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 171 of 211President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's upcoming schedule. This brief encounter served as a routine administrative coordination between the President and his personal staff member. No further details regarding the substance of the discussion or subsequent action items are available due to the lack of a transcript.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate daily administrative operations. The discussion focused on the President’s upcoming schedule and the review of necessary briefing papers and correspondence. This brief session served primarily to ensure the logistical readiness of the President's office for ongoing duties.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:12 pm and 2:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 415-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss the appointment of ambassadors, specifically focusing on the representation of Mexican-Americans and Black individuals. The participants exchanged brief, cryptic remarks regarding potential candidates and the logistics of finalizing these diplomatic selections. The conversation concluded without a definitive announcement, appearing to serve as a cursory review of personnel demographics for ambassadorial posts.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss the administration’s strategy for managing the public perception of the recent Vietnam peace settlement. The conversation focused on establishing a narrative around the agreement, including the role of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and the importance of crafting specific messaging for Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker and South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. The participants emphasized the need to generate significant public attention and secure support for the deal’s diplomatic precedents.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the administration's strategy for managing domestic policy, specifically focusing on budget cuts, revenue sharing, and congressional relations. They addressed concerns regarding the impact of federal funding reductions on programs like Model Cities and public service employment, while affirming the President's commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline. Additionally, Nixon directed Ehrlichman to take a more prominent role in overseeing domestic council strategy and coordinating legislative efforts to ensure the administration's budget priorities remain intact.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:40 pm and 3:46 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-002 of the White House Tapes.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:46 pm and 3:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 864-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to discuss upcoming events and personnel matters. Key topics included the schedule for the Apollo 17 astronauts' visit to Camp David and a potential meeting with them, as well as arrangements for a meeting with Sammy Davis Jr. The President also considered a report from Richard Helms and a meeting with Leonard H. Marks. A decision was made to give the astronauts watches and to meet with Sammy Davis Jr. on Saturday afternoon.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:46 pm and 3:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 864-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Stephen Bull to discuss the upcoming Senate Watergate hearings and the administration's strategy for handling executive privilege claims. Key topics included the appointment of minority counsel, communication with Attorney General Kleindienst and Senator Baker, and the potential for leaks from the FBI. Nixon and Dean agreed to revise a statement on executive privilege to allow for informal discussions while barring formal testimony before committees, and discussed how to manage Kleindienst's testimony and potential fallout from FBI investigations.
President Nixon met with Archbishop Luigi Raimondi and Peter Flanigan, along with White House staff and photographers, to discuss the role of the Catholic Church in addressing global issues and social change, particularly in Latin America. Key topics included concerns about radical elements potentially exploiting the Church for destructive purposes, the importance of the Church as a force for stability, and the need for moderate US influence. Nixon also informed Raimondi about upcoming legislative support for Catholic schools, expressing confidence in the Church's positive global impact and his commitment to maintaining strong US-Vatican relations.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and David C. Hoopes met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 4:37 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 864-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with CIA Director Richard Helms and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to discuss several critical foreign policy issues. Key topics included the Shah of Iran's potential visit to the US, the ongoing situation in Oman, and Israel's weapon requests, with particular attention to air power. The conversation also touched upon the complexities of the Vietnam settlement, including ceasefire violations and POW releases, and the strategic importance of oil and US relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:19 pm and 5:21 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 864-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Patricia Hitt, along with a White House photographer, to discuss various matters including the President's travel schedule and Hitt's potential appointment. The conversation delved deeply into California politics, particularly the potential candidacies of Finch and Reagan for governor and Senate seats, and the internal dynamics of the California Republican Party. They also extensively debated the role and future of the ACTION agency, volunteerism, and the effectiveness of various government programs like the Peace Corps and VISTA, with Hitt expressing strong opinions on the agency's importance.
