Conversation 045-023

TapeTape 45StartThursday, April 26, 1973 at 7:08 PMEndThursday, April 26, 1973 at 7:09 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to cancel a scheduled call to White House Counsel John Dean. Nixon instructs Ziegler to tell Dean that the matter in question has already been handled, effectively shutting down further communication on the topic. The President emphasizes maintaining a cool demeanor and remaining firm should Dean attempt to follow up on the inquiry.

John W. Dean IIIWatergate scandalWhite House communicationCrisis managementRonald Ziegler

On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 7:08 pm to 7:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-023 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 45-23

Date: April 26, 1973
Time: 7:08 pm - 7:09 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See also Conversation No. 431-9N]

     Ziegler’s telephone call to John W. Dean, III

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I just canceled your call to Dean.
Will you do that?
Go to Dean.
Okay.
Cancel it.
Right.
All right.
Okay.
Thank you.
Just say that the matter's been covered.
Thank you.
Okay.
And don't take it back if it comes back.
Oh, John, just an inquiry here, but I've got the answer.
You know what I mean?
Yes, sir.
I can do that very coolly.
Okay.