Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 40
Nixon White House Tape 40 (June 11, 1973 – June 15, 1973)
123 conversations · White House Telephone · about 4 hr 33 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haig, Bull, Buzhardt, Ziegler
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to former special counsel Charles W. Colson. This communication served as a brief administrative request to initiate a conversation with a key political advisor. No further details regarding the substance of the intended discussion are available.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a follow-up conversation with Charles W. Colson. Upon learning that Colson was currently traveling from Virginia to his residence, Nixon requested that the operator arrange for a return call in approximately thirty minutes. The brief exchange served as a coordination effort to ensure communication with the former aide.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies for countering the negative media narrative surrounding the Watergate scandal, particularly focusing on how to distance the President from the ongoing Ervin Committee investigations. Colson details his recent television interviews where he defended Nixon's integrity and challenged the testimony of John Dean. They express concern over political maneuvers by Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson regarding the upcoming Brezhnev summit and agree that maintaining a focus on national issues like the economy and foreign policy is essential to shifting public opinion and neutralizing attacks from the press.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to be connected with Stephen B. Bull. The brief administrative exchange serves to facilitate direct communication with his aide. No further policy or substantive matters are discussed in this recording.
President Nixon contacted his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate a brief haircut appointment before his 3:00 p.m. meeting. He specifically requested that Bull instruct the barber to limit the service to a ten-minute trim to ensure the President remained on schedule. This conversation served as a logistical update to manage the President's afternoon calendar.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to summon J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to the Oval Office for a meeting. The President requested that the operator locate Buzhardt immediately, even if he was at lunch. This brief exchange served to facilitate an urgent direct consultation with his legal counsel.
President Nixon and his close associate Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo spoke to coordinate Rebozo's upcoming travel plans, which included a trip to New York City with an associate named Bill. During the brief exchange, Rebozo confirmed he would return via Washington, D.C., and offered an update on a lawyer, Kenneth Gemmill, affirming that he was a "good man." The conversation served primarily as a personal check-in between the two men.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to place a telephone call to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. This brief administrative interaction serves as the preliminary step for a subsequent discussion between the two men regarding national security affairs or ongoing foreign policy developments. No further substance is provided in the recording, marking the connection as a routine logistical exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the logistical and security arrangements for Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit to San Clemente. Nixon emphasizes the site's suitability, noting its controlled environment on a military base, while Kissinger highlights the Soviet delegation’s significant concerns regarding security and reported plots. The two agree to resolve the site issue by the following day to finalize travel arrangements.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a return telephone call to his close friend Charles 'Bebe' Rebozo. The President sought to connect with Rebozo, who was in Philadelphia meeting with an attorney named Kenneth Wilfred Gemmill. The operator agreed to track down the contact information to facilitate the requested communication.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a request for contact information regarding an attorney based in Philadelphia. He directed the operator to coordinate with the office of General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to retrieve the specific name. This brief interaction served as a procedural step in managing the President’s outreach to legal counsel associated with his associate, Bebe Rebozo.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator regarding his attempt to reach his close confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. Upon learning that Rebozo was unavailable, the President opted to cancel his immediate efforts to connect. The two agreed to reschedule the attempt for that evening, noting that Rebozo would likely be accompanied by Robert H. Abplanalp.
President Nixon initiates a routine administrative request to connect with his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger. The exchange serves solely as a logistical bridge to facilitate an upcoming high-level policy consultation. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief request.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the final preparations for Leonid Brezhnev's upcoming visit, confirming agreements on nuclear arms, SALT, and peaceful uses of atomic energy. Kissinger briefs the President on positive developments in Vietnam negotiations, noting that Chinese rhetoric regarding Laos and Cambodia suggests potential diplomatic leverage against North Vietnam. They also address security concerns for the summit and coordinate the schedule for briefing materials and upcoming public announcements.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his close associate, Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo. The operator informed the President that Rebozo was currently located in New York City with businessman Robert H. Abplanalp. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief request for assistance in reaching Rebozo.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a call to J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. The President specified that the connection should only be made if Buzhardt was available and alone, rather than currently occupied with guests or dinner. This request reflects the high level of discretion required by the President when coordinating with his legal counsel during the ongoing Watergate investigations.
