Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on SALT
120 conversations · page 2 of 2 · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Haig, Ziegler
On June 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:45 pm and 2:58 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 344-025 of the White House Tapes.
Manolo Sanchez delivers a sensitive document regarding SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) to President Nixon on behalf of Alexander Haig. Sanchez stresses the urgency of the communication, noting Haig's recommendation that the President review the materials before a 3:00 p.m. deadline. This exchange highlights the immediate administrative priorities surrounding nuclear arms negotiations during this period.
President Nixon met with various national veteran organization leaders to solicit support for his administration's national defense and foreign policies, specifically regarding the ongoing Vietnam War and recent diplomatic overtures to Beijing and Moscow. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining military strength and a robust nuclear deterrent to remain a credible negotiator during future arms control talks and to uphold international commitments. He defended his decision to mine Haiphong harbor as a crucial strategic move to ensure a favorable conclusion to the war and urged the attendees to support a policy that avoids complacency in the face of communist expansion.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine strategy and talking points for an upcoming presidential press conference, focusing heavily on the Vietnam War and the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT). They discussed how to address sensitive inquiries regarding the bombing of dikes, potential cloud seeding operations, the use of mercenaries, and the current status of North Vietnamese troop deployments. Kissinger provided counsel on managing public perception of these issues while emphasizing the administration's defensive stance on military parity and peace negotiations. The discussion served to prepare the President for likely media scrutiny while coordinating ongoing diplomatic efforts.
President Nixon consulted with businessman Dwayne O. Andreas regarding the inclusion of Hubert H. Humphrey in upcoming bipartisan foreign policy meetings. Nixon expressed his intent to formally invite Humphrey to these sessions, acknowledging the importance of recognizing Humphrey's status as a former vice president and presidential candidate. This outreach was intended to foster a more inclusive, bipartisan approach to sensitive foreign policy matters, specifically regarding the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT).
President Nixon and Senator Henry M. Jackson met to discuss legislative strategy regarding U.S.-Soviet relations and the pursuit of a supersonic transport (SST) program. The two leaders strategized on how to manage the House Foreign Affairs Committee to ensure support for SALT Phase II and potential Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR). Additionally, Nixon solicited Jackson's long-term cooperation in finding a way to revive the American SST project following the 1972 election, arguing that current staff attitudes and the abandonment of the project were strategically shortsighted.
Henry Kissinger and Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. discussed the logistical and political challenges of using civilian-manned ships for maritime operations in the context of ongoing Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). They evaluated the feasibility of transitioning ships from Navy to non-Navy status to appease Soviet demands while navigating potential obstacles, including maritime union opposition and congressional funding concerns. Ultimately, Kissinger expressed skepticism regarding the proposal's complexity and suggested the plan might be abandoned due to the difficulty of managing internal government stakeholders.
