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Conversation 297-035

TapeTape 297StartFriday, November 12, 1971 at 12:59 PMEndFriday, November 12, 1971 at 2:20 PMTape start time01:54:11Tape end time01:56:39ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the messaging strategy regarding an upcoming troop withdrawal announcement in Vietnam. They focused on how to handle potential press inquiries, specifically addressing whether or not to disclose specific numbers or dates related to the withdrawal. The conversation concluded with the President deciding to withhold specific figures to maintain leverage in ongoing negotiations with North Vietnam.

Vietnam WarTroop withdrawalsHenry KissingerPress relationsForeign policy
AudioNARA 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 297-035 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 297-35

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
                       -Ronald L. Ziegler
                       -Negotiations with North Vietnam
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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'm not going to give you the number at all.
All right.
All right.
You know, he'd check around, I don't know what these guys were up to.
He said, why are you on the line for a seven-pitch withdrawal date?
My only report was a suggestion.
And I said that it was going to result in us doing a seven-pitch date.
The answer to that is that they haven't said anything.
Yeah.
That's what I thought, but I just want to be sure I'm correct.
They have never said they do, though.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Right.
I understand.
Okay.
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