Reproduced from the open files
of the Nixon Presidential
Materials Staff

DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12958, Sect. 3.6

By KML NARA, Dato 5/12/04

TELECON
Senator Stennis

7/1/71 11:30 a.m.

1

S: We talked yesterday while I was over at the conference. We got that language. We couldn't handle that; didn't get anywhere. Couldn't get it edited. I don't think it meets the situation at all in the Senate. It's just not enough.

K: Where does that leave the parliamentary situation?

S: The situation on the bill? We disposed of all the points/ in issue except the Mansfield amendment. Had all day yesterday on it, but didn't get anywhere. I am faced with not being able to give this all my time. I have got to go to the procurement bill. I am expecting as many weeks debate there as on the other. We are now recessed until Wednesday morning.

K: Next Wednesday?

S: Yes, but I just can't stay there morning and afternoon. I have got to start on procurement. We've already done a world of work on it, but we've got to do more. So that's it. It doesn't look good for progress now. You've got Mansfield's thinking and then the thinking of far to the left of him. You have the Executive view and the House view. What I am thinking of is overcoming the voting of cloture.

K: We understand what you are up against.

S: I just wanted to be sure you did.

K: We are just trying to keep our negotiating position.

S: I just have to do the best I can do now and use the best judgment I have along with the other conferees.

K: But keep in mind that if we can get a negotiation started...

S: Over there?

K: Yes... and don't want to do anything to undercut that.

S: No, we don't. But the time has come that we have got to do something if we get a bill. And I think you gentlemen should think it over in that light.

K: I'll talk to McGregor about it.

S: I'm doing the best I can.

TELECON
Mr. Petty (Treasury Dept.)
7/1/71 12:10 p.m.

By KML NARA, Date 5/12/04

P: On the conversation you had with the Secretary, I am pursuing trying to free up some of the $125 million at the fund. There is a chance that if we could free up our $75 which we still have from Fiscal '71 funds and $10 million rescheduled . . . Haven't talked to AID yet.

K: Let me see what I can do.

P: If we can free up our half now and make our contribution to the consort the ______ might be able to <u>shrink</u> our part of its package with the balance coming forward. But I'll get back to you.

K: Okay good.

DECLASSIFIED

E.O. 12958, Sect. 3.6

TELECON

The President

7/13/71 1:58 p.m.

By KML NARA, Date 5/12/04

P: I thought that was an excellent job you did, the way you handled it with Bill. You gave the color, the feel, everything. Now I think if we can get him to make a damned good speech on Vietnam . . .

K: It will help a lot.

P: I want a little hard-line stuff out of Bill -- that would be good.

K: Yes terrific.

P: Henry, you talked for four hours and could have talked for four more I'm sure. But I was extremely pleased. It was fascinating for me to hear it. What an exciting time you had.

K: I was a fascinating experience. I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to do it.

P: People are saying, 'On this other There's always a chance they'd back off. But I don't think so. I don't think they'd do this massive thing and then . . .

K: No, it's a tremendous decision for them.

P: Sure it is. On the UN. That's awful sticky, but we have to get them to do it the way we want.

K: We have to do it in the most low-key way possible.

P: Of course you realize the moment this is announces . . . It seems to me I should avoid a press conference for the balance of this month.

K: Absolutely. You can only get into trouble . . .

P: We'll wait till after your meeting on the 26th.

K: Right.

P: Good. You get some rest now.

K: Right.

P: You might have one of your boys give me four or five hundred words about what we should put around this announcement.

K: I will have it for you tomorrow.

P: Very brief.

TELECON
The President

7/ 13/71 1:58 p.m. p. 2

By KML NARA, Dato 5/12/04

K: Absolutely.

P: But say it isn't just something that just happened.

K: Absolutely.

P: The real problem will be to hold the hands of some of the conservatives.

K: I think you are right.

P: What about Buckley?

K: I will handle him.

P: Good, you talk to Buckley. I think we need one session with the press to straighten them out and then keep quiet.

TELECON
Governor Rockefeller
7/14/71 9:30 a.m.

By KM W

NARA, Dato

5/12/04

R: I was waiting till you had debriefed to welcome you back. Your friends have been in constant prayer.

K: Aren't you terrific?

