← 040-030040-032 →

Conversation 040-031

TapeTape 40StartTuesday, June 12, 1973 at 1:15 PMEndTuesday, June 12, 1973 at 1:16 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Scowcroft, Brent G. (Gen.)Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon instructed General Brent Scowcroft to relay a personal message to South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu regarding ongoing Vietnam negotiations. Nixon promised to issue a unilateral public statement—separate from the Joint Communiqué—reaffirming specific commitments on elections to address Thieu’s concerns. Scowcroft was directed to ensure Thieu understands this commitment will be personally delivered by Nixon and emphasized during an upcoming meeting with congressional leaders.

Vietnam negotiationsNguyen Van ThieuSouth Vietnam electionsForeign policyDiplomatic communications
AudioNARA Description

On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft talked on the telephone from 1:15 pm to 1:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-031 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 40-31

Date: June 12, 1973
Time: 1:15 pm - 1:16 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft.

[See also Conversation No. 444-16]

     Vietnam negotiations
          -Cable to Saigon
               -Nguyen Van Thieu
               -President’s statement
                      -South Vietnam [?] elections
                      -Thieu’s views
                      -Compared to Joint Communique, briefing
                      -Meeting with congressional leaders
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yes, Mr. President.
Put in that message, that 2-2, a personal message for me, that President 2 has the President Nixon's personal assurance that President Nixon will make a personal, unilateral statement.
regard to the two points he's concerned about, reaffirming the election things and the other point.
You see what I mean?
I certainly do.
And that I will do that and that I will clear the statement with him in advance to be sure that it's satisfactory.
I think that would be very useful.
Fine.
Tell him that I want him to know that I personally will do it apart from the communique, apart from the briefing.
The President wants him to know because he personally will do it and he will also emphasize that to the congressional leaders when he meets them tomorrow.
Okay.
Very good.
Fine.
Yes, Mr. President.
Very good.
← 040-030040-032 →