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Nixon Tapes on United Nations
137 conversations · page 2 of 2 · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Bush, Ziegler
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and various senior advisors met to discuss the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, focusing on the potential for a U.N. ceasefire, the status of American civilians, and the management of regional military actions. Concurrently, the President consulted with George H.W. Bush regarding U.N. strategy and coordinated with John Ehrlichman and Vice President Agnew on domestic legislative priorities, specifically tax bills and revenue sharing. The President also spoke with Wilbur Mills to foster a spirit of cooperation between the Administration and Congress regarding economic and tax legislation, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to ensure key bills advance.
On December 6, 1971, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:24 am and 9:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and UN Ambassador George H.W. Bush discuss U.S. strategy regarding the ongoing India-Pakistan War at the United Nations. The President directs Bush to aggressively pursue a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal, insisting that a political settlement must be secondary to stopping the fighting. Nixon also authorizes Bush to take the issue to the General Assembly to build public pressure and instructs him to forcefully counter any domestic political misrepresentations of the administration's position.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the ongoing India-Pakistan War, specifically evaluating a Soviet resolution at the United Nations that lacks a critical withdrawal provision. Nixon rejects the Soviet proposal and criticizes Secretary of State William P. Rogers for undermining the administration's official diplomatic position through inconsistent public statements. Kissinger is tasked with issuing a firm background statement to clarify the administration’s policy and emphasize Indian responsibility in the conflict.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the administration's public messaging regarding the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict and the flow of refugees. They considered having Henry Kissinger provide a press briefing to explain the White House position and counter criticisms from figures like Senator Edward Kennedy. The goal was to establish a more effective diplomatic posture at the United Nations without directly engaging in a political confrontation with Kennedy.
President Nixon met with Daniel P. Moynihan and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss the ongoing India-Pakistan war and domestic political strategy, specifically regarding school desegregation and busing. The participants evaluated international developments, including the search for a new UN Secretary General, before transitioning to a lengthy discussion on how the administration could frame education reform as a means to move past the divisive issue of busing. Nixon and his advisors explored rebranding these policies as a 'new era' of American education that emphasizes school choice and equality of opportunity while distancing the White House from the volatile desegregation debates of the past.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed a significant diplomatic victory at the United Nations General Assembly, where a resolution calling for a ceasefire and withdrawal in the India-Pakistan War passed by a lopsided margin. They interpreted the vote as a validation of U.S. policy and a rebuke to India, the Soviet Union, and domestic critics like John Kenneth Galbraith and Senator Edward Kennedy. Kissinger and the President planned to leverage this momentum by mobilizing political allies to attack liberal dissenters and draw public attention to the hypocrisy of critics who had previously opposed U.S. actions in Cambodia.
On December 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone from 11:45 pm to 11:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-039 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the positive impact of Nixon’s recent conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, which resulted in Canada voting with the United States at the United Nations regarding the India-Pakistan War. The two strategize on building further momentum through Senate resolutions demanding an Indian withdrawal from Pakistan while criticizing Soviet involvement. Additionally, they briefly touch upon the effectiveness of a recent background press briefing and plan to arrange a meeting between the President and Nelson Rockefeller.
On December 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 11:03 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-046 of the White House Tapes.
On December 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 11:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 632-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ambassador George H.W. Bush discuss the successful UN General Assembly vote regarding the India-Pakistan War, which favored the U.S. position for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal. They analyze why India’s claims of moral superiority failed to sway the international community and criticize domestic media narratives that portray the administration's stance as anti-Indian. Nixon directs Bush to maintain the focus on the principle of anti-aggression, emphasizing that neither population size nor form of government justifies military invasion.
President Nixon and UN Ambassador George H.W. Bush discuss the ongoing Indo-Pakistani War and the diplomatic strategy regarding the United Nations. Nixon emphasizes that the U.S. position should be framed as opposition to international aggression rather than a choice between India and Pakistan. The two leaders coordinate a narrative focused on upholding international order, arguing that no domestic political or moral justification permits one nation to invade another.
