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International History Declassified

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Exploring the Past, Informing the Present

Gain critical insights into international history and policy through declassified documents from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide, curated by the Wilson Center.

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Data Visualization

The Visualization Tool unlocks the ability to discover historical documents by mapping connections between people, places, and topics across the Wilson Center Digital Archive, providing a deeper and more interactive understanding of history.

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Recently Added Documents

April 28, 1975

From the Journal of A.F. Dobrynin, 'Memorandum of the Conversation with Secretary of State of the United States, H. Kissinger, 28 April 1975'

On April 28, 1975, Kissinger urgently informed the Soviet Union that North Vietnamese forces had begun shelling Saigon’s airport and the U.S. Embassy complex, killing two Marines and disrupting the evacuation, which he claimed violated an assumed two-week timeframe and risked forcing American military intervention. Ambassador Dobrynin dismissed Kissinger’s insinuations of Soviet involvement.

April 22, 1975

From the Journal of A.F. Dobrynin, 'Memorandum of the Conversation with Secretary of State of the United States, H. Kissinger, 22 April 1975'

In an April 22, 1975 conversation, Henry Kissinger conveyed President Ford's concern to the Soviet Union about North Vietnamese troop movements near Saigon's airport, warning that any attempt to trap Americans could force US military intervention, while General Scowcroft clarified that Marines were positioned offshore for potential deployment but Ford preferred to avoid their use if possible.

April 19, 1975

From the Journal of A.F. Dobrynin, 'Memorandum of the Conversation with Secretary of State of the United States, H. Kissinger, 19 April 1975'

In an April 1975 meeting, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger urgently requested Soviet assistance in facilitating a temporary ceasefire in Vietnam to ensure the safe evacuation of American personnel and South Vietnamese allies, emphasizing the Ford Administration's need for an orderly exit to maintain credibility.

January 1991

Saddam Meeting with Yasir 'Arafat before the Gulf War

This is a transcript of a meeting between Saddam and Yasir Arafat in early 1991. They discuss the military and diplomatic confrontation between Iraq and the United States. Saddam discusses the balance of power following the Cold War, as well as U.S. Support for Israel. He argues that the United States will certainly attack Iraq, but it will be defeated. He discusses the need for Arab allies.

August 7, 1990

Meeting between Saddam Hussein and His Senior Advisors Discussing the Future of Kuwait

This audio file contains a meeting between Saddam and officials discussing the future of Kuwait. Topics discussed include: integration with Iraq; creating free zones; Kuwait unification with Iraq; Kuwait's economic condition; the Kuwaiti community.