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Conversation 668-015

TapeTape 668StartWednesday, February 9, 1972 at 11:20 AMEndWednesday, February 9, 1972 at 11:21 AMTape start time03:02:35Tape end time03:05:26ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.;  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the public and political reception of the President's recent radio address regarding the Vietnam War. Kissinger offered analysis on the motivations of administration critics, focusing on the intersection of patriotism and policy dissent. The participants framed the President’s withdrawal efforts as a significant achievement in reducing casualties and ending the conflict responsibly.

Vietnam WarPublic relationsForeign policyAnti-war movementPresidential speech
AudioNARA Description

On February 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, Henry A. Kissinger, and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:20 am to 11:21 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 668-015 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 668-15

Date: February 9, 1972
Time: 11:20 am - 11:21 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Henry A. Kissinger and Ronald L. Ziegler.

     The President’s recent radio speech
          -Kissinger’s view
               -Critics of Administration’ Vietnam policy
                      -Patriotism

                      -Responsibility
                 -Vietnam
                      -Communists

The President and Kissinger left at 11:21 am.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Let me turn now to Vietnam.
This has been America's longest and most difficult war.
It began long before I became president, and I have been doing everything I can honorably do to end it.
I brought almost one and a half million men home from Vietnam.
As high as 300 a week were being killed in action when I took office.
This week there were two.
We reduced air surges, budget cuts, and draft calls.
Let me turn now to Vietnam.
This has been Americas longest and most difficult war.
It began long before I became president, and I have been doing everything I can honorably do to end it.
I have brought almost one and a half million men home from Vietnam.
As high as 300 a week were being killed in action when I took office.
This week there were two.
We have reduced air surges, budget costs, and draft costs.
We have made the most generous peace offer in the history of warfare.
I have no complaint over the fact that during this period, when I have been ending the war, I did not begin.
I have been subjected to vigorous criticism.
And I do not question the patriotism or the sincerity of those who disagree with my policy to bring peace.
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