President Nixon hosted a ceremonial event in the Oval Office for the swearing-in of James C. Fletcher as the new Administrator of NASA, attended by Fletcher's family, members of Congress, and administration officials. Following the photo session and official proceedings, the President discussed the importance of space exploration and future policy ideas with attendees. The meeting concluded with a private discussion regarding Representative James G. Fulton’s congressional career and potential future scheduling.
On April 27, 1971, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, James C. Fletcher, James A. Belson, Fay Fletcher, Ginger Fletcher, Mary Susan Fletcher, James S. Fletcher, Wallace F. Bennett, Clinton P. Anderson, Carl T. Curtis, George P. Miller, Olin E. Teague, James J. Fulton, George M. Low, Richard C. McCurdy, Helen D. Bentlye, Dr. Edward E. David, Jr., Clay T. ("Tom") Whitehead, William E. Kriegsman, Ronald L. Ziegler, and Thomas O. Paine met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:05 am and 10:16 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 488-012 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 488-12
Date: April 27, 1971
Time: Unknown before 10:05 am - 10:16 am
Location: Oval Office
H.R. (“Bob”) Haldeman met with James C. Fletcher, Judge James A. Belson, Fay Fletcher,
Ginger Fletcher, Mary Susan Fletcher, James Stephen Fletcher, Missy Fletcher, Wallace F.
Bennett, Clinton P. Anderson, Carl T. Curtis, George P. Miller, Olin E. Teague, James G. Fulton,
George M. Low, Richard C. McCurdy, H. Dale Grubb, Dr. Edward E. David, Jr., Clay T.
Whitehead, William E. Kriegsman, Ronald L. Ziegler, and Thomas O. Paine; the White House
photographer and members of the press were present at the beginning of the meeting.
[General conversation]
The President entered at 10:05 am.
Introductions
[General conversation]
[Camera noise]
Oath of office
[Applause]
Photo session
-Fletcher's family
-Children
[Camera noise]
National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]
-Importance
[Camera noise]
Space
[General conversation]
-Cabinet meeting
Presentation of gifts
-Presidential cuff links
-Presidential bows
-Seal
-Judge Belson
Farewells
[Applause]
[General conversation]
Belson, et al., left at an unknown time before 10:16 am.
President's schedule
-Possible meeting with Fulton
-Dwight D. Eisenhower
-Scheduling
-Space
Space
-Future
-Ideas
-Fulton's activities
-Pennsylvania delegation
Fulton
-Congressional career
**********************************************************************
[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift 06/21/2019.
Segment cleared for release.]
[Personal Returnable]
[488-012-w001]
[Duration: 3s]
James G. Fulton
-Chairman Nixon for Pennsylvania
**********************************************************************
James G. Fulton
-Congressional career
-Bob [Surname unknown]
-Health
President's schedule
-Possible meeting with Fulton
Fulton left at 10:16 am.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.