R: How did things go? I know you can't . . .

K: I can't discuss anything. But everything went extremely well.

R: You are encouraged?

K: Yes.

R: I thought you looked fine in the picture.

K: Was there one?

R: Yes, on the front page of the paper this morning. It was a picture of you with the President and the back of some guy's head. It might have been Rogers but not much was said about him.

K: I think we are going to shock a few people.

R: Do you? Good. When are you going to be back?

K: I think Monday night. You are going away aren't you?

R: Yes, on the 4th of August.

K: I thought it was July 22.

R: No.

K: Well, I wanted to come to New York for some other reasons during that w

R: Marvelous, why don't you spend the night in the country with us.

K: That would be great. You are not going to be in Washington any time soon

R: Yes, on Monday afternoon. Oh, and Ann says the night of the 22nd I'll be there.

K: That would be Wednesday night? You want to have dinner?

R: Yes.

By KML

NARA, Dato

5/12/04

TELECON
Governor Rockefeller

7/14/71 9:30 a.m. p. 2

R: Yes, you can send him up Monday night too.

K: Yes, for a little life insurance. But we should definitely get together some time next week.

R: I'm anxious to.

K: I think some of our opponents will be a little dismayed.

R: Marvelous. I have been thinking about you the whole time. I worried about your health a little, but didn't know whether that might be a diversionary tactic...

K: No, no, no, no... I will be seeing you. And I never forget who started me on all of this. I spent the night with Watson in Paris and we spoke of you with enormous affection. He's doing a superb job. I thought he was a poor appointment but he is doing a superb job.

R: Well I am thrilled Henry. See you soon.

By KHC U

NARA, Dato

5/12/04

TELECON
Ambassador Jha

7/14/71 9:35 a.m.

J: How are you?

K: I am back, bloodied by your press, murdered from the leaks by your ministers about me. But otherwise I am fine.

J: What is your program?

K: You are coming out I am told.

J: Yes, Saturday and Sunday. Arriving in Los Angeles Friday evening.

K: Maybe we can get together here Saturday morning.

J: Yes.

K: I will send a car or helicopter for you. Where are you staying?

J: The Beverly Wilshire Hotel. And any time you like Saturday morning or any other I will come.

K: And where can I reach you till then?

J: I am in New York now, but going back to Washington tonight.

K: So we can reach you through your office?

J: Yes.

K: I am a little disquieted by ... I didn't mind the attacks so much before I was there, but after I was there ... I thought they might have been inspired.

J: Oh my. What about the talks?

K: Did you get my memorandum on the conversations?

J: Not in detail.

K: I thought they were very satisfactory. They covered ways we might work together in the future.

By KHLW NARA, Dato 5/12/04

TELECON
Ambassador Bruce

7/14/71 12:40 p.m.

K: Your admirers here are leaking like crazy.

B: Oh well. It's unforgivable, but unimportant.

K: It came out of State.

B: I know that. It didn't worry me in the slightest.

K: We couldn't just deny it.

B: I know.

K: Yesterday the TV said there had been strong disagreements between us. We, of course, denied that. I asked Ziegler to say today that we consider you our top diplomat and this is only a medical thing and that no request of yours has ever been rejected.

B: That's splendid. That's very good of the President.

K: You are free to say anything you want if it should come up;.

B: Should I write a letter of resignation?

K: Why don't you wait till after the next time.

B: Okay. I am just going to say that I haven't sent a letter; there's no reason it. I'll be here but on leave. It's a matter I have discussed with the President and he is completely understadding.

K: That's perfect. It was great to see you.

B: How long will you be on the Coast?

K: Till Monday probably. And you'll be informed of any movements I may

B: How kind of you to call. You are the most thoughtful fellow.

K: Well, I admire you so much. One other thing, dealing with the bureaucracy here and who knows what. Maybe I better send you a backchannel.

B: I never knew anything like these leaks went on.

K: But I'll do it by backchannel. Good, all the best to you. Incidentally, I talked to the President about the thing we might do jointly. We are counting on that now; it's all settled.

DECLASSIFIED

E.O. 12958, Sect. 3.6

By KHC

NARA, Dato.

