Conversation 045-160

TapeTape 45StartTuesday, May 8, 1973 at 7:41 PMEndTuesday, May 8, 1973 at 7:42 PMParticipantsHaig, Alexander M., Jr.; Nixon, Richard M. (President)Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

AI Summary

President Nixon instructed Alexander Haig to ensure H. R. Haldeman testified fully before the Grand Jury regarding his upcoming appearance. Fearing an appearance of obstruction, Nixon explicitly directed Haig to communicate that Haldeman should not cite executive privilege to withhold details about conversations in the Oval Office. The conversation served to emphasize the need for transparency to prevent the perception of a cover-up.

WatergateH. R. HaldemanGrand JuryExecutive PrivilegeTestimony

Audio

NARA Description

On May 8, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone from 7:41 pm to 7:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-160 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 45-160

Date: May 8, 1973
Time: 7:41 pm - 7:42 pm
Location: White House Telephone

Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked with the President.
                                               -101-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                      (rev. October-2012)

                                                            Conversation No. 45-160 (cont’d)

[See also Conversation No. 433-76]

     Watergate
          -H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman
                -Forthcoming Grand Jury appearance
                      -Need for full disclosure

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

General Haig, sir?

Yes, sir.

I understand that you said that Bob was going to be before the Grand Jury tomorrow.

That's right.

That's my understanding.

It's very important that he is forthcoming as possible with regard to any conversations that occurred, like if they asked about, you know,

He doesn't just say, well, that occurred in the Office of the President, and I will not testify on that.

You understand what I mean?

I understand exactly.

And be sure he understands that, that he should be as forthcoming as possible without saying, well, I can't go on to do that, but I want to tell you this, that, blah, blah, blah.

You know what I mean?

Exactly.

So that he doesn't appear to be covering up.

Right.

Okay.

I understand.

All right.

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