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 194 of 211On May 10, 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 3:05 pm and 3:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-011 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-192 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 3:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 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 3:10 pm and 3:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified staff member regarding the preparation of a forthcoming Sunday night television address. The discussion focused on the necessary length of the speech, with the President specifying a fifteen-minute duration to ensure effective delivery. Nixon emphasized the importance of coordinating the message with advisors Leonard Garment and William P. Rogers while considering the political implications for Congress.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate scheduling logistics for the President and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The discussion centered on upcoming travel arrangements for Julie and potential changes to the President's own calendar. No major policy decisions were made, as the conversation focused exclusively on managing personal family commitments and logistical planning.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the recent New York grand jury indictments of John Mitchell and Maurice Stans in the Robert Vesco case. The conversation turns to legal strategy and internal frustrations regarding the accuracy of reports being relayed to Alexander Haig about meetings with Haldeman's legal counsel. Haldeman specifically corrects the record concerning the attendance of J. Fred Buzhardt, Leonard Garment, and Horace Chapman Rose at a recent meeting, highlighting ongoing friction within the administration’s legal coordination.
H. R. Haldeman and President Nixon engage in a brief, disjointed exchange that appears to involve personal matters and logistics regarding guest invitations or social arrangements. The participants touch upon a recent meeting involving individuals referred to as Jackie and another unnamed party, though the discussion remains vague. No formal policy decisions or substantive administrative actions are reached during this brief interaction.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:26 pm and 3:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-194 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss a potential inaccuracy regarding the reported attendance of Horace “Chappie” Rose at a previous meeting involving Leonard Garment and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. Nixon expresses concern that misinformation about meeting participants is circulating and causing confusion. The two men agree to clarify whether Rose was indeed absent, highlighting the President’s focus on controlling the narrative and accuracy of internal reporting during this period.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:26 pm and 3:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and legislative aide William E. Timmons discuss the whip count for a critical upcoming House of Representatives vote concerning Vietnam policy. Timmons outlines a narrow path to victory, noting that the administration is actively lobbying undecided Republican freshmen following interventions by Gerald Ford and Leslie Arends. Nixon emphasizes the vital importance of the outcome, urging Timmons to exert every effort to flip votes and secure a legislative win.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons discuss the administration's political strategy regarding a vote in the House of Representatives. Expressing confidence, the two men affirm their intent to aggressively leverage political strength and resources to secure a victory. The conversation concludes with a resolute commitment from both parties to fight for the desired outcome.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. updates President Nixon on his discussions with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. regarding recent legal meetings involving H.R. Haldeman’s counsel and Horace "Chappie" Rose. The conversation centers on clarifying Rose’s level of involvement in these meetings and addressing internal anxieties regarding potential misinformation conveyed by Leonard Garment. Nixon and Haig conclude by reaffirming their trust in Rose’s integrity while seeking to minimize staff tensions regarding the handling of sensitive information.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief, informal meeting to clarify the attendance of specific individuals, identified as “Chappie” and Garland, at a prior gathering. The discussion focused on rectifying the President’s uncertainty regarding who was present during that meeting. No major policy decisions were made, as the exchange served primarily to resolve a minor factual discrepancy regarding personnel.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:24 pm and 4:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-197 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:24 pm and 4:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-198 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the political fallout and public relations strategy following the federal indictments of John N. Mitchell, Maurice H. Stans, and Robert L. Vesco on perjury charges. They coordinate a "no comment" strategy regarding the indictments to emphasize the integrity of the judicial process while aiming to shift media attention toward positive administration announcements, including Cabinet appointments and the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit. The conversation also touches on the President's desire to counterattack through the formation of a "Blue Ribbon Committee" and his perception that figures like John W. Dean III are overextending their political positions.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:49 pm and 4:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-200 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to relay a message of support to Maurice Stans and John Mitchell to avoid direct presidential contact that might create political exposure. He tasked Woods with assuring them of his confidence in their eventual vindication while specifically requesting that she also attempt to reach John and Martha Mitchell. This conversation highlights the President's efforts to maintain back-channel morale among key associates embroiled in the Watergate investigation without creating a traceable record of his involvement.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:52 pm and 4:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-202 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the public relations fallout surrounding the indictments of John Mitchell and Maurice Stans, with Nixon expressing frustration over the underlying circumstances. The conversation shifts to scheduling meetings with Henry Kissinger and William Rogers to manage media coverage, as well as vetting William C. Sullivan for the FBI directorship based on strong recommendations from Senator Henry Jackson. Additionally, they review potential candidates for other high-level appointments, including James Schlesinger and replacements for the commission roles previously discussed with Earl Warren.