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 28 of 211President Nixon contacted his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to request her immediate presence at his Old Executive Office Building workspace. This brief administrative interaction served as a coordination effort for the President's logistical workflow. The primary action item was the relocation of Woods to the EOB to facilitate further office operations.
President Nixon and personal secretary Rose Mary Woods met to discuss various administrative and social matters, including guest lists for upcoming White House events and logistics for presidential appointments. The conversation also touched upon the development of communication strategies regarding the Vietnam War, specifically addressing how to explain the history of U.S. involvement to young people. Additionally, they reviewed reports on personnel matters and discussed the involvement of family members in public outreach efforts.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 4:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 259-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to review administrative tasks and upcoming scheduling requirements. The discussion focused on the President's signature on sugar legislation, arrangements for a dinner honoring Winton M. Blount, and logistical preparations for a forthcoming presentation involving the press. Additionally, they addressed a request for a meeting regarding a personnel matter.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Alexander Butterfield met to coordinate administrative logistics for upcoming White House social functions, including the planning of state dinners and the management of guest lists. The discussion addressed personnel roles regarding these events, specifically touching upon the involvement of Rose Mary Woods and Charles Colson. Additionally, the President reviewed his current schedule and discussed political reactions to staff appointments and potential public responses to the Supreme Court's pending decision on the Pentagon Papers.
President Nixon met with departing economic advisor Henrik S. Houthakker and Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Paul W. McCracken to express appreciation for Houthakker’s service. The meeting primarily served as a farewell, featuring a photograph session and the presentation of gifts. The President concluded the brief engagement by acknowledging Houthakker's contributions to the administration's economic efforts.
President Nixon met with Jane Dart and John D. Ehrlichman, accompanied briefly by a White House photographer, for a social visit to arrange a photograph and exchange gifts. The conversation included brief discussions regarding Dart’s upcoming travel plans to New York and the health and activities of her husband, Justin W. Dart. The meeting concluded cordially after the participants finalized their photographic arrangements.
President Nixon met with Barbara Kilberg and John Ehrlichman to discuss Kilberg’s recent professional experiences and future career plans following her time at the White House. The conversation touched upon the challenges of navigating legal and professional sectors, including anecdotes regarding Supreme Court Justices Abe Fortas and Hugo Black. The meeting concluded with the President presenting a gift to Kilberg as she transitioned to her next professional role.
President Nixon met with Jerome Rosow, James Hodgson, John Ehrlichman, and George Shultz to discuss Rosow's departure and future professional plans. The meeting included the presentation of gifts to Rosow and a brief photograph session with the White House photographer. The participants also touched upon broader administration goals regarding the environment and increasing employment figures.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 4:44 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with C. Fred Bergsten, Alexander Haig, and Stephen Bull to discuss Bergsten’s transition out of the White House. The President expressed appreciation for Bergsten's service and encouraged him to maintain professional ties with the administration, specifically mentioning Peter G. Peterson and the Brookings Institution as he prepares to write a book. The brief meeting concluded with the President commending Bergsten’s contributions and past work.
President Nixon met with T. Warren Parker, facilitated by Charles W. Colson, to commend Parker's upcoming plans to attend the University of Maryland and his service in the Marine Corps. The brief meeting included a formal photo opportunity and the presentation of a presidential gift to honor Parker's service. During the exchange, Nixon shared personal reflections on his own World War II military experiences and expressed a desire to keep Parker out of future combat.
President Nixon met with William E. Casselman II and William E. Timmons to discuss Casselman’s transition into a role at the General Services Administration (GSA). The President also consulted with Timmons regarding recent legislative strategy, specifically focusing on a Vietnam-related vote and anticipated outcomes in a House-Senate conference committee. The discussion highlighted the administration's ongoing efforts to influence congressional leadership and committee members on key policy matters.
