Reproduced from the open files
of the Nixon Presidential
Materials Staff

DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12958, Sect. 3.6

By KHLW NARA, Date 5/13/64

*

In Telcon with the President, Nov. 1, 1969

10:05 am

President said I want you to prepare for my signature a personal letter to Rogers and Laird. I think I will say in my brief conversation with Dobrynin I made it very clear that while we would proceed with talks and discussions on Middle East that progress on those talks would be greatly affected by the Vietnam situation and that we have to realize that Vietnam, as a fact of life, poisons our relations. With that letter in the file, I will write a letter to Rogers, Laird and you. I will say I want this line dissented by everyone in the bureaucracy. I can't have our State Department people sandbagging us.

K said he would take care of it.

P said with regard to Latin American speech, he spoke to Haldeman. I want XXXXX you, and Haldeman, within the next two days, to get any good statements by Latin American Presidents and want to get them to Ziegler for release as "White House was delighted to learn that, etc. etc. That is the way to do it. I want the foreign reaction reflected here. Don't send them to me. Get them to Klein and Ziegler and to State and say get it to the press.

K said I will have USIA start collecting them immediately.

P said also I want everyone of our Ambassadors to report to me every reaction, particularly from Heads of Government or major newspapers and send it directly to me at the White House with a copy to State. Send the wire directly to me.

P also said get Defense to get copies of this speech (Vietnam) in the hands of every soldier out there.

meh

By: KHC NARA, Dato: 5/12/04

Telecon

Stew Loory
11/3/69; After Midnight

Caller said he was Raymond Aubrac and that he was calling in reference to the President's speech. He said he was a friend of Mr. Kissinger's and that we better give Mr. Kissinger his name as he thought K would want to speak with him. K got on the telephone and L began to ask for the whole story. K said there is no story to tell and I am not going to talk with you. K said he was sorry to be so unhelpful but I cannot talk about secret facts

By: KHC NARA, Date: 5/12/64

Talecon
Joseph Kraft

9:30 a.m. 11/3/69

K said he was thinking about their brief conversation yesterday and wanted to say -- totally off the record which Kraft agreed to -- that neither Rogers nor Laird have ever made recommendations in this office in any *xx* sence or in the President's office in the direction that Kraft had indicated. If either of them had and can point to one document in which they have don this, K would make sure that the document was declassifed and Kraft would see it. They had not made any oral recommendations either but Kraft would have to take K's word for that. K indicated that he had not talked to anyone else on this and the only reason he called Kraft was to clear up this situation. He (HAK) was stunned by what Kraft had written. When K read Kraft's article, K thought it had been some underling who was trying to make his boss look good. K said he wasn't aware of what L' and R's private convictions were in this instance. K said he was counting on Kraft not to say anything. If Kraft had asked prior to writing the column, K said he didn't think he would have commented on it then, but as he thought about it, it seemed to him that Kraft deserved to know.

Kraft was grateful for K taking the time to explain this and promised that he would not say *xx* or write anything on this. Kraft said when K has more time, he would like to discuss SALT. Kraft gathered Larry Lynn was expanding *xx* into the budget area. K explained that we are reviewing the Defense Budget in a committee in which the Arms Control Agency and State is represented. This way the decisions aren't made on strictly security grounds. Lynn thinks that the views we are insisting on in the long term may have a more profound effect on our national security posture than it did during McNamara, but it is no reflection on McNamara. K added that we are linking SALT and Defense together. Kraft asked if there was any reason why he couldn't write about that and K said he could but not to link his *xx* name. Kraft asked what the reason was for naming Schlesinger "Deputy representative. K said he *xx* didn't know, he had nothing to do with that decision and wasn't even in on the discussions.

Kraft asked if he would see K on the 14th. K said he would call him in a couple of days with an answer. Kraft asked if he would be pleased with tonight and K said he wouldnot speculate and Kraft shouldn't write anything.

By KCLW NARA, Dato S/12/04

Telecon
The President
9:50 a.m. 11/3/69

The President wanted to make sure K ran page 3 over with the changes. One word change that K had was on page 2 -- K indicated that the war had been going on actually for only four years.

