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Conversation 287-023

TapeTape 287StartMonday, October 11, 1971 at 5:50 PMEndMonday, October 11, 1971 at 5:55 PMTape start time02:50:09Tape end time02:52:42ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob");  Nixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review the President's upcoming schedule and coordinate logistics for the administration's historic trip to the People's Republic of China. The discussion focused on managing media coverage and ensuring effective communication regarding the delegation's secret service and support staff requirements. Nixon emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the China summit, tasking Haldeman with ensuring that preparations—particularly regarding press strategy—were executed precisely to maximize favorable visibility.

Richard NixonH. R. HaldemanChina visitForeign policyMedia strategyWhite House logistics
AudioNARA Description

On October 11, 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 5:50 pm and 5:55 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 287-023 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 287-23

Date: October 11, 1971

Time: Unknown between 5:50 pm and 5:55 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

     The President's schedule
          -Henry A. Kissinger
          -George P. Shultz
          -Unnamed person
               -Previous meeting with the President
          -Pakistan Ambassador

     President’s forthcoming trip to the People’s Republic of China [PRC]
           -US support staff
                -Communications
                -Secret Service
           -Kissinger
                -Purpose of meeting
                      -Press
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 can't quite understand it.
He still doesn't realize it, but I did see him, and I gave him a picture, and God bless, and everything, and he left.
He wants to come again, but...
Right.
Why don't you do it, Mark?
You know, he says he's done.
He's forgotten that he's his sister-in-law.
I don't know what it is.
I don't want to meet with him.
Well, no, but I mean, he's going to have a hell of a problem.
I don't know if it's the duration of the... the name of the...
I see now, Bob.
Oh, I'm just cold.
I think you're all right.
I appreciate it.
You've got to communicate with people straight away.
I see.
Well, Henry, of course, as I say, and I'll talk to him about pressing the necessary, because he has got to realize that this meeting is the primary of the four pranks.
You know what I mean?
And I don't know.
I don't know.
I don't know.
Well, the thing is, Bob, if you go over there and screw it up, you must not do that.
We've just got to do our best to have the news playing the maximum.
OK.
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