President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler coordinated the administration's public messaging following the President's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The discussion focused on drafting a press statement that would emphasize American accountability regarding the refugee crisis and signal a commitment to avoiding military conflict. They also evaluated how to address geopolitical tensions involving Pakistani President Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan and potential public statements from Gandhi.
On November 4, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:37 pm to 12:40 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 613-017 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 613-017
Date: November 4, 1971
Time: 12:37 pm - 12:40 pm
Location: Oval Office
The President met with Ronald L. Ziegler.
[The recording begins at an unknown time while the meeting is in progress]
The President's previous meeting with Indira Gandhi
-Ziegler's forthcoming press statement
-Agenda of meeting
-Bilateral relations
-Refugees
-Agha Muhommad Yahya Khan
-Gandhi's possible statement
The conversation was cut off at an unknown time before 12:40 pm.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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.