Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 238
Nixon White House Tape 238 (December 30, 1972 – December 31, 1972)
30 conversations · Camp David Hard Wire · about 1 hr 56 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Colson, Nixon, Sanchez, Larzelere
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to manage public and media perception regarding the administration's recent foreign policy decisions and the ongoing negotiations led by Henry Kissinger. The pair focuses on refuting claims that the administration is 'crowing' over developments, instead emphasizing the necessity of their actions to counter North Vietnamese stalling and military buildup. Colson is tasked with reaching out to supportive journalists, specifically Crosby Noyes and others, to help frame the administration's narrative of calm determination in the face of congressional criticism.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon met at Camp David to coordinate upcoming travel arrangements and logistical planning. They discussed the specific timing and scheduling requirements for these engagements. The brief exchange focused on finalizing the details of their itinerary.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to request assistance with establishing a telephone connection. The President specifically directed the operator to connect him with military personnel. This brief communication served as a routine administrative request to facilitate an official call.
President Nixon met with Commander Alexander R. Larzelere at Camp David to coordinate transportation arrangements for First Lady Pat Nixon's return to the White House. The President requested that a helicopter be prepared for her departure between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., while also designating the flight as the primary means for transporting official documents and signed materials. Larzelere was instructed to ensure the aircraft was ready or to arrange for a motorcade alternative if weather or other conditions prevented air travel.
President Nixon consulted with the Camp David operator regarding a technical or administrative matter involving telephone communications. The brief interaction focused on the handling of specific incoming calls and the identity of personnel involved in routing them. No major policy decisions were reached, as the discussion remained limited to telephonic logistical operations.
President Nixon coordinated travel arrangements with Nellie L. Yates to ensure she could return home in time for New Year's Eve festivities alongside First Lady Pat Nixon. The brief interaction focused on logistics for the First Lady's departure and included lighthearted, informal social pleasantries. No significant policy decisions were made during this exchange.
President Nixon communicated with the Camp David operator from the Aspen Lodge study to address logistical matters. The brief interaction served as a functional exchange regarding the President's immediate telecommunications needs during his stay at the retreat. No substantive policy discussions or major administrative decisions occurred during this brief contact.
President Nixon directs Charles Colson to contact Henry Kissinger to provide reassurance regarding ongoing administrative operations and personnel reactions. The conversation focuses on ensuring Kissinger feels supported by the President's directives as he prepares to receive additional data. Nixon emphasizes the need for a unified front to prevent internal friction, specifically noting the challenges of controlling the economy.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss a political strategy to discipline Senator William Saxbe for his public criticisms of the administration's bombing policies. Nixon directs Colson to pressure Ohio political figures, including Robert Taft and various congressmen, to force a public retraction or threaten the withdrawal of political support. The President emphasizes the need for a swift, aggressive response to marginalize dissenters and ensure party loyalty during sensitive diplomatic negotiations.
President Nixon initiated a brief contact with the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephonic connection. He specifically requested to be patched through to Deputy Press Secretary Jerry Warren. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met with Deputy Press Secretary Gerald L. Warren to commend his recent performance during a press briefing regarding Vietnam policy. The President emphasized the importance of maintaining an image of calm and determination in the face of media scrutiny, noting his frustration with Henry Kissinger's failure to adequately brief the press. Nixon concluded by expressing satisfaction with the briefing's impact on journalists and encouraged Warren to enjoy his evening.
President Nixon communicated with the Camp David operator from the Aspen Lodge study to address routine logistical or telecommunications needs. This brief interaction served to facilitate the President's connectivity while he was stationed at the retreat. No substantive policy matters or major historical developments were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon instructed Admiral Thomas H. Moorer to draft a message to military commanders commending the courage and sacrifice of forces involved in the recent bombing operations in Vietnam. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining resolve and morale despite domestic political criticism of the air campaign, asserting that the pressure on the North Vietnamese had been effective. This directive served to ensure that service members understood their efforts were recognized by the administration as a critical factor in achieving peace.
