Richard M. Nixon
Richard M. Nixon served as the 37th President of the United States from January 1969 until his resignation in August 1974. In February 1971, he ordered the installation of a secret voice-activated taping system in the White House to preserve a historical record of his administration. Until the system's existence was revealed and dismantled in July 1973, the tapes captured Nixon directing major foreign policy initiatives, such as the opening to China, as well as his central role in the Watergate cover-up.
What Nixon talks about on the tapes
White House operations 4,654Presidential scheduling 4,037Presidential communication 2,299Public relations 1,746Vietnam War 1,719Logistics 1,631Manolo Sanchez 1,592White House communications 1,427White House administration 1,358Henry Kissinger 1,313Foreign Policy 1,160Camp David 1,101
Conversations (21,010)
— Page 17 of 211On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Herbert G. Klein talked on the telephone at 6:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-060 of the White House Tapes.
On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 6:34 pm to 6:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-061 of the White House Tapes.
On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House from 6:34 pm to 6:35 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 500-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming dinner aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. They discussed the guest list, which included John B. Connally, Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and John Ehrlichman, and coordinated the specific timing for the gathering. Additionally, the pair briefly touched upon administrative details, including the placement of office equipment and scheduling confirmations.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, and others to discuss recent legislative developments, specifically the House progress on a manpower revenue-sharing bill and the resolution of an impending rail strike. The group reviewed the President's recent meeting with business leaders, focusing on his stance on free trade and domestic economic priorities. Additionally, Nixon emphasized his refusal to be pressured into reactive international monetary policy changes and authorized the initiation of a new intelligence program.
On May 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-189 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:35 am and 8:52 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-062 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 8:52 am to 8:53 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-063 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House from 8:52 am to 8:53 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:52 am and 8:53 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine the messaging and strategy for the upcoming public announcement regarding the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). They discussed the content of the President's public statement, debating whether to emphasize personal involvement in initiating negotiations with Soviet leadership versus keeping the announcement brief and formal. To manage potential skepticism and ensure support, they also planned a background briefing for key columnists and a meeting with the verification panel to solidify Congressional and public confidence.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers discussed strategies for advancing peace negotiations in the Middle East and the status of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union. Rogers provided an update on his recent diplomatic tour, noting promising overtures from Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat regarding a potential interim settlement and the future removal of Soviet personnel. The President emphasized a firm stance toward Israel, arguing that the U.S. must leverage its military and economic support to pressure Israel into serious negotiations, while also planning to coordinate closely with Congressional leaders on the upcoming SALT announcement regarding anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed coordinating the logistics of King Faisal’s upcoming state visit to avoid scheduling conflicts with a scheduled press conference. Nixon directed Haldeman to shift the King’s visit from an 11:00 am meeting to a formal dinner. Haldeman agreed to review the schedule and identify a suitable night, such as Wednesday or Saturday, to accommodate the change.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:14 am and 10:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:14 am and 10:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the upcoming public announcement of a breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). A primary concern for the participants was managing the ego and professional expectations of Secretary of State William P. Rogers, who was reportedly frustrated by his exclusion from these sensitive negotiations. The group decided to present the achievement as a collective effort involving the State and Defense Departments, while privately acknowledging that such high-level diplomatic channels are uniquely the President's responsibility. They also finalized the schedule for briefing congressional leaders and Cabinet members to ensure the announcement was handled with appropriate gravitas and controlled messaging.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:04 am and 11:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-008 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:56 am and 12:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:00 pm to 12:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-009 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:02 pm and 12:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-010 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:02 pm and 12:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held separate discussions with Rose Mary Woods and Henry Kissinger regarding social, political, and strategic matters. Woods reported on her recent travel and media appearances, while Kissinger briefed the President on delicate negotiations involving Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), Soviet relations, and potential leaks regarding Vietnam defense policies. The President provided guidance on managing various political associates and addressed concerns regarding Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird’s communication tactics.