← 024-077024-079 →

Conversation 024-078

TapeTape 24StartThursday, May 11, 1972 at 11:56 AMEndThursday, May 11, 1972 at 11:57 AMTape start time01:26:59Tape end time01:28:19ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Griffin, Robert P.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon called Senator Robert P. Griffin to commend him for his public support of the administration's Vietnam blockade policy. The two discussed Griffin’s recent confrontational exchange with Senator Frank Church on the Senate floor regarding shifting Democratic positions on cease-fire proposals. Nixon reaffirmed his confidence that the blockade strategy would succeed and encouraged Griffin to maintain pressure on political opponents.

Vietnam WarBlockadeRobert P. GriffinFrank ChurchCongressional relationsCease-fire
AudioNARA Description

On May 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Robert P. Griffin talked on the telephone from 11:56 am to 11:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-078 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 24-78

Date: May 11, 1972
Time: 11:56 am - 11:57 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Robert P. Griffin.

[See also Conversation No. 338-41D]

     Vietnam
          -Blockade
               -Griffin's statement
                     -White House news summary report
                            -Charles W. Colson
                     -The President’s view
                     -Support for the President
               -Success
                     -The President’s view
               -Frank F. Church
                     -Encounter on Senate floor
                     -Television statement
                            -Changes in position
                                 -Opposition to cease-fire
                            -Republican views
                     -The President’s view
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Senator Griffin, sir.
Hello.
Hello, Mr. President.
I want you to know I don't get to see the TV, as you know, but I'm usually busy, but I got the morning report and read it and Colson had been telling me about it.
You just did a superb job, and I hope it helps you and doesn't hurt you.
It's the right thing, I can assure you, and this is going to work out.
You just keep your faith.
Okay, Mr. President.
Well, anyway, we're with you, regardless of what happens.
It's going to work out.
That's the main thing.
All that matters is whether it works, and it's going to work.
That's absolutely right.
Anything else we can do, we'll be in there.
I appreciate it.
and keep their feet to the fire.
We gave Frank Church a pretty hard time on the floor the other day.
He probably don't have time to read all these things.
But, you know, that son of a gun, the morning after you gave your speech, he was on television, the Today Show, saying that he thought the enemy ought to accept your offer.
Yeah, I know.
I heard about that.
Then in the afternoon, he comes in with a counteroffer and...
undercuts out the ceasefire well for christ's sake so he wants the killing to go on yeah good that's it don't get rid of that okay really nailed him real good good that's the stuff thanks
← 024-077024-079 →