President Nixon instructs Henry Kissinger to emphasize to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin that his past willingness to take decisive actions, such as the bombing of Cambodia and the Moscow summit, reflects a readiness to act despite political risks. Nixon intends to project a firm stance, signaling that while he prefers diplomatic restraint, the Soviets should not underestimate his resolve or his capacity for unilateral action. Kissinger agrees to convey this message of underlying strength to ensure the Soviets understand the President's commitment to his policies.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed recent administration messaging, specifically focusing on the announcement of the second phase of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) and budget briefings conducted by John Ehrlichman. They coordinated logistical arrangements for an upcoming presidential trip to Camp David, including the scheduling of a photo opportunity with a working group and the planning of press pool coverage for the President's transit. Throughout the conversation, they emphasized the positive impact of the administration's recent policy initiatives and media engagement strategy.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful leverage of U.S.-China relations to expedite a visit from Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, tentatively scheduled for June. Kissinger outlines potential bilateral agreements regarding SALT, health, and energy, while advising caution on nuclear weapons proposals to avoid alienating NATO allies and China. Additionally, the two address the recent Israeli shootdown of a commercial airliner, with Nixon stressing the need for Israel to offer financial compensation to mitigate diplomatic fallout.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Henry Kissinger to coordinate the administration's public messaging regarding ongoing Middle East negotiations and the President's recent meetings with foreign leaders. They discussed managing expectations to avoid premature hopes for peace while maintaining a firm diplomatic stance that emphasizes eventual direct talks between the involved parties. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger reviewed Soviet relations, the strategic arms balance, and their shared concern that domestic political pressure regarding the emigration of Soviet Jews could undermine U.S. foreign policy objectives.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to review the President's performance in a recent National Security Council meeting and discuss upcoming foreign policy maneuvers. They analyzed complex strategic issues, including the potential for a nuclear test ban, Soviet missile throw-weight advantages, and the impact of the Trident program on future negotiations. Additionally, they coordinated a strategy for releasing military contracts to Pakistan, emphasizing the need to manage diplomatic friction with India and prioritize broader geopolitical interests involving the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to finalize arrangements for Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit to the United States. The participants discussed the summit's itinerary, including social events at San Clemente and Camp David, while emphasizing the importance of a successful outcome to solidify US-USSR relations. They also addressed major policy objectives, specifically negotiating a binding agreement on the prevention of nuclear war and managing strategic arms limitations.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for the file to capture his thoughts on recent sensitive diplomatic and foreign policy matters. The recording addresses the status of the Vietnam cease-fire agreement, concerns regarding the actions of Nguyen Van Thieu, and the ongoing complexities surrounding the U.S.-Soviet Union relationship, including scheduling for upcoming visits and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Nixon emphasized the need for consistent administration policy and strategic positioning regarding these international negotiations.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed adjustments to the President's upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating meetings with Jewish leaders and congressional representatives around Passover constraints. They also addressed the importance of maintaining an active role in National Security Council briefings and noted progress regarding Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Kissinger emphasized that these strategic engagements were intended to stabilize foreign policy optics amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the potential appointment of David Packard to a high-level position, evaluating his qualifications, political alignment, and rapport with Kissinger. The conversation also covers the success of Nixon’s recent meetings with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt and Egon Bahr, including the tone of Nixon's comments regarding the Soviet Union. Nixon concludes by reinforcing the administration's commitment to upcoming Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), instructing Kissinger to maintain high morale and execute their diplomatic strategy.
In this meeting, President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Secretary of State William Rogers discussed the administration's foreign policy strategy amidst the growing pressure of the Watergate scandal. The participants focused on preparing for an upcoming Soviet summit, managing ongoing negotiations regarding the Paris Peace talks and Cambodia, and evaluating personnel changes within the State Department. Despite concerns about domestic distractions and Congressional opposition, they emphasized the necessity of maintaining a firm stance in international negotiations, particularly regarding nuclear arms control and Southeast Asian stability.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the fallout from Kissinger's recent press briefing regarding national security wiretaps and his access to intelligence reports during the Watergate scandal. Kissinger reviews the success of his briefing, which aimed to refocus public attention on the upcoming Soviet summit and Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), while Nixon emphasizes that the administration’s wiretap policies were authorized and less extensive than those of the Kennedy administration. The two conclude by agreeing that the administration should resist releasing a list of wiretapped individuals to protect innocent parties and maintain focus on key foreign policy objectives.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Alexander Haig met briefly to coordinate the logistics and diplomatic agenda for Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev's upcoming visit. They discussed scheduling meetings with Senators and planning specific talks regarding SALT and Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR). Additionally, the group briefly addressed emerging press reports concerning John Dean’s handling of campaign funds, with Nixon emphasizing the need to manage the fallout from the Watergate-related allegations.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine strategy regarding Leonid Brezhnev’s ongoing visit and the upcoming Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War. They discussed whether to seek a Congressional resolution for the agreement, ultimately deciding against it to avoid unnecessary legislative scrutiny. Additionally, the pair reviewed the President's foreign policy accomplishments, specifically noting the positive shifts in media coverage and public perception despite the ongoing Watergate scandal.