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Conversation 016-103

TapeTape 16StartWednesday, December 15, 1971 at 8:38 AMEndWednesday, December 15, 1971 at 9:14 AMTape start time03:42:37Tape end time03:44:38ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  Smith, Margaret ChaseRecording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Richard Nixon contacted Senator Margaret Chase Smith to offer birthday wishes while inquiring about her health during her stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The conversation shifted to political matters, with Nixon expressing appreciation for Smith’s legislative support and lamenting the difficulties faced with the continuing resolution. Both parties briefly discussed the exhaustion and partisan maneuvering within Congress, concluding with mutual well-wishes for the upcoming holidays.

Margaret Chase SmithBirthday greetingsWalter ReedContinuing resolutionCongressional relationsLegislative strategy
AudioNARA Description

On December 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Margaret Chase Smith talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:38 am and 9:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-103 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 16-103

Date: December 15, 1971
Time: Unknown between 8:38 am and 9:14 am
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with the White House operator.

[See Conversation No. 638-2]

     Request for a call to Margaret Chase Smith

The President talked with Margaret Chase Smith.

     Birthday greetings to Smith

     Smith’s health
          -Location

*****************************************************************

[Previous PRMPA Privacy (D) reviewed under PRMPA regulations 06/12/2019. Segment
cleared for release.]
[Privacy]
[016-103-w001]
[Duration: 20s]

     William C. Lewis, Jr.’s health
          -Heart attack

*****************************************************************

     Margaret Chase Smith’s appreciation for the President

     Legislation
          -Continuing resolution
                -[House Resolution [HR] 1?]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Go ahead.
Mrs. Smith, Senator Smith.
Yes, sir.
Hello.
Yes, Mr. President, how are you?
Well, how are you?
I just wanted you to know that I was flying back from the Azars yesterday, and I found when I came in this morning that you'd had a birthday.
So the purpose of my call is very brief.
First, not only many happy returns to the birthday, but more happy returns on Election Day for you.
Are you Walter Reed?
Yes, I am.
Oh, I didn't.
I heard that when I called, and I hope everything's going all right.
Yes, it isn't anything very serious.
Oh, good.
It's very light.
Very good.
I'd just like to take this opportunity to tell you what a wonderful, wonderful job you're doing.
I have the greatest admiration.
Well, you certainly, let me say, you've been like a rock down there in these last months.
It's been hard, hasn't it?
Have you sometimes wondered about what our friends on the other side are up to on these things?
You know, that continuing resolution and some of that stuff, we've really had a trouble.
It's been very difficult, I know, for you and others who have tried to be responsible down there.
It's hard to know how that continuing resolution and everything.
It's really strange they're playing that game, isn't it?
Yeah, that's right.
Everybody's tired.
Oh, I think they are.
I think the people generally are with you.
Yeah, well, I appreciate what you've done, and you just take good care out there, and we'll look forward to seeing you after the first year, okay?
Yes, sir, and have a good Christmas.
Okay, thank you.
My love to the family.
I sure will.
Thank you.
Thanks very much, Margaret.
Bye.
Thank you.
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