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Conversation 039-109

TapeTape 39StartWednesday, June 6, 1973 at 2:35 PMEndWednesday, June 6, 1973 at 2:36 PMParticipantsWhite House operator;  Nixon, Richard M. (President);  Buzhardt, J. Fred, Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon consults with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. regarding his upcoming meeting with Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox to gauge the potential for a hostile confrontation. The President expresses concern that Cox might intentionally provoke a conflict to justify a resignation, prompting the two to strategize on how to manage the interaction. They conclude by scheduling a follow-up briefing to occur after the President finishes a concurrent meeting with Congressional leadership.

WatergateArchibald CoxSpecial ProsecutorPresidential StrategyJ. Fred Buzhardt
AudioNARA Description

On June 6, 1973, White House operator, President Richard M. Nixon, and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 2:35 pm to 2:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-109 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 39-109

Date: June 6, 1973
Time: 2:35 pm - 2:36 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The White House operator talked with the President.

       Incoming telephone call

The President talked with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr.

[See also Conversation No. 443-11]

       Watergate
             -Buzhardt’s forthcoming meeting with Archibald Cox [?]
                   -Timing
                   -Objectives
                            -Possible resignation
                   -Forthcoming conversation with President

       President’s schedule
              -Bipartisan Congressional leadership meeting
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah.
Mr. Bazzard, sir.
Hello.
Yes, Mr. President.
You're meeting with this fellow at 3 o'clock, are you?
3.30.
3.30.
Oh, I see.
How long do you think it'll take you?
It depends on, you know, what his... What he wants to discuss.
What he wants, Mr. President.
Fine, fine.
You know, we've discussed the various things, what might be his objectives.
Right.
Okay.
If he's looking for a confrontation to give him a basis to resign, I presume it might be a fairly short meeting.
If he has other motives, as is probably the case, I think then we will discuss and talk a while, see what he wants to tell us.
So it'll be, you know, depends on the circumstances.
Okay, well then...
You might give me a call when you return.
I certainly will.
See, I have a meeting with the Congressman at 5.
You might not be back by then.
No, we might not.
That's only an hour and a half, including travel time.
I will be around.
I'll wait.
I'll call around after I get finished with the Congressman.
Thank you, sir.
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