President Nixon and Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth Rush discussed the administration's firm stance on ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon praised Rush for his public defense of the administration's policies and reiterated the government's commitment to its recent peace proposal, which offered a full withdrawal of troops within four months in exchange for a ceasefire and the release of American prisoners. The conversation underscored the administration's resolve to remain on course while pressuring North Vietnam to accept the conciliatory terms.
On May 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and [David] Kenneth Rush met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:53 am and 11:56 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 338-021 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 338-21
Date: May 9, 1972
Time: Unknown after 11:53-11:56 am
Location: Executive Office Building
The White House operator talked with the President.
(rev. Dec-01)
The President talked with [David] Kenneth Rush between 11:55 and 11:56 am.
[See Conversation No. 24-50]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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.