President Nixon met with William E. Kriegsman, Stephen B. Bull, and John C. Whitaker to facilitate a photo opportunity and sign an autograph for a staff member. During the brief exchange, the participants discussed the ongoing political counsel provided by Bryce N. Harlow. The meeting concluded after these logistical arrangements were settled.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield, Stephen B. Bull, and Ronald A. Harley to recognize Harley's twenty-five years of service. During this brief encounter, the President presented Harley with a gift and briefly discussed his professional tenure. The meeting concluded after a formal photograph was taken to commemorate the occasion.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:56 pm and 5:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to aggressively restrict access to classified information by cutting off institutions like the Brookings Institution, RAND Corporation, and the Council on Foreign Relations. The President mandates a 90% reduction in the number of personnel cleared for top-secret documents across the government, including embassies and the Departments of State and Defense. This directive serves as a strategic move to secure sensitive information and limit external exposure to government intelligence.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss adjustments and logistical details regarding the President's upcoming daily schedule. The conversation focused on coordination with staff members H.R. Haldeman and Terry McGinnity. The participants reached an understanding on the handling of schedule-related materials to ensure the President maintained control over his appointments.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:56 pm and 5:07 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Treasury Secretary John Connally and Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns to address growing public confusion and political friction caused by conflicting economic signals from the administration. The President emphasized the need for a unified public stance on economic policy, specifically urging Burns to avoid statements that undermine official administration decisions, despite Burns' insistence on his duty to provide independent, candid testimony as an economist. The meeting resulted in a tentative agreement for Burns to clarify in future congressional testimony that his views represent his own, rather than the administration's, while Connally committed to better coordinating the administration's economic messaging.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet Manolo Sanchez and aide Stephen B. Bull to address logistical arrangements for a scheduled barber appointment. The brief discussion centered on managing the President's immediate availability and coordinating his personal schedule. The interaction concluded quickly as the participants departed to facilitate the President's next engagement.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 5:58 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and George Shultz discussed a memorandum from Milton Friedman regarding the state of the national economy. The conversation focused on Friedman’s optimistic outlook for economic recovery and his opposition to wage and price controls. They also reviewed the accuracy of preliminary Gross National Product (GNP) figures and the pending availability of revised statistical data expected in mid-July.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed administrative staffing, the need for simpler, more direct public communication, and concerns regarding foreign policy secrecy. They reviewed potential speechwriting candidates and criticized current drafts for being too profound or "deep" for the public to grasp. Additionally, they assessed the political implications of Henry Kissinger's clandestine negotiations and managed upcoming legislative challenges concerning Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:45 pm and 6:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-008 of the White House Tapes.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:45 pm and 6:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-020 of the White House Tapes.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 6:46 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discuss the political impact of a recent presidential letter sent to members of Congress regarding Vietnam policy, which helped counteract pressure from groups like Common Cause. They further coordinate the guest list and program for an upcoming White House dinner, specifically planning for the President to personally recognize key congressional allies during the event. Nixon ultimately resolves to thank those legislators who supported his administration's stance and identifies specific guests to call upon during the gathering.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at 6:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discuss the political challenges facing members of Congress regarding the Vietnam War, acknowledging the pressure representatives face from constituents to vote for withdrawal. To bolster support and show appreciation, the President decides to personally call several members of Congress, including John Jackson, Glenn Davis, and Keating. The meeting serves as a logistical coordination session for these outreach efforts to key legislative allies.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson to discuss the administration's political strategy regarding the ongoing Pentagon Papers controversy and the prosecution of Daniel Ellsberg. Nixon emphasized the importance of keeping the focus on Ellsberg’s theft of government documents to damage the credibility of the Democratic Party and potential 1972 challengers. They also analyzed the political impact of economic performance and polling data, with Nixon deciding to enforce tighter message discipline within his administration to prevent unauthorized leaks from economic advisors.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:08 pm and 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with White House Chief Usher Rex W. Scouten regarding hospitality arrangements for a gathering of the Chowder and Marching Society in the East Room. The President explicitly requested that guests be served ample drinks immediately upon arrival to ensure the group was well-supplied before his scheduled appearance at 8:00 p.m. Scouten acknowledged the directive and confirmed that the staff would manage the refreshments accordingly.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:59 am and 8:03 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 530-001 of the White House Tapes.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Cabinet officers, including William P. Rogers, John B. Connally, Melvin R. Laird, John N. Mitchell, Winton M. ("Red") Blount, Rogers C. B. Morton, Maurice H. Stans, James D. Hodgson, John G. Veneman, Richard C. Van Dusen, John A. Volpe, George P. Shultz, and George H. W. Bush, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 8:05 am and 10:07 am. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 063-003 of the White House Tapes.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:32 am and 8:42 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-012 of the White House Tapes.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:32 am and 8:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 530-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a series of meetings with top advisors, including H.R. Haldeman, John Connally, and George Shultz, to discuss political messaging, economic strategy, and staff management. Key developments included a directive to stop administration officials from providing background briefings to the press and a decision to maintain a firm, non-conciliatory stance regarding the prosecution of Daniel Ellsberg. Additionally, the President and Connally strategized on the public communication of economic policy, with the President emphasizing the need for a strong, unified message that highlights economic growth while rejecting wage and price controls.