President Nixon calls his close friend Charles "Bebe" Rebozo to receive an update on the recruitment of Kenneth Gemmill to manage a sensitive financial issue, specifically regarding a Howard Hughes campaign contribution. Rebozo expresses high confidence in Gemmill’s ability to resolve the matter discreetly and confirms that he has facilitated a meeting between Gemmill and Jesse Calhoun to finalize the process. The two agree that Gemmill’s legal expertise and approach will ensure the situation is handled effectively and without public attention.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing telephone call to Reverend Billy Graham. This brief administrative interaction served as the initiation of communication between the President and the prominent evangelist, who frequently served as a spiritual advisor to the administration. No further dialogue was recorded on this segment of the tape.
President Nixon received a brief status update from the White House operator regarding the travel itinerary of Reverend Billy Graham. The operator informed the President that Graham was currently en route to Los Angeles and could not be reached that evening. Nixon acknowledged the information and decided to postpone his attempt to contact the Reverend until the following day.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt discussed legal strategy regarding the upcoming Watergate hearings, specifically focusing on coordinating with Fred D. Thompson for the cross-examination of John Dean. Buzhardt reported on his recent meetings with Thompson and Henry Petersen, highlighting the potential for shifting the committee's focus toward Democratic campaign financing and the increasingly political nature of the hearings. The participants emphasized the need to prepare a detailed chronology of the President's interactions with Dean to challenge his anticipated testimony and mitigate potential legal damage.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The conversation served primarily as a logistical request to reach her at her residence in New York City. No further policy or administrative matters were discussed.
President Richard Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed the President's upcoming travel and logistical schedule regarding the official visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The conversation centered on the timeline for meetings at Camp David, the state dinner, and a potential trip to California. Nixon noted that while his travel plans remained flexible due to the heavy workload at the White House, he emphasized the historic significance of the summit.
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to Bryce N. Harlow. This interaction serves as a logistical administrative step to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and his advisor. No substantive policy discussions occur during this brief exchange.
President Nixon consults with Bryce N. Harlow to finalize his return to the White House staff in a senior advisory role. Nixon clarifies that he expects Harlow to serve as a key political strategist and confidant alongside Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and Melvin R. Laird, rather than merely focusing on congressional relations. The conversation concludes with an agreement for Harlow to begin his tenure on July 2, 1973, with a formal announcement scheduled for the following Saturday.
President Nixon initiates a call to the White House operator to be connected with Howard Morgens, the president of Procter & Gamble. This administrative request facilitates a conversation with the executive of the Cincinnati-based corporation. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occur during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Howard Morgan discussed the temporary release of Bryce Harlow from his duties at Procter & Gamble to serve on the White House staff. Nixon expressed gratitude for Morgan's cooperation and addressed potential concerns regarding conflicts of interest and the political climate surrounding the Watergate scandal. The two parties agreed that Harlow would consult with congressional leaders to mitigate any sensitivities regarding his appointment as the administration prepares for Leonid Brezhnev's upcoming visit.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call through the White House operator to contact J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. The primary purpose of the communication is to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and his legal counsel. No substantive policy matters or additional developments are recorded in this short administrative exchange.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discuss the legal implications of the Ervin Committee's grant of immunity to John Dean and the anticipated strategy for his upcoming testimony. They strategize on undermining Dean's credibility and decide to withhold their cross-examination plan until after his private session, allowing them to better prepare for his public testimony. Additionally, Nixon encourages Buzhardt to pressure the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to release information regarding Democratic campaign finances as a counter-offensive strategy.
General Brent Scowcroft updated President Nixon on ongoing Vietnam negotiations following a lengthy meeting reported by Henry Kissinger. To pressure Saigon during this critical window, Nixon directed Scowcroft to expedite a cable emphasizing that South Vietnamese intransigence risks jeopardizing crucial U.S. congressional support and aid. Nixon instructed Scowcroft to explicitly promise public support for Saigon's position if they agree to move forward, aiming to prevent Congress from using the stalemate as a justification to cut off assistance.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to place a telephone call to General Brent Scowcroft. This brief administrative interaction serves as the logistical bridge to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and his National Security Advisor. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this specific exchange.
