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Conversation 046-132

TapeTape 46StartMonday, May 21, 1973 at 5:28 PMEndMonday, May 21, 1973 at 5:29 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the precise wording of an upcoming White House statement regarding the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasizes the need to avoid phrasing that could be exploited by the press, specifically instructing Ziegler and Patrick Buchanan to ensure the language does not imply that Watergate is damaging his foreign policy initiatives. This directive follows concerns over recent negative media coverage sparked by remarks made by Henry Kissinger.

WatergateWhite House press strategyRichard NixonRonald Zieglermedia relationsforeign policy
AudioNARA Description

On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 5:28 pm to 5:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-132 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 46-132

Date: May 21, 1973
Time: 5:28 pm - 5:29 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See also Conversation No. 439-26]

     Watergate
          -Forthcoming White House statement
                -Wording
                     -Patrick J. Buchanan
                -Henry A. Kissinger’s comment to editors
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Thank you, sir.
Yes, sir.
Ron, you're editing just one other point that's related on your first page.
Uh-huh.
You noticed I had said these charges are if unanswered.
Yes, sir.
And I think it's very important that the first sentence also be changed.
Everything on mine, you see, allegations surrounding the rioting event have so escalated recently as to impugn the dignity of the president.
I don't think we should ever, I think allegations surrounding the rioting event have so escalated
I believe a presidential statement on the whole matter is now required or something like that.
Okay, yes, I agree.
You see the point.
The moment, you know enough, and you and Buchanan have got to look at this, about what the newsies pick out, and I don't want them to pick out things like that to say, like Henry's comment, you know, when he spoke to the editors up there, they made the big lead.
Watergate impairs our foreign policy or something like that.
Great.
Okay, fine.
All right.
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