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Conversation 237-050

TapeTape 237StartSaturday, December 30, 1972 at 10:54 AMEndSaturday, December 30, 1972 at 10:56 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Bull, Stephen B.Recording deviceCamp David Hard Wire
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, regarding the protocol for hosting a reception for foreign dignitaries attending the funeral services of former President Harry S. Truman. Nixon emphasized the importance of treating the event with at least the same level of honor as that provided for Dwight D. Eisenhower to avoid unfavorable public comparisons. The President ultimately authorized a brief White House reception to accommodate visiting heads of state and other high-ranking officials attending the memorial.

Harry S. TrumanFuneral arrangementsDiplomatic protocolWhite House eventsDwight D. Eisenhower
AudioNARA Description

On December 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David from 10:54 am to 10:56 am. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 237-050 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 237-50

Date: December 30, 1972
Time: 10:54 am - 10:56 am
Location: Camp David Hard Wire

The President talked with Stephen B. Bull.

[See Conversation No. 158-39]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah.
Hello.
Hi, Steve.
What report do you have on that general thing?
He was coming.
No, they're low level.
I would never see any of them, but what about the custom of having a reception for them?
I have no objection to doing it at all.
Let me put it this way.
I want to bend over backwards to do as much for Truman as we did for Eisenhower because the invidious comparison will inevitably be drawn otherwise.
That's the point I'm trying to make.
And I know that you and I, I can make the distinction of general versus service, which I've made to you.
So be sure the state understands it.
If they want to tilt that way after the dam, after they've had the memorial service, I'll just have them over for a brief reception at the White House, coffee or whatever, on that hour of the day.
You can tell them it's perfect, they're right as far as I'm concerned, and I'll be glad to receive them.
Because if they have any heads of state,
that type of thing, who are very close to him, like a former prime minister of a major country.
That's the kind of people you have.
Okay.
Yeah.
Bye.
Good.
Bye, Steve.
Thank you.
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