Briefing Books

Citation: June 19, 1969, Press Conference; box 49; White House Special Files: Staff Member and Office Files: President's Personal File; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• AIR FORCE ACADEMY SPEECH
  • Can you tell us to whom you were referring when you used the term unilateral disarmers at the Air Force Academy. Do you think that speech was wise now considering the reaction it has provoked in Congress and in the press?
• SURTAX
  • Do you think Congress will pass this surtax?
• SURTAX - WAGE AND PRICE CONTROLS
  • Some of your advisers, among them Dr. Burns and Mr. Kennedy, have indicated that failure of the surtax would result in the imposition of wage and price controls and perhaps a devaluation of the dollar. Do you share the gloomy assessment of some of your advisers?
• WELFARE
  • When is the Administration's welfare package going to be ready and what is it going to contain?
• CAMPUS DISORDERS
  • There have been reports of "differences" between the Attorney General and Secretary Finch on how to deal with campus disorders. What is the Administration's position, and what is your attitude toward the legislation proposed by Edith Green to halt financial aid to universities involved in campus disorders?
• SOCIAL SECURITY
  • Chairman Wilbur Mills has said he does not believe the proposed seven per cent increase in Social Security was sufficient; nor did he believe it would pass this year. Does the Administration plan any adjustment of that proposal?
• DR. KNOWLES
  • If Secretary Finch formally recommends Dr. Knowles, will you support it in the face of opposition from Senator Dirksen and the AMA?
• SUB-CABINET POSITION AT HEW
  • The position of Assistant Secretary of HEW for Health and Scientific Affairs is the only sub-Cabinet position unfilled in the Department. The Secretary apparently would like Dr. Knowles, and Mr. Dirksen opposes this choice. How do you stand on this?
• FCC BAN ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING
  • A few weeks ago you indicated you would announce your position on the proposed ban on tobacco advertising on television and radio. Would you tell us your position?
• SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL DESEGREGATION
  • In a recent move, HEW developed desegregation plans for 21 South Carolina School Districts to satisfy a court order. Although current guidelines say schools should desegregate completely by the start of the 1969 school year, 18 or the 21 plans submitted call for a 1970 deadline instead. Does this delay mean your Administration is softening its stance on desegregation of schools?
• CHARLESTON HOSPITAL STRIKE
  • What is the involvement of the Administration in the Charleston, S.C. hospital strike?
• SUPREME COURT
  • Do you approve of the role the Attorney General played in the Justice Fortas affair?
• JUSTICE DOUGLAS
  • Is the Justice Department investigating Justice Douglas' connection with the Parvin Foundation.
• WIRETAPPING
  • How much power do you think the federal government ought to have to install wiretaps without obtaining a warrant for using the court process?
• KING WIRETAP
  • Can you tell us why Martin Luther King's phone was tapped and by whose authority?
• NARCOTICS STATEMENT
  • What has happened to the promised statement on narcotics?
• DEFENSE BUDGET
  • It was reported last week that you established new procedures for reviewing the budget by putting the Budget Bureau in charge of the defense budget as well as the civilian budget. Is this true?
• 1970 CENSUS
  • A number of Congressmen have introduced bills to impose some limitations on the 1970 Census, on the grounds that the census is too prying and too burdensome in its current form. There appears to be a difference of opinion on the census between the Administration and the Congressmen, a majority of them Republicans, who introduced the bills. What is your view?
• TEXTILE QUOTAS
  • Since we have not yet been able to negotiate a new international arrangement on textiles, what course of action do you plan to take to solve the textile import problem and specifically, would you seek or support quota legislation if necessary?
• EAST-WEST TRADE
  • There has been some criticism and disappointment in the press and from certain Congressional elements over the lack of Administration initiative in introducing or supporting
• LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO FARMERS
  • How do you feel about the $20,000 limitation on payments to farmers voted by the House and before the Senate?
• SECRETARY KENNEDY'S "CONFLICT OF INTEREST"
  • Wright Patman has made some serious charges involving conflict of interest against Treasury Secretary David Kennedy -- and has suggested that he may institute impeachment proceedings unless the White House acts first. Do you plan to take any action, and if so, what?
• SENATOR DODD
  • Is it true that Attorney General John Mitchell has told Senator Dodd that the Justice Department will not prosecute the Senator for alleged tax violation if he votes in favor of the Administration's proposal on the ABM?
• ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
  • Do you agree with the Supreme Court opinion in the Adam Clayton Powell case?
• SENATOR DIRKSEN
  • It has been said that Senator Dirksen has something approaching veto power over a number of actions this Administration takes -- the Alexander decision, the Knowles decision, and others. Do you feel this is justified?
• DIRKSEN - CONFLICT OF INTEREST
  • Newsweek ran a recent article detailing Senator Dirksen's dealings with clients and law firms which raised questions of conflict-of-interest. Do you have any thughts on this?
• THE LONG, HOT SUMMER
  • In a few days, it is going to be summer. Is it going to be a long, hot one? What has this Administration done to prevent this?
• NEW YORK PRIMARY
  • Do you support the Republican candidate for Mayor of New York?

Citation: President's Handwriting, December 1 thru 15, 1969 [1 of 5]; box 4; White House Special Files: Staff Member and Office Files: President's Office Files; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• EXPORT CONTROL ACT
  • On East-West trade, the Administration testified in favor of straight renewal of the Export Control Act. Instead, Senators Muskie and Mondale have pushed a bill through the Senate and the Conference which would liberalize export controls. It is scheduled to come up on the House floor for final approval this week. Is the Administration still attempting to fight this new bill?
• MY LAI
  • Can you tell us when you learned of the alleged atrocity at My Lai; and what your reaction was?
• CIVILIAN PROSECUTION/MY LAI
  • What does the government plan to do about prosecution of civilians involved in the My Lai case?

Citation: [DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK January 28, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• RIPON-MITCHELL
  • In light of the rather glowing telegram you sent to the Ripon Society seventh anniversary dinner, would you agree with your Attorney General's characterization of the group as "juvenile delinquents."
• BLACK PANTHERS
  • Is it this Administration's policy to destroy the Black Panther Party?
• BUDGET
  • Your Press Secretary is on record that your budget will be a "solid and credible" one. Can you tell us what that means; and whether that figure will go over $200 billion?
• NASA BUDGET
  • Will there be a cutback in the NASA budget in the years ahead?
• TAXES
  • Will there be new taxes requested in your budget?
• RECESSION-INFLATION
  • Some economists, looking at current statistics, are predicting a combined recession-inflation this coming year. Can you give us thoughts on the matter?
• JUDGE CARSWELL
  • Were you aware of Judge Carswell's statement about "white supremacy" when you nominated him, and would you have named him if you had known of it?
• CARSWELL/COUNTRY CLUB
  • Does the fact that Judge Carswell belonged to a segregated country club bother you at all. Were you aware of this fact?
• DESEGREGATION DECISION
  • Do you agree with these court decisions in light of your past statements about bussing and the like?
• SOUTHERN GOVERNORS/DESEGREGATION
  • If some of the Southern Governors resist the desegregation order -- as some have pledged to do -- will you use force to see that the Court order is carried out?
• DESEGREGATION OF FLORIDA SCHOOLS
  • Is the Federal Government prepared to enforce the Supreme Court decision calling for desegregation of Florida Schools by February 1.
• TAX EXEMPTION/ALL-WHITE PRIVATE SCHOOLS
  • What is your feeling on the all-white private schools. Should they have a tax exemption, like other private schools?
• PRIVATE SCHOOLS/DESEGREGATION
  • Isn't it true that in Mississippi the whites have taken their children out of the public schools to create all-white private schools to evade the desegregation order.
• ATLANTA TEACHER RATIO
  • Can you give us your opinion of the Court decision requiring a 53-47 black-white teacher breakdown in the Atlanta public schools?
• STENNIS AMENDMENTS/EDUCATION BILL
  • Senator John Stennis intends to submit amendments to the education bill calling for the providing of "freedom of choice" for all children in the public schools anywhere in the United States -- and secondly, asking for a uniform desegregation plan for all sections of the United States. How would the Administration stand on these proposals?
• HEW BILL
  • While you vetoed an HEW bill which you considered inflationary because it went beyond your budget request -- there are other bills, like tax reform, which seemed at least as inflationary and yet, after some threats, you signed these. Can you give us your reasons for singling out the HEW bill?
• WELFARE
  • Do you agree with Secretary Finch's assessment that odds are now running against your welfare program?
• RAILPAX
  • Does this Administration contemplate a private-pulbic Comsat type corporation to take over the nation's passenger trains? Mr. Ziegler described this as the least likely of all the possibilities, while the Transportation Department seems to think otherwise.
• SANTA BARBARA
  • Why does drilling continue offshore at Santa Barbara -- despite the continual pollution of the beaches?
• POLLUTION GRANTS
  • The Congress voted $800 million for water pollution control on sewage treatment construction grants far above your original request. How much of this will you spend.
• TRANS ALASKA PIPELINE
  • There is concern that the permafrost in Alaska will not support construction of the gigantic Trans Alaska pipeline which is proposed to bring North Slope oil to market. Will a permit be granted?
• GOVERNOR WALLACE
  • Governor Wallace says that your Administration has done more than any other in history to destroy the nation's public school system. Do you want to comment on that?
• VICE PRESIDENT'S RHETORIC
  • Is there any truth to the report that the White House feels the Vice President should now tone down his rhetoric?
• VICE PRESIDENT
  • Can you give us your appraisal of why the Vice President seems to have risen so high in the opinion polls?
  • The International Press Institute in Zurich has described your Vice President as the greatest threat to freedom of the press in the Western world. Any comment?
• LT. CALLEY
  • The attorney for Lieutenant Calley charges that the trial of his client resulted in a decision made by you and the Secretary of Defense, an order as it were to try Lt. Calley. Is that true?
• THANT/SOUTH VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT
  • Secretary General U Thant has called for a broadening of the base of the South Vietnamese Government as a step along the road to peace. Do you have any comment on that suggestion?
• NEGROES AND THE STATE OF THE UNION
  • A year ago, you indicated your great hope to bridge the gap between your Administration and the blacks. Yet, there was no mention of the Negro specifically in the State of the Union message. Can you explain this absence which some have noted?
• JABLONSKI
  • Your Administration has been criticized for not intervening and acting on Mr. Jablonski's charges against the UMW, and for not being sufficiently alert to the danger to him personally. And what is the Administration doing now to apprehend his murderers?
• ASSISTANT FOR CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS
  • This is a crucial year in terms of the Administration's legislative program; and yet there is not an appointment for the post of Assistant for Congressional Relations. Can you tell us when this appointment will be made?
• HAIR DYE
  • Do you dye your hair?
• ENVIRONMENT ISSUE
  • You have been described by some as a "Johnny Come Lately" to the pollution-environment issue. Do you have any comment on this?
• FIRST YEAR ASSESSMENT
  • Can you tell us how you assess your first year in office? What do you feel were your greatest achievements and greatest setbacks.
• MEANY/PHILADELPHIA PLAN
  • AFL-CIO President George Meany says that your Philadelphia Plan is designed to win "Brownie Points" with civil rights leaders. Do you have any comment on this remark?
• PHILADELPHIA/CHICAGO PLANS
  • The Assistant Secretary of Labor, Mr. Fletcher, was quoted earlier this week as saying they were going to ease up on the Philadelphia Plan -- moving toward the voluntary Chicago Plan. Is this the Administration Policy now?
• DIRECTOR OF SELECTIVE SERVICE
  • It has been some months since you announced that you would name a new Director of Selective Service. Have you found the man?
• DRAFT LOTTERY
  • Are you satisfied with the operation of the draft lottery to date in view of some criticism that has been made of it?
• DRAFT POOL
  • If you have found it necessary to have a cutoff number of 30 in January and 60 in February and proceed by increments of 30 through the rest of the year, does this not mean that you will reach number 360 by December?
• DEFERMENT
  • Secretary Laird recently stated that he favors eliminating student, occupational and paternity draft deferments. Does this represent the Administration's position?

Citation: [DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK January 29, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• PUBLIC SCHOOLS
  • In response to the Supreme Court's desegregation orders, a mood of defiance appears to be growing in the South, Governor Kirk says he will go to jail rather than give way; Governor McKeithen is encouraging resistance; Governor Maddox is marching in the streets. What is your reaction?
• FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
  • Secretary Schultz has stated that the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board is too tight and there is a need to ease the policy. Do you share this view; have you conveyed your feelings to the Federal Reserve? How does Arthur Burns stand on the subject?
• ENVIRONMENT TEACH-IN
  • Does the Administration endorse the environment "teach-in" planned for this spring?
• PASADENA CASE
  • Is the Pasadena case the fore-runner of other such cases in the North against school segregation.
• THE PILL
  • How do you feel about the safety of the Pill?
• POPULATION
  • In a recent speech, Dr. DuBridge said he felt it would be a good thing if we could reduce the rate of population increase to zero. Do you agree?
• DESEGREGATION DECISION
  • Do you agree with these court decisions in light of your past statements about bussing and the like?

Citation: [DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK JANUARY 30, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• VOTING RIGHTS
  • In the face of heavy congressional opposition, even from your own party, will you still insist on the Administration version of the voting rights bill?
• ERNEST FITZGERALD
  • Did this Administration fire Mr. A. Ernest Fitzgerald? And are they willing to take him back?
• FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
  • Secretary Schultz has stated that the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board is too tight and there is a need to ease the policy. Do you share this view; have you conveyed your feelings to the Federal Reserve? How does Arthur Burns stand on the subject?
• MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
  • Governor Andrew Brimmer has criticized the whole concept of minority enterprise as a path of progress for minority members, while Jackie Robinson claims you program is bogged down in bureaucratic inefficiency. Would you like to answer these charges?
• SST
  • Though you cut educational funds, you have gone ahead with the SST, which many people consider the ultimate in pork barrel. If the purpose was economy, why did you not cut here?
• UNEMPLOYMENT/MILITARY CUTS
  • Defense Secretary Laird recently announced that approximately 1.2 million persons will lose their jobs due to reductions in military manpower and spending. Does the Administration have plans to cope with the problem of unemployment that will result from this action?
• GENERAL ELECTRIC STRIKE
  • Will the Administration intervene in the General Electric Strike if it is not settled soon?
• CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGNING
  • Can you tell us your plans for the Congressional campaign this coming fall?
• HARRIS/LAW AND ORDER
  • Chairman Harris said that the Democratic Party will use the issue of law and order against this Administration since crime in the District went up almost 30% last year; while nationally it went up 9%.
• CUTBACK IN POST SERVICES
  • Wire Service reports stated recently that you may require a cutback in post services to reduce expenditures and balance the budget. Is this true?
• POST OFFICE
  • Do you expect action on postal reform this year?
• SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD
  • Why has the Administration agreed to a floor price on South African gold, which in effect supports the Government of that country.
• TEXTILE IMPORTS
  • Can you tell us when you will deliver on your campaign pledge to do something about the flood of cheap textile imports into this country.
• CONSERVATIVE RHETORIC/LIBERAL DEEDS
  • You have been accused of using conservative rhetoric to mask liberal deeds -- in, for example, the welfare program. Any comment on that?
• OIL IMPORTS
  • Have you received the report and recommendations of the Task Force on Oil Imports, and of any dissenting members. What do they recommend, and what is your reaction to the report?
• HOUSING
  • The constraints on the economy have had a particularly severe effect on housing, which is supposed to be a top priority item in this Administration -- any comment?
• HOFFA'S SENTENCE
  • Have lawyers for Jimmy Hoffa or Teamster representatives talked to your staff with regard to a deal whereby Mr. Hoffa's sentence would be commuted in exchange for information?
• GERALD K. SMITH MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
  • Can you tell us why the Federal Government is subsidizing the improvement of a road to Gerald L.K. Smith's tourist attraction in Arkansas?
• FEDERAL RELIEF EFFORTS
  • Senators Muskie and Bayh have criticized the federal relief efforts following the Camille disaster; they allege discrimination and misapplication of federal relief funds. What are you doing about this?
• INDIANS ON ALCATRAZ
  • Does the Government have any plans to remove the Indians now encamped on Alcatraz?
• RAMSEY CLARK/MARTIN LUTHER KING
  • Ramsey Clark has charged that compromising films and tapes of Martin Luther King from certain hotel rooms were shown by the FBI to some Senators and even publishers. Is this allegation true?
• BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
  • It appears that in the last year, the United States ran the worst balance of payments deficit in its history. How is this going to affect the dollar?
• VOLUNTARY ACTION
  • There has been some criticism that your Voluntary Action program has never gotten off the ground. Can you comment on this?
• COMMISSIONER ALLEN
  • Your education commissioner, James Allen, has said he would like to see higher priority placed on education in this Administration. Your veto would seem to contradict this view; and there are reports that Commissioner Allen will not be with the Administration much longer.
• MRS. KNAUER
  • There have been a number of public statements made to the effect that while Mrs. Knauer's heart is in the right place in the consumer fight -- she does not have the access to you that she needs to operate effectively.
• DICK BLUMENTHAL/VISTA
  • Is it true you intend to appoint a twenty-three year old staff member, Dick Blumenthal, as director of VISTA?
• SOCIAL SECURITY
  • Do you intend to ask for an immediate raise in the earnings base of Social Security to $9000 from $7800, a move that was scheduled originally for 1972? And is this more a budget balancing move than a Social Security necessity?
• TAX REFORM
  • Do you plan to propose additional tax reform this legislative session?
• FARM LEGISLATION
  • Is there going to be a message or a program on farm legislation this year.
• REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR SENATE
  • The Republican Party seems to be having some difficulty getting top flight candidates to run for the Senate seats that are vulnerable. Romney, Laxalt and Morton have all bowed out. Is this going to damage your chances in the fall?
• ROSS PEROT
  • Ross Perot has offered Hanoi something like $100,000,000 in reparations if they will release American prisoners. Does the White House support this sort of thing, and Mr. Perot's activities; are they cleared here?
• EAVESDROPPING
  • Do you believe the Justice Department should request judges to not make public transcripts of conversations which were illegally overheard?
• NLRB VACANCY
  • Any decision yet on the NLRB vacancy?
• WHITE HOUSE POLICE UNIFORMS
  • There was a report on the networks the other night that the White House police didn't like their new uniforms.
• PARKS
  • In your State of the Union Message you indicated that you will propose new and innovative financing methods for the acquisition of parks by the Federal government. Will you tell us what these financing methods will be.
• ADMINISTRATION DOVES
  • Would it be fair to say that Secretary Laird and Secretary Rogers were the doves of this Administration?
• POSTAL UNIONS/REFORM
  • Has there been a deal arranged between the postal unions and the Administration to get through postal reform?

Citation: [FOREIGN POLICY BRIEFING BOOK April 18, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• SALT
  • Can you tell us what our position is in the SALT talks? Will we offer to suspend our MIRV deployment and the Safeguard program?
• RELATIONS WITH THE USSR
  • You seem to be hopeful that progress can be made on SALT; you have in the past linked this to progress on other outstanding issues. How do you assess our overall relations with the Soviets in light of the Middle East, Vietnam and prospects for détente in Europe?
  • Can you comment on reports of changes in the Soviet leadership? Are you considering a summit meeting?
• EUROPE-BRANDT VISIT
  • Can you tell us what was accomplished in your meetings with Chancellor Brandt?
• EUROPE - U.S. TROOPS
  • Did you give Chancellor Brandt assurances about our troops in Europe? Did you ask him to provide greater financial support for our forces in Germany?
• EUROPE - BRANDT - OSTPOLITIK
  • Did you tell Chancellor Brandt you support his Eastern policy?
• GREECE Recent Trials and Resumption of Military Shipments
  • What is your attitude toward resumption of full military aid to Greece in the light of the recent trials in Athens, the recent moves of the Greek Government toward implementation of the constitution and the reports of Ambassador Tasca?
• VIETNAM - ENEMY ATACKS
  • What is your estimate of the situation in Vietnam after the recent wave of enemy attacks? Will it still be possible to continue withdrawing our forces, and do these attacks not violate the warning which you have issued against actions which jeopardize the security of our forces?
• VIETNAM - GENEVA CONFERENCE
  • Soviet Union Ambassador Malik recently said that a new Geneva Conference could bring about a solution in Indo-China and the relaxation of tensions. What is your reaction to that statement? Would the U.S. Government be prepared to attend such a conference?
• VIETNAM - PARIS TALKS
  • Do you see any sense in continuing the Paris talks which are now hopelessly deadlocked? When are you planning to replace Ambassador Lodge?
• VIETNAM - BUNKER
  • We understand Ambassador Bunker is coming back to Washington. Will he be returning to Saigon?
• LAOS/CAMBODIA AND THE NIXON DOCTRINE
  • There is a major Communist offensive in Laos, and it now looks like the war is spreading into Cambodia. Under the Nixon Doctrine, what will our future involvement be?
• THAI TROOPS IN LAOS
  • Can you tell us if any additional Thai troops will be introduced into Laos? If they have, wouldn't this represent further escalation in Laos, with U.S. support?
• CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES - LAOS
  • Senator Symington has released the transcript of the Laos hearings. It shows sorties in Laos increased several hundred times after the bombing in North Vietnam was stopped. Your statement of March 6 stated bombing in Laos increased only in response to increased enemy activity. Would you comment on this seeming discrepancy?
• AID TO CAMBODIA
  • The new Cambodian Government of Lon Nol has asked for aid to help defend itself against Vietnamese Communists who are dug in on Cambodian territory. What are we going to do about it?
• CAMBODIA - MASSACRES
  • Would you care to comment on reports that large numbers of Vietnamese living in Cambodia are being massacred by the Cambodian authorities?
• THE WARSAW TALKS
  • What is the status of the Warsaw talks? Have the Chinese lost enthusiasm for the talks, now that there seems to be some improvement in Sino-Soviet relations?
• MIDDLE EAST Military Balance and Peace Prospects
  • How has the development of the Soviet missile system in the UAR affected the Arab-Israeli balance of the prospects for a peace settlement? Do you see reason to review your decision on aircraft for Israel on either county?
• MIDDLE EAST - U.S. POSITION
  • What is your feeling about the U.S. position in the Near East following Mr. Sisco's talk with Nasser, cancellation of his trip to Jordan and the Jordanian Government's request for the transfer of Ambassador Symmes?
• NIGERIAN RELIEF
  • Would you comment on a report that the General Accounting Office has been asked by Senator Kennedy's sub-committee to look into the conduct of the U.S. relief program in Nigeria?
• U.S. VETO IN SECURITY COUNCIL - RHODESIA
  • The United States cast its first veto in the Security Council on a resolution condemning Rhodesia. The United Kingdom also vetoed the resolution. Why did the U.S. veto?
• LATIN AMERICA - KIDNAPPINGS
  • What is the United States doing about the wave of political kidnappings of diplomats.
• TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS
  • What hopes are still left for Japanese agreement to a voluntary textile restraint agreement? If agreement is not reached in the next few weeks will the Administration support Chairman Mills' bill for textile import quota?
• SPACE
  • What will be the consequences of the Apollo XIII failure on the future of the U.S. Space Program?
• HERBICIDES
  • Why has the United States not banned the use of the dangerous herbicide (2, 4, 5-T) completely, and why do we continue to use herbicides described as potentially dangerous (2, 4-D) both at home and in Vietnam?
• GENEVA PROTOCOL - SUBMISSION TO SENATE
  • When do you expect to submit the 1925 Geneva Protocol--prohibiting the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous, or other gases of bacteriological methods of warfare--to the Senate for its advice and consent to ratification?

Citation: [DOMESTIC POLICY BRIEFING BOOK April 29, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• CRIME
  • You have now been in office 15 months. One of your campaign pledges was to reduce crime. The latest FBI report shows that crime increased 11 percent in 1969 over 1968. Are you carrying out your pledge?
• MONITORING RADICAL GROUPS
  • A recent article in the New York Times stated that this Administration is watching closely the radical elements of the kind who were allegedly involved in that bomb explosion in New York -- and that wire-tap surveillance was being used and machinery set up in effect to monitor the activities of these groups. Has there been a substantial increase in government monitoring of radical groups including an increase in wiretapping?
• MOLLENHOFF/TAX RETURNS
  • Can you give us your views of Mr. Mollenhoff's authority in seeing confidential tax returns?
• SENATE ATTACK
  • Your attack on the Senate has been construed in some quarters of the Senate as an attack on the integrity of the Senate itself. Considering your use of the terms "vicious and unwarranted attack," "regional discrimination," and "hypocrisy", do you think that this is a fair assessment?
• SENATORS OPPOSED TO HAYNSWORTH/CARSWELL
  • Do you plan a "purge" of either Republican or Democratic Senators who opposed Judges Haynsworth and Carswell?
• JUDGE CARSWELL/CONGRESSMAN CRAMER
  • Can you tell us what role you played, if any, in the entry of Judge Carswell into the Florida Senate Race; and also of the entry of Congressman Cramer into the race. Finally, did you authorize Harry Dent to get Mr. Cramer out of the race?
• NIXON/CRAMER
  • Did you tell Congressman Cramer, as he states, "Bill, the country needs you, the Senate needs you, the party needs you -- now, run."
• JUSTICE DOUGLAS
  • Congressman Ford says that he talked with Clark Mollenhoff about the impeachment proceedings of Mr. Justice Douglas. Is this not White House involvement?
• JUSTICE DOUGLAS/JUDGE BLACKMUN
  • Is this effort to impeach Justice Douglas in the House related at all to the effort to affirm Judge Blackmun in the Senate?
• RECESSION/INFLATION
  • Can you tell us whether you think that recession is now a greater danger than inflation. Two months ago, you vetoed an HEW measure--while recently some moves you have taken could be interpreted as anti-recession.
• VOTING RIGHTS BILL
  • Many believe that an early Supreme Court test can be had of the law enfranchising 18-year-olds; and also, they fear that to take it out of the legislation now would mean the return of the voting rights bill to the Senate and a certain filibuster. Do you think the price there is worth it?
• KINGMAN BREWSTER
  • Kingman Brewster of Yale says he does not believe that a black revolutionary can get a fair trial anywhere in the United States today. Do you share that view; and what is your opinion of the trial of Bobby Seale and the Black Panthers?

Citation: [DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK May 6, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• STATE OF THE NATION
  • With the stock market plummeting, the economy moving downward, the war seeming to escalate and the violence now bringing fatalities to the campus -- can you give us your brief view of the state of the nation?
• NATIONAL GUARD
  • Your statement on Monday, following the Kent State tragedy, was interpreted as placing the blame for the violence on the demonstrators. Do you feel the National Guard was blameless, and do you believe that the Federal Government should impose regulations on state National Guard Commanders not to use live ammunition in putting down student disorders?
• KENT
  • In light of what happened, isn't it time that everyone lowered his voice?
• RN, VEEP STATEMENTS/CAMPUS VIOLENCE
  • Do you think your statement and the recent statements of the Vice President have helped or hindered the cause of a peaceful resolution of the current campus violence.
• ADVICE FOR COLLEGE PRESIDENTS
  • What advice would you give a college President confronted with the kind of disorders taking place today on some of our college campuses?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Can you tell us if you agree with the Vice President that Yale Trustees should fire the President of their university, and with his other comments about how to contain student violence?
• STOCK MARKET
  • Do you have any comment on the stock market?
• GNP
  • Does the fact that the real GNP has now declined for two consecutive quarters and corporate profits are falling dramatically mean we are in a recession?
• DEBT CEILING
  • A few weeks ago, the national debt came within $67 million of the debt limit. Are you seeking legislation to increase the public debt limit?
• BUDGET SURPLUS
  • Are you still anticipating a Budget surplus for Fiscal 1970?
• A RESISTANCE TO INTEGRATION
  • The charge is being made that with your statement on school desegregation, you have in effect given encouragement to those who want segregation forever -- and resistance seems mounting to any kind of integration in some sections of the South. Can you comment?
• DR. ALLEN/DESEGREGATION
  • You say the Departments are clear on your policy on desegregation -- yet, just this week Dr. Allen, the Commissioner of Education, said that he would press for an end to school segregation -- regardless of cause.
• FINCH'S GOAL
  • Is your Administration committed to Secretary Finch's goal of doubling the number of black children in white schools in the South by next fall?
• DOMESTIC PROGRAM
  • Do you feel that rising division in the country and the Cambodian decision, with its impact on the Congress, will jeopardize your domestic program?
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE
  • Would you veto a welfare package that includes family assistance over your ceilings of $1600?
• WELFARE
  • Your welfare bill has been sent back to HEW for re-drafting. Can you tell us if you think its chances have been hurt?
• POLITICS OF REPRESSION
  • There has been a good deal of talk recently about the so-called "politics of repression." Democrats -- referring to such diverse actions as the crackdown on the Panthers, the Chicago Trial, the opening of foreign mail, preventive detention, the no-knock provision, the Army domestic intelligence procedures, bombing legislation, wire taps, blood and hair sampling, etc. Can you comment on this?
• THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
  • In light of some recent calls for the resignation of the Attorney General, can you tell us if you are completely satisfied with his investigations in the cases of Judges Haynsworth and Carswell; whether he still has your confidence, and whether or not he has discussed leaving with you?
• TEDDY KENNEDY
  • Can you tell us how you think the Judge's report on the Kennedy Inquest will affect the political fortunes of Senator Kennedy?
• CONGRESSMAN FORD/JUSTICE DOUGLAS
  • Some of us find it difficult to believe that your House leader, Gerald Ford, would move to impeach Justice Douglas if he did not have your blessing or at least your acquiescence. Do you approve of the moves to impeach the Justice? Has Congressman Ford consulted with you about this? Is this a retaliation against the liberal bloc for their rejection of Judges Carswell and Haynsworth?
• MANNED SPACE EXPLORATION
  • Will manned exploration of space be cut because of the problems with the Apollo?
• ABORTION
  • Senator Packwood has come out for a nationwide abortion law; Dr. Egeberg has stated his approval of state laws allowing abortion on the consent of the woman. Can you tell us your position?

