← 168-003168-005 →

Conversation 168-004

TapeTape 168StartFriday, June 1, 1973 at 7:07 PMEndFriday, June 1, 1973 at 7:10 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceCamp David Study Table
AI Summary

President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss a public relations strategy to control the narrative regarding historical government wiretaps of newsmen. Nixon instructs Haig to orchestrate a methodical, staged release of this information to make the disclosure appear deliberate and formal rather than spontaneous. The President emphasizes the need to secure specific names and data from Secret Service Director James J. Rowley, threatening his position if he fails to produce the files quickly, in order to use the information to intimidate political opponents and critics.

WiretapsPress RelationsJames J. RowleyGovernment TransparencyPolitical Strategy
AudioNARA Description

On June 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:07 pm and 7:10 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-004 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 168-4

Date: June 1, 1973
Time: Unknown between 7:07 pm and 7:10 pm
Location: Camp David Study Table

The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

     Wiretaps
          -Release of information
                -Format
                      -Ronald L. Ziegler
                -Names of newsmen
                      -Dates
                      -Henry Brandon
          -James J. Rowley
          -Release of information
                -Possible effect
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Al, the thing I think you've got to consider is the method of this story.
If you have a question and he just sort of says, well, I just happen to have this, it looks terribly, it looks contrived, really terribly contrived, and the rest, you know, goddamn well, it takes time to do it.
I think that what ought to happen is that
You just ought to go out with an announcement.
In other words, have somebody like tomorrow say, we'd like to know what the record is in the past.
And you say, fine.
I'll dig it up.
We'll have it for you Monday.
That's right.
Let's build up the story.
You see what I mean?
Right.
Build it up.
So that it doesn't come that he just happens to have it in his pocket.
He wouldn't do it at the same session.
I know, but I'd rather have it start tomorrow and do it on Monday.
Now, the other thing is,
When you hesitate about giving me the names, I'm going to change that so that they can get them.
I want the name, and they can get this, for 1961, 1962, 1963, of all newsmen that were tapped.
Now, goddammit, they can get that fast.
We're getting them all.
They have to work each file.
I understand, but you can tell whether a newsman is tapped.
I mean, they know whether Henry Brandon was tapped or not, don't they?
I'm sure.
You're goddamn right.
You see, the thing is, that's the thing that was really where we hear, scare the hell out of these people.
Exactly.
We just drop out a few of those names, huh?
I think that we may.
Statistics.
Right.
Not just statistics.
We're giving them the names because when they have the names, it doesn't mean anything.
It's when they think you're going to do it.
Well, I know, but I want the names for my own.
You see?
Oh, well, we'll get there.
I know.
We've already dealt with Rowley.
You've got to be very tough with him.
And he either gets us these figures or he's out, like Monday.
You understand?
Yes, sir.
He's already been told.
Good.
Good.
Because this is a more important story than I think.
Well, you know the importance of it, but some people would not.
This will kill the lips.
You agree?
No question about it.
No question.
But the greatest fear of it is the unknown.
You know, when you're having the statistics.
And that we're going to put out not only the names, but the content.
Well, that's why we want to say that we've reached a thorough review made of each and every file.
Good, good.
Well, that's good.
But I would like to accelerate it a bit so we can get out about funding, you see.
Just have a route so that the request is in and so we'll check it.
Good.
Okay.
Okay.
Fine.
← 168-003168-005 →