Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Vietnam War negotiations
39 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Kissinger, Bull
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to strategize on high-stakes foreign policy issues, including Vietnam peace negotiations, the Berlin Agreement, and the impending US-Soviet summit. The President emphasized his desire to present a firm, blunt ultimatum to the North Vietnamese to force a final resolution, while also discussing the political necessity of ensuring the U.S. is disengaged from ground combat before the 1972 election. The conversation also touched upon domestic political concerns, including the management of the press, the potential impact of Democratic candidates' foreign policy positions, and Nixon's efforts to cultivate support through key allies like Nelson Rockefeller.
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 met with H.R. Haldeman, Alexander Butterfield, and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the administration's political and public relations response to the House vote on the Mansfield amendment. The group deliberated on the appropriate wording for presidential statements to effectively manage the amendment's impact on ongoing negotiations. Additionally, the participants briefly touched upon scheduling matters and personnel considerations, including a potential role for Alexander Haig.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Alexander Haig, and Henry Kissinger to strategize against the ongoing unauthorized leaking of classified government documents, specifically focusing on the Pentagon Papers and the role of Rand Corporation analyst Daniel Ellsberg. Expressing deep frustration with administration personnel like Charles Cooke, whom he suspected of compromising national security by sharing cables with Ellsberg, Nixon demanded a tougher, more aggressive approach to identifying and punishing leakers. The President directed his staff to implement a strict, "gloves off" policy toward the press while orchestrating a campaign to use leaked information to discredit his political opponents and shift public focus away from Vietnam.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and others to discuss sensitive foreign policy matters, specifically the Vietnam War negotiations and the status of U.S.-China relations. The participants evaluated propaganda efforts regarding the peace process and reviewed internal concerns about potential leaks and the handling of classified materials, including the Daniel Ellsberg case. Additionally, the President provided directives to staff regarding administrative scheduling and his desire to minimize unauthorized communication between the White House and the press.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, John Ehrlichman, and Alexander Butterfield to coordinate the administration's response to ongoing leaks of classified national security information. The President directed that all staff with access to sensitive documents be subjected to polygraph tests to identify the sources, expressing deep frustration with the Department of State and the Department of Defense. Additionally, the participants reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations and planning for the President's forthcoming diplomatic initiative with the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon met with Indonesian Ambassador Soedjatmoko and Henry Kissinger to discuss the geopolitical implications of the administration's recent initiative to open diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The participants addressed concerns from Asian allies regarding potential U.S. withdrawal from the region, with Nixon emphasizing that the U.S. remains committed to an active security and economic presence in Asia despite the normalization efforts. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger reviewed the status of secret Vietnam peace negotiations and planned a series of diplomatic communications to reassure global leaders of the strategic intent behind the China policy.
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 and John Mitchell discuss political strategies for the 1972 campaign, focusing on the administration’s forthcoming Vietnam speech and the public disclosure of secret peace negotiation offers. They review efforts to secure support from key political figures, including Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo and Illinois Governor Richard Ogilvie, through federal funding and policy coordination. The conversation also touches upon military strategy in South Vietnam and the administration's intent to pressure domestic opponents by highlighting the generous terms offered to North Vietnam regarding prisoner releases and troop withdrawal.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met with photographer Ollie Atkins to pose for promotional images before transitioning to a strategic review of foreign policy and public relations. Kissinger updated the President on recent discussions with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin regarding the upcoming Moscow summit, arms control, and potential Vietnam peace proposals. The pair also analyzed the domestic political response to Nixon's recent peace plan, expressing frustration with press criticism while noting broad public support despite media preoccupation with Kissinger's role as a secret emissary.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to discuss environmental planning, upcoming administrative scheduling, and the strategic management of public perception regarding Vietnam peace negotiations. Kissinger updated the President on recent North Vietnamese diplomatic maneuvers and the administration's efforts to rebut critics in the press, specifically focusing on the "nine-point" peace plan. Nixon directed his staff to maintain pressure on State Department officials to produce policy papers for the upcoming China trip while opting to meet with André Malraux to gain insights into Chinese leadership.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, William Rogers, and several senior staff members to coordinate U.S. strategy regarding the upcoming Soviet Summit, the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), and the ongoing North Vietnamese offensive. The discussions focused on ensuring a firm stance against Soviet-backed North Vietnamese aggression while maintaining diplomatic progress toward a SALT agreement. Nixon directed staff to prepare specific messaging for Ambassador Gerard Smith to ensure that U.S. negotiating positions were clearly defined as presidential directives, and he emphasized the need for a decisive military response—including a significant B-52 strike—should the North Vietnamese fail to halt their offensive operations.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, to coordinate political strategy for the 1972 election and prepare for an upcoming presidential press conference. The discussion focused on monitoring Democratic candidates, particularly the potential for shifting alliances and ticket configurations involving George McGovern, Ted Kennedy, and George Wallace. Additionally, the President and Kissinger refined the administration's messaging on foreign policy and Vietnam negotiations, focusing on maintaining U.S. credibility while managing domestic political pressure.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss strategies for the 1972 election, focusing heavily on managing political opposition and framing the Vietnam War as a campaign asset. They reviewed potential diplomatic maneuvers, including a revised proposal for North Vietnam and approaches to Middle East tensions following the expulsion of Soviet advisors from Egypt. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the United Nations and the bureaucracy, directing Kissinger to adopt a colder, dismissive tone toward UN leadership and to initiate a post-election effort to purge unsupportive officials from the government.
