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Conversation 004-070

TapeTape 4StartTuesday, June 8, 1971 at 9:45 AMEndTuesday, June 8, 1971 at 9:47 AMTape start time02:47:40Tape end time02:48:31ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Tarr, Curtis W.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon called Selective Service Director Curtis W. Tarr to commend his composed handling of an incident where protesters confronted him. Nixon praised Tarr’s vigorous and dignified reaction to the agitators, dismissing the demonstrators as exhibitionists. The conversation served as a gesture of executive support to reassure Tarr following the public, albeit unpleasant, confrontation.

Curtis W. TarrProtestsExecutive supportPublic imageSelective Service
AudioNARA Description

On June 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Curtis W. Tarr talked on the telephone from 9:45 am to 9:47 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 004-070 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 4-70

Date: June 8, 1971
Time: 9:45 am - 9:47 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Curtis W. Tarr.

[See Conversation No. 514-7C]

     Picture of Tarr
           -Tarr's conduct at event
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Mr. Tarr, Mr. President.
Good morning, Mr. President.
I just wanted to congratulate you on that fine picture.
You looked strong and vigorous and manly, and I thought, boy, I wouldn't want to tackle you.
I bet you've got a lot of good comments on it, haven't you?
Well, I've gotten quite a few, but it was a very sad thing.
Well, of course it was sad, but my point is, the only thing you could do, I mean, when somebody is a little bit nuts, that's what they are.
They were exhibitionists, basically.
When they come charging at you like that, all you could do is throw it off, and you handled it with dignity.
And you just stay in there.
Never worry about it.
Many times, you know, you're better known by your enemies than your friends.
Okay.
Well, I appreciate the call.
Bye.
Thank you.
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