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Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 273

Nixon White House Tape 273 (August 12, 1971 – August 15, 1971)

54 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 4 hr 57 min of released audio

Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Haldeman, Woods, Bull

273-0011:20 PM· 4 min

Nixon & Sanchez

President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's upcoming schedule. The conversation centered on logistical coordination and planning for official engagements. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative interaction.

273-0021:20 PM· 1 min

Nixon & Kissinger

President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the administration's recent public communications strategy, specifically reviewing a positive report from Ronald Ziegler regarding a press conference led by John Ehrlichman. They also touch upon the issue of declassifying government documents and address diplomatic negotiations concerning textile trade agreements with Japan involving Attorney General John Mitchell. These discussions reflect the President's ongoing focus on managing administration critics and coordinating key domestic and foreign policy messaging.

273-0031:20 PM· 2 min

Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and evaluate logistics for meetings with key economic advisors. The discussion focused on potential itinerary adjustments for an August 13 session involving George P. Shultz and John B. Connally. The two reviewed organizational priorities to ensure the administration's economic objectives remained on track.

273-0041:20 PM· 1 min

Nixon & Ehrlichman

President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate political messaging and strategy regarding high-profile administration issues. The discussion centered on managing conservative perceptions of Henry Kissinger's influence and handling sensitive news narratives concerning Vietnam. Additionally, the pair addressed policy challenges surrounding busing, with input from George Shultz to ensure administration objectives were effectively maintained.

273-0052:31 PM· 7 min

Nixon & Colson

President Richard Nixon and Charles Colson discuss communication strategy, focusing on how to frame economic performance in contrast to the Democratic administrations of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. They emphasize criticizing the historical link between Democratic policies, wartime spending, and unemployment. The conversation concludes with an agreement to push a narrative that attributes economic stability to the current administration while framing past prosperity under Democrats as tied to the Vietnam War.

273-0062:45 PM· 22 min

Nixon, Haldeman & Kissinger

President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to coordinate administrative logistics, including the President's upcoming travel schedule, press strategies, and the development of a domestic economic package. The conversation also touched upon sensitive foreign policy matters, specifically the complexities of U.S. relations with the People's Republic of China, ongoing concerns regarding Vietnam, and international monetary issues. The participants deliberated on the timing and public presentation of these policy initiatives to ensure effective communication and political management.

273-0073:11 PM· 1 hr 4 min

Nixon, Shultz & Haldeman

President Nixon met with George Shultz, H. R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler to finalize preparations for his forthcoming economic program, focusing on strategies to address dollar convertibility, inflation, and the balance of payments. The participants discussed the timing of potential measures, including an import surcharge and a prospective wage-price freeze, while coordinating the administration's messaging for an upcoming meeting with Arthur Burns and John Connally. Toward the end of the session, Ziegler consulted the President on the administration’s response to George Wallace's actions regarding school desegregation and busing.

273-0084:21 PM· 1 min

Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the ongoing political controversy surrounding school busing. The conversation specifically addressed a report or incident involving an unidentified girl in the context of these busing policies. No major policy shifts or further actions were recorded during this two-minute exchange.

273-0094:49 PM· 4 min

Nixon & Haldeman

President Richard Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate administrative details, focusing on upcoming schedule adjustments for a California trip and attendance at a Wolf Trap Farm performance. The discussion touched on economic and trade policy involving John Connally and Arthur Burns, alongside the review of a paper on textile imports. Additionally, the pair addressed internal matters, including administrative items from John A. Howard and preparations for an upcoming White House worship service.

273-0104:51 PM· 4 min

Nixon & Ehrlichman

President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met to discuss domestic policy concerns, focusing primarily on the political implications of court-ordered busing and the recent public statements made by Alabama Governor George C. Wallace. The pair also addressed the progress of revenue-sharing initiatives and discussed the distribution of Arthur A. Shenfield’s speech regarding American discontent. The meeting served to align the administration's stance on these contentious social and economic issues.

273-0114:51 PM· 2 min

Nixon

President Nixon and an unidentified interlocutor discuss the logistics and procurement of Arthur A. Shenfield’s speech titled, "The Roots of American Discontent." The participants deliberate on the production costs and quantity of printed copies needed, specifically noting a target of 100 copies. Nixon directs the individual to coordinate with John T. McCarty and John Howard to finalize the $7,000 expenditure for the project.

273-0124:51 PM· 3 sec

Nixon

President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The brief interaction focused solely on establishing this specific line of communication. No substantive policy matters or further developments were recorded during this connection.

