Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 258
Nixon White House Tape 258 (June 14, 1971 – June 23, 1971)
53 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 1 hr 43 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Haldeman, Butterfield, Woods
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield for a brief, one-minute administrative interaction in the Old Executive Office Building. While the transcript remains undefined, the brevity of the exchange suggests a routine scheduling matter or the relaying of a quick directive between the President and his Deputy Assistant. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this short encounter.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to receive updates regarding the logistics of his personal residence. The conversation focused on the arrival of Helene Drown, who had reached the residence approximately ten minutes prior. This brief interaction served to confirm the President's schedule and the status of his personal guests.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to briefly discuss details regarding the Queen's Room. The exchange was informal, focusing on the movement and whereabouts of a queen within the White House facilities. No significant policy decisions or official actions were recorded during this short interaction.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This interaction served a logistical purpose to connect the President with another party for official communications. No further details regarding the substance of the subsequent conversation are documented in this specific recording.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss personal staff frustrations and the management of office dynamics. The exchange reflects tension regarding internal personnel issues and concerns about the behavior of individuals with access to the President's inner circle. Woods and Nixon touch upon the difficulty of delegating these sensitive staffing matters while maintaining professional boundaries.
President Nixon and General Alexander Haig met to discuss diplomatic strategies and the handling of the war in Vietnam, specifically focusing on the roles of Secretary of State William Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. The conversation touched upon the administration's relationship with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu and the necessity of coordinated messaging from U.S. officials like Ellsworth Bunker and Vice President Spiro Agnew. They further evaluated the impact of Soviet military interests on American policy objectives and the internal management of administration communication regarding the conflict.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the administration's aggressive response to the publication of the Pentagon Papers. Nixon expresses a strong preference for prosecuting the individuals who leaked the classified documents rather than the newspaper outlets themselves. The two strategize on managing the ongoing media fallout from the unauthorized disclosures.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the administration's response to the New York Times' publication of the Pentagon Papers. Nixon expressed a firm intent to take legal action against the newspaper despite anticipated criticism regarding freedom of the press. The pair also briefly reviewed the status of Vietnam negotiations and Kissinger's recent consultations with other administration officials regarding foreign policy and staffing.
President Nixon initiates a brief communication through the White House operator to facilitate a connection to another party. The exchange serves as a logistical bridge to manage the President's internal switchboard operations. No substantive policy matters or major decisions are recorded during this short administrative interaction.
President Nixon, John Mitchell, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the administration's response to the unauthorized publication of the Pentagon Papers and its potential impact on ongoing peace negotiations. The participants emphasized the need to defend government integrity against the leak while strategizing how to prevent political rhetoric from undermining the North Vietnamese incentive to negotiate. Additionally, Kissinger briefed the President on his upcoming Asia trip, highlighting the diplomatic importance of the China initiative and the necessity of maintaining operational secrecy during his travels.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss logistical arrangements regarding the President's daily schedule. The brief interaction focused on the practical coordination of Nixon's upcoming movements and internal administrative tasks. No major policy decisions were made during this routine exchange, which primarily served to facilitate the President's immediate operational workflow.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed recent media coverage, specifically focusing on a magazine cover feature and public reception. The pair exchanged observations regarding the quality of photographs and the broader impact of televised media compared to print. The brief exchange served as an informal check-in on their respective public impressions and upcoming schedule commitments.
President Nixon initiates a brief interaction with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection. The exchange serves primarily as a logistical step for the President to reach another party. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments occur during this brief administrative request.
President Nixon initiates a brief administrative communication with the White House operator from his office in the Old Executive Office Building. The recording captures only the logistical coordination typical of placing a telephone call. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments are present in this segment.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, engage in a brief, informal check-in regarding recent media coverage and personal scheduling. The discussion touches upon positive feedback concerning television appearances and mentions an upcoming meeting with an ambassador. The exchange concludes with a brief mention of future plans involving travel to San Diego.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss logistics for an upcoming personal trip, specifically canceling planned travel to Maine in favor of visiting Rebozo's home in Florida. Nixon outlines a plan to inform First Lady Pat Nixon of the change after confirming her schedule. The two also briefly touch upon the positive public reception of a recent wedding, noting its non-controversial nature.
President Nixon initiates a brief, informal communication with the White House operator from his office in the Old Executive Office Building. The exchange serves primarily as a logistical check of the telecommunications system. No substantive policy discussions or significant administrative decisions occur during this short recorded interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss a strategic plan to exert pressure on the television networks by leveraging the influence of major corporate advertisers. Nixon proposes focusing on a single network to create a high-profile confrontation, aiming to manipulate media coverage through economic coercion. The brief exchange reflects the administration's ongoing efforts to challenge and undermine perceived hostile media outlets.
