Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 479
Nixon White House Tape 479 (April 14, 1971)
7 conversations · Oval Office · about 4 hr 29 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Kissinger, Bull, Haldeman, Burns
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss recent shifts in elite public opinion toward the administration, specifically noting a surprising consensus of respect and support expressed during a social dinner. Kissinger highlights the administration's strategic gains regarding China and Vietnam as key drivers of this improved standing, while Nixon focuses on the importance of maintaining a firm, decisive course. The two also coordinate efforts to finalize SALT negotiations with the Soviet Union, prioritizing direct, high-level communication to prevent bureaucratic leaks or delays.
President Nixon met with key members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including Senators John Stennis and Margaret Chase Smith, to coordinate legislative strategy on defense priorities. The discussion centered on securing a two-year draft extension, managing military manpower reductions, and timing the submission of the military procurement bill to avoid unfavorable Senate floor votes during a sensitive period of international negotiations. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm military position amid changing Soviet leadership and discussed his recent intervention in the Lt. William L. Calley Jr. case to maintain military judicial process.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to discuss political strategy for the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) vote, emphasizing the need to avoid early deals and keep the administration's position firm until the final vote. Following the swearing-in of William J. Casey as SEC Chairman, Nixon conferred with his staff and Arthur F. Burns on domestic economic management, public relations, and the importance of projecting a more passionate and committed image to the public. Finally, Nixon met with Dr. Rainer Barzel of the German Christian Democratic Union to discuss the status of Berlin negotiations and the political implications of Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik, during which Nixon reaffirmed the United States' commitment to maintaining a federal presence in Berlin.
President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, and Arthur Burns held this discussion to coordinate economic strategy and review the administration's political management of upcoming challenges. They focused on strengthening the partnership between Burns and John Connally, particularly regarding balance-of-payments policies, interest rates, and the political handling of potential steel industry inflation. Nixon also sought Burns’ perspective on international concerns, including the Berlin negotiations and German political stability, before Burns departed for a diplomatic trip to Europe.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a meeting with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The President directed Bull to locate Ziegler and bring him to the Oval Office for a discussion regarding his official schedule. The brief interaction concluded with Bull departing to carry out the President's instructions.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, in the Oval Office to address administrative matters. The primary focus of the discussion concerned the scheduling and coordination of press briefings for Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. This meeting served as an operational check-in to ensure the alignment of the President's public communications strategy.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler to review internal polling data regarding his popularity and the administration's handling of the Vietnam War following his April 7, 1971, address. The discussion highlighted the positive impact of the speech on public opinion, specifically noting a shift toward support despite ongoing challenges related to the My Lai massacre trials. Additionally, the President and his staff discussed diplomatic initiatives with the People's Republic of China, emphasizing that recent trade and travel relaxation announcements were deliberate, long-term strategic decisions rather than spontaneous gestures, and planned future public relations strategies involving upcoming events such as the wedding of Tricia Nixon.