Conversation 278-058

TapeTape 278StartThursday, September 16, 1971 at 11:50 AMEndThursday, September 16, 1971 at 1:45 PMTape start time02:56:19Tape end time02:59:20ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the management of a pending announcement regarding an accidental event. The two determined that the situation would not be made public that day to ensure proper coordination. They agreed to deflect press inquiries by stating that the matter remained under active consideration.

Accidental WarPublic RelationsForeign PolicyCrisis Management

Audio

NARA Description

On September 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:50 am and 1:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 278-058 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 278-58

Date: September 16, 1971
Time: Unknown between 11:50 am and 1:45 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Henry A. Kissinger.

     Accidental War announcement
          -Timing
          -Wording
                -Status of situation
                                            43

                         NIXON PRESIDENTIAL MATERIALS STAFF

                                     Tape Subject Log
                                       (rev. 10/06)

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Do I understand that we are not to announce the accidental event today?

They don't want to announce it.

Okay.

So what we'll just simply say is, well, the matter is under very active consideration.

I've got to shoot.

OK.

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