352. Notes of Telephone Conversation Between the Under Secretary of State (Richardson) and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)1

HAK said he would not be attending the 5 p.m. meeting on STR. He felt he could be more useful if he didn’t get involved in the matter personally; when it subsequently came to him for a recommendation to the President, he felt he could be more effective if he weren’t present. He stated he couldn’t sway Stans from his position even if he were present. HAK feels STR should stay in the White House and will so recommend to RMN; his major concern that it not end up in the Department which is principally concerned with domestic matters. He feels that if there is a strong point of view to either keep it in the White House or send it to State, he can make a helpful recommendation.

ELR replied that we only heard this morning just how far the matter had gone; agreed with how HAK proposed to handle it and stated that if it weren’t to be kept in the White House, then it would be better in State than in Commerce.

  1. Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Richardson Papers, Box 104, Telcons. No classification marking.