Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume IX, Vietnam, October 1972–January 1973

296. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between Senator John C. Stennis and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Washington, January 18, 1973, 11:30 a.m.

S: Hello.

K: Mr. Chairman. How are you. Mr. Chairman, I was wondering whether I could make a suggestion to you.

S: Yes sir, always.

K: We think given your long-term commitment to Defense and so forth, that if you made a statement saying that you thought that this would be—that this was now the time for Thieu and us to close ranks and that there shouldn’t be legal quibbles, that to restore the unity between our two governments, or something like that that puts a little pressure on Thieu, so that he doesn’t think that the conservative element in this country is behind him.

S: Yes, sure.

K: Today would be a good day to do it.

S: I heartily agree, matter of fact I issued a little statement you know when you had that other thing going.

K: Right.

S: Well you want as a guideline—would you want to send something up here?

K: Okay, I’ll get something over to you.

S: Alright, you do it and I’ll be working on it in the meantime, but go ahead and give me any detailed points you want. I think this would be very good indeed. I am more willing to do it.

K: It would be helpful to the country. He is leaning towards coming along and just a little shove might help him.

S: Well, of course, this is the way the President sees it too.

K: Oh yes.

S: To make a statement.

K: No, no, the President and I discussed it and I am calling you at the suggestion of the President. He would consider it very helpful. He doesn’t want you to indicate that you talked to us. He would prefer it if you would not indicate.

S: Oh of course that’s right I won’t do that.

K: But you can be sure that this reflects the President.

S: Alright well that’s what I wanted to know.

K: You can count on that.

S: Okay well that’s fine enough. It is almost time to convene I—you could get that up here rather soon?

K: Within the hour.

S: Alright—just send it to my office is 205 and I’ll have someone there to bring it on to me.

K: Terrific.

S: Thank you so much.

K: Many thanks, Mr. Chairman.

S: I’m proud of what you have been able to do.

K: Well, you have been a tremendous support.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Kissinger Telephone Conversations, Box 18, Chronological File. No classification marking.