Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 158
Nixon White House Tape 158 (December 28, 1972 – December 30, 1972)
58 conversations · Camp David Study Table · about 4 hr 7 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Colson, Kissinger, Kennedy, Larzelere
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an outgoing call to his close friend and confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to establish communication during the President's stay at the retreat. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon coordinated with a Camp David operator to manage a scheduled communication with Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. During the brief exchange, Nixon decided to cancel the pending call with Rebozo until the following morning. The interaction served as a logistical update to delay the conversation until a more suitable time.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent communication request. The primary purpose of the brief interaction was to initiate a telephone call to National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This exchange highlights the President's reliance on support staff to maintain secure and direct lines of communication with his foreign policy team while at the presidential retreat.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the logistical coordination of the upcoming announcement regarding the cessation of U.S. bombing north of the 20th Parallel in North Vietnam. They focused on maintaining a low-key, professional public tone to avoid appearing desperate while ensuring that congressional leaders were properly briefed without providing excessive detail. The two men also reviewed the status of peace negotiations and the strategic significance of the bombing campaign in pressuring North Vietnamese leadership to return to the bargaining table.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an official communication. He requested that a call be placed to Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. This administrative interaction served as a brief logistical step to connect the President with a member of the National Security Council staff.
President Nixon and Col. Richard T. Kennedy discuss the ongoing U.S. bombing campaign in North Vietnam, specifically focusing on the strategic effectiveness of sustained strikes and the planned cessation of operations north of the 20th Parallel. They coordinate messaging for White House press secretary Gerald L. Warren, instructing him to maintain a "no comment" stance regarding military operations and negotiations to avoid leaks or premature disclosures. Additionally, the pair reviews media management regarding the upcoming bombing policy shift and touches upon logistical support for earthquake relief in Nicaragua.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent communication with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to establish a line of contact while the President was working from the Camp David study. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief request for assistance.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate administrative communication regarding his schedule and personal contacts. During the brief interaction, the President sought a status update on a phone call with Henry Kissinger and requested to be connected to his close friend, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. The operator informed the President of Kissinger's unavailability and promised to return the call once the line cleared.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the communication strategy regarding the upcoming announcement of a pause in the bombing of North Vietnam. They aimed to frame the decision as a calculated step in an ongoing negotiation process rather than a reaction to domestic political pressure or public protests. Kissinger was tasked with briefing key Congressional leaders and influential media figures to maintain a posture of resolve while reinforcing the administration's serious commitment to ending the conflict.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an outgoing call to John V. “Jack” Brennan. The President requested that Commander Alexander R. Larzelere assist in coordinating this communication. No further policy or substantive matters were discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the Camp David operator to coordinate a series of upcoming telephone calls. The President confirmed the sequence of his communications, directing the operator to connect him with Charles “Bebe” Rebozo immediately following a scheduled call with Commander Lawrence. This brief interaction served as a logistical arrangement for the President's personal and official correspondence.
President Nixon consulted with Commander Alexander R. Larzelere regarding the logistical arrangements and housing assignments for upcoming visitors at Camp David. The conversation focused on coordinating the arrival and accommodations for staff member Raymond K. Price, Jr. and the travel schedule for Tricia Nixon Cox regarding her planned trip to the Soviet Union. The primary objective was to ensure proper oversight of personnel movements and facility usage during the holiday period.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss Rebozo's recent meeting with George C. Wallace, during which Wallace expressed strong appreciation for the President's previous visit. The two men also touch upon personal schedules, including upcoming travel, potential future visits to Camp David, and arrangements for John and Martha Mitchell to dine at the President's residence in Key Biscayne. Additionally, Rebozo briefly updates the President on ongoing real estate operations.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his National Security Advisor, Henry A. Kissinger. This brief administrative interaction served as the necessary logistical step to initiate a policy-focused discussion. No further details regarding the substance of the subsequent conversation were captured in this recording.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the international reaction to the U.S. bombing campaign in North Vietnam, specifically analyzing statements from Chou En-lai and concerns regarding Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. They coordinate strategies for managing communications with various allied nations to ensure the administration maintains control over foreign policy messages. The two also resolve to keep the Australian leadership at a distance while managing tensions stemming from Whitlam's criticism of the U.S. military actions.
