Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 279
Nixon White House Tape 279 (September 22, 1971)
54 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 3 hr 6 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Haldeman, Buchanan, Butterfield
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to handle routine administrative tasks, including the signing of presidential documents and the review of a briefing book. The two discussed the security clearance and political background of Irving Brown, comparing his ideological history to Jay Lovestone. Nixon provided brief instructions regarding the handling of specific memoranda and materials located on his desk in the Oval Office.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to evaluate the stability of the People's Republic of China, specifically discussing recent reports on Mao Zedong's health and potential political purges by Chou En-lai. The conversation shifted to managing foreign policy optics, with Nixon rejecting the need for public press engagements and emphasizing the importance of maintaining direct, exclusive control over high-stakes diplomatic summits with the USSR and China. They also coordinated their strategy to marginalize the State Department and other cabinet members from key negotiations to ensure that the administration retains full credit for its foreign policy successes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming televised Q&A session at the Detroit Economic Club, emphasizing the need to minimize distracting camera equipment and balance audience seating. The two also discussed strategies for framing economic and legislative topics, including tax reform and the Consumer Price Index, while reviewing the current state of White House press corps relations. Additionally, they touched upon planning a retirement reception for longtime wire service reporter Douglas B. Cornell and addressed potential responses to military developments in Vietnam.
President Nixon interacts with a White House operator to initiate a telephone call to an unspecified party. The brief exchange serves as a functional request to connect the President to an outside line. No substantive policy matters or major decisions are addressed in this short operational recording.
President Richard M. Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, in his Old Executive Office Building suite for a brief, private engagement. Due to the lack of a transcript and the extremely short duration of the recording, the specific subjects of their discussion remain unknown. No policy decisions or administrative actions were documented during this encounter.
President Nixon and Patrick Buchanan coordinated messaging strategy regarding upcoming public appearances and economic policy, specifically the impact of recent import surcharges and Phase II of the administration's economic control plan. Nixon directed Buchanan to consult with Herbert Stein to refine talking points on economic trends and policy justifications. Additionally, the pair discussed messaging on controversial social issues, including court-ordered busing, ensuring that the President’s stance was framed within the requirements of legal compliance while maintaining a clear ideological position.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate his personal schedule and logistical arrangements while working in the Executive Office Building. Nixon finalized plans for a 6:00 p.m. meeting with his physician, Dr. W. Kenneth Riland, and a 5:30 p.m. haircut with Stephen Bull. Additionally, the President requested tea and instructed Sanchez to inform Julie Nixon Eisenhower that he would be working late on a speech.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy discussions or major decisions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan discussed the need for a concise summary of the administration's anti-drug initiatives to be prepared for public communication. Nixon emphasized the importance of framing the federal response as a urgent, comprehensive effort involving international cooperation and specialized medical support. Buchanan was tasked with distilling these complex policy actions into a brief, high-impact document.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The brief exchange focused on establishing a telephonic connection to an unnamed party. This interaction served a purely administrative function regarding the President's communications logistics.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan briefly discussed securing a positive response from Henry Kissinger regarding East-West trade initiatives and the Comer River project. The President directed Buchanan to ensure that Kissinger’s forthcoming paper highlights the administration’s previous accomplishments in these areas. This exchange functioned as a follow-up to coordinate communication strategy on foreign policy developments.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss personal refreshments. During the brief interaction, the President requested a martini. The exchange concludes with Sanchez acknowledging the request and departing to fulfill it.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met in the Old Executive Office Building to review and coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion centered on evaluating various meeting requests submitted to the White House. The two men assessed the strategic importance of these appointments to ensure the President's time was allocated according to current administrative priorities.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming appearance at the Detroit Economic Club and to review a wide range of political and personnel matters. They discussed the administration's public relations strategy, the potential political future of Robert Finch, and campaign planning for the 1972 election, including concerns regarding the California delegation and Ronald Reagan's supporters. Additionally, the President reviewed cabinet-level staffing, including the transition of Maurice Stans and the appointment of Romana Acosta Banuelos, while evaluating the political impact of recent Vietnam bombing reactions and upcoming diplomatic initiatives involving China and the USSR.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to briefly discuss the status of a dog. The conversation centered on the death of a pet associated with Julie Nixon Eisenhower. No major policy decisions were reached during this short, personal exchange.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate his professional schedule. The brief discussion focused specifically on confirming the timing for a 2:45 appointment. No other substantive policy matters or decisions were recorded during this segment.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to place an outgoing call. The conversation is administrative in nature, focusing solely on connecting the President to an external party. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments occur during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, engaged in a brief, informal discussion regarding family plans, pets, and scheduling for upcoming meetings. The conversation included commentary on the Washington Senators baseball team's recent performance and potential relocation. No significant policy decisions were made, as the exchange focused primarily on domestic coordination and casual social observations.
