President Nixon initiated a call through the White House operator to locate his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman, who was attending a school event. Upon learning of Haldeman's unavailability, the President opted not to pursue contact and instead instructed the operator to connect him with Alexander Butterfield. This brief exchange reflects the President's administrative process for managing staff communications during the workday.
On May 31, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-193 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 003-193 Date: May 31, 1971 Time: 2:25 pm Location: White House Telephone The White House operator talked with the President. [See Conversation No. 254-008] H.R. (“Bob”) Haldeman's location Call to Alexander P. Butterfield
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.