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 206 of 211On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 8:44 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate the President's schedule with congressional leaders, specifically addressing briefings on the upcoming Leonid Brezhnev summit and Vietnam negotiations. They decided to postpone a meeting with congressional leaders regarding economic controls to avoid presenting an appearance of unresolved conflict in Paris. The discussion also briefly touched upon the political implications of current Watergate-related news and Vice President Spiro Agnew's recent activities.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:35 am and 8:44 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed the President's upcoming travel and logistical schedule regarding the official visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The conversation centered on the timeline for meetings at Camp David, the state dinner, and a potential trip to California. Nixon noted that while his travel plans remained flexible due to the heavy workload at the White House, he emphasized the historic significance of the summit.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the ongoing political pressure from the Watergate scandal, focusing on the negative impacts of the Ervin Committee hearings and hostile media coverage. Nixon and Woods strategized on how to handle potential campaign contributions and expressed frustration regarding the testimony of figures like John Dean. Throughout the discussion, Woods emphasized the widespread public support for the President and the importance of maintaining his resolve against calls for impeachment.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:18 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-023 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:18 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with Bryce N. Harlow to finalize his return to the White House staff in a senior advisory role. Nixon clarifies that he expects Harlow to serve as a key political strategist and confidant alongside Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and Melvin R. Laird, rather than merely focusing on congressional relations. The conversation concludes with an agreement for Harlow to begin his tenure on July 2, 1973, with a formal announcement scheduled for the following Saturday.
President Nixon met with Bryce Harlow and Alexander Haig to discuss the Watergate investigation, including Senator Jackson's statement and potential responses, as well as White House staffing and the President's relationships with key aides. They also covered Vietnam negotiations, the national economy, and preparations for the upcoming Soviet summit, with a focus on economic policy, including a potential price freeze, and the security arrangements for the Brezhnev visit.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:00 am and 10:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed media strategy and public relations, focusing on methods to counter unfavorable Watergate coverage, specifically regarding John Dean's upcoming testimony and immunity. They reviewed the importance of cultivating support among key congressional allies and influential columnists to defend the administration's record. Furthermore, the two explored ways to highlight the President's foreign policy achievements, particularly regarding Vietnam, to shift public focus away from the ongoing domestic scandals.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:25 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-025 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-009 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-010 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-011 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Roy L. Ash to strategize a response to ongoing national economic difficulties, specifically discussing the potential implementation of a 45-to-60-day price freeze. The participants emphasized the need to "condition" public opinion and regain control of the economic narrative, noting that while a freeze may be poor economic policy, it serves as a necessary political tool to stop Congress from imposing more restrictive measures. Additionally, Nixon and Ash briefly discussed the political fallout of the Watergate scandal and the President's approach to managing congressional relations amid upcoming veto battles.
President Nixon and Howard Morgan discussed the temporary release of Bryce Harlow from his duties at Procter & Gamble to serve on the White House staff. Nixon expressed gratitude for Morgan's cooperation and addressed potential concerns regarding conflicts of interest and the political climate surrounding the Watergate scandal. The two parties agreed that Harlow would consult with congressional leaders to mitigate any sensitivities regarding his appointment as the administration prepares for Leonid Brezhnev's upcoming visit.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:15 am and 11:17 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and General Brent Scowcroft met to discuss the status of stalled Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically focusing on Henry Kissinger’s ongoing efforts in Paris to finalize a communiqué. The conversation centered on South Vietnam’s refusal to accept proposed language regarding elections and territorial zones of control, which the President viewed as minor procedural hurdles. Nixon and Scowcroft expressed deep concern that a failure to reach an agreement would alienate Congress and accelerate U.S. isolationism, potentially jeopardizing the long-term survival of the South Vietnamese government.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:31 am and 11:34 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-027 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:31 am and 11:44 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-016 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:31 am and 11:44 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 937-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discuss the legal implications of the Ervin Committee's grant of immunity to John Dean and the anticipated strategy for his upcoming testimony. They strategize on undermining Dean's credibility and decide to withhold their cross-examination plan until after his private session, allowing them to better prepare for his public testimony. Additionally, Nixon encourages Buzhardt to pressure the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to release information regarding Democratic campaign finances as a counter-offensive strategy.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation and the public perception of the administration's involvement. The two men review the political implications of the case, expressing frustration over public sentiment and the perceived bias of investigators, while emphasizing the need to frame their own narrative. Nixon explicitly rejects any possibility of delaying the proceedings, insisting that the administration must maintain a posture of transparency and innocence regarding the scandal.
