Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 12
Nixon White House Tape 12 (October 20, 1971 – October 27, 1971)
131 conversations · White House Telephone · about 5 hr 60 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Woods, Mitchell, Rogers, Haldeman
President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers discussed strategies for managing U.S.-Latin American relations, specifically focusing on the potential removal of import surcharges to provide a concrete economic gesture. They also coordinated plans for First Lady Pat Nixon's upcoming trip to Liberia and other countries, aiming to reframe it as a business-oriented, women-led diplomatic mission. Additionally, the two reviewed a recent meeting with legislative leaders regarding the Vietnam War, with Nixon expressing frustration over continued political pressure despite low casualty rates.
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to Donald H. Rumsfeld. The brief exchange serves as a procedural step for the President to establish communication with his advisor. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief request.
President Nixon and Donald Rumsfeld discussed the appointment of members to the newly formed Price Board and Pay Board, key components of the administration's economic stabilization program. Nixon suggested Hoyt Ammidon for a board position and emphasized the need for a strong, decisive chairman for the Pay Board to counter union leaders like George Meany. They also coordinated plans to finalize the announcements by Friday to ensure maximum media coverage in the Sunday papers.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the administration's legislative calendar, focusing on how congressional adjournment timelines affect the scheduling of the upcoming State of the Union address. The discussion weighs potential return dates for Congress in early 1972 to ensure the address does not conflict with First Lady Pat Nixon's travel publicity. They conclude that the State of the Union can be deferred until January 10th or later to accommodate these scheduling uncertainties.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone request for the White House operator to connect him with First Lady Pat Nixon. The call serves as a routine administrative task to establish communication with his wife. No substantive political or policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon suggests that First Lady Pat Nixon include several high-ranking women from the administration, such as Elizabeth Koontz, on a forthcoming diplomatic trip to increase the mission's substantive impact. Mrs. Nixon expresses hesitation, citing her previous negative experience with managing a group of cabinet wives during a trip to Mexico. To address these logistical concerns, the President proposes that the delegates follow separate, individual schedules and only join the First Lady for social events in the evening.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone call to Attorney General John N. Mitchell through the White House operator. The primary purpose of the communication was to establish contact with the Attorney General for an unspecified discussion. This interaction served as a logistical administrative step to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and the head of the Department of Justice.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate contact with Attorney General John N. Mitchell regarding a scheduling matter. Upon learning that Mitchell was currently in transit, the President opted to wait until Mitchell returned to his office rather than contacting him via his vehicle. Nixon instructed the operator to leave a message at the Attorney General's office to coordinate the subsequent conversation.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss political strategies and upcoming Supreme Court nominations. They express frustration with Senator Edward M. Kennedy's criticism of the administration, agreeing that his rhetoric has been damaging to his own political standing. The conversation focuses on securing candidates for the Supreme Court, with Nixon pushing for a swift resolution from Howard Baker while evaluating the political optics of potential nominees William French Smith and William H. Mulligan.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone request for the White House operator to connect him with Richard A. Moore. This interaction serves as a functional administrative step to facilitate a subsequent conversation with Moore. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to Richard A. Moore to coordinate a meeting. The President requests that Moore immediately relocate from the Executive Office Building to the Oval Office for an in-person discussion. No policy matters or substantive political issues are addressed during this brief logistical exchange.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone request to the White House operator to be connected with Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The call serves as an administrative bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and the head of the Department of Justice. No further dialogue or policy discussion is captured in this brief exchange.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss potential Supreme Court nominees, confirming Lewis F. Powell, Jr.'s acceptance and weighing the qualifications and political implications of appointing William H. Rehnquist and Howard H. Baker, Jr. The two men deliberate on the strategic timing of public announcements and the management of the American Bar Association committee's review process. Throughout the discussion, they evaluate the professional reputation and perceived political benefits of their candidates, while briefly joking about Rehnquist’s religious background.
President Nixon and Attorney General John N. Mitchell discuss the selection process for upcoming Supreme Court appointments. The conversation centers on evaluating potential candidates, including Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, and Howard H. Baker, Jr., while addressing concerns regarding American Bar Association (ABA) feedback. They also coordinate the timing and strategy for public announcements and potential press statements regarding these judicial nominations.
