Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 34
Nixon White House Tape 34 (November 19, 1972 – December 20, 1972)
153 conversations · White House Telephone · about 5 hr 12 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Ziegler, Eisenhower, Haig
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to H.R. "Bob" Haldeman. The exchange focuses on logistical administrative coordination to connect the President with his Chief of Staff. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief communication.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated scheduling logistics for the President's upcoming trip to Florida and Pat Nixon's attendance at the Rose Parade, while discussing various personnel and administrative matters. They reviewed potential candidates for FBI leadership, specifically debating the merits of Richard B. Ogilvie over Evelle J. Younger, and strategized on managing Robert Dole and George H.W. Bush regarding political appointments. Additionally, the pair assessed the positive public reception of Peter J. Brennan's appointment as Labor Secretary and discussed concerns raised by Alexander M. Haig Jr. regarding Henry Kissinger's psychological state and need for a vacation following the conclusion of Vietnam peace negotiations.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent connection to Alexander M. Haig, Jr. via a secure communications channel. This brief exchange served as a logistical instruction to initiate a direct line of communication with his deputy assistant. The primary action item was the successful establishment of this secure link.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator in an attempt to reach General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Upon learning that Haig was away from his desk, the President instructed the operator to have Haig call him back upon his return. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinated an upcoming meeting involving General Robert E. Cushman, Jr. and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The pair discussed the ongoing, difficult Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a firm stance against South Vietnamese resistance to ensure progress before the January 3 deadline. Nixon instructed Haig to monitor Henry Kissinger’s efforts during their forthcoming mission to Paris to ensure the negotiations remained on track.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone communication through the White House operator to request an outgoing call to Charles W. Colson. The exchange serves as a logistical coordination to facilitate direct contact between the President and his special counsel. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occurred during this brief request for operator assistance.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request an outgoing call to H. R. Haldeman. The brief exchange was limited to the President issuing instructions for the operator to connect him with his Chief of Staff. No further substantive discussion occurred during this short communication.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed coordinating First Lady Pat Nixon’s solo attendance at the Rose Parade. The President directed Haldeman to ensure the invitation from Herbert G. Klein was properly extended to facilitate her travel from Florida for the event. Haldeman committed to managing the necessary logistics to finalize the appearance.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the overwhelmingly positive reception to the appointment of Peter J. Brennan as Secretary of Labor, noting his effective television appearance and the strategic appeal of his "hardhat" background to the administration's constituency. The two strategize on organizational changes within the Department of Labor, specifically targeting the removal of Bureau of Labor Statistics personnel and the potential recruitment of George D. Webster for a position within the IRS. Additionally, Colson provides an update on the final 1972 election results, expressing confidence that the President's victory margin will remain at 61.1 percent.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. The brief interaction served as an administrative request to facilitate communication between the President and the Colonel. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Colonel Richard T. Kennedy discuss the status of stalled Vietnam peace negotiations in Paris, following a report from Henry Kissinger regarding North Vietnamese intransigence. Nixon instructs Kennedy to relay a firm message to Kissinger: the U.S. must maintain its previously agreed-upon positions and be prepared to break off negotiations if the North Vietnamese refuse to comply. Furthermore, Nixon rejects Kissinger’s proposal for a nationally televised address to justify a potential return to intensive bombing, noting that the domestic political climate and intense press scrutiny make such a public appeal a non-viable option.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to establish a line of communication with his senior aide. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief connection.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the stalling Vietnam peace negotiations and the potential for a diplomatic breakdown. They evaluated Henry Kissinger’s suggestion that the President deliver a televised address to rally public support for intensified military action, with both men ultimately agreeing that a television appearance was inadvisable and unlikely to be effective. Instead, Nixon decided to maintain a hard-line stance in negotiations and opted to simply escalate bombing operations if necessary, without formally announcing the shift to the public.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. The brief interaction served solely to facilitate the connection between the President and the National Security Council staffer. No further substantive discussion occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon instructed Col. Richard T. Kennedy to relay specific directives to Henry Kissinger regarding the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. Nixon emphasized that if the North Vietnamese remained intransigent, Kissinger should ensure the record clearly blamed them for the breakdown due to disputes over political agreements and the presence of North Vietnamese forces. Nixon decided against a televised address to the American public in the event of failure, preferring to let a significant escalation in military action, including B-52 strikes on the Hanoi-Haiphong complex, demonstrate U.S. resolve.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to contact Colonel Richard T. Kennedy regarding a scheduling request. He directed the operator to determine when Kennedy arrived at his office and to arrange for him to report to the Executive Office Building for a meeting. This conversation served as a logistical coordination effort to facilitate a direct briefing with Kennedy.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent communication with Charles W. Colson. The primary purpose of the brief exchange was to place a telephone call to the Special Counsel to the President. No further substantive policy discussions were recorded during this brief administrative request.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss a recent Louis Harris poll regarding public sentiment toward Vietnam War settlement options. Nixon requests that Colson bring the specific polling data to his office for review. The conversation serves to facilitate immediate access to information concerning domestic reactions to ongoing peace negotiations.
