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Conversation 024-005

TapeTape 24StartMonday, May 8, 1972 at 3:58 PMEndMonday, May 8, 1972 at 3:59 PMTape start time00:07:22Tape end time00:08:17ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss final revisions to an upcoming speech regarding the Vietnam War. They agree to include specific references to air and naval strikes and clarify that the U.S. continues to pursue a negotiated settlement despite having exhausted reasonable peace offers. Kissinger prepares to deliver additional minor technical suggestions to the drafting team, and Nixon instructs his staff to hold off on finalizing the document until these changes are integrated.

Vietnam WarSpeechwritingNegotiationsForeign PolicyAir and Naval Strikes
AudioNARA Description

On May 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone from 3:58 pm to 3:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-005 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 24-5

Date: May 8, 1972
Time: 3:58 pm - 3:59 pm
Location: White House Telephone

Henry A. Kissinger talked with the President.

[See also Conversation No. 336-16]

     Vietnam
          -The President's speech
               -Wording
                     -Air and naval strikes
                     -Peace offers
               -Kissinger's suggestions
                     -Kissinger's schedule
               -Rose Mary Woods
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Mr. President, I have Dr. Kissinger calling, sir.
There you are.
Oh, Henry.
Mr. President.
Just a couple of things.
I noticed in a copy that I have here that that number three air and naval strike... Yeah, I put it back in.
Okay.
Just in case anyone asked the question.
I think it's just as well to have it in.
Right.
Could I suggest one other thing?
When we talk about the second course of action is keep on trying to negotiate a settlement, this is the course we've referred to in the beginning.
I think we should put in the words, we shall continue to pursue it, but...
we have made every reasonable offer.
You see my point?
Yes, absolutely.
Otherwise, it appears that we're not, that we've given up the negotiation.
Exactly right.
Okay.
I will bring over, I'm meeting with Vasek now, a few minor technical suggestions in about 15 minutes.
Well, fine, fine.
Well, tell Rose, I'll tell her not to do the final copy yet.
Right.
Okay, fine.
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