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Conversation 191-008

TapeTape 191StartThursday, May 18, 1972 at 11:22 AMEndThursday, May 18, 1972 at 11:23 AMTape start time00:31:35Tape end time00:33:13ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the potential public relations fallout regarding the exchange of high-value gifts between the United States and the Soviet Union. Nixon emphasizes the need to frame the situation by highlighting the reciprocal nature of the gift-giving—specifically the trade of a Soviet hydrofoil for an American car—to mitigate concerns about ostentatiousness. The President instructs Haldeman to consult with staff to craft a narrative that frames these exchanges as balanced and diplomatic rather than extravagant.

Soviet-American relationsDiplomatic protocolPublic relationsGift exchangeForeign policy
AudioNARA Description

On May 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 11:22 am to 11:23 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 191-008 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 191-8

Date: May 18, 1972
Time: 11:22-11:23 am
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

[See Conversation No. 131-29]

[End of telephone conversation]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
If you know, I'm aware of the PR problems of an expensive gift.
There are also PR problems of accepting a gift.
I mean, all of the Chinese gifts were infinitely more, you know, because they're not as ostentatious.
So, but I think you ought to get somebody like a Moore in on the act to see and say, now, how do you think we ought to handle this?
Pointing out the background, you know, that what happened was that we learned that the Soviet government, they asked that they could present a hydrofoil because they're very proud of their hydrofoils.
And so we said we couldn't accept that unless we could present something, you know, in kind and what the Soviet government wanted.
The Russians said we'd like a car.
Well, we do cars.
Well, they do hydrofoils.
Well, that's really the story.
It's the God's truth.
I think that it's well handled.
It's all right.
Except that you give them the cattle at the restaurant.
It could be a hell of a negative story if it's handled that way.
What?
Well, it's a problem.
But yeah, it's a problem unless you point out that our gifts are less expensive than theirs.
And it's basically, you know, you turn it and it changes.
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