President Nixon directs Alexander Haig to instruct CIA Director Richard Helms to conduct a rigorous, sworn investigation into the involvement of individuals associated with the Pentagon Papers and Daniel Ellsberg. Nixon emphasizes the need for a sanitized, restrictive approach when dealing with outside inquiries, explicitly ordering that no sensitive information be leaked to the press or unauthorized parties. Additionally, the President critiques Henry Kissinger’s negotiation strategy regarding the Vietnam War, arguing that minor concessions should not distract from the necessity of securing a favorable political settlement.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the drafting of an upcoming American Legion speech, specifically requesting the inclusion of a Harry S. Truman quote to highlight a bipartisan commitment to national interests. The conversation then shifts to the administration's response to Pierre Salinger’s unauthorized visit to North Vietnam, which the President views as a dangerous interference in sensitive peace negotiations. Nixon directs Haldeman to coordinate with Alexander Haig and Ron Ziegler to publicly frame the incident as a serious matter that could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman convened at Camp David to strategize on political messaging regarding George McGovern's campaign, specifically the potential diplomatic interference caused by McGovern's contacts with North Vietnamese officials. They reviewed Press Secretary Ron Ziegler’s public handling of the issue, commending his framing of the situation as a security risk given McGovern’s refusal to accept formal briefings on current peace negotiations. Additionally, the President praised Charles Colson for his keen identification of political vulnerabilities, including his timely focus on farm parity issues.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, and other staff to coordinate the administration's response to the murders of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics, prioritizing public diplomacy and private US support for Israel. The participants also strategized on the 1972 presidential campaign, focusing on delegating attacks against George McGovern to surrogates while emphasizing positive administration accomplishments. Finally, the group discussed ongoing foreign policy objectives, including Kissinger’s upcoming trip to Moscow and potential Vietnam peace negotiation tactics to ensure favorable optics for the election.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate the administration's upcoming public schedule. Primary attention focused on planning a signing ceremony for the National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung, and Blood Act, specifically addressing the political implications of inviting Senator Edward M. Kennedy to the event. The group also discussed potential press opportunities involving Ray Charles to promote sickle cell anemia research and briefly touched upon status updates regarding Vietnam War negotiations.
President Nixon met with Polish Foreign Minister Stefan Olszowski, Witold Trampczynski, and U.S. officials to discuss strengthening bilateral trade, scientific cooperation, and Poland's role in European security. The conversation touched upon the upcoming 1972 U.S. election, with the Polish delegation expressing support for Nixon's reelection. Additionally, the participants discussed Olszowski's recent, difficult negotiations with North Vietnamese representatives and the potential impact of the U.S. election results on the Vietnam peace process.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and William P. Rogers met to coordinate foreign policy strategy ahead of the 1972 election, focusing on the potential political backlash from the American Jewish community regarding Soviet exit visas and trade agreements. The participants discussed the 'linkage' of these issues and debated the necessity of maintaining a firm stance against congressional amendments that would tie trade status to Soviet emigration policies. Additionally, the President and Kissinger reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, with Nixon emphasizing his resolve to use a post-election mandate to finalize a settlement while refusing to halt bombing operations without a clear agreement on the release of prisoners of war.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, radio addresses, and political strategy against Senator George McGovern. They discussed managing media relations, specifically handling a request from Walter Cronkite for a televised presidential appearance, while ensuring the administration’s policy positions remained clear to the public. Additionally, they reviewed sensitive Vietnam negotiations, weighing Henry Kissinger’s progress in Paris against the strategic concerns of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu and the potential for a post-election settlement.
