Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 36
Nixon White House Tape 36 (January 19, 1973 – January 31, 1973)
141 conversations · White House Telephone · about 5 hr 30 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Ziegler, Colson
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to contact staff members Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate an urgent meeting. The President directed that Price report to his Executive Office Building (EOB) office immediately. These requests initiated a series of administrative actions to facilitate direct communication with key aides.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate scheduling for upcoming meetings with Henry Kissinger and Raymond K. Price, Jr. Nixon prioritized completing his work with Price before meeting with Kissinger at 10:00 am. Bull was instructed to ensure Kissinger notified the President immediately upon his arrival at the White House.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone communication through the White House operator to contact his aide, Stephen B. Bull. The sole purpose of the call was to facilitate this connection for further presidential business. No substantive policy matters or historical developments were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon coordinates with aide Stephen B. Bull to schedule a photo opportunity with Press Secretary Ron Ziegler regarding the drafting of his 1973 Inaugural address. The President stipulates that the session must occur at the Executive Office Building at 1:15 pm to avoid disrupting his afternoon agenda. This brief logistical exchange ensures the President maintains necessary focus time for his writing while accommodating media requirements.
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 procedural request to connect the President with his daughter. No substantive policy matters or administrative business were discussed during the call.
President Richard Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discuss final logistical arrangements for the upcoming 1973 presidential inauguration ceremonies. They coordinate seating arrangements for official events, deciding to keep box seating restricted to family members rather than including the Marriott family. Additionally, they address the absence of Alice Roosevelt Longworth due to illness and consider potential guests to fill the resulting vacancy in the front row seating.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request an immediate meeting with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler in the Oval Office. He emphasized the urgency of the request by instructing the operator to provide an alternative if Ziegler was unavailable. This directive underscores the President's desire for rapid communication with his press secretary regarding his ongoing schedule.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his aide, Stephen B. Bull. This brief administrative exchange served solely to bridge the President to his staff member for further communication. No substantive policy discussions or decisions were recorded during this brief operator-assisted request.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinate seating arrangements for the 1973 inaugural concerts to ensure specific high-profile guests are positioned for optimal public appearances. The discussion focuses on accommodating Billy Graham, Mamie Eisenhower, and the J. Willard Marriott family within the designated boxes. Nixon specifically instructs Bull to ensure that he and his guests appear together in a front-row grouping at the symphonic concert for favorable photography.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Raymond K. Price, Jr. The brief exchange serves strictly as an administrative procedure to connect the President with his speechwriter. No substantive policy discussions or policy-related decisions are conducted during this brief interaction.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate communication with his staff. After learning that speechwriter Raymond K. Price was unavailable at the Kennedy Center, the President requested to be connected with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. This brief interaction served as a logistical attempt to coordinate administrative outreach.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to Marjorie P. Acker. He specifically suggested reaching out to Rose Mary Woods if the operator was unable to facilitate the connection. This brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to establish communication with these individuals.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to facilitate a return call from either his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, or Marjorie K. Acker. The President indicated that he was available to speak with either woman once they arrived home for the evening. This brief exchange served solely to manage communication logistics between the President and his staff.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to verify the text of his upcoming 1973 inaugural speech after noticing a potentially missing sentence regarding treaty commitments. The President expressed concern that the line, "We shall defend our interests," had been inadvertently or deliberately omitted from his current draft. To resolve the discrepancy, Nixon directed Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to provide Woods with the official press copy for confirmation.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. This brief administrative interaction served as a formal request to facilitate communication between the President and his top aide. No further policy or strategic matters were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman debriefed following the 1973 Inaugural concerts, expressing general satisfaction with the performances and the decision to diversify the entertainment offerings compared to previous years. They discussed the logistics of celebrity involvement and the importance of recognizing performers who supported the President, while specifically ensuring that figures like Frank Rizzo and John Connally were properly accommodated. Additionally, Nixon directed Haldeman to contact Robert Finch in California to clarify the reason for his absence from the inaugural festivities, concerned that it might be perceived negatively.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate an urgent telephone call to Charles W. Colson. The brief exchange served solely to request that the operator connect the President to Colson. No further discussion or substantive policy matters were addressed during this short interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson spoke in the early hours of his second inauguration to discuss the success of inaugural events and coordinate the inclusion of political allies during the upcoming parade. Nixon sought to bolster his "New Majority" coalition by inviting key labor and veteran supporters, such as Peter J. Brennan and Frank Fitzsimmons, to stand with him in the reviewing stand. They also reviewed favorable polling data and political strategy, agreeing to maintain a firm stance against war critics while anticipating that the impending Vietnam peace settlement would silence opposition and vindicate the administration's bombing policies.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss Robert H. Finch’s decision to travel to the Virgin Islands during the 1973 inauguration events. While Herbert G. Klein confirmed that Finch had prior business and personal commitments, the President and Haldeman expressed concern that missing the official inaugural festivities would be perceived negatively. Ultimately, the President directed that any public inquiries regarding Finch's absence should be handled by Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to establish communication with Kissinger. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this connection attempt.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the final stages of the Vietnam peace negotiations, focusing on overcoming President Nguyen Van Thieu's resistance to the proposed agreement. They agreed that Nixon would send a firm message to Thieu emphasizing that the U.S. will proceed with initialing the agreement by Tuesday, while leveraging the threat of a potential Congressional aid cutoff to secure his cooperation. Nixon also issued strict orders to withhold information about the deal from international allies, including Canada and Australia, until shortly before the public announcement.
