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Conversation 269-014

TapeTape 269StartTuesday, August 3, 1971 at 9:59 AMEndTuesday, August 3, 1971 at 10:02 AMTape start time01:43:07Tape end time01:46:31ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Counts, J. CurtisRecording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon met with Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director J. Curtis Counts to express his appreciation for Counts' successful efforts in mediating a recent steel labor settlement. The conversation addressed the necessity of the resulting price increases while affirming that avoiding a strike remained the administration's primary objective. Nixon also commended Counts' personal dedication throughout the grueling negotiation process and encouraged him to take time off to recuperate.

Steel industryLabor negotiationsCollective bargainingJ. Curtis CountsPrice increasesStrike prevention
AudioNARA Description

On August 3, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Curtis Counts met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 9:59 am to 10:02 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 269-014 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 269-14

Date: August 3, 1971
Time: 9:59 am - 10:02 am
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with J. Curtis Counts.

     Steel settlement
           -President's appreciation for Counts’ work
           -Price increase
           -James D. Hodgson
           -Railroad strike
           -Curtis’ background
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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, Kurt.
Well, I guess, I know you haven't had much sleep, but I want you to know that that was really a great job on the steel thing, and we're, and you tell all the people in your shop tonight, most grateful.
You know, after all, of course, the company did have to raise prices, but all in all, it would have been just foolish to have a strike about what was left when they finally came down to it on Friday.
Well, you get a little time off in Virginia.
Go to the country or something.
You must be tired.
I understand you didn't take your shoes off for three nights, according to Jim Hodgson.
Rarely.
No, you steal people, steal in a more orderly way.
You only stay up for three o'clock at night.
Oh, boy.
All right.
Good.
Get some rest in a little while.
Okay.
I've been telling everybody you were an All-American, a baseball player, and they don't believe you.
And they said they don't remember that far back.
Okay.
Bye.
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