Citation: [FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK, May 8, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• CAMBODIAN COST TO NATIONAL UNION
  • You justified our Cambodian involvement on the groups of military need -- do you think that today it can be justified on the cost to national union here at home?
• NIXON/JOHNSON COMPARISON
  • In the past few days comparisons have been drawn between your decision and actions -- even the rhetoric involved -- and those of President Johnson. Can you tell us what your reaction to this is?
• CAMBODIA/CONGRESS
  • Can you tell us why the Congress was kept in the dark about your plans to go into Cambodia -- so much that some of your strongest supporters were caught flatfooted?
• CAMBODIA
  • From your speech, is it your view that the success or failure of your Presidency depends on the outcome of this mission?
• CAMBODIA: NATURE OF THREAT
  • What has made you suddenly decide that these bases and sanctuaries represent such a serious threat that we have to invade a neutral nation? After all, on April 20 you did not allude to the situation in terms which would have suggested such a serious concern.
• FULBRIGHT/CAMBODIA
  • The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has charged that you are conducting a "constitutionally unauthorized war in Southeast Asia." Do you agree with this characterization of your recent actions in Cambodia?
• CAMBODIA - USSR - SALT
  • Premier Kosygin implied the SALT talks might fail because of our action in Cambodia. Will our position in the Vienna talks be different from now on?
• CAMBODIA: BURNING OF VILLAGES
  • Press reports indicate that U.S. troops are burning villages in the Fishhook area of Cambodia to deny their use to the enemy. What kinds of villages are these? Will there be any sort of restitution to the villagers? What are we doing about refugees?
• BOMBING OF NORTH VIETNAMESE SAM SITES
  • What was the purpose of the bombing raids over the weekend on North Vietnamese SAM and SAM/supply sites? Will they continue?
• CAMBODIA: FUTURE PLANS AND AID
  • Will there be other operations of this kind and will you send more aid to the Cambodian government?
• CAMBODIA: EFFECTIVENESS OF OPERATION
  • The press reports indicate that the operations in Cambodia have thus far failed to capture large quantities of supplies or inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. We have not located COSVN headquarters. In your speech you said the major objective of these operations is to destroy the enemy's ability to use these base areas as a base for attacks on South Vietnam. In view of the results so far, how will these operations achieve that objective? What have we destroyed which cannot easily be replaced?
• WHY NOT VIETNAMESE?
  • If Vietnamization was so successful, what is the reason that American troops were used in the COSVN operation?
• CONGRESSIONAL REACTION
  • How do you feel about Congressional reaction so far to your speech?
• CAMBODIA: NORTH VIETNAMESE REACTION
  • What reactions do you expect by the North Vietnamese and their allies to U.S. operations in Cambodia and the SAM site bombings? What would be your response if the North Vietnamese significantly escalated the fighting in Laos or South Vietnam, attacked Phnom Penh, or called for and received increased Chinese and Russian assistance?
• ROGERS ON THE TWENTY-THIRD
  • On April 23, Secretary Rogers said that we would consult with Congress to the fullest extent possible before committing troops to Cambodia; also, that our Vietnamization policy would fail if we escalated and got involved in Cambodia with our troops. How do these statements square with our current policy?
• TROOPS IN EUROPE
  • Do you give Chancellor Brandt assurances about our troops in Europe? Did you ask him to provide greater financial support for our forces in Germany?
• US - SOVIET RELATIONS
  • In view of Premier Kosygin's press conference on the effect of Cambodia on US-Soviet relations and the general international situation, do you see a serious deterioration of relations with Moscow?
• MILITARY AID TO GREECE
  • In light of recent trials in Athens, and the recent moves of the Greek Government toward implementation of the Constitution, what is American policy toward full resumption of military aid to Greece?
• ARAB-ISRAELI PROBLEM
  • How has the introduction of the Soviet missile system and Soviet combat pilots in the UAR affected the Arab-Israeli balance or the prospects for a peace settlement, and do you now see any reason to review your decision on aircraft for Israel on either count?
• POSITION ON SALT TALKS
  • Can you tell us what our position is in the SALT talks. Will we offer to suspend MIRV deployment and the Safeguard program?
• CHINA'S SATELLITE/ABM
  • What is your analysis of the Chinese missile capability since the launching of their satellites -- how does it relate to ABM?
• STATE OF THE NATION
  • With the stock market plummeting, the economy moving downward, the war seeming to escalate and the violence now bringing fatalities to the campus -- can you give us your brief view of the state of the nation?
• GNP
  • Does the fact that the real GNP has now declined for two consecutive quarters and corporate profits are falling dramatically mean we are in a recession?
• DEBT CEILING
  • A few weeks ago, the national debt came within $67 million of the public debt limit. Are you seeking legislation to increase the public debt limit?
• BUDGET SURPLUS
  • Are you still anticipating a Budget surplus for Fiscal 1970?
• RN, VEEP STATEMENTS/CAMPUS VIOLENCE
  • Do you think your statement and the recent statements of the Vice President have helped or hindered the cause of a peaceful resolution of the current campus violence.
• ADVICE FOR COLLEGE PRESIDENTS
  • What advice would you give a college President confronted with the kind of disorders taking place today on some of our college campuses?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Can you tell us if you agree with the Vice President that Yale Trustees should fire the President of their university, and with his other comments about how to contain student violence?
• KENT
  • In light of what happened, isn't it time that everyone lowered his voice?
• NATIONAL GUARD
  • Your statement on Monday, following the Kent State tragedy, was interpreted as placing the blame for the violence on the demonstrators. Do you feel the National Guard was blameless, and do you believe that the Federal Government should impose regulations
• STOCK MARKET
  • Do you have any comment on the stock market?
• RESISTANCE TO INTEGRATION
  • The charge is being made that with your statement on school desegregation, you have in effect given encouragement to those who want segregation forever -- and resistance seems mounting to any kind of integration in some sections of the South. Can you comment?
• FINCH'S GOAL
  • Is your Administration committed to Secretary Finch's goal of doubling the number of black children in white schools in the South by next fall?
• DR. ALLEN/DESEGREGATION
  • You say the Departments are clear on your policy on desegregation -- yet, just this week Dr. Allen, the Commissioner of Education, said that he would press for an end to school segregation -- regardless of cause.
• DOMESTIC PROGRAM
  • Do you feel that rising division in the country and the Cambodian decision, with its impact on the Congress, will jeopardize your domestic program?
• WELFARE
  • Your welfare bill has been sent back to HEW for re-drafting. Can you tell us if you think its chances have been hurt?
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE
  • Would you veto a welfare package that includes family assistance over your ceilings of $1600?
• POLITICS OF REPRESSION
  • There has been a good deal of talk recently about the so-called "politics of repression." Democrats -- referring to such diverse actions as the crackdown on the Panthers, the Chicago Trial, the opening of foreign mail, preventive detention, the no-knock p
• THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
  • In light of some recent calls for the resignation of the Attorney General, can you tell us if you are completely satisfied with his investigations in the cases of Judges Haynsworth and Carswell; whether he still has your confidence, and whether or not he
• CONGRESSMAN FORD/JUSTICE DOUGLAS
  • Some of us find it difficult to believe that your House leader, Gerald Ford, would move to impeach Justice Douglas if he did not have your blessing or at least your acquiescence. Do you approve of the moves to impeach the Justice? Has Congressman Ford con
• TEDDY KENNEDY
  • Can you tell us how you think the Judge's report on the Kennedy Inquest will affect the political fortunes of Senator Kennedy?
• ABORTION
  • Senator Packwood has come out for a nationwide abortion law; Dr. Egeberg has stated his approval of state laws allowing abortion on the consent of the woman. Can you tell us your position?
• MANNED SPACE EXPLORATION
  • Will manned exploration of space be cut because of the problems with the Apollo?
• CHANGE IN SOVIET LEADERSHIP
  • Do you have any comment on the reported change in Soviet leadership that seems to be taking place?

Citation: DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK II SECONDARY QUESTIONS [May 8, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 3], [2 of 3], and [3 of 3]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• DESEGREGATION STATEMENT
  • Do you feel your statement on desegregation has completely cleared up the confusion on the issue; and can you give us your views on Governor Kirk's actions and statements -- since he said he was only following the philosophy expressed in that statement.
• DESEGREGATION STATEMENT/CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
  • Again, considering the comments of the Civil Rights Commission, do you think the confusion has been completely cleared away.
• DESEGREGATION STATEMENT/FUNDS
  • Can you tell us how you intend to spend that $1. 5 billion you requested in your statement on desegregation? And where it is coming from?
• HOUSE BILLS/DESEGREGATION
  • The bill which passed the House includes a number of provisions affecting school desegregation. What is your view of these?
• VICE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE
  • Can you tell us what the purpose of the Vice President's school desegregation committee is?
• CIVIL RIGHTS
  • Do you believe the Federal government should give tax exemptions to private, segregated white academies in the South?
• IMPACT AID
  • Bellevue, Nebraska and Grand Forks, North Dakota have threatened to stop educating children of armed service personnel unless they pay tuition. This is because their impact aid funds were cut. In view of the strong dependence of many school districts on impact aid funds, do you think your proposed reform of the whole impact aid program is s:ill wise policy?
• EDUCATION BUDGET
  • The House, last week, added $320 million to your education budget. A re you prepared to accept an increase of this size, or do you foresee another conflict over education appropriations?
• CARSWELL
  • Do you think your attack on the Senate has jeopardized your legislative program?
• STATEMENT ON CARSWELL DEFEAT
  • Can you tell us how you would square your statement on Judge Carswell's defeat with your theme of "bring us together."
• CRITERIA FOR SUPREME COURT
  • Some time ago I believe you stated that you did not believe any group was entitled to a seat on the Supreme Court, or that geography should be a prime criteria in selecting candidates. With your effort to get a Southerner on the Court, you seem to have moved away from that philosophy. Can you enlighten us on this?
• JUDGE BLACKMUN/NAACP
  • Judge Blackmun seems to have won the endorsement or at least the neutrality of the NAACP -- and some conservatives feel that he is a judicial activist. Can you comment on this?
• POSTAL REORGANIZATION
  • Does the postal reorganization proposal mean that you are now advocating establishment of a union shop for postal employees?
• REFORM BILL/POSTAL INCREASE
  • If Congress sends you the reform bill without the postal rate increase, would you sign it?
• SUCCESS OF POSTAL STRIKE
  • Do you think that the fact that the postal workers strike met with success, in the form of a six percent overall retroactive pay increase -- and later on 8 percent additional increase -- will serve as an example to other government employees?
• MR. BLOUNT
  • In the postal strike aftermath, whom does Mr. Blount intend to punish?
• PUNISHMENT FOR POSTAL STRIKE LEADERS
  • From his interview in U.S. News, it appears that the Postmaster General intends to punish the postal leaders responsible for the strike. Can you indicate to us what the nature of that punishment will be?
• PRESS SUBPOENAS
  • Do you think that Justice Department subpoenas issued for reporters' notebooks showing confidential sources violates freedom of the press and will it continue?
• DEMONSTRATION RESTRICTIONS
  • Do you favor the imposition of new restrictions on demonstrators in front of the White House? Are two week notices and long detailed forms really necessary?
• EXPLORATION OF CAMPUS VIOLENCE
  • There are charges made that the Vice President, like Governor Reagan, is exploiting campus violence for political purposes. Can you comment on that?
• FALL ELECTIONS
  • A week ago, the New York Times had a story about your direct involvement in the selection of Republican senatorial candidates. Do you plan to campaign personally this fall for Republican Senatorial Candidates; or against any particular Democratic Senators, for example, Gore or Yarborough?
• DIRECT POPULAR ELECTIONS
  • Do you still adhere to your support of the Bayh Amendment for direct popular elections?
• EQUAL TIME
  • Do you favor repeal of section 315 of the Communications Act which requires television and radio stations to give equal time to all qualified candidates for President and Vice President. As you know, this section prevents debates between the major Presidential candidates such as you and Senator Kennedy had in 1960.
• TV SPENDING
  • The Senate has passed legislation that would repeal the requirement that networks give equal time to all qualified candidates for President and Vice President and would limit the amount of money candidates could spend on television and radio during campaigns. What is your position on this legislation?
• 18-YEAR-OLD VOTE
  • What is your opinion of the effect on American politics of the 18-year-old vote; and do you favor it?
• ALABAMA AND OHIO CONTESTS
  • Does the White House have any preference or any predictions in the Rhodes-Taft race, or the Wallace-Brewer contest in Alabama.
• WHITE HOUSE BUDGET
  • In a time of budget-cutting and inflation, it has been reported that the White House is requesting almost $200,000 this year, above last year; and much of it last year went for entertainment.
• WHITE HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT TAB
  • Can you tell us if it is true that the Republican National Committee is picking up part of the tab for White House entertainment?
• PRESIDENTIAL STAFF
  • You campaigned on the issue of "economy in government," yet, you have the largest presidential staff in history costing the most money. Will you comment on that?
• GOVERNOR MOORE
  • Is it true that the Internal Revenue Service recommended a tax prosecution against Governor Moore of West Virginia but that the Department of Justice is sitting on the case?
• MRS. MITCHELL
  • Can you tell us how you feel about Mrs. Mitchell's phone calls in the wake of the Carswell defeat and whether or not -- as she was quoted -- you counseled her to "Give 1em hell, Martha" when she came through a receiving line.
• MR. HUTSCHNECKER'S PROPOSAL
  • Can you give us your opinion on Dr. Hutschnecker's proposal for the testing of six-year-olds for criminal tendencies?
• GOVERNOR KIRK/ ATTORNEY GENERAL MITCHELL
  • Governor Kirk said that his telephone conversation with Attorney General Mitchell, in the wake of his violation of a court order, was a "love feast." Do you share that assessment of your Administration's contacts with the Governor during the problems in the Florida School District?
• MR. WOESTENDIEK
  • Do you have any comment on the firing of the husband of Mrs. Mitchell's press secretary from his job at WETA?
• SENATOR MUSKIE
  • Has the RNC and the White House generally conceded Senator Muskie to be the Number 1 political target; and is it true that the word has gone forth to Republican Faithful in the country?
• SENATOR LONG
  • It has been reported that the U. S. Attorney in Baltimore has recommended the prosecution of Senator Long and that the Justice Department is sitting on the case?
• CANADIAN OIL
  • Isn't the action of placing a quota on Canadian oil a move in the direction of keeping oil prices higher in the U.S. ?
• JAWBONING
  • Whether we plan jaw-boning to fight inflation.
• EARTH DAY
  • Can you tell us why there was no White House involvement in the Earth Day activities?
• WOMEN'S RIGHTS TASK FORCE
  • Can you tell us whether the women's rights task force report is going to be released, and whether it will form the basis of legislation?
• VOLUNTARY ACTION PROGRAM
  • One of your major campaign pledges was to establish a national voluntary action program. There has been to date it seems very little action. Can you give us your appraisal of that program at this time?
• DICK BLUMENTHAL
  • Does the departure of Mr. Blumenthal for his six-month tour of duty in the Marine Corps mean he is now out of the running for the job as head of VISTA?
• FLANIGAN CONFLICT OF INTEREST
  • Do you think there is a conflict of interest in the first ship getting a waiver to ply the coastal waters of the U.S. being one formerly owned by Peter Flanigan?
• OFFSHORE OIL LANDS
  • Can you tell us your opinion of the idea broached in the UN that all countries turn their offshore oil lands over to the UN and that the proceeds be divided according to need.
• IRS/LEAKED TAX RETURNS
  • Both a Life Magazine story and a columnist say that IRS officials have leaked tax returns -- the one on Mafia figures in Louisiana and the other on the Wallace Brothers in Alabama. Is this true?
• RUMORS OF TAX EVASION
  • The Wall Street Journal reports increasing numbers of people are failing to file income tax returns, perhaps partly because of anti-war sentiment. Would you comment?
• AIR CONTROLLERS
  • Will the controllers who participated in the "sick out" be punished?
• "HANDS-OFF POLICY"/LABOR DISPUTES
  • Will there be any change in this Administration's "hands-off policy" in labor disputes?
• COLLEGE STUDENT AID
  • Your Higher Education message is addressed to helping all qualified American youth gain a post-high school education. However, the American Council on Education, among others, has taken the position that the plan discriminates against middle-income families, who often have grave financial problems in financing education for their children. Will you comment?
• EVERS HEALTH GRANT
  • Mayor Charles Evers' request for a health grant has reportedly been turned down by HEW. Can you tell us if this was a result of a letter of opposition sent by Mr. Clark Reed?
• CHURCH-COOPER AMENDMENT
  • Do you have any position on the Church-Cooper Amendment to the Military Sales Act, which would in effect deny any funds for operations of U.S. forces into Cambodia?
• CAMBODIA
  • What are these Cambodian operations achieving?
  • Do you have any comment about President Thieu's statement that there is no time limit on South Vietnamese operations in Cambodia and that South Vietnamese forces might go back in again?
  • Does this apply to U.S. advisers and air and logistics support?
  • What is the scope of the operation on the Mekong River and is it consistent with your thirty kilometer limit on operations?
• RECESSION/INFLATION
  • Does the recently announced decline in "real" GNP of 1.6% in the first quarter indicate the economy may be entering a serious recession now that declines have occurred in two successive quarters?
• INFLATION-RECESSION
  • Do recent monetary and fiscal moves mean that the Government has abandoned the fight against inflation and is now fighting recession?
• BUDGET - 1971
  • Do you expect the 1971 budget to be balanced?
• HOUSING
  • Is there any optimism about the housing industry outlook?
• REORGANIZATION PLAN
  • The House Committee on Government Operations has introduced a Resolution which will defeat your plan to reorganize the Executive Office by creating a new Office of Management and Budget and a Domestic Council. What is your reaction?
• BUDGET
  • Do you expect the FY 1971 budget to be balanced?
• KENT STATE
  • What about the Kent State deaths?
• FOOD PRICES
  • What are the prospects for lower food prices in the coming months?
• STOCK MARKET
  • Do you have any comment on the stock market?
• HICKEL LETTER
  • What is your reaction to Secretary Hickel's letter?
• STUDENT DEATHS
  • What was your personal reaction to the death of the four students at Kent State?
• RESIGNATION OF YOUTH LEADER
  • What was your reaction to the resignation of Anthony (Toby) Moffett, head of the Office of Students and Youth?
• CLOSING OF SCHOOLS
  • How do you feel about the closing of colleges, and the action taken in that regard by Governor Reagan?
• REACTION TO PROTEST
  • How long can you afford to withstand this level of protest on campus and in the Senate without modifying your policies?
• SATURDAY DEMONSTRATION
  • How do you feel about the demonstration in Washington tomorrow?
• PROTEST REMARKS
  • Do you regret the "bums" remark?
• UNEMPLOYMENT
  • Figures released today show unemployment has now risen to 4.8%. Are you worried about this, and how much higher it is likely to go?
• 1970 BUDGET DEFICIT
  • Are we going to have a deficit in 1970?
• 1970 BUDGET DEFICIT
  • How large a deficit would that be?
• New York Clash Between Workers and Students
  • A group of construction workers in New York City today attacked a group of student demonstrators, broke some windows at City Hall and called for the ouster of Mayor Lindsay because he had ordered the flags flown at half mast in memory of the Kent State students. What is your comment on this incident?
• DRAFT
  • Will the draft be used as a punitive measure against demonstrators from the colleges?
• DRAFT
  • What will be the draft policy toward seniors in colleges who were scheduled to graduate this spring but are now unable to do so because their schools have been shut down for the rest of the school year?
  • How will other students in these colleges be treated by the draft? How will they be able to prove they are marking satisfactory progress toward their degree so that they may retain their II-S deferments?
  • Is it true that the lottery draft system has run into considerable difficulty and that there have been shortfalls in meeting the monthly draft calls?
• COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
  • Are you going to make a commencement speech this year?
• JULIE'S GRADUATION
  • Will you attend Julie's graduation?
• UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS
  • A group of university presidents asked you yesterday to stop "hostile comments by members of the Administration about campus events and persons." Obviously they meant the Vice President -- will you restrain him?
• SURVEILLANCE
  • Sam Ervin has criticized the surveillance of anti-war protests by Army intelligence. Have you directed this to be stopped? Or what is your view?
• RECESSION
  • Does the recently announced decline in "real" GNP of 1.6% in the first quarter indicate the economy may be entering a serious recession now that declines have occurred in two successive quarters?
• 1970 BUDGET DEFICIT
  • Are we going to have a deficit in 1970?
  • How large a deficit would that be?

Citation: [FOREIGN POLICY BRIEFING BOOK July 1, 1970] [I]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• COST OF CAMBODIA
  • On June 3 and yesterday you reported on the tremendous military success of our joint operations in Cambodia; the captured arms; the time purchased, the heartening performance of ARVN. Putting all that into the equation, do you think that it was worth the cost to the country and to our society, in terms of old wounds re-opened, divisions deepened, the peace movement re-energized and outraged by that action. How does it add up today?
• IMPACT OF THE CAMBODIAN OPERATION
  • Can you assess the impact of the Cambodian operation on the war in Vietnam?
• SANCTUARIES
  • Is it not true though, that in time the enemy can rebuild his sanctuaries, if he so desires?
• CAMBODIAN AFFECT ON PEACE NEGOTIATIONS
  • Do you feel the Cambodian action has retarded or advanced the cause of peace through negotiation?
• PNOM PENH
  • Is it not a fair assessment that by driving the North Vietnamese out of their sanctuaries we forced them westward -- indeed send them straight toward Pnom Penh, whence they now threaten the Cambodian Capital and Government?
• IF PNOM PENH FALLS?
  • What happens if Pnom Penh falls to the Communists? What would be our response?
• AMERICAN RESPONSE IF PNOM PENH FALLS
  • Granted that the situation is not so gloomy as portrayed in the media; what would be America's response if Pnom Penh fell to the Communists?
• COSVN
  • When the operation was announced in April 30, reference was made to the Communist command headquarters -- the so-called COSVN. Does not our failure to destroy or capture the Communist command diminish from the success of the operation -- since it was one of the prime objectives?
• COMMITMENT TO LON NOL GOVERNMENT
  • Are we not now committed in some way to the Lon Nol government?
• CAMBODIA -- A WIDER WAR?
  • Conceding the military gains in Cambodia, does not the American expansion of the war into Cambodia widen that war and guarantee a longer war?
• AMERICAN TROOPS IN CAMBODIA
  • You announced yesterday that all American combat troops were out of Cambodia; is there a chance that you will send them back?
• LON NOL GOVERNMENT
  • You mentioned that your reason for moving into those sanctuaries was for the protection of American troops remaining in Vietnam. Was it not also to assist the Lon Nol Government?
• PRICE OF VIETNAM
  • Along similar lines, and in a larger vein; do you think that any successful outcome to the war in Vietnam is worth the price that has been paid by American society -- in terms of alienation of young, division between our peoples; resources shot away that might have been used so well at home. How do you assess that equation? Will history say that Vietnam was worth the price we paid -- even if we are successful?
• TROOP WITHDRAWAL
  • What are your plans for future troop withdrawals from Vietnam? Can't they be accelerated now that the Cambodian operation has been so successful?
• VIETNAMIZATION
  • Many Americans wonder just what this program of Vietnamization mean; does it entail a permanent American military force in Vietnam, as long as the war goes on?
• ARGUMENT AGAINST SOUTHEAST ASIA POLICY
  • One of the major arguments used against our policy in Southeast Asia is that we are in effect supporting a regime that is dictatorial and non-democratic -- and does not enjoy the support of the people it is supposed to represent. How do we answer that argument?
• BOMBING RAIDS ON NORTH VIETNAM
  • There are reports that at the time of the April 30 decision, the United States conducted a number of raids upon the North -- bombing raids -- far in excess of what could be considered retaliation for the firing on American reconnaissance planes. One American reporter who was in North Vietnam at the time reported this. Can you tell us if extensive raids have been carried out against the North in recent months?
• INDOCHINA WAR
  • Has not the American move into Cambodia made the war in Vietnam in effect an "Indochina War."
• MIDDLE EAST
  • Can you give us your assessment of the situation as it currently exists in the Middle East?
• JETS FOR ISRAEL
  • Have you made any decision with regard to the Phantom jets for Israel -- and can you tell us if in your view the Soviet presence in Egypt has upset the military balance in the region?
• AMERICAN-SOVIET RELATIONS
  • What is your evaluation of the status of American-Soviet relations? Do you see any summit meetings in the near future.
• SALT TALKS
  • Can you elaborate on the reasons for your optimism at the SALT talks?
• ABM AND SALT
  • Can you tell us what effect defeat of the ABM would have upon the SALT talks?
• RELATIONS WITH EUROPE
  • In view of the recent changes in Government in Europe, how do you see our relations developing with our allies?
• NEW PARIS NEGOTIATING INITIATIVES
  • Now that you have designated a new U.S. Chief Negotiator for the Paris Talks, will he be armed with new proposals for the conduct of these Talks?
• REDUCTION OF AMERICAN FORCES IN EUROPE
  • What are the prospects for reduction of American forces in Europe for the near future?
• GREECE
  • What's to be your policy concerning the provision of military hardware to the current Government in Greece?
• COOPER-CHURCH
  • How do you view the passage of the Cooper-Church amendment by the Senate?
• COOPER-CHURCH (Part II)
  • Does passage of Cooper-Church prevent you from sending U.S. forces back into Cambodia?
• COSVN
  • Clifford and O'Brien have commented on your report to the effect that the operation has failed it because it did not find COSVN and destroy the enemy main forces. What is your reaction?
• SALT TALKS
  • Can you elaborate on the reasons for your optimism at the SALT talks?
• COALITION GOVERNMENT
  • Are you now in favor of a coalition government?

Citation: [FOREIGN POLICY BRIEFING BOOK July 1, 1970] [II]; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• POLITICAL KIDNAPPING OF DIPLOMATS
  • What is the United States doing about the wave of political kidnappings of diplomats?
• SUMMIT MEETING
  • Are you considering a summit meeting?
• BRANDT TALKS
  • Can you tell us what was accomplished in your meetings with Chancellor Brandt?
• BRANDT'S OSTPOLITIK
  • Did you express support for Chancellor Brandt's Eastern policy?
• U. S. RELIEF PROGRAM IN NIGERIA
  • Would you care to comment on a report that GAO was asked by Senator Kennedy's sub-committee to look into conduct of the U.S. relief program in Nigeria? And do you feel the program is being conducted satisfactorily?
• U.S. RELATIONS WITH ARAB COUNTRIES
  • Can you give us your view of United States relations with the Arab countries in the wake of the cancellation of Mr. Sisco's visit to Jordan, his talks with President Nasser and President Nasser's appeal to you to press for Israeli withdrawal and bring peace to the Middle East?
• POSITION ON SALT TALKS
  • From your answer, we take it the Administration is not willing to initiate a unilateral suspension of ABM or MIRV testing?
• TEXTILE IMPORT
  • If agreement is not reached with the Japanese on voluntary textile restraint, will you support Chairman Mills' bill fore a textile import quota?
• HERBICIDES
  • Why has the Government not banned all use of the dangerous herbicide (2, 4, 5-T) and why do we continue to use herbicides described as potentially dangerous (2, 4-D) both here at home and in Vietnam?
• LATIN AMERICA
  • The charge has been made that we really have no Latin American policy; that we have disengaged or withdrawn under the guise of rhetoric about a new policy; that in reality we have no prime interest in the region and our posture is one of "low profile" rather than positive action. Could you give us your concept of our Latin American policy?
• CUBA
  • Do you see any change in American policy toward the Castro government in Cuba?
• LATIN AMERICAN DICTATORSHIPS
  • For years the United States has promoted the expansion of democratic government in Latin America -- but dictatorship seems to be the wave of the present, if not the future, Ecuador being the latest example. What is our policy toward this continuing development?
• AMERICAN POLICY TOWARD AFRICA
  • Can you tell us what American policy is toward Africa? It, too, has been considered a candidate for "benign neglect" on the part of the American Government.
• PRIORITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATION
  • Much of the criticism of American foreign policy stems from the belief that America has her priorities reversed; that our great concerns are with the world --when they should be with the nation and its social ills. It is interesting to note in this regard -- that this discussion tonight was called to discuss not the problems of the cities, but foreign policy. Is this a reflection of this Administration's priorities; and is it not time they were changed?
• BRITISH ELECTION
  • Can you give us your view on the British election?
• IMPORT QUOTA LEGISLATION
  • You are now the first U.S. President to support import quota legislation. Are we headed back to the days of Smoot-Hawley?
• "NEW ISOLATIONISM"
  • Senator Fulbright and now recently Dr. Galbraith, writing in the Harper's Magazine, say that it makes no difference to us who rules -- Communist or dictator of the right -- in most areas of the Third World. I suppose you could refer to this as the "New Isolationism" -- do you at all share that view?
• PARIS NEGOTIATIONS
  • Are there any new developments to report on the Paris negotiations?
• UNITED NATIONS
  • The United Nations is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Could you give us your assessment on what its role is in American foreign policy?
• FUTURE U.S. RELATIONS WITH COMMUNIST CHINA
  • What do you consider to be the outlook for future U.S. relations with Communist China?
• SCORECARD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FOREIGN POLICY AREA
  • How do you view the accomplishments of your Administration in the foreign policy area? Are you satisfied with what you have been able to achieve thus far?
• COOPER-CHURCH AMENDMENT
  • What are your views on the Cooper-Church Amendment and its effect on your ability to conduct operations in Cambodia?
• JETS FOR ISRAEL
  • Have you made any decision with regard to the Phantom jets for Israel -- and can you tell us if in your view the Soviet presence in Egypt has upset the military balance in the region?

Citation: DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK July 15, 1970; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• ANTI-BLACK ADMINISTRATION
  • Can you tell us your reaction to the charge aired at the NAACP Convention that this is the "Most anti-black administration" since Wilson?
• JAMES FARMER
  • James Farmer, the highest-ranking black in this Administration, has spoken recently of the "growing anger and frustration" in the ghetto and criticized what he said was absence of presidential leadership. Do you agree that the urban areas of the nation are powderkegs -- and do you plan to address yourself to racial problems as Mr. Farmer predicted? Is it true that you have not met with Mr. Farmer privately?
• DE-SEGREGATION IN THE SOUTH
  • Senator Mondale and others have accused the Administration of playing a "numbers game" in making claims about what percentage of schools in the South will be integrated this fall; they say that this "statistical gimmickry" may prevent any real progress.
• DIVIDING THE COUNTRY
  • Do you think the Vice President's attacks are bringing this country together, or are dividing it further.
• McCARTHYISM
  • Comparisons are being drawn between Vice President Agnew and the late Senator McCarthy; and he is being criticized in some elements of the press of McCarthyism. Can you give us your opinion of these attacks on the Vice President?
• THE THOROUGHBRED HORSES
  • Do you think it is "responsible" to suggest that Averill Harriman sold out Poland for two thoroughbred horses from Stalin?
• SPIRO AGNEW WATCHES
  • Can you give us your opinion of the Spiro Agnew watches?
• EQUAL TIME
  • Do you feel that your use of prime time, which is more than that of any other President, is grounds for granting the Democratic National Committee four half hours each year in prime-time to respond -- or do you agree with the criticism of CBS that has been made by Chairman Morton and Republicans on the Hill?
• HATFIELD - McGOVERN
  • Do you have any comment on the use of television commercials to promote the Hatfield-McGovern Amendment?
• CHEEK -- HEARD
  • There have been a number of published reports on what President Cheek and Chancellor Heard told you with regard to the situation on the campus. Some of those reports say that the Administration and the Vice President may be partially responsible for disorders on campus. Can you give us their assessment and yours?
• RIGHT-WING REACTION
  • Both you and some of your advisers have referred to the need to end the war in Vietnam so as to produce an era of reconciliation and not a period of "furious recrimination." This has been taken to mean by some, and been spelled out a bit by your advisers, to mean that you are concerned about the possibility of a right-wing reaction in this country -- should we lose in Vietnam. Can you elaborate on your concerns here.
• D.C. CRIME
  • Attorney General Mitchell was quoted Tuesday as saying there had been no progress in the fight against crime in the District of Columbia -- which seems at odds with your statement of May 23 about being "very encouraged" by a reported downturn in crime. Can you comment on the discrepancy?
• IRS/LIBRARIES
  • Was it the policy of this Administration to have IRS officials go into libraries to find out who was reading books by and about subversives?
• GOLDWATER
  • Senator Goldwater said the other day that you make a mistake every time you name a "Democrat or a Leftist Republican" to an Administration job. Would you agree with that assessment?
• SUPREME COURT/DRAFT
  • Can you tell us how you evaluate the impact the recent Supreme Court decision will have on the operation of the draft?
• SECRETARY HICKEL
  • Is the Administration greasing the skids under Secretary Hickel; and was his famous letter partially responsible for the re-organization of the war against pollution, and the scrubbing of the proposed Department of Natural Resources.
• WELFARE BILL
  • Is it the Republicans or the Democrats who are really holding up the Welfare Bill?
• HUD "THREATS"
  • Was the White House behind the HUD "threats" to Congressmen on projects, during the Cooper-Church debate?
• SACB
  • Are you considering abolition of the SACB -- as some reports have it?
• MR. HOFFA
  • In their column the other day, Evans and Novak contended that the Administration is pushing a bill in the House which would deny Mr. Hoffa the legal right to run for President of his Union again -- thus setting up an opportunity for the Administration to parole him, without his taking over the union. The same columnists contend that one of the reasons Mr. Mollenhoff left the Administration was the imminent freeing of Mr. Hoffa. Are these reports accurate?
• NIXON BOOKS
  • Have you read the Nixon Watch by John Osborne, or the Resurrection of Richard Nixon, by Jules Witcover?
• SAN CLEMENTE
  • Is it possible to run the government, to exercise leadership over the bureaucracy three thousand miles away from San Clemente; this is a question being raised in connection with your long stays on the West Coast.
• THE BURGER COURT
  • Are you pleased with the first year of the Burger Court?
• INFLATION AS CAMPAIGN ISSUE
  • How can you campaign against the Democratic Congress on the inflation issue when a goodly percentage of your own party refused to uphold your veto of Hill-Burton?
• REAGAN - RN - HATFIELD
  • Senator Mark Hatfield has said that if you continue the right-ward drift of this Administration, it is possible that you could lose the nomination in 1972 to Governor Reagan. Do you have any comment on that?
• HARRIS POLL ON CAMPUS
  • The recent Harris Poll showed that you had a negative rating on college campuses by a margin of 70-29 and that the Vice President's rating was even lower. Do you want to comment on that?
• RELATION WITH GOP
  • Over the last 18 months, the Congress of the United States, including prominent members of your own party, have rebuffed you on crucial occasions -- Cooper-Church, the Haynsworth and Carswell nominations, the Hill-Burton veto. Considering some of the reports of grumbling Republicans, do you feel your relations with Republicans on the Hill are all they should be?
• STAFF SHAKE-UP
  • Your former Special Counsel, Clark Mollenhoff, has written that Bryce Harlow is leaving the government and that Mr. Mayo and Pat Moynihan are also on their way over or out. Can you tell us if this report is true?
• REPLACING MOLLENHOFF
  • Will there be any replacement for Clark Mollenhoff?
• GOODELL - BUCKLEY
  • Have you endorsed the candidacy of Senator Goodell of New York?
• GOODELL-O'BRIEN
  • Do you think Senator Goodell's attack on Mr. O'Brien for attacking your economic policies is an effort on his part to return to the good graces of this Administration?
• GOVERNOR CONNALLY
  • Can you tell us if there is any truth to the report that Governor John Connally was working for you during the campaign -- right up until the last few days -- as is alleged in Mr. Witcover's book.
• "SEPARATED AND DISCARDED"
  • Do you believe that there are some who should be "separated and discarded" from society -- as the Vice President stated?
• LARRY O'BRIEN SHOW
  • Did you see the Democratic Show attacking your administration and can you give us your impression of it?
• OIL IMPORTS
  • The Ways and Means Committee recently proposed that the imposition of quotas be the only action you can take to limit imports that threaten the national security. This means that you would not be able to follow the Oil Import Task Force majority recommendation of moving from quotas to tariffs in limiting oil imports. What do you think of this proposal?
• "ISOLATION BOOTH"
  • In Louisville, you said that it was good to come there and "break out of the isolation booth." Can you describe this "isolation booth" for us; and indicate who you think is responsible for it?
• D.C. CRIME BILL
  • Sam Erwin has stated about the D.C. Crime Bill, that "if I ever saw a blueprint for a police state, this is it."
• PRESIDENTIAL DEAL WITH MILLS
  • There was a report last week that you asked Congressman Wills to write quotas into legislation to take you off the hook with your commitments during the campaign. Is there any truth to this report?
• CAMPUS UNREST COMMISSION
  • Governor Scranton has said that if his commission decides that ending the war and muzzling the Vice President would contribute to campus peace, he will so recommend to the President. What would be your response in that event?
• THURMOND'S SPEECH
  • Can you give us your reaction to Senator Thurmond's speech the other day, which implied that some recent decisions of the Administration on sending Justice Department lawyers into the South, and on the tax-exempt schools seemed to be breaches of faith with the South?
• SOUTHERN STRATEGY JETTISONED
  • A number of steps taken recently, the removal of tax-exemptions to the "white academies," the dispatch of 100 lawyers into the South, have been taken as a change in posture by this Administration -- an effort to build bridges to the black community and an abandonment if you will of the so-called Southern Strategy. Would this be a valid assessment?
• THE MIDDLE EAST Communique on Nasser's Visit to Moscow
  • Can you give us your assessment of the communique issued at the conclusion of President Nasser's visit to Moscow?
• IMPORT QUOTA LEGISLATION
  • The Ways and Means Committee has apparently agreed on a bill imposing quotas on textiles and several other products as well. You have become the first U.S. President to support import quota legislation. Are we headed back to the days of Smoot-Hawley?
• EGYPTIAN RESPONSE
  • There are reports that the Egyptians plan to respond favorable to the United States peace plan; do you have information on this?
• ISRAELI A-BOMB
  • Does this government believe the Israelis' either have, or have the capability of putting together an atomic bomb in short order? Has our policy been based on this?
• NIXON DOCTRINE
  • To date the South Vietnamese seem to be the only ones willing to help Cambodia to any degree; doesn't this indicate that the assumption on which the Nixon doctrine was based, namely, the willingness of the Asian Countries to resist aggression, is a faulty assumption.
• MOVE INTO LAOS
  • Is the large South Vietnamese presence on the border of Laos the prelude to another Cambodia-type operation?
• THANAT KHOMAN
  • The Foreign Minister of Thailand has made a harsh verbal attack on the United States, as on the verge of a mental breakdown. Do you have any comment on his speech?
• MY LAI 'COVER-UP'
  • Do you have any comment on the report of Congressman Hebert and his committee that the Army covered up the My Lai incident?
• DICK BLUMENTHAL
  • Can you tell us if the Administration wanted Dick Blumenthal for the VISTA job; and whether it was offered to him?
• UNIVERSAL NATIONAL SERVICE
  • A number of prominent Americans have recently expressed support for "universal national service" whereby every young man and woman could give two years to their country -- and they might choose whether or not it was to be in the military. Polls show that an overwhelming number of young people favor this. Can you give us your view?
• REAGAN in '72
  • There are reports that the White House considers Governor Reagan a potential opponent in 1972. Is there any truth in this?
• SANTA BARBARA SANCTUARY
  • There has been some criticism of the Government's plan for making the Santa Barbara Channel an oil-free "sanctuary." The oil companies working the channel now may reap some $250 million from the government for not drilling where there is no oil. Can you comment on the windfall?
• TAX-EXEMPT SCHOOLS
  • Can you tell us what the Administration made the IRS decision when it did -- the denial of tax exemption to schools that discriminate.
• ONE YEAR LATER
  • A year ago today, Americans landed on the moon. Can you tell us what is the future of the space program one year later?