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to speechwriter Raymond K. Price. This brief communication serves solely as a logistical bridge to connect the President with a member of his staff. No substantive policy discussions occur during this exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator in an attempt to reach speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. After the operator reported difficulty in locating Price, Nixon decided to cancel the request, deeming it too late to connect. The President opted to defer the communication until later in the day, concluding the brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Mr. Holloman or, alternatively, to Stephen B. Bull. The request served as a brief administrative communication to facilitate immediate contact with his staff. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this short exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to issue instructions regarding his outgoing communications. He explicitly requested the cancellation of planned telephone calls to key aides H. R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull. The President confirmed he had already received the necessary information, rendering the scheduled contacts with his staff unnecessary.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to his close friend, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. Nixon suggested that Rebozo could likely be reached at his room, though he clarified that the communication was not urgent if Rebozo was unavailable. The conversation served solely as an administrative request to facilitate this private connection.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request an immediate telephone connection to Robert H. Taylor. The interaction served as a brief administrative directive to facilitate communication with the Secret Service agent. No further policy or substantive matters were discussed during this short exchange.
President Nixon contacted Robert H. Taylor to inquire about an incident where a youth attempted to rush the presidential vehicle during his second inauguration day. Concerned about security protocols, the President specifically demanded to know if formal charges were filed against the individual or if he had been released. Taylor committed to investigating the status of the detainee and reporting back to the President with the details.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to be connected with his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger. This brief administrative interaction serves as the preliminary step for a high-level diplomatic or policy consultation. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief connection attempt.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the progress of negotiations with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu regarding the Vietnam peace agreement. Kissinger reported that Thieu had effectively moved past his objections to the accord and was likely maneuvering for domestic political optics. The two finalized plans to meet the following morning at the Executive Office Building to consolidate the final facts before Kissinger's departure and the President’s anticipated public announcement.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the coordination of public messaging regarding Nixon's upcoming meetings with Alexander Haig and Henry Kissinger. They also reviewed the drafting process of the 1973 inaugural address, specifically clarifying the timeline of Nixon's final revisions to the concluding paragraph. Furthermore, they addressed a clerical error that omitted a significant line about treaty commitments and foreign policy interests from the official press copies.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to initiate communication with his key advisor. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this short logistical interaction.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the status of the Vietnam peace agreement following Haig's recent trip to Southeast Asia. They assess South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu's reluctance to publicly support the deal, noting that while Thieu is privately complying for survival, he remains concerned about his political standing. The two men coordinate their press strategy through Press Secretary Ron Ziegler and discuss plans for a future meeting with Thieu in San Clemente to solidify the agreement.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent telephone call to National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This administrative interaction highlights the President's reliance on the operator for coordinating high-level communications during the Nixon administration. No further details regarding the substance of the eventual discussion with Kissinger are available from this specific recording.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the final stages of the Vietnam peace negotiations, focusing on ensuring South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu’s compliance with the impending agreement. Kissinger briefs the President on technical details, including language regarding personal weapons and the planned schedule for his upcoming meetings in Paris. The two leaders agree on the strategic value of including the South Vietnamese Foreign Minister in these talks to provide Thieu with a face-saving "fig leaf" while finalizing the transition toward a ceasefire.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. This brief administrative interaction served as the necessary step to initiate communication between the President and Haig. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the drafting of the President's upcoming public announcement regarding the Vietnam peace settlement. The two men focused on streamlining the length of the statement and ensuring it provided necessary reassurances to South Vietnam while projecting strength against domestic political opponents. Nixon tasked Haig with reviewing the final draft later that day and coordinating with Henry Kissinger to manage potential scheduling adjustments for the treaty process.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to issue a directive for a staff meeting. He requested that speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. join him at the Executive Office Building (EOB). The brief exchange concluded with the President instructing the operator to deliver materials to his location as soon as they were available.
