President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss an upcoming meeting with prominent attorney Edward Bennett Williams, who had recently reached out to the White House following Nixon's public support of the Washington Redskins. Nixon instructs Colson to remain firm regarding the Washington Post’s coverage of the Watergate scandal, while using the meeting to signal that the administration expects Williams to distance himself from the paper's personal attacks on the President. The conversation highlights the administration's desire to leverage political pressure and potential investigations into Williams' tax returns to encourage his cooperation or neutrality.
On January 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 8:46 am to 8:50 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 035-080 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 35-80 Date: January 4, 1973 Time: 8:46 am - 8:50 am Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Charles W. Colson. [See Conversation No. 833-4] Colson’s forthcoming meeting with Edward Bennett Williams -Jeanne L. Dixon -Conversation with Rose Mary Woods -Williams’s recent letter to the President -Williams’ letter to the President -Tone -Content -The President’s support of the Washington Redskins -Regards for 1973 -Motivation -1972 election -Clients -Timing -Purpose -Listening -Washington Post -79- NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (rev. Oct.-07) Conversation No. 35-80 (cont’d) -Watergate -Cooperation -Williams' letter to the President -Williams’ recent call to Colson -Colson’s schedule -Meeting with the President -Message for Colson’s secretary -[New York] -Cooperation with Washington Post -Williams’ tax returns -Redskins -Washington Post -Watergate -Washington Post -Representation -Embarrassment of the President -The President's relationship with Williams -Counsel for Joseph McCarthy -Watergate -Williams’ ability as lawyer -Williams’ role -Representation
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.