Conversation 437-007

TapeTape 437StartWednesday, May 16, 1973 at 2:44 PMEndWednesday, May 16, 1973 at 2:46 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building

President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed internal investigations into agency involvement, specifically focusing on the CIA's potential role and the necessity for a thorough, broad-based inquiry. Nixon directed Ziegler to gather specific data regarding FBI reports and the timeline of staff involvement in Los Angeles to clarify administrative oversight. This exchange reflects the White House's attempt to manage and compartmentalize information surrounding ongoing investigations.

CIAFBIWatergate investigationAgency oversightWhite House administration

On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:44 pm to 2:46 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-007 of the White House Tapes.

Conversation No. 437-7

Date: May 16, 1973
Time: 2:44 pm -2:46 pm
Location: Old Executive Office Building

The President talked with Ronald L. Ziegler.

[See Conversation No. 46-79]

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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

So, Ron, I was going to say that regardless of any question, if it does come up, I don't know what it is, but if it does come up, John, we have to make sure we don't have any issues with the maintenance, whether or not the president or whatever director is involved.
Yes, the director will investigate.
Of all agencies, it might have been involved.
Don't you agree?
Because that's their line of sight.
They were trying to find out whether the CIA was involved.
Any other developments you'd like to talk to us about?
Yeah, this is L.A.
I think you can find out how many, just to break it down, before and so forth, how many FBI reports did they receive, or how many, how many staff did they send in before that time?
We have some that date, but we've already
I hear you.