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Conversation 032-057

TapeTape 32StartThursday, October 26, 1972 at 2:50 PMEndThursday, October 26, 1972 at 2:51 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. regarding the messaging strategy for Henry Kissinger’s upcoming briefings on Vietnam. Nixon emphasized the importance of distinguishing his administration's pursuit of a lasting, generational peace from the flawed 1962 Laos settlement that failed to end conflict. He directed Haig to ensure Kissinger explicitly frames the administration's goals as securing long-term stability rather than short-term political gains for the 1972 election.

Vietnam WarHenry KissingerLaos settlement1972 electionforeign policy messaging
AudioNARA Description

On October 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 2:50 pm to 2:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 032-057 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 32-57

Date: October 26, 1972
Time: 2:50 pm - 2:51 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

[See Conversation No. 375-19]

        Henry A. Kissinger's briefing
           -The President's suggestion
                -1972 election
                    -Audience at briefing
                    -US interest in lasting peace
                         -Laos settlement
           -Laos settlement
                -The President’s view
                    -Lasting peace
           -The President’s goals in Vietnam
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah.
Yes, sir.
As Henry's preparing, I don't want to bother him, but to put this thought to him, a major point that I know has to be covered is this thing about the election thing, you know.
Oh, absolutely.
And apparently that didn't get across.
No, well, there wasn't a good audience for that, but guys we can hit.
You had too mixed a group in there to make the point that they were all timetable working on them.
Yeah.
That's right.
That's the time.
But I would put it, you've got to put it in words people understand, say, our interest is the right kind of peace, a peace that will last.
Not the kind of peace we had after, we've been around this track in 1962 in the settlement on Laos.
Did he make that point?
Yes.
Well, he said yes, that you had given him instructions.
Yeah, but I mean, let me make the point to you.
In Laos, we had a settlement.
It was a, but however, it led to just a continued war.
time, we want a peace that will last.
In other words, and then you could say what the president says, our interest is not peace for the next election, but peace for the next generation.
Right.
I'm going to use that phrase.
Good.
Okay.
Fine, Mr. President.
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