45. Journal Entry by the White House Chief of Staff (Haldeman)1

[Omitted here is discussion of domestic politics, including the President’s meeting with newly-elected Senators.]

Haig in today—to reopen the Rogers problem. He feels it is more serious & threatening now than ever before. This time re Cuba sub base. Prob. is Rogers originally denied it was there, then publicly downplayed our accomplishment in removing it—mainly because he resented WH dealing w/Russians w/o State. Now he’s calling reporters in & undercutting Admin line—which is the truth—all to protect & build his position. Trouble is this completely destroys P. credibility w/Russians—and Haig fears it will result in a whole new period of Soviets testing us. So many more confrontations—or near ones. Haig can’t stomach idea of cab. officer operating for his own personal glory—contrary to P’s interests—and in many cases, P’s orders. Nothing we can do right now but Al wanted me to be aware of this. He feels K is again on verge of quitting—esp. because he’s not getting RN’s ear—which is true—but no one has—except re politics. Trust that will change this week.

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Haldeman Diaries, Handwritten Journals and Diaries of H. R. Haldeman, Box 1, Journal, Vol. VI. No classification marking. The editor transcribed the text from Haldeman’s handwritten journal entry. For a redacted version, see Haldeman, Haldeman Diaries: Multimedia Edition.