273-0134:51 PM· 10 sec

Nixon & Bull

President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate administrative tasks and facilitate the transfer of materials. The primary purpose of the meeting involved relaying specific items and instructions intended for the President's personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. No further policy or strategic developments were recorded during this brief encounter.

273-0145:05 PM· 2 min

Nixon & Ziegler

President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler consulted regarding an upcoming press briefing, specifically addressing the administration's messaging on court-ordered busing. The discussion centered on coordinating the President's recent guidance from John D. Ehrlichman with the handling of inquiries from journalists Herbert Kaplow and Donald Oberdorfer. Nixon emphasized the necessity of clarifying the administration's legal stance on the issue to ensure a consistent public narrative.

273-0155:07 PM· 1 min

Nixon

President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing telephone call to an unidentified individual. The brief interaction focused on the logistics of placing the call and the subsequent coordination of a callback. No substantive policy matters or strategic decisions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.

273-0165:07 PM· 28 sec

Nixon

President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. The interaction served as a brief administrative directive to facilitate communication between the President and a key aide. No further substantive discussion took place during this short exchange.

273-0175:16 PM· 2 min

Nixon & Colson

President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed economic strategies, specifically focusing on the goal of restoring national prosperity compared to previous administrations. The conversation touched upon the correlation between unemployment rates and the reduction in the size of the Armed Forces. The participants also briefly addressed the international monetary situation and preparations for an upcoming phone call by the President.

273-0185:20 PM· 48 sec

Nixon & Bull

President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on finalizing the President’s schedule, specifically regarding meetings with Treasury Secretary John B. Connally and Office of Management and Budget Director George P. Shultz. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative session.

273-0195:27 PM· 3 min

Nixon & Flanigan

President Nixon and Peter M. Flanigan discussed the administration's economic initiatives, with a primary focus on textile industry policy and the implementation of the President's broader economic program. The conversation centered on the strategic management of diplomatic and congressional actions, specifically addressing concerns regarding potential information leaks involving Peter G. Peterson. The two concluded the brief meeting by emphasizing the need for disciplined coordination regarding the administration's public messaging and legislative objectives.

273-0205:30 PM· 1 hr 35 min

Nixon, Connally & Shultz

President Nixon met with John B. Connally, George P. Shultz, and other key advisors to finalize the details and strategy for his upcoming economic program, which centered on addressing inflation, international monetary instability, and the potential closure of the gold window. The participants debated the timing and logistics of announcing major policies, including a potential wage and price freeze, import taxes, and budget adjustments to stabilize the U.S. dollar. The discussion also addressed the need for rigorous preparation for a forthcoming meeting at Camp David to ensure a unified, decisive presentation of the economic package that would preempt negative market speculation and build public support.

273-0217:00 PM· 44 sec

Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent communication with his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. This brief interaction served administrative purposes to connect the President with his key advisor. No further substantive policy discussions were recorded during this brief exchange.

273-0227:00 PM· 53 sec

Nixon

President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to facilitate the transfer of unspecified materials. The brief exchange focused primarily on the logistics of this request, though the nature of the items remains undocumented. No further details regarding the purpose or outcome of this transaction were captured.

273-0237:11 PM· 2 min

Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman convened to finalize the strategic rollout of the administration's forthcoming economic program. The discussion focused on coordinating the logistics for an upcoming summit at Camp David involving key economic advisors, including John B. Connally, Paul A. Volcker, and Arthur F. Burns. This meeting served as a crucial planning session to synchronize the administration's messaging and timing regarding major pending economic policy shifts.

273-0247:22 PM· 4 min

Nixon & Connally

President Richard M. Nixon and Treasury Secretary John B. Connally met to finalize preparations for the administration's forthcoming economic program. They discussed the implementation of an import tax and the political implications regarding textile negotiations with Japan. The pair also coordinated a strategy for consulting key congressional leaders, including Wilbur D. Mills, John W. Byrnes, and Russell B. Long, prior to the public announcement.

273-0254:59 PM· 1 min

Nixon & Sanchez

President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, for a brief discussion recorded in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation involves vague references to administrative coordination and potential outreach efforts involving a "John" and the Council of Wales. The exchange remains cryptic due to the obscured nature of the transcript, focusing on logistical considerations and the timing of future actions.

273-0265:04 PM· 4 min

Nixon & Mitchell

President Richard Nixon met with John N. Mitchell to finalize preparations for the administration's major economic policy announcement, specifically the upcoming wage and price freeze. The two discussed key components of the new program, including tax incentives, budget cuts, revenue sharing, and the decision to close the gold window. They also coordinated the President's schedule, including an upcoming cabinet meeting and the rollout of his national address regarding these fiscal measures.

