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 176 of 211President Nixon urgently inquired of John Dean whether the FBI had previously provided raw files to congressional committees. Nixon demanded immediate confirmation and threatened severe repercussions for the FBI if the information was not promptly supplied. Dean agreed to contact the FBI to ascertain this information.
President Nixon met with Ron Ziegler, John Dean, and Henry Kissinger to discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation and the administration's public relations strategy. Key topics included how to respond to press inquiries about executive privilege, the Segretti case, and the administration's cooperation with investigators. Nixon and Ziegler strategized on managing press conferences and limiting the disclosure of FBI raw files to avoid further complications.
President Nixon, John Dean, and Ron Ziegler discussed the administration's policy on providing FBI raw files to congressional committees. Nixon expressed frustration with agency responsiveness and emphasized the need to "shake them up." Dean clarified that while formal submissions of raw files were unprecedented, informal access had been granted in past cases, such as the Valachi and Harry Dexter White cases, without leaks. The discussion centered on whether congressional committees should be allowed to formally receive and record such sensitive information.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 5:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 419-035 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:03 pm and 7:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-110 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez talked on the telephone from 7:25 pm to 7:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-111 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-112 of the White House Tapes.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-113 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinate a hardline public stance to counter critics of the Vietnam peace settlement and the administration's proposed economic aid. They specifically discuss leveraging Senator Henry Jackson and others to frame opposition as a sabotage of peace efforts, while dismissing concerns regarding the stability of the cease-fire. Additionally, they review the logistics and leverage strategy concerning the final withdrawal of U.S. troops and the release of the remaining prisoners of war.
President Nixon held a brief, unscheduled exchange with John A. Scali, his newly appointed Ambassador to the United Nations, to touch base regarding his recent appointment. The conversation lasted only one minute and appears to have served as an informal check-in rather than a substantive policy discussion. No significant developments or specific action items were recorded during this brief interaction.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:20 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-115 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, John Dean, and Ron Ziegler discussed the strategy for responding to a subpoena issued to Dean in a Common Cause civil suit. They debated the legal basis for Dean refusing to testify, particularly if the questions related to his role as President's counsel versus his personal capacity. The conversation also touched upon precedents involving congressional aides and White House staff depositions, with a focus on distinguishing between questions related to official functions and those that are not. A potential speech by Senator Ervin on executive privilege was also noted as being canceled.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 9:20 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-033 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to strategize on managing the escalating Watergate scandal and the impending Ervin Committee hearings. They discussed how to respond to press inquiries regarding staff involvement, specifically focusing on the roles of John Dean, Dwight Chapin, and H.R. Haldeman. Nixon emphasized relying on the principle of separation of powers to justify limiting White House staff testimony, while Ziegler planned his public messaging to defend the administration's cooperation while maintaining confidence in staff members implicated in the investigation.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to review a wide range of sensitive foreign policy issues, including diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, the ongoing Vietnam peace settlement, and negotiations with the Soviet Union. The discussion centered on the status of American prisoners of war, economic aid, and the strategic management of international trade and nuclear treaty talks. Additionally, they addressed domestic political concerns, such as the impact of the Mansfield Amendment on their foreign policy agenda.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler met to finalize preparations for an upcoming presidential press conference. They discussed the logistics of the event, including the opening format and the specific briefing materials to be provided to the press. A key focus of the discussion was the planned announcement regarding the appointment of Dr. David K. Bruce to lead the U.S. liaison office in the People's Republic of China.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:19 am and 11:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed the President's recent press conference and discussed strategies for managing ongoing media inquiries regarding the Watergate scandal. The two examined how to frame the administration’s cooperation with Congress, specifically utilizing the historical Alger Hiss case as a parallel to justify executive privilege and refute allegations of non-cooperation. They also identified a perceived media double standard between the administration's treatment and that of previous presidencies, while briefly touching upon administrative updates regarding food prices and foreign policy.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:05 pm and 12:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-117 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:05 pm and 12:11 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate administrative details regarding the memorial service for George T. Bell, an associate of H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman. The discussion centered on Bell’s background in Christian Science and his recent passing following a battle with cancer. Nixon also discussed his intention to place a personal condolence call to Mrs. Bell.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to Ralph H. Cake to inquire about his health and provide personal encouragement. The President expressed appreciation for Cake's loyalty and contributions, urging him to maintain his resolve as a supporter of the administration. The conversation served primarily as a morale-boosting gesture rather than a discussion of specific policy matters.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and Ronald Ziegler to review the President’s recent press conference performance regarding the Watergate scandal and ongoing geopolitical issues. They discussed the administration's defensive posture toward press inquiries, including the involvement of John Mitchell and the Committee to Re-elect the President, as well as the status of military aid to India and Pakistan. The group also touched upon future international travel plans and the announcement of a U.S. liaison office in the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon briefly met with Manolo Sanchez in the Oval Office. The conversation appears to have been very short, with Sanchez leaving shortly after arriving. The primary topic discussed was the delivery of something for Nixon to take home, possibly related to his schedule.