President Nixon and Col. Richard T. Kennedy discuss the status of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations following Henry Kissinger’s decision to postpone meetings in Paris. Concerned about appearing weak, Nixon emphasizes that Kissinger must avoid a 'begging' posture and considers ordering retaliatory airstrikes on North Vietnam. Nixon also instructs Kennedy to brief Vice President Agnew on the current diplomatic stalemate while ordering a 48-hour delay for both the briefing and the Vice President’s travel plans.
Tricia Nixon Cox and President Richard M. Nixon discussed travel arrangements for an upcoming trip to Europe. Addressing concerns over terrorism and hijacking, Tricia sought the President’s guidance on whether to utilize military or commercial aircraft. Nixon ultimately directed that commercial flights be used for the European portion of the travel, while granting flexibility for flights within the Soviet Union.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request a telephone connection with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull. This brief administrative interaction served to facilitate direct communication with a key staff member. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this specific call.
President Nixon instructed aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming scheduling arrangements for First Lady Pat Nixon directly with Lucy Winchester. The President emphasized the need to ensure all plans met Mrs. Nixon's approval and were integrated into the administration's broader agenda. Nixon also expressed satisfaction with a recent meeting he held with Winchester, noting that direct communication had successfully resolved outstanding administrative concerns.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call through the White House operator to contact his aide, Stephen B. Bull. The interaction serves solely as a logistical request to establish communication with Bull. No further substantive policy matters or official developments are discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the scheduling logistics for an upcoming reception involving California administration officials, ultimately confirming the start time. The President also inquired about Bull's ongoing coordination with Lucy Winchester regarding her scheduled meeting with First Lady Pat Nixon. Nixon instructed Bull to maintain his role as the primary point of contact and to manage the interpersonal dynamics of these arrangements smoothly.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to issue a directive regarding his staff. He requested that Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler be summoned to the Executive Office Building for a meeting. This brief exchange served solely to facilitate the coordination of the President's schedule with a key advisor.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed logistics regarding the President’s travel plans to Blair House and Camp David, as well as upcoming family engagements. The conversation highlighted personal news that Tricia’s husband, Edward R. F. Cox, had successfully passed the bar exam. Additionally, the President noted that he would be reviewing pending diplomatic messages regarding Tricia’s upcoming travel to embassies.
President Nixon initiates a request for the White House operator to place a telephone call to Charles W. Colson. This brief communication serves purely as an administrative instruction to establish contact with his aide. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occur during this exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout from Robert S. Strauss’s election as Democratic National Committee chairman. They analyze the impact on John B. Connally’s future, specifically noting concerns that the event might provide Connally an excuse to retreat from his political transition toward the administration. Nixon directs Colson to encourage Connally to commit to a decisive shift, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong support from labor leaders like George Meany and Frank Fitzsimmons.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. This brief administrative exchange served as the precursor to a diplomatic discussion between the two parties. No further substantive policy matters were addressed during this short connection.
President Nixon and Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin engaged in a diplomatic call to address a final sticking point in the Vietnam peace negotiations regarding the status of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Nixon expressed his firm insistence on returning to previously agreed-upon language, emphasizing that this resolution was essential to removing an irritant from U.S.-Soviet relations and enabling future cooperation. Accompanied by Alexander Haig, Nixon requested that Dobrynin convey this position to Moscow and Hanoi, resulting in a decision to coordinate a follow-up meeting to finalize technical details.
Tricia Nixon Cox speaks with Mrs. Howard Cox regarding the logistics and social itinerary for her upcoming international travel. The conversation focuses on Tricia's planned visits to the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom, specifically discussing lodging proximity to the Kremlin and high-profile social engagements. Key events noted include a dinner at 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister Edward Heath and attendance at J. Paul Getty's 80th birthday celebration.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to Hobart D. “Hobe” Lewis. The brief interaction served exclusively as a logistical request to connect the President with Lewis. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions occurred during this connection.
President Nixon held a phone conversation with Hobart D. Lewis to discuss Lewis’s recent trip to the Soviet Union and the positive impact of the President’s earlier visit on trade relations. The two men also touched on the media industry, specifically the financial struggles of Life magazine and the outlook for Reader’s Digest, as well as the future career path of David Eisenhower. Finally, Nixon discussed his plans for executive branch reorganization and expressed his intent to host Lewis and his associates for a weekend gathering once the pressures of the Vietnam negotiations subsided.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to George H. W. Bush. This brief interaction served as a logistical request to initiate communication with the Ambassador. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this initial contact.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and George H.W. Bush discussed the strategic plan for transitioning Bush from his position as UN Ambassador to Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). The group coordinated a public narrative intended to frame the appointment as a necessary move to broaden the party's base and improve coordination between national and congressional committees, while emphasizing Bush's initial reluctance to leave his diplomatic post. They finalized a plan for an announcement to be issued from the White House, clarifying that Bush would remain at the UN until the current session concluded on December 19th and confirming the President's full support for his new role.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to McDill "Huck" Boyd, a newspaper publisher for the Phillipsburg Review in Kansas. The primary purpose of the brief interaction was to provide the operator with the necessary contact details to initiate this communication. No further business was discussed during this administrative exchange.
