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Conversation 001-064

TapeTape 1StartFriday, April 9, 1971 at 3:20 PMEndFriday, April 9, 1971 at 3:21 PMTape start time02:14:35Tape end time02:16:16ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Murphy, Thomas F.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon initiated this call to personally express his gratitude to Judge Thomas F. Murphy for his distinguished public service and his pivotal role in the Alger Hiss case. The two reflected briefly on the difficulties of that historical prosecution and their shared connection to Whittaker Chambers. Concluding the pleasantry, the President promised to send Murphy a presidential golf ball to mark his retirement from the bench.

Alger Hiss caseWhittaker ChambersJudicial appointmentsPresidential memorabiliaThomas F. Murphy
AudioNARA Description

On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas F. Murphy talked on the telephone from 3:20 pm to 3:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-064 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 1-64

Date: April 9, 1971
Time: 3:20 pm - 3:21 pm
Location: White House Telephone

Judge Thomas F. Murphy talked with the President.

[See Conversation No. 476-26A]

     Murray I. Gurfein
         -Nomination for judgeship

     Murphy
         -Postal Service
         -Alger Hiss case [?]
         -Whitaker Chambers
         -Vacation
         -Gift from President
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Judge Murphy?
Yes.
Hello?
Hello, Judge Murphy?
Yes, Mr. President.
How are you?
Fine.
I was just signing some appointments here the other day, and I noted that I was sending to the Senate the nomination of Murray Gerfein.
Yes.
And for Thomas Murphy.
Thomas Murphy?
But I said, well, I said, is that Tom Murphy of many years ago?
Yes.
And I found that it was.
So I just wanted you to know that we...
that the country owes you a very great debt for your service to the country.
And for your service not only as judge, but for that critical day when you had to take on that tough case.
So we have always been...
I've felt about you like Whitaker Chambers did.
It was a tough one.
It really was, but you did an awful lot, too.
Well, it was something that we both had to do, and I hope you're in good health, are you?
I just enjoyed three months sitting in San Diego, Mr. President, here trying to improve my golf, but no success.
Golf?
Oh, that's a terrible game.
I'll tell you, I'll send you one of the presidential golf balls.
Have you got one?
That's what you'll get for your retirement.
And then you can get a... By that way, you can get a whole lot.
Oh, good.
It has his presidential seal on it.
Oh, wonderful.
And in the meantime, I just want to thank you for the country and wish you the very best.
Thank you for the time I had.
Thank you so much.
Okay.
Good luck.
Bye.
All the best to you.
Thank you.
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