President Nixon and former President Lyndon B. Johnson engaged in a brief, informal New Year's exchange primarily to coordinate their response regarding attendance at the upcoming public memorial service for Harry S. Truman. The two leaders agreed that having already paid their personal respects in Independence, Missouri, both would skip the public Washington event to avoid any appearance of exploitation or diplomatic slight. During the call, Nixon expressed support regarding ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, while Johnson discussed his recent health struggles following the Cotton Bowl and his appreciation for Nixon's continued friendship.
On January 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson talked on the telephone from 4:46 pm to 4:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 035-067 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 35-67 Date: January 2, 1973 Time: 4:46 pm - 4:51 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Lyndon B. Johnson. [See Conversation No. 830-6B] New Year's greeting Johnson’s health The President's conversation with Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo -Rebozo’s possible visit to Johnson -Rebozo’s age Vietnam negotiations -Johnson’s empathy -North Vietnamese return -Settlement agreement Wyatt Thomas Johnson, Jr. The President’s and Lyndon Johnson's schedule -61- NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (rev. Oct.-07) Conversation No. 35-67 (cont’d) -Harry S. Truman’s memorial service -Private memorial service in Independence, Missouri [December 27, 1972] -Wreath laying -Diplomatic representatives and members of Congress attendance -Private memorial service -Thomas Johnson -Possible perceptions -Claudia A. (Taylor) (“Lady Bird”) Johnson -Thelma C. (“Pat”). Nixon -Gerald L. Warren -[Thomas] Hale Boggs’s memorial service -Mrs. Nixon -Lyndon Johnson’s health Lyndon Johnson’s health -University of Texas-University of Alabama football game [Cotton Bowl, January 1, 1973] -Doctor -San Antonio -University of Texas’s victory -The President’s viewing on television -Heart pains ***************************************************************** [Begin segment reviewed under deed of gift] -Invitation to visit Florida -Rebozo -Character -Johnson’s grandson [Lyndon Nugent] -Visit to White House -Future as politician [End segment reviewed under deed of gift] ***************************************************************** -62- NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (rev. Oct.-07)
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.