Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 471
Nixon White House Tape 471 (March 20, 1971 – March 24, 1971)
25 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 18 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Butterfield, MacGregor, Bull, Kissinger
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate their schedules. The conversation serves primarily as a logistical check-in to confirm Kissinger's arrival for a planned meeting. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief interaction.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize the upcoming announcement of U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam and the framing of the Laotian operation (Lam Son). They discussed managing domestic political fallout, particularly regarding anti-war sentiment and press coverage, while ensuring the military withdrawal timeline remained flexible to avoid providing tactical advantages to the enemy. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a successful communication strategy to characterize the Laotian operation as a significant strategic achievement that damaged North Vietnamese supply lines and morale, effectively shifting public attention away from the conflict.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified male visitor in the Oval Office. The conversation was limited to an exchange regarding the President's coat as they prepared to depart the room. No substantive policy discussions or administrative actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H. R. Haldeman met to evaluate the public reception of the President's recent television interview and to coordinate a unified public relations strategy. The group discussed utilizing Cabinet members and supportive Senators to amplify the administration's Vietnam policy, particularly in response to critics and the Harvard faculty petition. Additionally, they reviewed internal polling data regarding the interview's impact and planned future messaging efforts, including potential rebroadcasts and coordinated speeches.
President Nixon met with Senator Clifford P. Hansen and Clark MacGregor to lobby for the Senator's support of the Supersonic Transport (SST) program. Nixon emphasized the project's importance to national pride and technological standing while attempting to address Hansen's concerns regarding regional airline service in Wyoming. Despite Nixon's assurances regarding ecological oversight and service improvements, Hansen remained firm in his opposition, citing previous public commitments to his constituents.
President Nixon met with Clark MacGregor to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and staff engagements. The brief discussion primarily concerned logistical planning for a subsequent meeting with Senator Peter H. Dominick. The conversation concluded with MacGregor exiting the Oval Office shortly before 10:05 am.
President Nixon met with Senator Peter H. Dominick and Clark MacGregor to discuss ongoing legislative challenges, including the Supersonic Transport (SST) funding and environmental policy tensions. Dominick emphasized the need for more direct communication channels between Republican leadership and the White House to better coordinate political strategy, while expressing concern over the Vice President’s public relations impact on younger voters. The participants also reviewed administration efforts in farm reorganization and economic management, with the President prioritizing steady growth to avoid a potential downturn heading into the 1972 election cycle.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on meetings with Louie B. Nunn and Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The discussion centered on preparations for Senator Byrd’s visit and established the protocol for interrupting the President when the Senator arrived. No further substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative check-in.
President Nixon met with Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. and William E. Timmons to discuss pending legislation regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and the political climate surrounding the Vietnam War. Nixon urged Byrd to support the SST project, arguing that American leadership in scientific and industrial innovation was vital for national defense and international prestige. While Byrd remained firm in his long-standing opposition to the SST due to fiscal and environmental concerns, he expressed strong support for the President’s Vietnam policy, specifically praising the administration's progress on troop withdrawals.
