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Conversation 041-070

TapeTape 41StartThursday, July 12, 1973 at 8:41 PMEndThursday, July 12, 1973 at 8:46 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Woods, Rose MaryRecording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon calls his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to personally inform her of his diagnosis of viral pneumonia and his impending week-long hospitalization at Bethesda. The two discuss his frustration regarding forced rest and the President's instructions to Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler concerning the public announcement of his condition. Nixon expresses cynical amusement at the prospect of the White House press corps applauding the news of his illness.

Richard M. NixonRose Mary WoodsViral pneumoniaBethesda Naval HospitalRonald L. ZieglerWhite House Press CorpsPresidential health
AudioNARA Description

On July 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods talked on the telephone from 8:41 pm to 8:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-070 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 41-70

Date: July 12, 1973
Time: 8:41 pm - 8:46 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Rose Mary Woods.

     President’s health
           -President’s schedule
                 -Bethesda Hospital
           -President’s restlessness
           -President’s conversation with Ronald L. Ziegler
                 -Announcement of President’s condition
                 -White House Press Corps reaction
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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?
Hi.
Oh, because of the...
I didn't want you to read in the papers.
We had the x-ray, and they did find it was viral pneumonia.
So I have to go to the hospital for perhaps a week.
Five days, maybe, maybe a week.
And we think we'll get over it by that time.
I think I may beat it by a little.
If everything works out.
So I just wanted you to suggest one.
Well, I think the main thing you should do is try to get some rest.
You know, if you want anything, just...
I rest all the time.
Oh, sure.
Yeah.
Sure, sure.
God, in a hospital, that drives me nuts.
I know, it's very difficult.
So if you want anything and you want us to bring out FYIs, or if you want me to come out there and do anything, let me know.
Okay, and thank you.
And good luck.
Oh, it's going to be fine, don't worry.
I know it is, but I hope you'll be a lot better tomorrow, but try to...
I told Ziegler to make the announcement because I said it's the only time...
In his career, he'll hear the press car clap.
All those bastards.
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