President Nixon and John Mitchell coordinate the final strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically discussing candidates Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Howard H. Baker, Jr., and William H. Rehnquist. Mitchell briefs the President on the American Bar Association’s negative evaluations of other potential nominees, prompting Nixon to decide to publicly challenge the ABA's influence. Nixon directs Mitchell to finalize the selection of either Baker or Rehnquist to pair with Powell, and concludes that he will make a primetime televised announcement the following evening to control the narrative.
President Nixon initiated a series of telephone calls through the White House operator, primarily attempting to reach Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The brief sequence of exchanges also included administrative interactions with Ronald L. Ziegler and unidentified personnel. These communications reflect the President's ongoing coordination with high-level cabinet members and staff during this period.
President Nixon consulted with Attorney General John Mitchell regarding the strategic timing of an upcoming Supreme Court appointment announcement. Nixon instructed Mitchell to coordinate the release to coincide with prime-time network coverage, while issuing an ultimatum to a candidate who had not yet arrived in Washington. Additionally, Nixon directed Mitchell to compile favorable background dossiers emphasizing the academic credentials of potential nominees to ensure a strong public presentation.
President Nixon initiates a call to his aide, Richard A. Moore, through the White House operator. The primary purpose of this brief communication is to facilitate a direct line of contact with Moore. No further policy or strategic discussion occurs during this short exchange.
President Nixon and Richard A. Moore discuss the political fallout from the American Bar Association (ABA) rating Mildred L. Lillie as unqualified for the Supreme Court, with plans to leak the ABA's contradictory acknowledgment that she was nonetheless the best-qualified woman available. The President also seeks confirmation of John Ehrlichman’s support for William H. Rehnquist as a potential fallback candidate should Howard H. Baker, Jr. decline the nomination. Nixon expresses a clear intention to bypass the ABA's approval process for the Rehnquist appointment.
The White House operator facilitated a brief telephone call between President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman. The exchange served as a routine administrative connection to initiate a conversation between the two men. No substantive policy matters or specific decisions were discussed during this initial contact phase.
President Nixon directed H. R. Haldeman to reschedule a meeting with George H. W. Bush to accommodate preparation time for an upcoming public announcement. The President needed to finalize remarks regarding a pending Supreme Court nomination. Haldeman agreed to move the appointment to Friday to ensure the President had sufficient time for his statement.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to Raymond K. Price, Jr. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to initiate a conversation with one of the President’s key speechwriters. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon consulted with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. regarding a draft composed by Richard K. Cook. Nixon expressed approval of the speech's overall quality but directed Price to have the draft revised to remove references to the current conflict as potentially the "last war." The President worried that characterizing the era as the "last generation of veterans" created expectations of lasting peace that could be perceived as false hope, and he requested that the rhetoric be tempered to avoid such vulnerability.
President Nixon initiates a request to speak with Attorney General John N. Mitchell through the White House operator. This brief interaction serves as a routine administrative coordination to facilitate direct communication between the President and the Department of Justice. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this specific connection.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss strategy for upcoming Supreme Court nominations, focusing on managing political fallout and public perception. They evaluate potential candidates like Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and address the ABA's negative reception toward Herschel Friday due to civil rights concerns. To ensure a controlled rollout, Nixon plans to utilize William Safire to draft his announcement remarks only hours before the official disclosure to prevent premature leaks.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the ongoing process of selecting Supreme Court nominees, focusing specifically on the potential candidacy of Howard H. Baker, Jr. The two men deliberate over Baker's willingness to accept an appointment and the necessity of resolving his outstanding financial disclosures. They conclude by noting that if Baker declines the offer, they will pivot to William H. Rehnquist as a primary alternative.
President Nixon received a brief notification from the White House operator regarding an incoming telephone call from Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The exchange served as a logistical connection to facilitate immediate communication between the President and the Attorney General. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this initial contact.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the strategy for upcoming Supreme Court appointments, specifically weighing the candidacy of Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. against William H. Rehnquist. Nixon expresses significant concern regarding Baker’s academic credentials and insists on verifying his law school record before making a final commitment. Ultimately, they decide to decline Baker for the current vacancy based on political considerations and the strength of Rehnquist’s superior academic record, while leaving the door open for Baker’s future appointment.
