← 046-146046-148 →

Conversation 046-147

TapeTape 46StartTuesday, May 22, 1973 at 2:45 PMEndTuesday, May 22, 1973 at 2:46 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler discuss the broad dissemination of a forthcoming White House statement regarding the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasizes the need to distribute the document not only to the press but also to an extensive list of 10,000 Republican leaders and chairmen. The two agree that the statement serves as an effective platform to counter negative media narratives, specifically those involving the Cuban fund.

WatergateWhite House communicationsRepublican PartyPublic relationsPolitical strategy
AudioNARA Description

On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 2:45 pm to 2:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-147 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 46-147

Date: May 22, 1973
Time: 2:45 pm - 2:46 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See also Conversation No. 440-5]

     Watergate
          -Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
          -Forthcoming White House statement on Watergate
                -Distribution
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Well, sir, I hate to bother you with details, but one thing you might follow up on, because I've got Al doing a couple of other things.
Right, he's here now.
Well, point one.
I want this mailed very broadly.
Yes, sir.
Now, that means not only to editors, but to all Republicans, you know, the list of 10,000 Republican chairmen and so forth and so on.
Right, right.
Leaders, et cetera, et cetera.
Yes, sir.
You know, we've got to, don't you think it's a good idea?
Yes, sir, to be done.
With a good cover thing, fine.
Incidentally, I think we're on the...
damn good statement as it's finally finished.
Oh, it's the next one.
Yes, sir.
Don't you think so?
I'll tell you the truth.
Not, Mr. President.
The absolute fact of my opinion is that it is an excellent platform to move from.
Well, raise questions.
I'll say, well, now, didn't he read the stories with regard to the Cuban fund to help the defendants and so forth?
You know, crap like that.
Of course I saw such stories.
I'd pay any goddamn attention to them.
Right.
But you can handle that, can't you?
Sure.
This is perfect.
All right, boss.
Start.
Bye.
We're really cranking.
Good.
Let's fight, sir.
← 046-146046-148 →