President Nixon spoke with Congressman Leslie C. Arends to emphasize that the recent breakthrough in Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) was a direct result of Congressional support for the antiballistic missile (ABM) program. Nixon credited the firm stance of his allies for the success of his latest announcement and the resulting silence from political opponents like J. William Fulbright. Arends agreed to convey this message to his fellow committee members, including F. Edward Hébert, to reinforce the strategic value of their legislative unity.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Leslie C. Arends talked on the telephone from 2:08 pm to 2:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-087 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 3-87 Date: May 20, 1971 Time: 2:08 pm - 2:09 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Leslie C. Arends. [See Conversation No. 502-17A] Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SALT] negotiations -Effect of antiballistic missile [ABM] support in Congress -F. Edward Hébert -President's announcement -Effect -"Doves" -J. William Fulbright -May 19, 1971 Senate vote -Hébert 49 NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS STAFF Tape Subject Log (rev. 9/08)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.