Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 427
Nixon White House Tape 427 (April 13, 1973 – April 17, 1973)
17 conversations · Old Executive Office Building · about 4 hr 19 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Ehrlichman, Ziegler, Bull, Petersen
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman met to strategize on managing the Watergate fallout, focusing specifically on the damaging potential of testimony from Jeb Stuart Magruder and John W. Dean. The participants discussed the risk of indictments targeting former Attorney General John Mitchell and the necessity of keeping the White House insulated from criminal implications. They weighed the merits of asserting executive privilege versus allowing witnesses to testify, while expressing concern over the U.S. Attorney’s investigation and the strategic need to contain potential revelations before the Ervin Committee hearings commenced.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to coordinate the ongoing Watergate investigation and manage the political fallout. The discussion focused on securing a plea deal for Jeb Stuart Magruder and navigating the potential resignations of John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman. Nixon and Petersen strategized on how the President should publicly characterize his personal inquiry into the matter to ensure the investigation appeared to be under control without prematurely triggering resignations or jeopardizing future prosecutions.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the burgeoning Watergate scandal and the escalating pressure from investigations. The conversation centered on the potential legal ramifications for White House staff and the management of ongoing inquiries. They addressed the necessity of coordinating their responses to minimize political fallout as the administration faced mounting scrutiny.
President Nixon requested assistance from the White House operator to place an outgoing telephone call. The interaction served as a brief administrative precursor to connecting the President with another party. No substantive policy matters or major developments occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief, cryptic discussion concerning the status of an ongoing, unspecified project or inquiry. The President sought an update on the progress of “that thing,” suggesting an urgent but undisclosed internal matter requiring Ziegler’s attention. No specific resolution or definitive action items were articulated during the one-minute exchange.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Ronald Ziegler to navigate the growing legal and public relations pressures surrounding the Watergate investigation. The discussion focused on coordinating a response to grand jury subpoenas, managing potential testimony from White House staff, and negotiating ground rules for committee hearings. Nixon emphasized the need for a unified strategy while expressing concern over the implications of public testimony and potential leaks, ultimately deciding to delay any major public announcement to avoid jeopardizing ongoing legal proceedings.
President Nixon speaks briefly with a White House operator to offer a compliment regarding her performance. This interaction serves as a routine expression of presidential appreciation for staff assistance. No policy matters or administrative decisions are addressed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon, John W. Dean, III, and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate scheduling and the flow of information regarding impending briefings. The participants discussed the President’s upcoming meetings with William P. Rogers and H.R. Haldeman. The interaction served as a logistical pivot point to manage the President’s time and the sequence of key administrative consultations.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual to discuss scheduling arrangements. The exchange was limited to logistical coordination and pleasantries regarding upcoming plans. No substantive policy matters or strategic decisions were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and John Dean met to discuss the drafting of a public statement intended to address the mounting Watergate-related legal pressures facing the White House. The conversation centered on the potential risks of appearing to prejudge staff members, the complexities of managing public perception regarding internal investigations, and the need to insulate the President from specific illicit schemes. They specifically addressed the optics of staff members testifying before the grand jury and considered various ways to present these actions to the public without creating a liability or a perception of scapegoating.
President Nixon met briefly with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to inform her of his impending busy schedule and personal commitments. The pair exchanged brief pleasantries regarding her current activities and upcoming plans. The conversation serves primarily as a personal check-in between family members amidst the intensifying pressures of the administration.
President Nixon met with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and later consulted with John D. Ehrlichman to strategize on the mounting Watergate crisis. The discussions focused on the unfolding allegations involving John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, John Mitchell, and Jeb Magruder, specifically addressing the disbursement of hush money and the handling of sensitive materials from E. Howard Hunt’s safe. Nixon and his advisors sought to manage the legal and political fallout by coordinating with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen while distancing the White House from the increasingly damaging testimony regarding the cover-up.
Manolo Sanchez met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to facilitate the retrieval of a briefcase. During the exchange, the unidentified participant remarked on the significant danger posed by the contents or the situation surrounding the items. The meeting concluded shortly thereafter with both individuals departing the office.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator regarding a broadcast or performance he was monitoring. During the brief exchange, Nixon dismissed the program, labeling it a "jerk show." No further administrative actions or substantive policy discussions were recorded during this brief communication.
President Nixon consults with a White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with an unidentified individual. The brief exchange focuses on coordinating the logistics of reaching this party. The interaction concludes with the operator confirming they can proceed with placing the call.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing telephone connection. The brief exchange served exclusively as a logistical step to place a call. No further substantive policy matters or decisions were discussed during this interaction.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing investigation into the Watergate scandal and its potential impact on his administration. The two focused on the necessity of managing the investigation's pace and gathering sufficient facts to justify legal proceedings. Nixon emphasized the importance of staying informed on developments and coordinating communication to avoid jeopardizing the integrity of the prosecution.