Conversation 498-016

TapeTape 498StartThursday, May 13, 1971 at 4:28 PMEndThursday, May 13, 1971 at 4:31 PMTape start time05:11:15Tape end time05:13:11ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceOval Office

AI Summary

President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed a strategic plan to secure public support for a forthcoming presidential statement by utilizing endorsements from former Cabinet members. The discussion focused on coordinating these endorsements, specifically involving Dean Acheson and William P. Rogers, to bolster the administration's position. Haig outlined the procedure for staging these endorsements to ensure maximum political impact for the President's signature.

Dean AchesonWilliam P. RogersPublic relationsPresidential statementsCabinet endorsements

Audio

NARA Description

On May 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:28 pm to 4:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 498-016 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 498-016

Date: May 13, 1971
Time: 4:28 pm - 4:31 pm
Location: Oval Office

The President met with General Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
     Henry A. Kissinger's conversation with Anatoliy F. Dobrynin

     The President's schedule
          -Forthcoming statement
                -Dean G. Acheson, William P. Rogers
                      -Possible statement by the President endorsed by former Cabinet officers

     [Unintelligible]

The President and Haig left at 4:31 pm

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Are they in there?

Yes, sir.

Everyone's in there.

Now what we intend to do is for you to table this.

We intend to put out this statement

And Dean Acheson will say that he would like to go around and support that statement.

And when he has concluded them, then we would push the statement under your signature with the endorsing individuals.

And that will be a host of the former secretaries of state, former secretaries of state, by you, to be signed by you.

Beware.

Don't let any of these save your boss.

← 498-015 498-017 →