Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 594 › Conversation 594-007

Bell, Walters & Tarr on Economic Policy and Retirement

Monday, October 18, 1971 · 12:37 PM–12:44 PM ET · Oval Office

ParticipantsBell, George T.; Walters, Thomas G.; Walters, Thomas G. (Mrs.); Tarr, Clarence M.; Tarr, Clarence M. (Mrs.); Sparks, Arthur L.; Sparks, Arthur L. (Mrs.); Walkendifer, Vincent G.; Walkendifer, Vincent G. (Mrs.); Davis, Gertrude G.; Chace, Carleton J.; Stone, James W.; Stone, James W. (Mrs.); Gardner, Ted R.; Gardner, Ted R. (Mrs.); Johnson, Glenn R. (Col.); O'Connor, F. E.; Miller, Luther L.; Attebery, Joe G.; Attebery, Joe G. (Mrs.); Meadows, Ed W.; Meadows, Ed W. (Mrs.); Hillyard, Ray; Turrisi, Charles J.; Turrisi, Charles J. (Mrs.); Graybill, Ben W.; Magee, David M.; O'Neill, Chris J.; Park, Judith E.; Slade, Katherine G.; Bell, George T.; Walters, Thomas G.; Walters, Thomas G. (Mrs.); Tarr, Clarence M.; Tarr, Clarence M. (Mrs.); Sparks, Arthur L.; Sparks, Arthur L. (Mrs.); Walkendifer, Vincent G.; Walkendifer, Vincent G. (Mrs.); Davis, Gertrude G.; Chace, Carleton J.; Stone, James W.; Stone, James W. (Mrs.); Gardner, Ted R.; Gardner, Ted R. (Mrs.); Johnson, Glenn R. (Col.); O'Connor, F. E.; Miller, Luther L.; Attebery, Joe G.; Attebery, Joe G. (Mrs.); Meadows, Ed W.; Meadows, Ed W. (Mrs.); Hillyard, Ray; Turrisi, Charles J.; Turrisi, Charles J. (Mrs.); Graybill, Ben W.; Magee, David M.; O'Neill, Chris J.; Park, Judith E.; Slade, Katherine G.Conversation594-007 on Tape 594 (tape position 02:17:01–02:25:10)StartMonday, October 18, 1971 at 12:37 PMEndMonday, October 18, 1971 at 12:44 PMRecording deviceOval OfficeSourceNixon Library record for 594-007 ↗

AI Summary

President Nixon met with a large group of representatives from the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) to receive their expressions of support for his administration's economic policies. The informal discussion touched on concerns regarding the impact of price increases on the savings and income of retirees. The meeting concluded with a group photograph and brief casual conversation between the President and the attendees.

Audio

Download MP3 (part 1) · 167.9 MB ·Download MP3 (part 2) · 82.6 MB

This conversation has not yet been cut into its own clip, so the player above contains the full tape segment shared with neighbouring conversations. It begins about 02:17:01 into the tape and ends around 02:25:10.

Transcript (AI-generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI (WhisperX) and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Names and numbers are often wrong; speakers are not identified. Do not cite it as authoritative — verify against the audio and the finding aid.