5/12/04

TELECON
Ambassador Bruce

7/14/71 12:40 p.m. p. 2

B: That's splendid. That's very exciting. I won't have to get tied up in
any bureaucratic procedures, will I?

K: No, but you may have to put up with me for a week.

B: That will be fine.

By KLW NARA, Date 5/12/04

TELECON
Secretary Rogers
7/14/71 12:47 p.m.

R: On the Australia thing, I think I was mistaken -- ______ intelligenc
this morning. ______ is having a fight with the labor people on this issue.

K: That is what I thought.

R: He tried to make contacts with people on this last month. I will try to
make a point to talk to him about this, but not now; I can't get a secure line.
I think it might be wise to have Marshall Green come our here on Friday on
the Chinese representation issue. What do you think. Right now I have just
got Alex coming out.

K: I think it would be best just to have Alex.

R: Okay. We have got to keep facing up to that problem.

K: You are giving a press conference aren't you.

R: Yes, on Tuesday. That's a good way to do it.

K: I think, incidentally, that your decision is the right one. Almost any-
thing you say on Vietnam now . . .

R: Sounds like old hat.

K: I also don't know if it would be good for you to be in Europe while things
are happening here.

R: No. How are you coming on the statement for him?

K: He's got something, but my strong view is that he should say as little as
possible.

R: There's a great temptation for everyone to say look how good we are.

K: Well, everyone on the White House staff and every cabinet member will
be instructed to make no comment.

R: I will be sure everyone in the department has that too. The important
thing is how it's going to play. Publicly it will play well, but internationally
there may be some problems.

By KCLW

NARA, Date 5/12/04

TELECON
The President

7/14/71 12:50 p.m.

P: I think we've got everything now on just about the right. . . I think this little idea of having our dinner tomorrow night, just the staff, is good for morale and everybody and a nice little gesture. We can do the inviting before they even know what we are going to say.

K: Of course.

P: Have you every been to Parino's? Chasen's is a place you can't talk too well in. Parino's has the booths and it's a magnificent restaurant. It used to be the best. It's probably just a shade less nice than Chasen's but it has the booths. We can be seen, but we can still talk. There boys have been great. Take Ziegler -- he's been a real soldier. He stands up and takes the stuff and he knows something has been going on, but he's not like these guys who have to know everything. He'll now know why he's had to stonewall it. He's taken a hell of a beating from these bastards. We've just got 24 more hours to hold it. I don't think it will break now. You have got your people in solitary and Rogers won't talk. I think we were absolutely right in his not making a speech next week. When people do that they think "I've got a speech; I've got to say something." Well, we're not going to do it.

K: And he ought to move his press conference, preferably to Friday to let us ride as long as possible on this.

P: Maybe even over to the next week. I'll say I've got something domestic that week. And he shouldn't go to England after this is announced. Also with his being here I can hold him responsible for any leaks. I told Haldeman, they are not to say word one. Ziegler will say I have been nothing tonight, but will have my briefing at 9:00 tomorrow morning, and you'll just be there. There's no other way to get the line out. Bill's point that it is better to have some mystery about it is fine, but there wouldn't be any mystery. Every one of these little !+&$#@$s in the State Department will be talking.

K: We can get the line out. And they'll be asking questions to which I'll refuse to answer but will do so in a way that might be suggestive.

P: They may ask have you talked to Le Duc Tho.

K: I will say 'you say my published schedule and I wouldn't preshme to pretend that I could mislead so many newsmen.

P: No, after this they won't believe that. I'd just say "no comment."

K: But that practically means "yes."

By KCL- W

NARA, Dato

5/12/04

TELECON
The President

7/14/71 12:50 p.m. p. 2

P: I know it does. Just say "I am not going to comment either yes or no."

K: I'll figure out something mysterious to say.

P: If they find out then they've found out, but we didn't do it.

K: I talked to Bruce.

P: How did that go?

K: He is pretty mad about the leak.

P: He knows it's from State?

K: Yes. I told him what you wanted said today. He said that was a most gracious thing.

P: He should go with you when you go to arrange the agenda. It's a way of thanking him and it preserves State's prerogatives, but not really. Did you tell Cho En Lai you might bring Bruce?

K: I told him it would be either Bruce or I, but Bruce might present some problem. . . . . He said there should be an interim visit and that it should be either me or Bruce.