President Nixon attempted to reach Republican operative McDill “Huck” Boyd via the White House operator. Upon learning that Boyd was temporarily unavailable, the President instructed the operator to have him return the call. No substantive political or policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and McDill "Huck" Boyd discussed the planned resignation of Robert J. Dole as Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman and his replacement by George H.W. Bush. Nixon explained that the transition was a strategic move to allow Dole to focus on his Senate responsibilities and future political battles. The conversation also covered the President's vision for the "New Majority," emphasizing the need for early candidate selection and the recruitment of diverse, high-quality candidates to ensure future electoral success.
H. R. Haldeman contacts the White House operator to request a telephone connection to John Connally. The conversation serves solely as a logistical request to facilitate communication between Haldeman and Connally. No substantive political or policy discussions occur during this brief interaction.
H. R. Haldeman briefed John B. Connally on the selection of George H. W. Bush as the new Republican National Committee chairman to replace Robert Dole. Connally expressed frustration with DNC chair Robert Strauss over criticisms regarding his support for Nixon, further discussing the potential for Southern Democrats to realign politically. Finally, they coordinated the logistics of Connally's upcoming diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia, with Haldeman agreeing to notify King Faisal of the visit.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephonic communication through the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The exchange serves as a logistical step to connect the President with another party, as indicated by the subsequent reference to a follow-up conversation. No substantive policy matters or decisions were discussed during this operator-assisted connection.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed daily press coverage of key administration announcements, including economic initiatives led by George Shultz and the appointments of George H.W. Bush and Robert Dole to the Republican National Committee. The discussion also covered the status of ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations in Paris following the President’s meeting with Alexander Haig, as well as upcoming staff changes at the Department of Agriculture. Finally, the President addressed personal scheduling matters and issued a firm directive to ban the Washington Post from attending any events at his private residences.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to connect the President with his family member. No further policy or administrative matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, exchanged updates on personal matters, including the successful reception of the First Lady’s Christmas show and the President’s physical recovery from stiffness. The pair coordinated a brief meeting for later that evening to discuss Julie’s professional career and employment situation. This conversation served primarily as a check-in to confirm scheduling for their upcoming in-person consultation.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed Henry Kissinger's report of North Vietnamese intransigence during ongoing peace negotiations in Paris. Nixon expressed concern over Kissinger's tactical threat to depart prematurely, instructing Haig to ensure that negotiations continue rather than breaking off, provided there is any possibility of a settlement. They agreed that shifting talks to normal diplomatic channels would be a mistake and decided that a resumption of bombing operations against the North would be necessary if the North Vietnamese maintained their obstructive stance.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The brief exchange served as a procedural request to facilitate a direct line of communication with his aide. No further policy or strategic matters were discussed during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the emotional instability of Henry Kissinger during the ongoing, high-stakes Vietnam peace negotiations in Paris. Nixon directs Haig to join Kissinger to provide stability and act as a firm counterbalance to the North Vietnamese negotiators' tactical manipulation of Kissinger's mood. They decide to abandon a potential mission for Vice President Spiro Agnew and agree that if the talks remain stalled, Kissinger should request a recess without issuing threats before returning home.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request a telephone connection with his Press Secretary, Ronald L. Ziegler. The brief exchange served as a procedural step to facilitate a direct communication line between the President and his senior staff member. No further policy or strategic discussions took place during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon expressed intense frustration to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the presence of Washington Post reporters at the White House Christmas tree display. Reasserting a previous ban on the newspaper's staff, the President ordered Ziegler to contact Connie Stuart to demand an explanation for the breach and to threaten her with immediate termination should such an unauthorized access occur again. Ziegler was instructed to verify the situation and report back to the President promptly.
President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to implement a total ban on Washington Post reporters and photographers within the White House, excluding only formal press conferences. Nixon insists that the restriction apply to all events, including church services and activities involving First Lady Pat Nixon, and emphasizes that the order is absolute under threat of termination. The discussion follows a report from Connie Stuart regarding the absence of a Post reporter at a recent ceremony, prompting Nixon to enforce the directive immediately.
President Nixon initiates a brief request to the White House operator to summon Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to the Oval Office. This administrative instruction serves as a precursor to a scheduled meeting between the two men. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon initiates a call to Speaker of the House Carl B. Albert through the White House operator. The conversation serves solely as a brief administrative request to connect with the Speaker for further discussion. No substantive policy matters or decisions were finalized during this exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to establish communication with Haig. No further substantive discussion occurred during this recording.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the status of Vietnam peace negotiations following an update from Henry Kissinger, focusing on the administration's frustration with Hanoi's delays and the need to pressure South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. Nixon directed Haig to initiate a subtle, low-key communication with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to cancel the upcoming visit of Tricia Nixon Cox to the Soviet Union. This action was intended as a calculated diplomatic signal to the Soviets that the U.S. was preparing to resume significant military activity in Vietnam.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. The call served as a routine administrative request to reach a high-level advisor. No further substantive discussion or policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Manolo Sanchez, his longtime personal valet. This brief communication served solely as a directive to initiate contact with a member of the President's personal staff. No other substantive policy or political matters were discussed during this interaction.
