President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the handling of sensitive White House memoranda and internal records in the context of the unfolding Watergate investigation. They specifically evaluate the potential risks associated with releasing these documents, comparing them to personal diaries, and assess the implications of testimony involving John Dean and the FBI. The discussion reflects the administration's strategic efforts to manage the disclosure of internal materials while anticipating the legal and political fallout of the scandal.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:51 pm and 4:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-032 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 435-32
Date: May 15, 1973
Time: Unknown between 3:51 pm and 4:19 pm
Location: Executive Office Building
The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
Watergate
-Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI]
-Unknown man’s possible testimony
Memoranda of conversation [memcons]
-Compared to diary
-Release
-John W. Dean, IIIThis 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.