President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to secure airtime for an upcoming presidential address regarding a special announcement. The discussion centers on the protocol for scheduling the broadcast, which concerns the impending cease-fire announcement. Nixon emphasizes the importance of following his instructions to request the necessary time slots for the following day.
President Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower discuss the distribution of recordings from a recent inaugural church service. Julie informs the President that excerpts of the service have already been broadcast on news programs and that preparations are underway to mail tapes of the event. The two consider whether to send these recordings to the approximately 53,000 individuals who were invited to the inauguration, ultimately agreeing to further evaluate the logistical feasibility of such a mass mailing.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to summon Charles W. Colson to his office. The call serves as an administrative bridge to facilitate an immediate in-person meeting between the President and his special counsel. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon directed Raymond K. Price, Jr. to transmit a speech draft to him for review. The two discussed their immediate availability to coordinate on this document and other pending matters. Price committed to sending the materials shortly and remaining on standby for further instruction from the President.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to connect him with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The conversation serves solely as a logistical bridge to facilitate direct communication with his aide. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occur during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon instructed Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to implement an immediate ban on all communication between White House staff and Time magazine. This directive was prompted by a negative story regarding Charles W. Colson and John N. Mitchell. Nixon ordered that any staff member, including National Security Council personnel, found violating this policy—specifically mentioning Jerold L. Schecter—must have their resignation submitted within one minute.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. This brief interaction served as a logistical step to initiate communication with a key staff member. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this request.
President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to enforce a strict information blackout regarding a sensitive timing issue, specifically tasking Ziegler with instructing Alexander Haig to police the Pentagon's compliance. Nixon expresses frustration over perceived malicious leaks from the State Department and demands that Ziegler silence members of the Domestic Council, including staff under George Shultz. The conversation serves as a directive to centralize control over communications and neutralize internal dissent across key executive departments.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to contact speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. The President explicitly requests that Price come to the Oval Office immediately. This brief administrative interaction serves as a call for consultation with a key member of the Nixon speechwriting staff.
H. R. Haldeman initiated a telephone call to the President's personal physician, Dr. Walter R. Tkach, through the White House operator. While the specific content of the dialogue remains unrecorded, the conversation was part of routine administrative communication between the Chief of Staff and the medical office. No significant policy decisions or actionable directives are documented for this exchange.
H. R. Haldeman and White House physician Dr. Walter R. Tkach discuss the status of Lyndon B. Johnson following reports of his death at his ranch. Tkach confirms that medical personnel and the Secret Service believe Johnson has passed away, despite efforts to keep the information temporarily private. The urgency of the call is driven by President Nixon’s need for verification before he contacts Lady Bird Johnson and issues a formal presidential statement.
Dr. Walter R. Tkach updates H. R. Haldeman on the medical emergency involving former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who is currently being transported by ambulance to a hospital. Tkach reports that Lady Bird Johnson has already arrived at the facility and confirms that he is in direct contact with General Vogel for further status updates. The participants discuss the logistics of the transport while awaiting confirmation of Johnson's condition.
H. R. Haldeman and White House physician Walter R. Tkach discuss the recent death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Tkach confirms that resuscitation efforts at Brooke Army Hospital were unsuccessful and notes that the family is waiting to make an official announcement. Haldeman coordinates the timing for President Nixon to place a condolence call to Lady Bird Johnson once authorization is granted.