President Nixon contacted his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to relay a request for refreshments for a guest staying in the Lincoln Room. Nixon instructed Sanchez to deliver brandy to the visitor immediately. Sanchez acknowledged the order and committed to fulfilling the request promptly.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to contact General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to arrange a meeting. The President directed that this meeting take place at his Executive Office Building workspace. This brief exchange served as a logistical coordination to facilitate an immediate consultation with his aide.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a personal telephone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The brief interaction served exclusively as a request to connect with her. No further policy or administrative matters were discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower discuss coordinating a meeting between Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler and First Lady Pat Nixon regarding Julie’s career plans. Following consultation with H.R. Haldeman, the President decides to facilitate the outreach himself to ensure a direct discussion. The President tasks Ziegler with calling the First Lady to schedule a meeting for that afternoon.
H. R. Haldeman contacts the White House operator to issue a brief administrative directive. He requests that Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler report to his office in the Executive Office Building immediately. No further discussion occurs during this short exchange beyond this scheduling instruction.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the status of Vietnam peace negotiations following Haig's recent communication with Henry Kissinger. They address Kissinger’s exhausted state and sensitive mood upon his return, agreeing to postpone a meeting until he has rested. Haig commits to sending Kissinger a message that conveys the President's strategic input regarding future planning and Vice President Agnew's upcoming trip in a manner that avoids unnecessary friction.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to economist Milton Friedman. The purpose of the request was to connect with Friedman at the Mayo Clinic for a consultation. No further discussion or substantive policy matters occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to clarify the identity and location of economist Milton Friedman, whom Treasury Secretary George Shultz had recommended for contact. The President initially expressed confusion due to conflicting information suggesting the contact might be a physician requiring heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic. After verifying that the individual was indeed the prominent academic professor rather than an ear, nose, and throat doctor, the President confirmed the correct contact information.
President Nixon telephoned economist Milton Friedman to offer his personal best wishes ahead of Friedman’s upcoming heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Informed of the procedure by George Shultz, Nixon expressed his high regard for Friedman’s intellect and importance to the nation. The brief exchange focused on morale and well-wishes, with Nixon encouraging a swift recovery.
President Nixon initiates a routine administrative request through the White House operator to be connected with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The brief interaction serves solely as a bridge to facilitate communication between the President and his senior staff member. No policy matters or substantive discussions occur during this exchange.
President Nixon consulted with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler regarding a strategy to secure increased television coverage for the White House Christmas decorations. Nixon directed Ziegler to arrange a tour of the festive displays, led by either First Lady Pat Nixon or Julie Nixon Eisenhower, specifically requesting that the broadcast feature the decor rather than include a presidential interview. Ziegler agreed to coordinate with NBC and Barbara Walters to facilitate the filming, aiming for a segment that would capture the aesthetic of the decorations while excluding the President from any on-camera dialogue.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent communication with General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The brief exchange served solely as a logistical request to establish a telephone connection with the General. No further policy or strategic matters were discussed during this short administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the deteriorating status of Vietnam peace negotiations and the necessity of resuming military action to break the current diplomatic impasse. They determine that Henry Kissinger’s suggestion to continue talks in Paris into January is unacceptable, as it would expose the administration to charges of deceit. Instead, they decide to move forward with aggressive military measures, including mining and bombing, while framing the escalation as a necessary response to North Vietnam’s failure to return American prisoners of war. To ensure internal unity, they plan a small, private National Security Council meeting to align key advisors like Secretary of State William Rogers and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird on this strategy.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The brief exchange served solely to facilitate this communication. No further policy or administrative matters were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon initiated a call to the White House operator to be connected with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, who was in London. This brief communication served solely as a logistical request to establish contact with his family member. No policy matters or official developments were discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate social scheduling and personal arrangements during this call. The President tasks Julie with extending a dinner invitation to Rose Mary Woods and facilitates plans for a dinner with Alice Roosevelt Longworth by asking Julie to consult with First Lady Pat Nixon. Additionally, they briefly discuss David Eisenhower's new employment and coordinate logistics regarding the First Lady's upcoming travel plans to California.
President Nixon held a brief telephone conversation with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, to discuss her ongoing trip to the United Kingdom. Nixon provided her with specific messages of support to convey to British Prime Minister Edward Heath and noted his intention to reach out to J. Paul Getty for his 80th birthday. The President also briefly touched upon the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining pressure until a resolution is reached.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to initiate a call to J. Paul Getty in London. The purpose of this communication was for the President to extend birthday wishes to Getty in honor of his 80th birthday. The operator confirmed the request and proceeded to facilitate the international connection.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. This brief administrative interaction was initiated solely to facilitate personal communication between the President and his family. No policy matters or substantive governmental issues were addressed during the brief exchange.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate holiday social engagements and confirm the inclusion of key guests like Rose Mary Woods and Alice Roosevelt Longworth. The discussion focuses on ensuring proper dinner invitations to prevent potential interpersonal friction and finalizing informal meal plans. Additionally, the pair briefly touches upon the logistical status of a refrigerator repair being managed by Rex Scouten.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to connect him with William E. Timmons, then serving as the Assistant to the President for Congressional Relations. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate a telephone communication with Timmons. No further policy discussions or substantive developments were recorded in this initial contact.
