Conversation 467-014

TapeTape 467StartWednesday, March 17, 1971 at 9:10 AMEndWednesday, March 17, 1971 at 9:14 AMTape start time00:38:23Tape end time00:41:15ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Moorer, Thomas H. (Adm.)Recording deviceOval Office

AI Summary

President Nixon met with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer to address inaccuracies in press reporting concerning the military situation in Laos, specifically Operation Lam Son. They discussed erroneous Associated Press and Time magazine accounts regarding ARVN troop movements and enemy logistics along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Nixon emphasized a preference for factual reporting over optimistic spin, directing Moorer to ensure public messaging remained grounded in actual military results.

Operation Lam SonLaosMedia coverageARVNHo Chi Minh TrailMilitary intelligence

Audio

NARA Description

On March 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Adm. Thomas H. Moorer met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:10 am to 9:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 467-014 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 467-14

Date: March 17, 1971
Time: 9:10 am - 9:14 am
Location: Oval Office
                                                                   Conv. No. 467-11 (cont.)
The President talked with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer

     Laotian operation (Lam Son)
          -Military situation
                -Associated Press Report
                      -Army of the Republic of Vietnam [ARVN]
                            -Inaccuracy
                      -General Creighton W. Abrams, Jr.
                -Time magazine report
                      -Ho Chi Minh Trail
                            -Truck traffic
                                 -Inaccuracy
                -Tchepone
                -Air strikes
                      -Weather
                -Press reports
                      -Inaccuracies

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

just some sort of AP report that they've driven off on two bases.

That actually is not accurate, is it?

That calls, well, I don't know how, because Abrams or somebody else was supposed to be knocked out there.

I guess you try.

Yeah, yeah, 23, yeah.

Good.

Okay, well, I said I don't care.

I don't want to put on any more positive than actual facts.

I look at it.

The press reports are grossly exaggerated with regard to their movements.

Everybody stay in.

Oh.

Sure.

I'll have time to keep you busy up there.

All right.

Well, thank you very much.

← 467-013 467-015 →