Colonel Richard T. Kennedy contacted President Nixon to coordinate travel logistics for a scheduled visit to Camp David. Kennedy proposed a timeline for his and Gerald L. Warren's departure and arrival to ensure the meeting could proceed as planned. The President approved the suggested arrangements, finalizing the travel itinerary for the group.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone call to his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. This brief communication served solely as a logistical request to establish a line of connection between the President and his aide. No substantive policy discussions or decisions were recorded during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed public relations strategy following the resumption of US bombing in North Vietnam and the subsequent stalling of peace negotiations. They focused on countering negative media portrayals and criticism from "liberal" commentators by emphasizing the necessity of the bombing to force North Vietnamese compliance. Nixon directed Colson to coordinate with John Scali to leak the administration's perspective on a deep-background basis, aiming to control the narrative and reinforce the President's credibility with his "new majority" of supporters.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent communication with Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. The primary objective of the call was to secure a connection to Kennedy, who served as a key staff member on the National Security Council. This brief administrative interaction served as the necessary logistical step for the President to consult with his advisor on pressing foreign policy or national security matters.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to determine the whereabouts of Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. The operator informed the President that Kennedy was currently en route to the State Department and expected back in his office after 6:00 p.m. Nixon subsequently requested that a call be placed to Henry A. Kissinger, opting to wait until later to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate administrative communication while at the retreat. He specifically requested that a telephone call be placed to his aide, Stephen B. Bull. This brief exchange served as a logistical step to coordinate staff connectivity during the President's stay.
President Nixon consults with Stephen B. Bull regarding the logistical and protocol requirements for the upcoming memorial service for Harry S. Truman. Drawing on past precedents from the Eisenhower and de Gaulle funerals, the President emphasizes the importance of properly managing the reception for attending heads of state. Nixon directs Bull to ensure that all necessary arrangements are coordinated, specifically tasking him with providing a recommendation for hosting a formal reception following the service.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate a direct line of communication between the President and his advisor. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this short administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for managing public and congressional opinion regarding the ongoing Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the recent US bombing campaigns against North Vietnam. They analyze the impact of media reporting and political opposition—including protests led by figures like George McGovern—while emphasizing the importance of maintaining U.S. credibility in the peace negotiations. The conversation also touches upon the need to coordinate with congressional leaders and frame the administration's actions to ensure public support for the war effort and the eventual peace settlement.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate urgent phone calls to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. The operator informed the President that Colonel Kennedy was temporarily unavailable but expected to return shortly. The exchange served as a logistical attempt by Nixon to coordinate communications with key members of his foreign policy team during his stay at Camp David.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the political management of the ongoing US bombing campaign in North Vietnam, specifically focusing on how to frame the rationale for the strikes to Congressional leaders and the public. They emphasize maintaining a hard-nosed stance to ensure North Vietnam returns to serious negotiations and secures the release of American POWs, while coordinating efforts to keep domestic supporters aligned. Additionally, the pair reviews diplomatic strategies regarding France, including potential support for President Georges Pompidou amidst his domestic political challenges, and touches upon the reception of a message from the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon initiates a call to the Camp David operator to request a connection with Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. This brief administrative interaction serves solely to facilitate communication with a member of the National Security Council staff. No further substantive policy matters are addressed in this exchange.
President Nixon and Col. Richard T. Kennedy discuss the tactical and political rationale behind the ongoing U.S. bombing campaign in North Vietnam. The conversation centers on coordinating messaging with U. Alexis Johnson and Kenneth Rush to ensure administration officials present a unified front regarding the necessity of the bombing. Kennedy confirms that logistics and internal communications are prepared for an upcoming announcement, affirming that key stakeholders now understand the strategic intent behind the military actions.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent telephone call to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rush. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to establish communication with the high-ranking defense official. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange beyond the successful placement of the requested call.
