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Conversation 013-147

TapeTape 13StartFriday, November 5, 1971 at 8:50 AMEndFriday, November 5, 1971 at 8:52 AMTape start time04:15:19Tape end time04:16:11ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Colson, Charles W.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss a public relations strategy to maximize the political impact of a Soviet Union grain deal. Nixon directs Colson to have the relevant representatives announce the deal on Capitol Hill to generate favorable press coverage. They plan to frame the announcement as a weekend-long media narrative to highlight the President’s personal involvement in the negotiations.

Soviet Union grain dealPublic relationsPress strategyPolitical maneuveringAgriculture policy
AudioNARA Description

On November 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 8:50 am to 8:52 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 013-147 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 13-147

Date: November 5, 1971
Time: 8:50 am - 8:52 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Charles W. Colson.

[See Conversation No. 615-4A]

     Soviet Union grain deal
          -Public relations
          -Schedules of Colson and two unknown men
               -Possible meeting with Congressmen
          -Possible press coverage
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Mr. President, Mr. Carlson's on the line.
Yes, sir.
Yeah, it occurred to me that one thing you should do is in order to build this up, maybe just to have those two guys go up to the Senate rather than doing it from that asshole department.
They could go up there and the House and Senate and those interested in.
and uh... you know corn so forth and so on you get a few together and they go up and make the announcement and the press will be there to cover it and then you hit them you hit them with the double whammy and you with them of course to cover the other side that's very good i think we'll uh yes sir you like right i think we'll do that plus mr president we can get out tomorrow through uh state press and through the wire services how this came about you're involved right we can get good we'll play it all weekend i know it's a good story
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