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Conversation 261-001

TapeTape 261StartTuesday, June 15, 1971 at 6:03 PMEndTuesday, June 15, 1971 at 6:21 PMTape start time00:00:50Tape end time00:03:15ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the administration's strategic response to the publication of the Pentagon Papers, focusing on mobilizing editorial support to counter the New York Times. Nixon emphasizes the need to frame the unauthorized disclosure of secret documents as a violation of law and suggests leveraging William P. Rogers to spearhead this public messaging campaign. The pair also touches on an upcoming congressional vote and the status of Vietnam peace negotiations regarding the release of prisoners of war.

Pentagon PapersFreedom of the PressMedia RelationsVietnam WarPrisoners of WarPublic Relations Strategy
AudioNARA Description

On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:03 pm and 6:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 261-001 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 261-1

Date: June 15, 1971
Time: Unknown between 6:03 pm and 6:21 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with an unknown person [H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman?]

     Unfavorable New York Times article

     Pentagon Papers
          -Need for support from newspaper editors
          -John N. Mitchell
          -Henry A. Kissinger
          -Media actions
          -William P. Rogers
          -Vice President Spiro T. Agnew

     Upcoming Congressional vote, June 16
         -Ted Stevens

     Vietnam negotiations
          -Prisoners of War [POWs] release
          -Kissinger
          -Clark MacGregor
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 think that one thing in terms of that project is to get some thoughtful editorial comment against the Times on this.
I mean, then some editors ought to have the responsibility and the courage to speak up on this thing.
They weren't aware of the nature of it, but it was easy.
To get out on it, that's the way that you get out.
I don't know how many, for example, would do, but it would be a very good story to read.
I'm thinking that we could, the thing like this, I mean, this kind of event, like trying to do your own news, have millions of concern, because you said they were kind of on our decision.
There's no right to know, there's no goddamn right to know secret documents.
I don't know.
And the point is that they're, you know how the press always says, that's why we've got to really put on the business that they're violating, you know, they're violating the law and the breakfast.
We'll need to get Roger to listen to this.
He'd be the best one to fight this battle if he will.
Decide if he's responsible and so forth.
If you get all that, you'll get him.
Yeah, yeah.
Anything for this very study.
It's not on the ground, but it's being a legal case.
That boat is tomorrow.
I got a lot of crazy revelations.
They released all prisoners.
Nine months after that, they broke it down.
That's all.
Henry said it was gone off.
It never happens.
It doesn't like going long or great.
I just don't think it's going to have a lot of effect.
I don't know.
I can't follow all these things.
Who's in charge?
Well, you've got to say that.
Who's in charge?
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