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Conversation 203-017

TapeTape 203StartThursday, August 17, 1972 at 11:22 AMEndThursday, August 17, 1972 at 11:29 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the drafting of an upcoming speech and the strategic framing of ongoing sensitive negotiations. Nixon emphasizes that external interference could jeopardize diplomatic progress and instructs Haldeman to consult with Alexander Haig rather than other subordinates on the matter. The pair also addresses public messaging and the importance of maintaining a controlled narrative to avoid negative editorial backlash.

SpeechwritingDiplomatic negotiationsPublic relationsAlexander HaigPolitical strategy
AudioNARA Description

On August 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 11:22 am to 11:29 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 203-017 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 203-17

Date: August 17, 1972
Time: 11:22 am - 11:29 am
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

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

[See Conversation No. 140-26]

                                       (rev. Oct-06)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Yeah.
And just a note to whoever worked on that speech, to take the Truman quote that we put all in, to take the Truman quote, to be inside of where I speak about the BFWB.
Oh, we've made it legion all over America.
America is not part of this one damn thing.
Okay.
Yeah.
I will try to come.
But with the faith, we have direction.
Yes, well, but be sure you indicate the worry a little bit.
No.
Yeah, but you've got to lay the... No, no.
Get this away from the... Again, be sure you talk to Hague about it rather than...
This is not a ghost operation.
You've got to get him out of this sort of thing.
I mean, his judgment regarding how to follow it up...
I'd say now look, because of the ongoing discussions are going on, because discussions are going on at the highest levels or something like that, this intervention by the one outside of discussions has very serious
could have very serious repercussions.
I'm not going to comment further on it now or something like that.
I think they've got to stay.
But whatever they want is fine.
They'll work it out.
But be sure you do it not with Tulsa.
I don't get his judgment, but it's a hate decision, particularly hate.
I don't know.
hell of a thing.
Of course, the point is I really feel somebody else should take it on and probably are because it's the editorials and so forth.
Jesus Christ is going to bang the shit out of them.
Yeah.
...variously jeopardize any possibility of progress in the negotiations.
I put it that way.
But that's what I...
law won't end like this.
Without that nominee, the president nominee has declined to be briefed.
Thank you.
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