President Nixon and his valet, Manolo Sanchez, engage in a brief, informal interaction centered on the President's Irish Setter, King Timahoe. The President checks on the dog's behavior and well-being while in the office, praising his temperament and obedience. No official business is conducted, as the dialogue is entirely focused on the pet's presence and activity level during the workday.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman consulted on preparations for an upcoming appearance at the Detroit Economic Club. The discussion centered on ensuring that Paul W. McCracken would be in attendance to bolster the economic messaging of the event. The President emphasized the importance of this specific guest's presence as part of his strategy for the trip.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman consulted on the President's upcoming address to the Detroit Economic Club scheduled for the following day. They discussed the logistics of the trip and deliberated on the inclusion of specific staff members, particularly regarding the roles of George Grassmuck and Robert Finch. The exchange focused on finalizing the details and personnel involved in this significant economic policy engagement.
President Nixon held a discussion with an unidentified individual that serves as a continuation of a prior exchange. The dialogue reflects a direct disagreement or the correction of misinformation, marked by the participant’s repetitive denial of a specific point. Due to the fragmented nature of the transcript, no substantive policy decisions or actionable directives can be discerned beyond the internal tension of the communication.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator regarding a sensitive personal matter involving an unidentified third party. The dialogue focuses on the apparent impossibility of reconciling a strained relationship. No policy decisions were made, as the exchange remained restricted to the President's informal interpersonal concerns.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan briefly discussed a public relations matter involving the announcement of a property referred to as "Rocco's house." The President directed Buchanan to verify if there were any strategic concerns or potential issues that would prevent the administration from moving forward with the announcement. No definitive decision was reached, as the conversation concluded with instructions for further internal review.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review and adjust his upcoming schedule regarding personal appointments. The conversation focused on the logistics of arranging a meeting with Dr. W. Kenneth Riland. Ultimately, the President decided to postpone the visit, shifting the potential appointment from the following day to Friday.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to provide instructions regarding a specific item. The President directed Sanchez to place an unknown object in the back of a book. This brief, personal exchange concludes with the requested task being delegated.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting in his Old Executive Office Building suite with an unidentified individual. The participants engaged in brief social pleasantries before the visitor departed shortly thereafter. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were documented during this brief encounter.
President Nixon held a brief, informal interaction with a White House operator. The exchange focused on social pleasantries rather than administrative or policy matters. No substantive government actions or policy decisions were initiated during this encounter.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss messaging strategies for an upcoming speech regarding the national economy and the administration's policy goals. They express concerns over business sector confidence and agree to maintain a general, conciliatory public tone while deferring detailed policy questions to later Congressional testimony. The two agree to conduct further substantive discussions on economic planning during an upcoming flight to the West Coast.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The brief interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with a third party. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange, which was primarily functional in nature.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan discuss media strategy for promoting the administration's economic agenda to the public. Nixon directs Buchanan to emphasize optimistic economic indicators and domestic quality-of-life improvements rather than focusing on complex trade negotiations or bureaucratic personnel appointments. The objective is to craft a simplified, positive narrative that resonates with the general public rather than the press corps.
President Nixon held a brief, three-minute meeting with an unidentified individual in his Old Executive Office Building suite. Due to the lack of a transcript or descriptive records, the specific subject matter and any potential outcomes of this interaction remain unknown to historical researchers. The meeting concluded when the visitor departed the office shortly before 5:41 pm.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to the police. This brief administrative interaction served to facilitate communication between the President and law enforcement authorities. No further details regarding the specific intent or the nature of the request were recorded.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson met to discuss political strategy regarding economic data and the legislative agenda. Nixon directed Colson to pressure Congress to pass revenue sharing, welfare reform, and his economic program, insisting that lawmakers should not adjourn for the holiday until these measures were completed. The conversation also touched upon the reliability of economic indicators, with both men agreeing that the administration should not be overly reactive to fluctuating monthly employment and CPI figures.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss strategy for managing public appearances and media coverage, specifically addressing concerns about the President's fatigue. They decide to prohibit the use of cameras during a upcoming event while opting for a Q&A format to maintain control over the presentation. Additionally, the President expresses firm directives regarding administrative access, declining to see certain parties and suggesting a strategic focus on church-related entities to avoid scrutiny of sensitive records.