President Nixon met with Max Friedersdorf, James Collins, and Debbie Ploch for a social visit and photo session in the Oval Office. The discussion covered a wide range of informal topics, including Ploch’s teaching career, her recent travels to Southeast Asia, and the upcoming state visit by the King and Queen of Thailand. Additionally, the group conversed about various personal interests such as the history of White House decor, family anecdotes, and the significance of a Chinese jade vase.
In this meeting, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed sensitive foreign policy developments involving the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Soviet Union. They coordinated their diplomatic strategy regarding the high-level Chinese mission to the United States and reviewed a proposed nuclear treaty with the USSR. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger strategized on how to frame US-Soviet relations and the issue of Soviet Jewish emigration in the face of domestic political pressure from figures like Senator Edward Kennedy.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:02 pm and 1:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed strategies for managing press relations and defending the administration against criticism regarding the Watergate scandal and executive privilege. They compared current media scrutiny to the Alger Hiss case, criticizing the press corps for their perceived bias, hostility, and lack of interest in significant foreign policy developments like the China diplomatic mission. The conversation concluded with Nixon expressing contempt for the 'liberal establishment,' framing his administration’s tough stance as a necessary countermeasure to the perceived moral and political failures of his opponents.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:18 pm and 2:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-119 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the President’s recent press conference and the hostile nature of the press corps. Sanchez expressed personal distress regarding the intense media scrutiny and the stressful environment surrounding the administration. The conversation reflects the President's ongoing preoccupation with his public image and the adversarial relationship between the White House and the press.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:18 pm and 2:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a letter to Republican Representative Robert C. Wilson to express gratitude for his long-standing leadership and service to the party. The discussion reviewed past political challenges, including the economic downturns of 1958 and 1970, while analyzing the party’s historical performance in congressional campaigns. Ultimately, the President used the correspondence to foster morale and set an optimistic strategic foundation for potential Republican gains in the 1974 midterm elections.
On March 15, 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 1:18 pm and 2:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-039 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:18 pm and 2:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-040 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to finalize the scheduling and attendance details for his upcoming meetings. They confirmed that Congressman Donald E. Young and Lucy Ferguson would follow a meeting with Max M. Fisher, with Nixon approving the request for Leonard Garment to join the discussion with Fisher. Finally, the President directed that these meetings be held in his office rather than the Oval Office.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:48 pm to 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-041 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:53 pm and 2:55 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, held a brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office to address administrative or logistical matters. The dialogue centered on the review of unspecified documents or materials that required Woods’s immediate attention. No major policy decisions were reached during this short interaction, which functioned primarily as a routine exchange concerning office workflow.