Citation: FOREIGN POLICY BRIEFING BOOK July 15, 1970; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• LEGAL BASIS FOR U.S. ROLE IN SOUTH VIETNAM
  • In your San Clemente interview you stated that without the Tonkin Gulf Resolution your legal basis for keeping U.S. Forces in Vietnam was your duty as Commander-in-Chief to protect U.S. forces. Is that the only basis? Wouldn't the best protection be to bring them home immediately?
• DID SOVIETS MISJUDGE WASHINGTON?
  • Do you believe the delay in your decision to supply additional Phantoms to Israel convinced the Russians that the United States was not solid in its support and thus encouraged them to emplace their SAMS along the Canal.
• SOVIET PRESENCE IN EGYPT
  • A high White House official has been quoted as saying this government's policy is to "expel" the Russians from the Middle East. That, coupled with your TV interview, has in the eyes of some undercut your Middle Eastern peace initiatives. Can you tell us if it is indeed American policy to "expel" the Soviets -- and whether you think our peace efforts have been damaged by your television remarks?
• U.S. MILITARY RESPONSE
  • Should the tense situation in the Middle East erupt into fighting, how far is the United States prepared to go to prevent the defeat of Israel?
• MIDDLE EAST SITUATION
  • Have developments since your TV interview caused you to see any new elements of hope or danger in the Middle East situation?
• MID-EAST TV REMARKS
  • There has been a sharp and adverse reaction in the Arab world to your comment about the Arabs wanting to "drive Israel into the sea." Do you regret having made that statement?
• JETS FOR ISRAEL
  • Have you made any new decision with regard to Phantom jets or other equipment to help Israel match recent Soviet assistance to the UAR? Will the UAR soon be able to cross the Canal?
• CON SON
  • Can you tell us the Administration's position with regard to the Con Son prison, the use of "tiger cages" for political prisoners there, and the fact that American aid seems to have gone for those prisons?
• CON SOM (#2)
  • Is the United States using its leverage on South Vietnam to get it to clear up the situation at Con Som prison?
• TROOP WITHDRAWALS
  • Secretary Laird has indicated that the United States may be pulling out more American troops by October than the 50,000 already announced. Can you give us some specifics on this?
• "FLEXIBILITY" AT PARIS
  • Has Ambassador Bruce been authorized to make any new or additional concessions at Paris; it is being widely assumed that he would not have taken the post had he not been given authority to make diplomatic moves to get us out of the current position, which has left negotiations deadlocked.
• COST OF CAMBODIA
  • You have reported on the tremendous military success of your joint operations in Cambodia; the captured arms; the time purchased, the heartening performance of ARVN. Looking hard and putting all that into the equation, do you think that it was worth the cost to the country and to our society?
• MILITARY ASSISTANCE FOR CAMBODIA
  • Can you tell us what kind of military assistance we are providing for Cambodia?
• KOREAN TROOP PULLOUT
  • According to the State Department, the United States is planning to pull a division out of Korea -- and the Korean Government has gone on record that if 20,000 U.S. troops are withdrawn, it will resign. Can you give us the Administration's position on whether we are removing any troops -- and when -- from South Korea?
• BISHOP WALSH
  • Do you see the release of Bishop Walsh as a Chinese initiative to improve relations with the United States?
• SALT - SS-9
  • Do you have any comment on the fact that the Soviets have started building SS-9s again since the start of the Vienna SALT talks?
• SALT - NEW US PROPOSAL FOR A LIMITED AGREEMENT
  • There are reports that you have approved a new US position combining an ABM limitation confined to the defense of national capitals with an overall limit on offensive weapons, including SS-9s, but no prohibition of MIRVs. Can you confirm these stories and comment on whether you think this or something similar will provide a basis for an agreement this year?
• MILITARY SALES BILL
  • Will you veto the military sales bill if Cooper-Church survives the conference?
• COOPER-CHURCH
  • Would adoption of Cooper-Church impair your ability to handle the war?
• THE HATFIELD-McGOVERN AMENDMENT
  • What are your views on the Hatfield McGovern Amendment?
• SCORECARD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FOREIGN POLICY AREA
  • How do you view the accomplishments of your Administration in the foreign policy area? Are you satisfied with what you have been able to achieve thus far?
• TONKIN GULF RESOLUTION
  • In your San Clemente interview you stated that without the Tonkin Gulf Resolution your legal basis for keeping U.S. Forces in Vietnam was your duty as Commander-in-Chief to protect U.S. forces. Is that the only basis? Wouldn't the best protection be to b
• BOMBING RAIDS ON NORTH VIETNAM
  • There are reports that at the time of the April 30 decision, the United States conducted a number of raids upon the North -- bombing raids -- far in excess of what could be considered retaliation for the firing on American reconnaissance planes. One American reporter who was in North Vietnam at the time reported this. Can you tell us if extensive raids have been carried out against the North in recent months?
• REDUCTION OF AMERICAN FORCES IN EUROPE
  • What are the prospects for reduction of American forces in Europe for the near future?
• GREECE
  • What's to be your policy concerning the provision of military hardware to the current Government in Greece?
• MILITARY SUPPLY TO SOUTH ASIA
  • There have been reports that a decision has been reached on resuming military aid to India and Pakistan. Can you confirm this, and, if so, what is the new policy?
• SCHOOL DESEGREGATION
  • The Department of Justice last week announced that a striking force of 100 U.S. Attorneys and Marshals would be sent into the south to enforce school desegregation. What comment do you have on the reaction of Senator Thurmond and others to this plan?
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE PLAN
  • Hearings in the Senate Finance Committee are scheduled tomorrow on your Family Assistance Plan; there has been some question whether you support this program as fully as you did when it was announced. Can you comment on this?
• ATTORNEYS
  • Are you saying that there will be no contingent of Justice Department Attorneys sent into the South to help carry out the desegregation that is supposed to take place this fall?
• TAXES
  • At what level of deficit would you come forward with a request for higher taxes? Your Saturday statement seemed to imply a very large deficit in fiscal year 1972. Will it be of such size, in your opinion, as to require higher taxes?
• SPENDING A POLITICAL ISSUE?
  • Was your Saturday statement the opening of the 1970 political campaign? Was your purpose to shift the blame to Congress for your own economic misjudgments and failures?
• YOUR OWN TAX PROPOSALS
  • Your Saturday afternoon statement spoke of your pending proposals for new taxes and of the failure of the Congress to approve them. Do you seriously believe that there is any real prospect for Congressional approval of these items -- and, if not, what is your alternative?
• NEW TAXES
  • Your statement on spending last Saturday seemed to suggest the possibility of new taxes. Do you contemplate recommending tax increases during the balance of this year or in 1971?
• Economic Upturn
  • How do you view the prospects of the economy in the light of recent economic news? Some are saying that the economy has hit its bottom and that an upturn is on its way. Do you agree with this?
• EXPENDITURE CEILING
  • In your Saturday statement you called for a ceiling on total expenditures, but you did not specify a figure. What ceiling do you want?
• DEFICITS
  • Your Saturday statement talked of the likelihood of deficits in both fiscal year 1971 and 1972. What size deficits were you talking about?
• REPLACING MOLLENHOFF
  • Will there be any replacement for Clark Mollenhoff?
• PENN-CENTRAL
  • What was the rationale of the attempted federal involvement in salvaging Penn-Central?
• Productivity Council and Inflation Alert
  • Some weeks ago you announced a number of measures designed to do something to slow down inflation, but falling far short of the guideposts or control measures that many have been suggesting. Do you have confidence that the rather mild steps you have taken will do any good?
• Coalition Government for South Vietnam
  • There has been some confusion recently regarding our position on a coalition government for South Vietnam. Can you clarify what that position is?
• NIXON DOCTRINE
  • To date, the South Vietnamese seem to be the only ones willing to help Cambodia to any degree; doesn't this indicate that the assumption on which the Nixon doctrine was based, namely, the willingness of the Asian countries to resist aggression, is a faulty assumption?
• AMBASSADOR BRUCE & U.S. PROPOSALS
  • Are you going to put forward any new proposals in Paris to follow up Ambassador Bruce's appointment?
• THANAT KHOMAN
  • The Foreign Minister of Thailand has made a harsh verbal attack on the United States, as on the verge of a mental breakdown. Do you have any comment on his speech?
• SOUTH VIETNAMESE MOVE INTO LAOS?
  • Is the large South Vietnamese presence on the border of Laos the prelude to another Cambodia-type operation?
• MIDDLE EAST Israeli Nuclear Capability
  • Does the U.S. Government believe that Israel has the capability to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East conflict, and how would you regard this?
• CUBA
  • There is a report that the U.S. is alarmed over increasing Soviet activity in Cuba and that we have instituted one a day reconnaissance flights over Cuba. Can you comment on this?

Citation: FOREIGN POLICY BRIEFING BOOK #2 July 16, 1970; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• CAMBODIAN EFFECT ON PEACE NEGOTIATIONS
  • Secretary Rogers has stated that he believes the Cambodian operation has resulted in increased North Vietnamese reliance upon Peking -- and increased Chinese influence in Hanoi -- and thus diminished the chances for a negotiated settlement. Wednesday, he restricted the assessment to the "short run." However, this seems at odds with your proejction that the operation increased in prospect of a negotiated peace. Can you give us the Administration position on this?
• LON NOL GOVERNMENT
  • Can you give us your assessment of the situation in Cambodia and in Phnom Penh -- does the Lon Nol Government stand a good chance of survival?
• IF PHNOM PENH FALLS
  • Considering that the Communists now control half of Cambodia and are threatening to take the rest -- can we still consider the Cambodian operation a success?
• SECRETARY ROGERS
  • Do you agree with Secretary Rogers' suggestion that a no-war, no peace situation may develop in Vietnam?
• ROGERS/THIEU
  • Did Secretary Rogers attempt to sell President Thieu on the idea of a coalition government before elections; i.e., one that could be negotiated at Paris?
• ANDERSON & CON SON
  • Can you give us your reaction to Congressman Anderson's suggestion to send a medical team to Con Son, assuring amnesty to those prisoners who talked to the investigators; and to his idea of appointing a commission to study Vietnam's judicial system?
• DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH COMMUNIST CHINA
  • Howard K. Smith said that, following your interview on television, you stated to him that you favored diplomatic relations with Communist China. Did you make such a statement; do you think the United States should move to establish diplomatic relations with Peking?

Citation: [DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK July 28, 1970]; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• GOODELL-BUCKLEY-BYRD
  • A political question. Can you tell us whether (a) you endores either candidate in the Mass. Primary race (b) whether you support the Republican candidate in New York's Senatorial contest and (c) whom you would like to see win the Virginia Senatorial contest?
• HATFIELD-REAGAN - 1972
  • There have been reports that the White House considers Governor Reagan a potential opponent for the Republican nomination in 1972; Senator Hatfield has said that if the Administration moves any further to the right, it risks the danger of losing the nomination to Governor Reagan. Can you give us your view on these reports?
• HARLOW/MOYNIHAN RETIREMENTS
  • Is it true that Bryce Harlow and Pat Moynihan will be following Bob Mayo into retirement from the Nixon Administration, as the latter has indicated and the former has not denied?
• WHITNEY YOUNG
  • Are there any plans to bring Whitney Young into your Administration?
• OPENING TO THE LEFT
  • There have been a number of stories that the Administration is moving leftward -- they have emanated both from the character of recent appointments and the nature of recent decisions. The elevation of Finch and Shultz; the decision on tax-exemption for white academies, the toned-down rhetoric of Vice President Agnew and the "new" John Mitchell are among the signs. Can you tell us if this is the case; is the Administration adopting a new "moderate-liberal" strategy; has it abandoned the so-called Southern Strategy?
• ANTI-BLACK ADMINISTRATION
  • A recent Gallup Poll showed only one in four blacks supporting this Administration. Do you consider this a good record?
• INSUBORDINATION IN GOVERNMENT
  • Can you tell us your view of the seemingly incipient rebellions in the Federal Government -- the letter of opposition by 250 officers at State, the demonstrations by HEW employees against your leadership, the public statements of opposition by civil servants to your policies?
• NON-POLITICAL TRIPS
  • Can you tell us if your trips to Fargo, North Dakota, and Salt Lake City, were designed to "bring government to the people," or to bring the President to the rescue of Republican underdogs.
• EQUAL TIME
  • Do you feel that your use of prime time, which is more than that of any other President, is grounds for granting the Democratic National Committee four half hours each year in prime-time to respond -- or do you agree with the criticism of CBS that has been made by Chairman Morton and Republicans on the Hill?
• MRS. NIXON AND THE PRESS
  • Mrs. Nixon was quoted as saying that after she had complained to you about her bad press, you advised her to stop reading the newspapers. Did you give her this advice, and is this your policy?
• GALLUP POLL
  • The latest Gallup Poll shows an increase in public approval of your Presidency of six points, a sizeable jump. Can you give us your reaction to this?
• CHANCELLOR HEARD
  • Chancellor Heard issued a memorandum to you which seems gloomy in its assessment of what was happening on the campus -- and which seemed to place a good measure of responsibility, at least for remedial action, at the doorstep of the White House. Can you comment on that report?
• KENT STATE/FBI REPORT
  • Can you tell us if there was an FBI report which concluded that the National Guard at Kent State was not under a barrage of rocks and did not have to fire those weapons which killed the four students.
• SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL
  • Can you tell us why the Government is paying some oil companies an estimated $250 million for leases that may be next to worthless -- and why more leases were not bought up off the California coast?
• TAX INCREASES
  • You spoke two weeks ago of the possibility of rather large deficits for 1971 and possibly 1972. Can you tell us then if there is a possibility of large tax increases -- if those deficits occur.
• SAN CLEMENTE
  • Is it possible to run the government, to exercise leadership over the bureaucracy three thousand miles away from San Clemente; this is a question being raised in connection with your long stays on the West Coast.
• WELFARE BILL
  • Is it the Republicans or the Democrats who are really holding up the Welfare Bill?
• INFLATION AS CAMPAIGN ISSUE
  • How can you campaign against the Democratic Congress on the inflation issue when a goodly percentage of your own party refused to uphold your veto of Hill-Burton?
• PROXMIRE'S ECONOMICS
  • Both the Democratic Policy Committee and Senator Proxmire contend that they have cut your budget below requests; and Senator Proxmire has said he would wager one thousand dollars with any Republican that the final total budget request will be below yours.
• RIPON STRATEGY
  • The Ripon Society has recommended that you abandon the so-called Southern Strategy and concentrate on the upper South as a political base for the future of the Republican Party. Can you comment on this?
• RIGHT-WING REACTION
  • Both you and some of your advisers have referred to the need to end the war in Vietnam so as to produce an era of reconciliation and not a period of "furious recrimination." This has been taken to mean by some, and been spelled out a bit by your advisers, to mean that you are concerned about the possibility of a right-wing reaction in this country -- should we lose in Vietnam. Can you elaborate on your concerns here.
• NOT GETTING THROUGH
  • Attorney General John Mitchell, in changing his rhetoric, said that the Administration was not getting through to young people and black people in this country. Do you think that is so?
• DE-SEGREGATION IN THE SOUTH
  • Senator Mondale and others have accused the Administration of playing a "numbers game" in making claims about what percentage of schools in the South will be integrated this fall; they say that this "statistical gimmickry" may prevent any real progress.
• EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN
  • Can you give us your position on the proposed Constitutional Amendment on equal rights for women? Senator Bayh has been asking about it on the floor of the Senate.
• FARMER LEAVING?
  • Is James Farmer leaving the Administration as some reports have it?
• FOREIGN AID
  • A recent study showed that the United States spent less of its GNP (.49 percent) for foreign aid than most Western European countries and that our percentage had dropped to one of the lowest levels in our post-war history. Do we still accept the goal of 1 percent of the GNP as the proper national contribution to under-developed nations?
• McCARTHYISM
  • Comparisons are being drawn between Vice President Agnew and the late Senator McCarthy; and he is being criticized in some elements of the press of McCarthyism. Can you give us your opinion of these attacks on the Vice President?
• EXPENDITURE CEILING
  • In your statement two weeks ago, you called for a ceiling on total expenditure, but you did not specify a figure. What ceiling do you want?
• UAW NEGOTIATIONS
  • Do you intend to intervene in the UAW negotiations to prevent an inflationary settlement?
• ELIMINATING THE DRAFT
  • There are some efforts in the Congress to let Selective Service expire and move at once to an all-Volunteer army --would you support these efforts?
• SPEECH ON BLACKS?
  • Do you have any plans to address the nation on the subject of race relations. There have been a number of reports to this effect, one of them emanating from Mr. Farmer.
• SECRETARY HICKEL
  • Is the Administration greasing the skids under Secretary Hickel? Was his famous letter partially responsible for the re-organization of the war against pollution, and the scrubbing of the proposed Department of Natural Resources.
• SUPREME COURT/DRAFT
  • Can you tell us how you evaluate the impact the recent Supreme Court decision will have on the operation of the draft?
• GOLDWATER
  • Senator Goldwater said the other day that you make a mistake every time you name a "Democrat or a Leftist Republican" to an Administration job. Would you agree with that assessment?
• IRS/LIBRARIES
  • Was it the policy of this Administration to have IRS officials go into libraries to find out who was reading books by and about subversives?
• GOVERNOR CONNALLY
  • Can you tell us if there is any truth to the report that Governor John Connally was working for you during the campaign -- right up until the last few days -- as is alleged in Mr. Witcover's book.
• NIXON BOOKS
  • Have you read the Nixon Watch by John Osborne, or the Resurrection of Richard Nixon, by Jules Witcover?

Citation: DOMESTIC POLICY BRIEFING BOOK September 13, 1970; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • There have been reports of strains between you and the Vice President -- stemming from wire reports and also from your comment that it is "too early" to say if the Vice President will be on the ticket in 1972. Any comment on this?
• POLITICAL ATTACKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Do you generally approve of the Vice President's political attacks on the "Radical Liberals" of both parties? Do you think this is consistent with your counsel to "lower our voices" and your commitment to "bring us together."
• VICE PRESIDENT'S CAMPAIGN TRAVEL COSTS
  • Is the Republican National Committee paying the costs of the Vice President's campaign travels? Are the White House aides traveling with the Vice President still on the Federal payroll?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE MEDIA
  • Do you feel the Vice President has intimidated the media as has been charged, repeatedly, by Senator McGovern, among others?
• MOOD OF VOTERS
  • How would you judge the mood of the voters this fall -- in light of the reports of apathy, and how do you think Republicans will do?
• ELECTION PREDICTIONS
  • Any predictions on the outcome of the Congressional elections?
• GOODELL
  • Does the Administration endorse the candidacy of Charles Goodell, the Republican candidate for Senate from New York?
• REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE IN VIRGINIA
  • Are you going to endorse or work for the Republican candidate in Virginia?
• JUDGE CARSWELL
  • Does Judge Carswell's defeat in the Florida primary reflect poorly on his nomination to the Court?
• SHIFT OF DEMOCRATS
  • Do you have any thoughts on the sudden shift by the Democrats to a strong "law and order" position?
• SCAMMON-WATTENBURG
  • Have you read the Scammon-Wattenburg book? Are you following the strategy outlined?
• CIVIL RIGHTS RECORD
  • Whitney Young has termed your Administration's civil rights record as "indecisive" and "flabby" and "like jello." Mr. Spottswood of the NAACP called the Administration "anti-black." Do you have any comment on this?
• WHITE ACADEMIES
  • Private, all-white academies are springing up all over the South and only a handful have lost their tax exemptions; is there any plan for firmer action?
• BLACK SUBURBS
  • Does the Administration plan to pursue Secretary Romney's program to open the suburbs up to blacks?
• THE COURT
  • In its forthcoming decision on bussing and de facto segregation, do you think the Court will rule along the lines you suggested last March?
• "IF I WERE BLACK…"
  • Several weeks ago you were quoted by a columnist to the effect that if you were a black, you would be a revolutionary. Is that quote accurate?
• ECONOMY
  • The Administration has trumpeted about the improving economy -- but there are still problems of unemployment, inflation and consumer pessimism.
• SIZE OF DEFICIT
  • Do you have any report on the projected size of the deficit?
• "BIG SPENDERS"
  • When Republicans joined Democrats in overriding your vetoes, how can you call the Democrats "big spenders." Hasn't that campaign argument lost credibility?
• HEW AND HUD VETOES VS. SST
  • How do you square your HUD and HEW vetoes with support of the SST? Also, how does the latter square with your concern for the environment?
• CRIME
  • One of the most outspoken pledges of your campaign in 1968 was to clean up crime -- and yet the rate continues to go up. Do you have any comment on this?
• BOMBINGS
  • When can the Federal Government do about the current rash of bombings plaguing the country?
• CAMPUS
  • The Attorney General says he expects a relatively quiet campus this fall. Do you share his optimism?
• COMMISSION ON STUDENT UNREST
  • What is your view of Senator Allott's attack on the student unrest commission?
• PORNOGRAPHY IN DENMARK
  • There have been reports from Denmark that legalization of pornography has led to a reduction in sex crimes committed there. In light of that, are there not strong arguments for doing away with all our strictures against pornography?
• ORGANIZED LABOR
  • Do you think the GOP can make inroad into organized labor. And do you agree with the Meany assessment that "extremists" are taking over the Democratic Party?
• AUTO STRIKE
  • Does the Administration anticipate an auto strike -- or plan any intervention if it occurs?
• QUOTA ROUTE
  • Can you tell us why you selected the quota route as opposed to the tariff route recommended by the Shultz Commission?
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE PLAN
  • Are you willing to compromise, abandon specifics of the Family Assistance Plan, to gain an approval of it by Congress?
• REVENUE SHARING
  • Has Revenue Sharing got any chance this year -- in light of Congressman Byrnes' objections?
• WOMEN'S RIGHTS AMENDMENT
  • How do you stand on the Women's Rights Amendment?
• CENSUS
  • Have you any plans for a recheck by the Census Bureau on their figures on large cities considering the loud complaints from the Mayors.
• SENATOR TYDINGS
  • Was the White House involved in the investigation of Senator Tydings?
• SENATOR GOLDWATER
  • Senator Goldwater seems to have successfully blocked the appointment of Arthur Olsen over at State -- and he has been critical of many of your appointments. Do you have any comment on this?
• PRESIDENT JOHNSON
  • Did you reverse yourself on the question of Federal aid for a nursing home run by friends of President Johnson -- because of President Johnson's support on Vietnam -- or his personal request?
• COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
  • When will a replacement for Commissioner Allen be named; and is Sidney Marland in line for the job?
• PUBLIC APPEARANCES
  • Considering the risks involved in mixing with crowds today, and the current wave of personal violence, do you think your own public appearances are worth the risk they involve?

Citation: DOMESTIC POLICY BRIEFING BOOK December 4, 1970; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• TRADE LEGISLATION
  • What is your position on the Trade Bill passed by the House? Will you veto it?
• RAIL STRIKE
  • Why didn't you intervene in the rail strike?
• CREDIBILITY GAP
  • Considering the almost daily expansions of Secretary Laird on what took place at Son Tay, do you feel there is a "credibility gap" developing in this Administration?
• "BRING US TOGETHER"
  • Do you feel that the nature of your campaign and that of the Vice President contributed to your goal of "bringing the country together."
• ON ARTHUR BURNS
  • Following your economic address, Dr. Burns made a speech calling for a wage-price board -- going considerably beyond your own actions to curb inflation. Do you disagree with the Chairman of the Fed on incomes policy?
• PRESS CONFERENCES
  • Since you have taken office you have had fewer press conferences than any other President since Mr. Hoover; there has not been a press conference for four months; there have only been three conferences in a year. Can you tell us how you square this with your concept of an "open Administration" and whether you intend to continue this practice over the next two years of your administration, and why you have chosen to somewhat downgrade and ignore this institution for a communication with the American people?
• 70 CAMPAIGN STRATEGY
  • Looking back, would you decide on a different campaign strategy for 1970 if you had the chance?
• CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION
  • There are those who contend that this was a dirty campaign -- and certainly a divisive one; and that in taking part in it you have "diminished" the Presidency and your capacity to lead the country. Can you comment on this?
• PURGING THE GOP
  • Senator Goodell said he fears that his purge portends a purge in 1972 of other progressive Republicans from the Party. Is that a realistic possibility? Will Senators Brooke and Percy and others who have disagreed as often as Mr. Goodell confront similar challenges?
• GEORGE MEANY & LABOR
  • Considering COPE's active role in the campaign against your candidates, do you have any second thoughts about the public courting of George Meany -- and will there be more of it?
• GOVERNORSHIPS
  • You don't think that the loss of key Governorships, in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin portend trouble for 1972?
• SAN JOSE
  • Do you feel the charge is justified that you exploited the San Jose incident to political advantage in the fall election?
• SCHOOL DESEGREGATION
  • Despite the reported desegregation that has taken place this fall, there are many reports coming in of segregation within schools by classrooms. What is the Administration doing with regard to this?
• RIBICOFF PROPOSAL
  • Senator Ribicoff has proposed that all schools in a metropolitan area be integrated to reflect at least half the black-white ratio in the entire area. Would you support such a proposal?
• INTEGRATING THE SUBURBS
  • It appears that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is moving toward an attempt to integrate suburban areas by getting them to build more housing for low-income people. Is this the Administration's policy?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • In his first major address since the election, the Vice President took a considerably more moderate tone, especially about the media, than he has in recent months. Can we expect a change in his posture and performance in the months ahead?
• DUMP-AGNEW MOVEMENT
  • Can you give us your thoughts on the Dump-Agnew Movement within the Republican Party? Is there any possibility Mr. Agnew might be dropped from the ticket in 1972?
• L'AFFAIRE HICKEL
  • Can you tell us why you fired Mr. Hickel in the fashion you did?
• HICKEL
  • Secretary Hickel was fired rather unceremoniously; then six members of his staff were chopped in an afternoon. Is this abrupt fashion to be the way with future Administration dismissals as well? Will there be further changes at Interior?
• HICKEL
  • Do you see anything wrong in walking into an employee's office and asking him to be out by the end of the afternoon?
• CABINET/STAFF CHANGES
  • Do wholesale changes in the White House Staff and the Cabinet that have taken place or are underway reflect more concern about the results of the election and the performance of the Administration than has been made public to date?
• RUMORED DEPARTURES
  • There are reports of new changes in the Cabinet and the White House Staff; talk of Messrs. Mitchell, Kennedy, Romney and Hardin leaving have all been reported. Is there any truth in these reports.
• NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
  • Senator Kennedy, the AFL-CIO, and others have urged passage of legislation to institute a system of National Health Insurance. What is your position?
• WAR ON DRUGS
  • Questions have been raised about the success of your Administration's war on drugs. There have been charges that little or no headway is being made to stop narcotics from coming into the United States from France and Turkey. Will you comment on this?
• KENT STATE FEDERAL GRAND JURY
  • Does the Administration plan to call for a Federal grand jury on Kent State, in view of the conflict among reports from the State of Ohio, the Justice Department and the Scranton Commission?
• CAMPAIGN SPENDING REFORMS
  • Your veto of the TV-radio campaign spending measure has been upheld -- can you tell us what you intend to propose in the way of reforms next year -- as you promised? Do you favor Congressman Anderson's proposal?
• NEW TAXES
  • Does the Administration envision new taxes to prevent a massive deficit next year?
• ECONOMIC GAME PLAN
  • Have you changed your economic game plan because the old game plan has failed to work?
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE PLAN
  • What do you think the chances are for passage of Family Assistance?
• TRADE BILL
  • Can you tell us if you will veto the trade bill, if it comes to you in its present form?
• RAIL STRIKE
  • Senator Mansfield has indicated that it may be a little late for emergency legislation to head off a rail strike and some leaders indicate even if a law is passed it may not be possible. Do you have any thoughts on this situation you would want to convey?
• DR. BURNS' RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Have you any comment on Dr. Arthur Burns' recommendations -- about looking at compulsory arbitration and a "price and wage review board" -- which seemed to go further than some of yours. Is there not some disagreement between your position and that of Dr. Burns?
• MR. RINFRET'S VIEWS
  • Reportedly, Mr. Rinfret indicated to you that unemployment would be at eight percent in 1971 and 10 percent in 1972. Do you credit those reports in any way?
• THE SST
  • Can you tell us what you think the chances are of saving the SST?
• POW RAIDS
  • Would you consider that POW raid a "failure?" Will there be more such attempts in the future. Was there, do you believe, an intelligence leak?
• HARRIS POLL
  • The Harris Poll shows Mr. Muskie leading you by six points in a trial heat for the Presidency. Does this concern you?
• TED KENNEDY
  • You have been quoted as saying in your view, Edward Kennedy is the strongest candidate the Democrats could put up in 1972 -- and that Mr. Muskie may turn out to be the "Romney of 1970." Is that an accurate portrayal of your views of the political situation in the other party?
• SENATOR MUNDT
  • Have you been in touch, or your staff in touch, with Senator and Mrs. Mundt regarding his possible resignation before the new Congress?
• SCOTT AND GRIFFIN
  • Are you supporting Senators Scott and Griffin for re-election to their leadership posts?
• HOOVER - CONSPIRACY
  • Mr. Hoover went up to the Hill the other day and indicated there was a conspiracy to kidnap a government official on the part of the "East Coast Conspiracy to Save Lives." Members of that group contend that either the charge should be withdrawn -- or prosecuted. Can you comment on this?
• HOOVER/CLARK
  • Do you have any comment on the exchange between J. Edgar Hoover and Ramsey Clark?
• DEBRA SWEET
  • Do you have any comment on Debra Sweet's contention that she did not feel you were sincere about ending the war. Do you think this points up a problem of communication between your Administration and young people?
• SCRANTON COMMISSION
  • Can you tell us when or if you are going to respond to the Scranton Commission Report?
• BLACK POSTER CHILD
  • Can you tell us why you refused to pose with the first black retarded poster girl -- the first black child used by the National Association for Retarded Children?
• PERSONNEL CHANGES
  • There have been frequent rumors of additional personnel changes in the Administration. Do you plan additional changes?
  • Will any more Cabinet members be fired?
  • Did you order the firing of the Director of the Office of Legal Services?
  • Any question on Hickel, the Republican National Committee, OEO or Rumsfeld.
• DEFEATED REPUBLICANS
  • Does the Administration have any program to see to it that defeated Republicans get jobs in the Administration?

