Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Condolences
39 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Woods, Dobrynin, Sanchez
President Nixon telephoned Edward J. Kiernan to express his condolences following the recent slayings of police officers in New York City. Nixon requested that Kiernan convey his appreciation for the force's service and reassured him that the vast majority of Americans support law enforcement during these difficult times. The conversation also touched upon the necessity of fostering greater public respect for police officers, with both men noting that the tragic incidents served to re-awaken public support for law and order.
President Nixon, supported by Henry Kissinger, held a telephone conversation with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to express his personal condolences following the tragic deaths of Soviet cosmonauts. Nixon emphasized his genuine empathy by sharing a personal anecdote about receiving the news from his daughter, Julie, and drew parallels to the loss of American astronauts in the Apollo 1 fire. The call served to bolster diplomatic relations by conveying a heartfelt, non-routine message of solidarity between the two spacefaring nations.
President Nixon and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin spoke to follow up on the President's previous condolence call regarding the deaths of three Soviet cosmonauts. Dobrynin formally conveyed the gratitude of Soviet leaders Leonid Brezhnev, Aleksei Kosygin, and Nikolai Podgorny for the sympathy expressed by Nixon and his family. The exchange served as a diplomatic gesture of goodwill, with both parties acknowledging the importance of mutual respect during the pursuit of space exploration.
President Nixon initiated this phone call to express his personal condolences to Representative Charles E. Wiggins following the recent death of Wiggins' wife. The two discussed the long-term illness leading to her passing and the upcoming funeral services scheduled at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Nixon noted that the location held personal significance, as several members of his own family are also interred there.
President Nixon calls Mrs. Dean G. Acheson to offer personal condolences following the death of her husband, the former Secretary of State. During the call, Nixon offers to assign White House military aide General James D. Hughes to assist the family with funeral logistics and transportation. Although Nixon expresses his desire to attend the memorial service, he informs Mrs. Acheson that a prior commitment in North Carolina will prevent him from attending, and they exchange contact information to coordinate the aide's assistance.
President Nixon calls Donald McI. Kendall to offer condolences regarding the recent death of Kendall's father. Following this brief personal exchange, the two discuss logistics for an upcoming event featuring Billy Graham. They conclude by confirming travel arrangements for Treasury Secretary John B. Connally to join them at the Business Council.
In this Oval Office meeting, Rose Mary Woods briefs President Nixon on various administrative matters, including his upcoming travel schedule to California and New York. The conversation also touches upon social arrangements, specifically managing house guests and visitors during the holiday season. The President additionally holds a brief telephone call with Mrs. Betty Kaplow to offer condolences regarding her father's death.
President Nixon contacted Herbert E. Kaplow’s wife to express his and the First Lady’s condolences following the recent death of Kaplow’s father. Beyond the personal expressions of sympathy, Nixon briefly discussed the scheduling logistics for his upcoming trip to San Clemente, California. He noted that the timing remained fluid due to ongoing Senate business but suggested that the trip would likely occur late the following day or on Thursday.
President Nixon telephoned Ruth A. Bunche to offer his condolences following the death of her husband, the renowned diplomat Ralph J. Bunche. During the call, the President reflected on Bunche’s character and their shared connection to California. Nixon concluded by assuring Mrs. Bunche that the White House would issue an appropriate formal statement to honor the late diplomat's contributions to global peace.
President Nixon met with Ruth Bunche to express his personal condolences and profound respect following the recent passing of her husband, the distinguished diplomat Ralph Bunche. The President recalled their shared connection through UCLA and lauded Ralph Bunche’s character and global contributions to peace. Nixon concluded the brief meeting by assuring Ruth Bunche that the administration would appropriately honor her husband’s legacy in official statements.
President Nixon telephoned Representative Charles R. Jonas to extend birthday greetings and maintain political rapport. The conversation pivoted to the recent death of Willis Smith, Jr., a prominent supporter of the President, in a plane crash. Nixon committed to contacting the Smith family, including the grieving mother and widow, to offer his condolences for their loss.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a condolence call to Anna Lee Smith, the widow of former North Carolina Senator Willis Smith. The President sought to reach Mrs. Smith at her home following the recent death of her son in an automobile accident. He advised the operator to contact the office of Representative Charles R. Jonas to obtain the necessary telephone information for connecting the call.
