President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the leadership transition at the FBI following the death of J. Edgar Hoover, including the strategic timing of the official announcement. The conversation also touched upon the appointment of Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters to the CIA, focusing on his Senate confirmation prospects and personal loyalty. Nixon expressed concerns regarding the delay in managing the public announcement of Hoover's passing, tasking staff with expediting the process.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 10:00 am and 10:25 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-012 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 334-12
Date: May 2, 1972
Time: Unknown between 10:00 am and 10:25 am
Location: Executive Office Building
The President talked with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman [?].
Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters
-Confirmation by Senate
-Loyalty
-Job at Central Intelligence Agency [CIA]
-Compared with J. Edgar Hoover
Hoover
-Announcement of death
-DelayThis 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.