President Nixon directed Patrick J. Buchanan to gather data on civilian casualties attributed to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War. This request was intended to counter what the President perceived as biased and distorted reporting by the New York Times regarding war atrocities. Nixon specifically sought evidence of deliberate targeting and assassinations to highlight the enemy's disregard for civilian life.
On January 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Peter J. Brennan talked on the telephone from 6:56 pm to 6:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-122 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 36-122 Date: January 30, 1973 Time: Between 6:56 pm and 6:57 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Patrick J. Buchanan. [See Conversation No. 406-28] Information on civilians killed by Communists in Vietnam War -New York Times
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.