Conversation 046-015

TapeTape 46StartFriday, May 11, 1973 at 3:07 PMEndFriday, May 11, 1973 at 3:08 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the urgent search for specific FBI files and a sensitive memorandum previously handled by John Ehrlichman. Nixon expresses concern over the potential inclusion of damaging material regarding Henry Kissinger within these documents, insisting that the damaging memo be retrieved to facilitate a proactive political offensive. Additionally, Haig confirms he will provide Fred Buzhardt with instructions for upcoming interviews with H.R. Haldeman, Ehrlichman, and Charles Colson.

WatergateFBI filesHenry KissingerJohn EhrlichmanFred BuzhardtEvidence management

On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 3:07 pm to 3:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-015 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 46-15

Date: May 11, 1973
Time: 3:07 pm - 3:08 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

[See also Conversation No. 434-28]

     Watergate
          -President’s telephone call to Rose Mary Woods
                -Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] files
          -FBI files
                -Lawrence M. Higby
                      -Tod R. Hullin
                      -John D. Ehrlichman
                -Content
                      -Henry A. Kissinger
                -Memorandum
                      -Distribution
                -Location
          -Buzhardt’s schedule
                -H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman, Ehrlichman and Charles W. Colson

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

General Hague, sir.
Yes, Mr. President.
Well, Rose said she couldn't find those damn things, and I don't know where the hell they are, but I've got Larry looking right away, and he has to check with Holland to find out, well, where John put them.
Yeah, John said he delivered them to a safe someplace in the building, so I know they're here.
Right.
Well, we're now the second point.
The reason I wanted you to take a quick scan of them, even before Buzzard, is that
Might be some stuff on Henry in there that's not very good.
Exactly.
You know what I mean?
Exactly.
And I don't want even him to see that.
You understand?
Absolutely.
But on the other hand, get that one memorandum out and get it out.
Yes, sir.
Because I think we've got to take the offensive on this and take it on very fast.
That's what I'm so concerned about, trying to find the damn thing.
Well, find that goddamn memo and call me back because it's got to be around here someplace.
Now, the other thing, would you be sure to...
getting Buzzard his guidelines that he will see tomorrow, Alderman Ehrlichman and Coulson.
Right.
Will do.
You have confidence in him, do you?
I have the most confidence.
Okay, boy.
All right, sir.
Good.