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 12:24 pm to 12:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-065 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:28 pm and 12:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger discussed how to manage Secretary of State William Rogers' frustration regarding his exclusion from sensitive SALT negotiations. The participants aimed to develop a unified 'party line' for Rogers to use with Congress and the press, framing the breakthrough as a successful presidential initiative while shielding the specifics of the diplomatic channels used. They agreed that Rogers must be reassured of his standing and protected from appearing uninformed, even as they emphasized that maintaining secrecy was essential to the negotiation's success.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:03 pm and 1:14 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the announcement of a breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), emphasizing that the agreement was a presidential initiative. They strategized on how to manage key Cabinet members, particularly William Rogers and Melvin Laird, to ensure they felt included and supportive without revealing the sensitive details of the negotiation process. Additionally, the President discussed his plans to brief legislative leaders and handle potential leaks, while Kissinger briefed the group on secret diplomatic efforts involving China and North Vietnam.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:14 pm and 1:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-066 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the strategic management of upcoming Congressional votes, specifically the Mansfield Amendment, and a significant breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). To maintain leverage and avoid the appearance of political maneuvering, Nixon instructs Rogers to confidentially brief Senator Mike Mansfield about the progress on SALT only after the Senate vote concludes. They also address diplomatic logistics, including Vice President Agnew’s planned attendance at South Korean President Park Chung-hee’s inauguration and the potential for Rogers to represent the U.S. at an Atoms for Peace anniversary event in Geneva.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:05 pm and 2:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Melvin Laird, and Henry Kissinger discussed the administration's strategic approach to upcoming NATO defense meetings, emphasizing the need to avoid being pressured into premature agreements regarding Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR). The participants reviewed the status of the SALT negotiations, highlighting the necessity of maintaining the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) program as a critical bargaining chip against Soviet offensive weapons. They also addressed personnel changes within the Department of Defense, including potential replacements for Deputy Secretary David Packard and the Secretary of the Army, while coordinating strategy for managing Congressional relations and ongoing military assistance in Vietnam and Cambodia.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Gerard C. Smith, and a group of defense and foreign policy advisors to discuss the status of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). The group reviewed the progress toward an Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) agreement with the Soviet Union, evaluating verification concerns, technological competition, and the potential impact of troop reductions in Europe. Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of maintaining a neutral, balanced diplomatic stance toward both the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China while exploring minor trade gestures to improve relations with the Soviets.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-020 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-021 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull regarding updates on the Charles McC. Mathias amendment and the progress of pending legislative votes. The President sought information on these developments to coordinate his upcoming schedule with Robert H. Finch and Donald H. Rumsfeld. The meeting concluded with Nixon tasking staff to secure information before his 5:00 pm deadline.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger to finalize the announcement of a breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), emphasizing the need for a brief and controlled public presentation. Following this, the President convened a broader group of officials to address domestic policy, specifically focusing on expanding agricultural drought relief for Texas and Oklahoma and managing national economic policy, including interest rates and housing market stability. The meeting concluded with a review of upcoming congressional votes, where administration staff expressed confidence in defeating the Mathias Amendment.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:28 pm and 4:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to review pending administrative paperwork and finalize the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion specifically addressed preparations for a 5:00 p.m. meeting involving key advisors including Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler. During the exchange, Nixon also gave instructions regarding the visual presentation of staff in photographs, specifically requesting that images of individuals with cigarettes be excluded.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:28 pm and 4:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-027 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:28 pm and 4:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 501-028 of the White House Tapes.
