Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Vietnam War policy
20 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Kissinger, Haldeman
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss recent shifts in elite public opinion toward the administration, specifically noting a surprising consensus of respect and support expressed during a social dinner. Kissinger highlights the administration's strategic gains regarding China and Vietnam as key drivers of this improved standing, while Nixon focuses on the importance of maintaining a firm, decisive course. The two also coordinate efforts to finalize SALT negotiations with the Soviet Union, prioritizing direct, high-level communication to prevent bureaucratic leaks or delays.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed recent positive economic indicators, including stock market growth and a favorable Gross National Product increase, as a means to boost public confidence. The conversation then shifted to managing political opposition regarding the Vietnam War, with Nixon instructing Colson to pressure congressional "doves" and specifically requesting that Senator Edward Brooke hold off on public criticism for 30 days. Nixon planned to offer Brooke a private briefing on May 15, 1971, to secure this short-term cooperation while downplaying the administration's recent overtures toward the People's Republic of China as a concern to his political rivals.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to discuss strategies for tightening executive control, specifically ordering a mass resignation of all government holdovers—excluding J. Edgar Hoover and Richard Helms—prior to the next school year. Nixon directed the administration to increase its public visibility regarding disaster relief and mandated that Secretary of State William P. Rogers publicly defend administration policies on Vietnam and Laos during his upcoming press conference. Furthermore, the President expressed intense frustration with staff performance and internal dissent, ordering the immediate dismissal of specific personnel in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and urging a purge of disloyal staffers at the United Nations.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to review the latest developments regarding the Mansfield Amendment in Congress. The discussion focused on evaluating the status of this legislative proposal and its progress through the congressional process. No further actions were recorded in this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with staff members, including H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson, to discuss his upcoming schedule, press relations, and political strategy against Democratic opponents. The group focused on capitalizing on the rift between Ted Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey, including Nixon’s brief congratulatory phone call to Humphrey for publicly defending the President's Vietnam policy. Additionally, Nixon and Colson strategized on weakening Kennedy's presidential prospects by initiating a book project regarding the Chappaquiddick incident and highlighting the financial struggles of Edmund Muskie's campaign.
President Nixon met with William P. Rogers, Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate an administration response to the publication of the Pentagon Papers. The participants discussed strategies to minimize the perceived impact of the leaks by emphasizing that the papers represented an internal Department of Defense study rather than a consensus view of the administration, while concurrently highlighting the President's commitment to a new, independent Vietnam policy. They also addressed broader diplomatic issues, including NATO relations, arms limitation negotiations with the Soviet Union, and personnel transitions involving key foreign service positions.
President Nixon met with Republican Congressional leaders to discuss the administration’s new, multi-pronged national strategy for combating drug abuse, emphasizing a shift toward treatment, rehabilitation, and the creation of a centralized Special Action Office. During the discussion, Nixon and his team outlined plans for increased interdiction, expanded military detoxification programs, and a firm, non-permissive stance against the legalization of marijuana. Furthermore, the participants addressed the political climate surrounding the Vietnam War, with Nixon urging support against anti-war amendments and arguing that congressional deadlines for withdrawal would undermine sensitive ongoing negotiations.
President Nixon calls Congressman Charles Gubser to commend his recent performance in a congressional caucus and to express support for his plan to challenge fellow California Representative Paul J. McCloskey, Jr. Gubser outlines his intent to deliver a speech in McCloskey’s district refuting claims that the administration is engaged in an indiscriminate bombing campaign in Laos. Nixon encourages the effort, viewing McCloskey’s behavior as politically motivated and comparing him to Representative Donald W. Riegle, Jr. The two agree that Gubser will provide a copy of his speech to the White House for review.
