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Conversation 019-118

TapeTape 19StartWednesday, January 26, 1972 at 4:23 PMEndWednesday, January 26, 1972 at 4:24 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Romney, George W.;  Shultz, George P.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon initiated this call to thank Secretary of Housing and Urban Development George Romney for his supportive reaction to the President's recent televised speech regarding Vietnam. Romney expressed his approval of Nixon’s decision to disclose previously secret peace negotiations, noting that the transparency provided national reassurance. The conversation concluded with Nixon affirming his commitment to the diplomatic strategy despite anticipated initial rejections from the North Vietnamese.

Vietnam WarPeace negotiationsPublic diplomacyNixon administrationDiplomatic secrecy
AudioNARA Description

On January 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, George W. Romney, and George P. Shultz talked on the telephone from 4:23 pm to 4:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-118 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 19-118

Date: January 26, 1972
Time: 4:23 pm - 4:24 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with George W. Romney.

[See Conversation No. 318-7A]

     The President's speech, January 25, 1972, on Vietnam
          -Romney's comments

The President asked an unknown person [George P. Shultz?] to enter the room.

     Vietnam
          -Negotiations
              -Secrecy
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Secretary Romney, Mr. President.
Mr. President.
George, I just wanted to call you to tell you that I greatly appreciated your comments with regard to my speech last night.
They were relayed to me this morning.
Well, I think you have a very positive peace program, and I was delighted that you revealed all these secret discussions.
Of course, I knew nothing about them, but it was very reassuring to me, and I'm sure it is to the nation.
Well, we've been—come on in.
We've been, you know, of course, working on these things.
We had to keep them private for reasons that you're well aware.
Sure.
But it just shows that what all these fellows have been talking about, we've been doing, and we were about three jumps ahead of them.
Exactly right.
And now we're on a darn good wicket, and we're going to stick right on it.
I was just delighted.
Even though the North Vietnamese, of course, will say no the first time, we'll keep at it, and eventually they're going to have to take the deal.
That's right.
Well, I was greatly encouraged, and I'm sure the country is, and I certainly think it strengthens your whole effort tremendously, Mr. President.
Thank you, George.
Good to talk with you.
Thank you.
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