Citation: PRESIDENTIAL PRESS CONFERENCE 2 [December 24, 1970]; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• POLAND
  • How do you evaluate the events in Poland? What do they mean for East-West relations and the rest of Eastern Europe?
• HANOI RELEASE OF POW LIST
  • What is your opinion of the recent decision by Hanoi to release lists of American prisoners to aides of Senators Kennedy and Fulbright?
• POSSIBLE ESCALATION AGAINST NORTH VIETNAM
  • In your last press conference you indicated conditions under which you would resume bombing of North Vietnam, and spelled out what we would do. Are you planning to escalate the war?
• POSSIBLE NEW COMMITMENT TO DEFEND CAMBODIA
  • Could you comment on the charge by Senator Fulbright and others that the aid appropriation for Cambodia is in effect a new commitment to defend that country?
• SOVIET BASE IN CUBA
  • There are conflicting reports on the construction of a Soviet submarine base in Cuba -- and American efforts -- or agreement with the Soviets -- to have that base removed, or not constructed. Can you tell us if (a) there is such a base now operational or under construction and (b) whether the United States has any tacit agreement, or agreement of any kind with the Soviets, not to build such a base?
• RELATIONS WITH CHILE
  • What is your attitude toward Chile now that a Marxist, Salvador Allende, has been elected President?
• CHILE COPPER NATIONALIZATION
  • How do you regard President Allende's announcement of a Constitutional amendment providing for nationalization of the copper industry in Chile?
• TRADE AND TEXTILES
  • Now that the trade bill is dead for this session of Congress, and Secretary Stans has announced that textile negotiations with the Japanese have been suspended, how do you plan to carry out your commitment to the textile industry?
• CONNALLY FOR V. P. ??
  • In selecting John Connally to be Treasury Secretary, was there any understanding between you as to what assistance he would provide the GOP ticket in 1972, as to whether or not he would work for the defeat of John Tower, or as to his possible choice as Vice President on the GOP ticket in the next election?
• CONNALLY APPOINTMENT
  • Do you have any appointments to announce and can you tell us your thinking behind the nomination of John Connally to be Secretary of the Treasury? There are those who suggest political motivation.
• THE ENVIRONMENT
  • As you look into the future, do you think the nation and the human race have the capacity and will to survive the terrible damage we are doing to the environment?
• THE NEW CONGRESS
  • How do you feel your relations with the Ninety-Second Congress will be, considering the kind of campaign that was conducted against members of the Ninety-First. Do you think that your "new ideological majority" is still intact, considering recent statements of Senators-elect Taft and Weiker. Do you think your progressive legislation, like FAP, will stand a better chance with a more conservative Senate?
• RELATIONS WITH CONGRESS
  • Can you give us your overall view of the performance of the Congress of the United States which ended yesterday?
• CONGRESSIONAL RECESS
  • Do you have any thoughts on the Congressional recess taken over Christmas, which seems to leave much of your legislation dying for lack of support -- especially in the Senate?
• EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD VOTE
  • What do you think the impact of the eighteen year old vote will be on 1972 -- and on your own chances considering the Harris Poll showing Mr. Muskie with twice your support among young people 18-21.
• PROBLEMS WITH YOUTH
  • Why do you feel there is such strong opposition to your Administration on the part of college-age young people in this country -- and what is your view of the widespread "apathy" being reported on college campuses today?
• EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD VOTE
  • What do you think the impact of the eighteen year old vote will be on 1972 -- and on your own chances considering the Harris Poll showing Mr. Muskie with twice your support among young people 18-21.
• FAP
  • In the past you seemed to argue for welfare reform on the basis of its appeal to "conservatives;" namely emphasizing its workfare provisions. Lately, you have based your case more on the "liberal" side of the argument -- emphasizing the floor under income for every American family. Does this indicate a change in emphasis, with greater hope of success?

Citation: DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK December 31, 1970 I; box 2; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• PRESIDENCY
  • In your address on the Presidency in 1968, you said the "next President must unite America. He must calm its angers, ease its terrible frictions, and bring its people together once again in peace and mutual respect." Do you think the campaign of 1970 helped to contribute to that.
  • In your address on the Presidency, you said you believed in a "system in which the appropriate Cabinet officer gets credit for what goes right, and the President takes the blame for what goes wrong." Does that still apply in light of the departure of Secretary Hickel?
• FIRST TWO YEARS
  • What do you think are the greatest triumphs and the greatest disappointments of your Administration in its first two years?
• POLITICS - THE YEAR AHEAD
  • There are polls out now, including Gallup, showing Mr. Muskie running either even with you -- or ahead. At the Sun Valley GOP Governors Conference, Mr. Agnew heard some rather vituperative comments about your statements on the political pulling of Governors, about your Administration in general, and about the campaign you and the Vice President conducted this fall. Can you tell us what plans you have now, if any, for improving Republican prospects in the coming year?
• 1972 ISSUES
  • Looking ahead to 1972, what do you think the issues will be; what would you like to have accomplished by then?
• "BRING US TOGETHER"
  • Do you feel that the Vice President's speeches and campaigning have contributed to your goal of "bring us together" again? Do you think your own efforts in 1970 contributed to this goal. Does the "hot rhetoric" so often displayed by the Vice President not polarize the nation at a time when it needs unity more than anything else? How does all this square with your Inaugural Injunction to "lower our voices?" Will the Vice President be speaking out in this manner in the future -- or has his performance of the last few weeks been indicative of a new style?
• CAMPAIGN TACTICS
  • With regard to the Administration's campaign tactics, it is not just the media, but some Republican Governors and Congressmen who were opposed to the "negative" nature of the campaign, especially the Vice President's.
• IF BOMBING IS RENEWED
  • Should you decide that the security of withdrawing American troops requires renewal of bombing of the North, do you not think that would produce a reaction in this country as severe as that following the Cambodian enterprise; and would this be worth it?
• RNC CHAIRMAN, CABINET, STAFF
  • Are you planning additional changes in your Cabinet or top White House Staff, or will the current team be pretty much the team that carries the ball through November of 1972? Is Senator Dole still in the running for National Chairman, and when will that decision be made?
• MOVE TO THE RIGHT
  • Before the last election there was considerable discussion that the nation was moving to the right. At election time, this seemed to be dismissed. What is your opinion of whether the nation is moving right or left?
• VICE PRESIDENT ON THE MEDIA
  • Do you share the Vice President's constant criticisms of America's media; do you feel that press and television have been unfair to you and your Administration?
• MORE PRESS CONFERENCES
  • You seem to be most effective whenever you have press conferences; why don't you have more of them?
• TV CONVERSATION
  • Why did you pick this particular time and this particular forum in which to address the country tonight?
• FOOD STAMP BILL
  • Are you in favor of the somewhat harsh work requirement provision included in the recently passed Food Stamp Bill? Isn't this work requirement inconsistent with the work requirement provision in the Family Assistance Program?
• THE PRESIDENT & THE BLACK COMMUNITY
  • You once said early in your Presidency that you hoped to win the trust of the black community. Considering the severe criticism of your Administration by black leaders such as Roy Wilkins and others, do you think you are anywhere near your objective. What do you feel is the cause of this distrust between your Administration and black Americans?
• WHITNEY YOUNG
  • Can you tell us if your meeting with Whitney Young portends a new Administration interest in the problems of black America.
• GHETTOES AND SUBURBS
  • How can we solve the problems of the impacted ghettoes, without moving blacks from the cities into the suburbs. Have you given up on integration.
• ECONOMY
  • It has been said, "As the economy goes, so goes the Nixon Administration." Do you think this is a valid statement?
• BICENTENNIAL YEAR
  • Looking ahead to Bicentennial Year of 1976, what would you like to see for the United States?
• J. EDGAR HOOVER
  • Following up on a question of several weeks ago, about FBI Director Hoover; considering that he has been in his office for more than four decades; that he has become increasingly involved in bitter controversies with his comments about Dr. King, Ramsey Clark, the late Robert F. Kennedy -- do you not think the time has come to put a younger man in such a sensitive position. Especially in light of his recent comment which seemed a slur on Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans?
• VALUE-ADDED TAX
  • Does the Administration plan a value added tax, either to provide funds for revenue sharing or additional revenues for the Federal government?
• NEW IMAGE
  • There seems to have taken place a change in emphasis and attitude in the Administration since the election. More of a conciliatory posture being adopted; more emphasis on domestic needs and concerns than perhaps existed before. Is this a fair assessment?
• TRADE LEGISLATION
  • Considering the near disaster that took place -- with near passage of a protectionist trade bill -- will you take that risk again with your proposal for authority over textile imports?
• EGYPT
  • Do we have tangible evidence that the Soviets have introduced 75-mile range land-based rockets in Egypt?
• RECENT HANOI MOVES IN PARIS
  • The North Vietnamese in Paris recently indicated a readiness to have a cease-fire if we would announce withdrawal of our forces by June 30, 1971. They even offered to negotiate the exact date of our withdrawal, if we did not accept June 30. Do you think these are openings which we can use to move toward a settlement?
• SALT
  • The SALT talks in Helsinki have ended and will resume in Vienna in March. At your last press conference you said we are still far apart. Can you tell us your evaluation of the latest phase?
• ECONOMIC BRIEFING
  • Are you satisfied with the state of the economy?
  • What about unemployment?
  • What will you do about wage increases, which most economists say is the root cause of inflation?
  • What do you see ahead for the economy?
• VALUE ADDED TAX
  • Does the Administration plan a value added tax, either to provide funds for revenue sharing or additional revenues for the Federal government?

Citation: FOREIGN POLICY 2/14/71; box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• Executive Branch Organizational Inconsistencies
  • Why is it that on the domestic side you are proposing the consolidation of certain domestic functions, while at the same time you are splitting up the management of our Foreign Assistance Program?
• DR. KISSINGER AND THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE
  • Can you tell us your view on whether Dr. Kissinger should testify before the Foreign Relations Committee, as has been demanded by the leading Democrats on that committee -- including the Chairman?
• U.S. AIR SUPPORT FOR THIEU THREAT
  • With President Thieu's threat, the question of incursions in the North no longer seems a remote one. If the NVA refuses to pull out its troops, and President Thieu makes good on his threat -- will he then get U.S. air support?
• ABSENCE OF OTHER SIDE'S NEGOTIATORS IN PARIS
  • Do you attach any significance to the boycott of today's Paris session by the top North Vietnamese and Viet Cong negotiators? Will our people also pull out?
• U.S. DESIRE FOR "VICTORY" IN INDOCHINA
  • Our recent military action in Laos has raised speculation that we are trying to gain a military buildup in Indochina. Would you please tell us what our objective is in Indochina?
• SYMINGTON
  • Senator Symington has been critical of the power that Dr. Kissinger appears to have, as against the Secretary of State, Mr. Rogers. Do you have any comment on those views, which others have expressed as well?
• "PIPELINE" DECEPTION
  • Why did the Secretary of Defense deceive the press by showing us an example of the Laos pipeline but not tell us where or when it was obtained?
• INCURSIONS INTO THE NORTH?
  • Vice President Ky has indicated that the South Vietnamese armed forces may very well move into North Vietnam itself if that proves necessary. Can you tell us if any such move is contemplated; and if it occurs, would it be given the same United States air support as the present move into Laos?
• PEACE HOPES IN VIETNAM
  • With this military venture into Laos, do you retain any hope at all of a negotiated settlement, or are we looking for a military victory?
• WIDENING THE WAR
  • Through United States military action, as well as support, the war which was once confined to South Vietnam has now been extended to Laos and Cambodia. How do you square this with your professed desire to reduce American involvement in southeast Asia?
• NUMBER OF GROUND COMBAT TROOPS
  • We have been told that by May 1, there will be only 45,000 combat troops in Vietnam. Does tshis mean larger withdrawals between now and May 1?
• CREDIBILITY GAP
  • Do you feel that past statements of yours, about future American support for Vietnamese troops, made June 30 -- and subsequent actions, have created another credibility gap for this Administration, similar to that which damaged the Johnson Administration?
• WHY ATTACK THE HO CHI MINH TRAIL?
  • If the operations in Laos are considered so decisive, why have we delayed cutting the Ho Chi Minh Trail with ground troops until now?
• NORTH VIETNAMESE REACTION IN NORTH LAOS
  • Does it not appear that the operation in Southern Laos may have released a holocaust, since the North Vietnamese are now attacking in Northern Laos?
• U. S. ASSISTANCE IF ARVN IS IN JEOPARDY
  • Assuming the ARVN forces are in grave jeopardy in Laos from enemy attack, is there any possibility that U.S. ground troops will be sent to relieve them?
• U. S. PUBLIC OPINION REACTION ON LAOS
  • Why in your opinion has American public opinion been so muted over this Laotian operation, as compared to the Cambodian one?
• LON NOL'S ILLNESS
  • With Lon Nol now seemingly out of the picture, what does this portend for the future of Cambodian resistance against the North Vietnamese, VC and Khmer Rouge?
• CHINESE REACTION
  • What is the likelihood the Chinese will send troops to Northern Laos to respond to the presence of South Vietnamese forces in Southern Laos?
• REPORTS ON U. S. PERSONNEL IN LAOS
  • You say there are no ground troops or advisers in Laos; yet the wires report some 100 Americans went in to bring out helicopters. Can you tell us just what are the guidelines for American participation in that engagement in Laos?
• LENGTH OF THE LAOS OPERATION
  • How long are Vietnamese ground forces going to remain in Laos?
• ALSOP COLUMN
  • Your Communications Director has mailed out several hundred copies of a Joe Alsop column, praising the Laotian action, which at the same time suggests that some American Senators including Mr. Fulbright, would like to see an American defeat in Vietnam. Do you believe that any American Senator would like to see an American defeat in Asia?
• CONSULTATIONS WITH THE LAOTIAN GOVERNMENT
  • Were we in touch with the Laotian Government before the South Vietnamese launched the recent drive into Laos?
• SS-9 Slowdown
  • How do you assess the apparent slowdown in Soviet construction of SS-9 ICBMs.
• SALT
  • There are reports that the Soviets have stopped building SS-9s and that they have proposed an ABM-only agreement limiting ABMs to Moscow and Washington. Why can't we accept this proposal and match the Soviet slowdown on the SS-9 by not going ahead with the rest of Safeguard?
• SALT
  • There are reports that the Soviets have stopped building SS-9s and that they have proposed an ABM-only agreement limiting ABMs to Moscow and Washington. Why can't we accept this proposal and match the Soviet slowdown on the SS-9 by not going ahead with the rest of Safeguard?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • Can you tell us how President Sadat's proposal for a partial pullback from Suez, and Mrs. Meir's response affect the negotiations under Ambassador Jarring?
• MIDDLE EAST Guarantees
  • Both the President and the Secretary of State have alluded to guarantees for a Mid-East settlement, and the Four Powers are discussing the subject. What is the U.S. position?
• MIDDLE EAST Prospect for Peace Beyond March
  • If there is no progress in the Middle East negotiations, if the talks deadlock by the time the ceasefire expires on March 7, what do you think will then be the chances for peace -- or a big-power confrontation. What will the United States do?
• CUBA - SOVIET NAVAL ACTIVITY
  • A squadron of Soviet vessels, including a subtender, guided missile cruiser and nuclear submarine is visiting Cuba. Is this not a violation of the understanding we have with the Soviet Union with regard to military activity in Cuba?
• SEIZURE OF TUNA BOATS BY ECUADOR
  • What are we doing about the continuing seizure of US fishing boats in international waters off the coast of Ecuador?
• YOUTH AND THE ALL-VOLUNTEER ARMY
  • Considering the lack of enthusiasm among the young for the military, what do you think are the realistic chances for a volunteer military?
• THE EMBARGO
  • Was the news embargo on the early phase of the Laotian operation your idea? What was its purpose? Was it intended to mute domestic criticism?
• U.S. NEWSMEN IN LAOS
  • Why are American newsmen not permitted to fly in American aircraft into Laos to report on the war to the American people?
• POLL ON LAOS
  • Well before the ARVN move into Laos, 46 percent of the American people believed we had ground forces in Laos. Do you think this points to a credibility gap between your Administration and the public?
• U.S. MILITARY ADVISERS IN CAMBODIA
  • News reports from Saigon speak of a Military Equipment Delivery Team being set up to handle the distribution of our military assistance to Cambodia. Will not members of this team in reality be acting as "advisers" to the Cambodian armed forces?
• UN: CHINESE REPRESENTATION
  • What are your views on the possible admission of Communist China to the United Nations?
• FY 1972 DEFENSE PROGRAM
  • Secretary Laird has announced that defense expenditures in FY 1972 will be up above FY 1971. Since we are now withdrawing forces from Asia and reducing our overall force structure, why is this increase necessary?
• ALL-VOLUNTEER ARMY
  • Last week, you sent a message to Congress announcing your intention to end the draft within the next two years. At the same time the Selective Service has increased draft calls to 17,000 men monthly -- about twice the level late last year. Are these two developments really consistent?
• MIDDLE EAST Pressure on Israel
  • Isn't the time coming when the US will have to press Israel to accept the idea of almost total withdrawal from the territories it occupied in 1967? Does the U.S. still favor near-total withdrawal?
• SAFEGUARD
  • What are the Administration's plans for the Safeguard ABM system? Have you held a meeting on this subject recently? Are changes to be expected?
• TRADE LEGISLATION
  • Do you still support the trade legislation you submitted last year? Do you support textile quota legislation? When will the Administration submit a bill to Congress?
• NATIONALIZATION IN CHILE
  • What are we going to do about the Chilean Government's proposed Constitutional amendment providing for nationalization of US copper companies in Chile?
• ECUADOR REQUESTS WITHDRAWAL OF US MILITARY MISSION
  • Would you comment on the expulsion of our military group by the Ecuadorean Government?
• AFRICA: SOUTH AFRICA
  • Do you believe that the British should sell arms to South Africa?
• PUBLIC HANDLING OF LAOS
  • Does the fact that this year's incursion into Laos was handled differently than last year's into Cambodia indicate any feeling on your part that the Cambodian operation was overplayed?
• TAC NUKES
  • There has been increasing talk of the use of 'tactical' nuclear weapons in Vietnam -- the latest from Hans Morgenthau. Is there any possibility?
• INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS IN LAOS
  • When you say that there are no U.S. ground combat troops in Laos, does this include Green Berets carrying out intelligence operations there?
• HELICOPTER LOSSES
  • Why are you not reporting helicopter losses in Laos?
• CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN LAOS
  • Is it likely that the South Vietnamese operation in Laos and our support for this operation will inflict casualties among Lao civilians?
• CASUALTIES IN LAOS
  • Are we trying to cover up the number of our men killed in Laos?
• AIKEN PROPOSAL
  • What is your view of the proposal by Senator Aiken for an Indo-China peace conference, drawing solely on the nations in the area?
• Decision to Support ARVN
  • How did you reach the decision to support the South Vietnamese operation in Laos?
• SALT
  • There are reports that the Soviets have stopped building SS-9s and that they have proposed an ABM-only agreement limiting ABMs to Moscow and Washington. Why can't we accept this proposal and match the Soviet slowdown on the SS-9 by not going ahead with the rest of Safeguard?
• SS-9 Slowdown
  • How do you assess the apparent slowdown in Soviet construction of SS-9 ICBMs.

Citation: 2/14/71 DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK; box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• WAGE AND PRICE CONTROLS
  • Are you considering wage and price controls in the construction industry?
• WAGE-PRICE FREEZE
  • Are you considering a wage-price freeze in the construction industry?
• SECRETARY STANS
  • Do you have any comment on Secretary Stans holdings in Great Southwest when the Penn Central things was here; did the White House know about these holdings at the time?
• WORSTHORNE
  • Can you tell us why you gave a British journalist an interview, when no American seems to have had a similar opportunity?
• SPLASHDOWN
  • Does the fact that you did not watch the splashdown indicate a lack of enthusiasm for the space program?
• CALIFORNIA LEGAL SERVICE
  • The Administration has let stand Governor Reagan's veto of an OEO grant to California's Rural Legal Services, said to be one of the best in the nation. Can you tell us if that decision was influenced or made by you, or by the White House staff; secondly, if you consider this -- as Governor Reagan seems to -- a victory for him; and third, how you square this decision with your Administration's commitment to the poor?
• BLACK BOYCOTT OF SOTU
  • Twelve black Congressmen refused to attend your State of the Union address, asserting that you refused to meet with them. Will you meet with them, if they request it anew?
• SCHOOL DESEGREGATION
  • Considering Secretary Richardson's statement about the South being more desegregated than the North, can we now expect that the Administration will shift its efforts to the desegregation of schools in Northern cities?
• FORCED INTEGRATION
  • At a previous press conference you indicated you were against "compulsory integration" of the suburbs. Can you tell us what that means, how you feel the impacted ghettoes can be broken up without moving blacks into the suburbs, and whether you support Federal efforts against communities which use zoning and other tactics to prevent blacks from moving in. I refer specifically to the Black Jack, Missouri situation.
• "MOVING LEFT"
  • With your "expansionary budget," your Family Assistance Plan, and now your health program, it is said that the Nixon Administration is "moving left." And many of your erstwhile GOP and conservative supporters are now more hostile to Administration ideas than Democrats. Can you comment on this?
• THE NEW NIXON
  • Last year, as before, you fought for a balanced Federal Budget likening it to a balanced family budget. Now you have an "expansionary deficit." Last year you were whipping the Congress hip and thigh; now there is a new conciliatory posture toward Congress, reflected in your meetings. Can you tell us, sir, if the new attitude means there is a "New Nixon."
• A "NEW AGNEW"
  • You have told us there is no "new Nixon." Can you tell us if there is a "New Agnew." The Vice President the country came to know in 1969 and the fall of 1970 has not been visible of late. Further, will you comment on the rumors that the Vice President may not be on the 1972 ticket -- rumors that seem to be cropping up with frequency in Republican circles?
• RULE XXII
  • Can you tell us how you square your ruling in 1957 and your expressed hope for changes in the Senate rules -- to facilitate legislative activity -- with Vice President Agnew's decision to let the filibuster be used in the current debate on the filibuster.
• SPACE
  • American astronauts have once again visited the moon. Can you tell us what you see for the future of the space program?
• THE SST
  • There was no mention of the SST in the State of the Union. Are you still committed to its development?
• GOOD & BAD DEFICITS
  • Can you tell us why Lyndon Johnson's deficits were bad, and your planned deficits are good for the country?
• RECESSION YEAR
  • Would you call 1970 a recession year?
• "I AM A KEYNESIAN NOW"
  • Can you tell us what you meant when you said, "I am a Keynesian now."
• WHAT ABOUT INFLATION?
  • Conceding that a full unemployment budget, an expansionary deficit, will rev up the economy toward full employment again -- how can that reving up process reduce the inflation currently in the economy, and prevent a new spiral of price raises.
• ECONOMIC FORECAST
  • Many observers think that the economic forecast underlying your Budget and Economic Report is overly-optimistic and creates a credibility gap. Do you have any reason to believe that your forecast is right and almost all private forecasts wrong?
• INFLATION ARRESTED?
  • Do you really think, considering the cost of living index of 1970, that inflation has been arrested?
• JAWBONING
  • You have become increasingly active in trying to hold down particular prices and wages by what used to be called jawboning. How far do you expect to go with this?
• FEDERAL RESERVE
  • In order for the economy to shape up, as you have predicted, the Federal Reserve will have to loosen up considerably. Will it, considering that Dr. Burns says there is enough liquidity now?
• VALUE-ADDED TAX
  • Whether reports we are re-considering VA Tax are true.
• APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
  • Will it be abolished?
• FUTURE OF OEO
  • Will it be abolished?
• GERALD FORD
  • Is IRS investigating Ford's $11,500 campaign contribution?
• VETERANS HOSPITALS
  • Number of beds in RN budget is reduced.
• WAGE AND PRICE CONTROLS
  • Why RN has not used authority granted by Congress.
• PRESS CONFERENCES
  • Is Ziegler's non-committal response to press suggestions for more conferences, the official response.
• MARIJUANA
  • Any changes, any chance to legalize marijuana after the report of NIMH.
• O'BRIEN'S ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT
  • Under Larry O'Brien's leadership, the seven or eight Democratic hopefuls have agreed to stop criticizing each other and focus strictly on you. Have you any comment?
• MUSKIE 'PEAKING'
  • Do you believe, as some argue, that Senator Muskie has peaked too early?
• BIG ED MUSKIE
  • Can you tell us, considering Senator Muskie's strong standing against you in the national polls, which of the Democratic candidates you think has the most national appeal, would be the hardest to beat?
• "ONE TERM PRESIDENT"
  • Can you comment on the recent speculation that you may be a one-term President?
• EDWARD M. KENNEDY
  • Do you think that Senator Edward Kennedy's defeat for Party Whip has eliminated his chances of being nominated by the Democratic Party?

Citation: Foreign Policy Briefing Book, March 2, 1971 (Pat Buchanan); box 166; White House Special Files: Staff Member and Office Files: President's Personal File; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• FULBRIGHT COMPLAINT
  • Senator Fulbright has indicated he is dissatisfied with his access to both Dr. Kissinger and Secretary Rogers. Does the Administration plan to make them available as witnesses before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee -- the Senator is thinking of introducing a bill requiring this?
• INCURSIONS INTO THE NORTH
  • President Thieu and Vice President Ky have indicated the time is not far off when ARVN forces move into North Vietnam. You yourself have not ruled out such an eventuality, although you indicated that any American participation would require your advance approval. Can you tell us what you think is the likelihood of such a move?
  • How would you view a Congressional attempt to prevent the U.S. from providing any help to a South Vietnamese invasion of North Vietnam?
• U.S. ASSISTANCE TO ARVN
  • Fierce fighting is taking place in Laos; if the ARVN is suddenly in danger of major disaster, is there any possibility that U.S. troops will go in to pull their chestnuts out of the fire?
• NORTH VIETNAMESE REACTION IN NORTH LAOS
  • Does it not appear that the operation in Southern Laos may have released a holocaust, since the North Vietnamese are now attacking in Northern Laos?
• PEACE HOPES IN VIETNAM
  • In your State of the World address you stated that if there is no solution at the conference table, Vietnamization would result in a North-South war which might well continue well after we departed. Can you tell us if you have given up hope for the Paris Peace Talks; and if we continue to withdraw, what do you feel the ultimate outcome will be?
• OBJECTIVE IN LAOS
  • There has been some confusion as to the objectives of the South Vietnamese move into Laos. Can you tell us if our objective was to seize and occupy Tchepone and cut all the supply lines from the North? Or what? The objective seems to change with each edition of the daily paper.
• OUR HELICOPTER EVACUATION FORCES "GROUND TROOPS"
  • Can you tell us how to square the presence of American ground troops -- protecting our helicopter medevac units -- in Laos, with your explicit statement several weeks ago that no ground combat troops would enter Laos?
• U. S. POW'S
  • You said that as long as North Vietnam holds onto American prisoners, U.S. troops will remain in South Vietnam. Can you tell us how many troops you would feel required to keep in South Vietnam, and for how long, if the North Vietnamese are not forthcoming on U.S. troops?
• HUMPHREY
  • Senator Humphrey has said that if he had been elected, all American troops would now be home from South Vietnam. Have you any comment on this?
• U. S. NEWSMEN IN LAOS
  • Why are American newsmen not permitted to fly in American aircraft into Laos to report on the war to the American people?
• U. S. Oil Companies in South Vietnam
  • Is the South Vietnamese Government planning to grant off-shore oil leases to American companies? Are rich oil possibilities one of the reasons leading to continue U. S. presence in Vietnam?
• LAM SON 719
  • How do you assess the results of the LAM SON 719 operation to date?
• UN: CHINESE REPRESENTATION
  • What are your views on the possible admission of Communist China to the United Nations and diplomatic relations between Peking and Washington?
• SALE OF U.S.-BUILT CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT TO CHINA
  • An American businessman has claimed that the Chinese Communists are interested in buying a large quantity of U.S.-built civilian aircraft. In view of your attitude toward China expressed in the Annual Review, would you allow such a sale?
• USE OF FORMAL NAME: PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
  • Can you tell us if there was any significance in your first-time use of the official name of the Communist Chinese Government, the People's Republic of China, in your Foreign Policy Report? Does this reflect a more conciliatory posture on the part of the United States?
• WASHINGTON-TAIPEI RELATIONS
  • Can you tell us how Nationalist China has reacted to your conciliatory gestures toward Mainland China?
• MIDDLE EAST Talks and Peace
  • How do you feel about the progress of the Jarring talks and the prospects for peace? Do you expect Israel to withdraw to pre-war borders with only "minor adjustments"?
• MIDDLE EAST Guarantees
  • Both the President and the Secretary of State have alluded to guarantees for a Mid-East settlement, and the Four Powers are discussing the subject. What is the U.S. position?
• PERMANENT SOVIET MILITARY PRESENCE
  • Last week's Annual Review seems to represent United States' acceptance of a permanent Soviet Military Presence in Egypt. Would that be a fair interpretation?
• US-SOVIET STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP
  • The figures in your Foreign Policy Report show that the Soviets have moved ahead of us, by several hundred, in ICBMs that they are rapidly catching up in Polaris submarines. In addition, their navy is showing the flag on the Seven Seas. Are you concerned that we are falling behind in military power?
• SS-9 SLOWDOWN
  • How do you assess the apparent slowdown in Soviet construction of SS-9 ICBM's?
• SALT
  • The next round of SALT begins less than two weeks from now. Are you optimistic about the prospects? Will our side have new instructions and, in particular, could we accept the Soviet proposal for an ABM limitation together with a tacit freeze on their ICBM construction?
• SAFEGUARD
  • What are the Administration's plans for the Safeguard ABM system? Have you held a meeting on this subject recently? Are changes to be expected?
• GERMANY-EASTERN POLICY
  • Is it correct to interpret the passages dealing with Germany and East-West negotiations in your Report to Congress as reflecting apprehension about Chancellor Brandt's policy?
• BERLIN FOUR POWER TALKS
  • What do you see as the prospects for a satisfactory settlement in the Berlin Talks?
• SOVIET NAVAL ACTIVITY IN CUBA
  • In view of the Understanding with the USSR regarding offensive weapons in Cuba, are you concerned about the extended visit of a submarine tender, guided missile cruiser and a nuclear submarine?
• CHILE
  • President Allende publicly invited the USS Enterprise to visit Chile to "see its democracy in action." Why didn't it go?
• CHILE AND THE INTER-AMERICAN SYSTEM
  • In your report on U. S. Foreign Policy for the 1970's you describe the Chilean Government's decision to establish relations with Cuba as a challenge to the Inter-American system. Would you amplify this statement and what are we doing about it.
• NATIONALIZATION IN CHILE
  • What are we going to do about the Chilean Government's proposed Constitutional amendment providing for nationalization of US copper companies in Chile?
• SEIZURE OF TUNA BOATS BY ECUADOR
  • What are we doing about the continuing seizure of U. S. fishing boats in international waters off the coast of Ecuador?
• YOUTH AND THE ALL-VOLUNTEER ARMY
  • Considering the lack of enthusiasm among the young for the military, what do you think are the realistic chances for a volunteer military?
• TRADE LEGISLATION
  • Do you still support the trade legislation you submitted last year? Do you support textile quota legislation? When will the Administration submit a bill to Congress?
• TEXTILES
  • What is your position on the offer of the Japanese textile industry to unilaterally restrain its exports to the United States? How does this effect your previous support for textile quota legislation?
• WORSTHORNE INTERVIEW
  • Senator Fulbright has said that he does not believe the State of the World Report. He believes Mr. Worsthorne, the British Journalist, who wrote last Sunday that there was a mood of "infectious optimism" at the White House" that "developing triumphs in Cambodia and Laos have rendered the South virtually invulnerable," that, after talks with you, it is "more reasonable to be optimistic than pessimistic," that "just as America succeeded in guaranteeing a non-Communist, Independent Korea south of the 38th parallel, free of norther infiltration, so now America seems poised on the brink of succeeding in its long struggle to do the same for South Vietnam." Do these comments reflect White House sentiment and objectives?
• BRITISH ARMS SALES TO SOUTH AFRICA
  • Prime Minister Heath has announced that his Government will sell helicopters to the South African Navy. What is your opinion of this decision?
• FY 1972 DEFENSE PROGRAM
  • Secretary Laird has announced that defense expenditures in FY 1972 will be up above FY 1971. Since we are now withdrawing forces from Asia and reducing our overall force structure, why is this increase necessary?
• LATIN AMERICAN POLICY
  • What do you mean by a "new" Latin American policy?
• EFFORTS IN BEHALF OF SOVIET JEWRY
  • What is the U. S. Government doing to help the Jews in the Soviet Union?
• USSR
  • Is it accurate to interpret your Foreign Policy Report as being less optimistic about relations with the Soviets than last year? If so, why has there been a deterioration?
• SOVIET COOPERATION TO END THE VIETNAM WAR
  • Can you tell us if you have given up on Soviet cooperation in bringing the Vietnam war to an end?
• WHY ATTACK THE HO CHI MINH TRAIL?
  • If the operations in Laos are considered so decisive, why have we delayed cutting the Ho Chi Minh Trail with ground troops until now?
• WIDENING THE WAR
  • Through United States military action, as well as support, the war which was once confined to South Vietnam has now been extended to Laos and Cambodia. How do you square this with your professed desire to reduce American involvement in Southeast Asia?
• SINO-SOVIET CONFLICT
  • Is your simultaneous easing of policy toward Peking and toughening toward Russian any indication of an attempt to develop a Washington-Peking accommodation to thwart Soviet ambitions? Does the US have more to gain from good relations with China than does Russia?
• US ATTITUDE TOWARDS UN
  • Some observers have described the section of the U. N. as being unusually frank for an American President. Do your comments in fact reflect a mistrust or hostility toward the UN? What improvements in the UN should be made?
• FOREIGN AID
  • Your foreign policy report reiterated your desire to reform the U.S. foreign aid program and indicated that you will submit legislation to do so. When will such legislation be submitted? There seems to be quire a delay from your message of last September 15 in which you announced your proposals.
• INVASION OF NORTH: THIEU STATEMENT & U.S. 'RESTRAINTS'
  • At your last press conference here, you were asked, "If the Army of South Vietnam sought to cross the DMZ in force, would you give a mind to restraining such action?" Your response was that you would not speculate on what the ARVN may do in defense of their country, that South Vietnam "will have to make decisions with regard to its ability to defend itself," that you would only speak of the American role in such an incursion. Can we take that to mean that if ARVN should decide on its own to move into North Vietnam, without U.S. air support, we would exercise no restraints at all on the South Vietnamese Government and Army -- either by pressure or persuasion. In other words, we would do nothing if President Thieu decided to go north, and went North? What makes this question important, Mr. President, is that today (Wednesday) President Thieu is quoted as saying that unless the Communists stop their aggression in the South and withdraw their troops back to the North, there may be an ARVN invasion of the North.
• SOUTH VIETNAMESE FIGHTING CAPABILITY
  • In your February 18 press conference you said and I quote: "The operation -- and I read a complete report from General Abrams -- has gone according to plan…They (the South Vietnamese) are fighting, he (General Abrams) said, in a superior way." Do you still believe that the South Vietnamese are fighting in a superior way and that this operation is going "according to plan?"
• REACTION TO PRESIDENT THIEU STATEMENT
  • What is the U. S. reaction to the recent statement by President Thieu that the Vietnamese armed forces might strike into North Viet-Nam?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • The discussions on the Middle East seem to have reached an impasse. What are your views on the matter?
• "STATE OF THE WORLD" MESSAGE Israel's Borders
  • In the section on the Middle East you referred to Israeli withdrawal allowing for only insubstantial alternations. Israel seems to be talking about "defensible" and secure and recognized borders and there are indications that Israel wants to keep, as a minimum, Sharm al-Sheikh, the former Arab part of Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Aren't we on a collision course with Israel on the matter of withdrawal?
• "STATE OF THE WORLD" MESSAGE BERLIN HARASSMENT
  • Does the warning in your report to Congress that new access procedures on Berlin will not necessarily prevent administrative harassment mean that you don't put much faith in any Berlin agreement worked out with the Soviets?
• "STATE OF THE WORLD" MESSAGE CHINA
  • What significance can we attach to your use of the term "PRC" in your foreign policy report?
• PRESS CONFERENCE
  • What is the likelihood in your view of the South Vietnamese going North, considering President Thieu's statement. If they decide such a move is in their interest, would U.S. airpower support it? Have there been any White House discussions on American support for a move North, or American restraint upon the South Vietnamese?
• PRESS CONFERENCE
  • Can you tell us whether that emerges from the White House, or the more pessimistic view that emerges from the front about Las is your own assessment of how that operation is going? Has it gone "according to plan"? Are they not "bogged down"? Do you not consider it a success? What is the basis for this "optimism?"
  • There has been some confusion as to what our objective really is in Laos; some White House aides had hinted that the South Vietnamese were headed for Tchepone; some said they sought to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail -- what were our objectives, what are our objectives; and are they being achieved? How long will it take to achieve them?
  • You indicated in your State of the World that Vietnamization was not a guarantee that the fighting would end; it could go on for some time. Further, with regard for our POW's you have said that enough American troops would be left in Vietnam to provide the enemy an "incentive" to let them go. How many men; how long; and aren't you really saying that the United States plans to keep a significant residual military force in Vietnam for some time?
  • (The Marvin Kalb Special) -- Apparently South Vietnamese troops went into Laos to protect Americans in South Vietnam; then American helicopters went into Laos to protect the South Vietnamese; then Medevac units went in to protect the downed helicopters; then army ground units went in to protect the Medevac Units. If we really want to protect American troops -- why don't we just pick them up and bring them all home? Where does all this "protection of American troops end?"
  • Have we given up hope on Paris negotiations; the SOTW would seem to indicate so.
  • Your assessment of SALT?
  • Will we pressure the Israelis?
  • Any foreign travels in prospect or any forthcoming meetings with President Thieu?
  • Considering the American apprehension over the metamorphosis of the Eastern Mediterranean into a seemingly Soviet lake; what is our view of the increasing Soviet naval presence -- in addition to the subtender -- in the Caribbean. Is this acceptable to the United States?
  • SOTW and Administration seem to be taking a tougher stance toward Soviets than last year. Is this so and why?

