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Conversation 338-013

TapeTape 338StartTuesday, May 9, 1972 at 11:24 AMEndTuesday, May 9, 1972 at 11:32 AMTape start time00:38:10Tape end time00:39:20ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed managing the public relations response to ongoing military operations in Vietnam, specifically focusing on the potential for Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird to appear on television. The President directed Laird to cancel his scheduled travel to prioritize this media engagement and take responsibility for managing the release of photographic evidence related to the naval blockade. The conversation centers on coordinating the administration’s messaging strategy to ensure the military's current posture is effectively communicated to the public.

Vietnam WarMelvin LairdPublic RelationsNaval BlockadeMedia StrategyMilitary Operations
AudioNARA Description

On May 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:24 am and 11:32 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 338-013 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 338-13

Date: May 9, 1972
Time: Unknown between 11:24 and 11:32 am
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman.

     Vietnam
          -President's talk with Melvin R. Laird
                -Laird's possible television appearance
                      -Scheduling in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee
                      -Henry A. Kissinger
                      -Haldeman
                      -Forthcoming television appearance
          -Blockade
                -Photographs
                -Release
                -Public relations efforts
                      -Laird
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

The most important thing I forgot to mention, I talked to Laird about military operations, and I asked him how he was doing, and he said, like, he had a schedule to go on a three-day trip to Florida and New York, and I said, well, I wanted to.
Well, then I told him how he was doing today, and he said, well, maybe I should cancel on time.
I said, well, we'll do check and recall.
See, I'm inclined to admit that we ought to put Laird on tomorrow and eat meals that we really want to do good.
Okay.
And I also mentioned the picture to him.
He said, well, they had this report for the money, a pilot's report at this point.
One time on the ship.
So he said, what did you do?
And I said, look, now I want you to take responsibility.
I said, you know, they forgot more about this than most people.
You have to come to our account and do that.
And I said, so we'll do the talk later.
So I reported that to you.
We appreciate your advice.
On the hour and time.
Okay, good.
They're still there, huh?
Okay.
Oh, no, not great, since they get back home.
They haven't, well, since they get back, haven't moved from over here to here.
That place is...
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