President Nixon met with William E. Casselman II and William E. Timmons to discuss Casselman’s transition into a role at the General Services Administration (GSA). The President also consulted with Timmons regarding recent legislative strategy, specifically focusing on a Vietnam-related vote and anticipated outcomes in a House-Senate conference committee. The discussion highlighted the administration's ongoing efforts to influence congressional leadership and committee members on key policy matters.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff members to review a wide range of administrative, political, and foreign policy matters, notably including the impending vacancy on the Supreme Court following Justice Hugo Black's resignation. The discussion addressed the political strategy for potential court nominees, the administration's stance on the Office of Economic Opportunity extension bill, and military maneuvers in Vietnam. Additionally, the President reviewed his upcoming travel schedule and press relations, and he met briefly with reporter Eugene Risher to bid him farewell before his departure for a fellowship.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to discuss scheduling logistics for upcoming diplomatic engagements, specifically regarding the visit of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. The participants addressed the handling of White House visitor lists, the potential inclusion of additional officials in diplomatic meetings, and the management of domestic political fallout regarding the United Nations vote on China. Nixon also reviewed his recent efforts to secure support from members of Congress for the foreign aid bill and debated the optimal timing for a public announcement regarding U.S. troop levels in Vietnam.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger to discuss urgent administrative and foreign policy matters, including the passage of a continuing budget resolution and the management of ongoing congressional harassment regarding war powers amendments. The pair reviewed the status of international monetary policy negotiations involving John Connally and the positive diplomatic reception of the Chinese delegation at the United Nations. Additionally, Kissinger provided a briefing on the strategic mindset of Zhou Enlai ahead of the President’s upcoming visit to the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson to strategize for the 1972 campaign, emphasizing the need for an aggressive, hard-hitting approach against Democratic opponents. The discussion focused on framing the Vietnam War as the responsibility of the Democratic Party and exploiting divisions among contenders like Edward Kennedy, Edmund Muskie, and Hubert Humphrey. Nixon and Colson also reviewed the political impact of busing, polling data trends, and the necessity of keeping Republican Congressional leadership actively engaged in the political counterattack.
President Nixon met with Clark MacGregor to coordinate the administration's legal and political defense regarding the Senate investigation into the ITT antitrust settlement. They strategized on managing witness testimony and committee dynamics, specifically aiming to mitigate aggressive questioning from Democratic senators Edward Kennedy and John Tunney by utilizing Republican committee allies. Furthermore, Nixon urged MacGregor to maintain an offensive political posture, particularly by contrasting the administration's actions with previous Democratic inaction on conglomerates and by framing the administration's stance on the Vietnam War as a necessary defense against communist aggression.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistics for an upcoming dinner with congressmen. The discussion focused on finalizing the guest list, specifically addressing invitations for Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, Donald Rumsfeld, and former representative Clark MacGregor. The participants also reviewed drafting edits for a speech regarding Vietnam policy, emphasizing the administration's stance against communist aggression and the necessity of preventing future conflicts.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed congressional strategy regarding a potential tie vote on an 'end the war' bill, speculating on the role of Vice President Agnew in breaking a deadlock. The discussion transitioned to the President's upcoming speech at the International Monetary Fund meeting, where they criticized the influence of Henry Kissinger and the establishment media, particularly journalist Marvin Kalb. Following Stephen Bull's entry, the group finalized scheduling details for meetings with labor leaders and a photo session with the British Ambassador.
President Richard Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to coordinate the President's upcoming travel schedule to the South and finalize logistics for the accompanying press pool. They also discussed strategies to leverage negative campaign themes against George McGovern, specifically targeting his positions on amnesty, the Vietnam War, and prisoners of war to sharpen the distinction between the candidates. Additionally, the pair reviewed recent civil unrest, including a hostage incident in Washington, D.C., and evaluated the effectiveness of the local police force.
President Nixon called Montana Senate candidate Henry Hibbard to offer his personal encouragement during the final days of a difficult election campaign. Nixon emphasized his alignment with Hibbard on the issues of achieving 'peace with honor' in Vietnam and maintaining national strength. While discussing the state's patriotic electorate, the President explained that he could not personally visit Montana due to the political complications involved in traveling to neighboring states like South Dakota. Nixon tasked Hibbard with conveying the President's full support to the local press.
President Nixon met with journalist Saul Pett for a reflective interview regarding his health, management style, and the nature of the presidency following his 1972 reelection. Nixon emphasized the importance of physical, mental, and emotional discipline in maintaining the objectivity required to handle intense national crises, such as the Vietnam War. He asserted that being reelected allowed him to govern with greater focus on long-term national interests rather than short-term political gains, while also highlighting his preference for delegation and his detachment from reactive news media.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Henry Kissinger, and other staff members to discuss political messaging, legislative relations with Congress, and the strategic direction of his administration. The participants addressed the difficulties of maintaining secrecy during delicate negotiations, particularly concerning military actions and public perception of the war effort. The conversation reflects the President's frustration with congressional opposition and his intent to navigate these political challenges through careful control of the administration's public narrative.