President Nixon consulted with John N. Mitchell regarding the selection and public announcement of new Supreme Court nominees. The discussion focused on coordinating the nomination of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. while managing potential political fallout and vetting concerns from the American Bar Association. Mitchell was tasked with leveraging key congressional contacts to facilitate the process and handle media inquiries surrounding the candidates.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the finalization and strategic rollout of two forthcoming Supreme Court appointments. Nixon emphasizes maintaining strict confidentiality—excluding even top staff—until a coordinated notification process begins to inform key Congressional leaders. They finalize communication plans, including how to address potential opposition from the American Bar Association and how to manage the media narrative surrounding the nominees, William Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to request a connection to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The conversation serves strictly as a logistical request for administrative assistance. No further policy or substantive matters are addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The conversation served as a routine administrative request to facilitate communication with a key staff member. No further policy or substantive matters were addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon contacted his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to address a technical issue with a malfunctioning buzzer in her Old Executive Office Building (OEOB) workspace. Beyond the maintenance request, Nixon directed Woods to transcribe a rough draft of a speech he recorded on tape. He explicitly commanded that the material remain strictly confidential and prohibited Woods from sharing or showing the tape to anyone without his express authorization, citing concerns about unauthorized access by staff members.
President Nixon initiates a call to Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally through the White House operator. The conversation serves as a brief administrative bridge intended to facilitate direct communication between the President and his Treasury Secretary. No substantive policy discussions occur during this specific interaction as it functions primarily as a connection request.
President Nixon attempted to initiate a telephone conversation with Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally. Upon learning that Connally was unavailable, the President coordinated with the White House operator to manage the timing of the call. Ultimately, Nixon decided to delay the conversation for approximately one hour due to his own impending schedule, explicitly instructing the operator not to rush the Secretary.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John Connally discussed ongoing economic developments, including the stock market and upcoming testimony before Congress. They coordinated their strategy for dealing with Japanese officials regarding trade policy and surcharges, with Nixon designating Connally as his primary representative for these discussions. Finally, they expressed frustration with the American Bar Association’s rejection of judicial nominees, with Nixon planning to challenge the ABA's influence and proceed with his own appointments.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to connect him with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. This administrative exchange serves the primary purpose of facilitating internal presidential communication. No substantive policy discussions or decisions are recorded during this short connection.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, coordinate the delivery of a speech draft that Woods has completed. Woods confirms the document is ready, and they arrange for Manolo Sanchez to retrieve it from her. The discussion ensures the secure and prompt transfer of the material to the President.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request a telephone connection with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. This brief communication served as an administrative bridge to facilitate a subsequent conversation between the President and Woods. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon calls his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to request her presence in the Oval Office. He notes that her office bell is malfunctioning, necessitating a direct telephone summons. The brief exchange serves as a logistical coordination to facilitate an immediate in-person meeting between the two.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to be connected with Richard A. Moore. The brief interaction serves as a logistics bridge to facilitate communication with his advisor. No substantive policy matters are addressed in this short exchange.
President Nixon consulted Richard A. Moore to confirm the age of William H. Rehnquist during the lead-up to his Supreme Court nomination. Moore verified that Rehnquist was 47 years old, born in 1924, and discussed his military service background. The President concluded the brief call by inviting Moore to the Oval Office to review a pending document.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to contact his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, and direct her to report to his office in the Executive Office Building. This brief administrative communication served to coordinate Nixon's schedule and ensure Woods' immediate presence for assistance. No other policy or political matters were discussed during this short exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to reach a key member of his staff. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief communication.
President Nixon directs his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to bring a copy of his upcoming speech to the White House. This brief administrative exchange serves to coordinate the distribution of presidential materials in preparation for a scheduled appearance. No further policy matters or decisions were addressed during the interaction.
Rose Mary Woods requests that the White House operator place a telephone call to Marjorie P. Acker. The interaction serves as a brief administrative coordination to facilitate communication between the two parties. No substantive policy matters or further developments are discussed during this brief exchange.
