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Conversation 006-113

TapeTape 6StartFriday, July 2, 1971 at 7:13 PMEndFriday, July 2, 1971 at 7:14 PMTape start time02:21:18Tape end time02:23:54ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Colson, Charles W.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon directs Charles Colson to initiate polygraph examinations for Department of Labor officials, specifically targeting Harold Goldstein, regarding unauthorized comments labeling recent unemployment figures a "statistical fluke." Nixon expresses extreme frustration with the perceived lack of resolve from George Shultz and James Hodgson in addressing internal leaks, viewing the incident as a test of his administration's authority. He mandates that any employee refusing the test or failing to pass it must be terminated immediately to ensure control over the bureaucracy.

Harold Goldsteinunemployment figurespolygraph examinationgovernment leaksexecutive authoritypersonnel management
AudioNARA Description

On July 2, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 7:13 pm to 7:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-113 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 6-113

Date: July 2, 1971
Time: 7:13 pm - 7:14 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Charles W. Colson.

     Statistical "fluke" statement on unemployment figures

******************************************************************************

[Previous PRMPA Privacy (D) reviewed under deed of gift 05/01/2023. Segment cleared for
release.]
[Privacy]

[006-113-w001]
[Duration: 9s]

     Statistical "fluke" statement on unemployment figures
           -Harold Goldstein
                  -July 3, 1971
                        -Interrogation
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     Statistical "fluke" statement on unemployment figures
           -Polygraph examination
           -Possible replacement
           -George P. Shultz
           -James D. Hodgson
           -Conversation with the President

******************************************************************************

[Previous PRMPA Privacy (D) reviewed under deed of gift 05/01/2023. Segment cleared for
release.]
[Privacy]
[006-113-w002]
[Duration: 4s]

     Statistical "fluke" statement on unemployment figures
           -Harold Goldstein
                  -Polygraph examination

******************************************************************************

     Statistical "fluke" statement on unemployment figures
           -Harvey Goldstein
                  -Polygraph test
                  -Possible transfer
           -President's conversation with Shultz
           -Administration's response
           -John B. Connally
           -Meeting with Cabinet Committee on Economic Policy, June 28

******************************************************************************

[Previous PRMPA Privacy (D) reviewed under deed of gift 05/01/2023. Segment cleared for
release.]
[Privacy]
[Duration: 3s]

     Statistical "fluke" statement on unemployment figures
           -Harold Goldstein
                  -Polygraph examination

******************************************************************************

     Statistical "fluke" statement on unemployment figures
           -Polygraph examinations
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.

The most important thing is, and this is a must, I will not take no for an answer on this.
And then he's to be given a polygraph.
Now, if he refuses to take the polygraph, he's out.
If he takes it and it lies, he's out.
Is that clear?
Yes.
Now, can't we do something?
I'm not going to take no for an answer on this.
I know Schultz was trying to wiggle off the hook, and so was Hodgson when I talked to him, but I'm not going to take no for an answer on this.
And I want to raise hell about this, John.
Well, we have to to get these guys along.
We can't.
How the hell can you do it otherwise?
I mean, these guys, what the Christ's the matter with Schultz?
Has he got any guts?
No, he wants to be sure he has all the facts.
All right, I got the facts.
I heard what they said.
I read the release.
The same with Hodgson.
I talked to Hodgson myself.
He knows our ideas.
There's the thing.
Don't you agree?
We have no reason not to, haven't we?
He was ordered not to do this.
If he did it, he could say, no, were you willing to take a polygraph?
He says, no, you're out.
He says, yes, fine, take it.
Fair enough?
Yes, sir.
You see anything wrong with that?
No, I don't.
I don't.
I think it's a civil service employee.
I understand that.
It's never like we can translate it.
I'm not going to have it anymore.
He is an all-out left-wing son of a bitch who's again against us for 20 years.
George knows this.
I've told George this.
George doesn't believe it.
But it is true.
I believe... See, Chuck, I gave this order two days ago.
And on this test, we screw it up.
What do you think it's going to do to John Connolly's morale?
See my point?
What's going to be the others that are going to give us the business?
We have got to.
Don't you agree?
We've got to be tough on this one.
Mr. President, I told you the best thing you've done was the Monday meeting with the economists and the candidates.
That was talk.
These people have got to know who's running the government.
That's right.
Now, we're running the government now.
On everybody who had the information, they're going to take polygraphs tomorrow.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir.
And let them leak it.
I don't care.
I don't tell George that it's suppression.
It's bullshit.
I want to know who did this.
Now, God damn it, I want to find out.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir.
Okay, let's go.
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