Reagan Confers by Phone With Nixon
President Reagan, trying to resolve the most serious crisis to strike his Administration, conferred twice recently with former President Richard M. Nixon, whose own problems led to his resignation in 1974.
A spokesman for Nixon confirmed that Reagan called the former President on Nov. 21 and again last Saturday. The spokesman, John Taylor, declined to discuss the substance of their conversations.
“President Nixon’s staff never knows what he talks with the President about,” Taylor said.
Reagan’s presidency has been shaken by a spreading scandal over secret U.S. arms shipments to Iran and the diversion of up to $30 million to rebels in Nicaragua.
Calls for a Watergate-style congressional inquiry are reminiscent of Nixon’s troubles over a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and an effort within the White House to conceal responsibility for the crime.
Reagan last talked with Nixon face to face at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel two years ago when Reagan was in New York to address the United Nations. But Taylor, responding to a reporter’s questions, said it is not unusual for them to talk on the telephone. He said Reagan usually initiates the calls.
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