In this Oval Office meeting, President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other key staff to coordinate the rollout of a major breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) with the Soviet Union. The President emphasized the need to maintain secrecy regarding the specific channels used to achieve this diplomatic progress while ensuring that the public message highlighted his personal initiative and the transition to simultaneous negotiations on offensive and defensive weapons. Additionally, Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Finch reported on their recent foreign tour, discussing European perceptions of U.S. foreign policy, the status of U.S. ambassadors, and the challenge of managing drug usage among military personnel abroad.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:10 pm and 6:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-068 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss legislative strategy regarding upcoming Senate votes on the Mathias and Mansfield amendments. The conversation centers on timing the floor votes to minimize opposition success, specifically noting that the Mansfield amendment is expected to be defeated. Nixon consults with Secretary of State William P. Rogers to coordinate communication with Senator Mike Mansfield, aiming to manage the debate schedule and ensure favorable outcomes for the administration.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers coordinate legislative strategy to defeat the Mathias resolution, an amendment regarding troop reductions that the administration views as undermining foreign policy. Rogers updates the President on his discussions with Senator Mike Mansfield regarding a sensitive upcoming announcement and outlines his plan to lobby Senators Charles Percy and John Sherman Cooper to block the resolution. The President emphasizes the importance of preventing leaks while stressing that the resolution's call for unilateral NATO reductions would cripple ongoing negotiations with the Soviet Union.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:16 pm and 7:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-070 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful defeat of the Mathias resolution, which failed by a vote of 73 to 24. They attribute the legislative victory to the administration's firm stance and strategic coordination with Congressional leaders, noting that the vote of Senator John Sherman Cooper was pivotal in securing the outcome. Additionally, they discuss maintaining morale within the State Department and reaffirm the value of William P. Rogers' continued tenure as Secretary of State amid the administration's recent foreign policy successes.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:47 pm and 7:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-072 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the surprisingly lopsided 73-20 defeat of the Mathias resolution and the potential for subsequent parliamentary maneuvering. Fearing a legislative trap involving alternative amendments or a coordinated effort by opponents, they decide to delay a planned thank-you call from the President to Senator John Sherman Cooper. Haldeman is instructed to contact Secretary of State William P. Rogers to share the news while maintaining vigilance over ongoing Senate debates regarding the Mansfield Amendment.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:50 pm and 7:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-074 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed Henry Kissinger to organize an informal cocktail reception for Gerard C. Smith and the SALT delegation before their return to Vienna for further negotiations. While Kissinger initially expressed concern that the event might signal a loosening of oversight on the negotiators, Nixon clarified that the gathering was strictly social in nature. The President finalized plans to host the event in the State Dining Room, including the invitation of William P. Rogers, Melvin R. Laird, and Admiral Thomas H. Moorer.
On May 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:56 pm and 7:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-076 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon briefly spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, via telephone. The call's primary purpose was to check on Julie's bowling plans and inquire about her mother, Pat Nixon's, schedule, as she was attending a large party. Nixon indicated he had work to do and could not join them.
President Nixon dictated a formal memorandum addressed to Dean G. Acheson to express national appreciation for his long-standing contributions to American foreign policy. The discussion reflected on Acheson's pivotal role in the post-World War II era, referencing his seminal work, *Present at the Creation*. Nixon emphasized the importance of Acheson's service across multiple administrations, formally documenting the nation's debt to his diplomatic legacy.
President Nixon calls George W. Ball to express appreciation for Ball's instrumental role in lobbying Democrats to defeat the Mathias Resolution. Ball highlights a growing sense of isolation and suspicion among senators regarding foreign policy, recommending that the administration improve congressional relations through small-group briefings on sensitive topics like Soviet negotiations. Nixon acknowledges the need for better communication and suggests coordinating these sessions through Secretary of State William P. Rogers to mitigate institutional friction between the State Department and the White House.
President Nixon met with George W. Ball to express personal gratitude for Ball's bipartisan assistance on legislative efforts, specifically regarding the Senate. The discussion touched upon the strategic importance of bipartisan cooperation and the tactical necessity of keeping key senators involved to ensure legislative success. Nixon also signaled that an upcoming announcement would reflect the administration's ongoing progress on these policy objectives.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:19 am and 11:50 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-079 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:19 am and 8:32 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the logistics and seating arrangements for an upcoming Cabinet meeting. They discussed concerns regarding the meeting's size, specifically addressing the participation of individuals traveling from out of town such as Brown. Additionally, the President briefly addressed administrative matters regarding a letter to Dean G. Acheson.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to refine the public announcement of a breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), focusing on the precise wording to characterize the agreement and its potential to improve U.S.-Soviet relations. Beyond the announcement, they reviewed recent legislative successes, including the defeat of the Mathias amendment, and discussed strategies for improving communication with the State Department and key congressional allies like Senator John C. Stennis. The President emphasized the need for strict secrecy regarding the negotiations until the simultaneous release in Washington and Moscow to prevent leaks and maximize the political impact.
