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Conversation 717-006

TapeTape 717StartTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 11:04 AMEndTuesday, May 2, 1972 at 11:10 AMTape start time00:13:30Tape end time00:16:39ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Woods, Rose MaryRecording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, regarding the immediate need to notify former President Lyndon B. Johnson of J. Edgar Hoover’s passing prior to the official public announcement. Nixon instructed Woods to handle the incoming return call from Johnson if he remained unavailable, ensuring the former president learned the news directly from the administration. This coordination served to maintain protocol and personal courtesy regarding the death of the longtime FBI director.

J. Edgar HooverLyndon B. JohnsonRose Mary WoodsDeath notificationPresidential protocol
AudioNARA Description

On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:04 am and 11:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-006 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 717-6

Date: May 2, 1972
Time: Unknown between 11:04 and 11:10 am
Location: Oval Office

                                         (rev. Dec-01)

The President talked with Rose Mary Woods.

     J. Edgar Hoover
          -President's call to Lyndon B. Johnson
                -Return call to Rose Mary Woods
          -Death
                -Announcement
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

I have called Johnson to inform you of the death of Dr. Hoover.
But, uh, well, it's just going to be announced in five minutes.
Now, he is not, he's out on the ranch with you, if you're running around, and will call back in five minutes, but I need you out in the room.
I told the operator that when he called back, if I were not in the office to put it through to you, that you inform him.
I told him the President knew how much he thought of Dr. Hoover and wanted him to know before the announcement was made, and I tried to reach him beforehand.
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