President Nixon initiates a request for the White House operator to connect him with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. This brief administrative interaction serves as the preliminary step for the President to establish direct communication with his assistant. No further substantive policy discussions occur during this specific exchange.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the implications of Lyndon B. Johnson’s death on the timing of the impending Vietnam settlement announcement. Nixon expresses concerns about announcing the agreement during a national mourning period and suggests that Henry Kissinger could utilize the news of Johnson’s passing as a strategic delay to accommodate South Vietnamese concerns. Furthermore, Nixon decides against delivering the announcement from the Capitol, opting instead for a more somber address from the White House, and instructs Haig to coordinate the speech draft with Raymond Price.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a telephone call to H. R. “Bob” Haldeman. The brief exchange served as an administrative request to facilitate communication with his Chief of Staff. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss logistical arrangements for the funeral of Lyndon B. Johnson, focusing on Nixon's refusal to attend any services held at the Washington National Cathedral due to personal animosity toward Dean Francis B. Sayre. Nixon instructs Haldeman to ensure the White House press staff is firm regarding his non-attendance and emphasizes his preference for services to be held at the Capitol. Additionally, the President orders the postponement of a planned television address and a dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato to avoid appearing insensitive during the national mourning period.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to his close friend and confidant, Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to facilitate private communication. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief connection.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an immediate connection with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical bridge to initiate a direct line of communication between the President and his primary spokesperson. No further substantive policy matters were addressed during this short exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the difficulty of controlling the narrative regarding the Vietnam peace settlement due to extensive media coverage and public comments from South Vietnamese Foreign Minister Tran Van Lam. Ziegler explained that press plants with The Washington Post and CBS were complicated by the Foreign Minister’s optimistic but unauthorized interviews. The two concluded the call with arrangements for Ziegler to deliver a prepared statement regarding the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Lincoln Room.
President Nixon and Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo discuss the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and the coordination of memorial service attendance. The conversation also touches upon a recent, successful event at the President’s Florida home, which Rebozo describes as having been received with great enthusiasm. Nixon requests that Rebozo make plans to attend the upcoming funeral ceremonies.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the drafting of a formal statement regarding the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. They deliberate on the specific phrasing of the tribute, ultimately deciding to remove a sentence about achieving peace to avoid potential controversy or distraction during upcoming media coverage. Nixon directs Ziegler to finalize the statement, noting that its release should be timed strategically alongside public announcements.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss Colson’s potential lawsuit against the media regarding recent reporting. While Attorney General Richard Kleindienst advised against legal action, Nixon encourages Colson to pursue the case to force a public retraction. The conversation also touches upon the death of Lyndon B. Johnson and its impact on the public perception of the Vietnam War settlement.
President Nixon attempted to reach journalist William S. White via the White House operator. The operator informed the President that White was briefly unavailable after stepping out to a nearby store. No further discussion occurred as the operator confirmed she had left a message for White to return the call.
President Nixon spoke with journalist William S. White to express condolences following the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The two discussed their shared frustration regarding the lack of loyalty Johnson received from members of his own political party during his later years. Nixon also reflected on a recent conversation he had with Johnson, expressing his belief that the former president felt encouraged by the progress of the Vietnam peace negotiations before his passing.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to Colonel Richard T. Kennedy. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to establish communication with Kennedy. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occurred during the exchange.
President Nixon and Colonel Richard T. Kennedy discuss the status of Henry Kissinger’s schedule regarding the Vietnam peace negotiations in Paris. The President seeks confirmation on whether Kissinger intends to return to Washington as planned or delay his arrival due to the passing of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The pair confirms that Kissinger is expected back by 6:00 p.m., and Nixon affirms his commitment to proceed with the scheduled Day of Mourning for Johnson regardless of the diplomatic developments.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call to Stephen B. Bull. The brief communication served solely as a logistical request to establish a connection with his aide. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to locate H.R. Haldeman to discuss urgent matters before the President became occupied with other obligations. Nixon also directed that Alexander M. Haig, Jr. be brought in immediately to join the meeting. Bull was tasked with determining Haldeman's availability without disrupting his current staff meeting while ensuring Haig's prompt arrival.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to issue a directive regarding his staff scheduling. He specifically requested that speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. be summoned to the Executive Office Building. This brief administrative communication facilitated the necessary coordination for Price to meet with the President.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to facilitate an urgent call between Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman and former Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally. The discussion focuses on determining Connally's current location in Jamaica and evaluating the security of communication lines, specifically whether the call can be placed via a secure channel or must go through a commercial operator. The President prioritizes establishing contact with Connally as quickly as possible.
President Nixon initiates a request for the White House operator to connect him with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. This brief administrative interaction serves as a bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and his top aide. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occur during this brief exchange.
President Nixon consults with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. regarding the completion of a drafted message. Following this, the President instructs Haig and Raymond K. Price, Jr. to convene with him at the White House for a follow-up meeting. This brief exchange serves to coordinate the scheduling and review of the finished document.
