Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 426
Nixon White House Tape 426 (March 29, 1973 – April 10, 1973)
55 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 4 hr 46 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Ehrlichman, Bull, Haldeman, Woods
President Richard M. Nixon held a brief, recorded meeting in the Executive Office Building with an unidentified individual. The nature of the discussion remains undocumented due to the lack of a preserved transcript or specific record of the conversation's content. Consequently, no substantive policy decisions, strategic developments, or specific action items can be attributed to this exchange.
President Nixon held a private meeting in the Old Executive Office Building with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and an unidentified individual to discuss ongoing administrative business. Given the absence of a transcript, the specific substance of the dialogue remains unrecorded. The meeting concluded when the unidentified visitor departed the office prior to 2:45 p.m.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with an unidentified individual to discuss scheduling arrangements. The conversation remained procedural in nature, focusing on the coordination of the participant's upcoming time commitments. No substantive policy matters or major administrative decisions were recorded during the exchange.
President Nixon met with his senior aides, including John Ehrlichman and H.R. Haldeman, to coordinate a legal and public relations strategy regarding the escalating Watergate scandal. The primary focus was drafting a statement for John Dean that would permit him to testify before the grand jury while waiving executive privilege to limit political fallout. The participants also discussed ongoing negotiations with the Ervin Committee and strategies to manage potential testimony from former staff, all while attempting to preserve the administration's position ahead of a scheduled presidential address.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the White House’s political strategy regarding the escalating Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the public perception of executive privilege. Haldeman briefed the President on discussions with George H.W. Bush and Howard Baker concerning legislative negotiations and the need for a shift in policy regarding witness appearances. They also reviewed the content of the President’s forthcoming address, which was intended to address public concerns while balancing policy issues like the defense budget and price controls.
President Nixon held a brief, unscheduled meeting with an unidentified individual in the Executive Office Building. The primary purpose of the encounter was for the President to request that his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, join him. The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, with the participant departing the office within minutes.
President Nixon spoke with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief interaction served as a logistical step to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy matters or political developments were discussed during this exchange.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and Rose Mary Woods to refine the final text of an upcoming address regarding his administration's foreign policy and national defense strategies. Nixon and Kissinger reviewed phrasing related to the Vietnam War, relations with China and the USSR, and the importance of maintaining military strength to ensure successful arms reduction negotiations. The President expressed a desire to justify the current defense budget while addressing mounting political pressure from critics concerning both Vietnam and the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, for a brief administrative session in the Executive Office Building. The discussion focused on specific clerical tasks, including the provision of typing instructions and guidance regarding the formatting of documents through underlining. The meeting concluded rapidly after these procedural directives were addressed.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss the administration's policy on price ceilings, aiming to maintain them indefinitely until consumer food prices decrease. Nixon emphasizes the importance of public rhetoric, instructing Shultz to signal that the ceilings will persist as long as necessary to stabilize the market. The two also coordinate their schedules for an upcoming meeting and a follow-up telephone call.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to review materials for a forthcoming presidential address. The discussion centered on the preparation and content of the speech, which Nixon was finalizing during this period. No specific policy decisions were finalized, as the interaction focused primarily on administrative logistics and document coordination.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to conduct official administrative business. The interaction centered on the processing of a document, specifically an item requiring the President’s signature. The meeting concluded briefly after the signing task was completed.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing connection to an unspecified individual. The brief exchange served as a logistical step to initiate a telephone call. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were recorded during this interaction.
President Nixon met with John D. Ehrlichman to address administrative matters regarding the former's schedule. The conversation focused primarily on the status and preparation of pending speech drafts. No further significant developments or policy decisions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to attend to personal matters. The discussion centered on the provision of refreshments for the President. No significant policy decisions or political developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to finalize edits for an upcoming presidential speech while addressing political pressures regarding the ongoing Watergate investigations. The discussion touched on the legal strategy surrounding James McCord’s testimony before the Senate, specifically weighing the risks of allowing individuals to testify before a grand jury. The pair also assessed the potential political fallout and strategic considerations regarding an imminent vote.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the administration's public relations and legal strategy regarding the escalating Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the recent testimony of James McCord and the potential for staff members to be called before the grand jury. They debated the merits of issuing a formal statement to clarify the White House’s position on executive privilege and cooperation with investigators. The conversation concluded with a consensus to pursue a strategy of demonstrating full cooperation with the grand jury while proposing a structured arrangement to address the Senate's Ervin Committee concerns.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, shortly after a meeting with John Ehrlichman to discuss administrative matters and follow-up tasks. The brief interaction focused on the handling of specific documents or copies related to ongoing discussions involving Chuck Colson’s public appearances and John Dean’s coordination with Ehrlichman regarding L. Patrick Gray. No major policy shifts were recorded, but the exchange highlights the logistical management of sensitive materials during a period of intense scrutiny over the administration's internal affairs.
