Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 154
Nixon White House Tape 154 (September 23, 1972 – September 24, 1972)
13 conversations · Camp David Study Table · about 47 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Kissinger, Colson, Cox, Woods
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with special counsel Charles W. Colson. The brief interaction served exclusively as a logistical request to initiate a high-level administrative communication. No substantive policy discussions or policy developments occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to initiate a high-level communication. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this specific exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed a range of foreign policy issues, beginning with concerns about a decline in Vietnam bombing sorties, which Nixon ordered to be investigated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They also reviewed diplomatic maneuvers regarding North Vietnam, the status of POWs, and the President’s upcoming meeting with Jewish leaders in New York to address concerns about Israel and Soviet emigration policy. Additionally, Nixon expressed deep frustration with the State Department's handling of the mass killings in Burundi and demanded a comprehensive report on the situation.
President Nixon communicated with the Camp David operator to initiate an urgent telephone call to Charles W. Colson. When the operator reported that Colson could not be immediately located, the President opted to abandon the attempt and instructed the operator to call him back later. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this brief administrative exchange regarding the logistics of reaching a staff member.
President Nixon and Charles Colson strategized on how to leverage the 1972 campaign issues of amnesty and drug policy to contrast the administration's stance with that of George McGovern. They discussed painting McGovern as 'soft' on marijuana legalization and desertion, specifically coordinating efforts to emphasize that deserters must face penalties for their actions. The President approved ongoing efforts to keep these topics in the public discourse, including support for legislative proposals regarding citizenship revocation for those who fled the country.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to establish communication with Kissinger regarding official business. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss concerns regarding the safety of British citizens in Uganda amid political instability and the potential for a massacre. Nixon expresses deep frustration with the State Department's perceived pro-African bias and lack of transparency, particularly regarding atrocities in Burundi and past policy failures in Nigeria. To address the crisis, they decide to coordinate a secret, low-key logistics and evacuation plan with the British via General Andrew Goodpaster and a civilian Defense Department official, while also planning to gather intelligence from the Belgian ambassador.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent telephone connection with his aide, Charles W. Colson. The exchange served exclusively as a logistical request to bridge the communication to the White House staffer. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions were addressed during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed campaign strategy and the perceived weaknesses of George McGovern's candidacy, focusing on the effectiveness of highlighting "gut issues" like amnesty, busing, and the President's veto of the clean water bill. They analyzed polling data from Macomb County, Michigan, which suggested Nixon was making significant inroads with traditionally Democratic voters, and reaffirmed the campaign's decision to avoid becoming distracted by peripheral issues like Watergate or the Soviet wheat deal. Ultimately, the two agreed that maintaining a clear, firm stance on divisive policy issues would continue to consolidate Nixon's support among the "silent majority" despite any polling volatility.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a personal phone call to his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The brief exchange served solely as a logistical request to connect the President to his daughter. No further policy or administrative matters were discussed.
President Richard Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, while at Camp David. The brief communication was identified as a personal call, resulting in no substantive policy developments or administrative action items. Due to the withdrawn status of the recording, the specific details of their discussion remain restricted from the public record.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an outgoing call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to connect the President with his staff. No substantive policy matters or major political developments were addressed during this connection process.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, engaged in a brief telephone conversation while the President was at Camp David. The exchange primarily centered on a personal matter involving the return of specific items. Due to the withdrawal of the primary portion of the recording for privacy reasons, no significant policy or political decisions are reflected in the available documentation.