President Nixon directs Patrick J. Buchanan to provide Representative Jack F. Kemp with strategic talking points and opposition research ahead of Kemp’s upcoming appearance on the David Frost show. Because Kemp is scheduled to debate anti-war critic Paul N. McCloskey Jr., the President emphasizes the need for Kemp to be well-prepared to counter McCloskey’s arguments regarding the administration's Southeast Asia policy. Buchanan is tasked with coordinating this effort, including potential collaboration with Charles W. Colson, to ensure Kemp is equipped to effectively challenge McCloskey.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed Patrick J. Buchanan to prepare a concise talking paper for Congressman Jack F. Kemp regarding his political opponent, Paul N. McCloskey, Jr. Rather than providing exhaustive research, Nixon requested a strategic document that outlines specific, impactful points for Kemp to utilize in his messaging. The primary objective of this guidance was to provide Kemp with an effective framework to aggressively challenge McCloskey.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:47 am and 9:03 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Congressman Alvin E. O'Konski to commend him for a recent floor speech supporting the administration’s Vietnam policy. O'Konski proposes a legislative compromise intended to resolve the Congressional impasse over Vietnam by aligning Congressional funding with the Nixon Doctrine, ceasefire objectives, and POW releases. Nixon expresses interest in this approach and directs the Congressman to send a written copy of the proposal to the National Security Council for review.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:07 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the distribution of cigars to political allies, specifically Congressman Alvin E. O'Konski. The President expresses appreciation for O'Konski's recent speech defending the administration's Vietnam policy. Finding that the specific Nicaraguan cigars previously gifted are out of stock, Nixon directs Woods to send a standard box of White House cigars to the Congressman as a token of gratitude.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and members of the National Commission on Productivity, including Jerome M. Rosow, Harllee Branch, Jr., Edward W. Carter, James M. Roche, John O'Connell, J. Warren Shaver, W. L. Lohrentz, Robert Atkinson, Oscar A. Lundin, I[lorwith] W. Abel, Joseph A. Beirne, George Meany, Floyd E. ("Red") Smith, Leonard Woodcock, Nat Weinberg, Nathaniel Goldfinger, Reginald Newell, William T. Coleman, John T. Dunlop, Howard W. Johnson, Arjay Miller, W. Allen Wallis, John B. Connally, James D. Hodgson, Paul W. McCracken, Maurice H. Stans, Dr. Edward E. David, Jr., Leon Greenberg, Dr. Hubert Heffner, William H. Kohlberg, Harold C. Passer, Harold Wool, Carl Savit, Murray L. Weidenbaum, George P. Shultz, and White House photographer, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 10:07 am and 2:50 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 063-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed the success of Treasury Secretary John Connally's recent performance as the administration's primary economic spokesperson. Ziegler confirmed that Connally effectively communicated the President's stance against wage and price controls and accelerated tax cuts while emphasizing economic recovery. The pair also discussed political strategy regarding public perception, the ongoing controversy surrounding the leaked Pentagon Papers, and the motivations of Daniel Ellsberg.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:47 am and 10:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 530-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss an internal crisis at the FBI triggered by Director J. Edgar Hoover’s decision to transfer assistant director Chick Brennan for allegedly violating orders regarding the Daniel Ellsberg investigation. Haldeman warns that the move threatens to spark mass resignations among FBI leadership, prompting a debate over the balance between institutional discipline and effective management. The participants also briefly coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, including meetings with John Ehrlichman, Peter Peterson, and a group of YMCA Youth Governors.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell consulted on how to handle potential internal dissension within the FBI regarding the Daniel Ellsberg case. Nixon directed Mitchell to instruct FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to avoid any actions that could publicly compromise the Bureau's unity, particularly ahead of the President’s scheduled address at the FBI graduation. The conversation emphasized the administration's firm resolve to prosecute Ellsberg for the Pentagon Papers leak to prevent future government personnel from committing similar acts of theft.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the internal handling of the Daniel Ellsberg investigation and their concerns regarding J. Edgar Hoover’s management of the FBI. The President expresses anxiety that internal dissension within the Bureau, exacerbated by the Ellsberg case, could undermine the administration's political standing. Nixon ultimately decides to intervene by coordinating with Attorney General John Mitchell to regain control over the Bureau's direction and ensure the case is managed according to his preferences.