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Conversation 700-009

TapeTape 700StartMonday, April 3, 1972 at 4:27 PMEndMonday, April 3, 1972 at 4:31 PMTape start time03:06:29Tape end time03:10:36ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Kissinger, Henry A.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger debated the geopolitical implications of the ongoing North Vietnamese offensive and the potential necessity of canceling the upcoming Moscow summit. Kissinger argued against drawing parallels between the United States and France’s withdrawal from Algeria, asserting that the U.S. status as a global superpower necessitates a more resolute response to maintain international credibility. The discussion underscored the administration's concern that any perceived retreat would fundamentally undermine American influence on the world stage.

Vietnam WarMoscow SummitUS Foreign PolicyGeopoliticsInternational Credibility
AudioNARA Description

On April 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:27 pm to 4:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 700-009 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 700-9

Date: April 3, 1972
Time: 4:27 pm - 4:31 pm
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Henry A. Kissinger; the recording began at an unknown time while the
conversation was in progress.

     Vietnam
          -Impact on US foreign policy
          -Response to offensive
          -Leadership
          -Moscow summit
               -Possible cancellation
                     -Consequences
          -Algeria
               -Impact on France
                     -France's status in world

           -Significance
                -US as world power

Kissinger 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Let me go, please.
Just a second.
Let me see.
Yes, it is heard.
But the reason that, what I ask is, let us oppose, let us oppose the problem.
What is left in the belief of American foreclosures?
What in the name of God is left?
Will you tell me?
We can't consider that we've got to go there.
Yeah, so, so, but then suppose what's necessary is not necessary.
That means it's not good, it's not enough.
Then what is left?
If we do it though, we can't let it be shipped away, then we just have to do it.
But we should only consider it.
But in terms of leaving, do you understand that it's...
Well, you're just standing here.
Cancel the Moscow summit.
No, no.
The Moscow summit is based on other things.
It would weaken us, unbelievably, wouldn't it?
Well, it would weaken us, but then we'd just lay everything on the floor.
And it's just, I'm getting paid to admit it.
We've got, this is a great country.
The Algeria analogy does not work.
It does not work because France had, long before Algeria, had ceased to be a world power.
And so it didn't matter whether France had Algeria or not.
It was a French internal problem in a real sense.
The United States is a world power, correct?
Absolutely.
So that's what's involved here, and that's why this is an artist's club.
Okay, see you later.
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