H. R. Haldeman initiates a request to the White House operator to be connected with Henry Kissinger, who is currently traveling by aircraft. The primary purpose of this brief exchange is to facilitate direct communication between the Chief of Staff and the National Security Advisor. No further substantive policy matters are addressed in this connection attempt.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with William E. Timmons. The brief exchange serves as a logistical arrangement to reach the Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. No substantive policy discussions occur during this brief administrative request.
H. R. Haldeman and William E. Timmons coordinate instructions from President Nixon regarding the timing of a potential joint session of Congress. The primary action item involves Timmons consulting Senator John C. Stennis privately to solicit his personal advice on the matter. This outreach serves to gauge legislative sentiment and determine the President's optimal strategy for scheduling.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with William E. Timmons to facilitate a patched conference call involving John B. Connally and Henry A. Kissinger. The exchange focuses on the technical logistics of establishing this multi-party connection via the White House operator. Haldeman seeks to prioritize communication with Timmons before finalizing the call with Kissinger.
H. R. Haldeman and William E. Timmons coordinate the President's schedule regarding a potential address to Congress in the wake of Lyndon B. Johnson's death and discussions surrounding the Vietnam settlement. After relaying that Senator John C. Stennis advised against a joint session due to the proximity of memorial ceremonies, they decide the President will instead host the "Big Five" congressional leaders that evening. They also finalize plans to convene a broader bipartisan meeting the following morning to discuss legislative engagement and select a group of additional members to attend.
H. R. Haldeman attempted to contact Henry Kissinger via the White House operator to discuss official business. Upon learning that Kissinger was currently sleeping, Haldeman decided to cancel the call entirely rather than leave a message or wait for him to wake. No further administrative or policy actions were taken during this brief exchange.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Alexander Haig coordinated the scheduling of a series of high-level meetings regarding the upcoming Vietnam peace settlement announcement. The group finalized plans for an 8:30 p.m. Cabinet meeting followed by a session with Congressional leadership. Additionally, the President initiated a request for a follow-up telephone call with William E. Timmons to address these administrative preparations.
H. R. Haldeman and William Timmons coordinate the guest list and scheduling for upcoming congressional leadership meetings regarding the Vietnam settlement and federal budget. They discuss the strategic inclusion of "wild card" members—lawmakers with specific interests in the legislation—while managing potential political friction caused by excluding formal leadership figures. The participants finalize the list of attendees and adjust the meeting schedule to accommodate the national mourning period for Lyndon B. Johnson and Henry Kissinger's subsequent press obligations.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to the White House operator to be connected with First Lady Pat Nixon. This administrative exchange serves solely as a request to facilitate private communication with his wife. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions are addressed during this short interaction.
President Nixon calls First Lady Pat Nixon to share the news that Henry Kissinger is returning with a signed Vietnam peace agreement. The President informs her that he plans to deliver a televised announcement regarding the settlement that evening. This brief personal exchange serves to update the First Lady on the successful conclusion of the negotiations.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to his Press Secretary, Ronald L. Ziegler. The brief interaction served solely to facilitate this communication channel between the President and his top spokesperson. No further policy or strategic discussions took place during this exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated media and public relations strategy regarding the upcoming announcement of the Vietnam peace settlement. Nixon instructed Ziegler to restrict media access to a photographic pool, explicitly barring reporters to avoid unauthorized questioning. The President also rejected a joint session of Congress as a backdrop for the address, opting instead for a simpler presentation to minimize the platform provided to political opponents.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to issue a directive regarding Charles W. Colson. He requested that Colson report to him immediately upon returning from his lunch break. This instruction ensured that the President could speak with his special counsel as soon as he became available.
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 logistical step to facilitate direct communication between the President and his senior aide. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occurred during this brief request.
President Nixon contacted Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to enforce a strict directive barring White House staff from communicating with Time magazine journalists Jerrold L. Schecter and Hugh S. Sidey. Nixon demanded that his orders to freeze all cooperation with the publication be fully understood and upheld for the remainder of his term. He confirmed that he would also coordinate with H. R. Haldeman to ensure the policy was consistently implemented across the administration.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a communication connection. The primary purpose of this brief call was to request the placement of a telephone call to Charles W. Colson. No further substantive policy matters were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon initiated a brief communication with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The exchange served as a routine procedural request to connect the President with his key staff member. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the final revisions and distribution protocol for the President's upcoming speech regarding the Vietnam peace settlement. The participants emphasized strict security for the announcement text, mandating that no media access or 'sneak previews' occur until after the President’s delivery. Nixon and Kissinger finalized specific phrasing edits to ensure the speech's tone and message were accurate before its release.