President Nixon communicated with the Camp David operator to facilitate a return call to Kenneth Rush. The primary purpose of the exchange was to confirm the logistics for reaching Rush once he arrived home. No further policy or administrative decisions were made during this brief coordination effort.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an official communication. The primary purpose of the call was to request that the operator connect him with U. Alexis Johnson, the Under Secretary of State. This exchange reflects the President's administrative efforts to initiate high-level diplomatic outreach while stationed at the presidential retreat.
President Nixon and Under Secretary of State U. Alexis Johnson discussed the security protocols for communicating the decision to halt U.S. bombing north of the 20th parallel. Johnson explained that he took the initiative to inform the relevant parties to listen to the public announcement rather than risking an insecure transmission of the sensitive news. The two men acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to pause the bombing, with Nixon reflecting that only history would judge the efficacy of his choice.
President Nixon consulted with Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth Rush to confirm preparations for an upcoming policy announcement. The conversation focused on ensuring the administration remained on track regarding the cessation of U.S. bombing north of the 20th parallel in Vietnam. Rush expressed support for the decision, confirming that their strategic course of action was settled and ready for implementation.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an outgoing call to his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. The interaction served as a logistical bridge to initiate high-level communication while the President was working from the Camp David retreat. No substantive political or policy discussions occurred during this brief request for operator assistance.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson coordinated the strategy for notifying Congressional leaders regarding the cessation of U.S. bombing north of the 20th parallel in Vietnam. The conversation focused on ensuring that outreach efforts by William Timmons and Henry Kissinger were synchronized to avoid duplicate calls to key figures like Hugh Scott. They also discussed managing political fallout, particularly addressing potential criticisms from congressional "mavericks" and handling media relations to maintain public support.
President Nixon initiated a brief communication with the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. The discussion was purely administrative, serving as a logistical step to coordinate high-level foreign policy consultations during the President's stay at Camp David. No policy decisions were made during this exchange, which functioned solely to bridge the President's connection to his key advisor.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated the notification of congressional leaders regarding the upcoming suspension of U.S. bombing in North Vietnam. The discussion focused on managing political fallout, particularly pressure from liberal critics and figures like Hubert Humphrey and Mike Mansfield, while maintaining a restrained public message to avoid the perception of gloating over a military victory. Kissinger was tasked with briefing key members of Congress to ensure they were informed of the administration's decision prior to the official public announcement.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent communication. The primary purpose of the brief interaction was to place an outgoing call to White House aide Stephen B. Bull. No substantive policy discussions or complex strategic decisions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull regarding the logistical planning and protocol for the upcoming memorial service for former President Harry S. Truman. The discussion centered on managing the attendance of international dignitaries and heads of state, specifically contrasting the scale of this event with the more elaborate funeral arrangements for Dwight D. Eisenhower. Nixon expressed concern over the time-consuming nature of reception lines and requested that the State Department ensure clear communication regarding the expectations for these visiting delegations.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and John Scali coordinate the administration's public relations strategy following the announcement of a halt to U.S. bombing north of the 20th parallel and the planned resumption of Vietnam peace negotiations. The participants emphasize a message of presidential decisiveness and seriousness, aiming to counter potential criticism from domestic "doves" and the media. Scali details his efforts to brief journalists and manage press coverage to ensure the administration's narrative regarding the bombing halt and negotiation efforts remains unified and controlled.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone call to Commander Alexander R. Larzelere, one of his military aides. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to reach a member of the President's personal military staff. No substantive policy discussions or complex decision-making occurred during this communication.
President Nixon consulted with Commander Alexander R. Larzelere to coordinate travel logistics for First Lady Pat Nixon's return to the White House from Camp David. The discussion focused on evaluating weather conditions to determine the feasibility of helicopter transport versus automobile travel. They ultimately addressed scheduling and safety considerations to finalize the First Lady’s transit arrangements.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an outgoing telephone call to Nellie L. Yates. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with his intended party. No substantive policy discussions or major decisions occurred during this brief communication.
President Nixon held a brief telephone conversation with Nellie L. Yates to discuss logistical arrangements and scheduling for the First Lady, Pat Nixon. The discussion centered on the First Lady's return to Washington, D.C., and details concerning upcoming New Year's celebrations, including the use of Chinese wine. The call served as a coordination check regarding these holiday social plans.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Special Counsel Charles W. Colson. This brief administrative interaction served as the initiation of a call to his advisor regarding pressing White House matters. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange, as its primary purpose was strictly telephonic connectivity.
