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Conversation 019-057

TapeTape 19StartMonday, January 24, 1972 at 7:08 PMEndMonday, January 24, 1972 at 7:14 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Connally, John B.;  Nixon, Richard M. (President);  Connally, John B.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted John B. Connally regarding the search for a new U.S. Ambassador to West Germany after William P. Clements, Jr. declined the position. Nixon inquired about Richard M. Paget, seeking Connally's assessment of his temperament, professional background, and suitability for the diplomatic post. Connally expressed confidence in Paget's abilities and agreed to contact him to gauge his interest in the appointment.

Ambassadorship to West GermanyRichard M. PagetDiplomatic appointmentsJohn B. ConnallyPersonnel recruitment
AudioNARA Description

On January 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John B. Connally talked on the telephone from 7:08 pm to 7:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-057 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 19-57

Date: January 24, 1972
Time: 7:08 pm - 7:14 pm
Location: White House Telephone

John B. Connally talked with the President.

     Ambassadorship to West Germany
         -The President's conversation with Peter M. Flanigan

           -William P. Clements, Jr.
           -Richard M. Paget of the First National City Bank
                 -Walter B. Wriston
                 -Personality
                 -Possible reaction by West Germany
                 -Health
                 -Possible conversation with Connally
                 -Experience
                      -World War II
                             -Navy
                                  -Procurement office
                      -Ash Council
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Hello.
Hello.
Yes, sir.
John, I didn't want to bother you at home, but I was talking to Pete Flanagan about that ambassadorship to Germany.
Yes, sir.
As you know, Clement has said no.
Yes, sir.
But he was mentioning Paget.
Do you think there's a possibility we could get him?
Yes, sir.
Well, the only reason I say that is simply that he sold his company, as I understand it, to the First National Committee.
I don't know why they couldn't draw him loose.
But, you know, I have no indication of others.
What is your impression of him?
As far as he is a very able fellow, smart, works, efficient.
uh level-headed never loses his equilibrium or his toys never is not too talkative yet it's uh friendly uh not uh not a gregarious or uh obnoxiously uh gregarious fellow but meets people well handles himself well uh i've never seen a week since verifying good good but he'd be the kind of a fellow that fit the germans very well oh i would think so uh
He has a wooden leg.
Oh, that's no problem.
But he moves around, you'd never know it, or a wooden foot, and I guess he lost it.
I'm not sure whether he lost it in the war or in the wreck.
I believe it was in the wreck, but I'm not sure.
But in any event, he moves well, and apparently there's no disability to him at all.
Let me ask you, do you think you could mention it to him?
Would you mind asking if he would consider it?
I don't mind at all.
Because you see, you were quite close to him.
I've known him since World War II days.
Oh.
Very young fellow in the Navy Department.
Before the Ash Council.
Oh, he was doing cost accounting work.
Is that right?
He helped organize the Navy Procurement Office in 1942.
Well, I'll tell you.
If you could, you give him a call.
Just say that we'd like to have him consider it.
See if he might.
Well, I'll just sign him out.
Sure.
Well, no, if he's willing, we'll offer it.
That's what we'll do.
Right, right.
That's right.
Oh, sure, sure.
Fine.
Good.
Okay, John.
Thank you.
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