President Nixon contacts the White House operator to place an outgoing call to speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. This brief interaction serves as a routine administrative request to facilitate direct communication with a senior advisor. No substantive policy matters or decisions are discussed beyond the initiation of the connection.
President Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. discuss the positive reception of the Vietnam peace settlement announcement and the notably negative reaction from the press corps. Nixon recounts how Julie Nixon Eisenhower observed CBS reporters appearing distraught by the news, which the President interpreted as a sign of intellectual frustration among journalists who had anticipated a failure. Nixon also reflects on his successful briefing of Congressional leaders and draws stylistic parallels between the clarity of the announcement and his recent inaugural address.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to the White House operator to request a connection with Charles W. Colson. The primary purpose of this interaction is to facilitate communication between the President and his special counsel late in the evening. No substantive policy matters or further developments were recorded in this short exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent telephone call to General Alexander M. Haig. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to establish communication with his close advisor. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the positive public reception of the Vietnam peace settlement and formulated a strategy to leverage this momentum against political critics and the press. They coordinated efforts to mobilize allies, including labor leaders, veterans' groups, and supportive members of Congress, to issue statements that would vindicate the administration's policy and neutralize anti-war voices. Nixon explicitly directed Colson to ensure the White House staff maintained intense pressure throughout the night to control the media narrative and rally the 'silent majority.'
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to cancel a pending call to Alexander Haig, noting that he had already obtained the necessary information elsewhere. He also addressed a request from his brother, Donald Nixon, explicitly refusing to take the call himself. Nixon directed the operator to refer his brother to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, instead.
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 procedural request for the operator to connect the President to his daughter. No policy matters or substantive political issues were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon asks his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to contact his brother, F. Donald Nixon, to explain his unavailability. The President instructs Julie to tell his brother that he has retired early to prepare for an 8:00 a.m. breakfast briefing with congressmen. This request appears intended to manage potential political inquiries regarding a recent broadcast without the President having to speak to his brother directly.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to connect him with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. This brief administrative exchange serves to facilitate urgent communication between the President and his advisor during the late evening. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this specific interaction.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the overwhelmingly positive public and political reception of the Vietnam peace settlement, contrasting it with the visible frustration of the news media, specifically CBS reporters. Nixon expresses satisfaction at having outmaneuvered congressional critics like Mike Mansfield and Tip O'Neill, while affirming his intent to bypass the established intellectual elite. The two agree on the effectiveness of Nixon's recent address and coordinate Kissinger’s upcoming schedule for congressional briefings.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an urgent connection to his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. The brief exchange served as a logistical bridge to initiate a private communication between the two men. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this operator-assisted request.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the overwhelmingly positive public and political reception to Nixon's televised announcement of the Vietnam peace settlement. They reflected on the strategic decision to deliver the speech independently rather than addressing Congress, which they believed allowed for a more powerful and controlled message. Looking forward, they finalized plans for Henry Kissinger to conduct briefings in both the House and Senate to provide detailed analysis and handle legislative inquiries.
President Nixon and Charles Colson reviewed the positive public and political reception to the President’s announcement of a Vietnam ceasefire. They discussed strategies to maintain momentum and dominate the news cycle by coordinating favorable public statements from labor leaders, veterans, and administration allies while actively countering critical press coverage. Nixon and Colson also evaluated the possibility of delaying the President’s upcoming budget message to ensure that the Vietnam settlement remained the primary focus of public attention.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an immediate connection with his aide, Stephen B. Bull. This brief administrative communication served as a functional request to initiate a follow-up conversation with a member of the President's staff. No further substantive dialogue occurred during this specific exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request an outgoing call to his special counsel, Charles W. Colson. The interaction served as a logistical administrative step to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and a key aide. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief request for assistance.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to coordinate communication with his close associate, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. After confirming the status and expected arrival time of Charles W. Colson, the President requested that the operator initiate a call to Rebozo. The interaction served as a logistical bridge to facilitate private presidential correspondence.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed public relations strategies to capitalize on the positive reception of the Vietnam peace settlement following the President's televised address. The conversation focused on mobilizing political allies, including Henry Cabot Lodge, Melvin Laird, and George H.W. Bush, to champion the agreement and counter criticism from political opponents. They also evaluated media coverage and prioritized maintaining the momentum of the administration's foreign policy achievements over immediate domestic budget confrontations.