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-204 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the possibility of appointing Earl Warren or Tom Clark to head a commission regarding the Watergate scandal, weighing the political sensitivities against the necessity for institutional legitimacy. Nixon expresses deep frustration over the recent indictments of John Mitchell and Maurice Stans in the Vesco case, comparing their conduct unfavorably to the Sherman Adams scandal. Additionally, the two coordinate their upcoming schedules to meet with Henry Kissinger and manage public communications regarding an impending U.S.–Soviet Union summit.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:04 pm and 5:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-206 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:04 pm and 5:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-207 of the White House Tapes.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:04 pm and 5:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-208 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the enthusiastic reception Nixon received at a recent Republican fundraising dinner. The conversation shifts to the ongoing Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the legal troubles and reputations of Maurice Stans and John Mitchell. Nixon expresses personal sympathy for both men, while Woods provides updates on her efforts to maintain contact and support them during their testimony and legal challenges.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:20 pm and 5:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-210 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed the political climate surrounding the Watergate scandal, specifically referencing the recent indictments of John Mitchell and Maurice Stans. The President sought reassurance regarding public sentiment and expressed optimism that the scandal would fade from public consciousness within several months. They also touched upon the positive reception Nixon received at a recent Republican dinner, which served as a focal point for their mutual confidence in the remainder of his second term.
On May 10, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:00 pm and 6:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-214 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the legal implications of recent Watergate-related indictments, specifically those targeting John Mitchell and Maurice Stans. The conversation focuses on coordinating their defense regarding past interactions with John Dean, particularly an effort to have the IRS investigate Lawrence O'Brien. Nixon and Haldeman emphasize the propriety of their past actions and discuss strategies to counter potential damaging testimony from Dean.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:06 pm and 6:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-213 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and William Timmons discussed the recent House defeat of a Defense Department transfer authority provision, which had been linked to Cambodian funding. Timmons provided an update on the administration's efforts to regroup and salvage portions of the authority related to non-Southeast Asian operations through a potential amendment by Samuel Stratton. Nixon emphasized minimizing the political fallout in the press and instructed Timmons to coordinate with Alexander Haig and Gerald Ford to issue statements clarifying that the vote did not signal the end of U.S. policy in the region.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:13 pm and 6:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-216 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the political fallout from a recent legislative setback in the House of Representatives, attributing the loss to poor coordination within the Departments of State and Defense and a lack of support from Republican members. To address these deficiencies, they plan to bolster William E. Timmons's congressional relations team and refine their legislative strategy. Additionally, they discuss managing Henry Kissinger’s concerns regarding John B. Connally’s role, while noting positive press reactions following recent Cabinet changes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his daily schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was arranging a potential telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau. Bull left the meeting shortly thereafter to finalize these administrative details.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-003 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Nellie L. Yates met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review the President’s daily schedule. The brief discussion focused on coordinating upcoming meetings with key advisors, specifically Henry A. Kissinger and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The exchange served as a routine administrative session to facilitate presidential staff accessibility and time management.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-007 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:27 am and 8:30 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-218 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:27 am and 8:30 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-219 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler to strategize the White House response to the escalating Watergate scandal, specifically addressing negative press coverage and the potential for a formal election reform initiative. The discussion focused on shifting public attention away from the scandal by emphasizing the administration's foreign policy achievements and the need to professionalize government communications through the Republican National Committee. Nixon directed Ziegler to pursue a strategy of full disclosure regarding the administration’s actions while framing Watergate within the context of previous political wiretapping practices and media manipulation.
On May 11, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 8:30 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-220 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Senator Henry Bellmon to express strong support for his upcoming Senate candidacy announcement. The two discuss the political landscape in Oklahoma, with Nixon dismissing the potential negative impact of the Watergate scandal on Bellmon's campaign. Nixon concludes the call by offering to campaign on Bellmon's behalf and authorizing him to publicly share the President's endorsement with the press.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the potential resignation of Henry Kissinger and his future role as Secretary of State. The President considers the strategic timing of offering Kissinger the position to ensure political stability. The conversation focuses on navigating this sensitive cabinet transition and determining the best approach for delivering the offer.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed strategies to manage the fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the upcoming Congressional hearings and potential revelations regarding unauthorized wiretaps. They strategized on how to frame past FBI wiretapping activities as standard national security protocols inherited from previous administrations rather than partisan misconduct. Additionally, they evaluated the political implications of replacing Secretary of State William Rogers with Henry Kissinger or John Connally, ultimately weighing Kissinger's professional indispensability against the political utility of a cabinet change.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:10 am and 10:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:10 am and 10:15 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-013 of the White House Tapes.
