Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 314
Nixon White House Tape 314 (January 13, 1972)
17 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 2 hr 52 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Butterfield, Ehrlichman, Haig
President Nixon met with his senior staff, including H. R. Haldeman, to address ongoing frustrations regarding the mismanagement of his daily schedule, the handling of sensitive staff briefings, and the need for stricter control over administrative operations. He expressed irritation with staff who deliberately misrepresented the time requirements of meetings, specifically citing Henry Kissinger’s performance, and emphasized the necessity of maintaining personal and professional discipline ahead of critical upcoming events like the State of the Union and the China trip. Nixon also clarified his stance on public relations, notably his decision to refuse portrait sittings until after his presidency and his skepticism toward further press commentary regarding foreign policy leaks.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate the drafting of the upcoming State of the Union address and to express frustration regarding a meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew. Nixon evaluated feedback on drafts written by Raymond Price and Elliot Richardson, emphasizing the need for a narrative focused on restoring public confidence in government amidst political division. The President also decided to incorporate personal reflections on his early congressional career and a reference to Harry S. Truman to frame his vision for the speech.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative matters and potential staffing issues. The discussion touched upon the scheduling and involvement of speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. No major policy decisions were finalized during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discuss the handling of supplementary notes drafted by Raymond K. Price, Jr. for the President's review. Nixon expresses frustration regarding the volume of material and the need to finalize his approach to these documents rather than delaying further. The conversation centers on the administrative burden of processing these drafts and the urgency of moving forward with the project.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator regarding an incoming or missed telephone communication. The President instructed the operator to have the unidentified party return his call. No further substantive policy matters or official developments were addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower discuss the positive reception of First Lady Pat Nixon's recent television appearance. The President emphasizes that addressing challenging or unfriendly questions is essential for delivering an effective public performance. They conclude the brief exchange by coordinating plans for Julie’s upcoming visit.
President Nixon directed Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to come to his office in the Old Executive Office Building for an immediate meeting. The discussion focused on coordinating schedules and facilitating a rendezvous involving H.R. Haldeman and John N. Mitchell. This brief exchange served primarily as logistical coordination to finalize the timing of these internal consultations.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The primary purpose of the brief interaction was for the President to request a supply of tobacco. The exchange concluded immediately following this logistical request.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the public perception and emotional state of Henry Kissinger, particularly regarding his recent struggles with press coverage and internal administrative pressures. The conversation touches upon the successful handling of a recent press conference by Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and the management of a Soviet student's attempted defection in New York. Ultimately, Nixon and Haig express concern over Kissinger’s psychological stability and his capacity to withstand the intense political scrutiny expected during the upcoming 1972 campaign, emphasizing the necessity of supporting him to ensure the success of critical diplomatic negotiations with China and the Soviet Union.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief, seven-second exchange. The conversation focused on a request for tobacco. No further significant policy matters or substantive political developments were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed personnel strategies and the management of economic appointments. Nixon directed Haldeman to coordinate with Pete Flanigan to secure cooperation from key figures regarding critical administrative roles, specifically assessing the suitability of Paul Volcker and Charls Walker. Additionally, the President decided to postpone the official announcement of Peter G. Peterson’s nomination as Commerce Secretary until the following week.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator regarding a business entity associated with the codename 'Sapphire.' The brief interaction served to facilitate communication or information gathering related to this specific corporate interest. No further substantive policy decisions were recorded during this exchange.
President Nixon met with William Safire to refine a high-stakes speech regarding secret negotiations to end the Vietnam War. They focused on drafting a clear, persuasive narrative that emphasizes the administration's commitment to peace and the specific details of their withdrawal and prisoner-of-war proposals. Nixon tasked Safire with coordinating the final language with Henry Kissinger while ensuring Secretary of State William Rogers is kept informed, all while managing the internal friction between his senior advisors.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to facilitate a meeting with Raymond Price. The request served to summon Price to the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building for a consultation. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met briefly with members of Henry Kissinger’s staff to coordinate on specific personnel or briefing materials. The discussion focused on confirming the review of documents or status updates involving individuals referred to as Thomas and Paul. The exchange functioned as a quick status check on ongoing diplomatic or administrative workflow tasks.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the progress of a draft speech being prepared by William Safire. They evaluate the inclusion of specific diplomatic details, including the August 1971 ceasefire proposal and the two-phase timeline strategy. Kissinger instructs Safire to refine the text's nuances before finalizing the speech's introduction and conclusion.
President Nixon and Raymond Price met to conduct a final review and stylistic refinement of the upcoming State of the Union speech. They focused on restructuring the address to emphasize the winding down of the Vietnam War, promoting domestic programs, and framing the speech as a comprehensive record of the administration's achievements for a political year. The conversation also touched upon the strategic political landscape of the 1972 Democratic presidential primary, with the President assessing the relative strengths and vulnerabilities of candidates like Edmund Muskie, Hubert Humphrey, and George Wallace.