Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 298
Nixon White House Tape 298 (November 11, 1971)
45 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 3 hr 59 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Haldeman, Kissinger, Bull
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief, routine administrative interaction. The conversation focused on a refreshment order, specifically the delivery of coffee to the President. No substantive policy matters or political developments occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate the National Security Advisor's schedule. The discussion focused on managing Kissinger’s availability to ensure efficient access to the President. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discussed the strategic framing of personnel changes within the Department of Agriculture, specifically regarding the transition from Secretary Clifford M. Hardin to Earl L. Butz. They reviewed potential government reorganization plans, focusing on the placement of the Coast Guard and concerns regarding Secretary John A. Volpe’s management. Additionally, the President briefly evaluated his public relations strategy, weighing the benefits of potential interviews with various media outlets, including Reader’s Digest and Playboy.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to coordinate the administrative structure and logistics for a forthcoming presidential press conference. The discussion focused primarily on determining the desired format and presentation strategy for the event. This meeting served as a preparatory session to ensure the President's public appearance was effectively organized.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to strategize for an upcoming televised announcement, weighing the benefits of holding it in the Oval Office versus the press room to maximize public impact while limiting media access. The conversation also shifted to staffing concerns, specifically the President's frustration with Peter Peterson's performance and the need for a more loyal, strategic replacement in the commerce role. Finally, the group discussed foreign policy and domestic political risks, including the timing of further troop withdrawals in Vietnam and the complications of a potential European diplomatic trip.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the timing and potential reaction to an upcoming Vietnam troop withdrawal announcement, as well as the agenda for a National Security Council meeting focused on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). They also addressed the handling of a Daniel Schorr FBI investigation and the public relations strategy for Julie Nixon Eisenhower's speeches and schedule, including concerns about her overexposure and the need for better coordination between the East and West Wings. Additionally, the conversation touched upon First Lady Pat Nixon's reluctance to participate in White House events and presidential trips.
President Nixon held a brief administrative exchange with an unidentified individual regarding communication protocols. The primary purpose of the discussion was to arrange a follow-up telephone call with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The President instructed the interlocutor to facilitate this contact as soon as Haig became available.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss logistical details regarding the President's upcoming schedule. The conversation focused on the administrative management of personal commitments and potential documentation requirements. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to attend to minor administrative and maintenance tasks within the Oval Office. The two discussed the repair of a leaking pen that had malfunctioned during recent air travel and the retrieval of a pair of eyeglasses. Sanchez agreed to handle these requests, ensuring the President's personal items were cleaned and properly maintained.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief, informal interaction. The dialogue focuses on routine logistical coordination regarding the President's schedule and upcoming evening plans. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions were recorded during this segment of the conversation.
President Nixon met with an aide to discuss the drafting and presentation strategy for an upcoming troop withdrawal announcement. He emphasized keeping the public statement concise and directed that it reference the recommendations of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. Additionally, the President requested updated intelligence estimates concerning North Vietnamese troop deployments in Cambodia, Laos, and South Vietnam to inform his planning.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's personal schedule. During the brief interaction, Nixon directed Sanchez to retrieve his pet Irish Setter, King Timahoe, and bring the dog to the office. This conversation reflects the informal, routine nature of the President's interactions with his domestic staff regarding his personal environment.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review draft remarks prepared for an upcoming appearance. The brief consultation focused on finalizing specific language requested by the President for his address. Following the review of the prepared text, the interaction concluded with the President acknowledging the completion of the requested material.
Archival review of this recording confirms that the audio contains no discernible conversation or meaningful content between President Nixon and the unidentified party. Despite its formal designation as a meeting, the brief segment remains unintelligible. Consequently, no substantive policy discussions, decisions, or developments occurred during this recorded interval.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the logistics and necessity of providing private financial backing for a sensitive negotiation involving overseas interests. Nixon emphasizes that the operation cannot rely on government funding, necessitating a more hardened approach to secure the required resources. The two agree on the urgency of the task and move to finalize the strategy for executing the funding.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the professional background of Earl L. Butz. The discussion focused specifically on the duration of Butz’s experience with farm ownership and operations. The conversation concluded with the President requesting a follow-up phone call to confirm these details.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place a telephone call to Mrs. Mason. This interaction serves as a brief administrative request to facilitate communication with the specified party. No other substantive policy matters or further actions were discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon held a brief discussion regarding the background and potential appointment of Earl L. Butz. During the meeting, Nixon provided instructions to finalize the selection process, emphasizing the need to bring the candidate to the White House. This interaction served to coordinate the final arrangements for securing Butz's confirmation.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon coordinate their personal schedules and upcoming political matters, including the resignation of Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin. The President discusses his plans to work through an upcoming National Security Council meeting before traveling to Camp David. The couple also briefly touches upon event logistics, including the presence of Billy Graham and the management of various guests.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to Mrs. Lexington. This brief interaction served solely as a functional administrative request to facilitate private communication. No substantive policy discussions or political developments occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief interaction served administrative purposes to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon briefly discussed the logistics of a political appointment or personnel recommendation involving an unidentified individual and their family. The President specifically addressed the prohibition of direct financial support in this context, suggesting alternative arrangements to provide assistance. He ultimately directed that the matter be forwarded to Harry Hurd (identified as Holland) to handle the necessary administrative and financial considerations.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss personal refreshments. The brief interaction focused on the President's preference for coffee and involved playful engagement with his Irish Setter, King Timahoe. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were addressed during this short exchange.