President Nixon directs William E. Timmons to compile and deliver documentation regarding a specific legislative amendment sponsored by Senator Michael J. Mansfield. The request focuses on obtaining the exact language of the amendment, which concerned a four-month prison provision, alongside relevant voting records. Timmons commits to delivering this information to the Executive Office Building immediately to support the administration's tracking of congressional activities.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate an outgoing call to industrialist Jean Paul Getty. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to connect the President with Getty for undisclosed purposes. No further policy discussions or significant developments occurred during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon telephoned Jean Paul Getty to extend warm personal wishes on the occasion of Getty’s 80th birthday. The conversation served to reaffirm their ongoing friendship and included a brief mention of Tricia Nixon Cox’s travel plans to 10 Downing Street. Getty expressed his strong personal support for the President’s administration before the call concluded with mutual well-wishes.
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to facilitate an immediate meeting with special counsel Charles W. Colson. This brief interaction serves as a directive to bring a key staff member into the Oval Office for consultation. The primary objective is to establish direct communication with Colson to address ongoing administrative or political business.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Arthur Krock, a prominent former New York Times columnist. Despite reports that Krock was currently in poor health, Nixon expressed a desire to reach him directly. The President advised the operator to consult his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to secure the necessary contact information to complete the call.
President Nixon called veteran journalist Arthur Krock to express his well-wishes regarding Krock's declining health. The conversation focused on their long-standing professional relationship and mutual admiration, with Nixon reflecting on his political career and the significance of his 1972 electoral victory. Nixon also took the opportunity to critique contemporary journalism, noting his appreciation for Krock's past objectivity compared to the current state of the New York Times.
H. R. Haldeman contacts the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to Secretary of the Treasury George P. Shultz. The conversation is strictly logistical, serving as a brief request to connect with the Secretary. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occur during this brief administrative exchange.
H. R. Haldeman and George Shultz discuss potential personnel reassignments within the administration, specifically considering moving Dr. Edward E. David, Jr. from his role to head NASA while potentially appointing Dixy Lee Ray to the Atomic Energy Commission. The pair also touches on the organizational structure of federal science advising and research, including the possible relocation of functions out of the White House. Additionally, Shultz provides an update on an IRS matter, which Haldeman plans to address further with John Mitchell.
President Nixon initiates a call to Senate Majority Leader Michael J. Mansfield through the White House operator. The primary purpose of this brief communication is to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and the Senator. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occur during this logistical interaction.
President Nixon and Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield discuss establishing a more collaborative, bipartisan approach to legislative affairs for the upcoming congressional term. Nixon expresses a desire to move beyond strictly partisan leadership meetings, proposing instead a regular, small-group format with top congressional leaders to address complex issues such as the energy crisis. The two agree to meet after the first of the year to further develop this framework, maintaining confidentiality to avoid political friction within their respective parties.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to facilitate a meeting at the White House with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and his close confidant, Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo. The brief exchange served primarily to initiate the scheduling of these individuals for a personal visit. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this administrative request.
Bebe Rebozo contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call to Shelley A. Buchanan. The operator fulfilled the request to connect Rebozo to this external party. No substantive policy discussions or political developments occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
Bebe Rebozo contacted Shelley A. Buchanan to inquire about the status of an individual named Mrs. Snowden. Buchanan reported that she had not yet returned or made contact. Rebozo concluded the brief exchange by instructing Buchanan to have the operator track him down as soon as any word from Mrs. Snowden was received.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection. The primary purpose of this brief communication was to initiate a call to Charles W. Colson. No further policy or substantive matters were discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategy for upcoming administrative appointments, media relations, and the political fallout of potential military action in Vietnam. Nixon affirms his support for George D. Webster’s IRS nomination despite tax audit concerns and directs Colson to place David E. Bradshaw at the FCC to counter network influence. Furthermore, they discuss mobilizing administration supporters, including labor leaders, to defend the anticipated resumption of U.S. bombing in North Vietnam while maintaining public approval for the administration's 'new majority' strategy.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield coordinated final preparations and logistics for a White House dinner scheduled for December 16, 1972. Following the resignation of John B. Connally, who was slated to be the respondent, Nixon decided that Secretary of State William P. Rogers should serve in that role. Additionally, the President confirmed that Vice President Spiro Agnew and Mrs. Agnew would join him and the First Lady in receiving guests.
President Nixon directed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Thomas G. Dunn, the Mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The brief exchange served as a logistical request for the operator to facilitate the connection. No further discussion or substantive policy deliberations occurred during this short communication.