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discussed the necessity of preventing FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover from engaging in actions related to the Daniel Ellsberg case that could spark internal dissent or embarrass the Bureau. Nixon directed Mitchell to personally intervene with Hoover to ensure a united administrative front, emphasizing that protecting the Bureau's integrity and focusing on the prosecution of Ellsberg were paramount. Nixon authorized Mitchell to use his name to reinforce the importance of these instructions while maintaining a firm stance on the administration's commitment to the Ellsberg litigation.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:27 am and 2:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing telephone communication. This brief interaction served administrative and logistical purposes to connect the President with another party. No policy discussions or significant substantive developments occurred during this short exchange.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual to confirm the status of a specific, sensitive administrative or tactical task. The participants reached an agreement that the matter had been successfully completed, with the President emphasizing the strategic importance of ensuring the action was finalized. The conversation served primarily as a status update to verify that a particular objective had been executed.
President Nixon met with Peter G. Peterson to discuss broad economic strategies, focusing on trade imbalances with Japan, long-range economic planning, and the need for a tougher, more assertive administrative posture. They addressed the potential for unilateral trade actions to address deficits and debated the utility of government-backed industrial R&D projects to foster job growth. Additionally, they reviewed international trade negotiations, the status of U.S.-Soviet economic relations, and the recruitment of personnel for economic policy roles.
President Nixon met with Pennsylvania labor representatives Fred Gualtier, Frank DeLuca, Carmen Williams, and George T. Bell to cultivate support among the building trades. During the meeting, the participants discussed Pennsylvania politics, including the influence of state Republican chairman Clifford L. Jones and the gubernatorial administration of Milton J. Shapp. Nixon used the occasion to contrast the value of hard-working laborers with welfare recipients and to criticize Daniel Ellsberg. The President concluded the visit by presenting gifts to the group and emphasizing his commitment to the American labor movement.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Peter G. Peterson met to discuss personnel appointments, including the potential recruitment of Marty Anderson, and strategic roles within the administration. The conversation focused on the internal structure of the White House, the need for a stronger, politically-minded economic team to support the administration, and the President's vision for long-term economic planning. Nixon explicitly requested that Peterson coordinate closely with John Connally and emphasized a long-term approach to economic policy over short-term political headlines.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:42 pm to 12:44 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 530-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen Bull, Mrs. Frank Mason, and Pam Bull in the Oval Office for a brief social visit. The encounter focused on facilitating a photo session with a White House photographer and the presentation of presidential gifts. The brief meeting concluded after the photographic arrangements were successfully coordinated.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review a broad range of political, administrative, and scheduling matters, including the selection of a 1972 Republican National Convention site and potential outreach strategies involving Billy Graham. The discussion touched upon the management of various personnel appointments, the frustration surrounding unauthorized leaks from agencies like the State Department, and the necessity of maintaining political control over specific projects. Ultimately, the President and Haldeman moved toward a consensus on favoring San Diego for the convention and prioritized maintaining a disciplined, efficient public schedule to avoid being sidelined by unnecessary administrative entanglements.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the damaging impact of administration leaks on public confidence and the necessity for a more decisive, unified executive presence. They assess the reactions of cabinet members, specifically Peter G. Peterson, to the President's recent directives regarding discipline and interdepartmental policy. Haldeman is tasked with briefing the White House staff to reinforce these expectations and ensure a stronger, more confident public posture for the administration.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and H.R. Haldeman discuss the administration’s strategy for countering political opposition regarding the Pentagon Papers and the Mansfield resolution. They prioritize the aggressive prosecution of Daniel Ellsberg to deter further leaks and discredit anti-war activists, referencing intelligence from Jay Lovestone regarding Ellsberg’s alleged ties to subversive groups. Additionally, the participants express satisfaction with recent favorable newspaper coverage and the positive outcome of a House vote on Southeast Asia policy despite pressure from lobbying groups.