In this meeting, President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Secretary of State William Rogers discussed the administration's foreign policy strategy amidst the growing pressure of the Watergate scandal. The participants focused on preparing for an upcoming Soviet summit, managing ongoing negotiations regarding the Paris Peace talks and Cambodia, and evaluating personnel changes within the State Department. Despite concerns about domestic distractions and Congressional opposition, they emphasized the necessity of maintaining a firm stance in international negotiations, particularly regarding nuclear arms control and Southeast Asian stability.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:03 pm and 12:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 916-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss legal and public relations strategies regarding Watergate, specifically focusing on the potential impact of CIA memoranda (memcons) and wiretap evidence. The conversation centers on coordinating testimony from Lt. Gen. Vernon Walters to ensure it aligns with the administration's position that Nixon had no direct involvement in attempting to use the CIA to cover up the scandal. They determine that these documents must be withheld under executive privilege to prevent political damage and plan to instruct H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman on how to frame their upcoming interactions with investigators.
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau called President Nixon to express personal support and sympathy regarding the political fallout from the Watergate scandal. The two leaders discussed the pressures of political life, with Nixon characterizing the scandal as the result of misguided actions by subordinates. Nixon also updated Trudeau on Henry Kissinger’s upcoming trip to Paris to meet with Le Duc Tho, promising to provide the Prime Minister with a follow-up report on the negotiations.
President Nixon met with John C. Slemp and Stephen B. Bull to host a brief social visit and photo session. The conversation centered on Slemp’s extensive background in religious journalism, his global travels, and his literary work. The President concluded the meeting by presenting Slemp with personal gifts, including an autographed pen and cufflinks.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate an upcoming meeting with H. R. Haldeman. The discussion focused on locating Haldeman, who was reportedly conferring with Lawrence M. Higby at the time. Bull facilitated the scheduling, confirming that Haldeman was nearby and ready to meet with the President.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Alexander Haig discussed the Watergate investigation, focusing on potential CIA involvement, the role of various individuals like L. Patrick Gray and Vernon Walters, and the implications of their testimony and memoranda. They strategized on how to present their accounts, particularly concerning meetings with Walters and Helms, and the nature of any discussions about limiting the investigation or providing cover stories. The conversation also touched upon executive privilege, the release of documents, and the broader implications of the unfolding scandal for national security and the administration.
On May 11, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone from 2:00 pm to 2:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to finalize logistical details regarding a private signing ceremony for the Rural Electrification and Telephone Program. They discussed the specific timing of the event and the anticipated participation of Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz. The meeting concluded after confirming the departure schedule for these proceedings.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 2:11 pm to 2:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 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 2:11 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-011 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:11 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 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 2:11 pm and 2:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-013 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone from 2:15 pm to 2:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-006 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:15 pm to 2:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-014 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 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 2:16 pm and 2:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss managing the ongoing Watergate investigation and coordinating the testimony of CIA Deputy Director Vernon Walters. Nixon emphasized that he wanted Walters to reassure officials like Elliot Richardson, William Colby, and James Schlesinger of the President’s innocence and his desire for a full investigation. The conversation centered on the potential legal exposure of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, the status of sensitive memoranda of conversation, and ensuring the loyalty of key administration appointees amidst the political fallout.
President Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, and Alexander Haig confer to locate missing files once belonging to J. Edgar Hoover that were reportedly sent to the White House following the departures of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Woods clarifies that the sensitive materials were never delivered to her office or placed in her custody. Consequently, Haig agrees to investigate the matter further to determine the actual location of the files.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:43 pm and 2:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-008 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 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 2:47 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:47 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed Alexander Haig to direct J. Fred Buzhardt to adopt a more supportive and optimistic tone when communicating with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman regarding their legal strategy. Nixon emphasized that Buzhardt must project confidence that the Watergate situation is manageable to counter the anxiety caused by Leonard Garment’s more alarming counsel. Additionally, the two discussed John Connally’s potential leave of absence from his law firm, with Nixon approving the move to address concerns regarding professional conflicts of interest.
