Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on USSR
30 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Bull, Ziegler
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the administration's ongoing diplomatic initiatives, specifically focusing on the recent outreach to the People's Republic of China and the resulting reactions from the Soviet Union and the press. Kissinger provided an update on his interview with Newsweek, asserting that the China initiative had successfully overshadowed Vietnam in the media, and expressed optimism that a breakthrough in Vietnam negotiations could occur suddenly due to Asian negotiation patterns. The two also addressed concerns regarding Soviet agitation and potential future diplomatic moves, with Nixon emphasizing the necessity of maintaining forward momentum despite the delicate international climate.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss urgent foreign policy matters, specifically the status of Vietnam negotiations and ongoing relations with the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. Kissinger briefed the President on planned communications with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin regarding the Vietnam conflict, while the two analyzed political fallout from domestic media coverage and recent anti-war demonstrations. Additionally, they reviewed poll data on the administration's Vietnam policy and discussed the political necessity of maintaining a firm stance against partisan criticism from Democrats.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss stalled Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the USSR and ongoing efforts to secure a peace agreement in Vietnam. Kissinger expressed frustration with Soviet stonewalling and advised that the administration adopt a tougher public stance if no progress was made by the following week. The two also coordinated plans for managing congressional pressure regarding the Vietnam War, including the possibility of publicly proposing a ceasefire deadline, and reviewed logistics for Kissinger's forthcoming secret diplomatic initiatives with the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the status of ongoing Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) negotiations with the Soviet Union, specifically focusing on the timing of a public announcement and the potential for bureaucratic delays. Kissinger expressed confidence that an agreement remained likely, despite concerns over the State Department's recent publication of diplomatic communications and the political implications of the Mansfield Amendment. The conversation also touched upon domestic political challenges, with both men expressing skepticism regarding the seriousness of various Democratic politicians, including Jimmy Carter and Edward Kennedy.
President Nixon met with his staff and advisors to coordinate the strategic announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement with the Soviet Union. The group focused heavily on controlling the release of information to the press and Congressional leaders to prevent premature leaks and to ensure that the administration controlled the narrative regarding the agreement's historical significance. They devised a plan to conduct high-level briefings for wire services and network correspondents to shape media coverage, while also briefly discussing the termination of the Supersonic Transport (SST) project.
President Nixon calls George W. Ball to express appreciation for Ball's instrumental role in lobbying Democrats to defeat the Mathias Resolution. Ball highlights a growing sense of isolation and suspicion among senators regarding foreign policy, recommending that the administration improve congressional relations through small-group briefings on sensitive topics like Soviet negotiations. Nixon acknowledges the need for better communication and suggests coordinating these sessions through Secretary of State William P. Rogers to mitigate institutional friction between the State Department and the White House.
President Nixon met with Hong Kong-based businessman Harold Lee and Henry Kissinger to solicit an expert perspective on the shifting geopolitical landscape in Asia. The discussion focused on U.S.-China relations, the motivations behind the People's Republic of China's recent diplomatic openness, and the broader, even-handed foreign policy Nixon intended to pursue between the USSR and China. Nixon and Kissinger also discussed the difficulties of maintaining U.S. alliances, specifically regarding Taiwan, while managing the pragmatic realities of global power dynamics.
President Nixon met with Senator James L. Buckley and Attorney General John N. Mitchell to discuss the administration’s foreign policy, specifically ongoing developments regarding the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union. Nixon emphasized his commitment to maintaining a strong national defense, detailing his efforts to secure congressional support for military hardware, including the ABM system and naval modernization, despite resistance from Democrats. The participants discussed strategies to leverage conservative support for defense spending while countering potential budget cuts proposed by political rivals in the lead-up to the 1972 election. Nixon proposed arranging a private briefing for influential conservatives to provide them with the strategic data necessary to advocate for his defense priorities.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss foreign policy, specifically relations with the PRC, USSR, India, and Pakistan, while also coordinating their strategy regarding the Vietnam War. A central focus of the conversation was the hostile press coverage of the administration, which they analyzed using an Edith Efron media study to confirm network bias against the President. Nixon and his advisors decided to maintain a low profile on Vietnam while launching a more aggressive public relations effort to challenge the media's credibility and the liberal establishment's influence on government policy.