President Nixon instructed General Brent Scowcroft to relay a personal message to South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu regarding ongoing Vietnam negotiations. Nixon promised to issue a unilateral public statement—separate from the Joint Communiqué—reaffirming specific commitments on elections to address Thieu’s concerns. Scowcroft was directed to ensure Thieu understands this commitment will be personally delivered by Nixon and emphasized during an upcoming meeting with congressional leaders.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. The primary purpose of the communication was to establish contact with Buzhardt regarding ongoing legal or administrative matters. No further substantive details regarding the conversation were recorded as the call served strictly as a logistical request for assistance in reaching the counsel.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed strategies for conducting a rigorous cross-examination of John Dean in anticipation of his upcoming testimony before the Ervin Committee. The President emphasized highlighting Dean’s failure to report key information to the Department of Justice, despite his regular access to officials like L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen. They further reviewed chronological evidence to prove that Dean’s involvement in fund-raising and obstruction predated his meetings with the President, with the goal of undermining Dean's credibility and distancing the White House from his illicit activities.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his close confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. This brief administrative interaction served as an intermediary step in establishing direct communication between the President and Rebozo. No further substantive policy or political discussions occurred during this specific exchange.
President Nixon coordinated with a White House operator to manage his communication schedule with his close friend, Charles “Bebe” Rebozo. After being informed of Rebozo's arrival at the airport, Nixon instructed the operator to facilitate a return call in approximately ninety minutes. This brief exchange served to schedule their upcoming private discussion once Rebozo reached the compound.
President Nixon initiates a routine request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to his close friend and confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. The brief exchange serves strictly administrative purposes to facilitate personal communication between the President and Rebozo. No substantive policy matters or further developments are discussed during this connection attempt.
President Nixon and Bebe Rebozo discuss the ongoing management of a sensitive Howard Hughes financial contribution in the context of the Watergate investigation. Rebozo reports on his coordination with attorney Kenneth Gemmill, drawing comparisons to a 1960 case involving Ted Sorensen to justify their legal strategy. They finalize the plan to return the funds to the donor, with Rebozo expressing confidence that the transaction will be resolved without further complications.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. He specified that the operator should attempt to reach her only at her home. This brief exchange served solely to facilitate a private family communication.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a brief personal conversation to discuss recent positive public support for the administration. Julie shared encouraging feedback from a television appearance in Dayton, Ohio, noting an audience's strong support and a grassroots donation sent to the President. Additionally, the two confirmed the President's recent boat outing with Alexander Haig and coordinated their upcoming plans to see each other.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The brief exchange served as a logistical administrative request to facilitate communication with his Chief of Staff. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the potential appointment of former Pennsylvania Governor William W. Scranton to lead the administration's energy initiatives. Nixon characterizes Scranton as a capable administrator who could benefit the administration by bringing an outside perspective to the complex energy challenge, potentially supported by Charles DiBona. The conversation concludes with Nixon instructing Haig to contact Scranton the following morning to gauge his interest.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., who was serving as White House Counsel at the time. This brief interaction served solely to facilitate official communication between the President and his legal advisor. No further substantive details regarding the purpose or outcome of the subsequent discussion were recorded in this initial connection request.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed strategies to discredit John W. Dean III and Jeb Stuart Magruder ahead of their anticipated testimony before the Ervin Committee. They reviewed documentation, including meeting logs and briefing materials, that they believed could expose inconsistencies in Dean's timeline and claims regarding his investigation into White House involvement in Watergate. The President and Buzhardt decided to prepare a sharp public response to counter potential media leaks of Dean's testimony while planning to use cross-examination to highlight his lack of credibility and personal motive to lie.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to evangelist Billy Graham in Los Angeles. He specified that the operator should avoid interrupting Graham if he was currently attending a dinner or other engagement. The President ultimately decided to postpone the conversation until the following day should Graham be unavailable.
President Nixon attempted to initiate a telephone call to Reverend Billy Graham, who was reportedly staying at a hotel in Los Angeles. The White House operator informed the President that Graham could not be reached at his room, leading to a decision to postpone the outreach until the following day. No further substantive matters were discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a direct phone call to the home of his Press Secretary, Ronald L. Ziegler. The brief exchange served as a logistical request for the operator to connect the President with Mrs. Ziegler. No substantive policy matters or further developments were discussed during this brief administrative interaction.
