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Conversation 426-051

TapeTape 426StartTuesday, April 10, 1973 at 6:09 PMEndTuesday, April 10, 1973 at 6:14 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Bull, Stephen B.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming state dinner honoring Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The discussion focused on establishing precise protocol for the arrival of the color guard and the timing of musical fanfares during the event. Additionally, they reviewed details regarding the guest list, specifically confirming the status of Paul W. Keyes as a new staff member expected to participate in the receiving line.

State DinnerLee Kuan YewProtocolWhite House StaffStephen B. Bull
AudioNARA Description

On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 6:09 pm to 6:14 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-051 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 426-51

Date: April 10, 1973
Time: 6:09 pm - 6:14 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President met with Stephen B. Bull.

       Interest Equalization Tax
             -George P. Shultz
             -President’s schedule

       List

       Pens
              -Ball point
                    -Ease of use
                    -Japan’s manufacture
                          -Compared to US manufacture

       White House social affairs
            -Church services
                  -Use of White House, grounds
                        -Protocol
            -State dinner for Lee Kuan Yew
                  -Arrangements
                  -Paul W. Keyes and Mrs. Keyes
                                              -41-

                    NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                       (rev. Sep.-2010)
                                                              Conversation No. 426-51 (cont’d)

                    -H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman

Bull left at 6:14 pm.
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Oh.
I'm going to invite them to go out and look at the document.
No, no, no, no.
Let me suggest something.
I don't think you can have those colors coming down those stairs.
I know the guests don't see them.
Some of you will see them when they come down.
But the moment that anybody can see them, people should not be cranky.
Move it on.
I think that you should have the fanfare, rumbles and flourishes, as soon as the colors come into view.
And then people will all turn.
And once the colors come through, we all walk out.
That would be good for the bottom.
I don't see how else you're going to be able to do that.
What do you have in mind?
What do we have, sir?
I'm not sure if you've seen it.
You mentioned there are four chargers who have been going into the East Room.
They're coming down to the basement stairs.
They play their fanfare.
It's a short pause.
That gets everyone's attention.
That is the stairs.
Then we go with rubbles and flourishes.
Where are we all this time?
You're up at the first landing.
First landing.
Oh, they started there?
That's what I had in mind.
That's what I had in mind today.
The way I read it, I had in mind today.
I thought that we went clear to the bottom before they did all this, and that wouldn't be right.
No, sir.
It was difficult for them to describe the line.
Well, they all do.
I don't need to.
I just need to know.
Well, it's just anxious for you to know that he's coming.
He's going to be a staff member.
He's here with his wife tonight as a guest.
And from now on, he's going to be a staff member.
And he'll be going to the receiving line after tonight.
And I told him to take his wife to the receiving line.
Yeah.
And according to what you told us, we have a list of people who brought up to the Prime Minister after dinner while you were in the receiving line.
So, straight back to you.
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