Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 458
Nixon White House Tape 458 (February 25, 1971)
11 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 36 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Butterfield, Haldeman, Bull, White House photographer
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the social dynamics and political hostilities encountered during recent White House functions. Haldeman analyzes the personal animosity displayed by Ronald and Nancy Reagan toward the President, comparing it to the visible disdain previously observed in Eunice Shriver during a diplomatic dinner. The conversation emphasizes the perceived emotional reactions of various political figures toward Nixon's presence in office.
President Richard M. Nixon met with radio technicians in the Oval Office to record his radio address concerning the Second Annual Foreign Policy Report to Congress. The discussion primarily focused on technical logistics, the arrangement of recording equipment, and the President's delivery of specific segments of the speech. During the session, the President successfully recorded the address, including a re-recorded segment to ensure the clarity and effectiveness of his message on foreign policy.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to coordinate the logistics for an upcoming series of photo opportunities with visitors, including Thomas and Glenda Kleppe and Judge George Renercomb. The President provided specific instructions on the positioning of guests within the Oval Office to ensure the process remained efficient and brief. Nixon emphasized the need for a rapid turnover to minimize the duration of the sessions.
President Nixon hosted a group of officials, family members, and congressional guests in the Oval Office for the ceremonial swearing-in of Thomas S. Kleppe as the new Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Following the oath of office, the group discussed the agency's primary objectives, specifically emphasizing the need for active engagement with the business community and the provision of low-interest loans for victims of the recent California earthquake. The meeting concluded with the President presenting gifts to the attendees and formal expressions of mutual support and cooperation.
President Nixon met with outgoing Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) official Felipe Herrera, along with Charls Walker and other staff, to discuss U.S.-Latin American relations and the bank's role in the region. The conversation focused on the necessity of soft-loan windows for developing nations, the importance of private capital, and the President's vision for a partnership based on "peaceful change," stability, and mutual dignity. Following the policy discussion, the President and Herrera exchanged gifts and tokens of appreciation, with the meeting concluding after further remarks from Walker regarding the administration's commitment to these diplomatic principles.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to finalize arrangements for an upcoming meeting with Representative Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. and J. M. Menefee. The President instructed Butterfield to proceed with the scheduling of these individuals. This brief discussion focused exclusively on coordinating the logistics of the President’s official calendar.
President Nixon met with Joe D. Waggonner, Jr., Juanita Morris Moody, John C. Whitaker, and Richard K. Cook to discuss oil production concerns in Louisiana and potential impacts on national energy policy. Waggonner introduced an official from the Louisiana Department of Conservation, who presented data suggesting that claims of artificially suppressed oil production were unfounded and explained the industry's struggle with declining drilling rates and rising costs. The President acknowledged the technical complexity of the issue and directed his staff, particularly John Whitaker, to coordinate a follow-up meeting with relevant administration officials to ensure a more informed approach to oil regulation.
President Nixon and Dwight L. Chapin discussed logistical arrangements for upcoming White House events, specifically a reception involving John Quincy Adams' portrait and a dinner honoring astronauts. They reviewed seating plans, the program structure, and potential guest list additions, including the possibility of inviting prominent golfers. Nixon also addressed the travel arrangements for John B. Connally to Camp David and decided against inviting an MIT scientist who had contributed to the Apollo 14 mission due to concerns over his appearance.
President Nixon met with his former law partner Milton C. Rose to discuss private legal and personal matters, specifically the wills of Elmer and Momdouha Bobst. They reviewed executor arrangements for the Bobsts' estates and the future activation of the Elmer and Momdouha Bobst Foundation, ensuring that Nixon's role as a potential director would not create conflicts or adverse publicity. Additionally, the pair discussed the status of their former law firm, Mudge, Rose, Guthrie & Alexander, potential advisory roles for Elmer Bobst regarding national cancer research initiatives, and scheduling for upcoming White House events.
President Nixon met with David M. Kennedy and General Alexander Haig to discuss the strategic objectives and logistical planning for Kennedy’s upcoming diplomatic tour of Vietnam, Indonesia, Micronesia, Hong Kong, and Thailand. The President emphasized the critical need for an expert evaluation of South Vietnam’s post-withdrawal economic viability and urged Kennedy to consult directly with local leaders and business figures to bypass the perceived limitations of State Department bureaucracy. Additionally, Nixon provided specific instructions for managing regional alliances, including reassuring Thai leadership of U.S. commitment and addressing the political complexities of Micronesian governance.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss strategies for managing the President's public image, presidential schedule, and press relations. Key topics include handling potential conflicts regarding Vice President Agnew's attendance at the Gridiron Club, coordinating future public events like an agricultural fair at the White House, and streamlining the President's public speaking engagements to improve impact. Nixon emphasizes the importance of repeating key rhetorical themes, such as his 'generation of peace' messaging, and expresses a preference for utilizing radio addresses to reach the public efficiently without the logistical burdens of televised appearances.