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Conversation 191-010

TapeTape 191StartThursday, May 18, 1972 at 11:24 AMEndThursday, May 18, 1972 at 11:26 AMTape start time00:33:30Tape end time00:35:35ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the logistics and potential public relations fallout of providing a Cadillac to Soviet officials. Nixon recalls past efforts to introduce American industrial goods to the Soviet Union and suggests that General Motors should donate or fund the vehicle to avoid the appearance of using taxpayer money. The President emphasizes the importance of avoiding government expenditures on the gift to mitigate potential criticism.

Soviet-American relationsGeneral MotorsPublic relationsCorporate diplomacyGift-giving
AudioNARA Description

On May 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 11:24 am to 11:26 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 191-010 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 191-10

Date: May 18, 1972
Time: 11:24-11:26 am
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

[See Conversation No. 131-31]

[End of telephone conversation]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
In 59, I recall taking several representative items from American industry to Moscow and giving them to these people.
Now, they were not expensive items.
You know what I mean?
Some of our corn products and things of that sort.
But they were not from the government.
They were from various industries here that wanted the Russians to have their products.
I wonder if there's any way you can work this out.
Your GM does this damn thing.
I really think, and we'll say that, you see, basically, they, the pro-Soviet government makes hydrofoils.
GM makes the car.
We say that we were receiving one, and they indicated they'd like a car.
GM said, fine, we'll give them one of those.
So that isn't that I gave them the goddamn thing.
Or the taxpayers paid for the Cadillac.
That's the thing.
If it comes down to that, I'll pay for the Cadillac.
You know what I mean?
No, I'm serious.
I'd simply say that we don't have the funds for it.
But I don't want to do that either.
I don't see why GM just can't give them one.
Or pay to it.
The problem, the PR problem, would become infinitely less.
Fine.
Fine.
They'd be up for General Motors.
Fine.
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