← 718-007718-009 →

Conversation 718-008

TapeTape 718StartWednesday, May 3, 1972 at 10:56 AMEndWednesday, May 3, 1972 at 10:59 AMTape start time01:06:44Tape end time01:07:23ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Bull, Stephen B.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to finalize logistical details regarding his upcoming trip to the Soviet Union, specifically focusing on the departure schedule via Salzburg. During the discussion, the President expressed significant frustration with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird's involvement in military briefings. Nixon decided to bypass Laird in future meetings to prevent perceived interference, opting instead to receive direct briefings from military personnel.

Soviet Union summitMelvin LairdLogisticsMilitary briefingsPresidential decision-making
AudioNARA Description

On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:56 am and 10:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 718-008 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 718-8

Date: May 3, 1972
Time: Unknown between 10:56 am and 10:59 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Stephen B. Bull.

     Soviet Union trip
          -Time of departure
               -US
               -Salzburg

                                        (rev. Dec-01)

Bull left at an unknown time before 10:59 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I spent a little time and I told Lance there wasn't going to be a brief then.
He said that's because the targets aren't any good anyway.
I went over the targets with him and with Mora and Raj.
They're the best they are.
I'm going to knock out all their airlines.
I've got the targets ready.
The targets are okay.
You should get the briefing at some point just to...
But the way to do it is to bring Mota in for you after the Vlasak meeting and just let him out.
Yeah, I'm not going to do it with Laird.
I'm tired of having Laird come in with him all the time.
He screws things up.
I don't know, you know, you bring him in and maybe wind him up and...
← 718-007718-009 →