President Nixon met with outgoing Secretary of the Army Robert F. Froehlke to express appreciation for his service, specifically citing his contributions to the troop withdrawal from Vietnam and the end of the military draft. The discussion transitioned to the necessity of maintaining conventional military strength, with Nixon emphasizing the importance of public messaging regarding advancements like the B-1 bomber and missile development. The meeting concluded with the President presenting ceremonial gifts to Froehlke and offering his support for Froehlke's future endeavors in Wisconsin.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Robert F. Froehlke, and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:24 pm to 12:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-008 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 947-8
Date: July 10, 1973
Time: 12:24 pm - 12:28 pm
Location: Oval Office
The President met with Robert F. Froehlke and Stephen B. Bull.
Greetings
-Appointment
Robert F. Froehlke
-Departure from the administration
-President’s appreciation
-Length of service
-Experience
-Future plans
-Company
-Swearing-in
-[First name unknown] Gold [?]
-Accomplishments
-Withdrawal of troops from Vietnam
-End of draft
-Service as Secretary of the Army
National defense
-Conventional forces
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NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. October-2012)
Conversation No. 947-8 (cont’d)
-Public relations
-Usefulness of military technology
-B-1
-Missile
-Parity
-Effect
Presentation of gifts by President
-Cufflinks
-Present for Froehlke’s wife
-Golf balls
Offer of support in Wisconsin
Froehlke and Bull left at 12:28 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.