On February 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:35 pm and 7:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-210 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed concerns regarding the President’s heavy schedule of social and ceremonial obligations with members of Congress. Nixon expressed frustration over complaints from Senator Hugh Scott and questioned the effectiveness of his legislative liaison team, specifically criticizing William E. Timmons's management style and lack of impact. They analyzed whether these meetings, intended to appease lawmakers ahead of upcoming vetoes, were fostering a cycle of escalating demands, citing Donald Rumsfeld’s theory that increased access only leads to greater expectations. Nixon instructed Haldeman to coordinate with John Ehrlichman to reassess the necessity of these engagements and to reevaluate the effectiveness of their congressional outreach operation.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:15 am and 12:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-025 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:15 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-001 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:15 am and 8:42 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-002 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 8:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-001 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:15 am and 8:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office to review the President's schedule for the day and upcoming weekend. The primary topic of discussion was the scheduling of a "Quadriad" meeting, which Nixon indicated should be placed on Saturday morning. Bull confirmed the schedule and departed before 8:42 am.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:15 am and 8:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-004 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:15 am and 8:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to H.R. Haldeman expressing distress over the administration's failure to meet directives for employing minorities and ethnics, particularly Mexicans and Italians. He emphasized the need to increase minority appointments, especially in advisory roles, and suggested a goal of two out of five appointments. Nixon also discussed congressional relations, criticizing the effectiveness of social events and advocating for meetings with small groups of congressmen to secure votes for vetoes, tasking Haldeman with developing a plan.
President Nixon calls Assistant Secretary of Labor Willie J. Usery, Jr. to commend his successful mediation of the Philadelphia strike. The President also expresses appreciation for the collaboration with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan and Philadelphia Mayor Frank L. Rizzo, noting the political value of maintaining support among the city’s labor unions. Nixon instructs Usery to convey these congratulations to Brennan and the Mayor, while explicitly declining to call the Mayor himself to avoid anticipated requests for federal funding.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:01 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-004 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:01 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-007 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:01 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-008 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:01 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted Roger E. Johnson to check on his health status following a surgery and a subsequent hospitalization due to a blood clot. Nixon offered encouragement during the brief call, using a football analogy to motivate Johnson’s recovery. No policy matters were discussed, as the conversation served purely as a personal gesture of concern.
President Nixon inquired about Roger E. Johnson's health following a hospital stay. The brief exchange focused solely on Johnson's recovery, with no other substantive topics or decisions being addressed during this short meeting.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:02 am and 12:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-006 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:02 am and 9:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-011 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:02 am and 9:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-012 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:02 am and 9:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Stephen Bull to discuss strategy for upcoming Senate hearings, particularly regarding executive privilege and the nature of testimony. They debated the merits of written interrogatories versus in-person questioning and the potential for leaks. The conversation also touched upon judicial appointments, the role of the press, and past investigations, including the FBI's actions and the Vesco affair. A significant portion focused on managing public perception and legal challenges related to the Watergate investigation.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:24 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Stephen Bull, and Ron Ziegler discussed the President's schedule, including upcoming events like the Golda Meir dinner and a Governors' Conference, as well as arrangements for astronauts and Sammy Davis Jr. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the Vietnam War, specifically the status of POW lists, potential press briefings by Secretary of Defense Elliot Richardson, and the timing of a presidential press conference. Decisions were made to postpone any public statements regarding POWs or military actions until more definitive information was available, and to schedule the President's press conference for Monday, February 5th, after the Golda Meir visit.