President Nixon dictated his dissatisfaction with the quality and delivery method of a recent toast prepared for an Organization of American States event. He expressed a preference for an ad-libitum style in future remarks, noting that it better reflects his personal rapport with others. Nixon acknowledged, however, that prepared texts remain necessary for events in countries like China, where translation requirements and formal protocols necessitate closer adherence to a script.
On April 17, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:36 am and 8:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 709-005 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 709-5
Date: April 17, 1972
Time: Unknown between 8:36 am and 8:58 am
Location: Oval Office
The President dictated notes for the file.
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[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift 10/04/2022.
Segment cleared for release.]
[Personal Returnable]
[709-005-w001]
[Duration: 1m 18s]
Organization of American States [OAS] event
-The President’s toast
-The method of delivery
-People’s Republic of China [PRC]
-Translation
-Chou En-Lai
*****************************************************************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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.