Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 41
Nixon White House Tape 41 (June 18, 1973 – July 13, 1973)
70 conversations · White House Telephone · about 1 hr 39 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Eisenhower, Kissinger, Ziegler, Haig
Alexander Haig briefed President Nixon on the postponement of the Ervin Committee hearings, attributing the delay to Senator Mike Mansfield and criticizing Senators Hugh Scott and Howard Baker for their political maneuvering. Additionally, Haig requested a meeting for Governor John A. Love, which the President tentatively scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to accommodate his ongoing work on a toast for Leonid Brezhnev. The President expressed significant frustration over Senator Baker’s recent public comments regarding their personal relationship.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The primary purpose of the brief interaction was to manage executive communications and initiate a discussion with his Chief of Staff. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this connection request.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss strategies to counter negative press and potential political maneuvering by the Ervin Committee regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. Nixon expresses concern that the committee and the media are timing leaks of John Dean’s testimony to undermine his upcoming Soviet summit. He directs Haig to coordinate with White House staff to aggressively push back against the committee’s narrative and specifically orders an investigation into allegations that Leonard Garment may be leaking information to the Washington Post.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to initiate an outgoing call. The communication served exclusively as a logistical request to be connected with Stephen B. Bull. No further substantive policy matters or broader political discussions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to ensure that proper lighting arrangements were made for the podium to be used at that evening’s state dinner for Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Emphasizing the importance of the setup, the President specifically requested that the lighting be sufficient for both himself and his guest. Bull committed to executing these instructions immediately.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to request a meeting with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez. The conversation serves as a direct administrative directive to facilitate this request. No further policy or strategic matters are addressed during this brief call.
President Nixon initiated a call through the White House operator to locate his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The brief exchange focused on confirming her current whereabouts within the executive residence, specifically mentioning the West Hall or her guest room. No further policy or political discussions took place during this brief administrative request.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a time-sensitive communication with Julie Nixon Eisenhower and her spouse before they departed the White House grounds. The President expressed urgency in reaching the couple prior to their return to their residence. This exchange served as a logistical coordination effort to ensure contact was made before their departure.
White House operators facilitate communication regarding a message intended for Julie Nixon Eisenhower. After reporting that she had already departed, the operators confirm that she will return the call upon her arrival home. President Nixon acknowledges this arrangement and concludes the brief coordination.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a personal phone call with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. He inquired about the presence of a Secret Service agent at her residence and requested that the agent instruct her to return his call. The operator confirmed that the request had already been relayed, concluding the brief exchange regarding the President's attempt to reach his daughter.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to inquire about the progress of a requested meeting. He specifically directs the operator to facilitate contact with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The conversation serves as a routine administrative request to coordinate executive staff communication.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to coordinate a meeting. The President requests the presence of J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., his legal counsel, for an immediate consultation. This directive reflects the ongoing administrative efforts to manage legal affairs during the period of the Watergate investigations.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone request for the White House operator to connect him with his close friend, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. This interaction serves as a routine administrative step to facilitate a private communication between the President and Rebozo. No further discussion occurs during this segment beyond the initial request for the connection.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to determine the whereabouts of his friend Charles “Bebe” Rebozo. The operator informed the President that Rebozo had traveled to Philadelphia but would be at Robert Abplanalp’s residence in Yonkers that evening. Nixon indicated he would attempt to place a return call to Rebozo later that night if his schedule permitted.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to contact Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The President requests that Ziegler report to his office in the Executive Office Building for a meeting. No further substantive matters are addressed during this brief administrative call.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed logistical arrangements for an upcoming summit with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev at Camp David, including travel plans due to poor weather and the composition of the delegation. They coordinated the scheduling of an economic meeting and ensured that the timing of a formal agreement signing would follow substantive discussions to maximize its political impact. Additionally, they touched upon media management, specifically addressing speculative reports by Victor Louis and Kissinger's recent interactions with journalist Hugh Sidey regarding positive public relations efforts.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a call to J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to discuss legal or administrative matters. He specifically directed that Buzhardt should not be contacted if he was currently at the Capitol, requesting that the operator verify his presence in his office first. This exchange highlights the logistical coordination required for Nixon to communicate with his legal team during the height of the Watergate investigations.
