Conversation 045-050

TapeTape 45StartMonday, April 30, 1973 at 10:41 PMEndMonday, April 30, 1973 at 10:42 PMParticipantsWhite House operator;  Cox, Tricia Nixon;  Moorer, Thomas H. (Adm.)Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

Admiral Thomas H. Moorer called President Nixon to express support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two discussed the appointment of Elliot Richardson as the new Attorney General and the subsequent vacancy within the Department of Defense. Nixon signaled his intention to recruit a successor from California to fill the leadership gap created by Richardson's move.

WatergateElliot L. RichardsonDepartment of DefensePresidential appointmentsThomas H. Moorer

On April 30, 1973, White House operator, Tricia Nixon Cox, and Adm. Thomas H. Moorer talked on the telephone from 10:41 pm to 10:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-050 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 45-50

Date: April 30, 1973
Time: 10:41 pm - 10:42 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The White House operator talked with Tricia Nixon Cox.

     Telephone call from Adm. Thomas H. Moorer

Moorer talked with the President.

     Watergate
          -President’s speech
                                              -35-

                    NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                       (rev. October-2012)

                                                               Conversation No. 45-50 (cont’d)

                 -President’s courage
                 -Elliot L. Richardson
                       -Attorney General
                       -Replacement at Department of Defense
                              -Possible appointee
                                    -California
           -President’s relationship with Moorer
                 -Moorer’s wife

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 wanted to tell you once more how much I admire your courage and what a great statement I thought you made tonight.
I want to tell you how much I admire the man that you have selected for attorney general.
It's a great loss for us, but hey, Richardson is really the salt of the earth.
We'll get you good men in this place.
Probably, if you don't mind, Tom, I think we ought to get
Our friend from California back, you know?
Yes, sir.
I wish we could, and I'm working.
Yeah.
Right.
Okay, bye.
Okay, I just... Well, how good of you to call.
I just wanted to know I'm all behind you.
Look, I know that.
I know that.
I know that.
Yes, sir.
We love you and your wife, and tell her that I love her, will you?
I sure will.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you.
Yes, sir.
Good morning.
Good morning.