Ask the Scholar

On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, unknown person(s), and John W. Dean, III met in the Oval Office of the White House from 1:06 pm to 1:14 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-017 of the White House Tapes. Topics include: The President met with an unknown person. John W. Dean, III's arrival Dean entered and the unknown person left at 1:06 pm. Watergate investigation - The President's conversation with Richard G. Kleindienst - Dean's notes on precedents on information release - A "freeze" order - Page in report - Information from Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] - Dr. Connally - FBI files - Raw files to Congress - Harry S. Truman precedent - Clark R. Mollenhoff - Executive privilege - White House Staff - Procedures for obtaining information - Mollenhoff - Willingness of White House to reveal information to Congress - Testimony issue characterized - Attorney General - Dealings with Dean - Pressure on Kleindienst - Loyalty - Affection for John N. Mitchell - Mitchell - Vulnerability Weather Dean left at 1:14 pm. Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); [Unknown person(s)]; Dean, John W., III.