President Nixon speaks briefly with a White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection. The primary purpose of the call is to establish contact with Julie Nixon Eisenhower. No further substantive policy discussions occur during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower discuss the positive reception of a recent student event featuring Secretary Caspar Weinberger, noting the students' interest in the upcoming Soviet summit. Nixon updates Julie on his strategy to counter John Dean's allegations, alleging that Dean embezzled funds and was the architect of the Watergate cover-up. The conversation concludes with a discussion regarding supportive media figures and the successful state dinner held for Leonid Brezhnev.
President Nixon consulted with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. regarding his immediate schedule and availability for a meeting. The brief exchange served to coordinate the President's upcoming activities, resulting in Buzhardt being instructed to come to the Oval Office. This interaction facilitated direct access between the President and his legal counsel during the height of the Watergate-related investigations.
President Nixon initiates a request to be connected by telephone to his close confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. The brief exchange serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and Rebozo. No substantive policy matters or further decisions were recorded during this connection request.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss recent diplomatic meetings with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and address ongoing concerns regarding the handling of a Howard Hughes financial contribution. Rebozo updates the President on the strategy for returning the funds, confirming that his lawyer, Kenneth Gemmill, is managing the process with a representative from New York. Rebozo also expresses relief after being assured by his legal counsel that he faces no legal jeopardy regarding the matter.
Henry Kissinger requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to Senator J. William Fulbright. This communication was initiated to facilitate high-level diplomatic contact between the National Security Advisor and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The primary action item was the successful connection of the call to discuss legislative or foreign policy matters.
Henry Kissinger contacts Senator J. William Fulbright to request the rescheduling of a planned 5:00 p.m. meeting with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the following morning. Kissinger explains that postponing the session would allow him to provide a more comprehensive briefing once ongoing negotiations conclude. Fulbright agrees to consult his staff, specifically Carl Marcy, to determine if the committee members can be notified and rescheduled on such short notice. They agree that if rescheduling proves impossible, Kissinger will proceed with the original afternoon meeting as planned.
President Nixon contacts the White House operator to facilitate a personal phone call to his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The brief interaction serves solely as a logistical request for the operator to place the outgoing connection. No substantive policy matters or political topics were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discuss recent positive media coverage of her interactions with a group of Teenage Republicans who expressed strong support for the President. They further address concerns regarding the political impact of the Watergate scandal on the 1974 elections. Additionally, the President explains the logistics behind his upcoming flight to San Clemente, clarifying that seating limitations for Soviet guests necessitated traveling separately from First Lady Pat Nixon.
President Nixon speaks with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The primary purpose of the conversation is to request a connection to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. No other substantive policy matters or decisions are discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the media strategy surrounding Leonid Brezhnev's ongoing visit to the United States. They focus on managing press expectations and coverage for the President’s upcoming toast, ensuring it remains substantively light to avoid overshadowing the official agreements. Furthermore, they note with satisfaction that Henry Kissinger successfully avoided Watergate-related questions during his recent media briefing.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. The President specified that the operator should only connect the call if Buzhardt was currently present in his office. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step to facilitate direct communication between the President and his legal counsel.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to summon J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to the Oval Office for an immediate meeting. The discussion is strictly logistical, serving to confirm Buzhardt's location and request his presence for a follow-up consultation. No specific policy or legal matters are addressed during this brief exchange, as the conversation functions solely as a scheduling maneuver.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a personal telephone call to his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The President requested that the operator connect him directly to her room. This brief interaction served solely to coordinate the private communication between the President and his daughter.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to determine the location of his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The operator assisted by suggesting she might be in the West Hall of the residence. The brief exchange concluded with the President acknowledging the information.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate communication with his family members, specifically Tricia Nixon Cox and possibly Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The exchange focused on locating his daughters within the White House residence. The call concluded once the operator confirmed their status and assisted the President in reaching them.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call through the White House operator to contact Speaker of the House Carl B. Albert. The conversation serves solely as a logistical request to establish a line of communication with the legislative leader. No further discussion occurs during this interaction beyond the initial placement of the call.
President Nixon attempted to initiate a telephone call to Speaker of the House Carl Albert to discuss unspecified business. Upon learning that Albert was unavailable due to personal matters and could not be immediately reached, Nixon directed the White House operator to have the Speaker return the call upon his arrival. No further action or substantive policy discussion occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon contacted Speaker of the House Carl Albert to lobby against further congressional restrictions on military operations in Cambodia during the pending Second Supplemental Appropriations Act. Nixon argued that maintaining tactical air support is essential to leverage ongoing diplomatic efforts with the Soviet Union, China, and local factions to secure a peace settlement. He warned that if the House adopted the more restrictive stance favored by the Senate, he would be forced to veto the bill, shifting the political responsibility for any resulting instability onto Congress.
