← 016-067016-069 →

Conversation 016-068

TapeTape 16StartThursday, December 9, 1971 at 11:33 AMEndThursday, December 9, 1971 at 11:35 AMTape start time02:24:49Tape end time02:27:07ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Jonas, Charles R.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon telephoned Representative Charles R. Jonas to extend birthday greetings and maintain political rapport. The conversation pivoted to the recent death of Willis Smith, Jr., a prominent supporter of the President, in a plane crash. Nixon committed to contacting the Smith family, including the grieving mother and widow, to offer his condolences for their loss.

Birthday greetingsWillis Smith, Jr.CondolencesPolitical relationshipsCharles R. Jonas
AudioNARA Description

On December 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles R. Jonas talked on the telephone from 11:33 am to 11:35 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-068 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 16-68

Date: December 9, 1971
Time: 11:33 am - 11:35 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Charles R. Jonas.

[See Conversation No. 633-11A]

     Birthday greetings to Jonas

     Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon
          -Harriet McCormack funeral
               -Chet Holifield

     Holifield
          -President’s call
                -Reorganization
                -Birthday greetings

     Jonas
             Chowder and Marching Society

     Willis Smith, Jr.
          -Death
                -[Forename unknown] Charles
                -William F. (“Billy”) Graham
                -Accident
          -Mother
                -President’s acquaintance
          -President’s campaign
                -Charles
          -Family
                -Possible letter and call from the President
                       -Mrs. Willis Smith, Sr. [Anna Lee Smith]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello.
Mr. President, Congressman Charles Jonas.
Hello.
Hello.
Hello.
I didn't want my old friend from North Carolina to get a day older without my congratulating you, Charlie.
I bet you'd forgotten it was your birthday.
Well, no, my friends don't let me forget.
That's right.
They don't pretend I'm getting older.
You know, the other day, Pat had seen Chet Holyfield coming back from Ms. McCormick's funeral.
And he had said that, you know, that he was, I had called him because, you know, he's an old friend from California and he's done some awfully good jobs for us in reorganization.
So I called him on his birthday.
And she said, you know, he said, the best thing, the nice thing, he said, even my wife had forgotten it was my birthday.
So anyway, you're no older as far as I'm concerned.
You're still a young childer and marcher.
Well, wonderful for you.
And I wish, I just want to be sure we've always got a Jonas in the Congress, and you know what I mean.
Yeah.
Or anything else, okay?
We had a great blow down there.
You heard about Willie Smith Jr.'s death.
No, what happened?
He and Charles, you know, were...
I know, I saw them at the Billy Graham thing.
He was killed in an airplane crash Saturday.
Oh, my God.
Is his mother still living?
Yes.
I'll give her a call.
Well, he's his wife or his mother.
Well, you knew his mother.
I knew his mother.
Well, of course, you knew Willis.
Charles.
Oh, well, that's your campaign.
Oh, listen, he's a wonderful, wonderful boy.
I just.
Yeah.
I guess I didn't hear it.
I was gone over the weekend.
I think a letter.
Well, a letter for sure, but I'll also give him a call.
Well, do that.
But his wife, his mother is still living?
Yes, she's not well, but she is up and about in her home.
But his wife is?
His wife is there, too.
Okay.
Now, that would be wonderful if you would do it.
I know they would keep him there.
Well, anyway.
He went out on a limb, you know, for you.
Oh, I know he did.
I know he did.
Yeah, yeah.
Well, thanks a million.
Well, anyway, we appreciate your friendship, Charlie, and go home tonight and celebrate.
Well, thank you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Bye.
Bye.
← 016-067016-069 →