President Nixon met with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to coordinate White House strategy regarding ongoing economic policy, administrative personnel appointments, and the unfolding Watergate investigation. The discussion focused on managing the upcoming testimony of John W. Dean, III before the Ervin Committee and preparing a public relations response that would emphasize presidential leadership and reinforce denials of culpability. Additionally, Nixon and Haig evaluated potential presidential vetoes of Congressional spending bills and discussed utilizing radio addresses to communicate directly with the public on economic concerns.
On June 12, 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 12:38 pm and 12:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. to plan an upcoming televised address to the nation regarding new economic measures to combat inflation. Nixon outlined his strategy to implement a temporary price freeze while maintaining a positive tone about the broader economy and emphasizing the necessity of congressional cooperation. The discussion also touched upon the political challenges surrounding the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically regarding the potential impact of testimony from former aides on the administration.
General Brent Scowcroft updated President Nixon on ongoing Vietnam negotiations following a lengthy meeting reported by Henry Kissinger. To pressure Saigon during this critical window, Nixon directed Scowcroft to expedite a cable emphasizing that South Vietnamese intransigence risks jeopardizing crucial U.S. congressional support and aid. Nixon instructed Scowcroft to explicitly promise public support for Saigon's position if they agree to move forward, aiming to prevent Congress from using the stalemate as a justification to cut off assistance.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 1:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed General Brent Scowcroft to relay a personal message to South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu regarding ongoing Vietnam negotiations. Nixon promised to issue a unilateral public statement—separate from the Joint Communiqué—reaffirming specific commitments on elections to address Thieu’s concerns. Scowcroft was directed to ensure Thieu understands this commitment will be personally delivered by Nixon and emphasized during an upcoming meeting with congressional leaders.
On June 12, 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 1:15 pm and 1:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed General Brent Scowcroft to deliver a personal message to an unnamed contact, affirming the President's commitment to specific concerns from a Christian perspective. Nixon emphasized his desire to issue a unilateral statement that he would personally clear to ensure the recipient's satisfaction. The President also directed that this matter be routed through the Congressional Review process.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 1:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-032 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 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 1:16 pm and 1:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met to coordinate administration strategy regarding Vietnam policy and upcoming domestic economic announcements. They discussed maintaining support for South Vietnamese President Thieu and reviewed preparations for a high-level economic meeting involving Arthur Burns and George Shultz. Additionally, the President provided guidance on the tone and content for an impending address concerning price control measures, specifically regarding food and gasoline costs.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed strategies for conducting a rigorous cross-examination of John Dean in anticipation of his upcoming testimony before the Ervin Committee. The President emphasized highlighting Dean’s failure to report key information to the Department of Justice, despite his regular access to officials like L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen. They further reviewed chronological evidence to prove that Dean’s involvement in fund-raising and obstruction predated his meetings with the President, with the goal of undermining Dean's credibility and distancing the White House from his illicit activities.
