President Nixon instructed the White House operator to redirect his communication efforts by canceling a pending call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. He requested an immediate connection to Director of Communications Herbert G. Klein instead. This brief administrative exchange reflects the President's shifting priorities regarding his public relations and messaging strategy.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-096 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 003-096
Date: May 20, 1971
Time: 7:46 pm
Location: White House Telephone
The President talked with the White House operator; background noise can be heard in the
original recording.
Call to Ronald L. Ziegler
Call to Herbert G. KleinThis 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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.