Download transcript (.txt) · JSON data

· Timestamps are positions within the full tape recording.
2:17:01So I think I'm generally, you know, one of the guys that there is things that I think we can accomplish there, and things that I'm particularly interested in the countries in the future, about force reduction in the Middle East.
2:17:06salt docks, and I think that if we come out with something substantive so it doesn't appear that this is all half-dispirited.
2:17:14Oh, absolutely.
2:17:14And what I'm supposed to do would be to do exactly what Henry's doing.
2:17:17Play the role, keep the same reason, not have threats, and just sort of go with your people and make arrangements now.
2:17:25Henry's going to be tied up with the Chinese part of it, and I think that to some extent we're going to have to make our plans coincidentally, because...
2:17:35because there's going to be probably too much space in between for you to go and march.
2:17:39Yeah, marching is very good.
2:17:41Marching will make you lunch, doesn't it?
2:17:43And, you know, it's an enormous amount of preparation.
2:17:51We think these other trips are hard to seize.
2:17:56Well, all right, that's it.
2:18:02I think I'll get it figured out.
2:18:03I'll make a statement.
2:18:04The fact of the matter is he thinks it's better tomorrow morning than the first.
2:18:08Tell me what you think about it tomorrow and ask George Maynard's speech today.
2:18:12Either one is all right, though.
2:18:14Yeah, well, you may get the question.
2:18:16Anyway, so I, he may get it off the cuff, but if he does, I'll have it planted.
2:18:19Right.
2:18:20And have him make a statement.
2:18:21Good, good.
2:18:21If you like, I'll just say, well, what are these stories?
2:18:23And then he just... No, I'm just saying, don't do this with him.
2:18:26The president fully supports the Secretary of State's boundary lines and the American bushes, and that's our position.
2:18:33Fully supports it.
2:18:33That's the American position.
2:18:34The president fully supports it.
2:18:36Fair enough.
2:18:36Right.
2:18:37Thank you.
2:18:49I'll load them in here.
2:18:57The boat is in contact with the White House.
2:19:25Here we go.
2:19:27Here we go.
2:19:35I don't know if they're going to be able to access that.
2:19:37This is a group.
2:19:38Okay.
2:19:38Okay.
2:19:38Yeah.
2:19:38Come right in here, please.
2:19:39Right over on this side of the road.
2:19:40Okay, that's it.
2:19:40You're ready.
2:19:41You take the time.
2:19:41Mr. Walker.
2:19:41Mr. Walker.
2:19:42Mr. Walker.
2:19:42Come along this walk here, please.
2:19:43Come on.
2:20:06Thank you.
2:20:08Thank you.
2:20:28Well, I don't think I'm going to do that.
2:20:30Well, I don't think I'm going to do that.
2:20:32I don't think I'm going to do that.
2:20:33I don't think I'm going to do that.
2:20:57Okay, the secret is, if you can see this, those are the equations.
2:21:23I don't see why they'd take me.
2:21:25You gonna receive it?
2:21:30Mr. President, I would like to tell you good morning for your last call to the whole group.
2:21:34These are the Uber's chairs.
2:21:35Well, perhaps we might get a group photograph.
2:21:37Well, let me see.
2:21:37We'll get blocked here.
2:21:38I'm afraid some of us are going to be in trouble.
2:21:42Thank you.
2:22:03Yes, yes, yes.
2:22:04Very nice.
2:22:04I'm very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very,
2:22:30Mr. President, I'm Captain Sway from the Long Beach, California.
2:22:36Are you, Reverend Sway?
2:22:38Yes, sir.
2:22:38You've got the whole country.
2:22:46You've got to comply.
2:22:48I'm very glad to be here.
2:22:51Let's have a shake of hands.
2:22:58Yeah, it was down in the other sea of the Philippines.
2:23:00Oh, you were there.
2:23:01I didn't think of that.
2:23:03Well, that was 53 maybe.
2:23:0453.
2:23:0453.
2:23:0453.
2:23:0453.
2:23:0553.
2:23:0553.
2:23:0553.
2:23:0553.
2:23:0553.
2:23:0653.
2:23:0653.
2:23:0653.
2:23:0653.
2:23:0653.
2:23:0653.
2:23:0653.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0753.
2:23:0853.
2:23:0853.
2:23:0853.
2:23:0853.
2:23:0853.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:0953.
2:23:1053.
2:23:1053.
2:23:1053.
2:23:1053.
2:23:1053.
2:23:1053.
2:23:1053.
2:23:1153.
2:23:1253.
2:23:1253.
2:23:1253.
2:23:1253.
2:23:1253.
2:23:1253.
2:23:1253.
2:23:1353.
2:23:1353.
2:23:1353.
2:23:1353.
2:23:1353.
2:23:1353.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1553.
2:23:1653.
2:23:1653.
2:23:1653.
2:23:1753.
2:23:1753.
2:23:1753.
2:23:1753.
2:23:1753.
2:23:1753.
2:23:1853.
2:23:1953.
2:23:1953.
2:23:1953.
2:23:1953.
2:23:1953.
2:23:1953.
2:23:1953.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2053.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153.
2:23:2153. 53
2:23:31President of the City of Ohio.
2:23:37President of the City of Ohio.
2:23:52Straight part of the country.
2:23:54Yes.
2:23:55Yes.
2:23:55Yes.
2:23:55Yes.
2:23:56Yes.
2:23:56Yes.
2:23:56Yes.
2:23:56Yes.
2:23:57Yes.
2:23:58Yes.
2:24:18Well, I want to welcome you all.
2:24:23Thank you for your
2:24:32I mean, coming here, I'm sure, in support of our efforts, trying to see that your income at the present time doesn't mean that the price increases.
2:24:42You guys are here all the time.
2:24:43If I were to speak to them, they're not here at those meetings, don't you think?
2:24:47We believe in this program, sir.
2:24:48That's right, and it's going to help.
2:24:49We're going to try to see if the results will last over a period of time.
2:24:58It's really a really great job.
2:25:00It's a great tragedy to have people, you know, who, you know, you mean they work hard, they save their money, but they put in life and transportation, you know, things like that.