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:43 am and 10:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed scheduling and personnel matters, including potential cabinet offers, sub-cabinet appointments, and departing staff. They specifically addressed the handling of contributors lists, the logistics of photo opportunities for certain individuals like Mr. and Mrs. Banks, and the recognition of award recipients such as Patricia R. Hitt. The conversation also touched upon briefing schedules for John Ehrlichman and the Quadriad group.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:43 am and 10:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-019 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler in the Oval Office to discuss Henry Kissinger's activities. Ziegler briefed the President on Kissinger's meeting with Yitzhak Rabin and Kissinger's contacts with the press. The conversation touched upon how to manage press relations and potentially influence public perception.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the ongoing negotiations and press management related to the Vietnam War, including potential cease-fire violations and the status of POWs. They also touched upon US military aid to Israel, the upcoming press conference, and a critical review of John F. Kennedy's presidency. A key action item involved strategizing how Ziegler should handle press inquiries regarding troop withdrawal and mine removal.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:52 am and 12:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the aftermath of Secretary Rogers' meeting with North Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Duy Trinh regarding the Paris Agreement. The primary focus was on North Vietnam's assurances about the full release of POWs within the 60-day period and their commitment to discuss the next phase of releases through the Joint Military Commission. Nixon expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived softness of the public statement and the lack of progress on key issues like mining, while also considering how to frame the developments for the press.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to overhaul the administration’s schedule, focusing on establishing a regular rhythm of meetings with Cabinet members, Congressional leaders, and White House staff to improve coordination and morale. They discussed administrative shifts, including the reorganization of the CIA and the abolition of the Land panel, while also analyzing the President’s historical poll performance compared to previous administrations. Nixon emphasized the necessity of 'thinking time' and decided to implement a more structured, frequent engagement strategy with key political stakeholders to bolster support for his agenda.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-007 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:30 pm and 12:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon expressed his appreciation to Richard Helms for providing thorough and incisive reports, specifically regarding intelligence matters and oil policy. Nixon commended the quality of the work and noted that it provided necessary guidance for his upcoming policy decisions. The two agreed to share the less sensitive documents with White House staff, including Charles DiBona and Henry Kissinger, while keeping the more controversial material restricted to the President's private files.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:15 pm and 3:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-010 of the White House Tapes.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:15 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 414-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to clarify his late-afternoon schedule and meeting arrangements. Bull confirmed that a 4:00 p.m. meeting with George Shultz, H. R. Haldeman, and Roy Ash would proceed as planned, while noting that a session with the counselors was canceled due to travel conflicts. The discussion also included logistical confirmations regarding a 5:30 p.m. barber appointment and the handling of a recent short taping.
President Nixon met with Thomas Hart and Stephen B. Bull to record a formal congratulatory message for E.K. Gaylord’s 100th birthday. The President reviewed and recited a prepared tribute, highlighting Gaylord’s long life and significant contributions to his country. The primary purpose of the meeting was to finalize this audio recording for the milestone celebration.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize the logistics and seating arrangements for an upcoming dinner with attendees of the National Governors Conference. The discussion focused on balancing the guest list to ensure proper protocol, specifically managing the ratio of governors and their spouses at the head tables. The President also adjusted his afternoon schedule to accommodate a brief meeting with John D. Ehrlichman, H. R. Haldeman, George P. Shultz, and Roy L. Ash.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss the preparation of a specific statistical analysis. During the brief exchange, Nixon emphasized the importance of this report and requested that the individual provide concrete figures regarding a particular, albeit redacted, subject matter. This request highlights the President's direct oversight of administrative data collection and analysis efforts during this period.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative details regarding office furniture. The conversation centered on specific logistical arrangements concerning the President's desk. The brief exchange concluded with Sanchez departing the office shortly thereafter.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:43 pm and 4:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 414-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the upcoming International Conference on Vietnam, focusing on a Washington Star headline that appeared to stem from North Vietnamese comments about ceasefire violations. Ziegler briefed the President on the context, noting that the headline likely originated from statements made by Madame Nguyen Thi Binh and Nguyen Duy Trinh following a meeting with the four foreign ministers. The conversation also touched upon the release of Prisoners of War (POWs), with the understanding that North Vietnam had assured the US of their release according to the agreement.
