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Conversation 020-125

TapeTape 20StartTuesday, February 29, 1972 at 8:49 PMEndTuesday, February 29, 1972 at 8:52 PMTape start time04:16:41Tape end time04:19:42ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.;  Nixon, Richard M. (President);  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the aftermath of Nixon's historic trip to the People's Republic of China, specifically focusing on Secretary of State William P. Rogers's critical reaction to the visit. The conversation highlights friction regarding the administration's policy toward Taiwan and the PRC, with Nixon expressing frustration over Rogers's perceived lack of understanding of the geopolitical nuances. Haig affirms his support for the trip's success before Nixon requests a briefing call with Henry Kissinger.

People's Republic of ChinaWilliam P. RogersTaiwanHenry KissingerForeign Policy
AudioNARA Description

On February 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 8:49 pm to 8:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-125 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 20-125

Date: February 29, 1972
Time: 8:49 pm - 8:52 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

     Haig’s schedule
          -William P. Rogers meeting
                -The President’s recent trip to the People’s Republic of China [PRC]
                     -Rogers’s view
                           -The President and Henry A. Kissinger
                           -US-PRC differences
                     -Taiwan, Republic of China

**********************************************************************

[Previous archivists categorized this section as unintelligible. It has been rereviewed and
released 04/30/2019.]
[Unintelligible]
[020-125-w001]
[Duration: 26s]

       Alexander M. Haig, Jr.’s schedule
             -William P. Rogers meeting
                    -Taiwan as compared to People’s Republic of China [PRC]
                    -Potential damage to White House of unknown event

**********************************************************************

     PRC trip
         -Haig’s view
              -Kissinger

**********************************************************************

[Previous archivists categorized this section as unintelligible. It has been rereviewed and
released 04/30/2019.]
[Unintelligible]
[020-125-w002]
[Duration: 34s]

     People’s Republic of China [PRC] trip
          -Alexander M. Haig’s view
               -President’s accompaniment on trip by General [first name unknown] Sharp [?]
               -President’s handling of trip

**********************************************************************

     Haig’s meeting with Rogers
          -Results

     Request for Kissinger call
         -Kissinger's schedule
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.

Hello.
Get on with Rogers.
Yes, I understand.
Oh shit, shit.
Where are you taking that?
Yeah, the differences are very, very great.
For him to talk about differences, for Christ's sake, he's less understandable of the differences than I am.
I know, I know.
But you did say, for Christ's sake, don't I want to see it.
How do you feel, Al, about the trip generally?
I thought we did a pretty good job.
Okay, Al, well, thank you for going over.
I think it was good to talk to you.
It was good to talk to you.
It was pretty close, wasn't it?
No, it wasn't very close, but I did it.
I'm glad you should.
Got you Chinese.
Would you have Henry give me a call?
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