President Nixon and Bebe Rebozo discussed the logistics of Rebozo's upcoming attendance at Lyndon B. Johnson's funeral as the President's representative. They reviewed the presentation of ceremonial gifts for the Johnson family and touched upon the public reception of Nixon's recent Vietnam peace announcement. Additionally, Rebozo suggested that the President send a personal emissary to greet released POWs, while Nixon confirmed his upcoming visit to Florida.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to facilitate communication between the President and his top aide. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon directs H. R. Haldeman to convene a meeting with John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, and Charles Colson to discuss shifting the administration's public relations focus from the recent Vietnam settlement to domestic budget issues. Nixon cautions against prioritizing the budget debate, fearing it would allow political opponents to pivot away from the Vietnam issue where they are currently on the defensive. He requests that Colson attend the meeting to provide a perspective aligned with Labor Secretary Peter Brennan’s warnings against engaging in domestic battles on the opponents' terms.
President Nixon initiates a brief communication with the White House operator to facilitate a connection with his aide, Stephen B. Bull. The exchange serves solely as a logistical request for the operator to place the call. No substantive policy discussions or further developments occur during this brief interaction.
President Nixon coordinated with Stephen B. Bull to arrange a meeting with H.R. Haldeman regarding revisions to an upcoming speech. The President established a strict timeline to review these materials before his departure for a funeral later that morning. Bull was tasked with confirming Haldeman's availability to ensure the briefing occurred between 8:45 and 9:15 AM.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone request through the White House operator to be connected with Richard M. Helms. The primary objective of the call was to facilitate immediate communication between the President and the outgoing Director of Central Intelligence. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this connection process.
President Nixon consulted CIA Director Richard Helms regarding his upcoming appointment as Ambassador to Iran and his role in addressing the unstable situation surrounding Iranian oil. Nixon emphasized the need for Helms to exert broader influence over regional stability in the Persian Gulf, suggesting an early trip to the region despite Helms’s initial plans for a mid-March departure. Helms was instructed to consult with John Ehrlichman, Peter Flanigan, and John Connally to prepare for this mission, which aimed to consolidate U.S. interests and intelligence prior to an anticipated crisis.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to William C. Timmons. The brief exchange focuses on locating Timmons to establish contact. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were addressed beyond this logistical request.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator connect him with his Press Secretary, Ronald L. Ziegler. This brief administrative call served as a precursor to a more substantive discussion with his aide. No further dialogue or policy decisions were captured in this specific exchange.
President Nixon consulted Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler about delaying the release of Herbert Stein’s economic report to avoid competition with other news cycles. Despite Ziegler's concerns regarding legal requirements and legislative constraints, Nixon insisted on shifting the briefing to an AM release schedule. The President directed Ziegler to prioritize this change, dismissing potential congressional backlash.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a telephone call with Pat Buchanan. The interaction served strictly as a logistical request to connect the President with his advisor. No substantive policy matters or discussions were addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon consults with Patrick J. Buchanan regarding the manuscript for Buchanan's upcoming book. Nixon expresses strong disapproval of a passage describing the anti-war peace movement as possessing moral courage and conviction. Buchanan quickly agrees to remove the controversial language from the text, successfully satisfying the President's demand.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his special assistant, Patrick J. Buchanan. The brief exchange served as a procedural request to initiate communication with a key staff member. No further policy discussion or substantive deliberation occurred during this specific interaction.
President Nixon speaks with Patrick J. Buchanan to coordinate the preparation of briefing materials for Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The President emphasizes his desire to incorporate Henry Kissinger's specific perspectives into responses for upcoming inquiries. Buchanan confirms that the necessary information is being gathered and arranges to consult with Kissinger that evening.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection to his advisor, Patrick J. Buchanan. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to initiate communication with a member of the President's staff. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief request for the operator's assistance.
President Nixon directed Patrick J. Buchanan to gather data on civilian casualties attributed to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War. This request was intended to counter what the President perceived as biased and distorted reporting by the New York Times regarding war atrocities. Nixon specifically sought evidence of deliberate targeting and assassinations to highlight the enemy's disregard for civilian life.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request a telephone connection with his Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman. The operator informed the President that Haldeman was currently at his residence. No further discussion occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the rescheduling of a meeting with John B. Connally, who postponed his appointment due to urgent negotiations with Algerian representatives. Haldeman confirmed the meeting would occur the following morning, and Nixon requested a briefing on the subject matter prior to his own scheduled afternoon discussion with Connally. The call served to adjust the President's calendar and ensure adequate preparation regarding the Algerian diplomatic situation.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Charles W. Colson and his wife. This brief exchange served exclusively to initiate a connection with the Colson residence. No further policy or administrative matters were addressed during this short administrative interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed strategies for managing public and press perception following the recent Vietnam peace settlement. They reviewed the administration's efforts to counter negative media coverage, mobilize sympathetic columnists, and highlight the support of allies such as John Connally and Barry Goldwater. The conversation also touched upon the desire to maintain political pressure on critical news organizations and "elitist" opponents who, in their view, were frustrated by the successful conclusion of the war.