President Nixon initiates a call to the White House operator to request an immediate meeting with Henry Kissinger. The President directs the operator to have Kissinger brought directly to the Oval Office. No other topics are addressed during this brief logistical exchange.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated a strategic communication effort to influence Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev ahead of his upcoming visit. Kissinger was instructed to contact Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to convey that Congressional leaders held a positive reaction toward the President's diplomatic initiatives, specifically emphasizing the progress on Most Favored Nation (MFN) status. This action aimed to reassure the Soviet leadership and build momentum for negotiations despite delays in the summit's business agenda.
President Nixon consulted his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, regarding appropriate reciprocal gifts for Viktoria Brezhnev and her family following the US-USSR summit. The President suggested obtaining high-quality watches from a New York City craftsman, noting that Rose Mary Woods could facilitate the request. He tasked Tricia with coordinating with her mother and sister, Julie, to finalize the selection of gifts.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The brief interaction focused solely on facilitating this connection for the President. No further policy or administrative decisions were documented during this short communication.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the positive media coverage surrounding the summit with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and the recent Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War. Nixon emphasizes that the success of these diplomatic efforts rests on the personal commitment and political will of both leaders to maintain the agreement. He instructs Ziegler to ensure Henry Kissinger conveys this narrative of mutual resolve to the press, highlighting the significance of the shift in US-Soviet relations.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to be connected with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief administrative exchange serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and his advisor. No further substantive policy discussions occur during this short telephonic interaction.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the positive domestic and international reception of the newly signed U.S.-Soviet agreement on the prevention of nuclear war. Nixon emphasized the strategic importance of characterizing the arrangement as an executive agreement rather than a treaty to avoid a contentious and unnecessary congressional approval process. The pair also discussed the geopolitical implications of the agreement, including the potential to restrain Soviet aggression, and Nixon directed Kissinger to highlight the importance of the personal relationship between the two nations' leaders during media briefings.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to be connected with Cheryl Haig. This brief communication serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate a direct conversation with Alexander M. Haig, Jr.'s office or family member. No further substantive policy matters were addressed during this short exchange.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the significant foreign policy success of the recent nuclear non-aggression agreement with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The two assess the political impact of the summit, noting that despite potential negative coverage from a Watergate-obsessed press, the administration's achievements have garnered praise even from political opponents like Robert McNamara. To capitalize on this momentum, Haig outlines plans for streamlined White House staff operations and consistent congressional outreach overseen by Melvin Laird during the President’s absence.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to connect him with Manolo Sanchez. The primary purpose of the brief communication was to facilitate a direct telephone call to a specific staff member. No further policy or administrative developments were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon contacted his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to provide a specific request. The primary purpose of the brief telephone interaction was to instruct Sanchez to bring cigars to his location. This exchange highlights the routine administrative and personal assistance provided by domestic staff within the White House residence.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to be connected with his close friend and confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. This brief administrative exchange serves solely to facilitate a private telephone communication between the two men. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occur during this initial outreach.
President Nixon and Charles "Bebe" Rebozo discussed ongoing political pressures, specifically focusing on the Watergate hearings and the public perception of the administration. They expressed solidarity regarding the impending testimony of John N. Mitchell, while also coordinating a strategy to neutralize critical press inquiries—particularly those from Maxine Cheshire—regarding financial matters and property dealings involving Robert Abplanalp. Nixon emphasized his intention to stop personally addressing these allegations, signaling a move toward a more combative stance against his political detractors.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. This brief administrative exchange served as a logistical step to initiate a direct line of communication between the President and his senior staff member. No further policy discussion or substantive deliberation occurred during this brief interaction.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to connect him with the First Lady, Pat Nixon. The brief interaction served as a formal request to facilitate a telephone conversation between the President and his wife. No policy or administrative matters were addressed during this short exchange.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon engaged in a brief, private telephone conversation. The content of this interaction is withheld from public release as it is classified as personal and returnable material. Consequently, no policy decisions or administrative actions were documented during this exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to his close confidant, Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. The brief exchange served as a logistical request to facilitate direct communication with Rebozo. No other policy matters or substantive discussions took place during this brief administrative interaction.
Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler briefs President Nixon on television news coverage regarding John N. Mitchell's testimony before the Ervin Committee. Ziegler reports that network coverage focused on Mitchell's claims that he withheld information from the President to protect his reelection efforts and his denials of prior knowledge regarding the Watergate break-in. Both participants conclude that the reporting of the testimony was favorable to the administration and highlighted the perceived credibility of Mitchell's defense of the President.
President Nixon and Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo discuss an ongoing, in-depth Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination of Rebozo's financial records and personal expenditures. Rebozo expresses confidence that his counsel, Kenneth Gemmill, and his long-time accountant have properly managed the inquiry and that he will resist transferring his original documentation out of his personal control. They also briefly discuss John Mitchell's recent testimony before the Ervin Committee, with both men praising Mitchell's performance and perceived honesty.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request a telephone connection with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to facilitate a personal call. No further substantive policy matters or political issues were addressed during this interaction.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discussed her recent successful trip to Texas, where she received a positive reception from local Republicans and noted that the public responded enthusiastically to her introduction as the daughter of a peacemaker. The pair also briefly touched upon the President's upcoming schedule and the political fallout of the Watergate hearings. They specifically noted positive feedback regarding John Mitchell’s recent television testimony, which was perceived as effectively challenging the accounts of John Dean and Jeb Magruder.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. He provided specific instructions to the operator to refrain from further attempts if Tricia could not be reached at her residence. This brief interaction served solely to facilitate a private family communication.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed their daily schedules and recent political developments during a brief phone call. The conversation focused heavily on the Senate Watergate hearings, with both agreeing that John Mitchell’s testimony was effective and superior to that of previous witnesses like Jeb Stuart Magruder and John W. Dean, III. Additionally, the President reflected on the positive reception he received during his recent trip to Kansas City, Missouri.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone request to the White House operator to be connected with his Press Secretary, Ronald L. Ziegler. The call serves as a logistical communication to facilitate further discussion with a key member of the administration. No additional substantive policy or political matters are addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media coverage of the Watergate hearings, specifically expressing frustration that the television networks provided John Dean five days of coverage while limiting John Mitchell to one. They strategize on ways to pressure the media by highlighting perceived biases and reporting false constituent outrage to network executives. Additionally, they review the status of upcoming testimonies, including those of Richard A. Moore and Herbert Kalmbach, while denigrating the conduct of Senator Howard Baker.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone exchange with the White House operator to request a connection with his Chief of Staff, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The call serves as a routine administrative request to facilitate communication between the President and his senior advisor. No substantive policy discussions or further actions are recorded during this brief connection.
President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to be connected with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. Julie Nixon Eisenhower is present during the brief exchange, which serves strictly as a procedural effort to establish communication with another family member. No substantive political or policy matters are discussed.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower contacted the White House operator to coordinate communication with her sister, Tricia Nixon Cox, who was attending a ball game. The participants discussed Tricia's expected return time of 10:00 p.m. and determined that the most efficient way to relay a message was to speak directly with her United States Secret Service agent.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower contacted Secret Service agents to coordinate relaying urgent news to her sister, Tricia Nixon Cox. She requested that the agents inform Tricia that President Nixon had been diagnosed with viral pneumonia and would be hospitalized for several days. Eisenhower emphasized that the condition was not life-threatening while providing contact instructions for further communication.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to summon Alexander Haig, Dr. William Lukash, Dr. Walter Tkach, and Ron Ziegler to the residence for an immediate meeting. The President directed the operator to assemble the group together to discuss unspecified matters. This brief interaction served as a logistical coordination to facilitate an urgent briefing or consultation with key staff and medical personnel.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss managing the public narrative surrounding his recent health concerns. The President expresses a clear desire to avoid drawing excessive attention to his condition, rejecting a proposed five-day precautionary measure to prevent the situation from appearing larger than it is. The conversation concludes with a mutual agreement to keep the matter low-profile.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to issue a formal request for Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to join him. This brief exchange served to facilitate an immediate, private meeting between the President and his top spokesperson. No further policy or strategic details were addressed during the brief connection.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call through the White House operator to request a meeting with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The conversation serves as an administrative bridge to facilitate direct communication with a key staff member. No further policy or strategic matters are addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon calls his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to personally inform her of his diagnosis of viral pneumonia and his impending week-long hospitalization at Bethesda. The two discuss his frustration regarding forced rest and the President's instructions to Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler concerning the public announcement of his condition. Nixon expresses cynical amusement at the prospect of the White House press corps applauding the news of his illness.