President Nixon instructed Alexander Haig to manage the morale of staff members—specifically referencing Bob [Haldeman] and John [Ehrlichman]—by discouraging apocalyptic rhetoric regarding impeachment or legal jeopardy. Nixon directed Haig to reassure these individuals that the administration remains supportive and committed to their defense to prevent them from losing confidence. The primary objective was to ensure that distressed associates felt the White House was actively fighting on their behalf rather than conceding to the growing pressures of the Watergate scandal.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:53 pm and 2:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-010 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:53 pm and 2:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-021 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 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 2:53 pm and 2:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs H. R. Haldeman to proceed with the establishment of the Nixon Foundation, emphasizing the project's critical role in securing the President's legacy and managing his archives. They discuss utilizing the foundation to facilitate the writing of the administration's history, potentially by Henry Kissinger, while providing the President access to his records, including the White House tapes, without direct personal involvement. The conversation concludes with Nixon instructing Haldeman to continue his scheduled engagement with the FBI.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discuss the establishment of a foundation intended to preserve the administration's legacy. Nixon expresses enthusiasm for the project and indicates his personal intention to author a history of his first term. The two agree that the comprehensive collection of White House tape recordings will serve as the primary resource for this historical account.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:57 pm and 3:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:57 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to move the signing ceremony for the Rural Electrification and Telephone Program to 3:30 p.m. in the Executive Office Building to accommodate his departure for Camp David. Emphasizing privacy, Nixon strictly forbade any press coverage or on-the-record status for his travel to Camp David, citing his frustration with being followed by press vehicles. He explicitly ordered Bull to ensure that all future presidential drives remain off the record.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinate the scheduling and logistics for a private document signing session. Nixon emphasizes his desire to avoid media presence, explicitly instructing Bull that future signings and events should not be open to the press. The conversation serves as a directive to restrict public and photographic access to presidential activities moving forward.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:01 pm and 3:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-014 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 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 3:01 pm and 3:07 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-026 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:01 pm and 3:07 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the urgent search for specific FBI files and a sensitive memorandum previously handled by John Ehrlichman. Nixon expresses concern over the potential inclusion of damaging material regarding Henry Kissinger within these documents, insisting that the damaging memo be retrieved to facilitate a proactive political offensive. Additionally, Haig confirms he will provide Fred Buzhardt with instructions for upcoming interviews with H.R. Haldeman, Ehrlichman, and Charles Colson.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief, cryptic discussion regarding the urgent location and secure handling of sensitive documents that Nixon wanted kept hidden from certain individuals. Nixon expressed frustration over the inability of staff to retrieve these materials from a safe within the building. The President directed Haig to locate the files immediately and ensure their contents remained shielded from unauthorized access.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:08 pm and 3:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-016 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:08 pm and 3:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Alexander Haig to prioritize the urgent location of a specific document, insisting that his staff conduct a comprehensive search of the White House. Emphasizing a shift toward a public relations strategy, Nixon instructs Haig to leak the document to the press before it is submitted to the judge handling the case. This exchange highlights the administration’s focus on controlling the public narrative regarding Watergate-related materials.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the preemptive release of a sensitive document to control the narrative amid concerns over unauthorized leaks. Nixon emphasizes that the current climate has become a public relations struggle and directs Haig to locate the material before it can be leaked by political opponents. The discussion reflects the administration's defensive strategy to manage information flow and prevent unfavorable press coverage.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule for the following Monday, focusing on a variety of diplomatic and domestic appointments. Key agenda items included a state visit by Haile Selassie, a meeting with Nelson Rockefeller regarding the Study Commission on Third Century America, and a ceremony to honor Mrs. Roberto Clemente. The two also coordinated logistics for Nixon’s travel plans to Camp David, specifically discussing the timing of a helicopter departure.
President Nixon met with Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz and several Department of Agriculture staff members to preside over a bill signing ceremony. The participants, including Dana G. Mead and William W. Erwin, gathered for a photo opportunity with the President to commemorate the new legislation. Brief discussions during the event touched upon the cattle industry in Colorado and concerns regarding consumer food prices.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. informs President Nixon that he has located a large volume of sensitive FBI files related to Watergate, estimated at three feet of material, stored in a vault. Haig expresses the need to personally screen these documents to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access. The two agree to meet briefly at the White House before the President departs for Camp David to discuss the matter further.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate a meeting to discuss consolidating documents before the President’s departure for Camp David. The brief exchange focuses on logistical arrangements for the review of materials. Haig confirms his availability to meet with the President prior to his travel.