Rose Mary Woods and Marjorie P. Acker discuss specific revisions and formatting requirements for a document currently being typed. The conversation focuses on clarifying discrepancies in the text, specifically concerning a philosophy-related section that had been modified but was missing from the carbon copy. The participants resolve these administrative details to ensure the final typed set is accurate.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly conferred to verify biographical details regarding the early career of former Chief Justice John Marshall. The President specifically sought confirmation that Marshall served in the Virginia legislature prior to his judicial tenure. The inquiry was successfully resolved with Haldeman confirming Nixon's recollection.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to be connected with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. Following the connection, Nixon discussed a typographical error in an upcoming speech. The conversation also touched upon the career of William H. Rehnquist, then serving as Assistant Attorney General, and included a brief mention of Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, coordinate the correction of a typographical error in the draft of an upcoming presidential speech regarding the career of William H. Rehnquist. The discussion focuses on whether the document, which incorrectly lists Rehnquist’s title as 'Assistant Attorney' rather than 'Assistant Attorney General,' requires a full retyping before it is released to Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler. They ultimately decide to have the page corrected to ensure accuracy for the post-speech press distribution.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman spoke briefly to clarify the specific resignation dates of Supreme Court Justices Hugo L. Black and John M. Harlan. The President sought confirmation of the exact dates, establishing that Black resigned on September 17 and Harlan on September 23. This exchange served to finalize the timeline of the vacancies for administrative or political record-keeping.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to request a connection to Charles W. Colson. This administrative interaction serves as a functional request to facilitate communication between the President and a key political aide. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief logistical coordination.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss administration strategy, focusing on upcoming Supreme Court nominations, economic indicators, and public opinion. They celebrate the strategic release of nominees with high academic credentials to neutralize criticism regarding "excellence" and "judicial philosophy." Furthermore, they review the current economic climate, expressing concerns about Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns's monetary policies, and analyze recent polling data that shows rising support for the President.
President Nixon initiates a request for the White House operator to place a telephone call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The conversation serves solely as an administrative coordination to facilitate direct communication with a key staff member. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the length of an upcoming speech. After realizing they had not yet tallied the total word count, the President instructs Woods to calculate the figures and report back to him. This brief exchange highlights the administrative focus on speech preparation and timing requirements.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, held a brief telephone conversation to confirm a specific monetary figure. Woods provided the President with the exact amount of $1,694, which Nixon acknowledged before ending the call. The exchange served as a routine administrative verification of financial data.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to connect the President with a member of his staff. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief communication.
President Nixon and his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods discussed the positive reception of the President's televised speech regarding his nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist to the Supreme Court. Woods relayed congratulatory feedback from key administration figures and allies, including John Connally, George Romney, and John Mitchell, who particularly praised the President's historical context regarding the Court. Although Woods relayed a request from Secretary James D. Hodgson for the President to call labor leader George Meany regarding Wage and Price Board issues, Nixon firmly declined to initiate the call.
President Nixon held a brief telephone conversation with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, and his son-in-law, Edward R.F. Cox. The discussion primarily involved personal family matters and informal exchanges. No significant policy decisions or official government business were addressed during this call.
President Nixon held a brief, personal telephone conversation with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The discussion was entirely private in nature, as indicated by the withdrawal of the transcript content for personal reasons. No administrative or political developments were recorded during this interaction.
President Nixon held a telephone conversation with the White House operator to facilitate a call to Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The primary purpose of the communication was to coordinate with Mitchell regarding sensitive administrative and political matters. The dialogue underscores Nixon's ongoing efforts to manage internal White House communications and outreach to key cabinet members during his presidency.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the positive reception and strategic impact of Nixon's recent Supreme Court nominations, specifically highlighting William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The two emphasize the effectiveness of blindsiding the press with these appointments and discuss the necessity of maintaining a firm stance during the upcoming Senate confirmation process. They also address the political complications surrounding potential female nominees, noting the rejection of Mildred L. Lillie by the American Bar Association.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The brief exchange served as a procedural request to facilitate a direct line to his long-time aide. No substantive policy matters or further developments occurred during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discuss the overwhelmingly positive public and political reception to the President’s recent televised speech announcing his Supreme Court nominations. The conversation highlights the effective delivery of the speech and the public's preference for the President's direct messaging over the influence of the Washington Post. They also address minor logistical concerns regarding property near Mount Vernon and coordinate a plan for the President to follow up with key officials, including John Mitchell and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger.
President Nixon initiates a call to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger through the White House operator. The conversation is brief and serves solely as a logistical request to establish a connection with the Chief Justice. No further substantive policy matters or decisions are discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The brief exchange serves as a logistical coordination for the President to establish direct communication with his Secretary of State.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate his evening telephone schedule and finalize his list of evening calls. During the brief exchange, they dismissed a potential call to Senator James O. Eastland and confirmed that Nixon would instead reach out to Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The conversation concluded with Woods preparing to depart for the evening after helping organize the President's remaining communications.
President Nixon and Chief Justice Warren E. Burger discuss the recent nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the Supreme Court. Nixon expresses strong confidence in both men, characterizing Rehnquist as a tough, constitutionalist jurist and Powell as an eminent legal mind. Nixon specifically instructs Burger to reassure Powell that his vision issues should not preclude his service, urging him to focus on his deliberative role on the Court rather than administrative minutiae.