P: Both of you should go. You have to go and this would be the highlight of his career.

K: And you might then in any future visits use him like you use Lodge at the Vatican.

P: If it comes down to it, he's the one to go. He's my man and I trust him. I would call him up immediately to tell him what might come later. Marshall Green -- do you think I'm going to send that son of a bitch? I hope Bruce knows all of this.

K: I told him generally in my London trip. He nearly went through the ceiling he was so pleased.

P: I think you should tell him then that it is definite there will be an interim visit and you and he will go. I think you should give him a call now. Tell him to get a rest and get ready to go. When they are attacking us again, which will happen probably in a couple of months, you and he will go. Tell him I made the decision that he is going to accompany you on that trip. Don't you think it's a good idea.

DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12950, Sect. 3.6

TELECON
The President

7/14/71 12:50 p.m. p. 3

By: KHC NARA, Dato 5/12/04

K: Superb.

P: And on that little talk, don't worry too much about it.

K: I'll have it for you in the next 10 minutes.

P: No, no, no. Don't worry about it. What time is it now?

K: 1:00.

P: Have it over here by 4:00. That will give your boys a chance to work on it and you get some rest.

By KHL

NARA, Date 5/12/04

TELECON

Ron Ziegler

7/14/71 2:32 p.m.

K: I just wanted you to know, I was talking with the President and he really spoke with exceptional warmth about you today. One of the points he made is that you weren't so eager, you never took things personally and he can always count on you.

Z: Thank you for passing it on. That's helpful.

K: I am serious.

Z: I understand that, believe me I do.

K: The better you handle this, it will sort itself out.

Z: I just didn't want to screw this up.

K: No, you're not.

Z: And I have read this over, and it's a positive thing.

K: I'd leave it at this for a while and try to avoid saying too much more.

Z: Yes, I am going to.

By KHLU

NARA, Dato

5/12/04

TELECON
Ambassador Rabin

7/14/71 2:42 p.m.

R: I believe that your friend told you about contacts we had before about the visit.

K: Yes.

R: I basically said to him we have been...

K: And you have agreed to it in...

R: Yes, in principle. Now it is to set a date. The middle of the week we said. But the basic question is to understand that first he is coming to you by the end of this week.

K: Yes.

R: Do you foresee any major decisions?

K: No, I don't really expect it.

R: Include items critical to us?

K: I doubt it.

R: I see. Because if he goes by the end of next week I will go at the beginning of the week.

K: I am going to urge that he not go until the week after.

R: That is no problem to us.

K: I recommend that you stay and wait. I'll be back Monday.

R: Okay, I'll wait.

K: And we can do it Tuesday or Wednesday.

R: It would be helpful to do it Monday.

K: It all depends.

R: All right. I will wait and we can talk.

K: Yes.

By KML

NARA, Dato

5/12/04

TELECON

Henry Brandon

7/15/71 8:42 a.m.

B: Any chance of getting together.

K: When are you leaving?

B: Saturday morning.

K: You want to have lunch today?

B: Love to.

K: There's not a hell of a lot I can tell you; it would be a social lunch.

B: All right.

K: You want to bring Muffie?

B: If that's all right with you.

K: I figure the only way I can see her is to invite you. I don't consider it a working visit.

B: I understand.

K: Come about 1:00.

B: Perfect, where?

K: To the Western White House. And you'll get some of our awful food.

DECLASSIFIED

Authority Folio
By NARA Date 6/10/71

Telcon between

Dr. Kissinger/Amb D

July 15, 1971 - 9:45 p.m.

D: Hello

K: Hello

D: How are you?

K: I am fine. The President asked me to call you personally. We have an oral note for your government when I am through. I will read the announcement the President is going to make and then I have a few comments to make and you will be given an oral note...

D: Which he is going to make on address?

K: Premier Chou En-Lai and Dr. Henry Kissinger, President Nixon's Assistant for National Security Affairs, held talks in Peking from July 9 to 11, 1971. Knowing of President Nixon's expressed desire to visit the People's Republic of China, Premier Chou En-Lai, on behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of China, has extended an invitation to President Nixon to visit China at an appropriate date before May 1972. President Nixon has accepted this invitation with pleasure.