Citation: [DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK March 17, 1971]; box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• REVENUE SHARING & REORGANIZATION
  • Can you tell us what your present hopes are for passage of revenue sharing and reorganization?
  • Are you willing, as your assistant Clark MacGregor seemed to indicate, to accept Congressional changes in the legislation?
• POLLS AND THE PRESIDENCY
  • As you are certainly aware, the Harris and Gallup Polls now show you at the lowest levels of support ever; one poll showed that only 30 percent of the people felt the Administration was giving them the whole truth on Vietnam. Amid this, there have been reports that you have told at least one businessman, if the economy is not turned around by 1972, you would not run again. Would you comment on these polls; and can you tell us if you have made up your mind to run again or not to run again in 1972?
• SURVEILLANCE & DOSSIERS (General)
  • Do you want to make any comment on the investigation into government control of so many dossiers on so many Americans; does this concern you?
• CAMPAIGN SPENDING
  • There seems to be a good deal of ambiguity about the Administration's position on limitations on campaign spending and on the amount of contributions. Can you tell us what you are for, or against?
• TEXTILES
  • Can you tell us if your reaction to the voluntary agreement by the Japanese businessmen with Mr. Mills was in any way connected with the fact that they conducted an "end run" around your Administration?
• VICE PRESIDENT AGNEW
  • Can you tell us if Bob Dole has been assigned the role normally reserved for Vice President Agnew -- and what role do you envision for the Vice President in the days ahead?
• MORE PRESS CONTACTS
  • Can you tell us why there has been a sudden increase in your availability to the press -- you have had a number of interviews and more press conferences than usual in the past month. Has this anything to do with the polls?
• HARDHAT DEMONSTRATORS
  • In your recent trips, there have been more than the usual number and kind of demonstrators. In particular, I am referring to the presence of hardhats, picketing against you. Is the Administration's romance with the hardhats, with organized labor, over?
• NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY
  • At your last press conference in the Oval Office you said that Secretary Romney and Attorney General Mitchell were working out a new housing policy, and that you expected to have their recommendations in thirty days. Can you tell us where they are?
• HOOVER REPLACEMENT
  • Can you tell us your view on the last embroglio involving Mr. Hoover and his ex-agent Shaw; and is there any truth in the rumors about the replacement of Hoover by the White House?
• ALASKA PIPELINE
  • Can you tell us your position on the Alaska pipeline in view of Mr. Hickel's support, Mr. Morton's hesitation, and Mr. Ruckelshaus' seeming call for another route?
• BLACK CONGRESSMEN
  • At your last full press conference, in your office, you said that you would be meeting with the Black Congressmen. Can you tell us when that meeting will take place?
• THE ECONOMY
  • Considering the .4 percent decline in industrial production, do you want to reassess all your projections of 4 percent unemployment, 3.5 percent inflation -- and a GNP of $1065 billion?
• TAXES -- UP OR DOWN
  • There have been rumors and even reports of either tax reductions this year, to stimulate the economy, or tax increases in the form of added value taxes. Is there any substance to these?
• DAVIS-BACON SUSPENSION
  • If the suspension of Davis-Bacon does not achieve the desired result in the construction industry -- what will you do next?
• MONEY SUPPLY
  • Secretary Connally has said the Federal Reserve has a duty and obligation to expand the money supply; meanwhile Dr. Burns -- who has great concern over inflation -- doesn't seem to hold that view. Do you still feel that the money supply is going to continue to be loosened up enough to meet your economic projections?
• INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT
  • Dr. Burns has advocated the reinstatement of the investment tax credit. Can you tell us how you feel about that?
• WAGE PRICE REVIEW BOARD
  • What is your view of the Wage-Price Review Board that has been mentioned and proposed?
• BALANCE OF PAYMENTS PROBLEM
  • Because U.S. interest rates are out of phase with those on the Continent, there has been a flow of short-term capital out of the United States.
• SPACE AND THE SST
  • Considering the problems of the urban areas, do you remain convinced that money spent for space and for the SST is really wisely spent?
• PRIMARY CHALLENGES
  • Can you tell us what your reaction would be, or is to the possibility of a primary challenge by either Mayor Lindsay or Congressman McCloskey?
  • What would your reaction be in the event of a primary challenge from Congressman McCloskey? Or Mayor Lindsay?
• SUPREME COURT TRENDS
  • Can you tell us your view of the present trends in the Supreme Court; and your feeling about the performance of the two judges you named to it.
• REORGANIZATION EXECUTIVE ACTION
  • In the absence of Congressional action on reorganization, will you take Executive Action to the extent you can?
• FILIBUSTER REFORM
  • Considering the delay in the Senate's progress already; do you regret not having helped filibuster reform from the start?
• COOLING OF THE CAMPUSES
  • Spring is coming: Do you have any predictions about calm on the campuses, or calm in the cities. Do you think there has been "cooling" of America?
• KENT STATE GRAND JURY
  • Does the Justice Department plan to convene a grand jury to investigate the Kent State shootings?
• BOMBING
  • Can you tell us anything about the FBI's progress in trying to solve the bombing of the Capitol Building?
• WHITNEY YOUNG'S DEATH
  • Can you tell us what effect you think the death of the foremost moderate leader, Whitney Young, will have on the black community?
• HEALTH PLAN
  • Can you tell us what you think the merits of your health plan are over that of Senator Kennedy; and how you answer his criticism that it does not cover everyone.
• KENNEDY'S HEALTH PLAN
  • EMK charges that U.S. will be hit by "National Health Disaster" requiring Federal take-over of medical care system if RN plan is approved. EMK says millions would not be covered by any part of the Nixon program, nor would it help the poor or the aged.

Citation: FIRST BRIEFING BOOK (March 20, 1971); box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• PROTECTIVE REACTION STRIKES
  • How often are you going to authorize these protective reaction type bombing raids on North Vietnam? Are U.S. aircraft only bombing missile sites?
• HELICOPTER LOSSES TO ANTIAIRCRAFT FIRE
  • Haven't we lost more helicopters than this operation is worth?
• U. S. FORCES IN I CORPS
  • How many American forces do we have in Northern South Vietnam, who might be vulnerable to a North Vietnamese attack there?
• LAN SOM OPERATION
  • Why do you believe that the Lan Som Operation has hurt the North Vietnamese supply system?
• PREMATURE WITHDRAWAL - A DEFEAT
  • It was stated at the beginning of the operation that the ARVN would remain in Laos until the beginning of the rainy season. Do you consider that the operation has gone according to plan in light of this seemingly premature withdrawal?
• LAOTIAN OPERATION
  • Some days back, commenting on the Laotian operation, you said that General Abrams had told you that the ARVN could "hack it," as he put it. Considering the reports now coming out of Laos -- along with the departing Vietnamese troops, do you still stand by your general view that this operation was successful?
• WITHDRAWAL PLANS
  • Secretary Laird has said that you will continue withdrawals at a rate of at least 300 per week from South Vietnam and that seems to indicate you will be down to something less than 50,000 by the end of the new year. Is that indeed your timetable? Also, do you plan to leave a residual force in South Vietnam -- in the absence of a negotiated peace; there has been confusion on this matter?
• MIDDLE EAST Withdrawal from Suez Canal
  • Has there been any progress on President Sadat's proposal for partial withdrawal from the Suez Canal?
• TEXTILE QUOTAS
  • I would like to ask you about the cost effectiveness if you will of your textile quota proposal. It seems that to meet a campaign commitment, to provide a measure of protection for one American industry -- what is being risked is a possible trade war -- if Congress adds shoes and other items to your bill -- possible deterioration in relations with crucial Japan? As a "free trader" and an internationalist, aren't you concerned with these prospects and to what degree was your decision influenced by Japanese business going around the Administration to Chairman Mills?
• CAN ARVN STILL "HACK IT"
  • Considering the premature ARVN withdrawal from Laos, do you still stand by your statement at the last press conference that the ARVN can "hack it?"
• EFFECT ON WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
  • Do you stand by your earlier prediction that the operation has guaranteed continued U.S. withdrawals and can those withdrawals be accelerated as a result of the operation?
• WHEN WILL IT END?
  • The United States has been fighting in Vietnam for longer than any other war in our history. When is American involvement in this conflict going to come to an end?
• LAOTIAN OPERATION
  • Some days back, commenting on the Laotian operation, you said that General Abrams had told you that the ARVN could "hack it," as he put it. Considering the reports now coming out of Laos -- along with the departing Vietnamese troops, do you still stand by your general view that this operation was successful?
• REPORTING OF THE WAR
  • Can you tell us if you have any complaints about the media coverage of the war? You seem to indicate some.
• NO MORE WARS
  • In the March 4, New York Times interview with C. L. Sulzburger, you are quoted as saying that you "seriously doubt if we will ever have another war," that Vietnam is probably the last one. Isn't that a bit optimistic considering the three wars America has been involved in the last three decades?
• CREDIBILITY GAP
  • Considering that "pipeline" incident which Secretary Laird regretted, the excuse of U.S. troops to cover Medevac operations in Laos, the seeming bending of guidelines you have set in the past -- do you find substance to the increasingly repeated charge that there is a credibility gap in this Administration? (Note Memo on HKS -- he has discussed this)
• WITHDRAWAL PLANS
  • Secretary Laird has said that you will continue withdrawals at a rate of at least 300 per week from South Vietnam and that seems to indicate you will be down to something less than 50,000 by the end of the new year. Is that indeed your timetable? Also, do you plan to leave a residual force in South Vietnam -- in the absence of a negotiated peace; there has been confusion on this matter?
• MIDDLE EAST U.S. Pressure on Israel
  • What is the difference between the U.S. trying to force Israel out of the Sinai in 1957 and the present effort to pressure Israel to withdraw the pre-war lines? What will the U.S. do if Israel refuses to yield to pressure?
• MIDDLE EAST Security Arrangements with Israel
  • Have you approved or are you considering a plan for offering to Israel U.S. troops in a peacekeeping force, a formal defense treaty and substantial financial support in return for withdrawal to pre-war borders?
• MIDDLE EAST Soviet Position
  • What are your views on the Soviet presence in the Mideast if there is an Arab-Israeli peace agreement? Would you foresee Soviet troops in a peacekeeping force? Can you get Soviet combat forces out of Egypt? Are they withdrawing from Soviet missile sites?
• MIDDLE EAST Israeli Withdrawal
  • Do you agree with Secretary Rogers that Israel can have security even if it pulls back to its pre-war borders with Egypt? Or would you be inclined to accept Mrs. Meir's view that Israel must keep Sharm al-Shaikh to be secure?
• MIDDLE EAST Withdrawal from Suez Canal
  • Has there been any progress on President Sadat's proposal for partial withdrawal from the Suez Canal?
• MIDDLE EAST Congressional Endorsement of US Peacekeeping Role
  • Will you seek formal Congressional endorsement before committing the US troops to a peacekeeping force in the Middle East?
• COMMUNIST CHINA
  • Can you indicate what you feel are the immediate prospects for closer ties in trade and communication with the Government of Communist China, in the wake of your recent decisions?
• SALT
  • The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks reconvened in Vienna on March 15. Are you optimistic about the prospects? What instructions does the U.S. Delegation have? Will we accept a formal ABM limitation with a tacit freeze on their ICBM construction?
• SOVIET ACTIVITY IN CUBA
  • In view of the Understanding with the USSR regarding offensive weapons in Cuba, are you concerned about the recent visit of Soviet naval vessels to Cuba and the continued presence of a Soviet subtender in Cuban waters?
• TEXTILE QUOTAS
  • I would like to ask you about the cost effectiveness if you will of your textile quota proposal. It seems that to meet a campaign commitment, to provide a measure of protection for one American industry -- what is being risked is a possible trade war -- if Congress adds shoes and other items to your bill -- possible deterioration in relations with crucial Japan? As a "free trader" and an internationalist, aren't you concerned with these prospects and to what degree was your decision influenced by the Japanese going around the Administration to Chairman Mills.
• INCREASED COMMUNICATION
  • Can you tell us why the increased communication with the public in recent weeks -- including this show -- some suggest that it may be related to the polls?

Citation: SECOND BRIEFING BOOK (March 20, 1971); box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• IMMORALITY AND MY LAI
  • After the reports of thousands of innocents killed, after My Lai -- how do you answer that charge of the young that this is an immoral war?
• LEGALITY OF THE WAR
  • Can I ask you again a question I have raised with you before. With the Tonkin Gulf Resolution repealed -- what is the legal justification for continued American involvement in Vietnam?
• MONDALE/SAXBE
  • What will the Administration do if Congress' restricts your power to support a South Vietnamese invasion of the North, through the Mondale/Saxbe Bill?
• WAS IT WORTH IT?
  • Considering all the cost in blood and treasure, all the division and bitterness it has brought to our country, the resources diverted away from the works of peace, the alienation of our allies and own people from our Government -- has the price of Vietnam been worth it?
• BLACK SUPPORT
  • Can you tell me your view why you and your Administration what seems a good record of advancing racial equality seems to have little or no support in the black community?
• HARRIS AND GALLUP
  • Both Harris and Gallup Polls show you at the lowest level of support as President. Some polls show you trailing Democratic Senator Edmund Muskie; and at least one report says that if you have so gambled on success in Vietnam and a resurgent economy that if they do not come about, you will not run again. Can you tell us how you feel about those polls -- and whether or not your decision to run again is contingent upon success in Vietnam, or in the economy?
• PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM
  • In 1968 you were elected President, with both Houses of the Congress in opposition hands, and as a result much of your major legislation of the Ninety-First Congress, such as welfare reform, was stalled -- and now there seems a real possibility the same might happen to your New American Revolution. I have long held to the view that what this country needed was something of a more responsive system -- such as the British Parliamentary System -- where the Prime Minister always has a working majority with him; and if he loses the confidence of the country, new elections can be held swiftly to determine the desires of the electorate. Can you comment on that?
• THE VP AND THE MEDIA
  • The Vice President has been severely critical of the nation's media for over a year now. Can you tell us if you share his criticisms and if you think the media is giving the Nixon Administration a raw deal?
• SURVEILLANCE AND DOSSIERS (General)
  • Do you want to make any comment on the investigation into government control of so many dossiers on so many Americans; does this concern you?
• SST & SPACE
  • Considering the political problems with the SST and the space program, do you really think the country would be in serious straits, if they were defeated or cut back in Congress?
• REVENUE SHARING & REORGANIZATION
  • Can you tell us what your present hopes are for passage of revenue sharing and reorganization?
  • Are you willing, as your assistant Clark MacGregor seemed to indicate, to accept Congressional changes in the legislation?
  • Can you tell us if you think the cooperation of Chairman Mills, which seems vital to these programs, will be forthcoming?
• THE COOLING OF AMERICA
  • A number of articles, and a couple of magazines, have been devoted to the cooling of America? Do you see this as having taken place; do you think that your Administration deserves a measure of credit for it?
• HARDHAT DEMONSTRATORS
  • In your recent trips, there have been more than the usual number and kind of demonstrators. In particular, I am referring to the presence of hardhats, picketing against you. Is the Administration's romance with the hardhats, with organized labor, over?
• GUN CONTROL
  • Considering the number of death by accidental gun shot wounds, the number of Americans who die in quarrels because of the availability of guns, and the use of guns in so many crimes -- what are your thoughts on a national gun control law, which would take hand guns out of the hands of every American, except law enforcement officers?
• J. EDGAR HOOVER
  • Mr. Hoover is today being criticized not only by Senator McGovern, but by some old supporters, for his recent decisions and judgment -- especially in the case of Agent Shaw. Can you foresee a time when Mr. Hoover will no longer be the Director of the FBI?
• CAMPAIGN SPENDING
  • There seems to be a good deal of ambiguity about the Administration's position on limitations on campaign spending and on the amount of contributions. Can you tell us what you are for, or against?

Citation: FOREIGN POLICY BRIEFING BOOK April 14, 1971; box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• MIDDLE EAST Arab-Israeli Settlement
  • How much longer do you feel the present drift can continue without some major Soviet military assistance or an out-break of fighting? What is the US doing?
• SOUTH ASIA Pakistan
  • What is the U.S. position on the civil war in Pakistan? Is the United States considering a cut-off in military and economic assistance?
• WITHDRAWAL FOR PRISONERS?
  • Would you agree to a fixed withdrawal date for U.S. troops -- in exchange for an enemy pledge to discuss the release of our prisoners -- or for actual enemy release of those prisoners.
  • Would you agree to a fixed withdrawal date for U.S. troops -- in exchange for an enemy pledge to discuss the release of our prisoners -- or for actual enemy release of those prisoners.
• YOUR PRIVATE TIMETABLE
  • Senator Scott has said you told a group of Congressmen you have in mind both a plan for withdrawal of all forces, and a timetable in your own mind when all American troops would be out of Vietnam. Did you tell the Congressional leadership that; and if so, what is the timetable in your mind?
  • Can you tell us if the plan, in your own mind, has a timetable, and if that timetable, in your own mind, has on it a date by which you expect all Americans to be out of Vietnam?
• THE RESIDUAL FORCE
  • Do you plan to retain in South Vietnam any residual United States forces, as long as the war is still going on at present levels? Considering the ARVN need for U.S. air and artillery support, could they make do without it?
• SOUTH VIETNAMESE RELIANCE ON U.S. AIR POWER
  • How long do you anticipate South Vietnam will need American air power, before they can take over these responsibilities themselves?
• U.S. VOLUNTEERS
  • It has been reported that you plan to announce after some point in the future, only American volunteers would be sent to Vietnam. Is such an announcement under consideration or in the works?
• USE OF AIR POWER IN INDOCHINA
  • During the period of U.S. troops withdrawals, presumably over the next 18 months, do you foresee the unlimited use of conventional air power which we have had for the past four to six months? Will the application of this massive air power continue in support of the GVN after our ground forces leave SVN? In other words, will we find ourselves indefinitely engaged in major air strike operations in Indochina? Would this continue in Cambodia and Laos, i.e., will we continue to meet a commitment to the GVN with air support on an Indochina-wide basis?
• PROSPECTS FOR TRADE WITH THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA
  • How much trade do you expect will take lace with the Peoples Republic of China since you allowed the opening of direct trade on April 14?
• TRAVEL TO THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA
  • What are the prospects for Americans to travel to the Peoples Republic of China since restrictions were taken off March 15 and the American Table Tennis Team and some reporters were invited in April 12?
• WASHINGTON-TAIPEI RELATIONS
  • Can you tell us how Nationalist China has reacted to your conciliatory gestures toward Mainland China?
• COMMUNIST CHINA AND THE UN: PEKING-WASHINGTON RELATIONS
  • Can you tell us precisely what is the United States position today with regard to the admission of Communist China to the United Nations, and what is your view with regard to diplomatic relations between Peking and Washington?
• SINO-SOVIET CONFLICT
  • Is your simultaneous easing of policy toward Peking and toughening toward Russia any indication of an attempt to develop a Washington-Peking accommodation to thwart Soviet ambitions? Does the U.S. have more to gain from good relations with China than that of Russia?
• SOVIET-AMERICAN RELATIONS
  • Do you agree that the Soviet Party Congress was moderate in dealing with US-Soviet Relations? Do you think this means that progress in our relations is possible? Will you consider a trip to the USSR or a summit meeting?
• SALT
  • What is the prospect for a SALT agreement? Why can we not accept the Soviet proposal for an ABM agreement as a first step?
• POLICY TOWARD CHILE
  • Will there be any change in our policy toward the Chilean Government as a result of the recent elections in which President Allende's government won a stronger show of support than previously?
• NATIONALIZATION IN CHILE
  • What are we going to do about the Chilean Government's proposed Constitutional amendment providing for nationalization of US copper companies in Chile?
• CHILE AND THE INTER-AMERICAN SYSTEM
  • In your report on U.S. Foreign Policy for the 1970' you describe the Chilean Government's decision to establish relations with Cuba as a challenge to the Inter-American system. Would you amplify this statement and what are we doing about it.

Citation: DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK April 14, 1971; box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• SENATOR MUSKIE
  • Your Press Secretary and Attorney General have stated that Senator Muskie's charges seem "politically motivated." Do you agree with that assessment.
• EARTH DAY RALLY
  • Can you give us your opinion on Senator Muskie's charge that the FBI spied on the Earth Day rally?
• SCALI
  • Can you tell us if John Scali has been brought aboard to improve the "image" of the President, or to deal with the problem, known as the "credibility gap." What is the new setup in your office of communications that everyone at this conference seems to be discussing?
• CALLEY DECISION
  • Your publicly stated decision to "review" the Calley verdict, before sentence is carried out -- coupled with your order to release him from the stockade -- is being construed by many as Presidential intervention, prejudicing the judicial process, and in the opinion of Captain Aubrey Daniel, reflecting adversely upon the process of military justice. Can you tell us why you publicly intervened in this case; whether you feel that intervention has, by implication, shown your dissatisfaction with the decision reached by the military court?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE MEDIA
  • For more than a year now, the Vice President has been conducting a running war with the national media, especially the networks. Do you not think that this running down of the media is damaging an important institution; and do you either agree with or countenance these attacks? How about the "selling of the Pentagon?"
• EQUAL TIME FROM ABC
  • Can you tell us your view of the DNC request -- and ABC's grant -- for equal time from all networks to answer your speech on Vietnam of last Wednesday night. (DNC also asked equal time for Howard K. Smith show, and for Today show appearance.)
• PRESS SUBPOENAS
  • The ASNE has been debating the question of the use of subpoena powers to force reporters to testify about their sources, and to get at reporters' notes. Can you give us the Administration view on this?
• 'WORST PRESS'
  • In your conversation with Howard K. Smith, you claimed to have had the worst press of any American President. Do you think that a fair assessment, and what do you think is the reason for it?
• HOOVER RETIREMENT
  • Do you envision a day, perhaps in your Administration, or even in your lifetime, when J. Edgar Hoover is no longer Director of the FBI?
• SURVEILLANCE & DOSSIERS
  • Can you give us your views on public and Congressional complaints of excessive wire-tapping by the Government and the FBI, and the keeping of great numbers of dossiers on private citizens -- especially members of anti-war groups -- by government agencies.
• WIRETAPPING
  • Who are the subjects of wiretapping and for what reasons?
  • Attorney General Mitchell has employed the second type of wiretapping for what he terms domestic security. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has just ruled that he cannot do this without court approval. Will this ruling be appealed? And what effect will it have on national security?
• BUGGED CONGRESSMAN
  • Can you allay the fears on Capitol Hill that members of Congress have been bugged by the FBI?
• CAMPAIGN SPENDING
  • There remains much ambiguity about the Administration's position on campaign spending legislation. Can you clear it up for us -- and tell us what kind of legislation you favor?
• CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION
  • There is a Committee to Re-Elect Richard Nixon set up and operating at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue -- right opposite the White House. Does the operation of this committee mean you are running again; and can you tell us how you are connected with it -- since two of your people, one of them still a Special Assistant on your staff, are the chief officers?
• PRIMARY CHALLENGE
  • Can you tell us what your reaction would be to a primary challenge from either Mayor Lindsay or Congressman McCloskey.
• DEMOCRATIC HOPEFULS
  • While you will not comment upon your own political future, can you handicap the Democratic hopefuls for us tonight?
• GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • You have been in office twenty-seven months. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments -- and disappointments?
• ONE-TERM PRESIDENTS
  • Considering the enduring divisions and bitterness in society, the demands being made upon government -- do you think we are in an era of one-term Presidents?
• WAS IT WORTH IT?
  • Considering the cost in blood and treasure, all the division and bitterness brought to our country, the resources diverted from the works of peace, the alienation of allies and own people, has the price of Vietnam been worth it?
• WAR CRIMES TRIALS
  • Can you tell us your opinion of the various proposals for an investigation into the war crimes trials of the United States in Vietnam?
• TAX REDUCTION
  • There has been speculation the government is considering an added stimulus to the economy, in the form of tax reduction. Is this under consideration? Would you rule it out for this year?
• THE ECONOMY
  • Considering the .4 percent decline in industrial production, do you want to reassess all your projections of 4 percent unemployment, 3.5 percent inflation -- and a GNP of $1065 billion?
• BUDGET DEFICIT
  • Considering the Congressional action on Social Security, what is the likelihood that a full employment budget balance can be held -- and how much of a full employment budget deficit would you be willing to accept?
• THE FIRING OF SHULTZ
  • Do you have any comment on the demand of Senator Jackson for the firing of George Shultz?
• BLACK SUPPORT
  • Can you tell us your view as to why this Administration is so distrusted in the black community?
• REVENUE SHARING & REORGANIZATION
  • Can you tell us what your present hopes are for passage of revenue sharing and reorganization? Is it not true that some cities and communities will get less under revenue sharing than they get today?
• STEEL NEGOTIATIONS
  • Does the White House plan any intervention in steel negotiations to prevent a strike -- and do we expect a strike?
• KENT STATE GRAND JURY
  • Does the Justice Department plan to convene a grand jury to investigate the Kent State shootings?
• NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY
  • At your last press conference in the Oval Office you said that Secretary Romney and Attorney General Mitchell were working out a new housing policy, and that you expected to have their recommendations in thirty days. Can you tell us where they are?
  • Will the Federal government intervene in the Blackjack, Mo. case?
• MIDDLE EAST MIG-23's in UAR
  • Are the Soviets delivering MIG-23's to the UAR?
• IMPOUNDED FUNDS
  • Your Administration has refused to spend moneys for domestic programs specifically voted by the Congress; and Congress has criticized your Administration for adopting this stance. Have you any comment on why this was done, and under what authority?

Citation: BRIEFING BOOK April 29, 1971; box 3; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• MINIMUM WAGE
  • Do you favor Wilbur Mills proposal for an increase in the minimum wage to $2 an hour effective next January?
• DEMONSTRATIONS
  • Is your trip tomorrow to California in any way related to the demonstrations in Washington planned for next week -- and can you give us your assessment of last week's demonstration, in particular, the Veterans.
• YOUTH
  • Considering your low rating among young people in the polls, the massive youthful anti-war Demonstrations last week; and the anti-Administration results of your own, representative, youth conference -- how do you hope to obtain or win the allegiance of young people.
• FBI REVIEW BOARD
  • Can you tell us whether you approve of Senator Muskie's idea to have a review board of the FBI?
• DE-SEGREGATION
  • Can you tell us your views about the Supreme Court decision on desegregation. They seemed to take precisely the opposition tack than you, on the matters of bussing and pairing, and on the inviolability of the neighborhood school concept. And are you as satisfied today with Chief Justice Burger as you were before this decision?
• REVENUE SHARING & REORGANIZATION
  • Considering the delays, and the continued opposition in Congress, what sort of chance do you think revenue sharing and reorganization programs really have?
• WELFARE
  • Your Williamsburg speech to the Governors reflected a different approach toward welfare -- emphasizing work requirements, and removing the chisselers from the rolls -- as opposed to "Family Assistance" to "putting a floor of income under every family." Can we trace this new emphasis to your conversations with Governor Reagan; is this a new approach?
• THE ECONOMY
  • Do you think the economy is performing satisfactorily enough to reach your goal of 4.5 percent unemployment, and a GNP of $1065 for this year -- and are you considering or will you rule out a tax cut, to speed up the recovery?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Authoritative White House sources indicate you were "not amused" by Vice President Agnew's midnight conference with newsmen wherein he reportedly stated that Communist China had scored a propaganda triumph, in the round of ping-pong diplomacy. Do you agree with the Vice President about the Communist propaganda victory; did he hold that backgrounder with your knowledge; and finally, can you tell if it was true -- as reported -- that you were disturbed and even angry over the Vice President's statements.
• DE-SEGREGATION
  • Can you tell us your views about the Supreme Court decision on desegregation. They seemed to take precisely the opposition tack than you, on the matters of bussing and pairing, and on the inviolability of the neighborhood school concept. And are you as satisfied today with Chief Justice Burger as you were before this decision?
• WELFARE
  • Your Williamsburg speech to the Governors reflected a different approach toward welfare -- emphasizing work requirements, and removing the chisselers from the rolls -- as opposed to "Family Assistance" to "putting a floor of income under every family." Can we trace this new emphasis to your conversations with Governor Reagan; is this a new approach?