President Nixon met with former Speaker of the House John W. McCormack to exchange social pleasantries and discuss the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Nixon expressed a desire to avoid U.S. military involvement, characterizing the situation as a complex geopolitical power struggle involving the Soviet Union and China. The President emphasized a policy of providing only humanitarian aid while attempting to utilize the United Nations to de-escalate the regional violence.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss administrative scheduling and coordination regarding key staff members and political figures, including John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and Charles Colson. The discussion focuses on managing upcoming meetings and addressing recent developments concerning United Nations activities involving George H.W. Bush. Additionally, the President reviews logistical matters, including a potential conversation with John W. McCormack, to streamline executive operations.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the administration's political strategy regarding the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) child care legislation. They emphasize the need to align with conservative constituents to maintain ideological support, weighing potential risks against political gains. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon recent UN voting patterns, expressing satisfaction that the administration’s position remained consistent with international allies despite opposition from India and Russia.
President Nixon met with Hubert Maga of Dahomey, accompanied by Sophia K. Porson and Alexander M. Haig, Jr., to discuss international relations, foreign aid, and bilateral cooperation. The conversation focused on Dahomey’s alignment with U.S. positions at the United Nations, the importance of sovereign principles over national size in global affairs, and agricultural and urban development challenges in Dahomey exacerbated by drought and supply issues. The leaders addressed Congressional opposition to foreign aid and discussed Dahomey’s request for U.S. support regarding international labor appointments and peace efforts in the Middle East as recommended by the Organization of African Unity.
On December 31, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:14 pm and 9:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-120 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated this brief year-end call to commend George H.W. Bush for his performance while serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During the exchange, Nixon praised Bush's efforts in navigating the political landscape of New York and reaffirmed his value to the administration. The conversation concluded with a casual invitation for Bush to join the President for a social gathering at Camp David in January.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan conferred on strategies for addressing media coverage of the Indo-Pakistani War and the recent United Nations vote on a ceasefire. The President requested specific data regarding casualties and public sector salaries to help shape the administration's public narrative. They ultimately agreed to focus on long-range political messaging rather than reacting to minor news cycle developments.
President Nixon met with UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim, Secretary of State William P. Rogers, and Ambassador George H.W. Bush to discuss the future of the United Nations and U.S.-UN relations. The President emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to the organization but noted that public and congressional support is currently strained due to financial issues and perceived failures. The group discussed administrative reforms, the need for the UN to play a role in global peacekeeping, and strategies for Waldheim to establish strong, fair leadership to restore international and domestic confidence in the UN.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to finalize briefing points regarding an upcoming meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim. The discussion focused on establishing a clear public stance on U.S. support for the UN, while also addressing concerns regarding the organization's budget and the need to manage public perceptions of government spending. Additionally, the pair coordinated logistics for the President's travel, specifically addressing media presence during plane arrivals and an upcoming trip to Florida involving dock strike issues.
President Nixon met with U.N. Ambassador George H.W. Bush to commend his performance and technical competence in the role. Nixon shared praise from the Turkish Foreign Minister, who specifically highlighted Bush’s effectiveness and the personal kindness shown by Barbara Bush toward the families of other diplomats. The discussion reinforced the President’s high regard for Bush’s diplomatic efforts compared to traditional career officers.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig review the United States' humanitarian aid strategy regarding the recently formed nation of Bangladesh. The discussion centers on the allocation and structure of $100 million in relief funds, specifically debating whether aid should be administered bilaterally or channeled through the United Nations. Nixon seeks clarification on the international perception of the American contribution following the recent conflict between India and Pakistan.