President Nixon met with his counsel J. Fred Buzhardt to strategize the administration's defense regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on John Dean's conduct and credibility. Nixon emphasized the need for a general denial strategy, suggesting that Dean's failure to report information directly to the President proves Dean withheld details of the cover-up. They discussed potential lines of questioning to undermine Dean's narrative and explored the legal defense surrounding national security claims and hush money demands.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:41 pm and 2:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-034 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 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 1:41 pm and 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-020 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 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 1:41 pm and 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-021 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 2:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-035 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-022 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 938-001 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 938-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior economic advisors and staff to deliberate on a strategy for stabilizing the national economy, specifically focusing on a proposed 60-day price freeze on food and gasoline. The discussion covered the implementation of Phase IV economic controls, the necessity of securing congressional support for trade and spending measures, and the political challenges of potential vetoes on agricultural and minimum wage legislation. Nixon emphasized the importance of public education regarding his administration's economic goals and requested that his cabinet members and advisors actively advocate for these policies to build public and congressional confidence.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:49 pm and 4:52 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 938-004 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:49 pm and 4:52 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 938-005 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:52 pm and 5:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate administration responses to economic challenges, including potential price freeze legislation and export regulation policies. The two discussed personnel management and morale within the White House staff, addressing friction between Roy Ash and other key advisors while emphasizing Haig’s role as the primary operational authority. Additionally, they reviewed political strategies regarding Congressional relations and the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically regarding anticipated testimony from John Dean.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:52 pm and 5:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 938-007 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:52 pm and 5:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 938-008 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:52 pm and 5:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 938-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler reviewed media strategies and potential responses to the ongoing Ervin Committee hearings regarding the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on managing public perception through favorable opinion columns and editorials, while also coordinating the timing of an upcoming presidential address on economic policy and an energy-related press briefing by Henry Kissinger. The participants concluded that while the White House could facilitate public support, it was more effective to rely on spontaneous public resentment toward the committee's proceedings.
President Nixon and Bebe Rebozo discuss the ongoing management of a sensitive Howard Hughes financial contribution in the context of the Watergate investigation. Rebozo reports on his coordination with attorney Kenneth Gemmill, drawing comparisons to a 1960 case involving Ted Sorensen to justify their legal strategy. They finalize the plan to return the funds to the donor, with Rebozo expressing confidence that the transaction will be resolved without further complications.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 8:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-038 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 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 5:30 pm and 8:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and Rose Mary Woods to discuss routine administrative tasks, including the President's upcoming schedule and staff support for a potential book project. The conversation shifted significantly to Watergate, specifically focusing on the ongoing Ervin Committee hearings and the legal difficulties facing John Mitchell, Maurice Stans, and John Dean. They also touched upon concerns regarding Martha Mitchell's behavior and the involvement of Thomas Pappas in financial matters related to legal defense funds.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss the content and phrasing of the President's forthcoming address to the nation announcing price control measures. Key topics included the rationale for controls, exemptions for unprocessed agricultural products, the impact on food and gasoline prices, and the need for Congressional action. They also touched upon the upcoming visit of Leonid Brezhnev and the context of Vietnam negotiations.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a brief personal conversation to discuss recent positive public support for the administration. Julie shared encouraging feedback from a television appearance in Dayton, Ohio, noting an audience's strong support and a grassroots donation sent to the President. Additionally, the two confirmed the President's recent boat outing with Alexander Haig and coordinated their upcoming plans to see each other.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:21 pm and 9:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-040 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the potential appointment of former Pennsylvania Governor William W. Scranton to lead the administration's energy initiatives. Nixon characterizes Scranton as a capable administrator who could benefit the administration by bringing an outside perspective to the complex energy challenge, potentially supported by Charles DiBona. The conversation concludes with Nixon instructing Haig to contact Scranton the following morning to gauge his interest.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:30 pm and 9:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-042 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 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 9:30 pm and 9:37 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 444-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed strategies to discredit John W. Dean III and Jeb Stuart Magruder ahead of their anticipated testimony before the Ervin Committee. They reviewed documentation, including meeting logs and briefing materials, that they believed could expose inconsistencies in Dean's timeline and claims regarding his investigation into White House involvement in Watergate. The President and Buzhardt decided to prepare a sharp public response to counter potential media leaks of Dean's testimony while planning to use cross-examination to highlight his lack of credibility and personal motive to lie.