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Conversation 020-129

TapeTape 20StartTuesday, February 29, 1972 at 9:05 PMEndTuesday, February 29, 1972 at 9:08 PMTape start time04:22:22Tape end time04:25:05ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Lewis, Hobart D.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AudioNARA Description

On February 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Hobart D. Lewis talked on the telephone from 9:05 pm to 9:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 020-129 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 20-129

Date: February 29, 1972

Time: 9:05 pm - 9:08 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Hobart D. Lewis.

     PRC trip
         -James Michener's effort
         -Television coverage
              -The President and Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon
         -Possible effect on Soviet Union
              -The President’s talk with Lewis

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[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift 04/30/2019.
Segment cleared for release.]
[Personal Returnable]
[020-129-w002]
[Duration: 12s]

       People’s Republic of China [PRC] trip
              -Preparation
                     -President’s Florida trip on March 1, 1972
                     -Late night work

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     People’s Republic of China [PRC] trip
          -Chou En-lai
          -Taiwan, Republic of China [PRC]
               -Newspaper coverage
          -Readers Digest article
               -Michener
               -Preview by President's staff
          -Lewis’s health
          -Congratulations to the President and Mrs. Nixon
          -Length of preparation
          -Effect
               -World
               -Nation

                -Effect on Democrats

     The President’s schedule

     Greetings to unknown admiral
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hi, how are you?
Well, well, you're, you're, uh, you did a fine job.
You feel that way, do you?
Well, the television, of course, and everything, it sort of knocks out all the distinctions.
Oh, well, I thought the television worked.
I thought, you know, what you and Pat did on TV was sensational.
And the whole country, really, you know, electrified by it.
And what they don't realize, I'm sure, is the effect that they have in Moscow.
Oh, boy, it takes those bastards off.
That's where I think it all lies.
That's what it's all about, you know.
I know it is.
And you told me so six months ago, and...
So I really just think it's the greatest thing that can happen.
It's terrific.
This show and live was so damn tough.
I had to really keep up with it.
Yeah, he is tough.
Yeah, he's a very able, sophisticated, decent, but good guy.
Totally believe him.
He was right in mind.
Sure, right.
Well, you know, I think the way it worked out about Taiwan is just right.
We didn't do a thing on Taiwan that we weren't going to do otherwise.
That's right.
Absolutely.
I think the newspaper people are just trying to make points, you know.
They don't know enough about it.
Well, they're trying to find something to crap on.
Well, I'll let your people see what Mr. does before we finish, but I'm
No, no, he'll be fine.
I'm not worried a bit about it.
Right.
But he's fine.
Well, you're feeling well, are you?
I'm fine, and I'm certainly glad you're back, and I congratulate you and Pat on the job you did.
I think it's great.
It was, you know, such a long-range thing to do.
It's been two years in the making, hasn't it?
Almost three years.
Yeah, right.
Well, you know, quite a part of it.
It really changes the world.
Well, they'll find something, but it's pretty hard, isn't it?
Fine.
I will.
I haven't had it yet, but I will.
Right.
Good, Hope.
Good to talk to you.
Give my best to the Admiral.
Thank you.
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