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Conversation 237-040

TapeTape 237StartFriday, December 29, 1972 at 7:02 PMEndFriday, December 29, 1972 at 7:04 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Johnson, U. AlexisRecording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon and U. Alexis Johnson briefly conferred regarding the status of sensitive diplomatic negotiations and communications following a period of intense conflict. Nixon expressed that the recent breakdown in talks left him with no alternative course of action, framing the situation as a necessary challenge compared to previous wartime escalations. The discussion focused on maintaining operational security to prevent information leaks, with Nixon confirming his personal involvement in managing key contacts.

Diplomatic negotiationsVietnam WarOperational securityForeign policyCommunication management
AudioNARA Description

On December 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and U. Alexis Johnson met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 7:02 pm to 7:04 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 237-040 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 237-40

Date: December 29, 1972
Time: 7:02 pm - 7:04 pm
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with U. Alexis Johnson.

[See Conversation No. 158-32]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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, as a matter of fact,
I called, as a matter of fact, I told Warren today, if he was there, that I'd been in touch with Ron Phil, which I have.
I talked to him on the phone three or four days ago, and he'll be fine.
But, uh, right, good, go ahead.
All right.
That's good.
That's good.
That's good.
Fine.
It's the only safe way because otherwise, otherwise it's going to break all over the place.
Right.
That's right.
That's good.
That's good.
Well, right.
Yes.
Well, it's a pretty rough Christmas, isn't it?
But I, you know, it was no decision.
It was much harder than me, you know, because then we had an invasion.
Now we only had a breakdown of negotiations.
But I don't know any other things we could have done.
Yes, they have.
That's right.
Very good.
Right.
Right.
Good.
Good.
Fine, Alex.
Fine.
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