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Conversation 016-107

TapeTape 16StartSaturday, December 18, 1971 at 12:42 PMEndSaturday, December 18, 1971 at 12:43 PMTape start time03:47:03Tape end time03:47:54ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the protocol for an upcoming meeting with Pakistani leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Nixon instructed Ziegler to maintain a low-key approach regarding media presence, specifically requesting that the press not be granted access for a formal photo opportunity. Instead, they decided that White House photographer Oliver Atkins would take the picture, which would be released to the press later to avoid elevating Bhutto's political standing in Pakistan.

Zulfikar Ali BhuttoPakistanPress RelationsWhite House PhotographyDiplomatic Protocol
AudioNARA Description

On December 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 12:42 pm to 12:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-107 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 16-107

Date: December 18, 1971
Time: 12:42 pm - 12:43 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See Conversation No. 639-4]

     Press picture
           -Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
                 -President's wishes
                       -Oliver F. (“Ollie”) Atkins
                       -Gen. Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Mr. Zaker.
Yes, sir.
Have you announced a press picture?
No.
No, for Butoh, no, sir.
I think this would be a low-key situation.
I mean, it's one of those things where he's just paying a brief courtesy call, and I don't think we want to build...
He's got to...
He's trying to build himself up politically in Pakistan, you see.
Will there be any problem on it?
No.
Not having a picture?
No, sir.
Ali will take one, and you can...
They ask for it.
You can say, here's one.
You see what I mean?
So they're not trying to cover it, but let's just don't have the press go in, you know, with a big...
I don't want them to build that up that much, see?
Fine, no problem, sir.
So we'll just have Ollie do it, and you can cover it, and Haig will fill you in on what to say, okay?
Yes, sir.
Fine, thank you.
Very good.
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