President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman coordinated with William Timmons to communicate the administration's forthcoming Watergate-related statement to Senator Sam Ervin and Senator Howard Baker. Ehrlichman directed Timmons to read specific portions of the document to both senators rather than soliciting their feedback. This action reflects the White House’s attempt to manage congressional expectations and control the narrative surrounding the President’s impending public announcement.
On April 17, 1973, John D. Ehrlichman, unknown person(s), President Richard M. Nixon, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, and William E. Timmons talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:50 pm and 4:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-088 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 38-88 Date: April 17, 1973 Time: Unknown between 3:50 pm and 4:35 pm Location: White House Telephone John D. Ehrlichman talked with an unknown woman. [See also Conversation No. 898-23] -49- NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (rev. January-2011) Conversation No. 38-88 (cont’d) Location of William E. Timmons Return call Location of Ehrlichman Ehrlichman conferred with the President and H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman at an unknown time. [Begin conferral] [See Conversation No. 898-23] [End conferral] Ehrlichman talked with Timmons at an unknown time. Timmons’s call to Sam J. Ervin, Jr. -President’s forthcoming statement -Copies -Ronald L. Ziegler President’s statement -Timmons’s call to Howard H. Baker, Jr. Ehrlichman conferred with the President and Haldeman at an unknown time. [Begin conferral] [See Conversation No. 898-23/899-1] [End conferral] President’s statement -Timmons’s call to Baker -50- NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (rev. January-2011)
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.