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Conversation 024-050

TapeTape 24StartTuesday, May 9, 1972 at 11:53 AMEndTuesday, May 9, 1972 at 11:56 AMTape start time01:05:39Tape end time01:06:57ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  Rush, [David] KennethRecording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon calls Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth Rush to commend his recent television performance defending the administration's decision to blockade North Vietnam. The two discuss the administration’s peace proposal, emphasizing the generosity of the offer to withdraw troops in exchange for a cease-fire and the release of American prisoners of war. Nixon dismisses political criticism from the Democrats, asserting that their position is contrary to national interests and that the administration will remain committed to its current strategy.

Vietnam WarNorth Vietnam blockadePrisoners of warForeign policyPolitical opposition
AudioNARA Description

On May 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and [David] Kenneth Rush talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:53 am and 11:56 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-050 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 24-50

Date: May 9, 1972
Time: Unknown after 11:53 until 11:56 am
Location: White House Telephone

The White House operator talked with the President.

[See also Conversation No. 338-21]

     Thomas H. Moorer
         -Location
              -Meeting with John C. Stennis

     Request for a call to [David] Kenneth Rush

The President talked with [David] Kenneth Rush between 11:55 and 11:56 am

     Vietnam
          -Blockade
               -Rush's television appearance
                    -The President’s view
               -Impact
               -The President's peace offers
                    -Prisoners of war [POWs]
                    -Cease-fire

                -Democrats' stance
                -Rush’s view
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Mr. President, Admiral Moore is over at a meeting with Senator Sinnes, so I left word to call you, and I do have Secretary Rush for you.
Fine.
Fine.
Benny.
Hello.
There you are.
Hello, Ken.
I didn't get to see your program, but my spy said you did a hell of a good job.
I just wanted you to know.
Well, thank you very much, Mr. President.
I hope so.
Of course you did.
Well, we appreciate it.
We've done the right thing.
Now we're going to stick the course, and these bastards are either going to settle or they're going to get devastated.
This, Mr. President, is exactly the right policy.
And I'm so pleased that you... What else can you do?
And also, we made a damn conciliatory offer.
Let's not forget that.
What more could you offer?
We said we'll get out in four months if you give us our prisoners in a ceasefire.
This is right.
You have been very generous.
You've exercised great restraint.
And no right-thinking person can criticize what you're doing.
Well, our Democratic friends are playing it partisan, but that's okay, too.
Yes.
They're on the wrong side of that one.
No right-thinking person can criticize it.
Anyone who's proud of his country could not criticize what you're doing, or anyone who has the welfare of his country at heart.
All right.
Well, I'm very proud to be associated with you.
We appreciate your hard work.
Okay.
I'm very proud to be associated with you.
See you tonight.
Thank you, sir.
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