Conversation 399-004

TapeTape 399StartMonday, January 22, 1973 at 9:10 AMEndMonday, January 22, 1973 at 9:47 AMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President)Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

AI Summary

President Nixon dictated a letter of appreciation to entertainer Bob Hope following a private screening of Hope’s latest Christmas television special. The President praised the performance, specifically highlighting the contributions of Delores Hope and the program's positive impact on the morale of U.S. servicemen during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. Beyond this commendation, Nixon briefly touched upon his personal aspirations and goals for his second presidential term.

Bob HopeChristmas specialPresidential correspondenceSecond term agendaMilitary moraleVietnam War

Audio

NARA Description

On January 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 9:10 am and 9:47 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 399-004 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 399-4

Date: January 22, 1973
Time: Unknown between 9:10 am and 9:47 am
Location: Executive Office Building

The President dictated a letter to Leslie T. (“Bob”) Hope.

       Hope's Christmas television [TV] special
            -Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon' and Julie Nixon Eisenhower
                  -Family viewing
                  -Opinion
            -Performers
                                             -7-

                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                        (rev. Apr.-09)

                                                         Conversation No. 399-4 (cont’d)

                   -Delores Hope
             -Servicemen's response
             -Les Brown's performance
             -Closing
                   -World War II
                   -Korean War, Vietnam War
                   -Morale of servicemen
             -Hope's contribution to country
             -Support for US policy
             -Hope's appearance

       President's goals for second term

       Delores Hope

       Closing

Transcript (AI-Generated)

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

A note to Bob Holt.

Dear Bob, last night, April 22nd, Pat, Julie, and I saw the

And I heard last night, the second floor, we ran your Christmas special for us at the night house.

I have always thought for the years, I have always thought for the years that it would be impossible for you to top the program for the previous years.

But this one, that's your last one.

I hope at Christmas time they have to be the best I can be.

That blue star, Dolores, really sparkly, pretty.

Those are the shots that your crew took.

When they hand the audience to the service man, really tough, but my heart is still in the heart.

But really most impressive of all was her final statement.

It brought back memories of her work to Korea and Vietnam.

And of all the programs she worked on over the years.

to help them flip her off of our service in the broad period.

Above all, it reminds me again of how much this nation owes you, not just for giving us the last

Have a great day.

Thank you.

While this may be your last Christmas special, I'm glad it's not your last for months.

In fact, you look so young later this year.

Actually, I wasn't proud, but it was great.

Great start to life.

That's my second time doing it.

I hope to have microphones over the next four years.

← 399-003 399-005 →