Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Middle East policy
20 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Kissinger, Ziegler
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 met with H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss domestic economic policy, the status of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program, and sensitive foreign policy issues. The President expressed frustration with Secretary of State William Rogers' handling of Middle East policy and explicitly directed that Henry Kissinger be sidelined from Israeli-related negotiations to prevent partisan complications. Nixon also finalized a decision to adopt a more confrontational approach toward the press, ending his participation in traditional social dinners with journalists.
President Nixon dictates a highly sensitive, 'eyes-only' memorandum for Secretary of State William P. Rogers outlining his strategic vision for U.S. Middle East policy. He emphasizes that U.S. national security interests must take precedence over domestic political pressures, specifically criticizing the influence of the 'Jewish lobby' on American foreign policy and past humanitarian neglect of Arab refugees. Nixon instructs Rogers to aggressively pursue an interim peace agreement with Israeli leaders by mid-summer 1971, warning that failing to secure a settlement will force the U.S. to rebalance its regional military support to prevent a broader conflict.
President Nixon met with King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral relations and the escalating instability in the Middle East. The King expressed deep concern regarding the influence of Zionism and Communism in the region, arguing that they often act as destabilizing forces that threaten U.S.-Saudi interests. Nixon reiterated his commitment to an even-handed Middle East policy, emphasizing that his administration sought to normalize relations with all regional states and pursue a durable peace settlement rather than just interim measures like the proposed reopening of the Suez Canal.
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 Henry Kissinger discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Vietnam War, focusing on the strategic movements of North Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho and the potential for a breakthrough in negotiations. Kissinger briefed the President on logistics for secret travel to facilitate these talks, while both men assessed the impact of the domestic political climate and media opposition on their foreign policy initiatives. Additionally, they reviewed progress regarding upcoming summits with the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, emphasizing the need for discretion and timing to maintain diplomatic leverage.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss sensitive foreign policy and political strategy, specifically regarding the Middle East, the Vietnam War, and the role of Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They reviewed reports from John N. Mitchell concerning Israel, the Jewish community’s political influence, and Henry Kissinger’s covert diplomatic backchannels. Nixon expressed frustration with Rogers' management of the State Department, questioning his effectiveness and loyalty, while contemplating how to utilize his staff to better monitor foreign affairs.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss various political and administrative issues, specifically focusing on the upcoming wedding of Tricia Nixon Cox and the associated media management. The conversation moved to strategic foreign policy concerns, including the status of Vietnam negotiations, the potential for a breakthrough with China, and the management of sensitive Middle East relations despite friction with Secretary of State William Rogers. Additionally, they reviewed domestic political tactics, such as the strategy for handling the hostile press establishment and the use of the drug initiative to build public support.
President Nixon met with his inner circle, including John Mitchell, Henry Kissinger, and John Ehrlichman, to discuss a range of urgent issues including Middle East tensions, the SALT negotiations, and Supreme Court vacancies. The President directed that the Middle East situation be kept low-profile to avoid political complications, emphasized the need for a conservative nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, and ordered his staff to secure comprehensive files on the Bay of Pigs and the Pentagon Papers to better manage political messaging. Additionally, the participants reviewed economic indicators, discussed the President's public relations strategy regarding J. Edgar Hoover, and brainstormed ways to capitalize on the Democratic Party's internal divisions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed a variety of administrative and personnel matters, including the potential appointment of a new Secretary of Agriculture and the administration's preference for utilizing younger staff members for operational roles. The pair also assessed foreign policy challenges, specifically touching upon the United Nations vote regarding Taiwan and concerns over Secretary of State William P. Rogers's handling of Middle Eastern affairs. The conversation concluded with discussions regarding upcoming social engagements and the President's need for a brief respite.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell and Henry Kissinger to coordinate Republican political strategy for the 1972 election cycle and discuss sensitive foreign policy matters. The participants evaluated the progress of local party organizations in key states and addressed personnel changes within the administration, including the potential reassignment of Peter Peterson. Nixon and Kissinger also reviewed the current state of Vietnam peace negotiations, determining to maintain a firm stance and continue troop withdrawals while preparing a public response should North Vietnamese negotiators break off talks.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and H. R. Haldeman to coordinate foreign and domestic policy priorities. Key discussions included managing Middle East negotiations ahead of the upcoming U.S.-USSR summit, finalizing the appointment of David M. Kennedy as Ambassador to NATO, and addressing administrative failures regarding trade licenses for India. Nixon also emphasized his desire to bypass the establishment in his diplomatic efforts, specifically regarding the opening of relations with the People's Republic of China, while coordinating appearances to maintain support for his economic policies.
President Nixon met with Turkish Prime Minister Nihat Erim to discuss Turkey's critical role as a Western ally and a "firewall" against communist expansion in the Middle East. The leaders addressed internal security threats in Turkey, specifically the rise of anarchist and terrorist movements, while Erim emphasized the need for economic stability and modernized military equipment to counter Soviet-backed propaganda. Nixon pledged to maintain support for Turkey's parliamentary democracy, promising U.S. assistance through international lending institutions like the World Bank and affirming his commitment to the U.S.-Turkey military alliance despite evolving global diplomatic priorities.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of political and administrative issues, including George Meany’s resignation from the Pay Board and strategies for managing media coverage of the administration. They evaluated the performance of Treasury Secretary John Connally and explored public relations tactics, such as potential fireside chats and regional media appearances. The conversation also touched on sensitive geopolitical strategies regarding the Middle East, the Soviet Union, and balancing domestic support among Jewish voters.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss a range of foreign policy priorities and domestic political pressures following Kissinger's recent trip to Mexico. They address the timing of a Middle East settlement relative to the 1972 election, the status of negotiations with North Vietnam, and the strategic management of U.S.-Soviet relations. Additionally, they touch upon the political fallout of the ITT case and the administrative challenges of securing diplomatic appointments without inviting scrutiny over campaign contributions.
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 and Charles Colson met to discuss strategies for managing public relations and campaign messaging in light of recent international and domestic developments. The conversation focused on mitigating the political impact of negative news stories surrounding John B. Connally and leveraging the ongoing Middle East conflict—specifically the aftermath of the Munich Olympic attack—to influence voter sentiment. Nixon directed Colson to organize a coordinated defense of Connally by key allies and underscored the importance of suppressing unfavorable press coverage to maintain political momentum.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to H.R. Haldeman regarding administrative reorganizations for his second term, specifically focusing on ambassadorial appointments in the Middle East. The President addresses the performance and suitability of figures such as Joseph S. Farland and Henry J. Tasca, while weighing the influence of Henry Kissinger. Additionally, Nixon instructs Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to manage fallout from recent comments made by Senator Charles Percy regarding the Vietnam War.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates a meeting between President Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew for 11:30 a.m. that morning. The primary objective of the session is to discuss Middle East policy and its strategic connection to ongoing high-visibility negotiations in Paris. Haldeman confirms that the Vice President requires no specific briefing materials, only a general awareness of the current situation.
President Nixon met with outgoing Israeli Ambassador Yitzhak Rabin to discuss the state of U.S.-Israel relations and Middle East regional stability. Following Rabin's departure, Nixon and Henry Kissinger transitioned to a tactical review of the recent Vietnam peace settlement, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a firm stance with Congress and the media. The conversation also touched upon the political implications of Lyndon B. Johnson’s death and the President's upcoming diplomatic strategy regarding the war's conclusion.