President Nixon called Thomas G. Dunn to offer personal encouragement ahead of the mayor's scheduled open-heart surgery. Building on a conversation Nixon had with Dunn’s son the previous night, the President expressed confidence in the mayor's recovery and reaffirmed his appreciation for Dunn's political support. The exchange served as a gesture of goodwill and moral support during a critical health challenge.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to request a connection to Alexander P. Butterfield. The call serves as an administrative bridge to facilitate direct communication with a key staff member. No further policy or substantive matters were addressed during this short routing request.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield to clarify why John B. Connally and Melvin R. Laird were absent from an upcoming White House dinner. Butterfield was unable to provide a specific reason for Connally’s absence or his current whereabouts. The brief exchange highlights the President's personal attention to guest list management and the logistical uncertainty surrounding the attendance of key political figures.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call. The primary purpose of this interaction was to reach Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. No further substantive discussion occurred during this brief request for assistance.
President Nixon consults Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler regarding Henry Kissinger’s public demeanor during a recent television briefing on Vietnam negotiations. The two discuss the importance of managing public expectations for a lasting peace and assess the likely domestic response to renewed U.S. bombing in North Vietnam. Nixon and Ziegler agree to maintain their course of action, dismissing concerns that Hanoi’s predictable outcry or negative media coverage from figures like David Brinkley will significantly alter public support for the administration's endgame.
H. R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler coordinate the strategic release of information regarding the appointment of Anne L. Armstrong as Counselor to the President. Rather than utilizing the Washington Star, they decide to leak the announcement to friendly newspapers in Texas to maximize the impact of the news. Haldeman tasks Ziegler with finalizing the details and identifying the appropriate media outlets before they meet in person to formalize the plan.
H. R. Haldeman contacts the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to Anne L. Armstrong. The brief exchange focuses solely on coordinating this connection, reflecting routine administrative efforts to reach the presidential counselor. No further policy discussions or significant strategic decisions are addressed in this fragment.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator in an attempt to reach Anne L. Armstrong, who is believed to be at the Mayflower Hotel. Despite sightings of Armstrong near an elevator, the operator reports an inability to locate or contact her. Haldeman instructs the operator to continue efforts to establish a connection.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to locate Counselor to the President Anne L. Armstrong for an urgent conversation with Richard Nixon. After initial efforts to find her at the Mayflower Hotel prove unsuccessful, Haldeman instructs the operator to check with the Republican National Committee and contact her husband in Texas. The search highlights the administration's priority in reaching Armstrong for immediate consultation.
H. R. Haldeman informs Anne L. Armstrong that the White House has leaked to the Washington Star her appointment as a Cabinet-rank Counselor to the President. They discuss the scope of her new role, which will focus on broad policy matters including women's issues, and address the logistical arrangement of splitting her time between Washington, D.C., and Texas. To solidify her new position, Haldeman instructs Armstrong to attend a Cabinet dinner that evening, providing her with logistical support and emphasizing the importance of her immediate transition into her new official duties.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a personal phone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. He instructed the operator to attempt to reach her in her room and provided instructions for her to return the call to the Lincoln Sitting Room if she was unavailable. This brief communication served solely as a logistical request for the President's private family correspondence.
President Nixon communicated with the White House operator to confirm the arrival of his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The operator provided a status update regarding Julie’s progress in the elevator as she headed toward the President's location. This brief exchange served primarily to facilitate the President's awareness of his daughter's movement within the White House.
President Nixon initiated a brief administrative request to the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his Press Secretary, Ronald L. Ziegler. The interaction served solely as a functional bridge to reach a key staff member during the President’s early morning hours. No substantive policy matters or broader political discussions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Special Counsel Charles W. Colson. This brief communication served as a formal request to initiate a direct line to Colson. No further substantive discussion or decision-making was recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss press coverage of Henry Kissinger’s recent briefing regarding the stalled Vietnam peace negotiations. They evaluate how the media, particularly the Washington Post, received Kissinger’s portrayal of North Vietnamese intransigence and his explanation of the stalled talks. Nixon emphasizes the importance of framing the negotiations as a deliberate, controlled effort directed by the White House, rather than a process dictated by Kissinger’s personal emotional state or past rhetoric.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the success of White House events aimed at building a 'New Majority' by engaging supporters outside the traditional political elite, including labor and Democratic voters. The conversation also addresses the public and media reaction to the recent Vietnam peace negotiations and Henry Kissinger's briefings. Nixon expresses a strategic preference for immediate military escalation, specifically the use of B-52s, arguing that absorbing political heat now is preferable to delaying the conflict.
