← 031-094031-096 →

Conversation 031-095

TapeTape 31StartMonday, October 16, 1972 at 8:24 PMEndMonday, October 16, 1972 at 8:30 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Collins, John F.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

Former Boston Mayor John F. Collins advised President Nixon to hold the signing ceremony for the revenue sharing bill in Lowell, Massachusetts, to symbolize support for mid-sized American cities. Collins argued that this venue would effectively counter criticisms of Nixon’s urban policy and demonstrate broad appeal among smaller municipalities. The President expressed interest in the proposal, and the two agreed to further consider the logistical details of the signing ceremony.

Revenue sharingUrban policyLowell, MassachusettsPublic relationsJohn F. Collins
AudioNARA Description

On October 16, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John F. Collins talked on the telephone from 8:24 pm to 8:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-095 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 31-95

Date: October 16, 1972
Time: 8:24 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with John F. Collins.

        Greetings

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

BEGIN WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 1
[Personal returnable]
[Duration: 32s ]

                                     (rev. Oct-06)

END WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 1

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

       Revenue sharing
          -Signing ceremony
              -Lowell, Massachusetts
                   -Support for the President
                   -Collins advice
          -The President's image on urban issues

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

BEGIN WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 2
[Personal returnable]
[Duration: 1m 37s ]

END WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 2

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

       Collin's health

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

BEGIN WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 3
[Personal returnable]
[Duration: 1m 32s ]

END WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 3

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

                                         (rev. Oct-06)

        Revenue sharing
           -Signing ceremony
               -Collins's attendance
                    -Location
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.

No.
Former Mayor John Collins of Boston.
Yes.
Hello?
Hello.
You're going to be looking for a place to sign and publicize that revenue sharing bill.
Right.
You ought to find a community with about 100,000 people, and I've got the place.
Lowell, Massachusetts, right outside of Anson Field, pop over and you are speaking to every 100,000 citizen city in America.
You have done more for Lowell, Massachusetts than any president has ever done for any city.
You've got the city manager on your side, the newspaper on your side, I'm on your side, and I really believe that for 45 minutes a minute,
You know, to go to Detroit, to Chicago, to New York, to Los Angeles, to Boston would be silly.
But to do it, you're speaking to cities all across America, and I really think it is the way that we should be photographing those who say that your urban policy has not been the best in the world, and it has been.
Honestly, I think it's something you ought to think about doing, and your liberal Republican friends are giving you the wrong information when they tell you that there is a latent
anti-mixing feeling that will be exacerbated by your presence.
That is untrue.
You think so, huh?
That is untrue.
That's right.
Well, how are you feeling?
I couldn't be there.
I remember seeing you briefly down there.
Yeah, I was using those sticks down in the end, and I've been doing that for 15 years, but it inhibited too much.
Right.
I'll do it.
It's kind of you to call.
Good, and I just wish you the very best.
And the same to you.
Incidentally, when we have that signing, could you comment any of it wherever we have it?
I'll have it wherever you have it.
Fine.
And I'll look into this whole thing, and we'll take a look in the morning.
Just the idea of speaking to 100,000 population cities all across America, and this is a natural fight.
If we can't get that one, I think we ought to get those 100,000 cities.
I'm just thinking out loud here at the moment.
Just one anywhere.
Right, I know what you mean.
And I've got this city locked up tight, newspaper and the whole business.
Wherever it is, I'll go.
Great.
All right, good to talk to you.
Thank you very much.
← 031-094031-096 →