President Nixon initiated a brief contact with the White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection. The interaction served purely administrative purposes to reach another party, as the recording captures only the standard procedures for placing an outgoing call. No substantive policy discussions or political developments occurred during this momentary exchange.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the development of a concise, simplified statement intended for distribution to members of Congress and the Cabinet. The President emphasizes the need for a unified, coherent position to avoid political vulnerabilities or inconsistencies. He directs Ehrlichman to further refine the draft to ensure it effectively serves as a standardized communication tool for the administration.
President Nixon interacted with the White House operator in the Old Executive Office Building to facilitate a telephonic connection. The brief encounter focused on administrative logistics regarding the placement of an outgoing call. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments occurred during this brief communication exchange.
President Nixon met briefly with his aide Stephen B. Bull to provide specific instructions regarding administrative or scheduling preferences. The conversation was limited in duration, focusing on the President's immediate desire to decline a particular request or item. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss routine administrative matters. Their brief interaction focused on logistical details regarding the President's personal food orders and upcoming schedule. No major policy developments occurred during this session.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to rehearse a televised address to the nation regarding his administration's domestic and foreign policy goals. The speech focused on the end of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, the implementation of price controls on meat to curb inflation, and the President's commitment to fiscal restraint by opposing congressional spending increases. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining military strength to ensure national security and leverage in future international arms negotiations.
President Nixon rehearsed a televised address aimed at rallying public support for his domestic and foreign policies following the end of direct U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. He justified his recent imposition of price ceilings on meat as a necessary measure to combat inflation and defended his strict federal budget requests against congressional spending initiatives. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity of maintaining current levels of defense spending to ensure a position of strength in ongoing international arms limitation negotiations.
President Richard Nixon utilizes this address to frame the post-Vietnam War era by emphasizing the need for economic stability and sustained military strength. He highlights his administration's commitment to curbing inflation through price ceilings on meat and a strict federal budget policy, signaling his intent to veto congressional spending measures. Nixon also warns against unilateral defense cuts, arguing that maintaining military power is essential for future international negotiations and preserving global stability.
President Nixon met briefly with Stephen B. Bull to address logistical arrangements for an upcoming GOP leadership breakfast. The discussion centered on scheduling details and coordination involving H.R. Haldeman and William E. Timmons. Nixon directed Bull to handle specific administrative preparations for the event in lieu of further presidential involvement.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons coordinate the scheduling and attendee management for upcoming meetings with GOP members regarding tax and energy legislation. Concerned about redundant appearances, the President instructs Timmons to streamline these sessions by consolidating committee members from Ways and Means and Finance to ensure maximum attendance. Nixon also suggests hosting a breakfast meeting to accommodate a larger group for the energy policy presentation.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss routine personal arrangements and schedule logistics. The brief interaction included a minor exchange regarding refreshments and concluded with the President acknowledging the aide's assistance. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met briefly with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to briefly acknowledge the receipt of unspecified evidentiary materials. The conversation serves as a fleeting confirmation of the delivery of these items, though the specific nature of the evidence remains undefined. No further actions or substantive policy discussions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a call for him. This brief exchange serves primarily as a procedural interaction facilitating communication between the President and an external party. No substantive policy discussions or policy-related decisions were recorded during this brief administrative check-in.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator regarding a pending communication. The President ultimately decided to defer the call to a later time. No further substantive actions or policy discussions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The brief interaction focused on technical assistance for telephone communications during his time in the Old Executive Office Building. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions were recorded during this connection.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The interaction served as a logistical bridge to connect the President with another party for further discussion. This brief exchange highlights the standard operational procedures used by the President to manage official communications from the Executive Office Building.
President Nixon and House Minority Whip Leslie C. Arends discussed recent legislative successes regarding veto overrides and strategic outreach to congressional members. The conversation focused on maintaining momentum for administration initiatives, specifically planning an upcoming meeting with senators and representatives to solidify support. Nixon emphasized the need for aggressive advocacy on legislative priorities, particularly regarding energy policy, and requested input on incorporating bipartisan and Southern Democratic perspectives into his outreach efforts.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephonic communication. This administrative interaction was initiated by the President to bridge a connection for an external call. No substantive policy matters or major historical developments occurred during this brief logistical exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing connection. The brief exchange served as a logistical step to initiate a subsequent telephone communication. No substantive policy matters or political developments were addressed during this transition.
President Nixon met with Representative Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. to discuss the necessity of executive authority in international trade negotiations. Nixon argued that he requires broader negotiating power to effectively engage with foreign counterparts like the Japanese and Germans without being hampered by constant congressional oversight. The discussion touched upon the inflationary environment and labor market conditions while emphasizing the need for tools to streamline executive diplomacy.
