Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on POWs
116 conversations · page 2 of 2 · frequently with Nixon, Scowcroft, Ziegler, Woods
President Nixon met with Gen. Brent Scowcroft to discuss the ongoing status of the Vietnam settlement, specifically focusing on the cease-fire in Laos, the handling of North Vietnamese provocations, and the critical importance of securing the return of American POWs. Following this, Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler joined the discussion to coordinate the administration's public messaging regarding these foreign policy challenges and to address domestic concerns, including rising food prices and media coverage of the White House. The participants emphasized the necessity of a unified communication strategy to maintain public support while finalizing troop withdrawals and managing sensitive negotiations.
President Nixon and Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo discussed the positive reception of the President’s recent televised address regarding the Vietnam War and the status of American POWs. Rebozo shared that he and his companions, including Desi Arnaz, were impressed by the speech, specifically noting favorable coverage from NBC correspondent Richard Valeriani. The conversation concluded with the two men confirming plans for Nixon’s upcoming visit to see Rebozo the following Tuesday.
Rose Mary Woods and General Walter R. Tkach provide the President with positive feedback regarding his recent speech on Vietnam and returning prisoners of war. They highlight the public's emotional response to his rhetoric on patriotism and his firm stance against amnesty for draft evaders. The conversation concludes with the President requesting follow-up calls from key advisors and supporters, including Patrick Buchanan and Admiral Thomas Moorer, to further discuss the address.
Admiral Thomas H. Moorer called to commend President Nixon on a nationally televised speech regarding the homecoming of American prisoners of war and the state of national defense. Nixon urged Moorer to lobby Congress vigorously against defense budget cuts, arguing that a strong military posture was essential for successful negotiations with the Soviet Union on arms limitations. Additionally, the President requested that Moorer track the career advancement of a captain on the USS Albany who had served as the commanding officer for his son-in-law, David Eisenhower.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the positive public and media reception of the President's March 29 address regarding the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam and new economic measures, including a meat price ceiling. The two agree that it was a strategic success to delay a planned statement concerning John W. Dean, III, as it would have distracted from the historic significance of the POW homecoming and the speech. Ziegler advises the President to let the speech dominate the news cycle and avoid generating additional headlines for the time being.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan discuss the positive public reception and strategic messaging of the President’s March 29 televised speech regarding Vietnam and the return of POWs. The two emphasize the importance of framing the conflict as a success brought about by presidential resolve, while criticizing political opponents for their stance on the war and proposed defense budget cuts. Nixon also addresses the Watergate scandal, noting his deliberate decision to omit the topic from the speech to avoid becoming bogged down in controversy.
President Nixon and personal secretary Rose Mary Woods discussed administrative details, including scheduling, gift logistics for Vietnam POWs and their families, and the potential for a visit with Norman Chandler. The conversation also focused on the President's ongoing work on his upcoming Vietnam speech, with Woods praising his decision to write the address personally to ensure the language remained direct and accessible. Nixon concluded the meeting by emphasizing his commitment to refining the speech through his own direct involvement.
President Nixon met with Gen. John B. Flynn and Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft to discuss the experiences of American Prisoners of War (POWs) in Vietnam, the morale of the American public regarding the war, and broader Cold War foreign policy. Flynn, a former POW leader, shared his perspective on the North Vietnamese strategy and the psychological impact of U.S. military actions, such as the December 1972 bombing campaigns. The group also examined the effectiveness of Communist propaganda, particularly in Latin America, and identified the need for the U.S. to maintain global leadership and strength to deter Communist expansion. Consequently, the President decided to engage James Keogh of the USIA to evaluate and improve the quality of American counter-propaganda materials.
President Nixon spoke with evangelist Billy Graham to receive personal encouragement and discuss public support for the administration. They covered various topics, including the positive reception of Graham's recent trip to South Africa, preparations for his upcoming visit to Korea, and efforts to bolster the President's image against political opponents and the developing Watergate investigation. Additionally, the two coordinated on prospective staffing recommendations, specifically regarding Marvin Watson, and discussed maintaining a strictly religious focus for an upcoming White House church service led by Edward V. Hill.
President Nixon met with Roger E. Shields and Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft to review the successful repatriation of American Prisoners of War (POWs) from North Vietnam. The discussion focused on the readjustment and future career integration of these veterans into the military, emphasizing the President's desire to treat them as vital institutional assets rather than mere media figures. Furthermore, Nixon tasked Shields with maintaining a firm commitment to resolving the status of those still Missing in Action (MIA) by continuing research and communicating clearly with their families.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the positive reception of the President's recent remarks at the White House correspondents' dinner, specifically noting the emotional impact on attendees regarding the POWs and the substance of the speech. While Ziegler reported that the event was largely free of Watergate-related tension, Nixon expressed anxiety that the upcoming indictment of John Mitchell would escalate the scandal. The conversation concluded with Nixon emphasizing the importance of maintaining his public stance against critics despite the impending legal pressures.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s scheduling commitments regarding Senator Edward W. Brooke. The discussion centered on rescheduling a medallion presentation and coordinating Brooke’s attendance at various speaking engagements and a dinner honoring Prisoners of War (POWs). Nixon emphasized the importance of managing these invitations to ensure ongoing engagement with the Senator.
President Nixon and Representative Leslie C. Arends discuss the positive reception and improved morale among Republican Congressmen following a recent leadership meeting. Nixon emphasizes the necessity of maintaining national security and secret diplomacy, arguing that leakers threaten initiatives with China, the USSR, and the release of POWs. Arends commits to echoing these themes in upcoming speeches and encourages Nixon to address Republican members directly to further bolster support.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discussed the enthusiastic reception at a White House event honoring former prisoners of war. Julie reported on the emotional response from the attendees while the President recounted key moments from his speech, including his defense of secret negotiations and his criticism of individuals who leak classified documents. Nixon noted that his remarks regarding the unauthorized release of secret files prompted a standing ovation from the crowd of former POWs.
Tricia Nixon Cox and Paul W. Keyes spoke by telephone while the President was present in the Lincoln Sitting Room. The participants discussed the recent dinner for former prisoners of war, with Keyes and Cox exchanging mutual praise for the success of the event. The brief conversation centered on their satisfaction with the evening's emotional resonance, specifically noting the positive reaction from attendees like John Wayne.
President Nixon initiated a late-night telephone call to coordinate plans regarding an upcoming event honoring former prisoners of war (POWs). He sought assistance from an operator to connect with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, and requested a subsequent call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The conversation centered on the logistical arrangements for the POW reception and the management of executive communications.