273-0275:10 PM· 53 sec

Nixon & Acker

President Nixon met with Marjorie P. Acker to finalize preparations for his upcoming televised address. The discussion focused on revisions to the speech text and the logistical involvement of Rose Mary Woods regarding the use of a tape recorder for drafting or recording purposes. The meeting concluded with the confirmation of necessary changes to ensure the President's public remarks were prepared for broadcast.

273-0285:10 PM· 2 min

Nixon

President Nixon held an brief, obscure discussion with an unidentified individual, the content of which remains largely unintelligible due to significant recording defects and the use of non-English language in the transcript. The President explicitly requested that H.R. "Bob" Haldeman be contacted to join or address the matter. Given the lack of substantive information, no clear policy decisions or administrative actions can be verified from this exchange.

273-0295:10 PM· 53 sec

Nixon & Sanchez

President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss logistics regarding his upcoming travel schedule. The conversation focused on the arrangements for the President's impending trip to California. The primary action item involved coordinating the packing and transport of the President's briefcase.

273-0305:10 PM· 2 min

Nixon & Sanchez

President Richard Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief, informal interaction. The exchange consisted largely of repetitive pleasantries and affirmations spoken in Welsh, suggesting a casual check-in between the President and his staff member. No substantive policy matters or official administrative decisions were discussed during this brief encounter.

273-0315:10 PM· 4 sec

Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator from his office in the Old Executive Office Building. The primary purpose of this brief interaction was to facilitate a telephone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. No other policy matters or administrative developments were recorded during this brief exchange.

273-0325:26 PM· 2 min

Nixon & Eisenhower

President Richard Nixon met with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, for a brief personal discussion. The conversation centers on Julie's upcoming travel plans to California and her desire to read outdoors. No significant policy decisions or official White House business were conducted during this brief interaction.

273-0335:31 PM· 1 min

Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the administrative rollout of a major economic program scheduled for a forthcoming television address. They discussed the necessity of briefings for the Cabinet, referencing prior input from John N. Mitchell, and evaluated strategies to manage international financial speculation through public statements and tax adjustments. The conversation focused on ensuring a unified government message to accompany the President's shift in economic policy.

273-0345:42 PM· 38 sec

Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discussed the follow-up requirements for the administration's forthcoming economic program. The conversation specifically addressed the roles of Peter G. Peterson and George P. Shultz in managing the execution of these new policy initiatives. This exchange reflects the internal coordination efforts immediately preceding the formal announcement of the President's major economic overhaul.

273-0355:43 PM· 15 sec

Nixon & Woods

President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to review and refine the text of an upcoming presidential speech. The discussion focused on evaluating specific edits and modifications to the draft. This consultation served as a final preparation stage before the President finalized the address for public delivery.

273-0365:43 PM· 48 sec

Nixon & Sanchez

President Richard Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the necessity of completing a specific, urgent task despite potential time constraints. The brief exchange focuses on the imperative nature of the objective, with both participants agreeing that the action must be performed. No specific policy details are provided, as the dialogue consists primarily of confirming the commitment to proceed with the required assignment.

273-0375:43 PM· 43 sec

Nixon & Woods

President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to discuss the preparation of a forthcoming presidential address. The conversation centered on the review and refinement of the speech draft, with a specific mention of Manolo Sanchez's involvement in the process. The dialogue reflects the final administrative preparations prior to the President's scheduled public remarks.

273-0385:43 PM· 23 sec

Nixon & Sanchez

President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to review the status of a specific, albeit unidentified, assignment. The conversation focused on the completion of this task as Nixon checked in on his aide's progress. No further details regarding the nature of the work or subsequent action items were recorded.

273-0395:43 PM· 38 sec

Nixon, Woods & Sanchez

President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, and personal aide Manolo Sanchez to focus on the final preparation of an upcoming presidential address. The discussion centered on reviewing and finalizing revisions for the speech text. Woods was tasked with managing the necessary typing and administrative updates to ensure the document was ready for delivery.

273-0405:43 PM· 13 sec

Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his speechwriter, William L. Safire. The interaction served as a logistical request to initiate direct communication with a key staff member. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.

273-0415:43 PM· 7 min

Nixon, Safire & Woods

President Nixon met with speechwriter William Safire and secretary Rose Mary Woods to refine the text of his upcoming address regarding significant economic policy shifts. The discussion focused on drafting adjustments and incorporating input from advisors like Henry Kissinger and Arthur Burns, particularly concerning foreign economic aid and dollar stabilization measures. The primary goal of the session was to ensure the linguistic precision and strategic clarity of the speech.