President Nixon placed a telephone call to Anna Lee Smith to offer his and the First Lady's condolences following the tragic death of her son, Willis Smith, Jr., in a private airplane accident. During the brief conversation, Nixon reminisced about the younger Smith’s contributions to his 1968 presidential campaign and his character. The President concluded the call by offering encouragement to Mrs. Smith as she navigated the sudden loss.
President Nixon initiated this Christmas Day telephone call to Michael Lauer and his family to respond to a heartfelt letter Michael had sent regarding a recent family tragedy involving his brother. The President offered condolences and words of encouragement to Michael, his mother, and his siblings, urging them to remain hopeful and supportive of one another despite their loss. Nixon explicitly encouraged the children to maintain their optimism and tasked the eldest brother, Kevin, with keeping the family's spirits high.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to arrange a personal phone call to Elizabeth Andrews following the death of her husband, Congressman George Andrews of Alabama. The President requested that the operator locate Mrs. Andrews at either their home in Union City or the University of Alabama Hospital. This brief coordination served to facilitate a presidential gesture of condolence regarding the Congressman's passing.
President Nixon instructed Major General James D. Hughes to initiate standard protocol following the death of Congressman George W. Andrews. The President requested that an aide be dispatched to assist the Congressman’s widow, Elizabeth Andrews. This brief exchange served to ensure appropriate administrative and ceremonial support for the grieving family during the holiday.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the recent death of Harold O. Lovre. The President instructs Woods to ensure that a wreath is sent on his behalf, specifically coordinating with a military aide to handle the arrangement. This brief administrative exchange serves to ensure a proper expression of presidential condolences for the late former congressman.
President Nixon placed this personal telephone call to Cornelius A. Scott to offer condolences following the death of Scott's brother. During the exchange, the President also took the opportunity to commend the performance of Scott’s son, Stanley S. Scott, for his service on the White House staff. Mr. Scott expressed his gratitude for the call, noting that it provided him with significant personal relief and comfort.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, spoke briefly to discuss the recent death of Calvin E. Brumley, who suffered a fatal heart attack on March 4. The President offered his condolences and coordinated plans to place a sympathy call to the widow, Jayne Brumley. Additionally, the two checked in on Woods’s personal health status following her recent concerns.
President Nixon called Jayne Brumley to offer his condolences following the death of her husband, Calvin E. Brumley. During the brief exchange, Nixon praised Calvin's work and noted that he had recently discussed the deceased's professional contributions with John B. Connally. The President also spoke briefly with the couple's son, Brian, and encouraged the family to remain resilient during their time of grief.
President Nixon met briefly with Senator Abraham Ribicoff to offer personal condolences regarding the recent death of Mrs. Ribicoff. The conversation served as a gesture of sympathy and political goodwill between the two figures. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon coordinate personal social arrangements and family matters. They discuss the death of Zelda Arbuthnot and the need to send condolences to her family, as well as logistical plans for hosting the Marshburns at the White House. The conversation concludes with a brief mention of including Edward C. Nixon in a dinner engagement.
President Nixon held a brief telephone conversation with Raymond J. Arbuthnot to extend condolences following the death of Arbuthnot’s wife, Zelda. Beyond personal matters and family greetings, the two discussed the President's upcoming trip to Canada and the ongoing war in Vietnam. Arbuthnot expressed his support for the President’s recent military actions against North Vietnam.
President Nixon contacted Raymond J. Arbuthnot to offer personal condolences regarding the recent death of Arbuthnot's wife, Zelda. The conversation also touched on casual updates regarding Arbuthnot's ranch, family members, and the President's firm stance on the ongoing conflict with North Vietnam. The brief exchange concluded with a friendly invitation for Arbuthnot to visit the White House in the future.
President Nixon met with Clifford D. Carlson, Carol A. Carlson, and Max L. Friedersdorf for a brief, informal social visit in the Oval Office. The conversation included expressions of presidential condolences regarding the recent death of Carlson's wife and lighthearted exchanges about family and personal appearances. The meeting concluded with a formal photograph session and the distribution of presidential gifts, including cuff links and golf balls.
