Conversation 395-001

TapeTape 395StartMonday, January 8, 1973 at 5:32 PMEndMonday, January 8, 1973 at 5:34 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Kennedy, Richard T. (Col.)Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon and Col. Richard T. Kennedy met to assess the volatile military and political landscape surrounding a potential Vietnam cease-fire. The discussion focused on evaluating local political dynamics and the efficacy of previous reporting regarding the conflict's damage. Ultimately, Nixon directed Kennedy to present these findings to the White House press corps the following day to better manage public perception.

Vietnam WarCease-fireMilitary strategyPress relationsRichard T. Kennedy

Audio

NARA Description

On January 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Col. Richard T. Kennedy met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:32 pm and 5:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 395-001 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 394-21/395-1

Date: January 8, 1973
Time: Unknown between 5:32 pm and 5:34 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President met with Col. Richard T. Kennedy.

[This recording is a continuation of Conversation No. 394-21. An unknown portion of this
conversation was not recorded while the tape was changed.]

       Vietnam settlement
            -Possible cease-fire
                  -Local political situation
                  -Military situation
                  -Possible press coverage
                        -The President’s forthcoming call to Howard K. Smith [?]

Kennedy left at 5:34 pm.

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

which wasn't really political at that time.

Yes, sir.

I've heard that.

I guess we have.

We've got all kinds of reports, all kinds of reports, even in the happy side, about the amount of evidence that was put into the local political apparatus.

Yeah, I'm ready for it.

This is where the military had an enormous amount of plans, which just happened.

It was a fickle partnership, not really facing up to the reality that it could happen.

It's got a lot of work to do.

There's still a lot more that can happen.

Thank you.

You sent over a special report to Hollywood, that's a fact.

Oh.

And I thought that you got a pretty good exposure of the enormous damage that had to do with it.

So if you could appear before the White House press corps.

Sure.

Do you want to do it tomorrow?

Tomorrow?

Sure.

I'll, I'll, I'll work it out.

Alright.

Thank you.

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