Conversation 017-007

TapeTape 17StartFriday, December 24, 1971 at 1:48 PMEndFriday, December 24, 1971 at 1:49 PMTape start time00:11:11Tape end time00:12:04ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Hughes, James D. ("Don")Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with Major General James D. Hughes regarding a request for the Grambling College Band to travel to Liberia for an inauguration. Despite concerns about setting a precedent for such transportation, Nixon determined the trip should proceed as a political decision. He instructed Hughes to coordinate with press secretary Ronald Ziegler to ensure the administration received maximum favorable publicity for the gesture.

Grambling College BandLiberiaPresidential travel policyPolitical strategyPublic relations

Audio

NARA Description

On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and James D. ("Don") Hughes talked on the telephone from 1:48 pm to 1:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-007 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 17-7

Date: December 24, 1971
Time: 1:48 pm - 1:49 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Maj. Gen. James D. (“Don”) Hughes.

[See Conversation No. 309-6]

     Hughes called by William E. Timmons
         -Otto E. Passman
         -Grambling College Band

                -Invited to Liberian inauguration
          -Political decision
          -Ronald L. Ziegler
          -Christmas greetings

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I have a call from Bill Timmons that Congressman Passman has been asked to get the Grambling College Band, that's that colored college, sir, down in his territory, over to Liberia.

They've been invited to the Liberian inauguration.

The reason we're bothering you with this is that under ordinary circumstances, I would have turned it down because of the precedent we've established and so forth.

I think we should do it on this.

It should be a political decision.

I think it is, and I think it should be done.

All right, sir.

We'll send a C-141.

Very nice touch.

All right, we'll take it.

Be sure it gets to Ziegler and the rest, and that we get a massive...

Yes, sir, I understand.

So that we don't get the credit.

Okay, Don.

Yes, sir.

All right, thanks, Don.

Bye.

Merry Christmas, sir.

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