President Nixon and Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott discuss Scott’s recent public performance, with Nixon expressing strong approval of his messaging. The conversation centers on the necessity of secret diplomacy, with Nixon framing the protection of classified information as essential to the success of foreign policy initiatives like opening relations with China, arms limitation with the Soviets, and the return of POWs from Vietnam. Nixon emphasizes the irony of critics undermining national security while the administration attempts to secure long-term peace through confidential negotiations.
On May 24, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Hugh Scott met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:36 pm to 1:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 440-038 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 440-38 Date: May 24, 1973 Time: 1:36 pm - 1:38 pm Location: Old Executive Office Building The President talked with Hugh Scott. [See Conversation No. 39-4]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.