Citation: Q's and A's for President's Press Conference April 29, 1971; box 4; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• MINIMUM WAGE
  • Do you favor Wilbur Mills proposal for an increase in the minimum wage to $2 an hour effective next January?
• Mayday Demonstrations
  • How do you feel about the upcoming Mayday Demonstrations?
• DEMONSTRATIONS
  • Is your trip tomorrow to California in any way related to the demonstrations in Washington planned for next week -- and can you give us your assessment of last week's demonstration, in particular, the Veterans.
• YOUTH
  • Considering your low rating among young people in the polls, the massive youthful anti-war Demonstrations last week; and the anti-Administration results of your own, representative, youth conference -- how do you hope to obtain or win the allegiance of young people.
• FBI REVIEW BOARD
  • Can you tell us whether you approve of Senator Muskie's idea to have a review board of the FBI?
• DE-SEGREGATION
  • Can you tell us your views about the Supreme Court decision on desegregation. They seemed to take precisely the opposition tack than you, on the matters of bussing and pairing, and on the inviolability of the neighborhood school concept. And are you as satisfied today with Chief Justice Burger as you were before this decision?
• REVENUE SHARING & REORGANIZATION
  • Considering the delays, and the continued opposition in Congress, what sort of chance do you think revenue sharing and reorganization programs really have?
• WELFARE
  • Your Williamsburg speech to the Governors reflected a different approach toward welfare -- emphasizing work requirements, and removing the chisselers from the rolls -- as opposed to "Family Assistance" to "putting a floor of income under every family." Can we trace this new emphasis to your conversations with Governor Reagan; is this a new approach?
• THE ECONOMY
  • Do you think the economy is performing satisfactorily enough to reach your goal of 4.5 percent unemployment, and a GNP of $1065 for this year -- and are you considering or will you rule out a tax cut, to speed up the recovery?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Authoritative White House sources indicate you were "not amused" by Vice President Agnew's midnight conference with newsmen wherein he reportedly stated that Communist China had scored a propaganda triumph, in the round of ping-pong diplomacy. Do you agree with the Vice President about the Communist propaganda victory; did he hold that backgrounder with your knowledge; and finally, can you tell if it was true -- as reported -- that you were disturbed and even angry over the Vice President's statements.
• POW RETURN - NORTH'S OFFER
  • Several days ago, the NV press spokesman in Paris indicated that our POWs might be released quickly after a U.S. withdrawal deadline was announced. Why don't we act on that? And if they release some of our prisoners as a sign of good faith, would you then announce a final deadline for withdrawal.
• PRESSURES MOUNTING
  • Seventy three percent of the American people reportedly want a December 31 deadline for withdrawal. Senator Mansfield has indicated he may seek to cut off funds for the war. Demonstrations against the war now have more support than ever. Do you think, in light of these pressures, you will be able to maintain your own timetable?
• THE RESIDUAL FORCE
  • Do you plan to retain in South Vietnam any residual United States forces, as long as the war is still going on at present levels? Considering the ARVN need for U.S. air and artillery support, could they make do without it?
• RED CHINA & THE UN
  • Considering U.S. initiatives to China, and the recommendations of the UN Commission that China be admitted, will the United States support, or will we not oppose a move to seat Communist China in the United Nations this fall?
• PLAYING CHINA OFF RUSSIA
  • Can you tell us if United States initiatives toward Communist China have a secondary objective of creating concerns and providing leverage with the Soviet Union.
• SALT & SAFEGUARD
  • In light of Secretary Laird and Senator Jackson's statements about new rapid Soviet ICBM construction, what effect is this going to have on SALT, and are you still hopeful of an early agreement?
• THE MIDDLE EAST
  • With the Jarring talks apparently bogged down, can you tell us your assessment of the situation there; and whether you think that fighting is likely to break out again. Also, what is the United States' position on a partial settlement -- opening Suez -- and on rising Israeli demands for permanent border changes.
  • MIGs in Egypt -- New U.S. planes to Israel?
  • Hopes for Rogers Trip?
• SOUTH ASIA
  • Pakistan
  • POWs
• SOUTHEAST ASIA
  • Lon Nol Out? What about Cambodia?
• CHINA
  • Ping-Pong Invitation Effect on Vietnam Solution?
  • Washington-Taipei Relations
  • U.S. Travel to China
  • Prospects for Trade with China
  • Sale of Civilian Aircraft
  • U.S. Prisoners in China
• SOVIET RELATIONS
  • U.S. Soviet Relations -- Possible Summit?
• LATIN AMERICA
  • Haiti Relations -- and U.S. Surveillance
  • U.S. Intervention in Haiti?
• MISCELLANEOUS
  • Demonstrating Veterans
  • All Volunteer Army & Draft Extension
  • McCloskey on Refugees Caused by Bombing
  • RN to Meet Ping-Pong Players from China
  • Why Secrecy Over Lam Son 720?
• LAW, ORDER, AND JUSTICE
  • War Crimes Trials?
  • Hoover Again? Bogg's Charge
  • Kent State Grand Jury? (May = First Anniversary)
  • Why Injunction Against VETS
  • Disappointed over Burger Court?
  • Senators Muskie, McCarthy say they use phones less for fear of tapping
  • Calley Decision -- Any regret, as opinion turns?
• POLITICS
  • One Six-Year Term for President
  • RN View on Ford Proposal for reviving the "GOP Coordinating Committee."
  • RN's Campaign Organization
  • Primary Challenges
  • Democratic Hopefuls
• RACE RELATIONS
  • National Housing Policy (Racial?)
  • Black Capitalism
  • Ribicoff Plan for racial balance (schools)
• WHITE HOUSE AND MEDIA
  • Moore & Scali (New Image-Makers?)
  • On Equal Time
  • Harley Staggers Subpoena to CBS
• ECONOMICS/LEGISLATION
  • Impounded Funds
  • $2 Minimum Wage
  • Impounded Funds
  • Public Works
• MISCELLANEOUS
  • Abortion
  • Recommendations of Youth Conference -- How will RN handle?

Citation: BRIEFING BOOK FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC POLICY May 29, 1971; box 4; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• YOUTH
  • Democrats signing up Young Voters at rates two-and-a-half times that of GOP. Why? What does this mean for GOP?
• BOEING AND THE SST
  • If cost as high as Allen projected, why did Administration go for a sure-fire defeat?
• AGRICULTURE
  • O'Brien denounced salute to agriculture, $75-100 grand of taxpayers money. How explain?
  • How reach $10 billion in agricultural exports?
  • RN said in '68 that 74% of parity too low -- recently it has been around 70%. How explain? And why parity figure moved to back page in monthly parity report?
• SALT AGREEMENT
  • Why did you take your initiative in contacting the Soviet leaders? Who as the negotiator on the Soviet side? Did we make any concessions to reach this new agreement? What was the Soviet motive? Are we committed to obtaining an agreement this year? Have significant details of the agreement been worked out already? How does this affect US-Soviet relations in other areas; Berlin, the Middle East?
• SALT - EXCESSIVE OPTIMISM
  • You indicated that you expected an agreement at SALT perhaps this year; what do you think the effect will be on American opinion, and hopes, if now that agreement is not achieved? In short, do you think that perhaps your optimism has created a sense of national euphoria?
• SALT - SUMMIT
  • If there is a SALT agreement this year, as you seem to expect, is it likely to be signed or wrapped up at a summit meeting?
• SALT - EFFECT ON SAFEGUARD
  • How do you think the interim SALT agreement will affect the fate of the ABM in the Senate -- since it now appears that any money spent constructing an ABM will only be wasted?
• UN: CHINESE REPRESENTATION
  • Has there been any change in your stated position on admission of Peking to the UN in recent weeks -- the reason I ask is that there have been reports that the United States is having the Japanese sound out third countries on the question of withdrawing our opposition to Peking's admission -- and making the expulsion of Taiwan, an "important issue" requiring a two-thirds vote.
• "NEW" COMMUNIST PROPOSALS
  • Recently there have been reports out of Paris that the other side made new proposals. They said they were ready to negotiate local ceasefires, to talk about withdrawal of their forces, and to discuss all this with us privately. Has there been any American follow-up on these proposals?
• NORTH VIETNAMESE ATTACKS IN SOUTH LAOS
  • Considering the fact that enemy forces have now seized the Bolovens Plateau and are thus in a more strengthened position in Laos than ever before -- how can you say yet that the Laotian incursion was a success?
• A DISTANT DEADLINE
  • NVN spokesmen have recently told some Americans that they would be prepared to release our prisoners, after we announce a deadline for our withdrawals -- even if that withdrawal were some few years distant. Why cannot we at least make that small concession to see if it might not effect progress on bringing our men home?
• DRUG USE IN VIETNAM
  • Can you tell us the degree of drug use and narcotics addiction by American troops in Vietnam -- and is not, as Mr. Stewart Alsop contends, the disintegration of the American Army in Vietnam a strong argument for getting it home with all deliberate speed?
• CONGRESSMAN RIEGLE
  • Congressman Riegle has said you told him in 1968 you would end the war in six months, if elected. True?
• MIDDLE EAST Arab-Israeli Settlement
  • In view of Secretary Rogers' recent trip to the Middle East, how do you now view the prospects for peace in the area?
• MANSFIELD AMENDMENT
  • Some commentators believe that Senator Mansfield lost a "battle" but won the "war" on reducing our forces in Europe because he forced the Administration to consider East-West negotiations for troop reductions. What is your view?
• MBFR - BERLIN
  • Will we start MBFR negotiations before the Berlin negotiations are wrapped up? Are we ready to start the MBFR negotiations in the near future?
• NEW SOVIET SILOS
  • What is your assessment of the new Soviet ICBM silos? Is there a split on this in the Intelligence Agencies?
• CHINA
  • Trade with China -- when will RN release item lists?
  • Washington-Taipei Relations in wake of RN initiatives?
  • What is U.S. position on status of Taiwan?
• VIETNAM
  • Why Not a Date Certain?
  • Extent of "Fragging"
  • South Vietnam Elections -- Will we be neutral; will they be fair?
  • Ambassador Bruce: Is he leaving as rumored; any replacement in mind?
  • Prisoners of War -- NVN has accepted 570 POWs. Is this breakthrough. Any further progress in cards?
  • Any Chance NVA will accept third country internment?
• THAI TROOPS
  • Senator Case says US supporting Thai troops in Laos. True?
• CAMBODIA
  • Situation in Cambodia?
• PAKISTAN
  • What are we doing for refugees?
• LATIN AMERICA
  • RN's view of Tass announcement that Soviet sub plans auxiliary ship will visit Cuba in May and June?
  • Why RN waive $75 million ceiling on arms sales to LA this year, and ask for a doubling next year? NY Times unhappy?
  • What about Chile's proposed Constitutional Amendment for nationalization of US copper companies?
  • RN's view of Peace Corps termination in Bolivia?
• EUROPE
  • How U.S. view U. K. EEC entry?
  • Drug use, Racial conflicts, in Army in Europe?
• BLACKJACK, MISSOURI
  • In January, you said in a press conference you expected to have an answer regarding the Blackjack, Missouri, case within 30 days. What is the status of that case now?
• UTTER CONTEMPT
  • In Alabama you stated that you had "utter contempt" for those Northerners "who look at the South and point the finger and say why don't those Southerners do something about their race problem." Since the Supreme Court, among others, has done this -- can you tell us precisely what you meant?
• HANDLING OF THE DEMONSTRATIONS
  • Senator Kennedy and others have been severely critical of the seemingly indiscriminate arrests made by the Washington police in the demonstrations of early May. Do you approve of everything the police did in clearing the streets -- and do you share Attorney General Mitchell's view that the demonstrations were Nazi brown shirts, and that Washington handled the demonstration in model fashion?
• MEDIA
  • Walter Cronkite has charged that there is reason to believe that an Administration conspiracy exists to destroy the credibility of the media, in order to raise its own credibility. And that you are responsible for it. Can you comment on that?
• WHITE HOUSE COVERAGE
  • On a number of occasions in the past you have said you will never call a publisher to complain about a reporters' coverage of the White House. However, recent news reports indicate that members of your staff have contacted publishers or network Vice Presidents to complain about White House coverage by individual members of the press corps. Were these contacts made at your request and, if not, do you approve of this kind of coercion?
• GALLUP POLL
  • In response to a Gallup Survey, almost seventy percent of the American people said they did not believe your Administration was telling them everything they should know about the Vietnam War. Do you think a "credibility gap" exists in your Administration -- and if so, can you tell us why you think this is?
• BLACK CAUCUS
  • Have you any comment on the Black Caucus' rather severe criticism of your response to their recommendations? Will you meet with them again?
• CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
  • Father Hesburgh, in the latest CSC press conference, was sweeping in his criticism of the Federal Government "from top to bottom", for failure to fully enforce civil rights policies, within the bureaucracy. Can you comment on this?
• PAYMENTS PROBLEMS
  • RN considering any "Bretton Woods" type gathering?
  • Is American policy "benign neglect" of payments problem?
  • How "resolve" payments problems, continuing outflow of dollars to Europe?
• DOLLAR AND BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
  • The Dollar and the Balance of Payments. What happened?
• LOCKHEED
  • Mr. Galbraith has called your Lockheed decision "socialism for the rich." Others have denounced it on the grounds that other companies could handle the job, that if Rolls-Royce did not get the contract an American firm would, and that how can you square bailing out one defense contractor -- that does not seem to be able to make it on its own.
• ECONOMICS
  • Under RN, 1.2 million citizens fell below poverty line. Why?
  • Unemployment -- Why so enduring at 6 percent?
  • Impoundment of Funds
  • Why Not a $2 minimum wage now?
  • Steel Strike - RN intervention to prevent strike or inflationary settlement? (San Clemente)
• POLITICS
  • Committee to Re-Elect Richard Nixon
  • Why not the "Committee to Re-Elect Nixon-Agnew?"
  • GOP Dump Nixon Movement (Riegle, McCloskey, Goodell)
  • Does RN think Wallace will run or McCarthy lead Fourth Party.
  • Does RN feel that Muskie, HHH or EMK would be the strongest candidate against RN?
  • RN's view of speculation of Nixon-Connally Ticket, National Unity Ticket, a la 1864?
  • Why has RN not responded to McCloskey's "five letters?"
  • Common Cause -- Any comment by RN on growth or effectiveness of Common Cause?
• LEGISLATION
  • Food Stamp Program
  • Environment -- what done since Earth Day?
  • How About Revenue Sharing & Reorganization?
  • Welfare Reform Chances?
• JUSTICE
  • Will Kent State Grand Jury be Impaneled?
  • Administration Considering a Domestic Intelligence Review Board?
  • Marijuana
  • Berrigan Trial -- government release of damaging letters, possible use of wiretap; RN any comment?
  • Seale Trial -- RN any comment on dismissal?
  • Violence -- What RN think of Eisenhower/others prediction of ghetto violence this summer?
• CIVIL RIGHTS
  • Bussing
  • Will RN institute new Austin Plans all over South?
• SOUTHERN STRATEGY
  • Does RN have a "Southern Strategy"
  • Albert Watson -- Was RN considering him for military court at one time; and has he dropped him from consideration; and what does RN think of "racist" allegations"; and will RN name him to the ICC?
• IMAGE MAKERS - MEDIA
  • New Image Makers in the White House? (Scali, Moore -- Pierpoint type question)
• FOREIGN POLICY
  • Any RN trips abroad either firm or being planned?
  • Sale of US Jets to China?
  • Has CIA in past funded Radio Free Europe?
• ALUMINUM
  • RN's View of the Wage-Price Decisions of Aluminum. Effect on steel?
• REPATRIATION OF NORTH VIETNAMESE POW'S
  • It now appears that only 13 of the 570 North Vietnamese prisoners of war whom the U.S. and the South Vietnamese Governments offered to return to North Vietnam have accepted repatriation. Can you tell us why the number is so low, and what you plan to do next?
• MILITARY PAY/DRAFT REFORM EXTENSION
  • RN's View of Prospects?
• WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT
  • (DNC Vice Chairman, Mary Burg has rapped Administration since less than 2 percent of GS 17s and above are women.)
• MIDDLE EAST EGYPTIAN-SOVIET TREATY
  • What is your view of the Soviet-Egyptian Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in Cairo last week?
• PANAM HIJACKING AND ARREST OF CUBAN FISHERMEN
  • Is there any connection between the arrest of four Cuban fishing boat captains within the 12-mile fishing zone on May 26, and the fact that the Cubans detained a Pan American passenger plane hijacked to Havana on May 29?
• SOVIET ACTIVITY IN CUBA
  • Tass announced that a Soviet naval squadron consisting of a submarine and an auxiliary ship will visit Cuba in late May and early June. In view of the understanding with the USSR regarding offensive weapons in Cuba, are you concerned about these recurring visits of Soviet naval vessels to Cuban waters?
• OKINAWA REVERSION
  • What is the status of the Okinawa reversion negotiations? Are there any last minute hitches? Are the negotiations being compromised by the textile controversy?

Citation: Foreign/Domestic August 2, 1971; box 4; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• ECONOMY
  • Monetary Policy Been Expansive Enough?
  • RN Still Opposed to Incomes Policy?
  • Is RN Concerned About Polls Showing Low Consumer Confidence?
  • RN View of Mills Proposal for Tax-Expenditure Reduction -- And Wage-Price Controls?
  • Any Chance of Reaching four-and-one-half unemployment by '72?
  • Has Administration abandoned $1065 GNP goal?
  • Does RN believe, like Connally, that 4 percent unemployment in peacetime is a myth?
  • Is FY 1972 Full Employment Budget out of balance?
  • Does RN See Any Progress Against Inflation? Considering 6 June Figure?
  • What Has the President Done About Unemployment?
  • There has been a lot of pessimism recently about business conditions. Measures of consumer sentiment and the saving rate are high, and some businessmen seem to have become more cautious about the outlook. In the light of this, how do you justify the decision not to go for more stimulus?
• CONSERVATIVE REVOLT
  • Are you at all upset or concerned about the public defection of former conservative supporters like William F. Buckley, Jr., and do you anticipate primary opposition from the Right, a la McCloskey from the Left?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Can you tell us why you sent the Vice President abroad on his ten-nation tour; and when was he made aware of the fact that Henry Kissinger was going to Peking?
  • An aide of yours is reported to have told Republican leaders in Denver that whether or not Vice President Agnew is on the ticket in 1972 is the Vice President's decision. Can you tell us if this is correct?
  • Would you compare for us the relative qualities of the black leaders of Africa with the qualities of the black leaders of America?
  • Do you agree with Vice President Agnew that civil rights leaders in the United States should emulate the leaders of black African nations?
• WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND WOMEN'S LIB
  • In California, you and Secretary Rogers exchanged some jokes about the Women's Rights Movement leaders here in Washington -- can you give us your views on women's rights and women's lib? Also, how do you stand on the Equal Rights Amendment for Women?
• DR. BURNS AND THE FED
  • Can you tell us if you have given consideration to expansion of the Federal Reserve or to bringing it under the control of the Executive?
  • Has Dr. Burns been refused a pay raise?
  • Can you tell us your estimate of Dr. Burn's performance at the Fed? Are you satisfied with that choice?
• DECADENCE
  • In Kansas City you spoke of American Society in the same breath with that of Rome, and other collapsed civilizations of the past. Do you really think American society is in that dangerous a condition today -- and do you think that editors really have a role of cheerleader in American life?
• WELFARE REFORM
  • What is RN's reply to Senator Long's Charge that H.R. 1 will Create a Permanent Welfare Dependency State?
• CBS CONTEMPT CITATION
  • Did this Administration prevail upon Jerry Ford to oppose the Congressional contempt citation against Frank Stanton and CBS?
• BUSING
  • Can you tell us your view on the criticisms that HEW is coming up with desegregation plans that are so excessive as to warrant rejection by the Courts? Such as the Austin case.
• NEW AMERICAN REVOLUTION
  • How goes the new American Revolution?
• COMPROMISE ON REVENUE SHARING
  • Has the Administration agreed to compromise on revenue sharing?
• AGRICULTURE
  • Horse Sleeping Sickness epidemic in Texas (mucho TV time)
• COMMERCE
  • What is the status of Mack Truck Deal with Soviets?
• HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
  • Civil Rights Leaders have called your equal housing policy, an "effort to cure cancer with aspirin." Any comment?
• 18-YEAR-OLD VOTE
  • Where should the 18-year-olds vote? Home or School?
• PRAYER IN PUBLIC SCHOOL AMENDMENT
  • RN View?
• CAMPAIGN SPENDING
  • What RN favors?
• JUSTICE
  • Why No Decision on Kent State Grand Jury in 14 months?
  • Has Administration made a deal with Hoffa to parole him -- in exchange for stepping down as union boss?
  • Why Did RN ask to give SACB power of naming groups to the AG's List? (Controversy in conference now)
• HEROIN ADDICTION IN VIETNAM
  • How RN explain discrepancy between Jaffe's five percent, and Steele's fifteen percent?
• PRESS CONFERENCE
  • Why RN delay two months between conferences?
• ENVIRONMENT
  • Has Administration given private assurances to auto makers that 1975-76 deadlines for emission reductions will be relaxed?
• PAROCHIAL SCHOOL AID
  • How does RN view Supreme Court decisions on aid to non-public schools?
• AGING
  • What has RN done for the aging?
• THE PRESIDENT & CHINA
  • When do you think your visit to China will take place, and are there any other countries on the agenda?
  • Are we negotiating the specifics of the trip through the Chinese Embassy in Canada?
  • Can you tell us what your hopes are for this meeting with the Chinese. Do you think the meeting will produce a significant advance for world peace?
  • Why do you think this most hostile of governments has agreed to meet with an old antagonist and mortal foe like Richard M. Nixon?
  • What do you think will be the reaction to your proposed visit in Moscow and Hanoi?
  • Any comment on the Foreign Relations Committee vote to repeal the 1955 Formosa Resolution? What would the Administration do in the event of a Chinese attack on Formosa?
  • Any truth to report that you would like to have the trip completed as early as possible -- lest some incident force a cancellation?
  • You have said that your China visit is not directed against any other country, and will not be taken at the expense of old friends. How can you normalize relations with Peking without damaging or destroying our relations with Nationalist China?
  • Do you think there is a danger that the Soviets could construe this meeting as directed against them, and could react against the United States?
  • Do you think your visit to China will enhance the prospects for a negotiated settlement in Vietnam?
  • Do you really think it realistic to ask for a moratorium on speculation about the visit?
  • Have you any announcement yet on the United States position on Peking's entry into the United Nations.
  • How do you think the friends of the United States overall will view this rather abrupt departure from 22 years of established policy?
  • Was there any secret agreement made, were there any preconditions established, before you could visit Peking?
  • Would you comment on reports from Taipei that indicate the Governments of the ROC feel the US has reneged on its commitments?
• BRUCE, PARIS & THE SEVEN POINTS
  • Does Ambassador Bruce's resignation, LeDuc Tho's departure, and Porter's arrival to replace a diplomat of Bruce's caliber indicate a down-grading by both sides of the Paris peace talks? What kind of hopes do you retain for the Paris negotiations. Have we any official response yet to the offer of the other side?
• SOUTH VIETNAMESE ELECTIONS
  • Considering the enormous sacrifices in lives of the United States to bring representative government to Vietnam, how does this Government view recent actions taken by President Thieu which seem to inhibit effective democratic opposition to his candidacy for President?
  • Do we intend to send observers?
• DRUGS IN VIETNAM
  • Congressman Steele has charged that a Vietnamese General Dzu is involved in the drug traffic in Vietnam; and an NBC reporter has alleged that both Ky and Thieu have profited. Can we confirm official involvement in the illicit drug traffic --and what are we doing about it?
• WITHDRAWAL DATE FOR PRISONERS?
  • Why not simply agree to a conditional deadline for withdrawal of U.S. forces in exchange for return of our prisoners. Wouldn't that be a way out of the deadlock at Paris?
• PAKISTAN
  • With the slaughter now taking place in East Pakistan, why does not the United States stop further shipments of arms to the Government there? Is their cooperation in the Kissinger visit to Peking the reason for continued US assistance to that Government?
• SALT
  • Can you tell us when you expect final agreement at SALT, what you think it will contain; and whether there are any plans for you to go to the Summit to sign such an agreement with the Soviets?
• THE McNAMARA PAPERS
  • Will the Administration prosecute reporters and editors?
  • Does the President feel the Government made a mistake in attempting to suppress the papers -- especially in light of the Court decision? If the President had to do it over again, would he have done it differently?
  • Does the President believe the Times and the Post erred in publishing those papers?
  • Can you tell us if any damage has been done to the security interests of the United States by publication of those papers -- and precisely what damage?
  • What is your opinion as to what the papers contained?
  • What do you think will be the impact of these papers upon the Democratic Party, upon the reputation of President Johnson and Kennedy and upon the Presidency?
  • Has there been any progress on de-classification since the publication of those papers?
• DEFICIT IN TRADE BALANCE
  • How seriously do you view the unprecedented deficit in the American trade balance this year; and what is the Administration doing about it. Is there any action anticipated to curb the flow of Japanese imports?
• HUGH SCOTT ON WAR POWERS/FOREIGN AID
  • Minority Leader has favored restricted Presidential War Powers; voted to cut off all foreign aid if Defense refuses to run over internal planning documents. Is there an Administration split?
• RN POSITION ON JAVITS BILL
  • RN Position?
• VIETNAM
  • When will U.S. combat role in Vietnam end?
• NEW ROAD THROUGH DMZ
  • RN concerned?
• VIETNAM
  • EMK claims RN prolonging the war so that war's end will come sooner to the election? Any comment?
  • Which of two criteria -- fair chance for SVN or return of prisoners -- is more important to the United States?
  • Petroleum Exploration in Vietnam
• JAPAN
  • How does RN feel about Japan acquiring nuclear weapons?
  • Short notice of RN's announcement has caused serious internal political problems for Sato. Does RN believe our relations with Japan damaged?
  • Hirohito Visit? RN to Tokyo?
• GREECE
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee has voted to cut off military assistance to Greece, because of lack of progress in restoring democracy. RN position?
• SOVIET FLEET
  • Is RN concerned over rising Soviet nala power in Med?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • Peace Prospects? Any hope left for Israeli-Arab settlement?
  • Is the United States trying to squeeze Israel by withholding plane deliveries. Has Sisco made any new commitment?
• BERLIN
  • Four-Power talks on Berlin. RN Appraisal?
• ICELAND
  • RN comment on New Government's intention to seek US Pullout.
• SOUTH AFRICA
  • Why is US Ambassador hosing segregated receptions?
• LOCKHEED
  • Do Laird/Packard support Administration position on Lockheed?
• U THANT'S SUCCESSOR
  • Who will US support?
• CUBA
  • In view of China; initiatives, why not "normalize" with Cuba?
• BRAZIL
  • What is U.S. doing about harassment of U.S. fishing boats by Brazil?
• CHILE
  • Nationalization in Chile
• INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
  • Conference Committee has refused to appropriate this year's U.S. contribution to ILO. What is Administration going to do?
• NUCLEAR WEAPONS
  • RN shifting nukes from Okinawa to Taiwan?
• MANSFIELD AMENDMENT/DRAFT
  • What does RN think of Mansfield Compromise? How long can nation go without the draft?
• TEXTILES
  • Where do we stand?
• AMCHITKA NUCLEAR TEST
  • Are you going to cancel the Nuclear Test on Amchitka Island?
• INFLATION
  • There was a thirty per cent wage settlement in steel for three years, forty-two per cent for rails for forty-two months -- and an eight per cent steel price increase. Do you consider this inflationary.
• ECONOMY
  • With the June figures on the economy, the rise in the cost of living, the trade imbalance, the sharp drop-off in the lead indicators, the $23.2 billion deficit for last year, do you think that the "Game Plan of the Administration is working? And how do you answer the counter-arguments -- the pessimism of men like Arthur Burns?
• SOUTH ASIA Policy Toward Refugees and Pakistan
  • What is the Administration doing for the refugees in India? Why does the Administration oppose an embargo on arms shipments to Pakistan?
• CHINA
  • Can you tell us whether your Vice President was aware that Henry Kissinger was going to Peking, and if not, when he was informed about this historic mission and its purpose?
  • Can we go a little further on that? We have been briefed by Dr. Kissinger that you, the Secretary of State, Henry and a few top White House aides were aware of the trip. Was the Vice President in that select number; and just when did he find out Henry had been to Peking?
• U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN LAOS
  • Just what is the extent of U.S. support to Laos?
  • Despite massive U.S. AID, isn't the situation in Laos deteriorating?
• PRC ENTRY TO UN
  • Does our policy really mean that the U.S. now favors giving the PRC Taiwan's seat on the Security Council?
  • A "Two Chinas" policy has been denounced by both Peking and Taipei. Is it realistic to think this kind of approach can be a solution to the problem?
• BUSING
  • Why did you issue your anti-busing statement?

Citation: Foreign/Domestic 8/10/71; box 4; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• ASSESSMENT OF CONGRESS
  • Can you give us your assessment of the performance of the Congress as it leaves for the summer recess?
• AUSTIN BUSING STATEMENT
  • Can you tell us why you issued your Austin busing statement and does this not amount to a repudiation of your Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare?
• THE 'DUMP AGNEW' MOVEMENT
  • Can you give us your view on the continuing Dump Agnew talk in the Republican Party, and within the media?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT'S TRAVELS
  • Can you give us your assessment of Vice President Agnew's month-long world tour -- do you share his judgment that the coverage of his tour was biased?
  • Was the Vice President aware of the China initiative of Dr. Kissinger -- was he one of the select company of you, the Secretary of State, and a few top White House aides who knew of the secret? When was he informed?
• CONSERVATIVE SUPPORT?
  • In recent weeks a number of prominent conservatives, including William F. Buckley Jr., have suspended support of your Administration. Others, such as James Buckley and John Tower, have become increasingly critical of various policies of your Administration. Does your recent meeting with Senator Buckley reflect your concern over these developments -- and what are your views on the conservative revolt in the GOP?
• WAGE-PRICE REVIEW BOARD
  • Would it be fair to say that at your last press conference in this office, you opened the door to a wage-price review board?
• STRENGTH OF THE DOLLAR
  • Are you concerned about a possible run on the American dollar?
• EXCHANGE RATE
  • Is the United States considering a change in the exchange rate of the dollar?
• MUDGE, ROSE ET AL.
  • Have you any comment on Congressman Udall's charge that some pressure seems to have been used to have lucrative postal bond issue contracts awarded to your old firm?
• "NON-POLITICAL TRIPS"
  • Can you tell us if there will be future "non-political" trips of the kind taken last week to Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire?
• U.S. SUPPORT FOR THAI TROOPS IN LAOS
  • Would you comment on recent Press Reports which have indicated that regular Thai Army forces are operating in Laos with U.S. support?
• SOUTH ASIA Soviet-Indian Treaty
  • What is your view of the impact of the Soviet-Indian Friendship Treaty?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • Both Egyptians and Israelis are saying no progress was made during Mr. Sisco's visit to Israel. What are the prospects for peace now? Will we provide more aircraft for Israel?
• INCREASED SOVIET ICBM DEVELOPMENT
  • There have been several press reports concerning the deployment of a new Soviet ICBM; these reports claim that the deployments exceed our estimates, that the deployments have continued since your May 20 announcement, and that the SALT talks may be threatened as a result.
• BUNKER'S RETURN
  • Can you tell us why Ambassador Bunker came home at this time -- was it connected with the fall elections --and what did you discuss?
• SOUTH VIETNAMESE ELECTIONS
  • The Vice President of South Vietnam has been denied by President Thieu the right to run for his nation's highest office. Considering the enormous American investment, in men, money, arms -- and casualties -- to secure democracy to South Vietnam, can you tell us how the United States Government views his political tactics?
  • How can there be a fair expression of public will, if Big Minh now drops out, and there is only President Thieu to choose from?
  • Will we send observers?
• VIETNAM NEGOTIATIONS
  • Little progress has been seen at the Paris Peace Talks. Are there also secret negotiations taking place to reach a settlement in Vietnam?
• THE ANCIENT MARINER
  • Can you give us your assessment of Averell Harriman's charge that your Administration, by "provactive" statements from Pentagon, by moving on ABM and MIRV, lost a golden opportunity to win a comprehensive arms control agreement with the Soviet Union?
• JAPAN
  • How does RN feel about Japan acquiring nuclear weapons?
  • Short notice of RN's announcement has caused serious internal political problems for Sato. Does RN believe our relations with Japan damaged?
• GREECE
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee has voted to cut off military assistance to Greece, because of lack of progress in restoring democracy. RN position?
• SOVIET FLEET
  • Is RN concerned over rising Soviet nala power in Med?
• CUBA
  • In view of China; initiatives, why not "normalize" with Cuba?
• CHILE
  • Nationalization in Chile
• INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
  • Conference Committee has refused to appropriate this year's U.S. contribution to ILO. What is Administration going to do?
• NUCLEAR WEAPONS
  • RN shifting nukes from Okinawa to Taiwan?
• MANSFIELD AMENDMENT/DRAFT
  • What does RN think of Mansfield Compromise? How long can nation go without the draft?
• TEXTILES
  • Where do we stand?
• VIETNAM
  • Which is more important -- prisoners or "reasonable chance?"
• MCNAMARA PAPERS
  • Will Administration prosecute?
  • If RN had to do it over again, would he suppress the documents?
  • Does RN believe Times and Post erred in publishing?
  • What, if any, damage done to national security?
  • What is RN's view of the papers?
  • Any further progress on de-classification?
• AMCHITKA NUCLEAR TEST
  • Is RN going to cancel the nuclear test on Amchitka Island?

