President Nixon and General Walter Tkach discussed the delivery of a private offer of medical assistance for Eleanor McGovern, the wife of political opponent George McGovern. Tkach confirmed that he coordinated the message through Lon Thompson, ensuring that any necessary military or civilian medical facilities and transportation would be made available. Nixon expressed satisfaction with the gesture, emphasizing the private nature of the outreach and praising Thompson's cooperation.
On October 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Walter R. Tkach talked on the telephone from 5:06 pm to 5:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-145 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 31-145 Date: October 19, 1972 Time: 5:06 pm - 5:08 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Gen. Walter R. Tkach. [See Conversation No. 370-15] Eleanor (Stegeberg) McGovern -Doctor -Lon Thompson -Conveyance of President’s message on medical facilities -McGovern’s location -Private nature of message -Military or civilian -Transportation ***************************************************************** BEGIN WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 1 [Privacy] [Duration: 26s ] END WITHDRAWN ITEM NO. 1 ***************************************************************** -Thompson (rev. Oct-06) -Relationships with McGovern -Tkach’s view
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.