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Conversation 718-003

TapeTape 718StartWednesday, May 3, 1972 at 10:19 AMEndWednesday, May 3, 1972 at 10:20 AMTape start time00:28:39Tape end time00:30:16ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ehrlichman, John D.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the messaging strategy for Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler regarding upcoming political appointments and the selection of an Acting FBI Director following J. Edgar Hoover’s recent death. They emphasize the need to distinguish between permanent Supreme Court appointments and temporary political assignments to deflect public criticism. The pair concludes by coordinating the logistics for an afternoon meeting with a prospective candidate.

J. Edgar HooverRonald ZieglerSupreme Court appointmentsActing FBI DirectorPolitical appointments
AudioNARA Description

On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:19 am and 10:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 718-003 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 718-3

Date: May 3, 1972
Time: Unknown between 10:19 am and 10:20 am
Location: Oval Office

The President talked with John D. Ehrlichman.

     J. Edgar Hoover

                                       (rev. Dec-01)

             -Robert P. Griffin
                  -Abe Fortas

     Ronald L. Ziegler briefing
         -Supreme Court appointments
               -Career compared with political
         -Ziegler's forthcoming announcement on L[ouis] Patrick Gray, III
         -Time
         -Appearance by Richard G. Kleindienst
               -Time
         -George D. Aiken
         -Appointment
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Yeah, the reason we made that, of course, is the one, you know, that stopped before us.
I think it's very distinguishable, but I do not.
Because the Supreme Court is a permanent appointment.
The other is a political appointment, I mean a non-permanent appointment.
But I think that has to be very strongly made by Ziegler, basically.
We decided to do what I understand is true now.
Because they couldn't get plenty of stuff and plenty of shit come up beforehand.
And I told these folks to hold it to 11, so I would probably think that's how I put it.
No.
Yeah.
Not sure.
Not sure.
But I didn't give them the name, so that at least would be the difference.
Yeah, you just, well, I think he could see it from that, but he should cover the distinction.
That's it.
And incidentally, you know, that wise old owl, George Aitken, put his finger on it, didn't he?
He said, you want to deny us that chance, but I think we're doing exactly the right thing.
And if we take a little flack, we'll tell you.
Yeah.
Yeah.
that I'm not trying to grab this appointment, you know, and so forth.
Yeah.
Yeah.
All right, John.
Good job, buddy.
He's gone back to Albany and Mitchell says they were hauling him in for the same thing.
That was a questionable blood anyway.
So we'll bring the client in at 2.45.
That's okay.
And that'll be the thing.
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