President Nixon consulted with Secretary of State William Rogers and AFL-CIO leader George Meany to gauge their reactions to his recent Supreme Court nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The conversations emphasized the nominees' commitment to law and order and their lack of anti-labor bias, which helped secure Meany’s preliminary support. Nixon also reflected on the authorship of his October 21 speech and discussed the ongoing challenges of finding qualified female candidates for judicial appointments.
President Nixon received a call from the White House operator to facilitate a requested conversation with H.R. Haldeman and an individual identified as Mr. Post. The primary purpose of the call was to connect the President with his Chief of Staff and his associate for an immediate briefing or consultation. This brief interaction served as the logistical precursor to a subsequent high-level discussion involving the President's inner circle.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the overwhelmingly positive public and editorial reaction to the President's recent Supreme Court nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. The pair noted that the surprise announcement effectively silenced critics and left political opponents, such as Senators Bayh and Kennedy, caught off guard. While Powell enjoyed broad recognition, the two agreed on the necessity of conducting an outreach campaign to build support for Rehnquist, whose credentials were less well-known to the broader public and legal establishment.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call to his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. This brief administrative interaction served as the necessary logistical step to connect the President with one of his key political advisors. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief exchange.
The President contacted the White House operator to secure the current location and availability of Charles W. Colson. The operator confirmed that Colson was in Rutholm and expected to arrive shortly. This brief administrative exchange served to coordinate the President's immediate communication needs regarding Colson's schedule.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. This interaction serves as a brief administrative bridge to initiate further communication with his press office. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this specific exchange.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator not to connect him with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler, who was currently attending an event at the British Embassy. The exchange served as a brief administrative update regarding the President's attempt to locate and communicate with his press secretary. No further action was taken regarding the call.
President Nixon consulted his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to gather feedback on his recent speech regarding Supreme Court nominations. The discussion addressed the political climate surrounding his administration's efforts to appoint a female justice and the general public and media reception to the announcement. They further reviewed the domestic impact of these personnel decisions, including the treatment of First Lady Pat Nixon by the press and political opponents.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the administration's stance on appointing women and minorities to high-level positions, specifically regarding the Supreme Court. The two express skepticism toward selecting candidates based on identity politics, arguing that such appointments undermine meritocracy and the professional readiness of the individuals involved. This exchange highlights the President's internal deliberations concerning diversity initiatives and the pressure to fill influential government roles.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for securing the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. following the President's recent announcement. They weigh the political challenges posed by opposition from groups like the American Bar Association and individual Democrats, specifically Edward M. Kennedy. Nixon emphasizes the nominees' superior academic and professional credentials as a defense against criticism and stresses the importance of maintaining momentum for their confirmation.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to John D. Lodge, who was serving as the United States Ambassador to Argentina. The primary objective of the communication was to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and the Ambassador. No further details regarding the substance of the discussion were recorded.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to immediately connect Secretary of State William P. Rogers with Ambassador Graham A. Martin in Rome. The call serves as an urgent administrative request to facilitate direct communication between the Secretary and the diplomat. No further substantive policy matters are discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers coordinate with U.S. Ambassador to Argentina John D. Lodge to secure a critical vote regarding the status of Taiwan at the United Nations. Nixon emphasizes the personal nature of the request, urging Lodge to meet immediately with Argentine President Alejandro Augustin Lanusse to pressure the country to support the U.S. position on the "important question" resolution. Both Nixon and Rogers stress that an Argentine vote in favor of this procedural motion is essential to prevent Taiwan's expulsion from the UN, dismissing counterarguments regarding the UN charter as irrelevant to the strategic priority.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing telephone call to Virginia Governor Linwood Holton. The exchange was strictly logistical, serving as a brief administrative step to initiate communication between the President and the Governor. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief request for the operator's assistance.
Alexander P. Butterfield coordinates with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call from Governor Linwood Holton to President Nixon. Butterfield instructs the operator to bypass the President's Oval Office line to ensure the call is routed to a different location where the President can pick it up. This intervention aims to override previous handling instructions provided by Dwight Chapin’s office.
Alexander P. Butterfield coordinates with White House operators and Manolo Sanchez to facilitate a timely telephone call between President Nixon and Virginia Governor Linwood Holton. The participants focus on tracking Holton’s current location to reach him before he attends a scheduled press conference. Butterfield establishes a protocol to receive the call in his own office, intending to then escort the President there to ensure privacy for the conversation.