On February 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:23 pm and 4:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 865-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his top advisors, including Roy Ash, George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, and H.R. Haldeman, to discuss the administration's budget, revenue sharing proposals, and congressional relations. Key topics included the perceived partisanship surrounding revenue sharing, potential program cuts, the impact of budget decisions on human resources versus defense spending, and strategies for communicating the administration's fiscal policies to Congress and the public. A significant development was the discussion around managing public perception of the administration's spending priorities and the need to counter negative press narratives, particularly concerning social programs and the effectiveness of federal expenditures.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful resolution of a standoff regarding the release of U.S. prisoners of war (POWs) in Vietnam. Kissinger reports that firm U.S. diplomatic pressure and military posturing—specifically the relocation of minesweeping assets—compelled North Vietnamese officials to agree to resume the prisoner releases. Nixon expresses relief and satisfaction in overcoming the stalling tactics, noting that this victory undermines media criticism that had suggested the peace process was collapsing. The two also briefly coordinate the President's upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:42 am and 9:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-001 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:42 am and 9:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-002 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:42 am and 9:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Manolo Sanchez to discuss the implications of FBI Director Gray's statements regarding the availability of FBI records to Congress. Nixon expressed strong opposition to Gray's apparent willingness to provide raw FBI files and agents for briefings, emphasizing historical precedent where the FBI maintained strict confidentiality. They also touched upon a 1968 bugging incident, with Dean relaying Attorney General Kleindienst's assessment that Cartha D. DeLoach's statements about the incident were likely untrue and potentially perjurious. Nixon instructed Dean to warn DeLoach through Kleindienst that his statements were being investigated and he should tell the truth.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the upcoming press conference, the release of Prisoners of War (POWs), and the international conference on Vietnam. They also reviewed past foreign policy decisions, particularly those made during the Kennedy administration concerning the Berlin Wall and the Skybolt missile, contrasting them with Nixon's own crisis management. Additionally, they touched upon National Security Council meeting structures, personnel changes within the Treasury Department, and the ongoing negotiations with Israel regarding military aid and Middle East peace.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:44 am and 10:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-005 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:51 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-015 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:51 am and 10:52 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-016 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:51 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with a staff member, identified as Greg, to discuss scheduling arrangements for upcoming visits from international delegations. The conversation focused on coordinating ten-to-fifteen-minute meetings with visiting governors from Japan and the Soviet Union expected in the spring. Additionally, the President briefly addressed the handling of gifts for Israeli Ambassador Yitzhak Rabin.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:51 am and 10:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-008 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:51 am and 10:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-009 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:51 am and 10:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-010 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:51 am and 10:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst discuss the confirmation hearings of L. Patrick Gray for FBI Director, specifically focusing on the dangers of providing Congress with access to sensitive FBI files. Nixon emphasizes the need to maintain executive control over these documents, drawing parallels to the Alger Hiss case to argue that broad congressional access would set a harmful precedent. Additionally, Nixon instructs Kleindienst to guide Gray toward maintaining the image of a firm 'lawman' rather than seeking validation from the press, while also designating John Dean as the primary White House contact for the ongoing Watergate investigation.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst discuss strategies for handling congressional oversight and the handling of sensitive investigative files, specifically concerning L. Patrick Gray's confirmation process. Nixon emphasizes the importance of protecting the executive branch's confidentiality and warns against succumbing to pressure from the press or individual congressmen to surrender sensitive records. The President stresses that while officials should appear cooperative, they must avoid establishing precedents that would allow Congress to bypass executive privilege in future investigations.
President Nixon called journalist and mutual friend William L. White to offer personal encouragement regarding White's ongoing cancer treatment. Beyond their personal exchange, the two discussed Nixon's hardline diplomatic approach to securing American prisoners of war. Nixon explained that he successfully compelled compliance from North Vietnamese officials by halting U.S. troop withdrawals and minesweeping operations until the prisoner lists were released.
President Nixon held a brief, cordial exchange with journalist and author William L. White to reminisce about their past acquaintance and exchange personal pleasantries. Beyond the social nature of the call, Nixon briefly touched upon his aggressive approach to foreign policy negotiations, highlighting his use of leverage—specifically regarding mine clearing and troop withdrawals—to force concessions from adversaries. Nixon concluded the conversation by encouraging White to maintain his fighting spirit and praising his past literary contributions.
