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Conversation 003-132

TapeTape 3StartWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 2:20 PMEndWednesday, May 26, 1971 at 2:21 PMTape start time03:18:09Tape end time03:19:21ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Colson, Charles W.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the President’s recent outreach to Edward J. Kiernan following the killing of New York City police officers. Nixon confirms he sent letters of condolence to the victims' families and expressed his formal support for the NYPD to boost morale and public appreciation for law enforcement. Colson agrees to coordinate further publicity for these actions, specifically through the New York Daily News, to capitalize on the potential political impact.

New York City Police DepartmentLaw enforcementPublic relationsEdward J. KiernanCondolence lettersPolitical strategy
AudioNARA Description

On May 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 2:20 pm to 2:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-132 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 003-132

Date: May 26, 1971
Time: 2:20 pm - 2:21 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Charles W. Colson.

[See Conversation No. 253-012]

     President's call to Edward J. Kiernan

             -President's condolence letters to families of slain policemen
             -President's support for New York, NY Police Department
             -Effect of killings on public opinion
             -Publicity
                   -New York Daily News
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.
Yes, sir.
I got a hold of Kiernan just now.
Oh, excellent.
I told him that I had written notes to the people in the family.
I extended my sympathy through him to, of course, them.
And I asked him to extend my very best wishes and appreciation to the men on the New York police force, many of whom I've met personally over the years when they have been there to
escort me when I've arrived in both private and public capacities, and that while this was a terrible shock to have this kind of a thing happen, that in one sense it may have served a useful purpose in alerting the whole country to the fact that whoever we are, whatever we are, black or white or anything, that we
owe a great deal to men who serve on the police forces and who risk their lives in order to save our lives.
Excellent.
Worse to that effect.
Excellent.
He said he was grateful.
So you pass it on to whoever you like.
We'll get the daily news.
We'll call him, and I think that'll be very helpful, sir.
Bye.
Bye.
He's a great supporter.
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