Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Lady Bird Johnson
15 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Johnson, Ehrlichman, Tkach
President Richard Nixon contacted former President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson to exchange Christmas greetings and pleasantries. The discussion centered on recent photographs of the Johnson family, holiday logistics, and mutual well-wishes regarding their respective health and family gatherings. No substantive policy matters were addressed, as the conversation served primarily as a formal social gesture between the two presidential households.
President Nixon met with an unknown female visitor at the Aspen Lodge in Camp David to discuss logistical or administrative matters. The conversation touched upon the arrival of items from a warehouse and the schedule of First Lady Pat Nixon. The discussion also included brief mentions of Lady Bird Johnson and local recreational activities like swimming.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to dictate instructions regarding a recent conversation he had with Lyndon B. Johnson concerning the upcoming overseas travel of the Johnson family. The discussion focused on coordinating protocol and security arrangements for Luci Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson's visits to London, Paris, Bonn, and Israel. Specifically, the President addressed potential security risks, including the threat of hijackings, during their week-long stay in Israel.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to John D. Ehrlichman regarding the coordination of travel logistics and security arrangements for Luci B. Johnson, Pat Nugent, and Lady Bird Johnson. The discussion focuses on enhancing security protocols for their upcoming itinerary, specifically concerning airline anti-hijacking measures and diplomatic courtesies extended through embassies. Additionally, Nixon addresses the involvement of Henry Kissinger and General Richard Schulz in these security efforts, including the potential for a follow-up call to the Johnson family.
President Nixon called Nellie Connally to congratulate her on receiving a prestigious award from the University of Texas, noting that she shares the honor with Lady Bird Johnson. The two also discussed the logistical challenges of the Connally family's recent household relocations between Fort Worth, Dallas, and Jamaica. The conversation served primarily as a personal gesture of support and courtesy from the President.
Dr. Walter R. Tkach updates H. R. Haldeman on the medical emergency involving former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who is currently being transported by ambulance to a hospital. Tkach reports that Lady Bird Johnson has already arrived at the facility and confirms that he is in direct contact with General Vogel for further status updates. The participants discuss the logistics of the transport while awaiting confirmation of Johnson's condition.
H. R. Haldeman and White House physician Walter R. Tkach discuss the recent death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Tkach confirms that resuscitation efforts at Brooke Army Hospital were unsuccessful and notes that the family is waiting to make an official announcement. Haldeman coordinates the timing for President Nixon to place a condolence call to Lady Bird Johnson once authorization is granted.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, regarding the administrative handling of outgoing correspondence. The discussion focused on finalizing a personal note intended for former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson as well as the delivery logistics for official letters addressed to various members of Congress. Woods was tasked with coordinating the specific timing and dispatch of these communications through the military aide and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to former First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson. The request specifically identified her location as Texas to facilitate the connection. This brief administrative interaction served as the initiation of communication between the President and Mrs. Johnson.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Mrs. Johnson in Texas. The interaction was strictly administrative, focusing on the logistical coordination of a communication between the President and the former First Lady. No further policy or political discussions were recorded during this brief exchange.
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 directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to former First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson. This brief exchange served as a logistical request to facilitate communication between the President and Mrs. Johnson. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief request.
President Nixon and former First Lady Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson discuss the return of American prisoners of war and the appropriate way to honor the occasion. Nixon proposes raising the American flag to full-mast from its current half-mast position to signify the joy of the soldiers' homecoming, reflecting the sentiment that the late President Lyndon B. Johnson would have desired such a tribute. Nixon commits to consulting legal counsel regarding the protocol for flying the flag before proceeding with an official announcement.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed news coverage, specifically discussing journalistic criticism directed toward the administration. The conversation pivoted to the logistics of ending the official mourning period for the late President Lyndon B. Johnson, incorporating feedback from Lady Bird Johnson regarding flag protocols. They ultimately decided to issue a formal public statement that would simultaneously serve as a tribute to the former president and acknowledge the return of prisoners of war.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated a public relations strategy surrounding the return of American prisoners of war (POWs). They discussed issuing a presidential proclamation to raise flags to full staff upon the arrival of the POWs on U.S. soil, a gesture intended to serve as a positive national event. Additionally, they consulted with Lady Bird Johnson regarding the announcement and reviewed talking points prepared by staff, including David Gergen, while noting concerns about potential controversies regarding the conduct of some POWs during their imprisonment.