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Conversation 321-029

TapeTape 321StartWednesday, March 8, 1972 at 4:56 PMEndWednesday, March 8, 1972 at 5:01 PMTape start time02:56:46Tape end time03:00:55ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinate their strategy for addressing potential media or diplomatic inquiries regarding the "renunciation of force" concerning Taiwan. They decide to deflect specific questions by framing their stance within the context of a peaceful settlement, intentionally avoiding a definitive commitment. Nixon affirms his full confidence in Kissinger's handling of the negotiations as they prepare for upcoming high-stakes discussions.

TaiwanRenunciation of forceDiplomatic strategyForeign policyMedia relations
AudioNARA Description

On March 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:56 pm to 5:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 321-029 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 321-29

Time: 4:56 pm - 5:01 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

Henry A. Kissinger talked with the President

[See Conversation No. 21-24]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah.
Yeah.
Hello.
I suppose you're with your friend right now, huh?
Well, let me figure it out.
I was wondering about the, you know, they remember the question about, was there a renunciation of force?
If I could find even, put it this way, I do not expect the use of force on either side of the island space.
No, I don't want to say anything.
I just wouldn't answer it correctly.
I don't anticipate it would be important.
Well, the better thing, then, is to just say, I don't want to, I just, that question might come.
I think you might say that we've stayed in a position where...
Now, let's see.
I think that's a very clever way to handle it, to say the prospect, with the prospect of a peaceful settlement in mind, that it was carefully chosen, and I won't go beyond that.
I don't want to lose you, but I have my approval.
Okay.
Just say that I don't have my approval, but that's my order.
I'm not going to screw around any more.
Well, you'll do a hell of a job, and you have my confidence.
And, uh... Yeah, I'll find a way to do the same.
Uh, this, uh...
I know there's one thing we did not include.
I was taking out the pages, you know, that they had given.
I know it's one thing he did not include, but they had in his draft.
Well, I meant, that's a long line to what he's raising.
But I don't think I ever heard that raised.
OK. All right.
Thank you.
Thank you.
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