President Nixon initiated a brief exchange with the Camp David operator to facilitate a communication connection. The primary focus of the call was to reach Deputy Secretary of State U. Alexis Johnson. The brief interaction served as a logistical step to enable further official government correspondence.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent communication with Deputy Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rush. The exchange was strictly logistical, as the President requested to be connected to Rush rather than receiving assistance from the operator for an alternative task. This brief interaction highlights the President's administrative efforts to maintain direct lines of communication with top defense officials while at Camp David.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, at Camp David to manage his refreshment requests and discuss the afternoon's television schedule. The President directed Sanchez to bring a smaller portion of cheese and crackers than the previous day's serving. Additionally, the two briefly coordinated the timing of an upcoming football game scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
President Nixon communicated with the Camp David operator regarding the status of a potential phone call. The President determined that an immediate call was not necessary, deciding instead to initiate the contact himself at a later time. The brief exchange served as a logistical coordination effort for the President's personal and official communications while at Camp David.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate their strategy regarding upcoming peace negotiations and the management of domestic political fallout. They discussed the importance of controlling the narrative by refusing to explain or defend recent bombing decisions to critics, focusing instead on presenting the finalized peace agreement as a fait accompli. Additionally, they reviewed key political allies and opponents, emphasizing the need to keep supportive congressional leaders informed while bypassing or ignoring critical media figures.
President Nixon held a brief, informal communication with the Camp David operator from the Aspen Lodge study. The exchange was strictly logistical in nature, primarily concerning the establishment of a telephone connection. No substantive policy or political matters were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for managing public and press perception regarding ongoing military operations, specifically focusing on the necessity of generating vocal support in regions like Ohio. The conversation touches on favorable feedback received by broadcasters like Howard Smith and the administration's frustration with media coverage. Nixon emphasizes the importance of framing the political narrative to counter critical editorial stances and instructs Colson to actively challenge opposing viewpoints.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon met briefly at the Aspen Lodge study to discuss the President's personal schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was the President's plans to attend a football game. The conversation was brief and concluded with the First Lady departing shortly thereafter.
President Nixon consulted with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, regarding her upcoming social and diplomatic obligations. The President offered parental advice on how to manage attendance at two separate embassy events, encouraging her to participate in both. The brief exchange concluded with New Year's greetings and expressions of mutual well wishes.
President Nixon consulted with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, at Camp David to coordinate his personal schedule. The primary focus of the discussion concerned the timing of upcoming leisure activities, specifically the scheduling of a movie and a football game. No significant policy decisions were made, as the exchange remained strictly logistical regarding the President's personal agenda.
In this recorded memorandum, President Nixon reflects on his administration's press strategy and the performance of key personnel regarding the recent bombing of North Vietnam. Nixon critiques Henry Kissinger's handling of the media and his susceptibility to outside influence, while simultaneously expressing concern over Vice President Spiro Agnew's temperament and lack of political subtlety. The President also reviews his efforts to manage public and media relations through subordinates like Charles Colson and Gerald Warren, emphasizing the importance of securing favorable coverage during this critical period.
President Nixon initiated a brief exchange with the Camp David operator to request assistance in placing an outgoing telephone call. The interaction was strictly administrative, focused on establishing a line to an unspecified destination. No policy discussions or significant political developments occurred during this brief request for communication services.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss press coverage and public perception regarding the administration's recent Vietnam policies and the resumption of negotiations. Nixon expressed significant frustration with Henry Kissinger's tendency to cultivate a 'peacemaker' image in the media, fearing it undermined their bargaining position and created a false dichotomy between his own toughness and Kissinger's perceived softness. To address this, Nixon directed Colson to contact Kissinger, critique specific media reports, and reinforce the necessity of presenting a unified, firm stance on the negotiations.
In this memorandum dictated at Camp David, President Nixon reflects on the domestic and political fallout of the recent bombing halt in North Vietnam. He discusses the necessity of military action to force Hanoi back to the negotiating table and outlines strategy for shaping public and congressional perception of these events through Charles Colson. Furthermore, the President touches upon his own personal struggles with sleep and stress, and touches on organizational considerations for his second term, including the roles of Henry Kissinger and Herbert Klein.
First Lady Pat Nixon held a brief, private meeting with an unidentified individual at the Aspen Lodge study in Camp David. The nature of the discussion remains undocumented due to the withdrawal of the primary segment under personal returnable criteria. No significant policy decisions or administrative actions were recorded as a result of this encounter.
President Richard Nixon met with First Lady Pat Nixon at the Aspen Lodge study to coordinate their personal schedule at Camp David. The discussion centered on timing for recreational activities, specifically planning a swimming session and establishing an agenda for the evening meal. No significant policy decisions were reached, as the conversation focused exclusively on the presidential couple's domestic itinerary.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon met privately at the Aspen Lodge in Camp David. The entire accessible portion of this conversation was withheld from public release under a deed of gift, as it was classified as a personal record. Consequently, no information regarding the specific topics discussed or decisions made during this interaction is available.