President Nixon called Helen Gandy to offer his personal condolences following the recent death of J. Edgar Hoover. The President emphasized the deep respect and close friendship he and his family held for the late FBI Director. During the brief exchange, Nixon also acknowledged Gandy's indispensable role as Hoover's longtime secretary, affirming the high regard in which the Director held her.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, coordinate the White House's formal expressions of sympathy following the death of former Senator Prescott S. Bush. The President decides to provide a military escort for the funeral services, consistent with protocols for former senators, in addition to sending flowers and a personal note to the widow, Dorothy Bush. Nixon directs Woods to contact the military office to facilitate these arrangements and to communicate the gesture to the Bush family through George H.W. Bush.
President Nixon telephoned Pegge Begich to express his personal sympathies following the disappearance of her husband, Representative Nicholas Begich, and Representative Hale Boggs in a plane crash. The President offered comfort and encouraged her to maintain hope during the ongoing search efforts, while also inquiring about her children. This call served as a gesture of support from the White House to the families affected by the tragedy.
President Nixon met briefly with Pegge Begich to offer personal condolences and moral support following the recent disappearance of her husband, Representative Nick Begich, whose plane had gone missing in Alaska. The President expressed sympathy regarding the family's dual crises of the missing aircraft and the illness of her children. He concluded the brief exchange by encouraging her to remain hopeful during this difficult period.
President Nixon held a brief personal call with James E. Johnson to express condolences and encouragement regarding a difficult family situation involving Johnson's son. The President offered words of support and discussed Johnson’s upcoming speaking engagement at Wheaton College. Nixon shared a personal anecdote about his own past experience speaking at the institution to offer camaraderie.
President Nixon called newly elected Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to offer his personal condolences following the tragic automobile accident that claimed the lives of Biden’s wife, Nealia, and their daughter. During the brief exchange, Nixon expressed sympathy for the family's loss and encouraged the grieving Senator to look toward his future career. Drawing on his own experience entering the House of Representatives at a young age, Nixon sought to provide comfort and encouragement to Biden during his period of profound personal crisis.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Executive Office Building. The conversation primarily addressed personal matters and expressions of condolences, though the transcript segments are largely unintelligible. No significant policy decisions or administrative actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon spoke with journalist William S. White to express condolences following the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The two discussed their shared frustration regarding the lack of loyalty Johnson received from members of his own political party during his later years. Nixon also reflected on a recent conversation he had with Johnson, expressing his belief that the former president felt encouraged by the progress of the Vietnam peace negotiations before his passing.
President Nixon met with William P. White to express his condolences following the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The conversation focused on the personal and political treatment of Johnson by members of his own party, with Nixon expressing deep frustration toward those he felt had disloyally abandoned their former mentor. Both men shared reflections on their personal histories with Johnson and lamented the lack of support he received from Democratic allies toward the end of his life.
President Richard M. Nixon placed a courtesy call to former First Lady Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson to offer his condolences following the death of Lyndon B. Johnson. During the conversation, Nixon praised her dignified conduct during the bereavement period and discussed the administrative challenges she faced managing estate matters and correspondence. The President concluded by suggesting she consider a future short-term appointment to the United Nations delegation, explicitly requesting that she defer any decision until she had time to recover from her recent loss.
President Nixon called Mrs. Benjamin Freeman to offer his personal condolences following the recent death of her husband, a longtime friend and the President’s former tailor. Nixon reflected on their two-decade relationship, emphasizing his deep personal affection for Freeman beyond their professional association. The President expressed his regret at being unable to attend the funeral services in person due to his duties, but he conveyed his support and sympathy to the surviving family.
President Nixon met briefly with Linda Freeman to offer condolences and personal support following the recent passing of her husband, Ben. Nixon expressed his high regard for Ben and shared his regrets regarding his inability to attend the funeral services in person. The conversation served as a private gesture of comfort from the President and the First Lady to a grieving family member.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate administrative details regarding the memorial service for George T. Bell, an associate of H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman. The discussion centered on Bell’s background in Christian Science and his recent passing following a battle with cancer. Nixon also discussed his intention to place a personal condolence call to Mrs. Bell.
President Nixon met with Mrs. Cleo Noel and Mrs. G. Curtis Moore, the widows of two American diplomats killed by terrorists in Sudan, to offer his condolences and government support. The discussion covered the administration's efforts to combat international terrorism through United Nations sanctions and the challenges of navigating complex Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions. The President also expressed his personal commitment to pursuing a more peaceful world, framed as the objective for which their husbands gave their lives, and provided gifts for their families.