President Nixon met with a large group of reporters and staff in the Oval Office to conduct a press conference, followed by a private debriefing with his senior aides, including H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Charles Colson. During the public session, Nixon addressed current events such as the 1972 campaign, the status of the Vietnam peace negotiations, allegations regarding the U.S.-Soviet grain deal, and his stance against a 1973 tax increase. Following the departure of the press, the President and his advisors discussed the effectiveness of his performance, particularly the benefit of using his responses as recorded campaign material, and strategized on future scheduling and media messaging.
President Nixon met with Thai officials Pote Sarasin and Anand Panyarachun, alongside John H. Holdridge, to reaffirm the United States' commitment to its defense treaty with Thailand and discuss the ongoing Vietnam War negotiations. Nixon underscored that the U.S. would not unilaterally abandon its Southeast Asian allies or its presence in the region, emphasizing that a continued U.S. military posture remained essential to maintaining global power balances against the Soviet Union and China. The discussion also addressed the status of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, and Nixon sought the Thai leadership's input on potential candidates for the next U.S. Ambassador to Thailand to ensure a direct, confidential line of communication.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss the 1972 reelection campaign strategy, specifically focusing on the timing of a potential Vietnam War peace settlement. Nixon expressed concerns that a premature announcement could jeopardize his political standing, concluding that peace negotiations should remain independent of election-year pressures to avoid appearing politically motivated. The discussion also included a detailed review of various state-level polls and campaign operations, with both men expressing confidence in the President's significant lead over George McGovern.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Alexander Haig to discuss the critical state of Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing that any potential bombing halt or move to Hanoi by Henry Kissinger must be strictly contingent upon a finalized, successful agreement. The participants expressed deep frustration with South Vietnamese leader Nguyen Van Thieu's resistance to settlement terms and discussed the necessity of maintaining leverage without allowing electoral politics to dictate foreign policy. Nixon also instructed that proposed settlement documents be tightly controlled within the White House to prevent unauthorized leaks or critiques from State Department officials. Beyond the Vietnam situation, the group addressed the timing of potential military aircraft deals with Israel, the political implications of upcoming congressional vetoes, and strategic messaging to ensure positive public reception of the President's actions through the final stretch of the election cycle.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Alexander Haig, and Stephen Bull to discuss the status of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically the unresolved issues regarding prisoners of war and military equipment for South Vietnam. Beyond foreign policy, the group coordinated the President's administrative response to a recently vetoed water bill, strategizing to frame a potential clean water tax as a fiscal necessity. Finally, the President established protocols for upcoming public events, including a U.S.-Soviet trade pact signing and a SALT II announcement, opting to limit his direct involvement in formal photo opportunities to maintain presidential distance.
President Nixon met with Japanese Foreign Minister Masayoshi Ohira and other officials to discuss the shifting landscape of Asian diplomacy, specifically regarding Japan's recent normalization of relations with the People's Republic of China. The participants addressed the implications of this new relationship for the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty, the stability of the Korean Peninsula following South Korea's declaration of martial law, and the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized that the U.S. remained committed to negotiating peace with honor in Vietnam and cautioned that the administration would not be pressured by the upcoming presidential election to accept a forced coalition government in South Vietnam.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief, late-night meeting at Camp David to discuss ongoing negotiations and the potential risks of appearing to withdraw or concede. The two men coordinated their stance on avoiding entanglement in current developments that could negatively impact the administration's political standing. Nixon emphasized that their primary concern regarding the situation was the potential for domestic repercussions rather than immediate external threats.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and Charles Colson to coordinate strategy for his 'Look to the Future' radio address and manage the final stretch of the 1972 presidential campaign. Discussions centered on Vietnam negotiations, with the President emphasizing the need to avoid a rushed settlement for political gain, and on countering George McGovern through aggressive messaging on social issues like busing and welfare. The group reviewed campaign tactics, including analyzing public sentiment in response to violent demonstrators in Boston and utilizing radio to maintain electoral pressure.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson met to discuss the final stages of the 1972 presidential campaign, focusing on delegating media responses and organizing future public appearances. They evaluated the effectiveness of Vice President Spiro Agnew in challenging George McGovern's stance on Vietnam negotiations, specifically emphasizing the contrast between "peace with honor" and McGovern’s perceived "irresponsibility." Additionally, the participants discussed personnel matters, including a potential transition for Clark MacGregor into a new role following the election.
