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Conversation 046-017

TapeTape 46StartFriday, May 11, 1973 at 3:21 PMEndFriday, May 11, 1973 at 3:22 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon directs Alexander Haig to prioritize the urgent location of a specific document, insisting that his staff conduct a comprehensive search of the White House. Emphasizing a shift toward a public relations strategy, Nixon instructs Haig to leak the document to the press before it is submitted to the judge handling the case. This exchange highlights the administration’s focus on controlling the public narrative regarding Watergate-related materials.

WatergatePublic relations strategyInformation leaksWhite House documentsAlexander Haig
AudioNARA Description

On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 3:21 pm to 3:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-017 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 46-17

Date: May 11, 1973
Time: 3:21 pm - 3:22 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

[See also Conversation No. 434-30]

     Watergate
          -Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] files
               -Lawrence M. Higby
                     -Tod R. Hullin
                     -Rose Mary Woods
               -Need for public relations
                     -Leaks
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Al.
Yes, sir.
As soon as you find that document, I want you to bring it over.
I want to look at it.
Good.
You haven't found it yet?
No, sir.
God damn it, it's someplace in this house because it's supposed to be under lock and key someplace.
Who are you in touch with?
Helen or...
Yes, Larry's been checking Helen and Rose and— So she doesn't have anything?
Yeah, the girl that had the big ball, they're checking her.
Fine.
Okay.
All right.
But just make a crash search, because I think I may want to leak it today.
Okay.
Let me tell you, the whole game here now, which you've got to realize, which you and I haven't played much before—
It's all PR now.
Now, God damn it, instead of sending it out to that judge, let him sit on it for a week.
I'd put it out.
No, we can be sure that it gets out at the same time.
No, but I mean... Not at the same time.
Get it out before he gets it.
Before he gets it.
You're goddamn right, Sue.
That's right.
It leaks, and then he gets it.
Okay.
Good, sir.
Right.
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