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met to discuss legal defense strategies regarding ongoing investigations and potential witness reliability. The conversation centered on concerns regarding a witness's propensity for lying and the risk that their testimony could undermine the administration's legal position. They weighed the strategic implications of how specific evidence or documentation might be contested or utilized during formal proceedings.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:56 pm and 10:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-044 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 10:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-045 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:18 pm and 10:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-046 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 10:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-047 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the recruitment of William W. Scranton to lead administration energy initiatives. They evaluate Scranton's administrative credentials, his strong ties to the oil and coal industries, and the positive press reception his appointment would generate despite his past political differences with the White House. Haig is instructed to contact Scranton to solicit his services, with the goal of finalizing the offer during a meeting in order to facilitate a formal announcement by Thursday.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed media treatment of the Nixon family, specifically criticizing a radio correspondents' dinner and a television appearance by Julie Nixon Eisenhower on the Phil Donahue show. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the press, mandating that Ziegler confront the responsible parties and effectively ending the President’s future attendance at social functions with the media corps. Additionally, they reviewed the Watergate investigation, focusing on John W. Dean’s recent invocation of the Fifth Amendment and developing a strategy to publicly discredit Dean’s anticipated testimony by highlighting his inconsistent accounts and potential legal liability.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. informed President Nixon that Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev had agreed to visit San Clemente, while simultaneously canceling a planned stop in Houston. Nixon expressed enthusiasm for the visit, emphasizing his desire to host Brezhnev as a personal guest in his own home to facilitate private, secure, and relaxed discussions. Haig was instructed to confirm these arrangements with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and ensure the security and lodging details were settled for the upcoming summit.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:17 pm and 11:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-051 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin discuss final logistical and security arrangements for Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit to the United States. They coordinate the travel schedule to San Clemente, emphasizing the need for privacy and informal, high-level policy discussions at both Casa Pacifica and Camp David. Additionally, they finalize plans for the signing of agreements regarding nuclear war prevention and establish a protocol for press appearances intended to symbolize a cooperative "spirit" of diplomacy.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:37 pm and 11:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-053 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the final logistics for Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit, emphasizing security arrangements at San Clemente and the preference for a controlled environment over a potential trip to Houston. Nixon notes that he has secured a commitment for private, high-level meetings between himself, Brezhnev, and Henry Kissinger. Additionally, they coordinate a recruitment strategy to bring William Scranton into the administration, with the President tasking Haig with offering Scranton a seat on the National Security Council to secure his acceptance.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:41 pm and 11:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-055 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed General Brent Scowcroft to inform Henry Kissinger about a successful arrangement with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin regarding the upcoming summit with Leonid Brezhnev at San Clemente, which would be limited to a small group of key principals. The two also discussed sensitive Vietnam negotiations, specifically the pressure being placed on South Vietnam to finalize a communique. Nixon emphasized that he had provided personal assurances to the South Vietnamese and warned that failure to comply would risk the loss of Congressional funding.
President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone on an unknown date, sometime between 11:54 pm on June 12, 1973 and 12:02 am on June 13, 1973. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-057 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his secretary, Rose Mary Woods, coordinate the guest list for an upcoming dinner with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, specifically finalizing the inclusion of Earl Butz and labor union leaders while excluding Elliot Richardson. The pair also discusses the favorable public reception of Maurice Stans’ recent testimony before the Ervin Committee, with Nixon emphasizing the importance of television coverage over negative newspaper reports. Finally, they briefly reflect on Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding anniversary and Julie Nixon Eisenhower's recent television appearance.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:07 am and 12:09 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-059 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to finalize the guest list for an upcoming after-dinner event honoring Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev. The President requested that all administration officials with experience traveling to the USSR be included and specifically instructed that individuals who had already attended multiple White House events be excluded. Furthermore, Nixon expressed frustration with the current vetting process, ordering that future guest lists provided by Warren L. “Bill” Gulley be strictly managed to ensure a fresh rotation of attendees.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:12 am and 12:16 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-061 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted his secretary, Rose Mary Woods, regarding the entertainment arrangements for an upcoming dinner with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The discussion focused on finalizing the lineup, specifically confirming the participation of the Johnny Mann Singers and Debbie Reynolds as preferred choices of Pat Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The President also briefly considered the feasibility of including entertainer Danny Kaye, noting potential concerns regarding his reception by the Soviet delegation.