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss their strategy for handling the controversy surrounding the Daniel Ellsberg case and the publication of the Pentagon Papers. Nixon emphasizes the need to aggressively challenge internal government leakers, framing them as disloyal intellectuals who undermine the country's interests. The President instructs Colson to actively pursue evidence linking these individuals to subversive communist groups to discredit their motivations and control the political narrative.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:32 pm and 5:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-024 of the White House Tapes.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and members of the National Commission on Productivity, including George P. Shultz, Jerome M. Rosow, Harllee Branch, Jr., Edward W. Carter, James M. Roche, Walter B. Wriston, John O'Connell, J. Warren, Shaver, W. L. Lohrentz, Robert Atkinson, Oscar A. Lundin, I[lorwith] W. Abel, Joseph A. Beirne, George Meany, Floyd E. ("Red") Smith, Leonard Woodcock, Nat Weinberg, Nathaniel Goldfinger, Reginald Newell, William T. Coleman, Jr., John T. Dunlop, Howard W. Johnson, Arjay Miller, W. Allen Wallis, John B. Connally, James D. Hodgson, Paul W. McCracken, Maurice H. Stans, Dr. Edward E. David, Jr., Leon Greenberg, Dr. Hubert Heffner, William H. Kohlberg, Harold C. Passer, Harold Wool, Murray L. Weidenbaum, and Carl Savit, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 2:50 pm and 11:59 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 063-005 of the White House Tapes.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:18 pm to 4:21 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the delicate logistics and strategic sequencing of potential summits with the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. They discussed the diplomatic risks of managing these two major powers simultaneously, specifically aiming to secure a Soviet summit while maintaining the initiative on China through a high-level emissary. The participants emphasized the need for a major July 15 announcement to exert pressure on North Vietnam and agreed to reconvene later in the week to finalize their approach.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:32 pm and 5:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of administrative and political concerns, focusing heavily on strategies for addressing the leaking of the Pentagon Papers and tightening government security classification systems. The President emphasized his desire to drastically reduce the number of individuals with top-secret clearances and instructed staff to implement a more restrictive, "Presidential" level of classification. Additionally, they reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, including trips and public appearances, and deliberated on personnel matters such as the appointment of an NLRB counsel and potential roles for Marty Anderson.
President Nixon directs Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to revoke security clearances for personnel at private entities like the Brookings Institution and Rand Corporation, citing a need to tighten the classification system. Nixon expresses alarm upon learning that over a million individuals currently hold top-secret access, demanding a drastic reduction to 10,000 clearances. He requests a legal memorandum on modifying classification executive orders to establish a more exclusive, restrictive hierarchy for sensitive government documents.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:06 pm and 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-031 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor discussed the status of a Congressional conference committee report regarding military pay and the controversial Mansfield Amendment. MacGregor reported a breakthrough on military pay but warned that Representative F. Edward Hébert’s firm opposition to the amendment risked a legislative stalemate through the July 4th holiday. To expedite a compromise that would protect the President's induction authority, MacGregor advised Nixon to call Hébert and advocate for language that avoids setting a terminal date for the draft.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:39 pm and 5:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-033 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon requested that Mary Swann relay a message to Congressman F. Edward Hébert while he attended a conference. The President sought to have Hébert step away from his current proceedings to call the White House regarding a time-sensitive matter being discussed at the meeting. This call served as an urgent communication effort to facilitate direct contact between the President and the Congressman.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, John Mitchell, and H.R. Haldeman discuss the ongoing legal strategy regarding the Pentagon Papers case, specifically expressing concern over the Supreme Court's unexpected request for data on U.S. war casualties since World War II. Mitchell confirms that legal action against Daniel Ellsberg will proceed regardless of the Court's pending ruling to prevent future unauthorized leaks. Nixon emphasizes the necessity of framing the prosecution to avoid creating a martyr and to ensure government employees are deterred from similar disclosures.