President Nixon contacts the White House operator to place an outgoing call to H.R. "Bob" Haldeman. The brief exchange serves as a logistical request to establish communication with his Chief of Staff. No further policy or substantive matters are addressed during this transition.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed scheduling for upcoming meetings with Maurice Stans and reviewed plans to meet with John Ehrlichman to finalize personnel appointments. They also evaluated the public perception of Henry Kissinger’s recent press briefing regarding the Vietnam peace negotiations, noting that the status of talks with Hanoi appeared stalled. Additionally, the conversation touched on the success of the recent Cabinet dinner, specifically praising the musical performance by Fred Waring and the positive reception of the event by guests.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to connect him with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief exchange served as a logistical precursor to a high-level policy discussion between the President and his advisor. The call highlights the established communication procedures used by the President to facilitate direct, secure contact with his top foreign policy official during the height of the Vietnam peace negotiations.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the diplomatic and military strategy regarding the Vietnam peace negotiations, specifically focusing on the necessity of resuming air strikes to force Hanoi to settle. Nixon emphasized that taking military action now was critical, as it avoided the constraints of consulting with Congress and created an enforceable agreement before the upcoming inauguration. They also analyzed the lack of cooperation from South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu and finalized plans for a private dinner with Alice Roosevelt Longworth and other select guests.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call through the White House operator to contact his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The exchange serves solely as a connection request to facilitate a private family conversation. No policy matters or administrative decisions are addressed during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate the logistical details for an upcoming dinner with Alice Roosevelt Longworth. The discussion focuses on confirming the start time, the dress code, and the guest list, which includes Henry Kissinger. They finalize the arrangements for the small, five-person gathering to ensure it meets the preferences of their guest of honor.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discuss potential plans for the First Lady, Pat Nixon, to visit Camp David. The conversation centers on coordinating the First Lady's schedule around a diplomatic reception planned for the following day. Julie agrees to contact her mother to gauge her interest in the trip and report back to the President.
President Richard Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate the logistical details for a planned trip to Camp David. The two discuss departure timing to ensure they arrive early enough to enjoy a swim at the retreat. They ultimately decide to depart at approximately 3:45 pm to maximize their time at the facility.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a communication with the office of military aide Lieutenant Colonel William L. Golden. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to initiate this specific line of contact. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief connection.
President Nixon consulted with Lt. Col. William L. Golden to finalize arrangements for a short trip to Camp David. Nixon requested that departure be expedited, prompting the President to set a departure time for 30 minutes following the call. The logistics were settled with the understanding that the President would return to the White House the following day around noon.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a phone call to his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull. This brief administrative interaction served to facilitate direct communication with a member of the President's immediate staff. No substantive policy discussions or complex decision-making occurred during this short exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to arrange contact with his staff regarding scheduling and communication. After learning that Stephen B. Bull was unavailable due to his attendance at a football game, Nixon directed the operator to attempt to reach H. R. Haldeman instead. This brief exchange highlights the President's efforts to maintain administrative connectivity while his aides were away from their posts.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated scheduling logistics regarding the President's upcoming trip to Camp David and his return for a diplomatic reception. Nixon instructed Haldeman to postpone a meeting with Maurice Stans and finalized plans for a 3:00 p.m. meeting with Haldeman and John Ehrlichman upon his return. The conversation ensured administrative alignment for the President's itinerary for December 18 and 19.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a call to his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to facilitate communication between the President and his top foreign policy aide. No further substantive discussions occurred during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated logistics for a dinner event before pivoting to a critical discussion regarding stalled Vietnam peace negotiations. They debated the merits of pursuing a bilateral deal with North Vietnam while assessing the risks of a potential collapse of the South Vietnamese government under President Thieu. The two leaders also analyzed the psychological impact of recent U.S. mining and bombing campaigns on Hanoi, while strategizing how to manage domestic political pressure and potential leaks regarding the failed talks.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to White House Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The purpose of the exchange is solely to request that the operator connect him to Ziegler. No further substantive policy or strategic discussions occur during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler discuss Ziegler’s post-briefing status to coordinate a brief, informal meeting. Nixon invites Ziegler to meet with him at the Executive Office Building following the completion of Ziegler's duties. This brief exchange serves to organize the President’s afternoon schedule and facilitate a direct consultation.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful completion of the second wave of B-52 bombing raids over North Vietnam, noting that only one aircraft sustained damage. Kissinger reports that Soviet news agency TASS has already publicized the strikes on Hanoi’s marshalling yards, confirming the effectiveness of the attack. Both men justify the escalation as a necessary strategic response, concluding that they had no other viable options to force the North Vietnamese to take notice.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a meeting with his Special Counsel, Charles W. Colson. This brief administrative interaction served as an official request to coordinate the President's schedule. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this short communication.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to Senator-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of Delaware. The objective of this brief administrative request was to establish direct communication with the incoming legislator. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this connection attempt.
President Nixon called newly elected Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to offer his personal condolences following the tragic automobile accident that claimed the lives of Biden’s wife, Nealia, and their daughter. During the brief exchange, Nixon expressed sympathy for the family's loss and encouraged the grieving Senator to look toward his future career. Drawing on his own experience entering the House of Representatives at a young age, Nixon sought to provide comfort and encouragement to Biden during his period of profound personal crisis.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. This brief administrative interaction served to facilitate direct communication between the President and his senior aide. No further policy or substantive matters were discussed during this brief connection.
