Conversation 297-032

TapeTape 297StartFriday, November 12, 1971 at 12:59 PMEndFriday, November 12, 1971 at 2:20 PMTape start time01:51:14Tape end time01:52:27ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger deliberated on the messaging strategy for an upcoming announcement regarding U.S. troop withdrawals in Vietnam. They assessed how to respond to potential press inquiries concerning the pace of the withdrawal and specifically debated whether to explicitly characterize the policy as an increased rate of removal. The two agreed on a strategy for managing follow-up questions from the media to ensure the administration's narrative remained controlled.

Vietnam WarTroop withdrawalPress relationsForeign policy messagingPublic communications

Audio

NARA Description

On November 12, 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 12:59 pm and 2:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 297-032 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 297-32

Date: November 12, 1971
Time: Unknown between 12:59 pm and 2:20 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Henry A. Kissinger.

       Vietnam
            -The President's forthcoming troop withdrawal announcement
                 -Possible press questions
                       -Rate of withdrawal
                              -Paper

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Is it in your opinion that it would be best for me not to say that we are increasing the rate of withdrawal?

Now, they will all say that, of course.

I don't hate to say it, but if it's not what you said, anyway, I suppose we should get the pass.

There's a paper that says this is actually an increased rate of destruction online, etc.

That doesn't bother you to have an answer?

I suppose it's got to be written that way.

The main thing is the follow-up question, and I'll handle it.

Okay.

I'll...

I'll skip Mark.

Okay.

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