Just for the President's consideration, K wanted him to know that Bill Moyers sent a telegram with a quote from Pres. Wilson "You have laid upon me this double obligation, we are relying upon you, to keep us out of war, but we are relying upon you to keep the honor of the nation unstained." The President didn't like the word honor and had been trying to use everything like it. He said he would use it at a later time. K thought it was good of Moyers to send it and said he would call him today.

K indicated that Harlow wanted him to do a lot of Congressional briefing. Harlow suggested separate meetings with Mansfield and Kennedy which K saw some advantage in doing. Harlow has also suggested separate meetings with McCormick and Albert. The President said K couldn't spend all of his time with these briefings and said K should do all four together. K and Harlow thought it might be good to do the Cooper group that was gathered for the Pres. other speech. After that speech, the group came out in strong support of the speech. The President agreed and said K could give them the Ho Chi Minh letter and say its being released to the press. K didn't think he should give the letter to anyone outside this building. President agreed and said K could indicate that copies would be available at 9:00. K said he didn't mind briefing the Congressional people but he thought that if there were too many people, they would start talking.

K indicated that pages 24 and 29 had been redone when the President asked.

The President asked K to find out about the New York Times thing. K said he would. The President said nevermind, he would call Haldeman.

The President said we have to keep the momentum going and asked if K had the notes about making phone calls and K said yes. The president indicated that K should emphasize the line that we have a plan and emphasize the positive side. He asked K what his analysis of the Green Beret thing in the papers was. K said he was checking into it but that it wasn't a huge battle. They always attack these bases. The Pres. asked why Bunker hasn't put B-52s in there. K said they have and reports have come in with some secondary responses. K indicated that there would be no action today because of speech but would begin on the 4th and then pick up the tempo. They have been attacking along the Cambodian border against artillery outposts. It could be the beginning of a more serious attack. K said he would not draw the conclusion that this is the end of the lull. They have pulled many forces out of the country so if they are going to attack, it will have to be along the border. The President said t

By KHC NARA, Date 5/12/04

the Air Force was lousy and are they just making milk runs. K said his
confidence in them wasn't very high either. The orders come from here
and they have been carried out.

The President wanted to go over page 23 again. He also wanted K to work it out so the Pres. could send letters to Laird and Rogers. He wanted suggestions with regard to how they will handle the testimony. He wants K to anticipate questions they may be asked regarding time table, threat, concessions, etc. This won't be an NSC memo but a personal letter. The Pres. wanted it pointed out that between now and Nov. 15 it is imperative that there be no indications of concessions. Tell Haldeman and Ehrlichman that they are not to do anything that looks to be a softening. K agreed that everyone should be calm and cool-headed.

The President said he didn't mind K doing the briefings on the hill but no circumstances should he give out copies. K said he would do the briefings without taking a copy out of the office. K agreed with the Pres. that if you start giving out copies to Congressional leaders, you might just as well release it to the press. There will be no release until 8:15 in the East Room. K indicated that Flaming Flanigan would be talking to the Apostolic Delegate and Garment will talk to the Isralis and K will be seeing the Amb. in his office.

*

By: KHC NARA, Dated: 5/12/64

Telecon
Governor Love

10:45 a.m. 11/3/69

K was calling Love about the President's speech. He couldn't give Love an advance text but K was calling because this is such an important speech and the President would like to rally as much support as we can. This is not a political speech but is directed at everyone concerned with the war. It is a strong and compassionate speech but it will not make all the doves happy. Love asked, generally, if we are going to move toward disengagement or are we going the other way. K said the President will explain where he is headed with precision -- certainly we are not going the other way. K said that anything Love could do to organize support from Colorado would be greatly appreciated. In K's judgment of Love, he was sure Love would be satisfied. Also in Love's position as Chairman of the Governor's Conference, anything for support there would be appreciated. Love indicated that a telegram with over 10,000 names had been sent to the President today supporting his policies.

Love said that the speech was probably a difficult one to put together. K agreed and added that those who want to end the war will have something to rally to. Love said he would be happy to organize the support. K told him to call the next time he is in Wash. so they could get together.