President Nixon met with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, and Simcha Dinitz, along with Kissinger, Ziegler, and Scowcroft, to discuss a range of critical issues. Key topics included the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict, US arms and economic aid to Israel, strategies for peace negotiations, and the treatment of Soviet Jews. Significant developments included Nixon proposing a private channel for exploring an interim settlement with Egypt, mediated by Kissinger, and assurances of continued US military aid to Israel, with specific numbers to be determined later. They also discussed the plight of Soviet Jews, with Nixon emphasizing the need for quiet diplomacy over public confrontation to achieve progress.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Henry Kissinger to coordinate the administration's public messaging regarding ongoing Middle East negotiations and the President's recent meetings with foreign leaders. They discussed managing expectations to avoid premature hopes for peace while maintaining a firm diplomatic stance that emphasizes eventual direct talks between the involved parties. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger reviewed Soviet relations, the strategic arms balance, and their shared concern that domestic political pressure regarding the emigration of Soviet Jews could undermine U.S. foreign policy objectives.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on precedents for releasing information to Congress and the implications of a past "freeze" order that restricted FBI information sharing. They reviewed historical examples, including the Dr. Condon case and the Harry S. Truman precedent, to distinguish the White House's current posture on executive privilege from past actions. Nixon emphasized the importance of providing information through interrogatories rather than formal hearings to avoid a "circus." The conversation also touched upon Attorney General Kleindienst's loyalty and his close relationship with John Mitchell, whom Nixon identified as the most vulnerable figure in the unfolding scandal.
President Nixon met with Manolo Sanchez and Stephen B. Bull to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming dinner with Golda Meir, specifically focusing on seating charts and table shapes. Following these preparations, Nixon consulted with H. R. Haldeman regarding the scheduling and strategy for a forthcoming congressional leadership meeting. The discussion emphasized the need to engage effectively with Republican leaders, including Hugh Scott and Gerald Ford, to maintain bipartisan support and manage legislative objectives.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's daily schedule and meal arrangements. The exchange focused on Nixon’s request for refreshments, specifically buttercup cheese, confirming the domestic support roles Sanchez performed for the President. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this brief, informal interaction.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files to summarize recent foreign policy discussions and administrative matters. He reviewed interactions with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and potential advisor input from figures like Melvin R. Laird. The reflection also touched upon international relations, specifically regarding military bases in Turkey, and noted various staff and historical references involving Henry Kissinger, John Ehrlichman, and H.R. Haldeman.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:02 pm and 3:06 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 866-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with representatives from the Gridiron Club to discuss his attendance at their upcoming events and potential skits or performances for the dinner. The conversation covered the President's scheduling priorities among various press organizations, the ongoing return of prisoners of war from Vietnam, and the possibility of inviting foreign heads of state, such as Edward Heath, to future dinners. Nixon ultimately decided to skip the 1973 dinner due to political tensions involving figures like George McGovern, while signaling his intent to attend in future years.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to discuss the preparation and scheduling of a forthcoming broadcast speech regarding community development and government programs. The two coordinated the timeline for finalizing revisions to the draft, aiming to have the material ready prior to the President's scheduled Quadriad meeting. Nixon emphasized his desire to refine the messaging, which he characterized as a significant effort to shift public understanding of administration policies.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files while briefly meeting with aide Stephen B. Bull to secure a signature on official documents. The dictation covered a wide range of administrative and policy matters, including foreign policy objectives regarding the Middle East and Israel, as well as internal concerns involving John W. Dean III and the FBI. The President also reflected on recent events such as the National Governors Conference and various diplomatic communications.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to review and finalize adjustments to the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating meetings with Ronald L. Ziegler and Congressman Paul Findley, as well as managing administrative updates regarding sub-Cabinet officials and diplomatic credentials. The participants prioritized organizing these time-sensitive arrangements to ensure the day's agenda concluded by five o'clock.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:01 pm and 4:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-019 of the White House Tapes.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:01 pm and 4:42 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan coordinated the delivery of a briefing memorandum intended to help the President prepare for an upcoming press conference. The discussion focused on streamlining responses to expected questions, particularly regarding the status of Prisoners of War (POW). Additionally, Buchanan provided an update on the current media coverage and political setbacks facing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
President Nixon met briefly with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan to coordinate scheduling and discuss the progress of an unspecified administrative project or report. Nixon directed Brennan to limit the scope of his work on the update, suggesting that there was little substantive value to be gained from further elaboration. The brief exchange concluded with an agreement to meet again at 6:30 or 7:00.
On March 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:44 pm and 4:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-021 of the White House Tapes.