Conversation 439-006

TapeTape 439StartMonday, May 21, 1973 at 11:48 AMEndMonday, May 21, 1973 at 11:51 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the strategic presentation of specific information to an unnamed individual, emphasizing the need to provide factual support for a desired narrative. The pair discusses the timing and methodology for releasing this material, balancing the preference for a structured timeline versus a continuous flow of communication. Nixon underscores his desire to guide the approach without appearing to rigidly dictate the final execution.

Information managementStrategic communicationWhite House coordinationPublic relationsPresidential strategy

Audio

NARA Description

On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 11:48 am to 11:51 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-006 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 439-6

Date: May 21, 1973
Time: 11:48 am - 11:51 am
Location: Old Executive Office Building

President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

[See Conversation No. 46-125]

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hi, Al, do you have an enemy?

Oh, I'm sorry.

I was thinking that maybe on... Do you want to come over now?

Or do you want to work on it first?

Well, I just want to say that, in other words, he's got facts that he needs.

In other words, he's got something to help him right.

That's the point.

And there's the evening that we want to put this in.

Right, leave that up.

Oh, sure, sure, sure.

Do you understand?

I'm not dictating.

I'm just throwing a sentence.

But he did think that putting in some of this was like a good idea.

Okay.

Al, then how are we leaving?

Do you still want to stick to a clock?

Or is that better than doing it all the time?

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