President Nixon called Virginia Governor Linwood Holton to discuss the impending announcement of his Supreme Court nominations of William H. Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Nixon urged Holton to publicly endorse the selections during his press conference, emphasizing the high quality of the candidates and the bipartisan nature of the appointments. The conversation also touched on international affairs, including tensions in Pakistan and the Middle East, before concluding with plans for Holton to meet with White House staff regarding Virginia's school policies.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Bryce N. Harlow. This administrative interaction was initiated to facilitate direct communication between the President and Harlow. The recording consists primarily of the request to connect the two parties.
President Nixon and Bryce N. Harlow discussed the selection process for a new Secretary of Agriculture and exchanged congratulations regarding the recent, successful nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. to the Supreme Court. Harlow advised the President against considering certain senators due to constitutional eligibility constraints and provided an analysis of the leading departmental candidates, specifically Clarence D. Palmby, J. Phillip Campbell, and Earl L. Butz. Nixon directed Harlow to consult with Henry L. Bellmon to gauge his perspective on the candidates and instructed him to deliver a final recommendation by the following Tuesday.
President Richard Nixon called Italian Prime Minister Emilio Colombo to urge Italy to support the U.S. position during an upcoming United Nations vote regarding the representation of China. The core of the American argument was that expelling Taiwan from the UN by a simple majority would set a dangerous precedent, and Nixon requested that Italy support the "Important Question" (IQ) motion to require a two-thirds majority for such an action. While Colombo highlighted domestic political constraints and Italy's previous diplomatic recognition of Beijing, he committed to navigating the Council of Ministers to avoid an outright vote against the U.S. position.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent telephone call to Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The brief exchange served as a logistical step to facilitate direct communication between the President and his Attorney General. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief request for a connection.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to determine the whereabouts and schedule of Attorney General John N. Mitchell. Upon learning that Mitchell was attending a dinner engagement and expected to return home late, the President decided against interrupting him. No further action was taken regarding the communication.
President Nixon contacted his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate personal administrative matters and family arrangements. Their discussion encompassed scheduling updates regarding his daughters, Julie and Tricia Nixon Eisenhower, including planned trips to Camp David. The President also reviewed logistics for an upcoming dinner with Nobusuke Kishi and exchanged personal pleasantries concerning health and well-being.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the success of a recent dinner with former Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi. Expressing gratitude for Kishi's long-standing support, Nixon considers appropriate reciprocal gift-giving to honor the relationship. They ultimately decide to frame and send a photograph of the two men to Kishi as a gesture of appreciation.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to television writer and producer Paul W. Keyes. The request was intended to facilitate a direct communication between the President and Keyes at his California residence. The conversation was limited to the administrative coordination of this outgoing call.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to Treasury Secretary John B. Connally. The brief exchange served solely as a logistical request to establish a line of communication with the Secretary. No further policy discussions or substantive developments took place during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes discuss the positive reception of the President’s recent televised address regarding his Supreme Court nominations. Keyes commends Nixon’s strategic presentation of his nominees, which both men agree will lead to successful Senate confirmation. The call concludes with a brief, favorable discussion regarding Joseph H. Blatchford's character and professional capabilities.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to his close friend and confidant, Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo. The brief exchange functioned solely as a request to connect the President with Rebozo. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions occurred during this communication.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Hobart D. “Hobe” Lewis. The brief interaction served exclusively as a logistical request to initiate communication with Lewis. No substantive policy discussions or decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon consulted with Hobart D. Lewis to celebrate the successful announcement of his Supreme Court nominees, Lewis F. Powell Jr. and William H. Rehnquist. Nixon expressed satisfaction with his strategy of misleading the press and the American Bar Association to secure appointments that prioritized conservative ideology over typical vetting pressures. The two discussed the long-term impact of these appointments on the Court's ideological balance, agreeing that the move successfully trapped critics who previously demanded judicial excellence.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to U.S. Representative Charles W. Sandman, Jr. The primary purpose of this brief exchange was to facilitate communication between the President and the congressman. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this initial connection phase.