President Nixon utilized the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with his Chief of Staff, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The primary purpose of the call was to locate Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler, who was reportedly en route home. Nixon directed the operator to ensure that Haig returned the call immediately upon receiving the message.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the recruitment of William W. Scranton to lead administration energy initiatives. They evaluate Scranton's administrative credentials, his strong ties to the oil and coal industries, and the positive press reception his appointment would generate despite his past political differences with the White House. Haig is instructed to contact Scranton to solicit his services, with the goal of finalizing the offer during a meeting in order to facilitate a formal announcement by Thursday.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed media treatment of the Nixon family, specifically criticizing a radio correspondents' dinner and a television appearance by Julie Nixon Eisenhower on the Phil Donahue show. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the press, mandating that Ziegler confront the responsible parties and effectively ending the President’s future attendance at social functions with the media corps. Additionally, they reviewed the Watergate investigation, focusing on John W. Dean’s recent invocation of the Fifth Amendment and developing a strategy to publicly discredit Dean’s anticipated testimony by highlighting his inconsistent accounts and potential legal liability.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. informed President Nixon that Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev had agreed to visit San Clemente, while simultaneously canceling a planned stop in Houston. Nixon expressed enthusiasm for the visit, emphasizing his desire to host Brezhnev as a personal guest in his own home to facilitate private, secure, and relaxed discussions. Haig was instructed to confirm these arrangements with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and ensure the security and lodging details were settled for the upcoming summit.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an urgent call to Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. This brief exchange served as a procedural request to facilitate a direct diplomatic communication channel. No further details regarding the substance of the intended discussion were recorded during this interaction.
President Nixon and Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin discuss final logistical and security arrangements for Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit to the United States. They coordinate the travel schedule to San Clemente, emphasizing the need for privacy and informal, high-level policy discussions at both Casa Pacifica and Camp David. Additionally, they finalize plans for the signing of agreements regarding nuclear war prevention and establish a protocol for press appearances intended to symbolize a cooperative "spirit" of diplomacy.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone call through the White House operator to contact Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The primary purpose of the exchange was to facilitate this connection, which was necessary for late-night executive communication. No further substantive dialogue occurred during this specific interaction.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the final logistics for Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit, emphasizing security arrangements at San Clemente and the preference for a controlled environment over a potential trip to Houston. Nixon notes that he has secured a commitment for private, high-level meetings between himself, Brezhnev, and Henry Kissinger. Additionally, they coordinate a recruitment strategy to bring William Scranton into the administration, with the President tasking Haig with offering Scranton a seat on the National Security Council to secure his acceptance.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent call to General Brent G. Scowcroft, who served as his Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs. The brief interaction focused solely on establishing this high-level communication link. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon directed General Brent Scowcroft to inform Henry Kissinger about a successful arrangement with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin regarding the upcoming summit with Leonid Brezhnev at San Clemente, which would be limited to a small group of key principals. The two also discussed sensitive Vietnam negotiations, specifically the pressure being placed on South Vietnam to finalize a communique. Nixon emphasized that he had provided personal assurances to the South Vietnamese and warned that failure to comply would risk the loss of Congressional funding.
President Nixon initiates a late-night telephone call through the White House operator to reach his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The brief exchange serves as a logistical coordination to establish contact with Woods. No further policy or administrative developments are captured in this recording.
President Nixon and his secretary, Rose Mary Woods, coordinate the guest list for an upcoming dinner with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, specifically finalizing the inclusion of Earl Butz and labor union leaders while excluding Elliot Richardson. The pair also discusses the favorable public reception of Maurice Stans’ recent testimony before the Ervin Committee, with Nixon emphasizing the importance of television coverage over negative newspaper reports. Finally, they briefly reflect on Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding anniversary and Julie Nixon Eisenhower's recent television appearance.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone request to the White House operator to be connected with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The primary objective of the call was to facilitate administrative communication between the President and his long-time aide. No substantive policy matters or major developments occurred during this brief request for a connection.
President Nixon directed his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to finalize the guest list for an upcoming after-dinner event honoring Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev. The President requested that all administration officials with experience traveling to the USSR be included and specifically instructed that individuals who had already attended multiple White House events be excluded. Furthermore, Nixon expressed frustration with the current vetting process, ordering that future guest lists provided by Warren L. “Bill” Gulley be strictly managed to ensure a fresh rotation of attendees.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The primary objective of the request was to facilitate communication with Woods, though the specific purpose or subject matter of the intended conversation remained undisclosed. The exchange served strictly as a logistical directive for the operator to connect the President with his secretary.
