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Conversation 234-017

TapeTape 234StartFriday, December 8, 1972 at 12:05 PMEndFriday, December 8, 1972 at 1:12 PMParticipantsEhrlichman, John D.;  Shultz, George P.Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

John D. Ehrlichman and George P. Shultz discuss potential presidential pardons for the upcoming Christmas season, specifically addressing the case of a Chicago attorney convicted of tax fraud. Shultz also briefs Ehrlichman on Samuel Pierce’s career objectives, noting that Pierce prefers a judicial appointment over an ambassadorship and intends to remain at the Treasury Department for several more months. The pair coordinate the documentation and handling of these personnel and legal matters for further review by the President.

Presidential pardonsSamuel PierceJudicial appointmentsTax fraudPersonnel managementDepartment of the Treasury
AudioNARA Description

On December 8, 1972, John D. Ehrlichman and George P. Shultz met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:05 pm and 1:12 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 234-017 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 234-17

Date: December 8, 1972
Time: Unknown between 12:05 pm and 1:12 pm
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

John D. Ehrlichman talked with George P. Shultz.

[See Conversation No. 157-24]
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                       NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                                (rev. May-08)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I probably could have gotten him to be my deputy, but I don't think it would have been a good idea.
I have a memo from Sam Pierce in the Treasury about a Chicago lawyer, black lawyer named Bean, who was found guilty of fraudulent behavior on his income tax.
Apparently he's really a black lawyer and he's guilty.
He's had a heart attack.
He's had all sorts of mitigating things.
And there is a fair amount of pressure for imposing a strong fine but not sending him to jail.
And I gather that the president is the one who issues these pardons, and at Christmastime there may be some.
So I've got a piece of paper on this, which I'll leave with you if you write the proper version of it.
Okay.
Well, I'll do that with him.
Okay.
Very good.
Thank you, Pierce.
Pierce does not want an ambassadorship.
He wants to be a certified judge.
You know, I mentioned that to the president.
He said, well, fine.
He wants to stay in the department for about eight months or so.
He's got a number of things that he's doing that he wants to complete.
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