← 336-053336-055 →

Conversation 336-054

TapeTape 336StartMonday, May 8, 1972 at 6:14 PMEndMonday, May 8, 1972 at 6:22 PMTape start time02:38:12Tape end time02:38:25ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the strategic rationale behind the administration's recent escalation of the Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the decision to mine North Vietnamese harbors. Nixon emphasizes that these actions are not intended to expand the conflict, but are necessary measures to secure a lasting and honorable peace. He seeks Kissinger's alignment in maintaining national resolve to ensure the policy succeeds in achieving a favorable conclusion to the war.

Vietnam Warpeace negotiationsmilitary strategyOperation Pocket Moneynational 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 6:14 pm and 6:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 336-054 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 336-54

Date: May 8, 1972
Time: Unknown between 6:19 and 6:22 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with Henry A. Kissinger.

     Meeting with the President
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 ask you for the same strong support that you've always been
It is you most of all who will be watching.
I know that you want to end this war.
I know how much you want to regret it.
I need you to know that all that I have said and done in this past three and a half years, I will try to do my end to war right now.
You want peace.
I want peace.
But you also want honor, not defeat.
You want a temperate peace, not a peace that is merely afraid to do what I want.
At this moment, we must stand together in purpose.
And so often in the past, we Americans did not choose to serve in the course of office.
I had a mini-division on 110, where every vote was sure we could make the race.
But what did I do?
I asked for your support in this decision, a decision which has only one purpose, not to expand the war, not to escalate the war, but to end this war and win the kind of peace that will last.
With God's help and your support, we will accomplish that critical task.
← 336-053336-055 →