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Conversation 006-165

TapeTape 6StartTuesday, July 20, 1971 at 7:53 PMEndTuesday, July 20, 1971 at 7:57 PMTape start time03:57:08Tape end time04:01:06ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Rebozo, Charles G. ("Bebe")Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss the overwhelmingly positive public and media reception to the recent announcement of the President's initiative toward the People's Republic of China. The two men attribute the success of the announcement to the element of surprise and the administration's ability to maintain total secrecy until the revelation. Additionally, the conversation touches upon logistical planning for the President's upcoming California vacation and various personal matters, including Rebozo's personal schedule and a private bet between the two.

People's Republic of ChinaDiplomatic relationsPublic opinionPresidential travelForeign policyNixon administration
AudioNARA Description

On July 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo talked on the telephone from 7:53 pm to 7:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-165 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 6-165

Date: July 20, 1971
Time: 7:53 pm - 7:57 pm
Location: White House Telephone

Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo talked with the President.

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[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift 05/02/2023.
Segment cleared for release.]
[Personal Returnable]
[006-165-w001]
[Duration: 17s]

     Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo’s trip

     The President’s schedule
          -Forthcoming August 20, 1971-September 4, 1971 California trip
                -Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo

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     President's People's Republic of China [PRC] initiative
           -John S. (“Jack”) Knight
           -Reaction

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[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift 05/02/2023.
Segment cleared for release.]
[Personal Returnable]
[006-165-w003]
[Duration: 23s]

     Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo’s schedule
          -Meeting with unknown man

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     The President's PRC initiative
          -Reaction

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[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift 05/02/2023.
Segment cleared for release.]
[Personal Returnable]
[006-165-w002]
[Duration: 1m 37s]

     Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo’s conversation with Julie Nixon Eisenhower, July 20, 1971
          -Boat idea

     The President's forthcoming vacation
          -H.R. (“Bob”) Haldeman's idea
          -Time spent on vacation
               -Lyndon B. Johnson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy
          -Mexico
          -August 18, 1971

     Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo’s bet with the President

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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, what do you find?
These characters don't know what to do with it, do they?
Even Jack Knight likes it.
I know, I know.
When I see you, I'll talk to you about it.
It's unreal.
Really?
It really is.
Where do you find it from, baby?
What kind of piece?
Everywhere.
Everywhere.
I haven't heard anything other, anything contrary.
It's the element of surprise, in addition to the sudden start to realization that, you know, why the hell didn't we all think this way before?
You know, when you've got a quarter of a million people...
The whole thing was kept under wraps.
It was unreal.
You can't get away with it.
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