea bargaining to Petersen to ensure an unbiased pursuit of the truth. Additionally, they reviewed the status of the Ellsberg trial and explored the possibility of appointing a respected outsider, such as John McCloy, to oversee key decisions alongside Justice Department officials to alleviate public concerns.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-114 of the White House Tapes.