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Conversation 443-003

TapeTape 443StartWednesday, June 6, 1973 at 1:00 PMEndWednesday, June 6, 1973 at 1:04 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Buzhardt, J. Fred, Jr.Recording deviceOld Executive Office Building
AI Summary

President Nixon met with his legal counsel, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., to discuss the administration's ongoing cooperation with investigations and to coordinate a defensive strategy. Nixon commended Buzhardt’s recent legal work and emphasized that the White House would maintain a cooperative stance while remaining prepared for a political confrontation. The President firmly asserted his innocence regarding the matters under scrutiny and instructed Buzhardt to rebuff any attempts to obstruct their legal position.

Watergate scandalLegal strategyJ. Fred BuzhardtPresidential cooperationPolitical defense
AudioNARA Description

On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:00 pm to 1:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 443-003 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 443-3

Date: June 6, 1973
Time: 1:00 pm - 1:04 pm
Location: Executive Office Building

The President talked with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr.
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                   NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

                                        (rev. June-2011)

                                                           Conversation No. 443-3 (cont’d)

[See Conversation No. 39-104]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

So, Fred, with regard to your heat and cost, I know that you have a lot of work to do.
You spent a lot of time on this stuff.
You did a lot of work.
You did a very good job.
I know that from him and what he's up to and what it has to do with him.
So, now, as far as the typing, I would say it's a great one for me.
Now, the other thing is that we are cooperating all the way.
Now, I want you to say, quite candidly,
That is the case.
I think we should say that.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
But that's the break over that we're on.
You know what I'm saying?
You know what I'm saying?
You know what I'm saying?
You know what I'm saying?
You know what I'm saying?
But if they make this a political dogfight, we're ready for it.
We are prepared to fight.
I lay it right on the line.
Yes, that's right.
Let me just say that I've got to say this.
You've got to know because yesterday I faced a lot of arguments.
There have been a number of call-outs that are currently coming from some of the junior members of his staff.
They have said it.
That's what you're trying to do.
We want you to know we're ready for the fight.
You're not going to get it.
Because that's wrong.
The president's cooperating.
He's getting him in this thing.
And he said the president is totally innocent.
And everybody knows it, including me.
He's testimony under Oathful of Souls.
And don't let him block you with anything.
That's a lie.
All right.
Play the health game.
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