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Conversation 015-085

TapeTape 15StartMonday, November 22, 1971 at 10:56 AMEndMonday, November 22, 1971 at 10:57 AMTape start time02:54:36Tape end time02:55:37ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  MacGregor, Clark;  Nixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  MacGregor, ClarkRecording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with Clark MacGregor regarding a strategy to publicly criticize Congress for its legislative inaction and delays surrounding the Thanksgiving recess. Nixon directed MacGregor and William Timmons to prepare a presidential statement highlighting congressional failure to progress on key issues, specifically foreign assistance legislation. MacGregor provided an update on the status of the House conference committee, noting the specific role of Thomas E. Morgan in stalling committee meetings, and was subsequently invited to the Oval Office to further discuss the administration’s response.

Congressional relationsLegislative strategyForeign assistancePublic relationsThomas E. Morgan
AudioNARA Description

On November 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Clark MacGregor talked on the telephone from 10:56 am to 10:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 015-085 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 15-85

Date: November 22, 1971
Time: 10:56 am - 10:57 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with the White House operator.

     Clark MacGregor

The President talked with MacGregor.

[See also Conversation No. 621-44C]

     Senate
          -William E. Timmons
               -Preparation of presidential statement
                    -Thanksgiving recess
                    -Senate inactivity
                    -House
                          -Foreign assistance
                          -Conference committee
                                -Republicans
                                -Thomas E. Morgan

     Meeting with the President
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Mr. McGregor, sir.
Good morning, Mr. President.
I was thinking one thing I'd like for you to give some thought to you and Timmons and the leadership.
I think that when the Senate does leave, you ought to begin the preparation of a real presidential statement blasting the Congress for its inactivity and laying out what they ought to be doing and so forth.
What do you think of that?
of Thanksgiving because these guys aren't doing a goddamn thing with delay.
And it's ridiculous that the House is gone now.
It really is.
Yes, it is.
And it's ridiculous that the House countries are not working on foreign assistance.
Incidentally, Mr. President, the Republican members
The Committee of Conference, which had its first meeting on Friday, were willing to stay and work Doc Morgan.
We don't want to blast Doc, I'm sure, but he was the one who was responsible for no meetings on foreign assistance this week.
It's time, I think, for us to step up to it.
Where are you now?
I'm in my office right now.
Well, come on down.
I'll talk here.
Thank you.
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