President Nixon consulted with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, regarding logistical arrangements for an upcoming engagement on the President's schedule. Sanchez provided input on the travel itinerary, ultimately advising the President to attend despite initial reservations. Nixon accepted the recommendation, leading to a final decision to proceed with the planned appearance.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief private exchange. Given the extremely short duration of the recorded segment and the lack of substantive transcript content, the conversation appears to be limited to routine personal matters or requests. No major policy decisions or administrative developments resulted from this interaction.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The brief discussion functioned as a logistical check-in to ensure necessary arrangements were prepared. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon utilized this session to dictate correspondence to Leonard H. Goldenson of ABC and William S. Paley of CBS regarding recent wedding coverage. The letters specifically highlighted the roles of Charles W. Colson and White House staff, while also touching upon the New York Times. These communications served as a formal acknowledgment of the network executives' cooperation with the administration.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss logistical arrangements regarding the President’s upcoming schedule. During the brief interaction, the President coordinated appointments involving Rose Mary Woods and Joseph Taylor. No major policy decisions were reached, as the discussion focused primarily on administrative oversight and personal staffing matters.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss logistical arrangements and the President's upcoming schedule. The conversation focused on the specific movements and placement of an unidentified individual within the executive offices. No major policy decisions were made, as the dialogue remained limited to routine administrative and personal coordination.
President Nixon initiates a brief interaction with the White House operator from his office in the Old Executive Office Building. The recording captures an informal, fleeting exchange that lacks substantive policy discussion or administrative decision-making. No meaningful developments occur during this brief communication.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the status of a grand jury investigation and the implications of potential delays. Nixon seeks clarification on Attorney General John Mitchell's position regarding the scheduling of legal proceedings. The participants emphasize the need for coordinated oversight, with Nixon asserting his intent to maintain control and personally verify the status of the situation.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Bryce Harlow, Harry Dent, and others to discuss political strategy, specifically regarding the fractured state of the Democratic Party and the potential for voter realignment. The participants analyzed the political fallout of busing, evaluated strategies for the 1972 campaign, and deliberated on how to leverage patriotism and national security to gain public support. Nixon emphasized the importance of projecting strong, aggressive leadership on television to maintain voter confidence and effectively contrast his administration against Democratic opponents.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, for an informal end-of-day discussion in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation primarily served as a brief personal check-in between the two regarding the day's events and logistical matters. No major policy decisions or significant administrative actions were recorded during this short exchange.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate outgoing telephonic communications from his office in the Old Executive Office Building. These brief interactions served as administrative exchanges to connect the President with other parties. No substantive policy discussions or major decisions occurred during these recorded instances.
President Nixon held a brief, informal check-in with the White House operator to facilitate a communication connection. The exchange served as a logistical bridge to initiate a subsequent telephone call with another party. No substantive policy or political matters were discussed during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual, during which the conversation centered on arranging a meeting with White House Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman. Due to the limited and unclear nature of the transcript, no substantive policy decisions or further details regarding the purpose of the engagement were captured. The brief interaction focused primarily on the logistical coordination of this requested access to Haldeman.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the presentation and delivery strategy for an upcoming presidential statement, incorporating advice from Egil Krogh. The discussion touched upon the President’s preference for a low-key approach while reviewing recent media coverage and the evening news cycle. Additionally, the pair coordinated scheduling matters, including an upcoming meeting with Charles Colson and logistical arrangements for visitors.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss personal matters. The conversation primarily concerned the President's schedule and the preparation of refreshments for the evening. No major policy decisions were reached during this brief, informal interaction.
President Nixon consulted with an aide regarding the drafting of a message concerning senior citizens, emphasizing the need for brevity and a condensed, impactful format. The discussion focused on addressing the impact of rising property taxes on older homeowners and the potential integration of revenue sharing as a policy solution. Additionally, Nixon considered including a section on the role of seniors in volunteer activities and the possibility of referencing the administration’s anti-drug efforts within the document.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to review and finalize revisions for a message concerning senior citizens. The discussion focused on streamlining the draft by incorporating specific sections on property tax legislation while maintaining a concise overall length. Nixon ultimately decided against adding further content, concluding that the current document was already sufficiently comprehensive.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a call to a specific party referred to by the code name 'a bear.' This brief interaction served as a logistical bridge to facilitate an off-the-record or secure communication. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this request.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place calls to Congressman Pierre S. du Pont IV of Delaware and Congressman George E. Brown Jr. of California. The President provides specific instructions regarding the contact list, identifying the individuals by name to facilitate communication. No broader policy or strategic discussions occur during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met with House Armed Services Committee Chairman F. Edward Hébert to express appreciation for his public support during ongoing legislative negotiations. The discussion focused on managing the political challenges posed by the Senate and the imperative of maintaining the security of sensitive government intelligence sources. Nixon emphasized the necessity of preventing leaks to ensure the administration's leverage in diplomatic and military negotiations.