President Nixon consulted his secretary, Rose Mary Woods, regarding the entertainment arrangements for an upcoming dinner with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The discussion focused on finalizing the lineup, specifically confirming the participation of the Johnny Mann Singers and Debbie Reynolds as preferred choices of Pat Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The President also briefly considered the feasibility of including entertainer Danny Kaye, noting potential concerns regarding his reception by the Soviet delegation.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a connection with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The brief exchange served as an administrative request to reach the White House Chief of Staff. No substantive policy matters or further developments were recorded in this brief coordination call.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the upcoming announcement of William W. Scranton’s appointment to an energy position and the timing of a related presidential economic speech. They discuss the strategic staging of news to ensure maximum media impact, specifically aiming to hold the Scranton announcement for the Sunday papers while keeping the energy message for Saturday. Additionally, the pair reviews the logistics for that day's scheduled Cabinet and Bipartisan Congressional Leadership meetings.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to connect him with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler for a telephone conversation. He explicitly directed the operator to avoid interrupting Ziegler if he was currently speaking at a podium. The primary objective of the call was to facilitate an immediate communication between the President and his press secretary.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the messaging strategy for an upcoming televised speech on the economy. The discussion focused on maintaining public momentum following recent diplomatic successes while carefully managing media expectations. Nixon explicitly instructed Ziegler to withhold the full text of the speech from Cabinet members and Congressional leaders prior to the 7:00 pm briefing to avoid last-minute critiques and prevent market volatility.
President Nixon communicated with the White House operator to initiate a telephone call. The request was specifically made to connect the President with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. No further substantive discussion occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. coordinate a meeting to review drafts and notes related to ongoing legal or administrative matters. The President requests an hour of Buzhardt’s time to work through these materials comprehensively during the day. Buzhardt confirms his availability and agrees to head to the White House immediately to begin the session.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Secretary of the Treasury George P. Shultz. The President explicitly requested that the operator avoid interrupting Shultz if he was currently at lunch, reflecting a desire to minimize disruption to the Secretary's schedule. This routine administrative request served as a preparatory step for an impending discussion between the President and his Treasury Secretary.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone communication through the White House operator to place an outgoing call. The primary purpose of the interaction was to facilitate a connection with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. No substantive policy discussions or complex developments occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig reviewed ongoing staffing efforts, specifically focusing on William Scranton's upcoming appointment to handle energy policy and John Connally's continued, flexible role with the administration. The conversation also touched on administrative coordination, including scheduling for Bryce Harlow and logistics regarding guest lists for a dinner with Leonid Brezhnev. Regarding the Watergate investigation, Nixon instructed that the White House must aggressively challenge emerging allegations and emphasized using the threat of perjury to deter John Dean, noting that the administration possesses records of all meetings Dean attended.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to request a connection to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The conversation serves solely as a logistical bridge to facilitate official communication between the President and his senior staff. No further substantive policy matters or decisions are discussed during this short interaction.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the positive media reception of Henry Kissinger’s recent Paris briefing and logistics regarding the President’s upcoming economic address. Nixon emphasized the importance of securing favorable press coverage and instructed Ziegler to coordinate photo opportunities with the Cabinet and Congressional leaders. To prevent premature media leaks, Nixon strictly ordered that the text of his economic speech be withheld from Cabinet members and legislators until 7:00 p.m., shortly before the address.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury George P. Shultz reviewed talking points for an upcoming press briefing regarding the administration's economic policy. Nixon instructed Shultz to emphasize that a broad freeze on wages, prices, and rents would trigger a recession, while specifically highlighting how rent control fosters slums and housing shortages. Shultz confirmed that recent data showed stable rent increases under Phase III, supporting the administration’s decision to reject mandatory controls except in isolated problem areas.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the recruitment of William W. Scranton for an energy-related appointment, noting that minor legal issues regarding Scranton's corporate involvement should not impact his candidacy. Nixon decides to meet with Scranton the following day at the White House rather than in Florida to finalize the plans. They agree to delay the public announcement until Saturday to avoid competing with other ongoing news stories.
