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Conversation 799-014

TapeTape 799StartMonday, October 16, 1972 at 10:27 AMEndMonday, October 16, 1972 at 10:28 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize the language for a forthcoming public statement regarding ongoing negotiations over the Vietnam War. They specifically discussed framing the administration's position to avoid creating false expectations while reaffirming commitment to critical conditions, including the release of POWs/MIAs and the protection of U.S. honor. Nixon confirmed his intention to state that the U.S. would not impose a specific government on South Vietnam, seeking to balance diplomatic caution with the preservation of allied interests.

Vietnam WarPOWs and MIAsPeace negotiationsForeign policyHenry KissingerSouth Vietnam
AudioNARA Description

On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:27 am to 10:28 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 799-014 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 799-14

Date: October 16, 1972
Time: 10:27 am - 10:28 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Henry A. Kissinger.

         National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia
             -The President’s forthcoming statement
                  -Negotiations
                      -Imposition of Communist government in South Vietnam
                      -Tone
                      -Settlement conditions
                           -Prisoners of war [POWs], missing in action [MIAs]
                           -Communism in South Vietnam
                           -US honor

Kissinger left at 10:28 a.m.

                                        (rev. Nov-03)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 just wanted to check one line and see if you don't mind.
Can I say we shall not impose requirements of Vietnam against their will?
Certainly.
That doesn't bother you?
No.
Okay.
Right.
Let me get this clear and exact.
I'm going to say that since we last met, there's been a negotiation, a series of negotiations have been underway.
I do not want to raise false hopes that any comment might jeopardize the chance of success.
That's all I'm going to say in the negotiation.
Good, fair enough.
Good.
But we have conditions.
We have three, four conditions for settlement.
We will not betray our allies.
We will insist on that.
We have our, in turn, our view that is becoming our MIA.
We will not oppose the communist government of the people of South Vietnam.
We will not stand in the honor of the United States.
Fair enough.
Thanks.
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