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Conversation 336-046

TapeTape 336StartMonday, May 8, 1972 at 5:55 PMEndMonday, May 8, 1972 at 6:09 PMTape start time02:26:48Tape end time02:27:33ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the messaging and strategic implications of the President’s upcoming speech concerning the war in Vietnam. They focused on the necessity of maintaining American credibility and military commitment to avoid the consequences of an abrupt withdrawal. The conversation served as a final review of the speech text, specifically addressing the editing of press copies and the removal of certain references to ensure the administration's policy position remained firm.

Vietnam WarPresidential speechesForeign policyMilitary strategyNational security
AudioNARA Description

On May 8, 1972, 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 5:55 pm and 6:09 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 336-046 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 336-46

Date: May 8, 1972
Time: Unknown between 5:55 and 6:09 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Henry A. Kissinger.

     Vietnam
          -President’s speech
                -Press copy
                -Deletion

                                         (rev. Nov-01)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

They needed to draw a law on our importance.
They didn't have to negotiate, or the types of military action they had to hold.
I know that many Americans, they were the first person to mention it.
They believed the way they had to hold those things, they had to chase it out and remove the present barricade rules, that's the way they were drawn to it.
They believed it was kind of hard, so they had just a choice.
They did not sign a word on it.
They did not.
They did not.
They did not.
They did not.
But abandoning our commitment to Vietnam here now would mean turning over to some people in South Korea to be able to come and share it with the Kurds.
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