Citation: PRESS CONFERENCE September 16, 1971; box 4; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• DRAFT
  • Would you comment upon the pending vote to table the conference report on the draft bill?
• ATTICA
  • In light of revelations that the hostages may have been shot to death, and 42 have died, do you still support Governor Rockefeller's decision to use force?
• MACK TRUCK DEAL
  • Why did the Government kill the deal
• ECONOMY
  • Did RN give away bargaining counter, by announcing end of freeze?
• NEW AMERICAN REVOLUTION
  • What happened to the New American Revolution?
• VIETNAM
  • Do you still consider President Thieu one of the four or five top politicians in the world?
• ATTICA STATE PRISON
  • In light of the reports that a number of those hostages at Attica died of gunshot wounds -- do you still support the Governor's decision to use massive firepower and force to put down that prison rebellion?
• BUSSING
  • Can you tell us your opinion of the proposed constitutional amendment that would outlaw bussing to achieve racial balance?
  • Can you tell us briefly, just what is your position on bussing, and whether your position really makes any difference given the Court decision?
  • Some districts which have complied in good faith with Supreme Court rulings are now in need of funds to provide the busses to carry out those rulings. Is It not unfair to these good-faith districts to rule out funds for busses from your $1.5 billion Emergency School assistance legislation?
• PRESS CONFERENCE
  • Can you tell us why it has been three months since your last televised press conference?
• VICE PRESIDENT
  • Can you tell us your view on the regular rumors that Secretary Connally, or Governor Rockefeller, will replace Vice President Agnew on the ticket in 1972?
  • Would you agree with Senator Muskie's statement that a black Vice Presidential candidate would mean defeat for a national ticket in 1972?
  • Is there any truth to the report that your top aides have been taking polls on the political strength of the Vice President, or that top staffers have been told to defend the Vice President?
• CONSERVATIVE REVOLT
  • A number of prominent conservatives, William F. Buckley among them, have suspended support of your Administration. Are you concerned by these developments? What is your view of the conservative rebellion within the GOP?
• CHINA AT THE UN
  • What is the United States present position with regard to whether or not the PRC should have the Security Council seat at the UN?
• CHINA TRIP
  • Any further details on your trip to China? In view of the recent hard line taken by Chou (in the Reston interview), are you still hopeful for a successful meeting in Peking?
  • Has the seeming intransigence in Peking, and the tough propaganda line taken in recent months, dimmed at all your hopes for those talks with Chou En-Lai?
• ROLE OF U.S. FORCES IN CURRENT ARVN OPERATION
  • If the United States troops are only supposed to be in defensive postures, what were they doing participating in the last ARVN sweep near the Laotian frontier?
• U.S. TROOP WITHDRAWALS
  • Any truth to the reports that a complete U.S. pullout will take place, hard upon the October elections?
• POLITICAL SITUATION IN SOUTH VIETNAM
  • You have repeatedly stressed the self-determination of the South Vietnamese people as a fundamental objective of our Vietnam policy. President Thieu's blatant efforts to prevent considering opposition in the forthcoming Presidential race, and the fact that the election will now be uncontested, how can the U.S. justify the death of one more soldier in Vietnam in the name of democracy?
• SOUTH VIETNAMESE POLITICAL SITUATION
  • President Thieu's opponents have withdrawn from the Presidential Election and the Lower House Elections have been conducted amid charges of government pressures and fraud. Doesn't this make a farce out of the whole South Vietnamese political process and our commitment to self-determination there?
• POLITICAL SITUATION IN SVN -- AID AND TROOP WITHDRAWALS
  • Some Senators have advocated that we immediately cut off military and economic aid to Vietnam and announce the withdrawal of the remainder of our forces there unless there is a contested election there. How do you view these suggestions?
• BUNKER'S ROLE
  • How do we square Ambassador Bunker's intervention in the Vietnam election with our alleged policy of non-intervention in their internal affairs?
• PARIS PEACE NEGOTIATIONS
  • Concerning the Paris talks, why do we not agree to a conditional withdrawal deadline in return for the release of our prisoners; why have we not responded to the seven-point proposal of the enemy -- and have you abandoned hope for those talks?
• SALT
  • General question on SALT progress
• SOVIET-AMERICAN STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP
  • There have been some highly publicized reports that the Soviets are gaining superiority in strategic weapons. If the Soviets are seeking strategic superiority, what do you intend to do about it?
• U.S. RELATIONS WITH JAPAN - POST ECONCOM
  • Are you concerned with lack of progress on exchange rates, at Ministerial meetings with Japan; and will you assess U.S.-Japanese relations in light of those Econcom Meetings?
• MIDDLE EAST Peace Prospects
  • Do you see any hope for a breakthrough to an Israeli-Arab settlement? Will you meet the Israeli request for more Phantoms?
• EUROPEAN TROOP LEVELS - MUTUAL FORCE REDUCTIONS
  • In light of the Berlin Agreement, your new economic policy, and a new effort by Senator Mansfield to reduce U.S. forces in Europe, what is your current view on maintaining the present level of our NATO forces.
• BERLIN
  • The two Germanys are supposed to negotiate a second stage of the Four Power Berlin Agreement, but these negotiations have already stalled over questions of the German translation. Will this jeopardize the agreement?
• AMCHITKA NUCLEAR TEST (CANNIKAN)
  • Gravel says RN to cancel on Alaska trip. True?
• SOVIET GLOBE-TROTTING
  • RN view? Will RN see Kosygin on Canada visit, or elsewhere?
• SOVIET PROPAGANDA
  • RN's view of anti-Chinese, pro Détente-in-the-West propaganda and is U.S. concerned with Soviet military moves in Balkans and East Asia?
• SOVIET FLEET
  • Is RN concerned over rising Soviet nala power in Med?
• PAKISTAN
  • RN view of criticism, including Kennedy's?
• LAOS
  • Situation there -- extent of U. S. support?
• GREECE
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee has voted to cut off military assistance to Greece, because of lack of progress in restoring democracy. RN position?
• JAPAN
  • Does RN believe our relations with Japan seriously damaged?
• NUCLEAR WEAPONS
  • RN shifting nukes from Okinawa to Taiwan?
• CHILE
  • Is U.S. tough line on loans driving Chile into arms of Russia?
• CUBA
  • In view of China; initiatives, why not "normalize" with Cuba?
• INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
  • Conference Committee has refused to appropriate this year's U.S. contribution to ILO. What is Administration going to do?
• REALIGNMENT OF EXCHANGE RATES
  • What progress do you see in achieving the realignment of exchange rates? How soon do you expect results?
• REVEAL OF IMPORT SURCHARGE
  • There has been increasing concern in Europe and Japan that the ten percent import surcharge which you describe as "temporary" will remain in effect until the end of 1972 or beyond. Do you still regard the surcharge as a temporary measure?
• PRICE OF SURCHARGE REMOVAL
  • How much of a revaluation of foreign currencies, or a devaluation of the dollar is necessary before removal of the import surcharge?
• CONTROLS - PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY
  • Can you tell us anything more about Phase II; do you see it as beginning a new era of more active government intervention in the economy, or as a transitory period on the way to a freer economy, as in the days before the freeze?
• PROFIT LIMITATIONS
  • Does the Administration have any plans to limit profits in Phase II?
• WHY PUSH AUTOS?
  • Why did you choose to promote automobiles rather than, say, mass transit or education or health -- with the economic incentives?
• OLD 'GAME PLAN' VERSUS NEW
  • Do you consider the new economic program an admission that the old program was failing -- and how do you square Phase I and Phase II with your life-long opposition to economic controls?
• RESEARCH TAX CREDIT
  • Can you be any more specific on the tax reform and tax credit proposals for new session?
• MUSKIE'S PROGRAM
  • Have you any comment on Ed Muskie's economic program?
  • Have you any comment on the Senator's proposal for a $100 tax credit for the purchase of consumer "durables"?
• WHY NOT CONSULT WITH TOKYO?
  • Considering the extensive damage done to Japanese-American relations does RN feel it was wise to have put aside all consultation with them -- prior to the announcement of the new economic policy?
• NEW ISOLATIONISM VERSUS AMERICA FIRST
  • How can you both condemn the New Isolationism and then turn around and appeal to isolationist, American-First sentiment in your Congressional address?

Citation: FOREIGN/DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK 9/21/71; box 4; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• CHINA TRIP
  • Have you anything further to announce on your China trip? And what do you hope to accomplish?
• TAIWAN IN THE UN
  • What do you think are the chances that we will be able to keep Taiwan in the United Nations?
• VIETNAM ELECTION
  • We are supposed to be in Vietnam to defend democracy. Yet, President Thieu's exclusion of any other candidates from the elections makes a mockery out of democracy. How can you justify the death of a single additional American to prop up this undemocratic regime?
• MORE TROOP WITHDRAWALS
  • Is there any truth to the report that a full U.S. pullout will be announced after the October 3 elections?
• PARIS
  • Why have we not responded to the seven-point peace plan proposal; and have we abandoned hope for the Paris talks?
• MIDDLE EAST Peace Prospects
  • Do you see any hope for a breakthrough to an Israeli-Arab settlement? Will you meet the Israeli request for more Phantoms?
• STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP
  • Are you concerned about the reports of increasing Soviet build-ups in the area of conventional and strategic weapons?
• AMCHITKA NUCLEAR TEST (CANNIKAN)
  • Gravel says RN to cancel on Alaska trip. True?
• SOVIET PROPAGANDA
  • RN's view of anti-Chinese, pro Détente-in-the-West propaganda and is U.S. concerned with Soviet military moves in Balkans and East Asia?
• SOVIET FLEET
  • Is RN concerned over rising Soviet nala power in Med?
• PAKISTAN
  • RN view of criticism, including Kennedy's?
• LAOS
  • Situation there -- extent of U. S. support?
• GREECE
  • House Foreign Affairs Committee has voted to cut off military assistance to Greece, because of lack of progress in restoring democracy. RN position?
• JAPAN
  • Does RN believe our relations with Japan seriously damaged?
• NUCLEAR WEAPONS
  • RN shifting nukes from Okinawa to Taiwan?
• CHILE
  • Is U.S. tough line on loans driving Chile into arms of Russia?
• CUBA
  • In view of China; initiatives, why not "normalize" with Cuba?
• INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION
  • Conference Committee has refused to appropriate this year's U.S. contribution to ILO. What is Administration going to do?
• MBFR/EUROPE
  • What is RN's feeling about cutting NATO levels?
• SALT AGREEMENT
  • Accident War and Hot Lines? (Scheduled for 24th) An agreement on weapons expected this year?
• MACK TRUCK DEAL
  • Why did the Government kill the deal
• ATTICA STATE PRISON
  • Considering the massive loss of life at Attica State Prison -- almost all of it a result of troopers and police -- do you still support Governor Rockefeller's action; and don't you think he personally should have gone to the Prison?
• THE NEW AMERICAN REVOLUTION
  • What happened to your New American Revolution?
• AID TO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
  • Despite your well-publicized statements about aid to Catholic schools, those schools are still closing at the "rate of one a day." In Michigan this fall, five dozen Catholic schools -- grammar schools and high schools -- closed for good. Do you think it is realistic to hold out any hope for the Catholic School System -- and what specifically would you recommend?
• CONSERVATIVE REVOLT
  • A number of prominent conservatives, William F. Buckley among them, have suspended support of your Administration. Are you concerned by these developments?
• POLITICS
  • Recent polls taken here in Michigan indicate that Vice President Agnew would be a detriment on the Republican ticket in 1972. Can you respond to that; and can you give us your assessment of whether or not he had been a healthy influence in American politics?
• BUSSING & PONTIAC
  • Despite near unanimous opposition to bussing, we seem to have busses coming out of our ears. Over in Pontiac, the situation is explosive. Can anything be done to put a halt to this -- and if not, what is the sense of issuing these statements?
• SURCHARGE
  • How long do you intend to keep the surcharge in effect and aren't you risking a disastrous trade war with our crucial allies?
• LARGE AND SMALL CORPORATIONS
  • You stated in your press conference that you expected the coverage of Phase II to be largely directed toward big corporations and big unions. Does this mean that medium and small corporations as well as small unions and non-unionized employees will not be covered?
• CAPITAL CONTROLS
  • In talking about Phase II, wages and prices are often discussed. Will there be any restraints on who gets available capital, such as the kind provided by a capital issues committee?
• OLD GAME PLAN VERSUS NEW
  • Do you consider the new economic program an admission that the old program was failing -- and how do you square Phase I and Phase II with your life-long opposition to economic controls?
• ECONOMICS
  • Did RN give away bargaining counter, by announcing end of freeze?
  • Is New Economic Policy Working?
  • Why Job Development Credit When Capacity Use is only 73%
• YOUTH
  • Democrats signing up Young Voters at rates two-and-a-half times that of GOP. Why? What does this mean for GOP?
  • Democrats signing up Youth in droves. What does this mean for the President and the GOP? and Why?
• MAJOR CORPORATIONS
  • You stated in your press conference that Phase 2 will restrain prices and wages in major industries. Can you tell us what you meant by that? Will the rest of the economy be uncovered?
• U. S. Participation in the Kama River Project
  • Mack Truck, Inc. has stated that the U.S. Government refused to approve its request for an export license for equipment for the Soviet Union's Kama River truck manufacturing plant. Does this constitute a U.S. Government veto of U.S. participation in the project.
• East-West Trade
  • Given the improvement made in East-West relations indicated by the recent Berlin accords, do you foresee any major increase in East-West trade?
• CAPITAL CONTROLS
  • In talking about Phase II, wages and prices are often discussed. Will there be any restraints on who gets available capital, such as the kind provided by a capital issues committee?
• SURCHARGE
  • How long do you intend to keep the surcharge in effect and aren't you risking a disastrous trade war with our crucial allies?
• WAYS & MEANS ACTION
  • Can you give us your reaction to the tax package which came out yesterday from Ways & Means?

Citation: Foreign/Domestic Briefing Book, 10/10/71 (Pat Buchanan); box 166; White House Special Files: Staff Member and Office Files: President's Personal File; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR THE PRESIDENT
  • How were the "exchanges during the past year" to which you refer in your statement conducted with the Soviet leaders?
  • Why is your announcement being made more than six months ahead of time?
  • Can it be assumed that this meeting will occur after your trip to Peking?
  • Do you expect to conclude any agreements in Moscow, for example, the SALT agreement?
  • Do you expect to meet with the heads of NATO Governments either before or after your Moscow trip?
  • Were allied governments informed ahead of time or consulted?
  • If there is a possibility that you may sign some agreement in Moscow, especially on SALT, would you be accompanied by any Senators?
  • Do you expect that before you go to Moscow negotiations will have begun on MBFR and on convening a European conference?
  • Do you have any reason to believe, or has there been any understanding, that there will be movement toward a Middle Ewast settlement by next May?
  • Will you raise the question of the Soviet military presence in the Middle East with the Soviet leaders?
  • By next May our combat role in Vietnam will be practically over and I assume many more of our troops will have come home. Do you think you can get Russian support in preventing the Vietnam situation from deteriorating again as we go into the final stage of winding down our involvement? Does President Podgorny's current trip to North Vietnam shed any light on this?
  • Were the Chinese aware of your plan to go to Moscow when they agreed to Dr. Kissinger's visit to Peking?
  • Were the Chinese given advance information of your announcement of the Moscow trip?
  • Will not your Soviet trip have an adverse impact on your Peking trip?
  • Will you go only to Moscow or will you visit other places in the USSR?
  • Will you be visiting Brezhnev or Kosygin?
• CHINESE REPRESENTATION
  • What are the chances of keeping Taiwan in the UN; and do you believe the Peoples Republic will enter a General Assembly or UN, where Taiwan is still represented?
• HALF-HEARTED EFFORTS
  • There have been reports that the United States is making only a half serious, half-hearted effort to keep Taiwan in the UN; would you comment?
  • Would you follow the counsel of those who recommend a cutback in support to the UN, if Taiwan is expelled?
• CHINESE INTERNAL SITUATION
  • Can you give us anything, from intelligence sources, what has been happening in the last several enigmatic weeks on the mainland of China?
• KISSINGER TO PEKING
  • A two part question. First, will Henry Kissinger on his visit to Peking attempt to sell the Chinese Government on the "Byelorussian solution." And, secondly, is not his visit likely to be interpreted as United States desire to promote relations with Peking -- above and beyond Taiwan in the UN.
• VIETNAM OPINION OF ELECTION
  • Can you give us your opinion of the fairness and adherence to democratic principles of the election just held in Vietnam?
• CONGRATULATIONS TO THIEU
  • Why have you not sent a note of congratulations to President Thieu; and will we send an official delegation to the Inaugural?
• POST-ELECTION CUTBACKS
  • Do you feel the recent elections justify a speed-up in American withdrawals; some Congressmen have recommended just that?
• AIR & MILITARY SUPPORT
  • Can you give us the size of your contemplated residual force to secure release of the prisoners; and how long do we intend to provide direct combat air and artillery support?
• CHILE
  • What is your feeling about Allende's nationalization without compensation of the United States copper mines.
• JAPAN
  • Any steps taken in office to reduce effects of "Nixon Shock?"
  • Any plans to visit Japan in near future?
  • With on-going textile problems, will relations not decline?
• VIETNAM Bunker in Vietnam
  • Considering his failure to get contested election, will he go?
• VIETNAM Paris Negotiations
  • Why not responded to Seven-Point Plan?
  • Have we abandoned hope?
• VIETNAM
  • RN's view of Kennedy's "Would crawl into Conference Room"
• SOUTH ASIA
  • Has RN a gloomy assessment for future in South Asia
• SOVIET RELATIONS Soviet Espionage
  • Does US have a similar problem as Britain?
  • Has Soviet spy activity altered US interest in European Security Conference?
• SOVIET RELATIONS
  • Discrepancy between RN and Laird's estimate of Soviet power Foster claims "100" not eight new silos underway.
• SOVIET RELATIONS SALT
  • Present hopes for SALT. Will we get an ABM agreement in '71 and work on offensive weapons in 1972?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • Is U.S. pressuring Israel by withholding Aircraft?
• GREECE
  • Does Veep's trip not amount to US blessing for Government?
• MANSFIELD AMENDMENT
  • RN View?
• CANNIKIN
  • Any decision yet on Amchitka blast? (Section 103 of Public Works Bill requires RN personal decision to go ahead)
• CUBA RELATIONS
  • Considering PRC initiatives, any normalization in offing?
• INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS (NSC Positions) Textiles
  • Has US delivered Oct. 15 ultimatum to Japan/Others threatening quotas?
• INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS (NSC Positions) Surcharge
  • When will we remove it?
• INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS (NSC Positions) Price of Gold
  • Europeans/Japanese pressuring for devaluation. Will we?
• THE SUPREME COURT
  • Have you reached a decision yet on replacements for either or both Justices Harlan and Black -- and is Senator Byrd one of those under consideration?
• BUSSING
  • What is your position on the proposed constitutional amendment of Senator Griffin, which would outlaw bussing of public school children on the basis of race; and of the more far-reaching Brock amendment now advancing in the House, which would prevent assignment of children to public schools on the basis of race?
• PRAYER
  • What is your position on the proposed Constitutional Amendment to allow prayer in public schools?
• THE TREASURER
  • Were you aware that Mrs. Banuelos' firm had been warned five times over several years against employing illegal Mexican aliens -- before her nomination as Treasurer?
  • Does the Administrative favor laws to make it a crime to knowingly hire illegal aliens.
• STANTON AND CRONKITE
  • Both Frank Stanton and Walter Cronkite have testified to the Erwin Committee that they feel that Government attacks almost constitute a form of intimidation of the press. Can you comment on that?
• HAIRSHIRT POLITICS
  • In the wake of the Attica tragedy, the moaners and groaners have a new lease on life. Politicans, writers, thinkers, publications, all have come forward to tell us that "Attica proves something is terribly wrong with America; Attica proves we are a corrupt, brutal repressive society."
• MISCELLANEOUS
  • Will John Mitchell run the campaign, as per Sunday Post?
  • Does RN have any comment on Kennedy's charge that RN will jaunt to Peking while our men are "rotting in prisons?"
  • What private channels is RN using to discuss prisoners?
  • RN's view of Blount's suggestion to end trade with France pending their crack-down on drug traffic?
  • Is Administration changing personnel at BLS out of dissatisfaction with statistics and analyses?
  • Does Mills' letter mean the end of revenue sharing?
  • Can you give us your view of the Evans-Novak book on your Administration?
  • Would you accept a black on the ticket in 1972?
• BEBE REBOZO
  • Have you any comment on the series of articles being done on Bebe Rebozo.
• ALASKA PIPELINE
  • When a decision?
• RHODESIAN CHROME
  • Why Administration Not Fight Byrd Amendment Hard? Will this not undermine UN?

Citation: BRIEFING BOOK FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC November 11, 1971; box 4; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• TROOP WITHDRAWALS
  • Why, if Vietnamization is succeeding beyond expectations as Secretary Laird has recently stated, are you not increasing the withdrawal rates more drastically?
  • Why are you only projecting withdrawals for months when your previous announcements have been longer term? If Vietnamization is so successful why not at least project withdrawals down to a residual force, to be held for prisoners?
  • Do you have a plan to leave behind in Vietnam a residual or transition force of 40,000-60,000 men by mid-year, as dispatches from Saigon repeatedly claim?
  • Why not offer to set a fixed date for total withdrawals in exchange for prisoners? Do we demand something besides prisoners to set such a date?
  • What about the tens of thousands of Americans related to the Vietnam war who are stationed elsewhere in Southeast Asia or on carriers?
  • You say "time is running out" on negotiations? Are we giving up on them? If so, how do we get our prisoners back?
  • What magnitude of military assistance and economic assistance do we envisage over the coming years for South Vietnam?
  • The Paris Peace Talks are going nowhere. Are they a façade for secret negotiations?
  • Don't you think that it will be awkward for you to go to Peking and Moscow without at least having set a fixed date for total U.S. withdrawals?
  • Have the Soviets and Chinese been informed of the substance of this announcement?
  • Have President Thieu and our allies been advised of your decision, and does President Thieu agree?
  • Is the short timespan of this announcement dictated by fear that the North Vietnamese may be able to launch major new attacks in the coming dry-season?
  • Do the South Koreans intend to reduce their forces as we are doing?
  • What about American air support? Will this be phased down as well? How quickly?
• CORNELL STUDY OF U.S. AIR EFFORT
  • A recent study by a Cornell University group has concluded that the U.S. is maintaining a high level of bombing and has actually intensified the air war in Laos and Cambodia. Has the U.S. increased its air effort while reducing troop levels?
• TROOP WITHDRAWALS
  • Can we assume that your next announcement in will project a rate as fast or faster than today's rate?
• TROOP WITHDRAWAL
  • Doesn't this announcement confirm that US policy is merely substituting Asian casualties for US casualties in a war which has no end?
  • Do you have a plan to exempt all draftees from future service in Vietnam?
  • Are you saying that if the foreign aid bill is not revived, the withdrawal program will be halted or slowed? Is this the reason for your short projection?
  • If the Congress sharply reduces foreign aid to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, will you be forced to modify future withdrawal plans?
  • Why have you chosen this forum to make this announcement rather than the more formal report to the American people which you have utilized in the past? Any reason for being low-key?
• FOREIGN AID
  • How do you square your strong support of the Aid Bill after the defeat with actions prior to the vote, such as denouncing the UN delegates and threatening to veto the Cooper-Church Amendment? Wasn't the Administration really lukewarm about passing the Bill?
• CUTBACK IN US ECONOMIC AND MILITARY AID TO SOUTH VIETNAM
  • How will you respond to a cutback in US economic and military aid to Vietnam if a much reduced Foreign Aid Bill is passed?
• REMOVAL OF IMPORT SURCHARGE
  • Many observers feel the surcharge is detrimental to attempts to develop a new monetary system, and that it is also leading to a revival of worldwide protectionism at a time when Western European economies and those of several of the underdeveloped countries are in serious slumps. When will the surcharge be ended?
• CHANGE IN THE PRICE OF GOLD
  • The Europeans and the Japanese have been putting increasing pressure on the United States to devalue the dollar. Does the United States intend to take such an action by agreeing to a small increase in the price of gold?
• ECONOMIC FRICTION WITH CANADA AND JAPAN
  • What is being done to improve US-Canadian relations in light of the surcharge? And what about relations with Japan, where the UN vote on China, the surcharge, and your trip to China seem to have doomed the Sato government?
• CHINA: CHIREP
  • What is your response to those who say Kissinger's PRC trip sealed the fate of Taiwan, taking place as it did at the time of the debate and vote? And, considering America's power, did we really pull out all the stops to salvage Taiwan's membership? Was the Administration "relieved" by the vote in that it was removed one obstacle from your trip?
• UNITED NATIONS: CHIREP
  • Why did you personally rap the delegates' conduct while leaving it to Secretary Rogers to express the Administration's concern over the vote itself?
• EXPULSION OF TAIWAN FROM UN
  • Why was our powerful country unable to keep Taiwan in the UN?
• CHINA: TAIWAN
  • What is the status of our current commitment to Taiwan? Do you feel it is up to Peking and Taipei to resolve the Island's fate?
• CHINA
  • When will you go to Peking -- and will Mrs. Nixon go along?
• CHINA: LEADERSHIP
  • Do you have any comment on the current internal leadership in China?
• CHINA: GRAIN SALES
  • In light of our recent grain deal with the USSR, what are the chances of grain sales to the People's Republic of China?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • President Sadat has called 1971 the "year of decision." What are the chances for agreement, and will Israel get more Phantoms?
• CAMBODIA
  • How deeply are we involved in Cambodia and how much more deeply are we going to sink into that quagmire like we did in Vietnam?
• CHILE -- COPPER NATIONALIZATION
  • What is the U.S. planning to do about Chile's nationalization without compensation of U.S. copper mines? Will we apply the Hickenlooper Amendment?
• RELATIONS WITH CUBA
  • In view of your recent moves and the long-range attempt to normalize relations with the Peoples Republic of China, do you foresee a move toward normalizing our relations also with Cuba?
• CUBANS IN THE U.S.
  • Would you comment on the action of the U.S. Government in denying entry to the group of sugar specialists who came to the U.S. to attend the International Meeting of Sugar Cane Technologists in New Orleans? Why did the U.S. not allow them to attend the meeting?
• SOUTH ASIA
  • Will US policy change as a result of your talks with Prime Minister Gandhi? Do you foresee war?
• VICE PRESIDENT'S TRIP
  • Does the Vice President's trip to Greece represent a change in US policy -- a new blessing for the government in Athens?
• NATO-MBFR - MANFSFIELD NATO AMENDMENT
  • NATO recently began exploring with the Soviet Union mutual force reductions in Europe. What do you think will come out of these talks and it is likely to aggravate the difference reported within NATO over reductions?
• SALT
  • What are the present hopes for SALT; will we get an ABM agreement this year and work on offensive weapons in 1972?
• TRADE WITH THE USSR
  • What are prospects for future trade with the USSR in light of our recent grain deal?
• SOVIET/STRATEGIC
  • Do you agree with Secretary Laird's rather alarming statements over Soviet weapons deployment?
• INTELLIGENCE REORGANIZATION
  • Why was the intelligence community of the US organized? Does the increased power to Director Helms mean more or less power to Dr. Kissinger?
• POW JOHN SEXTON
  • Why can't ex-POW Sexton see the press? Should more POW releases be expected?
• PRISONERS OF WAR
  • What progress has there been regarding Prisoners of War?
• ECONOMICS: PAY BOARD
  • Is the Pay Board's decision of 5.5% wage increases in line with your goal of 2 to 3% inflation by the end of next year?
• ECONOMY: PHASE I ENDING
  • The 90 days of Phase I are up tomorrow. How would you assess Phase I, and how long do you think Phase II will last?
• ECONOMY - PHASE II PHILOSOPHICAL
  • Any thoughts about Phase II which begins tomorrow at midnight?
• ECONOMY: CONTROLS
  • How long do you think Labor will stay on the Pay Board in the face of being overruled this week?
• ECONOMY: CONTROLS
  • What will you do if they pull out?
• ECONOMY: STOCK MARKET
  • Several times in the past you've suggested stock investments were a good idea -- considering the Wall Street slump, what is your feeling on that now?
• ECONOMY
  • One key reason for your NEP was to restore the confidence of the Nation in the economy. How do you explain the widespread uncertainty over Phase 2 and when do you feel the improved consumer psychology will take hold?
  • How do you explain the irony seen by some analysts that your program, designed to stimulate the economy, has in fact caused it to slump further?
  • Where are the new jobs in the auto industry?
• ECONOMY: MONEY SUPPLY
  • Are you satisfied with the Federal Reserve Board's monetary policy as of now?
• ECONOMY - CONTROLS
  • What role do you yourself anticipate playing in Phase 2?
• ECONOMY
  • Do you really feel it possible to lower inflation to 2-3% next year?
• ECONOMY: BURNS AND WALL STREET
  • It's been reported that Dr. Burns' trip to speak to Wall Street brokers yesterday was instigated by the White House. Did he indeed go there as your envoy to help firm up the market?
• SUPREME COURT
  • Could you straighten out what seemed to many a farcical charade in the Court selection process? Did you consider others besides the six? Did any of the six really have a chance? If the ABA had approved Friday and Lillie, would you have chosen them? When did you ask Powell and Rehnquist to serve? Why, after sharply criticizing the Court in '68, are you now urging the public to support it? Did you really utter the much reported denunciation of the ABA? And is the termination of their role a result of their negative rulings on your potential nominee?
• SUPREME COURT: WOMEN
  • Was it really impossible for you to find a woman that the ABA would have found qualified to serve on the Supreme Court?
• SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
  • Birch Bayh has asked you to release Rehnquist from his lawyer-client relationship so he can testify on his own views before the Committee. Will you release him?
• SUPREME COURT
  • Are you satisfied with the prospects for confirmation by the Senate of your two Supreme Court nominees?
• ENVIRONMENT: WATER POLLUTION
  • Why is your Administration opposing the strong clean water bill sponsored by Senator Muskie which recently passed the Senate 86-0?
• CANNIKIN
  • What was gained by the Amchitka test to offset the losses in world opinion?
• CANNIKIN-SUPPRESSION OF PAPERS
  • Last week, after a long and hard court battle aimed at stopping the nuclear test blast on Amchitka Island, the Cannikin Papers were finally released to the public just before the test. These papers reveal that certain of your top environmental advisers strenuously opposed the test on ground which had not been disclosed publicly by the Atomic Energy Commission in their environmental impact statement as required under the National Environmental Policy Act. Would you please explain your justification for deliberately withholding such vital information from the public when the law clearly requires its disclosure?
• POLITICS
  • In the light of the series of political dinners across the country that you addressed this week, are you still willing to take political questions?
  • Now that you've donned your political hat again by speaking at the series of Republican dinners this week, any comment on the surge by Senator Kennedy?
  • How do you read the 1971 elections?
• POLITICS-SECRETARY CONNALLY: THIEU INAUGURATION
  • Why was Secretary Connally sent to Thieu's inauguration when Vice President Humphrey attended the last one? Wouldn't Vice President Agnew have been a more logical choice?
• POLITICS
  • Why is the Justice Department investigating Senator Gravel?
• POLITICS VICE PRESIDENT AGNEW
  • The Vice President has indicated that he would be ready and willing to step aside if it were felt that he would be a drag on the ticket. How do you feel about this?
• POLITICS: SENATOR KENNEDY ON IRELAND
  • Would you comment on Senator Kennedy's suggestion that Britain withdrew from Northern Ireland?
• BUSING
  • In the recent vote on the higher education bill in the House, three anti-busing amendments passed by large majorities. Do you interpret this as a shift in sentiment in the country?
• DOMESTIC: DAY CARE
  • Do you intend to veto the OEO extension bill, sometimes called the Child Development Act?
• CAMPAIGN SPENDING
  • The Congress has developed various proposals to limit campaign spending and next week the House will consider these bills. What is your position?
• SCHOOL PRAYER
  • How do you stand on the school prayer amendment that just suffered a defeat in the House.
• GRAIN PRICES
  • Several midwestern congressmen from your own party are so disturbed about the low price of feed grain that they have gone on record asking the Administration to (1) raise the price guarantee on grain and 92) go into the market to purchase 600 million bushels of corn. Will you?
• GRAIN TO RUSSIA
  • Last week, the unions agreed to load grain on ships of any nation to sell grain to Russia. This reversed a long stalemate where these unions have refused for years to load grain to Russia unless half of it moved to American bottoms. The White House made a point of the fact that it intervened to get the unions to agree to load the grain to Russia. What were the seamen's unions promised?
• CANCER
  • One of our principal objectives in the field of health legislation has been the establishment of an agency to prosecute the search for a cure to cancer. There seems to be some difficulty developing. Could you comment on that?
• DRUG ABUSE
  • How is your campaign coming against drug abuse?
• REVENUE SHARING
  • What is the progress on your General Revenue Sharing bill?
• WELFARE REFORM
  • The prospects of passage of your family assistance plan during this session of Congress do not look good. Does the Administration still consider this legislation to be its Number One priority and, if so, what will you do to gain passage in the Congress.
• TAX PACKAGE
  • Are you satisfied with the current status of your tax legislation to implement your new economic policy?
• DOCK STRIKE
  • Your Secretary of Agriculture has said publicly that the continuing dock strikes at the East Coast and Gulf ports could cut corn prices in the Midwest by about 10¢ a bushel and the price of soybeans 25¢ per bushel. In view of this harm that is being done to the nation's agriculture, why haven't you invoked the Taft-Hartley Act to put the East Coast and Gulf ports back to work?
• COLONEL HERBERT LEAVES THE ARMY
  • What are your feelings on the way Colonel Herbert was drummed out after you approved his promotion?
• INTIMIDATION OF THE PRESS
  • The Administration has let it be known that it is displeased by the appointment of Sander Vanocur to a job with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. And Daniel Schorr of CBS was investigated by the FBI right after doing an unfavorable story on the Administration's parochial school policy. Do you condone this kind of harassment of a free press?
• HARDIN RESIGNATION
  • Does Secretary Hardin's resignation mean that you're having more political difficulties with farmers than you thought?
• ECONOMY
  • How do you enforce a "control" program which in effect does not cover 83% of the nation's workers and businesses with 50% of the nation's sales?
  • How can you get cost of living down to 2 to 3% when 18% of goods are specifically exempt from all controls and other goods will only be loosely controlled?

