MEMO TO HENRY A. KISSINGER FROM HAIG

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-504-5-40-2
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: May 26, 2010
• Sequence Number: 40
• Publication Date: July 7, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/05/26: LOC-HAK-504-5-40-2
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SIT TO 52
July 7, 1971
FOR: KISSINGER (THRU WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM)
ON FILE NSC RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS
FROM: HAIL APPLY/
c;
Leader agrees completely with your analysis concerning better
psychological circumstance resulting from messenger's response. On
the other hand, does not appear to share view concerning Congressional
and domestic situation but prefers to view response in context of
messenger's overall assessment that additional squeezing will accom-
plish more than enterprise in question. I made point strongly that we
must play cool deliberate game to insure proper outcome and to avoid
succumbing to pique. Leader agreed but phenomenon can be. expected
to persist.
Concerning other visit, leader recognizes initiative not com-
pletely in our hands but prefers following scenario for domestic reasons
and because he believes a''kooner rather than later" approach will have
greatest psychological impact on messenger:
1. September first preference.
2. November or December second preference, with no inter-
mediate in either of first two.
3. Third preference would be adopted only if final act not
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/05/26: LOC-HAK-504-5-40-2
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/05/26: LOC-HAK-504-5-40-2
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feasible this year, under this course, essential that we have intermediate
as planned earlier, with final round, hopefully, in the spring.
Re Kirschman channel, leader understands problem but as you
are aware harbors residual skepticism on overall value of exercise.
Concerning visit on subject in which Helms was involved, we had
a lengthy and at times starchy discussion enroute. Proponent was
adamant and Helms most helpful in terms of futility of exercise based
on his recent visit. Nevertheless, proponent remained adamant and it
was necessary for me to pose hard questions. My stand was obviously
resented strongly by proponent especially since decision was not made
at the meeting. Nevertheless, and despite best efforts, I am confident
that proponent's activities are proceeding apace without our knowledge
and may soon bring us to point of no return. Note HAK TO-32 forwarded
to you separately. I had call this morning from agent of prospective host
and he stated that he will be able to delay at least until week of nineteenth
in giving go-ahead. He plans to give such a response on Friday, July 9.
He added, however, that it would be impossible to reject outright and
hopes that we will be able manage the. problem at our end. As you might
have expected, proponent has made the rosiest of predictions with respect
to the other party involved and his good will. I expect today or tomorrow
this will be further reenforced by reports from the field emanating from
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/05/26: LOC-HAK-504-5-40-2
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/05/26: LOC-HAK-504-5-40-2
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the exercise which was launched without our clearance. I wanted you
to be fully abreast of the difficulties we are facing on this proposition
and to be aware that I lost considerable virginity in yesterday's meeting
in an effort to prevent precipitous action.
We hope that you did not run into too much flak at most recent
stop. Overall portrayal of your trip thus far has been superb and leader
noted this morning that it is being conducted with the greatest skill and
sensitivity. I will send message later today with respect to venue
problem on which I will b-bullet this morning.
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE/EXCLUSIVELY EYES ONLY
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/05/26: LOC-HAK-504-5-40-2