Conversation 034-134

TapeTape 34StartTuesday, December 19, 1972 at 7:43 PMEndTuesday, December 19, 1972 at 7:44 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Rush, [David] KennethRecording deviceWhite House Telephone

AI Summary

President Nixon directed Ambassador Kenneth Rush to investigate Gordon Wade Rule, the Director of the Procurement Control and Clearance Division, following the publication of an article by Rule that the President perceived as insubordinate. Nixon demanded an immediate explanation for the piece or for Rule to be removed from his position. Rush was instructed to report back to the President within thirty minutes regarding the status of the official.

Gordon Wade RuleProcurement Control and Clearance DivisionInsubordinationPersonnel managementNaval Material Command

Audio

NARA Description

On December 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and [David] Kenneth Rush talked on the telephone from 7:43 pm to 7:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 034-134 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 34-134

Date: December 19, 1972
Time: 7:43 pm - 7:44 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with [David] Kenneth Rush.

       Gordon Wade Rule
            -Article
            -Director, Procurement Control and Clearance Division [of Naval Material
             Command]
            -Instructions on firing, explanation
            -Request for a return call
                                             -105-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                        (rev. Dec.-07)

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Ambassador Rush, sir.

Hello.

Good evening, Mr. President.

Hi, Ken.

How are you?

Fine, thank you, sir.

I saw a piece by a fellow by the name of Rule, which I don't know whether you've seen it.

If you haven't, maybe you're director of the procurement control and clearance section.

I did see that, yes, sir.

Yes.

Do you know him?

I don't know him.

I never heard of him.

I read it on the way home.

Yeah.

Would you check it and within 30 minutes cease to be fired or I need an explanation, okay?

Yes, sir.

Or am I having you at a dinner or something?

No, not at all.

Fine.

You understand.

We cannot allow this kind of insubordination right now.

He's out on his ass.

That was unbelievable.

Unbelievable.

Okay.

You call me right back.

Call me in a half hour, will you, please?

Yes, I will, Mr. President.

Fine.

We'll have a little fun.

Thank you.

Okay?

Yes, sir.

All right.

Goodbye.

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