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Conversation 502-003

TapeTape 502StartThursday, May 20, 1971 at 8:16 AMEndThursday, May 20, 1971 at 8:19 AMTape start time00:11:45Tape end time00:14:49ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ball, George W.Recording deviceOval Office
AudioNARA Description

On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and George W. Ball met in the Oval Office of the White House from 8:16 am to 8:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-003 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 502-3

Date: May 20, 1971
Time: 8:16 am - 8:19 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with George W. Ball.

[See Conversation No. 3-78]
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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 before you got into your work, I wanted to tell you that I was talking to Gregor.
I said, you know, that was a very good job.
And he said, well, he said the man that really helped us the most on the Democratic side was George Ball.
So I just wanted to express appreciation to you and tell you that while we naturally have our differences on party and other matters, I really thought this was a really fine demonstration
You know, putting the interests of the country first.
And I know you worked, from what I heard, very long hours.
And I'm sorry we can't pay you what you work.
Right.
And they all came true.
All of you.
Remember the ones you said you talked about all came true.
And that was the one.
I got that vote again.
It turned, it didn't even get as much as Fulbright said.
Sure.
Probably the best thing is to have that done by state, don't you think?
Because Bill and John Irwin, all that, just talking to the family, it is the international family.
There is a great sensitivity sometimes in the state for anybody in the White House, you know, to do it.
And we've had that problem, as you know, with the press nurses.
But I think I'll have a talk with Bill and just say, look, we can do it.
Because we do want to do it.
And, of course, I see lots of individual senators, but I can't see them all.
And what has to happen is that I have a dozen of them.
That's to your point exactly.
Yeah.
so that they have a feeling of being in on the deal.
That's right.
Yeah.
There'll be an announcement today that will be of considerable interest in this general area, and you'll, I think, after you hear it, will realize, well, that we are working on a few things.
Yeah.
But anyway, I do appreciate your having worked with me, and I'm most grateful.
Thank you.
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