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Conversation 034-050

TapeTape 34StartMonday, December 11, 1972 at 7:54 PMEndMonday, December 11, 1972 at 7:55 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to implement a total ban on Washington Post reporters and photographers within the White House, excluding only formal press conferences. Nixon insists that the restriction apply to all events, including church services and activities involving First Lady Pat Nixon, and emphasizes that the order is absolute under threat of termination. The discussion follows a report from Connie Stuart regarding the absence of a Post reporter at a recent ceremony, prompting Nixon to enforce the directive immediately.

Washington PostWhite House press relationsRonald Zieglermedia accesspresidential directives
AudioNARA Description

On December 11, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 7:54 pm to 7:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-050 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 34-50

Date: December 11, 1972
Time: 7:54 pm - 7:55 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

       Press relations
             -Washington Post reporters
             -Constance M. (Cornell) (“Connie”) Stuart
             -Photographer
             -White House
                    -Press conferences, briefings
                    -Church services

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[Begin segment reviewed under deed of gift]

                   -Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon

[End segment reviewed under deed of gift]
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                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                         (rev. Dec.-07)

                                                          Conversation No. 34-50 (cont’d)

                   -Photographers
                   -Ziegler’s tenure
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Mrs. Ziegler, sir.
Hi.
How are you?
Hi, Ron.
Yes, Mr. President.
I just talked to Connie.
She fully understands the Washington Post situation.
There was no reporter today at the ceremony.
There was a photographer there, but apparently they screwed up on their desk assignment today, and there was no reporter present from the Post.
I want it clearly understood that from now on, ever,
no reporter from the Washington Post is ever to be in the White House.
Is that clear?
Absolutely.
Unless it's a press conference.
Yes, sir.
Briefings here, but— Not a briefing.
But never in the White House.
No church service.
Nothing that Mrs. Nixon does.
You tell Connie, don't tell Mrs. Nixon because she'll approve it.
No reporter from the Washington Post is ever to be in the White House again, and no photographer either.
No photographer, is that clear?
Yes, sir.
None ever to be in.
Now, that is a total order, and if necessary, I'll fire you.
You understand?
I do understand.
Okay.
All right.
Good.
Okay.
Thank you.
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