President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discussed a recent Washington Post editorial comparing the current Watergate controversy, specifically regarding John W. Dean III, to the historical case of Sherman Adams. They deliberated on the potential necessity for staff members to resign if formal criminal charges were brought against them. The two men reached a consensus that any White House staffer accused of a crime would be required to leave their position.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:51 pm to 4:52 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 881-008 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 881-8
Date: March 16, 1973
Time: 4:51 pm - 4:52 pm
Location: Oval Office
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NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. July-2010)
Conversation No. 881-8 (cont’d)
The President met with John D. Ehrlichman.
[The recording began while the conversation was in progress]
Watergate
-Sherman Adams analogy in Washington Post article, March 16, 1973
-Parallels with John W. Dean, III's testimony
-H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman
-Differences
-White House staff
-Testimony
-Charges of criminality
Ehrlichman left at 4:52 pm.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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.