President Richard Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller spoke following Nixon’s landslide victory in the 1972 presidential election to review preliminary results and the political landscape. They discussed the President’s strong showing in New York, the outcomes of various congressional races, and the failure of George McGovern's campaign. Additionally, Nixon disclosed that North Vietnam had recently agreed to unconditional negotiations, and the two men discussed the importance of post-election national unity.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the staffing and strategic reorganization of the administration's second term, including the planned departure of Cabinet members like George Romney and John Volpe. They evaluated the optics of announcing these changes, weighing the advantages of a symbolic press event at Camp David to project an image of decisive action. Additionally, they reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, acknowledging the high public expectations created by Henry Kissinger, and strategized on potential personnel appointments, including the U.N. ambassadorship for John Scali and various departmental roles.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the administrative reorganization for the second term, which included staff reductions and reassigning personnel to cabinet departments to improve efficiency. They discussed managing the East Wing and the role of Julie Nixon Eisenhower in assisting with transitions, as well as preparations for the 1973 Inauguration, including speechwriting and inaugural events. Additionally, the President reviewed his strategy for Vietnam negotiations, focusing on a proposal to link the cessation of bombing and troop withdrawal to the return of American prisoners of war.
In this wide-ranging discussion, President Nixon met with top aides and political associates to strategize for his second term, with a primary focus on navigating the difficult final stages of the Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized his resolve to continue bombing campaigns until a satisfactory agreement was reached while managing public perception and Congressional relations. The conversation also covered extensive planning for second-term personnel appointments—including naming John Scali as UN Ambassador—and organizational restructuring to ensure a loyal, efficient administration. Throughout, Nixon stressed the need for his appointees to avoid being captured by existing bureaucracies and to cultivate new political constituencies rather than deferring to the traditional East Coast establishment.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Maurice Stans, and others to discuss second-term administrative reorganizations, press strategy, and Vietnam policy, specifically the impact of renewed bombing. Much of the discussion focused on managing the aftermath of the 1972 campaign, including the handling of surplus funds and the recognition of major donors through social events and potential appointments. Nixon expressed frustration over the perceived political hostility of the press and the impact of the Watergate scandal on his administration's public reputation and fundraising efforts.
President Nixon met with his senior staff, including H.R. Haldeman and Charles Colson, to coordinate personnel changes for his second term, discuss strategies for managing press relations, and finalize plans for the upcoming inauguration. A major focus was the administration’s aggressive approach toward media outlets like The Washington Post and the television networks, with Nixon encouraging the use of regulatory pressure and cable television technology to bypass traditional information gatekeepers. Additionally, the President reviewed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of firm military action to prevent an enemy buildup while maintaining his public posture of seeking peace.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to manage public and media perception regarding the administration's recent foreign policy decisions and the ongoing negotiations led by Henry Kissinger. The pair focuses on refuting claims that the administration is 'crowing' over developments, instead emphasizing the necessity of their actions to counter North Vietnamese stalling and military buildup. Colson is tasked with reaching out to supportive journalists, specifically Crosby Noyes and others, to help frame the administration's narrative of calm determination in the face of congressional criticism.
President Nixon and Charles Colson opened their conversation by discussing the Washington Redskins' recent victory and Nixon’s unsuccessful efforts to reach coach George Allen to offer congratulations. The discussion quickly shifted to a professional concern regarding Henry Kissinger, specifically suspecting him of leaking information to New York Times journalist James Reston. Nixon ordered Colson to investigate Kissinger’s communications, including his private telephone records and potential contacts with the press, to confirm the source of the unauthorized disclosures. They agreed on the necessity of monitoring Kissinger more closely to maintain control over national security messaging during delicate Vietnam peace negotiations.