President Nixon met with Stephen Bull and other staff to coordinate logistics for upcoming travel, including a trip to Illinois and an appearance with Mrs. Dirksen. They discussed scheduling for a diplomatic credentials ceremony, the selection of high-profile passengers for Air Force One, and the need to manage various administrative appointments. The conversation focused on balancing the President's public appearances with his internal preparations for a speech on the economy.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Alexander Haig, and William Timmons to coordinate White House strategy regarding the impending Ervin Committee testimony of John Dean and the administration’s broader press relations. The participants discussed the necessity of discrediting Dean and managing public perception amid the Watergate scandal, while balancing these concerns with the President's upcoming economic address and the diplomatic significance of the forthcoming Leonid Brezhnev summit. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified front with congressional allies and directed his staff to ensure that supporters, including members of the Chowder and Marching Society, publicly prioritize national policy over the ongoing hearings.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:15 am and 11:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-063 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to refine a forthcoming televised speech addressing the American economy and ongoing national policy challenges. The discussion focused on establishing an upbeat, confident tone regarding U.S. economic strength, specifically outlining the implementation of a 60-day price freeze and new controls to curb inflation. Nixon also deliberated on the political messaging surrounding the Vietnam peace process, energy shortages, and upcoming legislative strategies, emphasizing a need for decisive executive leadership in the face of domestic criticism.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the upcoming announcement of William W. Scranton’s appointment to an energy position and the timing of a related presidential economic speech. They discuss the strategic staging of news to ensure maximum media impact, specifically aiming to hold the Scranton announcement for the Sunday papers while keeping the energy message for Saturday. Additionally, the pair reviews the logistics for that day's scheduled Cabinet and Bipartisan Congressional Leadership meetings.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:26 am and 11:33 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-065 of the White House Tapes.
On June 13, 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 11:26 am and 11:33 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler coordinate the dissemination strategy for an upcoming policy text to ensure legislative leaders and their staff receive it simultaneously at 7:00 p.m. Nixon explicitly instructs Ziegler to withhold the document from congressional leaders and staff beforehand to prevent unauthorized revisions or delays. This measure aims to maintain executive control over the messaging and prevent legislative interference with the final text.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the messaging strategy for an upcoming televised speech on the economy. The discussion focused on maintaining public momentum following recent diplomatic successes while carefully managing media expectations. Nixon explicitly instructed Ziegler to withhold the full text of the speech from Cabinet members and Congressional leaders prior to the 7:00 pm briefing to avoid last-minute critiques and prevent market volatility.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:36 am and 11:37 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-067 of the White House Tapes.
On June 13, 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 11:36 am and 11:37 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-004 of the White House Tapes.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 11:37 am to 11:38 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-068 of the White House Tapes.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 11:37 am to 11:38 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to coordinate the White House's strategy for addressing the escalating Watergate scandal and the forthcoming Ervin Committee hearings. They engaged in a detailed review of internal chronologies and presidential recollections, focusing specifically on John W. Dean III's credibility, potential testimony, and his role in the cover-up. The conversation underscored the necessity of formulating a unified response to Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox and managing the political risks associated with the potential release of sensitive documents and recordings.
On June 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and David C. Hoopes met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:30 pm to 1:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 445-007 of the White House Tapes.