President Nixon held a brief, informal conversation with an unidentified individual, during which they discussed the preparation and delivery of refreshments. Following this exchange, the President contacted the White House operator to place a follow-up call to Stephen B. Bull. No substantive policy or political matters were addressed during these brief administrative interactions.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to strictly enforce a new policy prohibiting family members from accompanying guests during presidential meetings. Despite Nixon’s previous directive, Bull confirmed that families were included in an upcoming scheduled visit. Nixon emphasized that this practice must be discontinued permanently, ordering Bull to ensure no further exceptions are made for family attendance.
President Nixon instructs the White House operator to summon Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to his office. The brief exchange serves as a direct directive to facilitate an immediate meeting between the President and his top spokesperson. No further policy or strategic details are discussed during this administrative call.
President Nixon communicated with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This routine interaction served as a administrative step to connect the President with a third party. No substantive policy matters or decisions were recorded during this brief technical exchange.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to monitor the arrival of bipartisan Congressional leaders for an upcoming meeting. Nixon emphasized his desire to avoid waiting for the full group to assemble, instructing Bull to coordinate with William E. Timmons to ensure the President arrives only once a majority of attendees are present. This directive served to streamline the President's schedule and manage his appearance at the event.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding an upcoming meeting with bipartisan congressional leaders, including Speaker Carl Albert. Due to scheduling delays, Nixon instructed Bull to inform William E. Timmons that the President would deliver a brief statement and depart early rather than remaining for a lengthy Q&A session involving George P. Shultz. This decision effectively curtailed the President's planned engagement with the congressional leadership.
President Nixon initiated a brief administrative request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to his close friend and confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. The interaction was strictly procedural, serving only to facilitate the connection between the President and Rebozo. No further substantive policy or political discussions took place during this exchange.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discussed the President's upcoming economic speech and the recent success of the Paris peace negotiations regarding Vietnam. The two also coordinated logistics regarding a sensitive contribution involving a mutual friend associated with Howard Hughes, with Nixon advising Rebozo on the disposition of funds if Jesse Calhoun proved unwilling to accept them. Rebozo updated the President on the status of this intermediary contact, emphasizing the need to finalize the matter.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone call with the White House operator to verify the exact time. The interaction served as a routine inquiry for temporal confirmation. No policy matters or further administrative actions were discussed during this short exchange.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to place a telephone call to Charles W. Colson. The brief exchange serves as a procedural step to facilitate direct communication between the President and his former special counsel. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were discussed during this brief connection.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed political strategy, focusing on the positive reception of the President's recent economic speech and his leadership regarding inflation. They addressed the ongoing Watergate investigation, specifically dismissing the credibility of John W. Dean and discussing the political implications of upcoming Ervin Committee testimony. Nixon also expressed significant frustration with Attorney General Elliott Richardson's recent conduct and asserted the need for administration loyalty regarding the handling of Justice Department appointments and public messaging.
Alexander Haig updates President Nixon on the highly positive public and political reception to the President’s recent televised speech on the economy. Haig emphasizes that the positive feedback reflects a widespread desire for presidential leadership and a clear shift of public attention away from the Watergate scandal. The two discuss the political importance of appearing in control, agreeing to disregard the ongoing testimony of John Dean while prioritizing aggressive communication on economic and foreign policy.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a follow-up telephone call to Reverend Billy Graham. The President expressed a desire to reach Graham but explicitly requested that the operator avoid disturbing him if he were out to dinner. This brief exchange served as an administrative directive to re-establish contact after a previous unsuccessful attempt.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The brief interaction served as a logistical bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and his top spokesperson. No further policy or substantive matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the press reaction to the President’s recent economic speech and its potential to shift media focus away from the Watergate scandal. While Nixon expressed concern that journalists remained obsessed with Watergate, Ziegler noted that the press was generally impressed by the President's display of leadership and control. The two concluded that the positive reception of the address had successfully mitigated negative media scrutiny.
Charles W. Colson updates President Nixon on positive feedback from pollsters Albert E. Sindlinger and Louis P. Harris regarding the President’s recent speech on the economy. Nixon instructs Colson to gather additional details and report back after he finishes dinner. The brief exchange establishes a plan for Colson to provide a comprehensive briefing on these polling reports shortly thereafter.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinate a series of follow-up telephone calls to gauge reactions to the President's recent speech on the economy. Bull updates the President on the status of various callers, including political allies and public opinion figures. Nixon decides to personally speak with Governor Ronald Reagan and pollster Louis Harris to conclude his outreach efforts for the evening.
