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Conversation 491-021

TapeTape 491StartWednesday, May 5, 1971 at 10:27 AMEndWednesday, May 5, 1971 at 10:30 AMTape start time03:18:14Tape end time03:20:00ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Mitchell, John N.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the security management of ongoing anti-war demonstrations in Washington, specifically focusing on the coordination between military and civilian authorities. They address the role of the Capitol Police in handling protesters on congressional grounds and express a cynical willingness to let law enforcement use force if necessary. The President emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear jurisdictional responsibility for the crowd control operations to ensure the demonstrations proceed according to the administration's plan.

Anti-war demonstrationsCapitol PoliceLaw enforcementMilitary coordinationCivil unrest
AudioNARA Description

On May 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and John N. Mitchell met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:27 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 491-021 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 491-21

Date: May 5, 1971
Time: Unknown between 10:27 am and 10:30 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with an unknown man [John N. Mitchell?].

     Thaddeus R. Beal
         -Military preparations
               -Demonstrations

     Demonstrations
         -President's previous conversation with Melvin R. Laird
         -Congress
               -Capitol police
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

who was sort of in charge of the Pentagon or military on this, on these last three days.
I thought since having called both the chief and called Washington, I ought to call somebody on that side.
I called Kline.
Kline is talking to Laird.
He said it was an undersecretary of the Army, somebody who's... Yeah, he's... Well, I won't call it that.
Okay, good.
I thought it was a good idea for me to call him so he knows that we and the military have done a hell of a good job.
Fine.
Everything that seems to me is going about according to plan today, isn't it?
How many will there be?
As far as Congress is concerned, isn't that then the responsibility of the Capitol Police once they get up there?
Let's be sure that gets around.
Those guys, they could lose their heads and start beating up a few of these people.
Let them do it.
We won't.
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