Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 393
Nixon White House Tape 393 (January 2, 1973 – January 4, 1973)
14 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 3 hr 25 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Colson, Bull, Kissinger
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and Stephen Bull to discuss press relations, specifically the coverage of Henry Kissinger and John Scali regarding Vietnam. A significant portion of the conversation focused on logistics and public relations strategy for the upcoming memorial service for Harry S. Truman, including confirming the attendance of various political figures and heads of state. Nixon also deliberated on his role in the Roberto Clemente Memorial Fund and his personal charitable contributions, aiming to refine his public image.
Charles W. Colson and Gerald L. Warren met to discuss administrative matters and potential communications strategies within the White House. The participants engaged in brief, informal dialogue regarding organizational business and ongoing operations. No major policy decisions were reached during this short encounter, which served primarily as a routine professional exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss managing the administration's public relations strategy, specifically regarding the upcoming funeral of Harry S. Truman and the President's image. The discussion touched upon navigating antiwar sentiment and media coverage of US bombing campaigns in Vietnam, with Colson providing input on how to frame these sensitive topics. They emphasized the public's desire for normalcy and the need to effectively communicate the administration's policy positions to counter domestic criticism.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The interaction consisted primarily of social greetings rather than substantive policy discussions or administrative business. The conversation concluded with a standard farewell, marking no significant political or executive developments.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. The brief interaction, which took place while the President was reviewing his official schedule, focused on mundane personal matters. No significant policy decisions or strategic developments were recorded during this exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize scheduling arrangements for an upcoming visitor expected at 4:30 p.m. The brief discussion served to coordinate the logistics of the President's calendar and confirm the timing for the arrival of the undisclosed guest. No further substantive policy matters were recorded in this segment of the conversation.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss personal logistical matters and scheduling arrangements. The conversation focused on the movements and activities of First Lady Pat Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The exchange functioned primarily as a brief coordination of family affairs rather than a discussion of formal policy.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection. This brief interaction served administrative purposes to establish a communication link with an unspecified third party. No substantive policy matters or political discussions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the arrival of First Lady Pat Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The brief interaction focused on the logistics and coordination surrounding their visit to the office. No further policy-related actions or significant administrative decisions were recorded during this segment.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate a personal grooming appointment. The President explicitly requested that Bull summon the White House barber. This brief administrative interaction concluded with the arrangement of the service.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger to discuss executive branch reorganization, judicial and FBI appointments, and legislative strategy. The President emphasized the need to streamline executive functions by empowering cabinet-level counselors and reducing the White House staff to improve efficiency and minimize concerns regarding executive privilege. Additionally, the group addressed the ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations and the importance of maintaining a unified stance with key administration officials as they prepared to brief Congress on these domestic and foreign policy priorities.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to clarify logistical details regarding the arrival schedule of Pat Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The discussion focused on confirming whether the First Lady and her daughter would be arriving in Anchorage or at the residence on the 6th or 7th of January. Additionally, the President briefly addressed personal administrative matters, specifically coordinating a haircut appointment.
President Nixon communicated with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to connect the President with an intended recipient. No substantive policy discussions or major decisions occurred during this brief interaction.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Henry Kissinger, and other staff members to discuss political messaging, legislative relations with Congress, and the strategic direction of his administration. The participants addressed the difficulties of maintaining secrecy during delicate negotiations, particularly concerning military actions and public perception of the war effort. The conversation reflects the President's frustration with congressional opposition and his intent to navigate these political challenges through careful control of the administration's public narrative.