President Nixon directed Alexander Haig to conduct a detailed review of U.S. foreign aid programs provided to various African nations. The President specifically requested that Haig identify countries based on the status of their leadership and electoral legitimacy, emphasizing a preference for supporting regimes with contested, elected leadership. Haig acknowledged these instructions, setting the stage for a strategic reevaluation of how economic, military, and food assistance is distributed across the continent.
On September 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 11:59 am to 12:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 277-005 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 277-5 Date: September 15, 1971 Time: 11:59 am - 12:01 pm Location: Executive Office Building The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. [See Conversation No. 9-15]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.