President Nixon initiated this call to extend birthday greetings to Representative Charles W. Sandman, Jr. The discussion briefly touched upon the President's upcoming meeting with state governors following his recent trip to Moscow. Nixon also highlighted his recent Supreme Court nominees, characterizing them as strong and conservative, while expressing appreciation for Sandman’s support in the House of Representatives.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a personal telephone call to First Lady Thelma C. “Pat” Nixon. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical bridge to connect the President with his wife. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed upcoming administrative and social scheduling arrangements. The conversation focused on the President's scheduled telephone calls with the President of Mexico regarding a pending United Nations vote and the King of Morocco. They also coordinated plans for an upcoming weekend trip to Camp David with Tricia and Edward Cox.
President Nixon contacted Mexican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez to lobby for U.S. interests regarding the upcoming United Nations vote on Chinese representation. Nixon argued that the expulsion of Taiwan would set a dangerous precedent for the UN's survival and requested that Mexico support the U.S. position on making the expulsion an "important question" requiring a two-thirds majority. Echeverria expressed the complexity of Mexico's decision but reaffirmed his commitment to bilateral friendship, and the two leaders agreed to have Mexican Foreign Secretary Emilio O. Rabasa meet with U.S. Secretary of State William P. Rogers to discuss the matter further.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange, first speaking with an unidentified individual regarding an appeal for support or a vote. Following this, he requests the White House operator to connect him to First Lady Pat Nixon. The call serves as a routine administrative request to facilitate communication with his wife.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed the scheduling of upcoming social and official engagements. The conversation touched upon the President’s itinerary involving King Hassan II of Morocco and a scheduled lunch with Zosimo T. Monson. Additionally, the couple coordinated plans for a visit to Camp David accompanied by Tricia Nixon Cox and Edward R. F. Cox.
President Nixon contacted King Hassan II of Morocco to personally lobby for Moroccan support regarding the upcoming United Nations vote on the representation of China and Taiwan. Nixon argued that the expulsion of Taiwan by a simple majority would set a dangerous precedent for the UN, and he requested that Morocco vote with the United States on the 'important question' procedure. King Hassan expressed appreciation for the direct communication and promised to review the matter with his government and provide a formal response.
President Nixon initiated a call through the White House operator to contact Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to establish communication with the Attorney General. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this short operator-assisted connection.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. regarding his upcoming schedule and an anticipated call from Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The discussion focused on international diplomatic pressures, specifically the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions and the impending United Nations vote concerning Chinese representation. They also addressed the influence of various nations, including Portugal and its interests in Macao, on the UN voting process.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the status of a critical United Nations vote regarding the representation of the People’s Republic of China, specifically noting wavering support from Belgium and Luxembourg. While Secretary of State William Rogers expressed pessimism about the outcome, the President rejected the idea of calling these nations himself, opting to maintain presidential prestige if a loss appeared inevitable. Additionally, Haig provided a brief status update on Henry Kissinger’s ongoing trip and confirmed that there were no immediate crises concerning India or Pakistan.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an urgent call to Secretary of State William P. Rogers. This brief exchange served exclusively as a logistical step to initiate direct communication with the Secretary. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occurred during this interaction.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers discussed the precarious vote count regarding the admission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations. They reviewed the effectiveness of the President's personal appeals to various foreign leaders, expressing frustration over uncooperative nations and the limitations of multilateral foreign aid. Ultimately, the two agreed that if the U.S. failed to secure the vote, they would avoid direct presidential involvement in the aftermath, prioritizing a pivot toward bilateral diplomacy that rewards supportive nations and penalizes those that oppose U.S. interests.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to connect him with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. This call serves as an administrative bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and the Secretary. No further policy discussion or substantive exchange occurs during this short connection process.