President Nixon and Charles Colson confer regarding public relations messaging surrounding the recent cessation of U.S. bombing north of the 20th Parallel in Vietnam. Colson reports feedback from Henry Kissinger, who advocates for a restrained public approach to avoid over-discussing the administration's strategic shifts. The discussion reinforces the need for the President to maintain control over the messaging narrative to ensure consistency in congressional and public communications.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the administration's strategic management of congressional and media relations during the Vietnam War, specifically regarding the cessation of bombing north of the 20th Parallel. They addressed political friction caused by public statements from figures such as Senator William B. Saxbe and coordinated efforts to engage influential opinion makers and legislators to secure support. The conversation emphasized the necessity of maintaining a firm, unified political stance against criticism while navigating the complex editorial landscape.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone call to Deputy Press Secretary Gerald L. Warren. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with his staff while he was stationed at Camp David. No policy matters or substantive political discussions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon and Deputy Press Secretary Gerald L. Warren conferred regarding the administration's public relations strategy and the reception of recent press briefings. The discussion focused on managing the tone of White House press interactions, specifically addressing the reporting of figures such as Helen Thomas and AP journalists. Nixon expressed satisfaction with Warren's performance, reinforcing the administration's determination to maintain a composed public image amidst ongoing media scrutiny.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This administrative interaction served to initiate a formal line of communication between the President and his senior military advisor during a period of high-level strategic decision-making. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief exchange, as its sole purpose was to place the requested call.
President Nixon consulted with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer to discuss his desire to send a formal message of appreciation to military commanders following recent bombing operations over North Vietnam. Moorer confirmed that North Vietnamese forces were significantly depleted of missiles and supplies, attributing the success of the campaign directly to the President's decisive leadership. Nixon requested that the commendation avoid a tone of triumphalism while emphasizing the professionalism and courage of the Air Force personnel involved.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent communication with Under Secretary of State U. Alexis Johnson. The brief administrative exchange focused exclusively on connecting the President with the State Department official. No further policy discussion or substantive developments occurred during this connection attempt.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to inquire about the whereabouts of U. Alexis Johnson and requested a telephone connection to Deputy Secretary of Defense David Kenneth Rush. The discussion was primarily logistical, focused on locating key personnel to facilitate official communications during the President's stay at Camp David. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the Camp David operator to determine the whereabouts of Kenneth Rush, who was reportedly at the Burning Tree Country Club. Upon learning of a potential radio contact, the President declined the offer to reach Rush. The President also initially requested to place a call to Henry Kissinger, though the conversation concluded without further action.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the political and public reception of the recent decision to cease U.S. bombing north of the 20th Parallel in North Vietnam. Kissinger updated the President on his outreach to congressional leaders and media figures, noting a surprisingly positive surge in public telegrams supporting the administration's actions. The two also addressed the status of peace negotiations, the potential for an eventual agreement in Paris, and the necessity of managing South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's expectations through a low-profile visit by Alexander Haig.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an outgoing call to his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. This administrative interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with his aide while he was stationed at the retreat. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this brief communication.
President Nixon and Charles Colson spoke to assess public and media support for the President’s recent decision to conduct the intensified bombing of North Vietnam. They reviewed feedback from political figures such as John Connally and Daniel Moynihan, noting that despite criticism from some media outlets, there was significant underlying public support for the administration's decisive actions. Colson updated the President on efforts to manage press relations and mitigate negative editorials, particularly those originating from the Washington Star, while reinforcing the necessity of maintaining a firm stance during this critical period leading up to the inauguration.
President Nixon and his daughter Tricia Nixon Cox spoke to exchange New Year's greetings and coordinate logistics regarding Tricia’s upcoming travel to the Soviet Union. Tricia sought the President’s approval for hosting various official functions, including luncheons and meetings with Soviet cultural officials and city mayors. The President affirmed her plans and encouraged her to proceed with the scheduled itinerary.