President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to contact Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Nixon directed that an announcement be made emphasizing that the President had formally ordered an FBI investigation into the incident. This conversation served to establish the administration's public posture and demonstrate the President’s proactive involvement in the federal response.
On January 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 9:42 pm to 9:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-137 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 36-137 Date: January 30, 1973 Time: 9:42 pm - 9:43 pm Location: White House Telephone The President talked with Stephen B. Bull. [See Conversation No. 406-49] John C. Stennis shooting -Contact Ronald L. Ziegler -Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] involvement -The President’s role
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.