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Conversation 024-052

TapeTape 24StartTuesday, May 9, 1972 at 12:05 PMEndTuesday, May 9, 1972 at 12:06 PMTape start time01:07:15Tape end time01:08:55ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Radford, Arthur W.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with retired Admiral Arthur W. Radford regarding the recent decision to implement a naval blockade and mine North Vietnamese ports. Radford expressed strong support for the escalation, affirming that the strategic move was necessary despite the potential risks to the upcoming Soviet summit and Nixon's re-election prospects. Nixon noted the success of the initial mining operations and emphasized that the action was taken to bolster South Vietnamese morale and protect American interests.

Vietnam WarNaval blockadeMining operationsArthur W. RadfordForeign policy
AudioNARA Description

On May 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Arthur W. Radford talked on the telephone from 12:05 pm to 12:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-052 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 24-52

Date: May 9, 1972
Time: 12:05 pm - 12:06 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Arthur W. Radford.

[See also Conversation No. 338-23]

     Vietnam
          -Blockade
               -The President's decision
                    -Radford's support
                    -Impact
                    -Necessity
                    -Dangers
                          -1972 election
                          -Soviet Summit

                -Naval action
                     -Mines
                           -Reports from Melvin R. Laird and Thomas H. Moorer
                     -Morale in South Vietnam
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello?
Admiral Radford, Miss President.
Ready?
Hello?
Good morning, sir.
Well, I just thought I'd let you know that as I made this decision, I thought, well, this is what Arthur Radford would have recommended.
You are certainly right, sir.
I was delighted.
I listened to every word last night, and I certainly back you 100%.
Well, as you know, we've laid it on the line.
That's right.
It's going to take time.
as all these things do, but we just couldn't stand by and let these bastards roll up the South Vietnamese and endanger our people, and that's the way I feel about it.
Well, I'm glad we had a man with courage at the helm this time, sir.
As you well know, we've laid everything on the line.
That's right.
We've risked the election, risked the summit and the rest, but the election isn't worth winning if the United States goes down the drain.
That's right, sir.
Well, I...
I know what a lot of thought and prayer you put into this, and I'm sure your decision is going to work out all right.
Your old Navy buddies are doing great out there, you know.
They laid those mines.
They told me I got a report from Laird and Moore.
They didn't lose a plane laying them, you know.
No, no.
I've already talked to them over in the Navy Department this morning.
And I tell you, these boys we have out there are good.
All of the services are good.
Right.
And it just hurts me to see them run down by people that don't know anything about it.
Well, I think this helps their morale, don't you think?
Oh, I do.
I do.
They've been itching to have this happen.
Right.
And I certainly wish you the greatest kind of luck in the next few weeks.
Well, let's wish the country luck, okay?
Fine.
Thank you.
Bye.
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