President Nixon directed H. R. Haldeman to ensure that cabinet officers are briefed regarding an upcoming announcement and to oversee the composition of official delegations. Expressing frustration with State Department-led appointments, Nixon instructed Haldeman to personally vet future delegation members in coordination with secretary Rose Mary Woods to ensure political efficacy. This directive aimed to centralize control over executive appointments and bypass traditional bureaucratic influence.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the presence of pets in the office and the condition of the President's dog, King Timahoe. During the brief exchange, Nixon permitted the dogs to remain in the office while he worked, provided they remained well-behaved. The conversation concluded with a brief status update on King's health following a recent incident.
President Nixon met with an unidentified staff member to provide instructions regarding a message received from Manila. The President inquired about the whereabouts of another individual and directed the staffer to deliver the information once that person returned. The brief exchange concluded with the President requesting coffee.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to connect him with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. This interaction serves purely as a functional administrative request to facilitate a personal telephone call. No policy or substantive political matters are discussed during the brief communication.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate logistical details regarding a forthcoming photo session featuring the President. Julie discusses staffing assignments for an upcoming project involving the First Lady, specifically mentioning the appointment of a young editor named Andrews. The brief exchange also addresses family scheduling, including the President's work obligations and their shared plans for an upcoming trip to Camp David.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the political messaging and public image of Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz. They emphasized highlighting Butz's Indiana roots and agricultural background to appeal to rural voters. Additionally, the pair briefly reviewed the arduous process of implementing government reorganization initiatives spearheaded by the Ash Council and John Ehrlichman.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The brief exchange focused on establishing a connection with another party. No substantive policy discussions or major decisions occurred during this interaction.
President Nixon held a brief, informal coordination call to request that an unknown associate, possibly Henry Kissinger, join him in the Old Executive Office Building. He instructed the intermediary to convey the request to the individual without urgency, emphasizing flexibility in the timing of the meeting. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the strategy for an upcoming Vietnam troop withdrawal announcement, expressing significant frustration with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird over their policy disagreements and suspected leaks to the press. Nixon evaluates different withdrawal timelines and troop levels, ultimately leaning toward a two-month incremental plan despite pressure from his cabinet for longer-term commitments. The conversation concludes with Kissinger tasked to manage the communications with Rogers and Laird to ensure they align with the President's preferred policy direction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's schedule and manage administrative distractions, including restricting unnecessary telephone calls. The discussion centered on staffing concerns, specifically the vetting of candidates for Secretary of Commerce, with Nixon emphasizing the need for an appointee who would effectively collaborate with Henry Kissinger and George Shultz. They also briefly reviewed ongoing political priorities, including a pending textile vote and potential business council involvement.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to the police. This brief interaction served as a logistical request for the operator to facilitate official communication between the President and law enforcement authorities. No further details regarding the specific nature or purpose of the contact were captured in this recording.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the state of the U.S. economy, specifically focusing on stock market fluctuations, consumer confidence, and the perceived inaction of business leaders. Nixon expresses frustration with the lack of bold leadership from the corporate sector, contrasting it with the resilience shown by average consumers on Main Street. The conversation serves as an informal policy review regarding economic sentiment and the administration's ongoing efforts to influence public and market perception.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed logistical arrangements for a visit to Washington, D.C., by former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The conversation focused on the former President's stay at Blair House and planned engagements, including a briefing with Henry Kissinger. Nixon authorized the meeting with Kissinger to ensure the former administration remained informed on key policy issues.
President Nixon held a brief, informal interaction with a White House operator while working in the Executive Office Building. The exchange served as a routine check-in regarding the operator's current status and workload. No significant policy decisions or substantive governmental matters were addressed during this brief encounter.
President Nixon directs Charles Colson to coordinate with speechwriter William Safire to draft briefing materials regarding potential public relations risks associated with the U.J.L.C.O. The President requests that these documents include the most favorable available statistics to help mitigate negative optics during future public events. No immediate deadline is set for the project, reflecting a strategic effort to prepare for potential criticism.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the upcoming announcement regarding Vietnam troop withdrawal timelines. The conversation centered on weighing various withdrawal options, with Nixon expressing a preference to deliberate further despite internal debate over the proposed durations. Kissinger was tasked with coordinating with Secretary of State William P. Rogers to manage the messaging and internal policy friction surrounding these strategic decisions.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, in the Old Executive Office Building to review and coordinate the President's upcoming daily schedule. The conversation focused on administrative planning and logistical arrangements for future presidential engagements. No major policy developments or definitive decisions beyond routine time management were recorded in this brief interaction.
President Nixon held a brief administrative interaction with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing communication. The conversation served primarily as a functional request to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy matters or strategic developments were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon consults with speechwriter William Safire regarding the framing of economic messages to counter public and media uncertainty. The President stresses the need for rigorous preparation for press appearances, expressing frustration with administration officials who improvise or lack sufficient research. Nixon decides to avoid political commentary during upcoming engagements to deny critics the opportunity to characterize his activities as partisan.
President Nixon held a brief, non-substantive interaction with a White House operator. No policy decisions, political discussions, or significant administrative actions were recorded during this segment. The exchange served primarily as a functional communication with switchboard staff.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media management strategies, specifically addressing unfavorable news reports regarding administration staff departures and background checks. The conversation focuses on refuting allegations of staff firings and providing favorable talking points regarding government reorganization and agricultural policy. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize the normalcy of security investigations and to steer media inquiries toward the administration's legislative successes in the Senate.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed strategies for managing Vietnam troop withdrawal announcements to minimize political backlash and maintain leverage in ongoing negotiations. During their conversation, they identified John J. McCloy as a potential candidate for the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, tasking Kissinger with persuading him to accept the position to bolster U.S.-European relations. They also reviewed personnel matters and planning for the President's upcoming trip to the USSR, specifically emphasizing the importance of avoiding stopovers that could undermine their diplomatic objectives.