President Nixon and senior staff, including H.R. Haldeman and Ron Ziegler, held extensive discussions regarding the strategic planning of the President’s upcoming trips to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the USSR. The conversation covered the coordination of public announcements, the management of press coverage—specifically regarding New York Times interviews with Chou En-lai—and the integration of these diplomatic maneuvers into the 1972 re-election campaign. Furthermore, the participants reviewed domestic political concerns, including school busing, potential changes to the presidential ticket, and the implementation of a new national economic program involving wage and price controls.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate foreign policy maneuvers, specifically focusing on the upcoming announcement of Kissinger’s trip to the People's Republic of China and the strategic timing of Vietnam-related policy announcements. They reviewed recent legislative developments, including the passage of the Byrd Amendment, and discussed managing domestic political reactions to foreign affairs, such as the UN vote and potential impacts on the U.S.-USSR summit. Nixon emphasized his desire to keep foreign policy initiatives low-key to minimize criticism while simultaneously pressuring officials to ensure that ongoing crises, such as the India-Pakistan situation, remained under control.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate public relations strategy regarding sensitive foreign policy developments and to discuss the domestic political landscape. They agreed to maintain a matter-of-fact, low-key approach to upcoming diplomatic announcements to preserve bargaining leverage with the Soviet Union and China. The discussion also touched on Nelson Rockefeller’s state of mind following the Attica Prison riots and the administration’s intention to minimize reliance on mainstream press outlets like the New York Times in favor of direct communication. Finally, they explored potential initiatives to better publicize the administration's foreign policy achievements, including a possible television appearance by the President.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the distribution of materials he had recently dictated regarding his upcoming diplomatic trips to the USSR and the People's Republic of China. The conversation focused on the dissemination of these documents, which framed the administration's stance on the ideological differences between the United States and these communist powers. Nixon instructed Bull on the specific circulation of these records, including copies for his personal use and family members.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss finalizing a grain deal with the Soviet Union that has been stalled by shipping labor disputes. Nixon emphasizes the significant political impact the agreement will have on the Corn Belt and instructs Kissinger to coordinate with Charles Colson and the Soviet embassy to resolve the remaining obstacles. The President expresses urgency in securing the agreement, aiming to make a formal announcement by the following day.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and briefly spoke with Rose Mary Woods to coordinate scheduling and administrative details regarding upcoming diplomatic and social events. The discussion covered logistics for an upcoming Bermuda trip, a photo opportunity with Senator Strom Thurmond, and the reporting process for Maurice Stans following his visit to the USSR. Additionally, they addressed seating and invitation issues for a White House dinner involving George Shultz and the Brazilian delegation, emphasizing the need to manage professional optics and avoid unnecessary attendance at specific diplomatic meetings.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize their response to the escalating India-Pakistan conflict and the potential collapse of West Pakistan. They discussed the necessity of maintaining a firm stance toward the Soviet Union and India, specifically considering a message to the People's Republic of China regarding military movements. Additionally, Nixon directed Kissinger to conduct background briefings with the press to deflect blame for the regional crisis and to manage public perception of the administration's foreign policy. The meeting also touched upon planning for Vietnam peace initiatives and the need for a tough diplomatic posture in upcoming international communications.
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.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the escalating India-Pakistan conflict and the potential necessity of U.S. intervention with the Soviet Union. Nixon affirmed his commitment to supporting Pakistan despite contrary diplomatic advice and concerns regarding the upcoming Moscow Summit. The two strategized on how to pressure the USSR to restrain India from invading West Pakistan, establishing a fallback position should their initial efforts fail.