President Nixon met with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss military strategy in Vietnam and the administration's political agenda during the 1972 election year. Nixon expressed frustration with the lack of progress in peace negotiations and advocated for intensified bombing campaigns, including the potential targeting of North Vietnamese dikes to force a resolution. Additionally, the participants addressed the need to counter criticism from the United Nations and discussed strategies for promoting the administration's economic record to voters.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, William Rogers, Alexander Haig, and other advisors to coordinate the administration’s response to the terrorist murder of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics. The discussion focused on balancing a display of international concern and U.S. empathy with the need to avoid politicizing the games or creating a precedent for national mourning that could be exploited. Nixon decided against a formal national day of mourning but agreed to monitor the situation closely, coordinate with Israeli officials, and seek potential international action against states that harbor terrorist organizations through the UN Security Council.
President Richard Nixon called Prescott S. Bush to offer well wishes and encouragement as Bush prepared for an upcoming surgery. The conversation touched briefly on the U.N. General Assembly and Nixon's recent discussion with George H.W. Bush regarding his father's health. The exchange focused primarily on providing personal support to a long-time friend and political ally during his recovery.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the transition of George H. W. Bush from his role as UN Ambassador to Chairman of the Republican National Committee. The discussion focused on managing Robert Dole’s potential resistance to the leadership shift, with Nixon directing Haldeman to use a firm approach to ensure a seamless succession by the 20th of December. They also strategized the timeline for public announcements and transition periods to avoid conflicts with ongoing Middle East negotiations.
On November 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:10 am and 1:47 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 232-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with George H.W. Bush regarding his appointment as the new chairman of the Republican National Committee. Nixon outlines a political strategy to ease the transition by replacing the current chairman, Bob Dole, while maintaining party unity and securing consensus from figures like Gerald Ford. Nixon instructs Bush to hold a firm stance on the timing of his departure from the United Nations to ensure a clean, immediate transition into his new role following the committee's vote.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly to coordinate administrative logistics and executive appointments. The discussion centered on the timing of the announcement regarding John A. Scali’s nomination as Ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, the participants reviewed the President’s schedule, including a planned telephone call to Arthur Krock.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including Henry Kissinger and Ronald Ziegler, to manage public perception and diplomatic strategy following the announcement of Kissinger's upcoming trip to North Vietnam. The discussion focused on maintaining strict control over press coverage to ensure the secrecy and productivity of the negotiations, while simultaneously addressing the sensitive reintegration of returning POWs and the ongoing cease-fire efforts in Laos and Cambodia. Additionally, the President engaged in a wide-ranging geopolitical review, discussing potential appointments to the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, strategies for dealing with European allies like Great Britain, and the administration’s mounting frustration with the United Nations.
President Nixon met with incoming UN Ambassador John A. Scali and General Brent Scowcroft to discuss strategies for representing U.S. interests within the United Nations. Nixon emphasized that Scali should adopt a pragmatic approach, defend U.S. foreign policy, and actively challenge the 'double standard' often applied to the United States by smaller nations. The discussion also covered logistical improvements for the UN mission staff, the status of Vietnam POWs, and the administration's firm stance against international subversion, particularly regarding Cuba.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:01 am and 11:02 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-100 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called John A. Scali to offer his well wishes before Scali assumed his new role as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During the brief exchange, the President also extended congratulations regarding Scali’s recent marriage to his wife, Denise. The conversation served primarily as a formal and personal gesture of encouragement as Scali prepared for his upcoming diplomatic assignment.
President Nixon held a brief, unscheduled exchange with John A. Scali, his newly appointed Ambassador to the United Nations, to touch base regarding his recent appointment. The conversation lasted only one minute and appears to have served as an informal check-in rather than a substantive policy discussion. No significant developments or specific action items were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon met with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, along with their respective foreign ministers and advisors, to discuss geopolitical strategy, international trade, and energy policy. The participants engaged in a detailed review of East-West relations, focusing on Soviet adherence to the Four Power Agreement regarding Berlin, strategies for the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), and West Germany’s upcoming entry into the United Nations. Additionally, the group addressed the necessity of coordinating energy and oil policies with Japan and the European Community, while exploring diplomatic paths for a Middle East peace settlement despite the complexities surrounding Israeli elections and Soviet involvement.