President Nixon met with his physician, Brigadier General Walter R. Tkach, and Dr. W. Kenneth Riland to discuss medical matters. The participants engaged in a brief consultation regarding the President's ongoing health and physical well-being. This meeting served as a routine medical evaluation and personal check-in between Nixon and his healthcare providers.
President Nixon met briefly with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The exchange consisted of informal greetings and pleasantries. No policy decisions or significant administrative matters were discussed during this short interaction.
President Nixon interacts with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call to an unidentified party. During the brief exchange, Nixon confirms his intent to review specific reading materials rather than requiring additional assistance or briefing. This recording captures a routine logistical moment in the President's administrative workflow.
President Nixon interacts with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief exchange serves as the administrative bridge for the President to initiate a subsequent conversation. No significant policy decisions were made during this contact.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing telephone connection. This brief interaction served administrative purposes to establish communication with an external party. No significant policy decisions or substantive discussions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to manage the political impact of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) economic and unemployment data, which Nixon views as a significant vulnerability. Expressing frustration with the current department leadership, the President directs Colson to install tougher, more politically aligned personnel to counter perceived biases and better communicate the administration's economic successes. Nixon further instructs his staff to proactively emphasize positive economic trends while dismissing negative figures, framing the administration's progress as a significant improvement over previous Democratic administrations.
President Nixon met briefly with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss dinner arrangements. The conversation focused on the President's preference for his favorite meal. No major policy decisions or significant administrative actions were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss a public relations strategy to highlight the President's support for the California Angels baseball team. Nixon aims to replace the tradition of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in Washington with a commitment to do so at Angel Stadium, viewing this as a significant political and symbolic gesture for California. Ziegler is tasked with coordinating with team owner Gene Autry and media figures to promote the story and cultivate the President's image as an avid supporter of the franchise.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss personal dining preferences. The President instructed Sanchez to ensure that specific food items, specifically clams, were included in his daily meal service. Additionally, Nixon requested that a particular 1966 vintage wine be provided to accompany his dinner.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate preparations for the President's upcoming question-and-answer session at the Detroit Economic Club. The discussion specifically focused on the involvement of Treasury Secretary John B. Connally in the event. No major policy shifts were recorded, as the brief exchange was limited to logistical planning for the following day's engagement.
President Nixon consulted with Robert Finch regarding a proposal to shift the tradition of the presidential opening pitch from Washington, D.C., to the home team's stadium in Anaheim, California. Nixon expressed a willingness to travel to Anaheim to participate in the event, provided that the American League schedule was adjusted to accommodate the change. The two discussed the public relations benefits of this move and the logistics required to establish the game as a significant presidential appearance.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a phone connection with an individual identified as Nahon of Texas. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to initiate a specific communication. No further policy or substantive discussion took place during this exchange.
President Nixon placed a brief, informal phone call to Congressman George H. Mahon to extend birthday wishes. Beyond the social pleasantries, the two exchanged brief words of encouragement regarding the political landscape and the nation's progress. No formal policy decisions were made, as Nixon explicitly stated his intent to avoid discussing official affairs of state.
President Nixon interacts with the White House operator in the Executive Office Building to facilitate a connection for an outgoing telephone call. The exchange serves as a brief logistical transition, serving the mechanical purpose of bridging the President to a subsequent party. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions occur during this short interface.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the logistical arrangements and public appearance protocols for a female guest's visit. Nixon expresses concern regarding the planning of her arrival, specifically emphasizing the importance of her being accompanied rather than walking alone. He critiques the performance of the advance man and instructs Haldeman to revise the setup to ensure a more controlled and professional presentation.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss logistical arrangements for a supply of wine. The President specifically requested a selection of 1966 vintage wine, detailing the desired bottle size and quantity of cases. This exchange served as a routine administrative request regarding the management of the President's personal provisions.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the delivery and organization of his new clothing. Nixon specifically instructed Sanchez to ensure that his personal assistant, Arthur Watson, did not alter the arrangement of the items. The conversation reflects the President's preference for maintaining strict control over his personal effects and wardrobe management.
President Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met to discuss an extensive array of pressing foreign and domestic policy issues, primarily focusing on Vietnam strategy, international economic negotiations, and Japanese textile trade agreements. The conversation included reviews of South Vietnamese political stability under President Thieu, the coordination of upcoming U.S. economic policy announcements, and concerns regarding State Department internal loyalties. These discussions served as preparatory briefings for the President's upcoming public appearances and scheduled international diplomatic efforts.