President Nixon met with Max M. Fisher and Leonard Garment to discuss foreign policy strategy, specifically regarding the American Jewish community's opposition to granting Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to the Soviet Union. Nixon argued that linking trade concessions to Soviet Jewish emigration would be counterproductive, potentially damaging U.S.-Soviet relations and hindering the ongoing, quiet progress being made on emigration. He tasked Fisher and Garment with privately engaging Jewish community leaders to discourage congressional efforts to attach restrictive riders to MFN legislation, emphasizing that effective diplomacy requires secrecy and avoiding public posturing.
On March 15, 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 2:58 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-015 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 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 2:58 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-016 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:58 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-017 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 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 2:58 pm and 3:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his close confidant Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo engaged in a brief, informal exchange concerning travel arrangements and personal logistics. The conversation touched upon a potential future trip to Jamaica and the testing of a television set. No significant policy decisions were made during this short, private interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engaged in an expansive review of White House personnel, public relations strategies, and the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion heavily featured the domestic political impact of returning prisoners of war (POWs) and the President's firm stance against granting amnesty to draft evaders. Additionally, they reviewed international diplomatic priorities, finalized staffing decisions for the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, and strategized on how to manage media relations and social events to maximize political support.
President Nixon met with Representative Don Young, Jack Coghill, and Richard Cook to discuss Alaska politics, the 1972 election, and legislative priorities. They reviewed campaign strategies—specifically the effective use of anti-bureaucracy messaging and counter-attacks against political opponents—and discussed the critical need for the Alaska pipeline. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong rapport between the White House and the Alaska congressional delegation to advance administration goals.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:17 pm and 4:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-016 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:17 pm and 4:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and staff to evaluate recent press relations and coordinate messaging regarding his administration's foreign and domestic agendas. Discussions focused on the successful announcement of the China liaison office, the ongoing Watergate controversy, and a planned response to North Vietnamese infiltration. The participants also debated the strategic implications of detente with the Soviet Union, including the drafting of a nuclear war prevention agreement, and reviewed potential ambassadorial appointments to navigate international diplomatic tensions.
On March 15, 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 4:24 pm and 4:26 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Admiral Thomas Moorer discuss the management of a high-profile, emotionally compelling news story involving the return of prisoners of war and the contributions of a specific nurse. Nixon requests that Moorer cooperate with anticipated media inquiries, emphasizing the need to shape a positive narrative regarding these events. The conversation serves as an alert to ensure military personnel are prepared to provide coordinated testimony once the timing is appropriate.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:29 pm and 4:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-023 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 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 4:29 pm and 4:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly consulted regarding an administrative matter involving the handling of a formal letter. They determined that the most effective course of action was to send the correspondence to an individual identified as 'Bob.' This brief exchange served to coordinate a direct follow-up meeting at the President's desk.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, engage in an informal discussion concerning the career advancement and professional aspirations of a mutual acquaintance named Taylor. They analyze Taylor's strategic career moves, specifically his preference for gaining broad experience in the field over accepting a high-level position in Washington. The conversation concludes with brief, casual remarks regarding leisure activities and future social plans.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons discuss strategies for maintaining legislative communication with Senate leadership, specifically focusing on Senator Mike Mansfield. They address the necessity of providing briefings to senators regarding upcoming administrative initiatives and policy developments. The pair concludes that Timmons should coordinate with Senator Mansfield to facilitate these briefings and ensure the administration maintains a structured flow of information.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 4:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull met to review administrative scheduling and finalize correspondence details, including the retyping of letters and the departure of William L. Duncan. The discussion addressed preparations for upcoming presidential engagements, such as a potential briefing for Michael J. Mansfield and a meeting with a veterans' advocacy group. Nixon emphasized his desire to avoid becoming overly committed during the scheduled veterans' event.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the logistics and political risks surrounding the confirmation process for L. Patrick Gray III as FBI Director. They weigh the necessity of vetting potential conflicts, such as Gray's past performance and committee questioning, against the urgency of the appointment. The dialogue reflects a strategic effort to manage the confirmation timeline while considering alternative career placements for Gray, such as a judgeship, should the political situation prove untenable.
