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Conversation 003-080

TapeTape 3StartThursday, May 20, 1971 at 11:50 AMEndThursday, May 20, 1971 at 11:53 AMTape start time01:43:12Tape end time01:44:37ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ford, Gerald R.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Representative Gerald Ford discussed the political fallout of the administration’s recent Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) announcement, noting that it successfully neutralized criticism from J. William Fulbright and congressional “doves.” Nixon emphasized that this diplomatic breakthrough was only possible because of the administration's firm stance on the antiballistic missile (ABM) program. Ford reaffirmed his support and committed to ensuring the passage of the necessary ABM authorization and appropriation measures in the House.

SALTGerald FordABMForeign policyCongressional relations
AudioNARA Description

On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford talked on the telephone from 11:50 am to 11:53 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-080 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 3-80

Date: May 20, 1971
Time: 11:50 am - 11:53 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Gerald R. Ford.

[See Conversation No. 502-11A]

     President's Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SALT] announcement
          -Effect on J. William Fulbright and the "Doves"
          -President's meeting with Congressional leaders, May 18, 1971
                 -Peter H. Dominick
          -Ford's response
          -The "Hawks" position on antiballistic missile [ABM]
                 -Importance
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello.
Yes, Mr. President.
Hello.
Ford on the line, sir.
Yes, Mr. President.
Hello, Jerry.
I just thought, just one little thing.
Were you amused by how Fulbright and the others were so quiet today?
Yes, yes.
Wasn't that, that really bowled them over, didn't it?
They had the rug pulled right out from underneath them.
Yeah.
uh they don't really realize what hit them you know well they do you know here's the very thing i tried to tell you know you you can see now why i was taking the line i did in the leadership meeting and was being so hard on dominic and others because you know i was trying to tell these guys look fellows we're doing things but i can't tell you what because i knew at the leadership meeting tuesday we were going to have this cherry see my point well i think i read into the language some very encouraging developments
I won't press it, but I can't help but feel that.
Oh, it is.
Anyway.
And we just, just these boys, let me tell you, you tell all of our more hawkish friends down there that had they not stood for ABM, and if they do not continue, and that is we wouldn't have any deal now.
The chance for the most important negotiation since World War II has been made possible by the fact that we voted ABM.
It's as cool as that.
Well, we'll get it through the House, both authorization and appropriation.
Don't worry about that.
Good deal.
All right, Mr. President.
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