President Nixon coordinated with the White House operator to facilitate a follow-up telephone call with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The exchange served to establish a precise timeframe for when Rogers would be back at his office to receive the President's call. No substantive policy matters were addressed, as the brief interaction functioned solely to organize the President's immediate communication schedule.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an urgent telephone call to Charles W. Colson. This brief administrative interaction was intended to facilitate direct communication between the President and his special counsel. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the administration's favorable public reception to the Supreme Court nominations of Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist, and the effectiveness of Nixon's recent radio address. They also review the looming political difficulty of the upcoming United Nations vote regarding the expulsion of Taiwan, expressing concerns about a potential loss while discussing damage control strategies. Finally, they analyze current political polling, focusing on the declining standing of Edmund Muskie and the administration's efforts to project strong leadership on economic issues.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the urgent, high-stakes U.S. diplomatic effort to secure votes against the seating of the People's Republic of China at the United Nations. Frustrated by the lack of loyalty from allies like Belgium and Peru, Nixon and Rogers agree that countries voting against U.S. interests should face future repercussions, specifically regarding bilateral visits and foreign aid funding. The two decide to leverage congressional allies like Otto Passman and John Rooney to slash funding for multilateral organizations and the UN in retaliation for the lack of international support.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinated the President’s upcoming schedule, including meetings with Marshal Tito and Indira Gandhi. They also discussed a diplomatic strategy regarding Laos and the United Nations vote on the People’s Republic of China. Nixon directed Haig to deliver an oral message to Souvanna Phouma through G. McMurtie Godley, emphasizing that a vote against the U.S. position could jeopardize future congressional support for Laos.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call through the White House operator to connect with his speechwriter and advisor, Patrick J. Buchanan. The primary purpose of the communication is to facilitate a direct discussion with Buchanan regarding current administrative business. No other substantive policy or political matters are addressed during this short administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Patrick Buchanan discuss the positive reception among conservatives following the President's recent Supreme Court nominations. The two men mock the mainstream media's prediction of a constitutional crisis, noting how analysts like Eric Sevareid and Dan Rather were forced to walk back their commentary after the announcement. Nixon emphasizes the importance of maintaining conservative support and expresses confidence that the nominees, specifically William H. Rehnquist, will easily overcome political opposition in the Senate confirmation process.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Alexander P. Butterfield. This brief exchange served as a logistical instruction to reach the Deputy Assistant to the President. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this operator-assisted request.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator regarding an attempt to locate Alexander P. Butterfield via page. Upon receiving an update on the search efforts, the President decided to cancel the request and instructed the operator to discontinue the call. No further action was taken regarding the contact.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield to review and modify his upcoming schedule for October 26, 1971. The discussion centered on managing meetings with Vice President Spiro Agnew, Senator Wallace F. Bennett, Vietnam veterans, and a National Security Council budget session involving George P. Shultz and John B. Connally. Seeking to accommodate more time with Connally before his departure, the President evaluated potential adjustments to the timing of his morning and afternoon appointments.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone request for the White House operator to connect him with his close friend and confidant, Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical bridge to facilitate a private communication between the President and Rebozo. No substantive policy matters or further actions were discussed during this specific operator-assisted connection.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to determine the whereabouts of his close friend, Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo. After the operator reported that Rebozo was unavailable due to being out on a boat, the President decided to postpone the contact until the following morning. No further action was taken regarding the call.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent communication with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to place a telephone call to Haig. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief operator-assisted connection.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the rapidly evolving situation regarding the United Nations vote on Chinese representation, noting potential setbacks with Belgian and Peruvian positions. They review diplomatic efforts by Secretary of State William P. Rogers to influence Mexico and assess the impact of pending messages to Laos. The conversation concludes with scheduling arrangements for Henry Kissinger’s return and a brief acknowledgment of recent helicopter losses in Vietnam.
President Nixon initiates a call to the White House operator to facilitate a connection with his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. This administrative exchange serves as a brief logistical step to reach a key member of the White House staff. No substantive policy matters are addressed during this short communication.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed the status of recent anti-war demonstrations, noting that poor weather and low turnout had minimized their impact. They discussed a strategy to weaken the organization Common Cause by pressuring administration officials associated with the group to resign. Additionally, the pair coordinated plans to boost the administration's public image through economic messaging, specifically regarding public service employment and the promotion of favorable economic indicators.
President Nixon initiated a call to the White House operator to be connected with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to facilitate communication between the President and the Secretary. No further policy discussions occurred during this specific interaction.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discussed strategies for handling the proposed European Security Conference, with Nixon emphasizing the need to maintain a cautious, cool public posture to avoid Soviet leverage. They also coordinated talking points regarding the UN's admission of the People's Republic of China and the resulting expulsion of Taiwan, agreeing that Rogers should publicly frame the outcome as a negative precedent for the United Nations while maintaining a diplomatic tone. Additionally, the President updated Rogers on his upcoming scheduling priorities, noting that he needed to focus on economic and budget discussions with John Connally before meeting with Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon directed H. R. Haldeman to arrange a breakfast meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Henry Kissinger to debrief on Kissinger’s recent travels. Haldeman subsequently coordinated the logistics with Rogers while also addressing the urgent need to finalize a nomination for the U.S. representative to NATO. The discussion highlighted the administration’s internal debate between selecting Walter J. Stoessel, Jr. or Charles D. Thornton for the vacancy ahead of an upcoming summit.