President Nixon met with James D. Hodgson and George P. Shultz to discuss the National Commission on Productivity, focusing on leveraging the commission to foster support for administration economic and research initiatives. The participants deliberated on strategies to bypass environmental hurdles for major projects, the potential for private-sector research investment, and the appointment of Peter G. Nash as NLRB General Counsel. Nixon emphasized his administration's philosophy regarding the appropriate balance between government intervention and private enterprise, tasking his aides with identifying government functions that could be effectively privatized to improve efficiency and symbolic impact.
On June 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 6:29 pm to 6:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 531-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Congressman F. Edward Hébert coordinated legislative strategy regarding the Mansfield Amendment to ensure the President maintained control over Vietnam negotiations. Hébert updated the President on the status of the House conference committee and his plan to maneuver the resolution on the floor. The two agreed to speak again the following morning to finalize the administration's position before Hébert took further action in Congress.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Alexander Haig, and Representative F. Edward Hébert met to discuss congressional strategy regarding the draft and the influence of legislative language on ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. The President tasked Hébert with reviewing specific amendment language to ensure it aligned with White House objectives while avoiding problematic deadline constraints. The discussion also addressed the administration's high-stakes diplomatic maneuvering, specifically balancing potential summits with the Soviet Union and China.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:33 am and 9:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 532-001 of the White House Tapes.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:33 am and 9:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 532-002 of the White House Tapes.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:33 am and 9:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 532-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Secretary of State William Rogers and Turkish Ambassador Melih Esembel to discuss the strengthening of U.S.-Turkish relations and ongoing cooperation regarding drug production suppression. Following a brief photo session with the press, Nixon and Rogers shifted their focus to the tragic deaths of the Soviet Soyuz 11 cosmonauts. The discussion concluded with plans to draft an official telegram of condolence to the Soviet Union regarding the mystery of the crew's demise.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:13 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 532-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Representative F. Edward Hébert to discuss legislative strategy, public relations, and foreign affairs. The primary focus was navigating a Congressional resolution on the Vietnam War, with Nixon instructing Hébert to resist firm withdrawal deadlines while attempting to tie any potential concessions to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Additionally, the participants reviewed press leaks involving the Supreme Court, planned the President’s upcoming July 3rd appearance, and coordinated a personal response to the tragic deaths of three Soviet cosmonauts.
Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig coordinate the President's final revisions to a Congressional resolution concerning Vietnam. Kissinger emphasizes that the administration must ensure the resolution is not distributed until finalized and clarifies that the White House is merely acquiescing to, rather than supporting, the measure. Haig is tasked with disseminating these instructions to relevant staff to ensure the administration's stance remains properly framed.
President Nixon, supported by Henry Kissinger, held a telephone conversation with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to express his personal condolences following the tragic deaths of Soviet cosmonauts. Nixon emphasized his genuine empathy by sharing a personal anecdote about receiving the news from his daughter, Julie, and drew parallels to the loss of American astronauts in the Apollo 1 fire. The call served to bolster diplomatic relations by conveying a heartfelt, non-routine message of solidarity between the two spacefaring nations.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:23 am and 9:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-041 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Representative F. Edward Hébert, in consultation with Henry Kissinger, discussed strategies for the Congressional conference committee regarding the Selective Service Act. Nixon provided Hébert with alternative legislative language that the White House could tolerate, while emphasizing his firm opposition to the Mansfield Amendment or any provision containing a withdrawal date. The President insisted that any language must include requirements for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, directing Hébert to present the White House's preferred language as his own to maintain the appearance of administration distance from the legislative negotiations.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 9:59 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-043 of the White House Tapes.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 9:59 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Senator Barry Goldwater to express appreciation for Goldwater's recent television appearance supporting the administration's position. The two discuss the political landscape in Congress, specifically praising Representative F. Edward Hébert for his steadfast leadership in the House of Representatives. Nixon emphasizes the importance of Hébert and Senator John Stennis in resisting legislative pressure during upcoming House-Senate conference negotiations.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler to coordinate media strategy regarding a new U.S.-Turkey agreement aimed at curbing the international heroin trade. The conversation focused on utilizing radio and television coverage to emphasize the administration's success in cutting off the primary source of Turkish opium. Nixon directed staff to frame this development as a major breakthrough in his broader worldwide offensive against narcotics, while also discussing efforts to garner political support from congressional allies.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:01 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-046 of the White House Tapes.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:02 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-047 of the White House Tapes.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:02 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 532-009 of the White House Tapes.