Conversation 021-009

TapeTape 21StartTuesday, March 7, 1972 at 10:57 AMEndTuesday, March 7, 1972 at 10:58 AMTape start time00:34:46Tape end time00:35:25ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Elbourne, Timothy G.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

President Nixon calls Timothy G. Elbourne to formally express appreciation for his extensive 48-day work assignment supporting the recent presidential trip to the People's Republic of China. Nixon acknowledges the logistical challenges faced by Elbourne and his colleagues, lightheartedly noting the positive impression they left on their Chinese counterparts. This brief exchange serves as a gesture of presidential recognition for the staff involved in the mission's successful execution.

Richard M. NixonTimothy G. ElbournePeople's Republic of ChinaPresidential tripStaff appreciation

On March 7, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Timothy G. Elbourne talked on the telephone from 10:57 am to 10:58 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 021-009 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 21-9

Date: March 7, 1972
Time: 10:57 am - 10:58 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Timothy G. Elbourne.

[See Conversation No. 679-8A]

     President’s trip to People’s Republic of China [PRC] trip
          -Elbourne’s work
                -Ronald L. Ziegler
                -Vernon C. Coffey

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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. Elborn, sir.
Hello.
Jim, I just wanted you to know that after talking to Ron and the boys, they were saying that...
that you, along with coffee, deserve, I don't know, the Purple Heart.
We can't give you that.
For 48 days in China, that must be a record.
So we want you to know we appreciate it, and we hope you've recovered.
Mr. President, thank you very much.
I certainly appreciate it.
Well, you had a great experience, and they tell me that the Chinese all think you're half Chinese, and that proves you did the right job.
Well, thank you so much.
We had a marvelous time doing it, and I hope it worked out fine.
Yeah, it was as best as possible under the circumstances.
Good.
Thank you a lot.
Thank you.
very much