President Nixon consulted with pollster Louis Harris to discuss public reaction to the President's recent economic speech, which introduced a price freeze to address rising inflation and food costs. The two discussed the importance of balancing international trade with domestic stability, specifically regarding soybean exports and agricultural prices. Additionally, they reviewed the upcoming state visit of Leonid Brezhnev, with Harris emphasizing strong public support for Nixon's foreign policy initiatives with the USSR and China despite ongoing domestic concerns regarding the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to Governor Ronald Reagan. This interaction serves as a follow-up to a previous attempt by Reagan to reach the President. The operator acknowledges the request to facilitate the communication.
Charles Colson updated President Nixon on positive national sentiment regarding the President’s economic policies and recent diplomatic efforts, while discussing strategies to counter negative press coverage of the Watergate scandal. The two men coordinated on administrative staffing, specifically agreeing to provide polling contracts to allies Louis Harris and Albert Sindlinger, while expressing frustration with Attorney General Elliott Richardson’s perceived lack of defense of the White House. Nixon reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a confident, proactive tone in public appearances rather than engaging in defensive press conferences.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator regarding the status of a scheduled telephone call to Governor Ronald Reagan, who was attending a graduation rehearsal in Fremont, California. The President requested that the operator facilitate the call, specifying that he would remain available for another thirty minutes to speak with the Governor. This brief exchange served as a logistical coordination effort to ensure the two leaders could connect at their earliest mutual convenience.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the positive public response to the President's recent economic speech and strategize on handling Vice President Spiro Agnew’s upcoming meeting. They address the ongoing Watergate investigations, with Nixon expressing his intent to eventually attack the Ervin Committee once he has sufficient political leverage. Additionally, Nixon instructs Haig to ensure Henry Kissinger remains focused on foreign policy briefings—specifically regarding Vietnam, the "Year of Europe," and Leonid Brezhnev’s visit—while explicitly avoiding any comments on Watergate or wiretapping.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to connect him with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. This administrative call serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate direct communication with a key staff member. No further policy or substantive matters are addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon attempted to reach his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, via the White House operator to discuss an administrative matter. After learning Woods was unavailable, Nixon requested the operator locate his personal secretary, Nellie L. Yates, provided she was currently in the office. He explicitly directed that she should not be contacted if she had already returned home for the evening.
President Nixon attempted to place a telephone call to Nellie L. Yates through the White House operator. After being informed that the recipient was unavailable at her office, the President directed the operator to terminate the effort. No further business was conducted or action items established during this brief exchange.
President Nixon initiates a request to speak with Senator Edward J. Gurney via the White House operator. The primary purpose of the brief communication is to facilitate a direct telephone connection between the President and the Senator. No further substantive discussion is captured on the recording beyond this administrative request.
President Nixon initiated a series of telephone calls late at night, initially requesting to speak with Senator Edward J. Gurney. After being informed that the Senator was unavailable at his home, the President directed the operator to place a call to speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. instead. This exchange reflects the President's administrative efforts to reach key advisors during off-hours.
President Nixon called speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to commend him on the quality and tone of a recently televised address regarding the economy. The President emphasized that the primary objective was to project confidence and an upbeat perspective to the public during a time dominated by negative media coverage. Nixon credited Price's work for providing a necessary, positive contrast to the ongoing political climate surrounding Watergate.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with H. R. "Bob" Haldeman. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical request to initiate a conversation with his former Chief of Staff. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were recorded during this exchange.
President Nixon and a White House operator attempted to facilitate a return call to H.R. Haldeman. After the operator reported that Haldeman could not be reached, the President opted to wait and have the operator try the connection again later. The conversation functioned solely as a brief administrative coordination regarding personnel communication.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Anne Armstrong discuss the recruitment of William Scranton for a high-level position, emphasizing the importance of securing his agreement despite his wife's influence. They also finalize administrative announcements, including the appointment of Bryce Harlow and a change in title and salary for Rose Mary Woods. Haig confirms that Scranton is prepared to travel to Florida to finalize the arrangement, and the President requests a photograph with Harlow to coincide with the public announcement.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Hobart D. Lewis. The brief interaction served as a logistical request to facilitate direct communication with Lewis. No other substantive policy matters or further developments were discussed during this connection.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. regarding schedules before speaking with Reader’s Digest editor Hobart D. Lewis. Lewis requested a private meeting with the President to discuss an undisclosed matter of concern that he had previously touched upon with H. R. Haldeman. Due to the President’s travel schedule to Illinois and Florida, coupled with the upcoming summit with Leonid Brezhnev, the parties agreed to defer the meeting until after the conclusion of the Brezhnev visit.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with former Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman. This brief administrative exchange served solely to initiate the call between the two men. No substantive policy discussions or policy-related decisions occurred during this request.