Citation: FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK 11/28/71; box 5; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• SOUTH ASIA Pakistan and India
  • Do you think that all-out war is imminent in South Asia, in the wake of last week's event; and does the United States intend to take the case to the UN?
  • Does the United States consider India guilty of aggression; and will we take the matter to the Security Council?
  • India has admitted invading East Pakistan; the United States has a mutual defense treaty with Pakistan, the SEATO; are we not under a solemn obligation to come to their military assistance?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • President Sadat has called 1971 the "year of decision." Reports that the Soviets have shipped TU-16 bombers into Egypt have been confirmed. What are the chances left for peace in that region -- and will you send Israel the Phantoms it has requested?
  • Assuming that war breaks out in the Middle East, and the Soviets actively intervene on the side of the Egyptians, what would the United States do?
• EUROPEAN SUMMITS
  • Can you tell us what you hope to accomplish with your recently announced meetings with Prime Minister Sato and the three European heads of state?
  • Do you believe that, with Secretary Connally along, these summits will prove useful in resolving the economic deadlock that exists today between the NATO allies and Japan and the United States?
• RHODESIA & CHROME
  • What is your assessment of the Great Britain-Rhodesian agreement, and if the British lift sanctions, will we follow suit?
• SOVIET TRADE
  • In light of the U. S. grain deal, and Secretary Stans's mission to Moscow, do you foresee greatly expanded trade between our two countries, and MFN status granted to the Soviets?
• SALT AND SOVIET POWER
  • Are you as optimistic today about the SALT talks as you have been in the past; will we get an ABM agreement in 1971 and an offensive agreement in 1972, before the Moscow trip?
  • Do you share Secretary Laird's concerns over the growing Soviet strategic power; and can you tell us if the United States knows yet what those huge Soviet silos have been constructed for?
• VIETNAM Infiltration
  • You indicated at your last press conference that a stepped-up infiltration rate might not only affect our troop withdrawal program but might also bring stepped air assaults. Have we detected any increase in infiltration since that time?
• VIETNAM Residual Force
  • Assuming no progress toward a negotiated settlement, or toward return of our prisoners, what size residual force do you believe necessary to provide you with the "leverage" you desire -- and how long would U.S. air support continue?
• VIETNAM Prisoners and Peace Talks
  • Can you report any progress on the prisoners? Or at the Paris peace talks?
  • You have said "time is running out" on negotiations. Are we giving up on them; if so, how do we get our prisoners back?
• VIETNAM All Volunteers
  • Is there a plan afoot to exempt all draftees from service in South Vietnam?
• VIETNAM
  • How do you answer the argument that your policy of Vietnamization simply "changes the color of the corpses?"
• CAMBODIA Defensive Positions
  • Three weeks ago, you told us U.S. troops were in "defensive positions." Yet, we are providing air support for both Cambodian forces, and ARVN's invasion of Cambodia; U.S. advisers have moved with their ARVN units right up to the border; and reportedly, U.S. intelligence agents are operating inside Cambodia? Isn't there another growing "credibility gap" in these discrepancies between what is, and what American people have been told?
• CAMBODIA Can Cambodia Survive
  • How would you appraise the military situation for Cambodians today?
• CAMBODIA Cambodia in Distress
  • Considering that the ARVN had to invade Cambodia again to rescue the floundering Cambodian Army, aren't your claims of success for the Cambodian Operation of May 1970 somewhat dubious?
• EUROPEAN SECURITY CONFERENCE & MFBR
  • Most Europeans, including French and Germans, seem ready to begin preparations for a European Security Conference. In light of reported progress in the inter-German phase of the Berlin talks, is the United States ready to go to such a conference?
• NATO - MBFR - MANSFIELD NATO AMENDMENT
  • NATO recently decided to explore mutual force reductions in Europe with the Soviet Union. What do you think will come of these talks and why have they not been started by now?
• CHINA AND TAIWAN
  • Any chance of grain deal with PRC, a la Soviets?
  • What is United States commitment to Taiwan?
  • Any RN comment on internal Chinese situation. Has anybody seen Lin Paio?
  • Is U.S. trying to save Taipei's membership in international organizations, related to the UN?
  • RN view of PRC's verbal attacks on U.S. at UN?
  • What efforts made to have American Prisoners released by PRC?
  • RN comment on expulsion resolution for Ukraine and Byelorussia?
  • Why couldn't world's greatest, richest power save Taiwan's seat?
  • How does RN answer charge that Dr. K's visit (timing) sealed Taiwan's fate?
  • Did we really go all out to save Taiwan?
  • Doesn't Chiang out remove an obstacle to Peking talks?
  • Why did RN rap delegates' conduct, while letting Rogers express Admin's concern over vote itself?
  • Who do we favor for Thant's job?
• VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
  • Vietnam -- Why not a fixed date for our prisoners?
  • Under negotiated settlement, would all U.S. forces in SEA, including Thailand and Sixth Fleet, come home? (Possible implication in RN November 12 comments.)
  • Can RN go to Peking, Moscow in absence of fixed withdrawal date?
  • Cornell Study says U.S. maintains high level of bombing; even increases it in Laos and Cambodia. Is this true?
  • Cambodia -- Are we sinking into another quagmire? Like Vietnam?
• FOREIGN AID
  • If Aid to Vietnam, SE Asia cut too sharply will U.S. withdawal program be jeopardized?
  • Will RN accept the $2.6 billion Aid Package in conference?
• LATIN AMERICA Chile
  • Will U.S. apply Hickenlooper Amendment?
• LATIN AMERICA Castro & Cuba
  • Any change in offing in U.S. policy toward Castro, in wake of his visit to Latin America?
• LATIN AMERICA Finch Visit to Latin America
  • What accomplished?
• LATIN AMERICA Ecuador
  • What is RN doing about their nailing our fishing boats?
• MISCELLANEOUS
  • RN view of Kennedy suggestion British get out of Ireland?
  • Why was visit of RN Advisory Panel on South Asian Relief postponed?
  • After Cannikin, would U.S. consider complete nuclear test ban?
  • Why the Intelligence Re-Organization?
  • Why was Colonel Herbert "drummed out" of the Army?
• TAX MEASURES & CHECKOFF SCHEME
  • If the tax bill that reaches your desk is similar to the Senate version, and contains the write-off scheme for financing Presidential elections, would you veto it?
• MEANY
  • RN's view of Meany's $20,000 pay raise?
  • Did RN feel he was treated shabbily in Miami Beach?
  • RN's view of charge he "provoked" Labor to gain sympathy or to kick them off the Pay Board.
• POLITICAL QUESTIONS
  • Will RN let his name stand in N.H. -- filing deadline, Jan. 6?
  • In 1968, Candidate Nixon said all presidential candidates should be tested in the "fires of the Primaries." Does President Nixon concur?
  • RN's view of the Dump-Agnew talk?
  • Is Mitchell quitting January to head the campaign effort?
  • RN's view of the Democratic race; who will win?
• OEO-CHILD DEVELOPMENT-LEGAL SERVICES
  • Will RN veto?
• BUSSING AMENDMENTS
  • RN's view of proposed Constitutional amendments?
• CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
  • Marland says NO way Federal Government can Constitutionally bail them out -- Is this RN's view, in light of K of C comments?
• NEW AMERICAN REVOLUTION
  • What happened to New American Revolution?
• CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
  • Investigating salute to RN contributions from Government workers -- RN's view?
• TELEVISED PRESS CONFERENCE
  • Why no televised press conference in six months?
• PAY RAISE FOR GOVERNMENT WOEKRS
  • RN view of 5 1/2% pay raise for Federal employees -- a proposed amendment.
• REHNQUIST NOMINATION
  • RN view of opposition; will he be confirmed?
• BUTZ NOMINATION
  • Who cleared him? Will he be confirmed/withdrawn?
• ENVIRONMENT
  • RN water pollution bill versus Muskie's.
• RN AND MEDIA
  • Daniel Schorr -- RN view of FBI investigation/without his approval? What job was he being considered for?
  • RN view of Whitehead's criticism of "centralized" programming of PBL?
  • Drury Book -- Does RN feel that, truly, he has had a press hostile to his program and point of view?
• ECONOMY Q & A
  • Does RN share Connally view on Pay Board's Soft Coal Decision? That it was a "disappointment"?
  • Does RN really feel that 2-3% inflation in cards by end of next year.
  • Is RN satisfied with Federal Reserve policy?
  • How does RN explain uncertainty and timidity of businessmen?
  • What about the slumping stock market?
  • Will Labor stay on Pay Board?
  • What will RN do if Labor pulls out?
  • How long will Phase II last?
  • Does U.S. intend to change price of gold?

Citation: FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK WITH DAN RATHER January 2, 1972; box 5; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
  • With regard to what your Administration is calling "limited-duration protective reaction strikes" in North Vietnam, does this mean that we consider the 1968 understanding a dead letter and have we resumed bombing North Vietnam?
  • Have we abandoned all hope for the Paris negotiations?
  • Has Hanoi -- as it seems -- really hardened its bargaining position on American prisoners, prior to your trip to Peking? What are the current prospects for negotiations and the early return of American prisoners of war?
  • If the presence of 550,000 American troops could not get our prisoners back, how much leverage can we exert for their return with 400,000 fewer men in Vietnam? Can you say anything today about future troop withdrawals?
  • How do you answer the charge that in Vietnam all we have succeeded in doing is changing the "color of the bodies?" Our use of air power seems to be visiting as much death and destruction on the Vietnamese as our troops previously did.
  • Considering the crisis situation in Laos and Cambodia, do you really believe today as you did a year ago, that the Cambodian and Laotian incursions were great military successes for the United States -- or were they not simply temporary victories which altered nothing?
  • United States troops are supposed to be in "defensive" positions; yet, we read of massive American air support for the Cambodian army, of air support for the ARVN invasion of Cambodia, of U.S. advisers moving intelligence agents operating within Cambodia. If these reports are true, how do you square them with your statement about American soldiers being in a defensive role?
  • How do you assess the military situation in Cambodia in light of the reports of severe setbacks for the Phnom Penh government in light of reports that the capital has been endangered, and that Communists control 80 percent of the countryside?
  • Do you not agree that a provision of amnesty for American deserters who fled to Canada and Sweden to avoid going to Vietnam would help bring us together?
  • Considering all the cost in blood and treasure, all the division and bitterness it has brought to our country, the resources diverted away from the works of peace, the alienation of our allies and own people from our Government -- has the price of Vietnam
• SOUTH ASIA
  • Why did the United States side with dictatorship Pakistan against Democratic India in the South Asia war; and in retrospect do you think this is a wise and successful policy?
  • Was there a secret commitment by President Kennedy to defend Pakistan against Indian attack or not? Are we still bound by it?
  • Why were elements of the Seventh Fleet sent into the Indian Ocean during the South Asian crisis? Were you prepared to send carrier planes into action?
  • India is apparently planning either to try certain Pakistani civilian and military officials for alleged atrocities or else turn them over to the Bangla Desh authorities for trial. What do we think about that, and what, if anything, have we said to the Indians about it?
  • Has not the Soviet position in South Asia been greatly enhanced as a result of the India-Pakistan war?
  • What is the future of US economic and military assistance to India and Pakistan after the war?
  • How would the United States view the establishment of a Soviet naval base on the Indian subcontinent in the aftermath of this war?
• CHINA
  • What do you expect to accomplish during your visit to the People's Republic of China?
  • Do you still think that your decision to visit China was on balance a wise one, given the ensuing difficulties with Japan, the U.S. defeat at the UN on Chinese representation and the resulting expulsion of the Republic of China, and the subsequent conclusion of the India-Soviet agreement?
  • A top White House official has stated that the ultimate relationship of Taiwan and the People's Republic of China should be settled by direct negotiations between the two. Is this not a decided break with past American policy; does it not rule out both an American role in determining the fact of the ROC, and the people of Taiwan, as well as rule out an independent Taiwan?
  • Will the advance party headed by General Haig now visiting Peking give further attention to the agenda for your February visit or other matters of substance?
  • What is your attitude toward the release of the other Americans held in China, now that Mr. Fecteau and Miss Harbert have been set free by the Peking authorities?
  • In an article in the January issue of Atlantic Monthly, Contributing Editor Ross Terrill, who visited China last summer, says that before Peking invited you to visit China, Dr. Kissinger "intimated that by the time (you) reached Peking, further reductions in the U.S. military presence on Taiwan would have taken place." Could you comment on this?
• SOVIET/STRATEGIC
  • Do you agree with Secretary Laird's rather alarming statements over Soviet weapons deployment?
• PRESENT STATUS OF SALT
  • What is the hang-up in the SALT negotiations at this point?
• EUROPEAN SECURITY CONFERENCE
  • Most of the Europeans, including the French and Germans, seem ready to begin preparations for a European Security Conference. In light of the conclusion of the inter-German phase of the Berlin talks, are we readcy to go to such a conference?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • Where is the situation in the Middle East going now? Do you foresee an outbreak of hostilities there in 1972? What is the US going to do?
• RN ECONOMIC PREDICTION
  • Looking back at 1971, with its 6% unemployment, do you think that your prediction of a "good year" for the American people was justified; and what level of unemployment do you anticipate for the "very good year" 1972?
• PAY BOARD
  • With almost every controversial issue before it, it appears that the Pay Board violates your pay raise guidelines. Are you satisfied with the decision of the Pay Board; and do you plan any changes in the Pay Board in the near future; or any overall review of its performance by the Cost of Living Council?
• PHASE II
  • How long do you anticipate Phase II, your wage and price controls, will be needed, before your objectives of 2-3% inflation are reached?
• CONNALLY HARDLINE
  • The economic hardline which both you and Secretary Connally took from August to December seems to have alienated political and military allies and friends like Japan and France; do you think the price of extracting the concessions we have has been worth it?
• BRING US TOGETHER
  • Do you believe that some of the hard-line rhetoric you have used from time to time, and the Vice President uses with great regularity is really consistent with your twin commitment to "lower our voices" and "bring us together?"
• POLITICAL QUESTIONS
  • The non-political year, as you christened 1971, is over; the very political year, 1972, is upon us. Can you tell us now whether or not you will be a candidate for re-election in 1972.
  • Assuming you do run for re-election, is it likely that your running mate would be Spiro Agnew?
  • Will Attorney General Mitchell be your campaign manager and do you expect his resignation to take up those chores in coming weeks?
  • Who do you think is the likely Democratic nominee and the strongest?
  • Do you share the view that Mr. Muskie has the Democratic nomination wrapped up? Who would be most difficult to beat?
  • The Civil Rights Commission, under Father Hesburgh, has accused you of "less than adequate" enforcement of Civil Rights Laws; how would you respond to that criticism?
• INTEGRATED HOUSING
  • Most sociologists contend that until the ghettoes of this country are broken up, the problems of black Americans will never be resolved. But if the Government does not use its power and influence to move blacks out of the ghettoes; how can we ever hope to solve the tremendous problems that black Americans face.
• BUSSING AMENDMENTS
  • Do you favor or oppose Constitutional Amendments designed to outlaw bussing of school children to integrate the school systems of the United States.
• YOUTH
  • Democrats signing up Youth in droves. What does this mean for the President and the GOP? and Why?
• NO SENSE OF URGENCY
  • In its year-end edition, which incidentally named you Man of the Year, the TIME Magazine editors stated, and I quote, "Nixon has failed to convey any sense of urgency in his attacks on domestic problems." How would you answer that criticism; how would you explain why three years after your election, you seem to have failed to win the confidence of the poor, the young, and the black especially in this nation?
• H.R. 1
  • With regard to your welfare reform proposal, some contend that you have not gotten it out of Congress yet, because a) either you do not really want it; or b) you are not willing to fight for it. Can you give us a comment on that?
• NEW AMERICAN REVOLUTION
  • What happened to the New American Revolution of 1971 which Attorney General Mitchell once likened to the American Constitution -- in terms of its importance as a political document?
• INTIMIDATION OF THE PRESS
  • Given the FBI investigation of Daniel Schorr, the recommendation by your aides that some press, including yours truly, be fired, the hard-line against PBL in the wake of Mr. Vanocur's appointment, and above all, the Vice President's continual attacks -- do you think there is any validity to the charge that this Administration is out to "intimidate the media," or in Walter Cronkite's words to undermine the credibility of the press?
• "WORST" PRESS
  • On a number of occasions you have stated that you feel that you have gotten the worst press of any President. Do you genuinely believe that the press is biased against you?
• PRESIDENT & THE PRESS
  • Can you tell us why you have not held a televised press conference for seven months?
• 1971
  • 1971 is over, it is history; would you call it a good year or a bad year for the Administration, the country and the world?
• ACCOMPLISHMENTS & FAILURES
  • After three years in office what would you consider your major accomplishments, and major failures as President?
• RN HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
  • What are your hopes for the United States by the end of your term, be it 1972 or 1976?
• CONSERVATIVE CHALLENGE
  • A number of the surprising initiatives for which you have been widely praised -- China, the welfare program, SALT, the trips to Moscow and Peking, wage and price controls -- you have also been condemned for by members of your own Republican Party. Are you concerned by the defection of former conservative supporters and the candidacy of Mr. Ashbrook?
• THE NEW NIXON "FLEXIBILITY"
  • When you ran for office in 1968, you opposed economic controls, the admission of China to the UN, big deficits and Great Power Summitry. Now you have embraced all four, and many conservatives are saying you have abandoned your campaign promises while others say that under pressure, Richard Nixon "rises above principle" in his political interests. How do you answer the charge that your new "flexibility" lacks a conviction and principle?
• PARTY POLITICS
  • Do you share the view of political reporters Broder and Hyanes Johnson that we are in an era of the decline of the political party as a force in American politics; do you consider that a good thing?
  • Although you opposed the check-off allegedly on principle, you signed legislation which would make it effective in 1976, though not in 1972; can you explain that inconsistency?
• DECLINING CONFIDENCE
  • To what do you attribute the seeming declining confidence in government at all levels? From Congress to the President to the Supreme Court?
• SUPREME COURT
  • With the elevation of Lewis Powell and Mr. Rehnquist, do you consider your campaign pledge -- to restore balance to the Supreme Court -- are now fulfilled. Or would you, if the occasion arose, or if you were re-elected, appoint the same kind of men or women to the High Bench?
• VALUE-ADDED TAX
  • Does the Administration plan to ask for a value added tax in the coming year -- as reports have indicated?
• NEW QUESTIONS & LIKELY QUESTIONS
  • Tell me, what job did your Administration plan to offer Daniel Schorr of CBS?
  • Are those bombings of the North precipitated by the collapsing US and allied positions in Laos; or Was the purpose of the bombing in the North to forestall an enemy offensive and ensure that SVN can make it past the 1972 elections.
  • Mr. Hoover has been at his post for forty-five years; he is the target of increasing criticism; need for new faces has been emphasized; any chance he will retire in first or second Nixon term?

Citation: FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK February 8, 1972; box 5; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• PRESIDENT THIEU'S ANGER
  • Is the United States willing to negotiate with Hanoi about extending the period of time beyond President Thieu's resignation and new elections? This implication, by Secretary Rogers, seems to have angered Saigon, and caused a breach between us that one source described as deeper than any other since Saigon refused to come to Paris in 1968?
• HANOI'S "REJECTION"
  • Are you disappointed by the North Vietnamese reaction to your peace proposal?
  • Do you intend to make any new offers in the wake of the seeming enemy rejection of this one?
  • Have you given up hope for the Paris peace talks?
• SECRECY OF TALKS
  • Xuan Thuy has stated that your making public these secret negotiations was an example of bad faith that presents a "serious obstacle" to successful peace talks. Do you see any merit in this change?
  • Hanoi contends that Xuan Thuy was willing to meet with Dr. Kissinger on November 20 -- and that it was we who refused.
• VIETNAM -- WINNING THE PEACE
  • You pledged four years ago to "end the war and win the peace." Given the lack of enemy response to your peace offer -- what do you think are the chances that you will be able to "end the war and win the peace" before 1972 is out?
• VIETNAM
  • Have we slowed combat troop withdrawals in anticipation of the coming offensive?
  • How successful does RN think coming offensive will be? How will the United States respond?
  • North says a year ago, it offered troop pullout for prisoners? Any truth in this?
  • Does troop pullout, for prisoners cum cease-fire, extend to air units in Thailand, B-52s on Guam, and Fleet units in China Sea?
  • Is not U.S. $2.5 offer a response to "reparations" demand?
  • Was Administration, in attacking Mansfield Amendment not condemning in private what it offer in public?
• HALDEMAN QUOTES
  • Last Monday one of your closest aides, accused unnamed Democratic Senators of desiring a Communist take-over of South Vietnam, and of quote "consciously aiding and abetting" the enemy in Vietnam. Do you share that view; what is your opinion of those remarks?
• SOUTH ASIA
  • BANGLADESH -- Do we intend to recognize?
  • In retrospect, did the United States know about the massacres; should we have remained officially silent?
  • What evidence had we that India was out to destroy West Pakistan?
  • Can RN restore good relations with India?
  • Is there not a credibility gap in RN's "tilt" advice to K, and K's we are not "anti-India" comment to press?
  • Did not $500,000 in lethal spares go to Pakistan in July, in violation of April ban on arms?
• ANDERSON PAPERS
  • There are reports the White House has located the individual(s) responsible for leaking the WSAG papers to Jack Anderson, but is reluctant to name him -- because of the sensitivity of his position. Is there any truth in this report; and do you plan to prosecute Jack Anderson, or the individual responsible, as Mr. Ellsburg is currently being prosecuted?
  • Can you simply tell us if you have found the individual responsible?
• MIDDLE EAST -- JETS
  • Is there any truth to the reports the United States has agreed to supply 42 Phantoms and more Skyhawks for Israel?
• MIDDLE EAST -- TALKS
  • Do you consider the situation in the Middle East more hopeful as a result of Israel's willingness to begin talks?
• SALT
  • What is the current status of the SALT talks; do you anticipate signing an agreement at Moscow, or before?
• CRISIS IN ULSTER
  • Does the United States intend any kind of public protest of the 13 Irish show down in Londonderry a week ago; and do we intend to volunteer our good offices to help solve the crisis? Or is our Government's view that of Mr. Rogers that it is ridiculous to expect us to solve a problem hundreds of years old?
• MISCELLANY
  • "NUCLEAR CASTRATION" of Chicoms? -- Any truth to J. Alsop report that Moscow came to us to ask our view on surgical nuclear strike against China's nuclear capability?
  • INDIAN OCEAN -- Is U.S. planning major permanent naval presence here?
  • MFBR -- When is Brosio going to Moscow?
  • EUROPEAN SECURITY CONFERENCE -- A certainty in 1973?
• BUSSING AMENDMENTS
  • Congressman Ford has gone on record supporting a Constitutional Amendment to prevent the assignment of children to public schools solely on the basis of race. Do you favor or oppose these constitutional amendments, that would put an end to the bussing you oppose?
• H. R. 1
  • Governor Reagan has stated publicly that you do not believe any longer in the guaranteed income aspects of H. R. 1; Senator Ribicoff suggested the same thing. Can you tell us if you favor the program and intend to fight for it this year on the floor of the Senate?
• PRESS CONFERENCE
  • You have not had a televised press conference since November; and your average number of such conferences is the lowest of any President in memory. The editors have gone on record that quote "President Nixon has come close to killing off the press conference as a public institution during his two years in office." Can you comment on that, and when will your next conference be held?
• ECONOMICS & PHASE II
  • Both published reports and the Gallup Poll indicate general public dissatisfaction with controls. Can you comment on this, and when do you see an end to controls?
• SECONDARY DOMESTIC
  • WALLACE DEAL -- Any truth to the reports that the White House has struck a deal with Governor Wallace, whereby in exchange for concessions and non-prosecution of his brother, he will run in the Democratic primaries, but not the General?
  • EEOC -- RN view of Senate filibuster to block EEOC "cease and desist" powers bill?
  • HOUSING INTEGRATION -- Does RN approve new HUD guidelines directing new low and middle-income housing to suburbs, not cities?
  • FOREST HILLS -- Does RN approve project?
  • RICHMOND DECISION -- Will Justice intervene against?
  • RICHMOND DECISION -- What is RN's personal view?
  • ROCKY TO STATE -- Is Governor Rockefeller headed to State to shape up that Department, as per Evans-Novak?
  • CONNALLY LEAVING
  • VICE PRESIDENT -- RN proposed "independent" legal services; how square this with Veep's pressuring Legal Services Chief on Camden?
• VAT
  • Reports abound that the Administration is about to recommend a value-added tax as a substitute for property taxes; how can this be squared with the Secretary of the Treasury's "no new taxes" commitment?
  • Is VAT not a regressive tax?
• OEO-LEGAL SERVICES-HEAD START
  • Will RN veto legislation as currently written?
• PRESS CONFERENCES
  • It has been many weeks now since your last in-office press conference, and several months since your last televised press conference; can you tell us when the next one will be?
  • Can you tell us the reason for not holding any press conferences over so long a period?
  • Can you respond to the charge made by the journalistic community, that you have "come close to killing off the presidential press conference as an institution."
• HRH QUOTATIONS
  • Do you agree with the comments made by Bob Haldeman that some Democrats want a Communist government in Vietnam, and that some Democrats are "consciously aiding and abetting the enemy" in South Vietnam.
  • Your views seem to contradict those of Mr. Haldeman -- since he did indeed question the patriotism of the Democratic doves. What my question is: Do you agree with Mr. Haldeman, and if not, will you repudiate his attack on the patriotism of your critics?
  • Once again. Quite obviously you do not agree that your Democratic opponents are consciously aiding and abetting the enmy. Will you repudiate Mr. Haldeman for having said so; will you urge him -- as Mr. O'Brien has -- to make an apology, or to name the individuals to whom he is referring.
  • Do you intend then to let this charge of treason by one of your aides stand, without repudiating it?
  • Are the Republican attacks on Senator Muskie's peace proposals being ordered by or orchestrated out of the White House?
  • Do you agree with Secretary Rogers' attack on Senator Muskie's peace proposal as undercutting our own efforts to negotiate a peace?

Citation: FOREIGN & DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK March 8, 1972 not given; box 5; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• ENEMY OFFENSIVE IN VIETNAM
  • What happened to the oft-predicted enemy offensive?
• MOSCOW SUMMIT
  • Do you anticipate signing a SALT agreement in Moscow?
  • Has a date been set yet for the Moscow summit? Can you give us a rundown of the agenda?
  • Would you expect Moscow to endorse the five principles of the United States-PRC communique?
• CHINA'S IMPACT ON MOSCOW SUMMIT
  • The Soviets have reacted sharply to your China trip; will this adversely affect your Moscow summit?
• BANGLADESH
  • When will we recognize Bangladesh; why have we hesitated; and how do we intend to vote on their admission to the UN?
• JAPAN
  • Any truth to reports of RN-Japan trip before election?
  • Was China third "Nixon Shock" -- is U.S. ahead of Japan in normalizing relations with the PRC?
• PHILIPPINES-ASIAN SUMMIT
  • Has RN any response to Marcos' call for Asian summit -- post China?
• THAILAND
  • Any truth to reports of US military buildup in Thailand?
• CANADA
  • RN going to Canada in April to sign Great Lakes pollution agreement?
• CUBA
  • Castro is reportedly making friendly noises. Any chance of move toward "normalization" of relations with Cuba?
• GREECE
  • Why US military assistance to dictators? Trade for homeporting?
• RFE & RADIO LIBERTY
  • How do you plan to save them?
• DEFENSE
  • Why increased spending, especially carriers and ULMS
  • Why budget huge new outlays for weapons, while supposedly entering a "generation of peace" and winding down war in Vietnam?
• COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST BAN
  • Why are we dragging our feet?
• VIETNAM
  • Can you tell us what happened to the widely predicted enemy offensive? Was this oversold by the Administration?
  • Has there been any progress whatsoever in private or public negotiations, in closing the gap between our Vietnam proposal and theirs -- in the weeks since your last press conference and China trip?
• THAILAND
  • Is there any truth to reports of an American build-up in Thailand?
• PHILIPPINES
  • Do you have any response to President Marcos' call for an Asian summit meeting in the wake of your visit?
• IMPACT OF CHINA TRIP ON JAPAN
  • How has Japan reacted to the China Trip?
• JAPAN
  • Is there any truth to reports that you are planning a visit to Japan before the fall election?
• MOSCOW SUMMIT
  • The Soviets have reacted rather unhappily to your China trip. Will this affect your visit to the Soviet Union?
• MOSCOW
  • In the Shanghai communique you agreed to the principles of peaceful coexistence. Would you expect to agree to similar principles in your Moscow communique?
• SALT
  • Can you give us a progress report on SALT? Will you sign an agreement in Moscow?
• MOSCOW SUMMIT
  • Has a date been set yet for the Moscow trip? Can you give us a rundown on the agenda items for the Moscow Summit?
• VISIT TO CANADA
  • There have been suggestions that you are going to Canada this April to sign an agreement with Prime Minister Trudeau on Great Lakes pollution. Can you tell us anything about a Canada trip?
• RADIO FREE EUROPE
  • What does the Administration plan to do about Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty in light of the impasse in the Congress?
• SOUTH ASIA
  • When will we recognize Bangladesh? Why have we waited? Will we vote for its admission to the UN?
• MIDDLE EAST
  • What are the prospects for a Mideast settlement now? Are you concerned about a breakdown of the ceasefire on the Syria-Lebanon-Israel borders?
• GREECE
  • Why is the U.S. giving so much military aid to Greece? Is it a trade for homeporting?
• RELATIONS WITH CUBA
  • According to some reports, Castro is making friendly noises toward the U.S. Wouldn't it be logical to review our policies on Cuba in the wake of our changed position with respect to the People's Republic of China?
• COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST BAN
  • Many say that the U.S. is delaying a comprehensive test ban for political reasons and that verification is no longer a real issue. Why are we delaying?
• DEFENSE BUDGET
  • Judging from the Budget message, the Administration plans a substantial increase in defense spending at the same time it takes credit for reducing the cost of Vietnam and starting negotiations aimed at a "generation of peace." How do you explain this apparent inconsistency?
• SPENDING ON ULMS & CARRIERS
  • Why do we have to have an increase in defense spending this year, especially for such questionable items as ULMS and new aircraft carriers?
• VIETNAM
  • Has there been any progress in closing the gap between the United States and enemy peace proposals, privately or publicly?
  • The Shanghai communique said that, in the absence of a negotiated settlement, we would withdraw all military forces from the "region." Does this include Thailand; and in the absence of any mention of the prisoners, does this envision a new policy?
• BUSSING
  • Can you tell us if your Cabinet Committee has made a final recommendation to you with regard to court-ordered bussing to achieve racial balance -- and what that recommendation is?
• ITT
  • A confidential memorandum, from an ITT lobbyist to an ITT official, asserts you were made aware a favorable settlement of the ITT case was being made, and that in return ITT would contribute some $400,000 to the GOP Convention. Is there any truth whatever in that assertion?
  • Can you tell us if the then Attorney General briefed you either on the ITT case, or their proposed contribution?
  • From your knowledge, do you think the matter of ITT was handled correctly by the White House and Department of Justice; and do you still have full confidence in Mr. Kleindienst?
  • Since it has been alleged that Mr. Flanigan, of the White House was the one who selected the analyst to do the study for Justice, can you tell us your view of the probity of White House involvement in sensitive antitrust matters, like the ITT decision, which are supposed to be the province of Justice?
• ECONOMY
  • Does RN feel that Phase II is working -- in light of polls?
  • Does RN still think 1972 targets will be reached?
• MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
  • Your Commission on School Finances has recommended that "whereever possible" in the public school system, a "mix of racial and economic" levels should be achieved. Do you subscribe to this view? Or Do you agree with your School Finance Commission that the fund of public schools should be done at the State level?
  • Has anything further been learned of who leaked the "Anderson Papers" on South Asia meetings?
  • Senator Muskie has said he would not release the source of his campaign contributions, unless the Committee to Re-Elect the President does likewise; will you instruct Mr. Stans to release the names and amounts?
  • In light of recent hearings, would you still rule out amnesty for those youngsters who fled to Canada and Sweden to avoid the draft or service in Vietnam?
  • Was Harry Dent responsible for getting that bussing proposal on the Florida ballot?
• WOMENS' RIGHTS AMENDMENT
  • Can you tell us whether or not you favor the Equal Rights for Women Amendment, as currently drafted in the unmodified form; or would you prefer an amendment that preserves certain legal distinctions between the races based on functional or physiological differences?