Henry Kissinger informs President Nixon that Senator John Stennis was shot twice during a robbery outside his home and is currently undergoing surgery at Walter Reed Army Hospital. The two discuss the potential political implications of the shooting, specifically noting that the incident elevates Senator Stuart Symington to acting chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Nixon decides to personally contact Mrs. Stennis to express his concern regarding the Senator’s condition.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to locate Senator John C. Stennis following reports that the Senator had been shot. The President requests immediate information regarding the Senator's current hospital location and asks to be connected to his wife, Coy H. Stennis. This urgent inquiry reflects the administration's immediate response to the violent incident involving the high-ranking legislator.
President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull to gather additional details regarding the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Bull provided updates on the Senator's injuries, his status in exploratory surgery, and the circumstances surrounding what appeared to be an attempted robbery. The call served to ensure the President was accurately informed before he placed a follow-up outreach call to Mrs. Stennis.
President Nixon called Coy H. Stennis to express his concern and offer support following the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis during a robbery outside his home. Mrs. Stennis recounted the details of the attack, describing the young assailants and confirming that the Senator remained conscious after being struck. President Nixon emphasized the Senator's vital importance to the country and instructed his medical team to ensure the Senator received the highest level of care at Walter Reed Army Hospital.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Stephen B. Bull. This brief administrative exchange served as the precursor to a subsequent conversation between the President and his aide. No further policy or substantive matters were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the ongoing investigation into the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. The President inquired about the status of the police report and specific rumors concerning two potential suspects mentioned by Mrs. Stennis. Bull confirmed that authorities had not yet apprehended any suspects in the case.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an immediate telephone connection with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull. The brief interaction served as a logistical step to reach a member of the president's inner staff. No further substantive policy matters were addressed during this specific operator-assisted call.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to urgently gather information regarding the shooting of U.S. Senator John C. Stennis, expressing extreme dissatisfaction with current bureaucratic delays. Nixon bypassed the Secret Service and the Situation Room, explicitly ordering Bull to mobilize the FBI and Washington Metropolitan Police immediately. He further demanded that John W. Dean III be activated to coordinate these efforts and insisted on receiving a comprehensive update within ten minutes.
President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull regarding the status of the investigation into the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Bull provided an update on the coordination between the FBI, under L. Patrick Gray, and the Metropolitan Police to track down the suspects. Nixon demanded an aggressive dragnet in the neighborhood and requested that John Dean or Pat Buchanan prepare a status report on gun control legislation by the following morning.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull. The brief communication served solely as a logistical request to initiate this administrative call. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to contact Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Nixon directed that an announcement be made emphasizing that the President had formally ordered an FBI investigation into the incident. This conversation served to establish the administration's public posture and demonstrate the President’s proactive involvement in the federal response.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to special counsel Charles W. Colson. The exchange was strictly procedural, serving as the administrative request to connect the President with his advisor. No policy discussions or substantive deliberations occurred during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the recent shooting of Senator John C. Stennis, expressing concern over the political impact and the potential for a violent backlash in the South. Nixon mandates that the FBI take immediate jurisdiction over the investigation and instructs his staff to publicize his personal involvement to ensure a robust law enforcement response. The conversation also briefly touches on the political implications of gun control legislation regarding 'Saturday night specials' and the impact of busing policies.
H. R. Haldeman consulted William E. Timmons to assess the sentiment of Mike Mansfield regarding a proposed joint session of Congress. Timmons reported that Mansfield expressed logistical concerns about the late notice, though he remained skeptical of Mansfield's underlying motives. Ultimately, they concluded that while Mansfield would cooperate if necessary, he would prefer that the President not pursue the appearance.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request assistance in locating speechwriter Raymond K. Price. He directed the operator to attempt to reach Price at the Kennedy Center to establish contact. The operator confirmed the request and agreed to notify the President once the individual was located.