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Conversation 188-012

TapeTape 188StartThursday, May 18, 1972 at 5:56 PMEndThursday, May 18, 1972 at 8:22 PMTape start time00:41:56Tape end time00:44:01ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon directed H. R. Haldeman to assign a research staffer to compile a comprehensive dossier documenting the various 'smear' campaigns launched against the administration. This memorandum was intended to catalog vicious attacks found in books, films, pamphlets, and political statements by members of Congress. Nixon envisioned this research as a strategic resource to be utilized by administration surrogates if political criticism intensified later in the year.

H. R. HaldemanAdministration strategyPublic relationsPolitical oppositionResearch staffHaiphong harbor mining
AudioNARA Description

On May 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:56 pm and 8:22 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 188-012 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 188-12

Date: May 18, 1972
Time: Unknown between 5:56 pm and 8:22 pm
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President dictated a memorandum to H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

     Criticism of the Administration
           -Mining of Haiphong harbor editorials
           -Smear books
           -Staff response
                 -A memorandum
                       -Movies, books, pamphlets, columns
                       -Statements by Senators and Congressmen
                       -Possible use
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

reading the materials on the landing.
I know there's one that listed a number of the smear books that have come out against RN.
I want somebody on the research staff with an understanding of this type of thing.
to get up a chapter in verse, a story, a memorandum on how vicious the smears have been, including the movies, both pamphlets, and of course, column.
You might also include some statements by senators in Congress.
This could be very useful.
For a speaker, if the going gets rough a little later, have somebody get on this project right away and scan the memorandum at the end of the tape.
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