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Conversation 190-005

TapeTape 190StartWednesday, May 17, 1972 at 5:57 PMEndWednesday, May 17, 1972 at 5:57 PMTape start time00:09:47Tape end time00:20:42ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Camp David OperatorRecording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon instructed the Camp David operator to relay a directive to intelligence agencies—specifically mentioning Richard Helms’ organization—demanding immediate, creative propaganda strategies regarding the Vietnam War. Frustrated by a perceived lack of initiative, Nixon insisted that staff work through the night to develop non-routine ideas that could strike terror into the enemy. The conversation concluded with the President emphasizing the urgency of the situation and acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the support staff.

Vietnam WarPropagandaRichard HelmsIntelligence CommunityPsychological Warfare
AudioNARA Description

On May 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 5:57 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 190-005 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 190-5

                                        (rev. Oct-06)

Date: May 17, 1972
Time: 5:57 pm
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with the Camp David operator.

[See Conversation No. 131-15]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I mean, if it's under fire... We're just doing everything we can.
Just keep your feet to the fire, and tell them on the propaganda side, just tell them that I'm, that I'm, do you pass this word, that I'm disappointed that I haven't had any ideas from Helms' outfit, none from the other outfit, and I want to see some, but I really want to see some Friday news before I do, what the hell are their new ideas on the propaganda front, when you do that, tell them I expect something, I don't want a long paper, and I don't want a long report, but what new things can they suggest doing at this time, having in mind the fact that the tide of battle may be changing,
And then we want to report terror to the hearts of the enemy.
And to you.
I want some new ideas.
Just say, now tell them to work all night, because I expect them to.
They can do that.
It's not a routine business, you know.
You've got a guy here out there, support guys in that plan, or some of them dead.
Let these bastards that we have here work overnight for a change.
You know, tell them to go up their asses and think of something.
You know?
Yeah.
Okay, fine.
Apparently both are doing a good job.
That's a good move.
Okay, I'll thank you.
Hey, Mr. Stuart Alsop.
He's the columnist in Washington, D.C., the White House operator.
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