Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 399
Nixon White House Tape 399 (January 22, 1973)
16 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 4 hr 11 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Kissinger, Ziegler, Haig
President Nixon met to dictate a personal letter to Reverend Billy Graham, reflecting on a recent church service and the performance of the choir. Beyond these ceremonial observations, the President briefly alluded to a developing, unspecified situation that required additional time and careful consideration. He noted his ongoing efforts to manage communication regarding this matter, including recent reports from an associate named Eric.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the final stages of the Vietnam peace negotiations and manage the associated public relations strategy. They discussed the complexities of the agreement, the handling of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, and the necessity of maintaining presidential authority against domestic political opposition. The pair also addressed the logistics of the upcoming formal announcement and the importance of briefing Congressional leaders and Cabinet members to secure unified support for the peace settlement.
President Nixon utilized this session to dictate a personal letter to Billy Graham reflecting on his recent inauguration and the start of his second term. He reviewed details regarding a recent church service, specifically evaluating the length and inspirational impact of sermons delivered by Edgar Magnin and Graham. The dictation served to formally express Nixon’s gratitude for Graham’s steadfast support during the first term and to articulate his vision for peace and prosperity in the coming years.
President Nixon dictated a letter of appreciation to entertainer Bob Hope following a private screening of Hope’s latest Christmas television special. The President praised the performance, specifically highlighting the contributions of Delores Hope and the program's positive impact on the morale of U.S. servicemen during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. Beyond this commendation, Nixon briefly touched upon his personal aspirations and goals for his second presidential term.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate the transfer of specific documents and items. The primary objective of the meeting was to ensure the delivery of materials, including tax documents and records related to personal vehicles, to the President's personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. No significant policy discussions occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize the messaging surrounding the upcoming Vietnam settlement. The two discussed the inclusion of the phrase "peace with honor" in the official public announcement. Ultimately, they reached an understanding regarding the strategic use of this specific terminology in addressing the end of the conflict.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to discuss technical arrangements for his communications. The brief interaction focused on facilitating upcoming calls or relaying instructions to external parties. No substantive policy decisions were made during this logistical exchange.
President Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. confer regarding sensitive administrative preparations and the management of high-level political communications. The President emphasizes a cautious approach to ongoing negotiations, explicitly instructing Haig to avoid committing to formal treaties or definitive agreements that could compromise their leverage. This discussion centers on maintaining strategic ambiguity to ensure favorable resolutions while minimizing potential political fallout.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Executive Office Building. The conversation primarily addressed personal matters and expressions of condolences, though the transcript segments are largely unintelligible. No significant policy decisions or administrative actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with Debbie Terry in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate administrative tasks regarding the President's schedule. The discussion centered on the delivery of specific documents and the status of materials related to Raymond K. Price, Jr. The meeting concluded after the President confirmed the receipt and handling of these items with the assistance of the White House operator.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. to provide detailed guidance for a televised speech announcing the imminent Vietnam settlement. Nixon emphasized the importance of framing the agreement as a achievement of "peace with honor" while explaining why his administration had refrained from publicizing the complexities and frustrations of the secret negotiations. He instructed Price to draft a concise, non-defensive address that would resonate with the American public without alienating international partners or undermining the fragile diplomatic process.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the handling of sensitive materials. The primary focus of the discussion concerned the proper disposition of documents intended for delivery to the President's personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. No further action items were recorded before Sanchez concluded the meeting.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to troubleshoot technical issues with a dictation machine. During the session, the President utilized the equipment to replay and review personal notes regarding his recent 1973 Inauguration, including observations on the weather and family matters. The interaction focused primarily on ensuring the functionality of the recording device for his administrative records.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Ronald L. Ziegler, and Julie Nixon Eisenhower to manage the administration's public image and political strategy during the transition into his second term. The discussions focused on coordinating press responses to negative stories, planning follow-ups for the 1973 Inauguration events, and navigating the sensitive politics surrounding the Vietnam settlement. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining control over his public narrative and discussed upcoming meetings with bipartisan Congressional leaders and international figures like Eisaku Sato.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative details regarding the President’s daily schedule. The brief conversation included input from Patrick J. Buchanan concerning the coordination of upcoming engagements. No major policy decisions were reached during this logistical check-in.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, at the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's upcoming daily schedule. The brief interaction focused on logistical coordination and administrative planning for the President's professional engagements. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this segment of the meeting.