NARA Description

On October 18, 1971, George T. Bell, Thomas G. Walters, Mrs. Thomas G. Walters, Clarence M. Tarr, Mrs. Clarence M. Tarr, Arthur L. Sparks, Mrs. Arthur L. Sparks, Vincent G. Walkendifer, Mrs. Vincent G. Walkendifer, Gertrude G. Davis, Carleton J. Chace, James W. Stone, Mrs. James W. Stone, Ted R. Gardner, Mrs. Ted R. Gardner, Col. Glenn R. Johnson, F. E. O'Connor, Luther L. Miller, Joe G. Attebery, Mrs. Joe G. Attebery, Ed W. Meadows, Mrs. Ed W. Meadows, Ray Hillyard, Charles J. Turrisi, Mrs. Charles J. Turrisi, Ben W. Graybill, David M. Magee, Chris J. O'Neill, Judith E. Park, and Katherine G. Slade met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:37 pm to 12:44 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 594-007 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 594-7

Date: October 18, 1971
Time: 12:37 pm - 12:44 pm
Location: Oval Office

George T. Bell met with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Walters, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence M. Tarr, Mr.
and Mrs. Arthur L. Sparks, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent G. Walkendifer, Gertrude G. Davis, Mr.
Carleton J. Chace, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Ted R. Gardner, Col. Glen R.
Johnson, F. E. O'Connor, Luther L. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Joe G. Attebery, Mr. and Mrs. Ed W.

Meadows, Ray Hillyard, Charles J. Turrisi, Ben W. Graybill, David M. Magee, Chris J. O'Neill,
Katherine G. Slade and Judith E. Park
[The White House photographer was present for part of this meeting]

      [General conversation]

      Introductions
            -Mrs. Walters
            -George T. Bell

The President entered at an unknown time after 12:37 pm.

      Salutations

      Photograph

Photographer left at an unknown time before 12:44 pm.

      Introduction

      National Association of Retired Federal Employees [NARFE]
           -Support for the President's policies

      Economy
          -Income
               -Savings

      Gift presentations
            -Oval Office seal

      White House tour

Bell, et al. left at 12:44 pm.

Also recorded on October 18, 1971

  • 594-005 12:01 PM · 34 min — President Richard M. Nixon, William P. Rogers, Robert H. Finch, White House photographer, and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:01 pm to 12:35 pm.
  • 594-006 12:35 PM · 31 sec — President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 12:37 pm.
  • 594-008 12:44 PM · 55 sec — President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:44 pm and 12:46 pm.
  • 594-009 12:44 PM · 57 sec — President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:44 pm and 12:46 pm.
  • 594-010 12:46 PM · 26 min — President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:46 pm to 1:15 pm.
  • 595-001 12:46 PM · 1 min — President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:46 pm to 1:15 pm.
  • 595-002 1:15 PM · 16 min — President Richard M. Nixon, Alexander P. Butterfield, and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House from 1:15 pm to 1:29 pm.
  • 595-003 1:29 PM · 44 sec — President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:29 pm and 2:22 pm.

All 46 conversations from October 18, 1971 →

Cite this conversation

Conversation 594-007, October 18, 1971. White House Tapes, Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, National Archives. Audio and AI transcript via Easy Nixon, https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/594-007 (accessed October 14, 2026).