President Nixon attempted to reach Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman, who was unavailable while attending an event at the Washington National Cathedral. Upon learning of the delay, the President redirected the operator to initiate a call to Undersecretary of Defense Kenneth Rush. The conversation reflects Nixon’s efforts to conduct official business regarding the Department of Defense during the evening hours.
President Nixon directed Ambassador Kenneth Rush to investigate Gordon Wade Rule, the Director of the Procurement Control and Clearance Division, following the publication of an article by Rule that the President perceived as insubordinate. Nixon demanded an immediate explanation for the piece or for Rule to be removed from his position. Rush was instructed to report back to the President within thirty minutes regarding the status of the official.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The conversation served primarily as an administrative request to facilitate this communication. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst coordinate a strategy to persuade NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to lift the television blackout on upcoming playoff games. The administration proposes a compromise where regular-season games retain broadcast protection while postseason games are made available to the public, similar to the World Series model. Nixon directs Kleindienst to publicly announce his involvement in these negotiations and personally promises to veto any congressional legislation that would mandate the end of all professional football blackouts.
President Nixon and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rush discuss the administrative removal of Gordon Wade Rule, a career civil servant suspected of long-term insubordination. Because Rule holds civil service protections that prevent immediate termination, the President authorizes Rush to strip him of all official responsibilities and initiate formal disciplinary charges. The conversation underscores the administration's determination to discipline Rule despite his established influence among congressional allies.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the progress and strategic effectiveness of the ongoing B-52 bombing campaign in Vietnam, noting the disruption of Radio Hanoi and minimal public backlash. Kissinger reported that Alexander Haig would soon provide updates from his meetings with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, with both men agreeing that the military pressure was necessary to enforce a potential peace agreement. Additionally, the President confirmed upcoming diplomatic appointments, including William Sullivan as ambassador to the Philippines and Marshall Green to Australia.
President Nixon initiates a request for the White House operator to contact Charles W. Colson. The primary purpose of the communication is to summon Colson for a meeting at the Executive Office Building. No further substantive policy or political discussions occur during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Stephen Bull discuss a request from Murray Chotiner for a personal meeting with the President. The group reviews Chotiner’s recent history with the administration, specifically noting his past criticisms of the 1972 campaign operations managed by Clark MacGregor. The discussion concludes with the President deciding to accommodate the request for a brief, personal meeting.
President Nixon coordinated with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to First Lady Pat Nixon. He also provided logistical instructions regarding a 4:15 helicopter departure and requested that his schedule be cleared to ensure his timely exit. The conversation focused on managing the President's immediate movements and personal communications.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed scheduling a brief meeting between the President and Edward V. Jones, a volunteer who worked on White House refurbishing. The First Lady requested the encounter so that the President could meet Jones and his grandchildren. Nixon agreed to accommodate the request in the Oval Office at 2:15 p.m. and requested that a small gift be prepared for the children.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection. The primary purpose of this brief interaction was to request that a call be placed to Stephen B. Bull. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon coordinated his afternoon schedule with Stephen B. Bull to accommodate several appointments in the Oval Office. Nixon finalized plans to meet with Edward V. Jones and his grandchildren to present them with gifts. Additionally, he scheduled an afternoon meeting with journalist Saul Pett to take place at 3:00 p.m.
President Richard Nixon initiated a telephone call through the White House operator, but the attempt was unsuccessful. No substantive discussion occurred as the connection failed to materialize. The record serves as documentation of an aborted communication attempt during this period.
President Nixon requested a telephone connection with special counsel Charles W. Colson to discuss administrative or political matters. Upon learning that Colson was currently commuting, the President authorized the operator to instruct Colson to return the call once he reached home. This brief exchange served solely as a logistical arrangement to facilitate a future private conversation between the two men.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his aide, Stephen B. Bull. This routine administrative interaction served the purpose of initiating a direct communication line between the President and a member of his staff. No further substantive policy matters were addressed during this brief request.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a personal call to his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The brief interaction served exclusively as a procedural request to initiate this private communication. No further substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were addressed during the exchange.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a call to Hobart D. Lewis. The operator informed the President that Lewis was currently in transit and requested that the President wait approximately ten minutes for him to arrive at his destination. Nixon acknowledged the delay, setting the stage for the operator to facilitate the connection once Lewis became available.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to determine the location and availability of Charles W. Colson. Upon learning that Colson was attending an event at the Motion Picture Association, the President decided against immediate contact. He ultimately opted to defer the communication until the following day.
President Nixon and a White House operator coordinated a phone call for the President to speak with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The operator informed Nixon that Julie was currently on the line with her husband, David Eisenhower. Consequently, the President instructed the operator to call him back once Julie’s line became available.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone call to his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, through a White House operator. Upon learning that she was unavailable for the next hour or more, the President opted to leave a message. The interaction served as a logistical attempt to coordinate communication regarding Tricia’s current schedule.
President Nixon initiated a call through the White House operator to place an outgoing telephone communication. The attempt was unsuccessful and resulted in an aborted connection. No substantive policy discussions or administrative actions were recorded during this brief exchange.