President Nixon requested a telephone connection with H. R. Haldeman to discuss unspecified matters. Upon being informed that Haldeman's line was busy, the President instructed the operator to continue attempting the connection. The conversation concluded with Nixon noting there was no urgency to the request.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the management of the President's personal records and the potential publication of his first-term history, emphasizing their desire to exclude Watergate-related materials. They review the ongoing Ervin Committee hearings, focusing specifically on Jeb Stuart Magruder's testimony, his allegations against John Mitchell and John Dean, and the political implications for the White House. Additionally, the President assesses the favorable reception of his recent economic address and plans his upcoming schedule, including meetings with Leonid Brezhnev and Hobart Lewis.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to place a telephone call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The conversation serves solely as a logistical bridge to facilitate this communication with his staff. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to coordinate his upcoming schedule and staff interactions. He requested that press secretary Ronald Ziegler report to him following a briefing with Henry Kissinger. Additionally, Nixon directed that J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. be brought in for a meeting.
Ronald L. Ziegler and President Nixon coordinate a meeting regarding the timing and location of a scheduled press briefing. The President directs Ziegler to meet him at the Executive Office Building to discuss the matter further. This brief exchange serves to finalize the logistics for the upcoming press engagement.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinate logistics for the upcoming visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, specifically regarding accommodations at the San Clemente compound for Brezhnev, his wife, and Andrei Gromyko. Nixon requests that Kissinger convey his gratitude for a warm personal note received from Brezhnev and confirm the residence arrangements. The two also briefly discuss Kissinger’s successful briefings to Congress and the press, as well as the optimal timing for the signing of a nuclear non-proliferation agreement.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate a telephone call to National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief interaction served as a formal request to connect the President with his top foreign policy aide for an urgent discussion. The primary objective of the communication was to facilitate immediate contact between the two officials.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated the logistical details and public relations strategy for the upcoming visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The conversation covered the schedule for signing ceremonies, the arrangement of television tapings at Camp David, and the distribution of responsibilities for congressional briefings. Nixon also addressed the political climate, expressing satisfaction that positive engagement with congressional leaders was successfully distracting from the ongoing Watergate scandal.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with First Lady Pat Nixon. The brief interaction served as a routine administrative request to reach the First Lady. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon calls First Lady Pat Nixon to invite her to a private dinner cruise on the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. They discuss the guest list, specifically mentioning the potential inclusion of Rose Mary Woods to celebrate her recent pay raise. The couple finalizes their departure plans, confirming they will leave within fifteen minutes.
President Nixon calls Rose Mary Woods to coordinate her arrival for a planned evening excursion on the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. The two discuss her ongoing beauty shop appointment and finalize travel logistics to ensure she meets the President and First Lady on the White House south grounds. Nixon instructs Woods to join their party directly rather than traveling separately, confirming a brief wait for her arrival.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to Nellie Yates. He provided instructions to ensure the operator did not disturb Yates if she was at dinner or otherwise occupied. The conversation was purely administrative, serving as a brief request for telephonic assistance.
President Nixon calls his assistant, Nellie L. Yates, to coordinate administrative work following his evening excursion on the presidential yacht, Sequoia. The pair discusses personal matters, including the evening's weather and office aesthetics, before transitioning to a work-related task regarding upcoming remarks for the Everett M. Dirksen Center. Nixon requests that Yates assist him at the Executive Office Building to prepare these materials, leading to an agreement for her to return to the office to complete the project.
President Nixon communicated with the White House operator to facilitate a scheduled meeting with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. The discussion served as an administrative coordination effort to ensure Kissinger was brought into the Oval Office for their private consultation. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief logistical exchange.