President Nixon interacts with a White House operator to facilitate a communication, though the specific intent remains unclear due to the brevity and indistinct nature of the recording. The exchange serves as a procedural bridge to connect the President with an unnamed party. No substantive policy decisions or critical developments are captured in this brief fragment.
President Nixon and Richard K. Cook discussed congressional scheduling and legislative coordination efforts, specifically regarding the anticipated return of key individuals including Jerry, Les, and Wagner. The President praised Cook's recent performance and expressed his confidence in Cook and Max Friedersdorf to manage upcoming legislative objectives. They concluded the brief meeting by emphasizing a strategic approach to handling congressional developments while cautioning against seeking out unnecessary political complications.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to modify the attendee list for an upcoming Thursday meeting by adding domestic cabinet members. Nixon specifically excluded the Attorney General from this session, directing Bull to prioritize select officials such as Roy Ash and Caspar Weinberger. The exchange focused on finalizing the guest list composition for these executive deliberations.
President Nixon met with Representative Samuel L. Devine and David Eisenhower to discuss potential career paths and a possible congressional candidacy for Eisenhower. The participants explored logistical and political challenges, specifically addressing residency requirements and the optics of Eisenhower’s housing arrangements. Additionally, the group reviewed broader political strategy, including the role of Representative George A. Goodling and the importance of securing Eisenhower's placement in a position that would effectively utilize his skills.
President Nixon held a brief interaction with the White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection. The exchange served administrative purposes related to the President's ongoing communications from his office in the Old Executive Office Building. No substantive policy discussions or significant decisions occurred during this brief request for assistance.
President Nixon met to dictate a memorandum for the official file regarding his personal schedule. The brief session served to memorialize administrative details for the historical record. No other participants were present during this administrative recording.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing telephone communication. This brief interaction served solely as a logistical bridge to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy matters or strategic decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon recorded a memorandum for the file to document his views on ongoing diplomatic and political issues. The dictation addressed the status of the Vietnam settlement, specifically referencing the roles of Anatoliy Dobrynin and Henry Kissinger and the impact of prolonging the war. He also touched upon press relations and his engagements with leaders of the Jewish community.
President Nixon held a brief, unidentified discussion in the Old Executive Office Building. Due to the lack of available transcript or descriptive details, the specific agenda and participants remain officially undocumented. Consequently, no substantive policy decisions or action items can be attributed to this particular meeting.
President Nixon, David Eisenhower, and Representative Samuel L. Devine met to discuss strategy regarding Eisenhower’s potential run for Congress. The group analyzed campaign logistics, including managing residency requirements and balancing potential political exposure through the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee versus a staff position. Nixon advised Eisenhower to move deliberately, maintain a low profile in the district initially, and focus on developing his knowledge through political research to build his credentials for a future candidacy.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate adjustments to his upcoming presidential schedule. The discussion focused on securing blocks of time in September and finalizing arrangements for a scheduled dinner. These administrative logistics were prioritized to ensure the President's calendar accurately reflected his strategic planning requirements.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss upcoming economic preparations and strategies for base closures. The President requested materials for study at Camp David and proposed a follow-up meeting for Saturday morning to review economic options. Additionally, they debated the political implications of closing specific military bases, with Nixon explicitly directing that Portsmouth be closed while advising caution regarding Tinker and Belmont to avoid complicating the political standing of David M. Kennedy (referred to as Belmont).
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming state dinner honoring Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The discussion focused on establishing precise protocol for the arrival of the color guard and the timing of musical fanfares during the event. Additionally, they reviewed details regarding the guest list, specifically confirming the status of Paul W. Keyes as a new staff member expected to participate in the receiving line.
President Richard Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman in the Executive Office Building to coordinate administrative matters. The brief exchange served as an invitation for Haldeman to join the President in his office. No substantive policy or political discussions were recorded during this specific segment.
President Nixon requested that the White House operator place a telephone call to an unnamed party. The brief interaction serves primarily as a logistical connection to facilitate further presidential communication. No additional policy or substantive matters were recorded during this exchange.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, engaged in a brief, informal conversation regarding Julie's recent bowling activities. The exchange, which included a passing interaction with an unknown individual, focused on personal matters rather than substantive policy or administrative affairs. No significant political decisions or official actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss personal personnel matters regarding David Eisenhower’s future career path and potential relocation. The conversation shifted to address the ongoing Watergate scandal, specifically managing public perception regarding Haldeman's alleged involvement in campaign intelligence operations. They strategized on potential White House counterattacks and communication tactics for upcoming Congressional testimony and investigations.