President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the intensity and public messaging surrounding U.S. bombing operations in North Vietnam. The two reviewed recent casualty figures and confirmed that the current military approach remained consistent with established "protective reaction" policies. They ultimately reached a consensus that no deviation from their existing public stance on these air strikes was necessary.
On March 22, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:03 pm and 5:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 324-040 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 324-40
Date: March 22, 1972
Time: Unknown between 4:03 pm and 5:00 pm
Location: Executive Office Building
The President talked with an unknown person [Alexander M. Haig ?].
Vietnam
-Bombing
-Intensity
-Public statements
-North Vietnam
-“Protective reaction”
-Casualties
-Prior weekThis 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.