President Nixon, Jack Miller, and Clark MacGregor met to discuss the upcoming legislative vote on the Supersonic Transport (SST) project, emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership in global competition and technological innovation. The group analyzed the vote tally, including the potential influence of uncommitted senators such as David H. Gambrell and Margaret Chase Smith. The President directed Miller and MacGregor to secure votes through parliamentary pairing, specifically mentioning Senators Karl Mundt and Clifford Hansen as potential partners for absent members.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly conferred regarding the logistics of Senator John Sherman Cooper’s upcoming itinerary. The discussion focused specifically on determining the Senator's current location and confirming that he would be visiting an island without the presence of a witness. No major policy developments occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met with Louie B. Nunn, Whitney M. Young, Sr., and administration officials to discuss vocational training initiatives and the legacy of Whitney M. Young, Jr. The discussion emphasized the critical role of skill-based training and education in creating economic opportunities for minority communities. Participants shared personal anecdotes regarding the transformative impact of vocational programs, ultimately reinforcing the administration's support for expanding these efforts.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, Joseph Blatchford, and Carol Khosrovi to discuss the administration's government reorganization plans, specifically regarding the integration and future role of volunteer-based programs like the Peace Corps, VISTA, and the Teaching Corps. The participants reviewed strategies for securing legislative support and emphasized the importance of elevating the prominence of these programs within the federal structure. Additionally, Blatchford shared insights from his recent university outreach, noting that despite campus cynicism, students are receptive to government service opportunities when presented with concrete, localized ways to get involved.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to review the President’s upcoming schedule and administrative priorities. The discussion focused on coordinating a meeting with John A. Scali and arranging the logistics for a forthcoming signing ceremony. The brief interaction concluded with the finalization of these immediate ceremonial and professional engagements.
President Nixon met with representatives of the International Military Sports Council, led by Admiral Aldo Massarini, to accept a commemorative medal and discuss the organization's contributions to international relations. The meeting featured a brief photo opportunity with the press to highlight the role of military personnel in fostering global peace through athletic competition. Following the delegation's departure, Nixon consulted with Alexander Butterfield regarding the upcoming signing of a proclamation for USO Day.
President Nixon met with Harvey Firestone, General Emmett O'Donnell, Jr., and George T. Bell for a brief, informal session in the Oval Office that included a photo opportunity. The discussion touched on military service and the contributions of Bob Hope to the USO, with the President specifically criticizing religious leaders for their opposition to Hope's work. The participants also exchanged gifts, including photographs, and witnessed the President sign a proclamation.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically regarding a meeting with Charles R. Larson. During the interaction, Bull presented the President with gold cufflinks. The exchange served as a short administrative check-in to manage official appointments and personal items.
President Nixon met with military aides Commander Craig S. Campbell, Charles R. Larson, and Major General James D. Hughes to facilitate introductions and formal photographs. The discussion centered on Larson’s upcoming military reassignment to a submarine command based in San Diego, which Nixon noted was conveniently located near his San Clemente estate. The brief meeting concluded with the exchange of personal gifts and expressions of mutual appreciation regarding the aides' service.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistical details regarding a scheduled performance by the Creston High School Choir. The discussion focused on confirming the status of the group and finalizing the protocol for their appearance at the White House. The two briefly reviewed the agenda, which included a performance of two songs by the choir.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate a brief visit from the Creston High School Choir. The discussion focused on the logistics of the choir's tour of the Oval Office and the inclusion of their musical performance in the President’s schedule. Nixon provided final approval for the group to enter the office for their viewing and presentation.
President Nixon met with Gerald R. Ford and Alexander P. Butterfield in the Oval Office for a brief, informal encounter. The discussion was limited to pleasantries and casual observations regarding the weather. No substantive policy matters or official administrative decisions were recorded during this four-minute interaction.
Secret Service agents met with President Nixon in the Oval Office to discuss security-related matters. The fragmented exchange involved logistics concerning a home office and references to an unidentified individual referred to as 'Dad.' Due to the poor audio quality of the recording, no substantive policy decisions or actionable directives could be determined.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistical details regarding upcoming White House meetings and events. They discussed scheduling for Charles W. Colson and John A. Scali, specifically addressing the appropriate location for their discussion. Additionally, the brief session touched upon arrangements for the Creston High School Choir’s tour and the handling of associated gifts.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office to review the President’s upcoming daily schedule. The conversation focused on logistical planning and the coordination of executive commitments. No specific policy decisions or significant developments were recorded during this brief encounter before the two departed.
Secret Service personnel and unidentified individuals gathered in the Oval Office for an informal exchange that appears to involve personal communication. During the brief interaction, one participant initiates a phone call to a family member, requesting assistance with reading specific information. No substantive policy discussions or presidential actions are captured in the audio recording.