President Nixon called William B. Macomber, Jr. to personally commend him for his intervention during a protest the previous day where he physically prevented demonstrators from removing an American flag. Nixon expressed strong support for Macomber's actions, framing the incident as a defense of national symbols against agitators seeking only to cause damage. The brief exchange served to bolster morale and demonstrate presidential approval for Macomber's confrontational approach to the protesters.
On May 4, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and William B. Macomber, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:12 pm to 1:13 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 251-051 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 251-51 Date: May 4, 1971 Time: 1:12 pm - 1:13 pm Location: Executive Office Building The President talked with William B. Macomber, Jr. [See Conversation No. 42-86]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.