Conversation 045-151

TapeTape 45StartWednesday, May 2, 1973 at 8:51 PMEndWednesday, May 2, 1973 at 8:52 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Ehrlichman, John D.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

AI Summary

President Nixon informs John Ehrlichman of his decision to appoint Alexander M. Haig, Jr. as White House Chief of Staff to manage staff operations. The two men also discuss the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the extent of the Justice Department's prior knowledge regarding the break-in. They emphasize that Egil Krogh and John Dean allegedly communicated this information to officials such as Elliot Richardson and Henry Petersen, a narrative they intend to use to justify their own conduct.

Alexander M. Haig Jr.Watergate scandalWhite House staff reorganizationDepartment of JusticeEgil Krogh

Audio

NARA Description

On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 8:51 pm to 8:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-151 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 45-151

Date: May 2, 1973
Time: 8:51 pm - 8:52 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with John D. Ehrlichman.

     White House staff
          -Appointment of Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
               -Chief of Staff
               -Responsibilities
               -Spiro T. Agnew, Leonard Garment

     Watergate
          -Egil (“Bud”) Krogh, Jr.
                -Justice Department’s knowledge
                -Conversations
                       -John W. Dean, III
                             -Knowledge
                       -Elliot L. Richardson
                       -Henry E. Petersen
                                             -95-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                     (rev. October-2012)

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yes, sir.

I'm going to put Hague in charge tomorrow at 11 o'clock, you know, just to sort of keep things so that Hague and the rest don't go and the car might all run off.

Good.

Is that all right with you?

Sure, sure.

I think that's a great idea.

Fine.

Anything else to report?

No, sir.

I don't have any further word on that subject we discussed.

Fine.

I know.

Well, good.

I mean, you know, we've got such a hell of a good case here.

I mean, the whole goddamn thing, the Department of Justice knew about it.

There wasn't anything for me to do, was there?

That's the point.

And I reported to you and said, well, they know about it.

Mm-hmm.

All right.

Isn't that the answer?

I think that's it.

Absolutely.

And Kroger said that, too, in effect.

Right.

Dean told him that back in November.

I see.

Did he tell Richardson that?

Uh, yes, I believe he does.

He told him as much about Peterson anyway.

Right.

Okay.

All right, sir.

All right, bye.

Thank you.

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