President Nixon convened a meeting with Vice President Agnew and his Cabinet to discuss the upcoming joint announcement with the Soviet Union regarding strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). The core issue was breaking the deadlock, with the US seeking limitations on both offensive and defensive weapons, while the Soviets initially focused only on defensive ones. A breakthrough was achieved through a high-level communication in January, leading to an agreement to jointly announce that both sides would concentrate on limiting Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems this year, while also agreeing on certain measures for offensive weapon limitations. The announcement aims to create favorable conditions for further negotiations, with the understanding that the hard work of negotiation will continue in Vienna and Helsinki.
In this meeting, President Nixon consulted with Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding Middle East diplomacy, emphasizing his desire to push for a peace settlement before the upcoming election season and expressing frustration with the influence of Israeli interests. Following this, the President met with Henry Kissinger and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the upcoming public announcement of a SALT agreement with the Soviet Union. Nixon and Kissinger strategically aligned on how to brief Congressional leaders while minimizing specific disclosures about negotiating history, MIRVs, and treaty structures to maintain control over the process.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:03 am and 10:09 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize talking points for a briefing with Congressional leaders regarding the impending announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. They discussed the strategic framing of the announcement, specifically focusing on positioning the initiative as a personal presidential endeavor while acknowledging defensive weapons limitations. Stephen B. Bull joined the discussion to coordinate the arrival of Democratic leadership, and the group reviewed the planned script to ensure an effective presentation of the administration's progress on nuclear arms control.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew and a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to announce a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Nixon informed the attendees of a forthcoming joint statement with the Soviet Union pledging to focus on limiting anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems and certain offensive strategic weapons. While some lawmakers advocated for immediate unilateral U.S. defense cuts to demonstrate good faith, the President and his advisors successfully urged the leaders to maintain existing defense programs during the negotiations to avoid losing vital bargaining leverage.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:10 am and 11:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his advisors met to finalize the announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement and coordinate the administration's strategy for managing congressional and public reactions. The discussion focused on emphasizing the historic nature of the deal—despite its initial status as a framework—and included logistical planning for a televised address and related press briefings. Additionally, the President addressed minor White House operational concerns, such as plumbing issues in his residence, while maintaining focus on the political leverage gained through recent ABM (Antiballistic Missile) defense initiatives.
President Nixon and Representative Gerald Ford discussed the political fallout of the administration’s recent Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) announcement, noting that it successfully neutralized criticism from J. William Fulbright and congressional “doves.” Nixon emphasized that this diplomatic breakthrough was only possible because of the administration's firm stance on the antiballistic missile (ABM) program. Ford reaffirmed his support and committed to ensuring the passage of the necessary ABM authorization and appropriation measures in the House.