273-0425:43 PM· 53 sec

Nixon

President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the framing and strategic delivery of an upcoming public address. The discussion focused on the necessity of ensuring the audience grasps the core message, specifically emphasizing the importance of the introduction and conclusion in establishing the administration's institutional position. This meeting occurred on the day Nixon announced his New Economic Policy, suggesting the conversation centered on the rhetorical implementation of these sweeping economic reforms.

273-0435:43 PM· 2 min

Nixon & Haldeman

President Richard Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on managing the President's administrative timeline and operational priorities. No major policy decisions were reached, as the brief exchange was primarily logistical in nature.

273-0445:43 PM· 14 min

Nixon

President Richard Nixon met with staff to rehearse a major televised address titled "The Challenge of Peace," which outlined his administration's shift toward a "New Economic Policy." The speech detailed significant fiscal initiatives, including job creation incentives, tax cuts, and a temporary wage-price freeze to combat inflation. Furthermore, Nixon articulated his strategy to stabilize the U.S. dollar, emphasizing the need for international economic cooperation and a transition from post-war aid to shared global financial responsibility.

273-0455:43 PM· 12 sec

Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to speechwriter William L. Safire. The request served as a procedural step for the President to initiate a private consultation with a key member of his communications staff. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief administrative interaction.

273-0467:14 PM· 7 min

Nixon & Safire

President Nixon met with speechwriter William Safire to refine the content, tone, and delivery of a forthcoming address regarding national economic policy. The discussion focused on addressing foreign competition, the automotive industry, and historical parallels to the American Revolution to frame the administration's proposed economic shifts. The two evaluated potential revisions to the speech's phraseology to ensure it effectively communicated the President's vision for a new economic future.

273-0477:24 PM· 8 min

Nixon

President Nixon held this session to refine and rehearse a major televised address outlining his New Economic Policy. He worked through the specific language of the speech to ensure that key points regarding job creation, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of the dollar were communicated effectively to the public. The discussion focused on balancing complex economic proposals, such as investment tax credits and tax exemptions, with language that resonated with the average citizen.

273-0487:24 PM· 9 sec

Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to his speechwriter, William L. Safire. This administrative interaction served solely to connect the President with a member of his staff for direct communication. No other policy matters or substantive discussions were addressed during this brief exchange.

273-0497:34 PM· 1 min

Nixon & Safire

President Richard Nixon met with speechwriter William Safire to finalize the content and tone of his forthcoming address concerning major economic policy shifts. The discussion focused on refining the rhetoric surrounding new tax plans, currency convertibility, and long-term economic strategies. Key advisors, including John Connally, Herbert Stein, and Paul Volcker, were consulted to ensure the messaging effectively communicated the administration's plan to stabilize the economy.

273-0507:36 PM· 7 min

Nixon

President Richard Nixon met to finalize and rehearse his upcoming televised address announcing the 'New Economic Policy.' The discussion focuses on his decision to impose a 90-day freeze on wages and prices to curb inflation, as well as his plan to end the dollar's convertibility into gold. These drastic measures were intended to stabilize the U.S. economy, combat international currency speculation, and boost domestic employment.

273-0517:36 PM· 15 min

Nixon

President Richard M. Nixon rehearsed his national address announcing the 'New Economic Policy,' a comprehensive package of domestic and international reforms. During the session, he reviewed plans to address high unemployment and inflation, including a 90-day freeze on wages and prices and the implementation of a 10% import surcharge. These measures were designed to stabilize the U.S. dollar, curb international currency speculation, and boost American industrial production.

273-0527:36 PM· 38 sec

Nixon & Butterfield

President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to refine a speech draft, likely pertaining to the administration's new economic policies announced on the same day. The discussion focused on articulating the rationale behind recent financial interventions and shifting international economic partnerships. The exchange emphasized the necessity of these measures to ensure global stability and frame the transition toward a new era of international cooperation.

273-0537:36 PM· 30 sec

Nixon

President Nixon consulted with an associate regarding the drafting and refinement of his upcoming public address concerning a radical shift in economic policy. The discussion focused on finalizing the rhetoric for this new economic initiative, which was framed as a flexible and responsive system designed to address the nation's contemporary challenges. The participants deliberated on the presentation of these measures, reflecting on the historical significance of the proposed interventions in the American economic landscape.

273-0547:36 PM· 1 min

Nixon

President Richard M. Nixon conducted a private rehearsal of his upcoming address to the nation regarding his administration's significant new economic policies. During this practice session, he refined the rhetorical framing of his government's initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of public confidence and individual character in sustaining the American economic system. The rehearsal focused on presenting these sweeping measures as a means to inspire national spirit and restore faith in the country's economic future.