By: KHC NARA, Dato: 5/12/04

Telecon
Secretary Rogers
10:47 a.m. 11/3/69

Rogers was concerned that there must be some kind of back channel communication to Byrode on the Philippine situation and couldn't figure out were it was coming from but was not suggesting that it came from K's shop. K said he hoped Marshall Green told Rogers that K is on Rogers side in this. It was all very strange for him to be (Byrode) to come out with a complete reversal. K said he would check into this. Actually Ehrlichman was handling it and K has been acting as a buffer. Rogers indicated that Fulbright's committee knows all about this and will make it public if they don't think we are being reasonable. Rogers said he was trying to make the best of the situation. K said he would check it out.

On the speech, dK indicated that the President hadn't returned from Camp David and it would probably be late this afternoon. I don't think he would get a copy until 5:00. Rogers said that would be fine and would appreciate it if K would send it to Mrs. Runkel. Rogers asked if a press release would be put out and K said not until 8:30 in the East Room.

Rogers thought the L. A. speech went very well. If we can't have a big aid program, what do we have.

*

By KH. NARA, Date 5/12/64

Telecon

Dean Acheson

11/3/69; 10:59

Dean Acheson said he thought it was fine (the speech). A said the whole tone of it was sober. Bill Bundy was here listening to it and Bill agreed this was the first time we really had a full, thorough exposition of the thing. K said I hope you recognized the ending. A said he said them well and he thought who ever wrote those words was good. A said I think he made a lot of friends on this one. A said I would like to know what he means by, "we will do something if they get tough." K said he had to say that. A said that's right. Please tell him that I was delighted with it. A also said he thought it was kind of him to have K telephone him. K said your opinion means a great deal to us. A said I am on your ball club and I will help all I can. K said the President feels reasonably content. He knows he has done the right thing. A said he did it in a good way -- very serious, nothing smart about it, nothing harsh. A said he thought the speech was strong, understanding and wise and he thought it would appeal to the great silent majority. K said A's 1/2 hour conversation last week was really the turning point. K said thank you very much. A said congratulate him for me.

feg

*

By KHW NARA, Date 5/12/64

Telecon
The President
11:20 a. m. 11/3/69

On page 24, the President wanted to make one change, in the last sentence. (He read how he wanted it to read and K agreed). K said he would have it retyped. K indicated the President should say "on a schedule in accordance with our program". The President thought that would leave us more room.

K said he talked to Love. Love has already sent telegram with 10,000 signatures supporting the President's policies. K said he was on his way to brief Meany. The Pres. wanted to be sure Haldeman got to the Legion and VFW.

The President said he would have fun with this and for K not to worry..

K said he showed Flanigan the last page and Flanigan thought it was very moving.

DECLASSIFIED

E.O. 12958, Sect. 3.6

By KHC NARA, Dated 5/12/64

Telecon
Bill Moyers

11:25 a.m.

11/3/69

K wanted Moyers to know he was very touched by the telegram. Moyers said he was reading some of Wilson's speeches and it seemed to fit the President's dilemma at this moment. Moyers said he made a speech on the day of the moratorium. The thrust of it was to ask for compassion for the President. To K, the hardest thing to get out is that we are doing what the liberals wanted to have done on the Democratic platform and we get accused of wanting war. K thought that what he and Moyers had discussed long ago was still valid. In his editorials, Moyers has been following that line. K said if we could just get some unity for 9 months. There is no doubt where we are going. To keep getting in a debate of what the rate of withdrawals should be and other gimmicks, doesn't serve any purpose. Moyers remembered when he had breakfast with K in April and K indicated that there would be movement in November. K said this coming April we will be able to point to much more. When asked, K said he didn't want to go into the speech, but people won't be able to say the President didn't explain his policies.

K said he would love to see Moyers and to please call when he is next in Washington. Moyers said he would and also that the President K wanted to know that there were some who appreciated the President's dilemma.

By KHW NARA, Dato 5/13/04

Telecon
Governor Reagan
12:10 p. m. 11/3/69

K was calling about the President's speech tonight which he thought would please Reagan. It doesn't do the things they were talking about in that sence but it sets them up by trying to tying the other side to lower casualties and clearly indicates what we are going to do. It is very strong. Since they were speaking on an open line, K couldn't go into too much detail. It indicates why we will not announce a timetable, we will not have unilateral withdrawal, indicates the obstacles in Hanoi. It will not please our liberal friends. Reagan asked if Hanoi had made any overtures. K said they have not except for lowering activity.

