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Conversation 634-009

TapeTape 634StartThursday, December 9, 1971 at 3:32 PMEndThursday, December 9, 1971 at 3:36 PMTape start time01:03:24Tape end time01:08:38ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Arguelles, Jaime;  Haig, Alexander M., Jr.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon met with Jaime Arguelles and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss a letter from Spanish leader Francisco Franco regarding Spain's position on Law of the Sea negotiations. Beyond the diplomatic correspondence, the conversation largely consisted of pleasantries and an exchange of personal regards. The President fondly recalled his previous visit to Spain and extended an open invitation for Franco’s grandchildren to contact the White House if they visit the United States.

Francisco FrancoLaw of the SeaUS-Spain relationsDiplomacyForeign policy
AudioNARA Description

On December 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Jaime Arguelles, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House from 3:32 pm to 3:36 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 634-009 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 634-9

Date: December 9, 1971
Time: 3:32 pm - 3:36 pm
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Jaime Arguelles and Alexander M. Haig, Jr.

     Greetings

     Letter from Gen. Francisco Franco
           -Spain's “Law-of-the-Sea” position
                -State Department

     The President's regards to Franco
          -President’s previous visit to Spain
                -Reception
          -Franco's Family
                -Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon
                -Daughter and grandchildren
                      -Location
                -Henry A. Kissinger

     Closing remarks
          -Invitation from the President

Arguelles and Haig left at 3:36 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

It's good to see you, Pat.
We seem to have a bit of a war.
I'm trying to sleep, but I don't know what I'm trying to sleep on.
I'm actually, that's what I'm making.
I'm doing what I said this morning, so I'm... No doubt at all.
Absolutely.
This is the letter.
Yes.
All right.
I think the point of this is to make sure that it's not official.
That's fine.
I will.
The law of the city.
Yes.
I think so, sir.
The man with the glasses.
You have a special problem, because he knows you.
We do.
He's looking for me.
He's looking for me.
He's looking for me.
He's looking for me.
He's looking for me.
That's very, very reasonable.
And we're looking at it in different kinds of ways.
Sure.
We know that in such matters of this sort, the public starts to work out in terms of their interests.
And we've done very well working on that.
We've done a good thing.
Thank God.
It's good.
It's good.
And the visit that was made here was good.
Excellent.
And we will never forget our reception.
It was the greatest day of all.
I'm looking forward to going back sometime.
Well, see you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I also told him that I remembered his granddaughter.
and, uh, and, uh, grandchildren in the United States.
We haven't seen them, but if they come, it's just actually what I'd like to do.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
Well, actually, I'm here.
the main trip, I mean, the German, well, now they should come, you know, I mean, it's dark.
But if they should come, I mean, sometimes in the fear, you get a hold of, I don't know how to use your name, is this because...
They said they were going to have a party, you know, or something.
And at the end of the day, we consider them rather special people.
And whenever they come, you let us know.
Because they told us they were going to have a party.
Yeah.
Thank you very much.
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