The meeting between the leaders of China and the United States is to seek the normalization of relations between the two countries and also to exchange views on questions of concern to the two sides.

D: This is the text you just read? ...

K: The comments are as follows: The President asked me to tell you to transmit these comments to your Government. ... handed an oral note from President.

D: Comments by Col Kennedy?

K: He will hand it to you after I am finished. Consequently(?) it is essential that you not be mislead by this effort and that our two countries continue to work concretely(?) on all the issues we have been discussing. This is the spirit of the note and for which we hope to transmit to Moscow.

D: Just a minute. The note which Col Kennedy is going to give me is from the President to go to my government? Message of the President?

DECLASSIFIED

Authority EOL2587
By CNARA Date 9/1/87

K: Col Kennedy is giving you an oral note. I am giving you some additional comments for the President.

D: ... What you just mentioned?

K: I am not finished yet.

D: Repeat please.

K: You know better than anyone the great efforts we have made over the past two years to make progress.

D: Just a minute

K: and in particular the ______ priority of a meeting of our leaders.

D: Yes

K: Your recent decision to delay has caused us to proceed.

D: Just a minute - yes.

K: Okay I continue, This announcement changes nothing in U.S. Soviet relations. We can take <u>either</u> two routes -- We can proceed promptly with the various subjects you and I have discussed and which we are hereby reaffirming, or we can both undertake antagonizing reappraisal. We are prepared for either course, though we prefer to proceed on our present course. Now, what I have read to you are oral comments of the President

D: Of the President?

K: You will be handed an oral note. This was comments on the oral note.

D: Oral note is from President and ______ is oral comments from President ...

K: I am prepared to discuss future promises with you if you are interested. Suggest lunch on Monday.

DECLASSIFIED

Authority Follett
By CARA Date 6/1/61

D: How about 1:00 p.m. on Monday?

K: Okay

D: I would like to check on one phrase. "and we should both undertake --

K: What we are reaffirming is what I told you on June 8 and 30.

D: Because this is not quite clear you mean toward(?) what you have discussed on June 8 and 11.

K: I think the oral note will explain it.

D: I understand . . . reaffirm. . . of new defense up to both governments to decide what to do.

Lunch Monday at 1:00.

K: Come to usual place in White House

D: I understand. . . this is what the President is going to say

K: He is going to say on television. He is going to add a few sentences that this is not directed toward anyone.

D: Okay, I see you.

K: See you Monday at 1:00 p.m.

D: Bye

By KHC NARA, Date 5/12/04

TELECON
Secretary Rogers
7/15/71 11:35 a.m.

K: I was talking to Bob. Wondered whether you thought we should sit down and run over the game plan, or do it by telephone.

R: I don't really care. I think what we do the first few days will have the greatest effect.

K: The present thinking is that . . . everybody thought your idea of asking the ambassadors in for a longer meeting was absolutely out-standing. It has got to be done. Second, the President wants the leaders meeting Monday and a Cabinet meeting after. Both would be brief.

R: What time?

K: Leaders at 8:30; cabinet meeting at 9:30 I think, but that will be confirmed. Then he thought you would sort of talk to the liberal senators if you feel like it, loke Cooper and so forthex.

R: No trouble with them. The guys we ought to talk to are the conservatives.

K: I am going to reach Goldwater and Reagan today and tell Goldwater I can bring in a group to meet with the President on Tuesday.

R: You telling him what's up?

K: Oh God no. Just that this will be an announcement of some significance and we hope he will defer comments till we have had a chance to talk. McGregor and Timmons are calling the leaders before the speech, but without telling them what's in it.

R: I will call my two committee chairmen right after the broadcast to say that I will get together with them some time next week. Of course there will be demands for testimony. I will be hauled up immediately and asked the meaning of it and why we are doing it this way.

K: Well, he is off writing the speech now. If you wanted to sit down with Bob and me . . . We have got the scenario; let me send it over immediately to you with the calls and who's making them. If you have any changes, we'll do whatever you say. This is just so that we all say the same thing. If you change anything we'll say the same thing.

R: Did you have any particular thing when you talked to the Indians? I think I should talk to the Indian Ambassador Monday or Tuesday.