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Conversation 035-141

TapeTape 35StartThursday, January 11, 1973 at 4:15 PMEndThursday, January 11, 1973 at 4:17 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kennedy, Richard T. (Col.)Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon instructed Col. Richard T. Kennedy to relay specific directives to Henry Kissinger regarding the pending Vietnam settlement agreement. Nixon mandated that any public announcement regarding the deal must be issued by Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler rather than Kissinger. Furthermore, he established a contingency plan where Alexander Haig would remain in Saigon to manage South Vietnamese President Thieu’s resistance, with instructions to delay any announcement if Thieu refused to agree to the terms.

Vietnam WarHenry KissingerAlexander HaigNguyen Van ThieuRonald ZieglerPeace negotiations
AudioNARA Description

On January 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Col. Richard T. Kennedy talked on the telephone from 4:15 pm to 4:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 035-141 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 35-141

Date: January 11, 1973
Time: 4:15 pm - 4:17 pm
Location: White House Telephone
                                             -119-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                        (rev. Oct.-07)

                                                             Conversation No. 35-141 (cont’d)

The President talked with Col. Richard T. Kennedy.

[See Conversation No. 401-31/402-1C]

       Vietnam negotiations
            -Instructions for Henry A. Kissinger
                   -Announcement
                        -Timing
                               -January 18, 1973
                        -Ronald L. Ziegler’s role
            -Settlement agreement
                   -Nguyen Van Thieu’s rejection
                        -Alexander M. Haig, Jr.’s schedule
                               -January 13, 1973
                        -Effect on announcement
                               -Thieu response
                               -Message for Kissinger
                   -Thieu’s acceptance
                        -Effect on announcement
                               -Ziegler
                               -Signing by Kissinger
                                      -Privacy
                   -Thieu’s rejection
                        -Haig’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.

Yeah.
I've just been further thinking and I'm more convinced I just want you to know Henry so that he doesn't make any indications to them.
I would tell him that it's my thought that in any event the announcement on the 18th I think should be a
The more I think about it, it should be a Ziegler announcement.
He'd like that anyway.
Right.
A Ziegler announcement in any event, whatever happens.
The second point is, because basically I just can't take the risk of something falling between the lips, you know.
The second point, though, is that I want him clearly to understand.
If Pew balks, I do want Haig to stay over there.
Yes.
And through...
through Saturday so that we have no problem there.
And there would be no announcement on the 18th.
If Tew balks, we'll say nothing on the 18th so that we don't draw the sword on him and force him to respond.
Tell Henry that that's my conclusion now.
First, if Tew goes, the announcement will be a Ziegler announcement.
provided he can keep the initialing private.
Got it?
Yes, sir.
If two does not go, there would be no announcement, and Haig would not return until Sunday night or Saturday night.
Yes, sir.
Right.
All right.
All right, sir.
Thank you.
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