This week, the story broke of California Governor Ronald Reagan calling African delegates to the United Nations, “monkeys” in a 1971 slur that sparked chuckles from President Richard Nixon.
A newly unearthed audio recording reveals that Reagan phoned Nixon at the White House to complain about the countries that had sided against the United States, in a key vote the day before, to expel Taiwan and recognise the People’s Republic of China. Representatives from Tanzania dressed in traditional wear celebrated with a victory dance in the General Assembly hall.
“To see those monkeys from those African countries, damn them,” an enraged Reagan declared, to loud laughter from Nixon. “They are still uncomfortable wearing shoes.”
