Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler directed the Camp David operator to locate former aide Charles W. Colson, who was visiting his son in Princeton, New Jersey. The effort to reach Colson proved difficult as he was not registered at his expected motel and had uncertain travel plans for the evening. Ziegler specifically instructed the operator to maintain a professional demeanor and ensure the request did not appear overly urgent.
On April 28, 1973, Ronald L. Ziegler and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:20 pm and 8:10 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-026 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 164-26
Date: April 28, 1973
Time: Unknown between 7:20 pm and 8:10 pm
Location: Camp David Study Table
Ronald L. Ziegler talked with the Camp David operator.
Call to Charles W. Colson
-Location
Princeton, New Jersey
-Return call
[The operator placed the telephone on hold at an unknown time.]
Colson’s location
-Motel
[The operator placed the telephone on hold at an unknown time]
[Pause]
Colson’s location
-Plans
-Search for Colson
-22-
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. March-2011)
Conversation No. 164-26 (cont’d)
-UrgencyThis 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.