President Nixon placed a holiday call to Secretary of Commerce Maurice Stans, who was vacationing with John A. Mulcahy. The discussion primarily served to exchange Christmas greetings, though Nixon briefly addressed geopolitical concerns regarding the Soviet Union. The President praised Stans’s recent trip to the USSR and reaffirmed the administration’s strategic approach to upcoming diplomatic negotiations.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and his staff to express gratitude for their extensive efforts on major foreign policy initiatives, specifically regarding the Soviet Union and China. During the discussion, Nixon reflected on historical figures like Woodrow Wilson to emphasize the necessity of balancing idealism with pragmatic, disciplined diplomacy. He concluded by asserting that the rigorous 'homework' performed by the staff provided the best opportunity for achieving global peace in 1972.
President Nixon met with the General Advisory Committee on Arms Control and Disarmament to deliberate on the ongoing negotiations with the Soviet Union regarding strategic arms limitations. The discussion focused on the complexities of ABM systems, the technical challenges of verification, and the political implications of potential agreements for domestic support and international relations. Participants also analyzed the strategic balance between the U.S. and the USSR, weighing the risks and opportunities of reaching a formal accord.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the administration's strategic messaging regarding the North Vietnamese offensive and the role of great powers. Nixon highlighted his recent remarks to an Associated Press reporter, emphasizing the responsibility of nations like the USSR to refrain from encouraging aggression. The President also analyzed the military situation in South Vietnam, expressing confidence that the ongoing North Vietnamese "Sunday punch" would fail while directing Ziegler to monitor media coverage closely.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the tactical delay of a meeting or communication involving Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin. Expressing concern over potential manipulation by the Soviets, the President emphasizes the need for an FBI background check to ensure security. The two agree to postpone their next move until they have verified the reliability of the situation.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum regarding his previous interactions with Nikolai Podgorny of the USSR during the funeral of Charles de Gaulle. The discussion focused on clarifying the accuracy of US intelligence reports concerning Soviet interest in meeting with the President. Nixon emphasized the need for the CIA to provide more precise assessments of these high-level diplomatic encounters.
President Nixon utilized this session to dictate a memorandum regarding his recent diplomatic mission to the Soviet Union. The focus of the dictation centered on his interactions with General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev and observations related to intelligence matters. This record serves as a personal summary of high-level geopolitical engagements during the 1972 summit.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum regarding his recent diplomatic trip to the Soviet Union. He reflects on his interactions with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and notes specific details concerning an expensive gift. The brief recording also touches upon matters related to Iran.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum regarding his recent diplomatic mission to the Soviet Union. The primary focus of the brief recording was a discussion involving Leonid Brezhnev. The President specifically noted the overwhelming nature of the ceremonial engagements during his visit.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson to discuss Colson's upcoming trip to the USSR, focusing on the potential for strategic speech material, public relations, and trade negotiations. The conversation shifted to an extensive review of polling data provided by Albert E. Sindlinger, which Nixon and Colson used to analyze public sentiment on the Vietnam War settlement, economic issues, and shifting social values. Finally, the two discussed public relations strategies for managing the media, emphasizing the need for the administration and its supporters to more aggressively combat negative press coverage regarding Watergate and domestic policy.
President Nixon met with a staff member, identified as Greg, to discuss scheduling arrangements for upcoming visits from international delegations. The conversation focused on coordinating ten-to-fifteen-minute meetings with visiting governors from Japan and the Soviet Union expected in the spring. Additionally, the President briefly addressed the handling of gifts for Israeli Ambassador Yitzhak Rabin.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss diplomatic strategy, specifically focusing on the status of Vietnam and the upcoming schedule for General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The discussion included the formulation of official statements and considerations regarding U.S. relations with the Soviet Union. The participants evaluated the effectiveness of recent diplomatic maneuvers and established parameters for future communications.