K said anything Reagan could do to get public expression of support would be appreciated and clearly in the national interest. Also, if Reagan could get people in California to follow through with support after speech it would help tremendously. They have been chopping away at us and now after the moratorium the President is even stronger. K said he can assure Reagan that in the spirit of what they have been talking about, the speech is very close to that conversation. K wouldn't sure what Reagan could organize from London. Reagan indicated that there would be support in London. The press has already approached him. K said what he has told Reagan now is strictly off the record. Reagan agreed. They asked Reagan what he thought and Reagan expressed what was his personal view and that he had no advance notice or inside information. K said that line was safe. K said the second point of Reagan's was being made in a more complicated way. The Pres. would appreciate anything R could do to get support, and R would have to be the best judge of how to do it.

K told Reagan to stop in on his way back but Reagan said he would be going straight to Calif but would call the next time he is in Wash.

By KL V NARA, Date 5/13/64

Telecon
Dean Acheson

12:15 p.m.

11/3/69

K wanted to call Acheson about the speech and that the Pres. tried to follow Acheson's injunctions. It was not addressed to Acheson primarily and A quite understood that. K thought A would recognize some phrases. K said he tried to strike a note of firmness and compassion and it is a very strong speech. Some will howl with rage because it doesn't tie us to a timetable. It is in the spirit of what was discussed in the Oval Room. It indicates what we have done and where we are going.

Acheson said he was delighted and would listen with eagerness. The Pres. wanted K to tell Acheson how much their talk meant to him. To find understanding in that job is not the easiest thing in the world. Acheson said he knew the anguish of his position.

By K.L. NARA, Date 5/12/64

Telecon
Sec. Laird

11/03/69 12:38 p.m.

L wanted to check one thing out with K. The press is going to have 12 hours in Saigon to be working on the P's speech. L thought he should send the press some guidance on it at about 6:00 p. m. tonight. K thought that was a good idea. L said the speech will be on there at 9:30 tomorrow morning-- they'll have the whole night with the press guys not having much to do. K said tell the President will not fargive any deviation from his line. K said he doesn't have the text yet. L doesn't think we need the text, just an overall guidance, or anything else K wants. L thinks he ought to get to Abrams. K said they're popping off too much as it is over there. L said yes, they have about 250 reporters. K said yes, and you can't tell every division commander. K said the P doesn't want any discussion of withdrawal schedules, force levels to be mentioned or any speculation on them. K said the same goes for L's meeting on Thursday. K asked for time to think about other guidance. K said it's a good idea at least to put them on notice. K said for L to say that they must follow the P's line, and not try to interpret it.

K said the P is coming back from Camp David this afternoon and we won't have a text of the speech until then. But K doesn't think there will be any changes from what L has. L said he thinks it's worked out well--there haven't been any serious leaks. K said it's been ok except for the Murray Marder article this morning--he's the only one who's come close, said what he thought the P would cover. L said he had seen the New York Times and Los Angeles Times. K said they were both ok; K said he would get the speech to L by 7:00 tonight.

*

By KHC NARA, Dato 5/12/04

Telecon

Tom Johnson

11/03/69 12:50 p.m.

K said he wanted President Johnson to know that we think he'll be pleased with what we are saying--it is in his spirit. There will be no pull-out or anything else, it's a firm restatement of our position. K said he was telling J this off the record--he assumes that J's is not a leaking outfit. J said no of course not.

K said the only passage which may hurt Johnson a bit is where we have listed the changes we have made. K said we have to list them--we have to show we are doing something. But the comment is in no sense pejorative. The speech expressly states that every preceeding President has been dedicated to peace. K said he thinks they will feel that we are carrying out the spirit of their policy. K said he wanted to call attention to that one element which is done in low key and in no pejorative sense. No troop withdrawals made. That's the only thing, the rest is a very strong statement.

K asked J to call him tomorrow and tell him frankly his reaction. J said he would. J said he would be talking with President J soon and would pass the word along to him. K asked J please to give Johnson K's high regards. K said he never knew what he went through. K said we are trying to get maximum public support for a firm policy; we're not giving in to them and we're not making any concessions to them.