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Conversation 274-013

TapeTape 274StartMonday, August 16, 1971 at 3:01 PMEndMonday, August 16, 1971 at 3:37 PMTape start time00:19:53Tape end time00:22:37ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss ongoing Vietnam War negotiations, specifically focusing on the status of the Demilitarized Zone. Nixon expressed concern regarding the duration of potential talks, cautioning against being drawn into an unproductive dialogue that might leave the administration vulnerable to military provocation. The discussion centered on the necessity of Henry Kissinger’s involvement and the strategic timing required to maintain leverage during the negotiation cycles.

Vietnam WarPeace NegotiationsDemilitarized ZoneHenry KissingerMilitary Strategy
AudioNARA Description

On August 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:01 pm and 3:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 274-013 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 274-13

Date: August 16, 1971
Time: Unknown between 3:01 pm and 3:37 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

     Vietnam
          -Negotiations
              -Demilitarized Zone [DMZ]
              -Henry A. Kissinger
              -Duration
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

All right.
All right.
Hello, Al.
Yeah, maybe about Jeff.
All right.
Oh, sure.
I think they probably just had another sitting here.
Well, that would indicate that they weren't here.
Well, if that's the way they're going to play, then you've got to play it under DMT, so...
There's Hellwood.
I'd like to see Henry go rushing over there.
There he goes.
Henry's got to go over there.
I don't know.
Maybe we'll see, guys.
I guess you've just got to be sure, though, that you don't get a little long here, too long here.
I don't want them to be in a situation where they think we're going to be talking, and they bang us, and they bang us, and all that, before they watch us.
I'll hang up.
So I was thinking that a very good theme for you in your personal conversations with the graduates and the rest of the students is thinking about the development of talent.
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