Ask the Scholar

On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and John W. Chancellor talked on the telephone from 1:56 pm to 2:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-011 of the White House Tapes. Topics include: The President talked with John W. Chancellor. [See Conversation No. 309-10] Christmas greetings Congratulates Chancellor and staff -"Day in the Life of the President", National Broadcasting Company [NBC] program - Program's length - Audience - Depth and perspective - Number of calls - President in operation - Chancellor grateful for opportunity - Second term for President - Vietnam War India- Pakistan conflict - Compared to Middle East - India, People's Republic of China [PRC] - Union of Soviet Socialist Republics [USSR], US - Chancellor's lunch with Golda Meir - Meir's visit with President - United Nations [UN] - Indira Gandhi Women - Liberation movement - Chancellor commentary - Leaders - War - Toughness - Willingness to take risks - Gandhi - Sirimauo D. Bandaranaike of Ceylon - Fidel Castro - Successor "A Day in the Life of the President" NBC television show - President's gratitude. Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); Chancellor, John W.