President Nixon and his senior aides, including H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, reviewed the successful public reception of the President's televised announcement regarding the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. They analyzed press coverage, specifically the favorable reactions from media figures like Dan Rather, and discussed the strategic value of the brief, dramatic presentation to the public. Additionally, the group addressed the tepid responses from certain congressional leaders and planned a follow-up briefing for the NSC and negotiating team to reinforce the narrative of a mutual, high-level diplomatic breakthrough.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John A. Scali talked on the telephone at 12:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-081 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter Tricia Nixon Cox discuss the positive public reception of the President's recent televised announcement regarding foreign policy developments. Tricia relays favorable commentary from NBC's John Chancellor, who praised the administration's progress in relations with China and the Soviet Union for transcending domestic politics. The President confirms logistical details for an upcoming cocktail reception at the White House for Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) negotiators, inviting Tricia and Julie Nixon Eisenhower to attend.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:42 pm and 1:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-084 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:42 pm and 1:44 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon telephoned Justin W. Dart to offer well wishes following Dart's recent hip surgery. Beyond discussing Dart's health and recovery, the President acknowledged the contributions of Dart’s daughter, Jane, who was working under Egil “Bud” Krogh. They concluded the call by discussing Dart's ongoing Republican fundraising efforts and the positive reception to the President’s televised announcement earlier that morning.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors to coordinate the administration's messaging strategy following the announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. The participants discussed managing the press, addressing potential discrepancies between U.S. and Soviet translations of the agreement, and ensuring the President received proper credit for the diplomatic breakthrough. Kissinger provided updates on his communication with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, while the group planned briefings to counter potential negative interpretations from the media and ensure a unified administration position.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:47 pm and 2:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-086 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:05 pm and 2:08 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-015 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:05 pm and 2:08 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with Congressman Leslie C. Arends to emphasize that the recent breakthrough in Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) was a direct result of Congressional support for the antiballistic missile (ABM) program. Nixon credited the firm stance of his allies for the success of his latest announcement and the resulting silence from political opponents like J. William Fulbright. Arends agreed to convey this message to his fellow committee members, including F. Edward Hébert, to reinforce the strategic value of their legislative unity.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and Leslie C. Arends met in the Oval Office of the White House from 2:08 pm to 2:09 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:09 pm and 3:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-088 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:09 pm and 2:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 502-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, William P. Rogers, and Charles W. Colson met to discuss the political implications and public relations strategy surrounding the announcement of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. The participants analyzed how the agreement could undermine the positions of Democratic critics and presidential hopefuls like Edmund Muskie and Hubert Humphrey, who had previously advocated for positions the administration had now effectively bypassed. Nixon and Colson agreed to maintain a sense of mystery and confidence regarding foreign policy, concluding that keeping public commentary brief would reinforce the President's stature as a far-sighted leader in command of momentous international developments.
President Nixon met with key advisors including John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and Henry Kissinger to navigate a broad agenda covering economic policy, domestic legislative priorities, and the recent Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement. The participants discussed strategies for managing inflation and fiscal policy, coordinating economic messaging through the Quadriad, and securing congressional support for revenue-sharing initiatives. Furthermore, the President focused on maintaining political discipline regarding his SALT negotiations, successfully leveraging support from key figures like McGeorge Bundy to bolster the agreement's reception among Senate leadership.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, the White House operator, and Arnold R. Weber's secretary, Mrs. [First name unknown] Lee talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:15 pm and 3:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-089 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted Arnold R. Weber’s secretary, Mrs. Lee, to convey his appreciation for Weber’s recent efforts. The President specifically praised Weber’s work on a statement drafted for the Congressional Black Caucus, acknowledging the significant labor involved in the project. Nixon requested that Mrs. Lee ensure his gratitude was relayed to both Weber and his relevant staff members.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:49 pm and 3:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-091 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Rose Mary Woods talked on the telephone at 3:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-092 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:51 pm and 3:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-093 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and George P. Shultz talked on the telephone from 3:56 pm to 3:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-094 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:57 pm and 7:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-095 of the White House Tapes.
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.
President Nixon and Herbert Klein discuss the favorable press reception following a recent meeting between the President and financial journalists, as well as the positive public reaction to recent foreign policy developments. Klein reports that journalists were deeply impressed by Nixon's long-range strategic thinking, despite some dissenting views from columnist Joseph Alsop. Nixon instructs Klein to have Henry Kissinger meet privately with Alsop to better manage the columnist's perspective. Additionally, Klein updates the President on the enthusiastic support for his policies from the Naval War College.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:50 pm and 7:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-098 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-099 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-100 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:53 pm and 7:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-101 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to verify the logistics for a dinner event honoring the Louisiana congressional delegation, specifically asking Bull to confirm if the function was scheduled at the Washington Hilton. Nixon directed Bull to report back immediately to ensure he arrived at the correct location. This brief exchange served to finalize the President's departure plans for the evening engagement.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:00 pm and 8:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-214 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to meet with columnist Joseph Alsop to manage his public reporting and address his frustrations regarding administration policy. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger coordinate on the timing of a statement regarding Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), with Nixon advising that comments concerning Gerard C. Smith be withheld until after Smith returns from Vienna to prevent premature international disclosure.