On March 15, 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 4:47 pm and 4:50 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-031 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with General Brent Scowcroft for a brief consultation regarding ongoing national security matters. While the transcript remains undefined, the meeting served as a continuation of discussions concerning administrative oversight and military briefing coordination. No specific policy shifts were recorded during this short two-minute session.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to address administrative oversight, White House personnel, and specific policy concerns. Key topics included the management of Soviet trade negotiations involving George Shultz and Henry Kissinger, potential adjustments to the Property Review Board, and the strategy for deregulating natural gas prices. The two also discussed personnel transitions, including the placement of Donald Santarelli and Balzano, and resolved to improve staff morale by addressing complaints regarding segregated dining facilities at the White House.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-121 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed upcoming speeches, specifically a radio speech and a veterans speech scheduled for Saturday. Nixon clarified the timing and content of these speeches, noting that the "role of government" speech was for the following day. The conversation appears to be a quick check on Nixon's speaking schedule and related materials.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-020 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted Rose Mary Woods to ensure the timely delivery of a note he had dictated for Robert C. “Bob” Wilson. During the brief check-in, Woods explained her early departure to attend a reception held in her honor by the American Newspaper Women. Nixon, satisfied that staff member Marjorie P. Acker would facilitate the delivery, emphasized the importance of the document reaching Wilson prior to his evening meeting.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to troubleshoot a faulty communication buzzer between their offices and verify the status of correspondence regarding an individual named Wilson. Nixon expressed concern over ensuring a specific letter was processed and delivered correctly. Woods confirmed her awareness of the dictation, leading Nixon to prioritize confirming the letter's dispatch before moving forward.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:33 pm and 5:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-123 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House from 5:33 pm to 5:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 880-023 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker talked on the telephone from 5:34 pm to 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-124 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, John Dean, and Richard Moore discussed the President's recent press conference, focusing on the press's lack of interest in significant foreign policy matters and their intense focus on Watergate. They also debated the administration's strategy for handling Senate investigations, particularly regarding executive privilege and the release of FBI raw files, drawing parallels to Nixon's past role in the Alger Hiss case. The conversation highlighted concerns about potential subpoenas for White House staff and the legal and political implications of various disclosure scenarios.
On March 15, 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 5:43 pm and 6:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon briefly coordinate their upcoming schedules to align their travel plans for the following day. The President informs the First Lady of his intention to depart at 11:30 a.m. for a Cabinet meeting and mentions the possibility of an additional trip to South Carolina. They conclude the discussion by agreeing to verify whether the First Lady's presence is required for the potential South Carolina engagement.
On March 15, 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 6:21 pm and 6:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-036 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-037 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 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 6:24 pm and 6:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss logistics regarding dinner arrangements. The brief exchange focused on managing leftover wine and coordinating with staff members to handle the remaining beverages. No significant policy or administrative decisions were reached during this casual interaction.
On March 15, 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 6:24 pm and 6:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-040 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to finalize travel arrangements for an upcoming trip scheduled to depart the following day at noon. The President confirmed the departure time and instructed Bull to verify the details for the duration of the visit, which was slated to extend through Monday. This logistical coordination ensured that the President’s itinerary remained on track for his weekend activities.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 6:33 pm to 6:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and entertainer Bob Hope discuss the return of American POWs from Vietnam, emphasizing the importance of welcoming them home with honor and recognizing their heroism. The President expresses his firm opposition to granting amnesty to draft evaders who fled to Canada, arguing that doing so would disparage the sacrifices made by those who served. Additionally, the two men touch upon the potential award of a Presidential Medal of Freedom to filmmaker John Ford, discussing the logistical planning for a celebratory dinner in Los Angeles.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:47 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. While the exact substance of the exchange remains largely inaudible or unrecorded due to poor audio quality, the meeting served as a routine interaction between the President and his long-time aide. No major policy decisions or significant developments were documented during this short window.
