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Conversation 451-001

TapeTape 451StartThursday, February 18, 1971 at 9:47 AMEndThursday, February 18, 1971 at 9:52 AMTape start time00:00:59Tape end time00:06:17ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ehrlichman, John D.;  Butterfield, Alexander P.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Alexander Butterfield to address internal disagreements regarding economic forecasts provided by the Commerce Department. The discussion centered on aligning departmental output with administration messaging and ensuring cooperation from the American business community. Nixon emphasized the need to combat unfavorable media narratives and maintain strict control over the administration’s economic platform.

Economic policyCommerce DepartmentPublic relationsCorporate relationsInternal administration dissent
AudioNARA Description

On February 18, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, John D. Ehrlichman, and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 9:47 am to 9:52 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 451-001 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 451-1

Date: February 18, 1971
Time: 9:47 am - 9:52 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with John D. Ehrlichman

     Soviet Union
          -European security conference

     Economic forecast
         -Commerce Department
               -Maurice H. Stans
                    -Efforts
                    -Ehrlichman’s conversation with Stans

Alexander P. Butterfield entered at 9:50 am

           -American business
               -Cooperation with administration
           -Media coverage

     Ehrlichman’s schedule

Ehrlichman and Butterfield left at 9:52 am
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

I don't know what the hell...
John, uh...
Four days.
Just got to get a hold of this guy.
One.
I don't know if he's going to make it out of this city.
I don't know if he's going to make it out of this city.
I don't know if he's going to make it out of this city.
I don't know if he's going to make it out of this city.
It's not a plan, but I mean, I don't actually, we're trying to make a smart decision in the art of our economic forecast, and that says the Commerce Department and Berkshire County disagree with it.
About that, we're just not going to have that.
You know, I mean, they disagree, but I don't like all those situations.
There's not an economic position that's part of the economic system.
We don't stand a chance of, you know, threatening to go ahead and have a guy that, I don't think he's going to have fun with us.
I mean, I don't think he's going to have fun with us.
I mean, I don't think he's going to have fun with us.
I don't think he's going to have fun with us.
I don't care what it is.
We're going to have to fight this environment.
I've gone as far as to say to a group of businessmen that are cooperating, look, we're not...
... ... ... ... ...
This is a waiting car.
It's a car sign.
And I don't know if you can see it.
It's a car sign.
It's a car sign.
It's a car sign.
I did a good job.
I did a good job.
I did a good job.
I did a good job.
Well, I don't think there's anything special about this person.
I've had a lot with him this week, and I'll talk to him about it.
I'll see if you ever cross paths with him.
If you're tired of his skills, I'll tell you about it then.
Or if he's just got a real hard day and can't come home without a glass of milk.
to put out a flag like that.
So we have to go out and say this is what I want to do.
And I agree with that program.
And I'm certainly what it is.
I don't know why it doesn't happen.
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