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Conversation 023-118

TapeTape 23StartTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 5:26 PMEndTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 5:27 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Tolson, Clyde A.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon called Clyde A. Tolson to express his personal condolences following the recent death of J. Edgar Hoover. The two men discussed the profound impact of the loss, with Nixon affirming his intent to attend the funeral and deliver remarks honoring the late FBI Director. During the exchange, Nixon also acknowledged Hoover's professional legacy, asserting that history would diminish the significance of his critics.

J. Edgar HooverClyde A. TolsonFuneral arrangementsPresidential condolencesPublic legacy
AudioNARA Description

On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Clyde A. Tolson talked on the telephone from 5:26 pm to 5:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-118 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 23-118

Date: May 2, 1972
Time: 5:26-5:27 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Clyde A. Tolson.

[See also Conversation No. 334-36F]

     J. Edgar Hoover
           -Friendship with Tolson
                 -Sympathy
                      -Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon
           -Death
                 -Shock
                 -Funeral
                      -The President's remarks
          -Detractors
          -The President's call
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello.
Hello, Mr. President.
How are you?
Well, Clyde, on this day, I know you're Edgar's closest friend, and Pat and I wanted to send our deepest sympathy to you.
Well, we're very grateful for that.
It's quite a shock to us.
Of course.
And I'll be there, of course, for the funeral, and we'll hope to say a few words.
Well, he'd appreciate that, I know.
Yeah.
And no man in the world deserved it more.
And as I said...
He has this great thing to remember, and that is all of his damn detractors are going to look damn small.
Yeah.
Huh?
I appreciate your calling very much.
Right, Clyde.
Bye.
Thank you.
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