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Conversation 726-012

TapeTape 726StartFriday, May 19, 1972 at 11:27 AMEndFriday, May 19, 1972 at 11:27 AMTape start time02:48:42Tape end time02:50:12ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Bull, Stephen B.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon met with aide Stephen Bull to discuss the effectiveness of strategic aerial bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War. Nixon expressed frustration over public misconceptions regarding military restrictions, asserting that he had provided the military with full operational freedom. The discussion emphasized the psychological impact of B-52 strikes versus the limitations of smaller fighter aircraft like the F-4.

Vietnam WarMilitary strategyB-52 bombersAir powerPublic relations
AudioNARA Description

On May 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 726-012 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 726-12

Date: May 19, 1972
Time: 11:27 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Stephen Bull.

     Barber
          -Location

     Unknown guests
         -Location

     A delivery to the Executive Office Building [EOB]

Bull left at 1:28 pm.

The President left at 1:28 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

See, I don't want this parade of stories about the military that came out after Johnson's bombing when they said, well, they didn't unleash us.
But goddamn it, we have unleashed them.
You've unleashed them.
There is no restriction whatsoever.
I want to take the two strikes up there the day we get back.
But that's what you did.
where you go, please, why, why is it impossible to read and figure some RV to do?
I know the answer.
I know the planes can do it as well, but they can't.
They can't fly as high and the rest.
I think the B-52 was half the load.
I'll take 100 out here, and that never shocked me.
I was getting it done.
I thought it was.
When Agnew was talking, and it's quite right, they said the F-4 can do it, but the F-4 can't fly.
The psychology of the 52 strike.
Now, we've got 4,000 52s in Europe, right?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
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