President Nixon met briefly with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate the scheduling of General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The discussion focused on determining Haig's current location and integrating him into the President's immediate agenda. No major policy decisions were reached during this short logistical exchange.
President Nixon met with Pierre S. DuPont to express his gratitude for DuPont’s effective advocacy and support regarding a recent political resolution during a leadership caucus. The brief exchange served as an affirmation of loyalty, with Nixon acknowledging the difficulty of taking a firm stance on contentious issues. Both parties concluded the discussion by noting the successful outcome of the caucus and confirming that follow-up actions were already underway.
President Nixon met with Representative Charles S. Gubser to commend his recent legislative efforts in the caucus and discuss political strategy regarding a problematic colleague. Nixon offered tactical advice on managing the internal conflict and encouraged Gubser to coordinate with White House staffer William Sullivan on the drafting of an upcoming speech. The conversation concluded with Nixon requesting a copy of the final remarks to ensure continued alignment on key policy messaging.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig to discuss ongoing foreign policy challenges, specifically concerns regarding a proposed State Department cable to Cairo and the broader diplomatic strategy in the Middle East. The pair also addressed the political impact of the Pentagon Papers, with Nixon emphasizing the need for firm management of the situation to prevent further division among critics. Additionally, they reviewed military developments in Vietnam and Laos, focusing on the handling of press relations and the status of diplomatic negotiations.
President Nixon initiated a brief, perfunctory interaction with the White House operator to place an outgoing call. No substantive policy matters or political strategy were addressed during this brief exchange. The conversation served only as a functional request to connect the President to another party.
President Nixon initiates a brief, cryptic request with the White House operator regarding an unnamed individual. The President explicitly states a desire for the subject to be killed. No further context or follow-up details are provided within the recording.
President Nixon met with Senator John C. Stennis to express his strong appreciation for the Senator's ongoing political efforts and steadfast commitment to their shared legislative agenda. The two men briefly discussed the necessity of staying the course on sensitive matters despite potential controversy, with Nixon offering encouragement for Stennis's current leadership role. This short, cordial exchange served primarily to reinforce political solidarity between the President and the Senator during a period of legislative pressure.
President Nixon initiates a brief interaction with the White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection. This recording captures only the preliminary logistical exchange between the President and the switchboard staff. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions occur during this brief communication.
President Nixon interacts briefly with a White House operator in the Old Executive Office Building. The recording is incomplete and consists only of an instruction regarding the physical handling of the recording equipment. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were documented during this short exchange.
President Nixon initiates a brief, informal communication with the White House operator to discuss an administrative matter regarding Michael McGreevy. The exchange serves as a transition or inquiry to facilitate further telephonic contact, likely to connect the President to a subsequent individual. No substantive policy decisions or high-level political developments are addressed in this short interaction.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with an individual named Rinaldi, located in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. The primary purpose of the brief interaction is to initiate this specific outreach. No further policy discussions or significant political developments are captured in this recording.
President Nixon met to review and dictate revisions to a correspondence previously addressed to R. Anthony Eden, the Earl of Avon. The session focused specifically on finalizing the content and phrasing of this diplomatic communication. No further administrative actions were recorded beyond these editorial adjustments.
President Nixon met with Under Secretary of Agriculture J. Philip Campbell to express personal appreciation for his recent performance and regional outreach efforts. During the brief exchange, Nixon encouraged Campbell to increase his administrative visibility and impact within the administration. The President further directed Campbell to communicate specific feedback regarding these outreach efforts to John Ehrlichman.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on managing the logistics and priorities of the presidential calendar. No specific substantive decisions or further actions were recorded in this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief check-in to confirm the successful management of a recent media story. The exchange served as a short status update to ensure that a potentially sensitive narrative had been effectively contained. The participants concluded the discussion with mutual confirmation that the matter was handled satisfactorily.