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Conversation 253-010

TapeTape 253StartWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 2:17 PMEndWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 2:19 PMTape start time00:43:33Tape end time00:45:51ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Sanchez, Manolo;  Kiernan, Edward J.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon spoke with Edward J. Kiernan, president of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, to express support for law enforcement following a recent, troubling incident. During the brief discussion, Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining public respect for police officers in their efforts to combat criminal elements. The President concluded the call by requesting that Kiernan convey his encouragement and gratitude to the rank-and-file officers.

Law enforcementPolice relationsPublic safetyNixon administrationPolice morale
AudioNARA Description

On May 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and Edward J. Kiernan met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:17 pm and 2:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 253-010 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 253-10

Date: May 26, 1971
Time: 2:17 pm - unknown before 2:19 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President met with Manolo Sanchez

     The President’s assent

[The President talked with Edward J. Kiernan between 2:17 pm and 2:19 pm]

[See Conversation No. 3-130]

[End of telephone conversation]

Sanchez left at an unknown time before 2:19 pm
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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?
I guess it's all to tell you that I, like I'm sure millions of people in this country, was deeply shocked by the events of the past few days.
And I want you to first, I will be writing, I am writing a documentary.
you know, people in your organization, people on the force, and the sense of the country, and that they keep that courage up for a hard time until they degrade the majority of the people in this country back.
And the fact that even the city turned out, I understand, in this case, and people from all over the country do.
They're not even safe in the country.
And I'm like, well,
Larry, uh, the, uh, you've, you've got the, about the, uh, the, uh, I was just down in Alabama yesterday, and I just made a point to be sure to speak whenever I could to one of those fellows, and thank you for what you're doing, because that's what we really did need to do, to keep you being still among us.
among decent people, respect for the men who protect us, protect us from criminal elements.
And, right, right.
Well, it's too bad that an incident like this has shocked people in their senses, but I think it had to do with that.
And in that respect, try, try.
Well, you said my best to the other men in the force.
Will you please?
Thank you.
Yes, sir.
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