On March 15, 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 6:47 pm and 7:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-046 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 7:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-047 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the acquisition of Cuban cigars. The conversation focused on coordinating logistics for obtaining these items through personal associates, specifically referencing Robert Abplanalp and Bebe Rebozo. Nixon directed Sanchez to ensure that arrangements were made to secure the cigars via Florida contacts.
President Richard Nixon met with professional golfer Arnold Palmer to offer personal congratulations on Palmer's recent tournament victory. The brief interaction focused on the President's appreciation for Palmer’s athletic achievement and his interest in the golfer's upcoming season. The two concluded the conversation by expressing a mutual desire to play a round of golf together in the future.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:10 pm and 7:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-125 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his close friend Charles “Bebe” Rebozo to express personal gratitude for Rebozo’s long-standing loyalty during the President’s difficult political years. The brief discussion touched upon personal matters and travel arrangements, including Rebozo's upcoming plans. Nixon emphasized the value of friends who remained steadfast during his political lows, reinforcing the strength of their private relationship.
On March 15, 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 7:18 pm and 7:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 410-051 of the White House Tapes.
On March 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox talked on the telephone from 7:43 pm to 7:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-126 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate his immediate professional schedule. The brief interaction focused on facilitating upcoming appointments with key advisors, specifically John W. Dean III, Henry A. Kissinger, and John D. Ehrlichman. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate their strategy regarding a problematic Human Rights Commission resolution on Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union, which had been submitted without White House authorization. They also discussed potential military responses to North Vietnamese treaty violations and reviewed the domestic political fallout of the Watergate scandal. The meeting concluded with a consensus to focus on major foreign policy initiatives, such as the upcoming Brezhnev visit, to maintain momentum and distract from ongoing administrative controversies.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the administration's strategy for handling the Watergate investigation and the release of FBI files. They debated the extent of disclosure to the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasizing the need to protect "innocent people" from "raw files." The conversation also touched upon managing public perception, particularly through press conferences and statements by Ronald Ziegler, and strategizing responses to Senator Ervin's committee. A key action item was for Dean and Richard Moore to develop a "master plan" at Camp David.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to discuss White House administrative matters, including protocols for presidential gifts to POWs and the management of White House social events. The conversation primarily focused on the ongoing Watergate crisis, with Nixon and Haldeman evaluating the political risks of a potential cover-up versus full disclosure. They also discussed strategies for managing press relations, congressional testimony, and the assertion of executive privilege regarding White House staff.
President Nixon hosted Senator Pete V. Domenici and his family in the Oval Office for a cordial social visit. The discussion focused primarily on the Domenici children, their schooling, and the family's transition to living in Rockville, Maryland. During the meeting, Nixon shared anecdotes about his own family's political background and provided the group with a tour of the office's notable decorations, including artifacts from China and pieces crafted by his daughter, Julie. The visit concluded with arrangements for a group photograph and well-wishes for the Senator's upcoming work in Congress.
President Nixon met with Arlene Dahl, Michael J. Farrell, and members of the Schaum family for a social visit in the Oval Office. The discussion centered on cultural topics, including theater and film, with the group sharing perspectives on the perceived decline in moral standards within modern entertainment. Nixon emphasized his preference for family-friendly media and discussed obtaining copies of films for his personal viewing.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate White House operations, focusing on congressional relations, personnel management, and the ongoing political fallout from the Watergate investigation. They discussed the performance of congressional liaisons, the potential recruitment of new staff, and the administrative roles of cabinet members like George Shultz and Roy Ash. The conversation shifted toward managing the administration's legal risks, specifically debating the merits of releasing a 'White Paper' on Watergate and assessing the potential legal exposure of key figures like G. Gordon Liddy, Jeb Magruder, and John Dean.
On March 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:38 pm and 2:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-127 of the White House Tapes.