Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 493
Nixon White House Tape 493 (May 6, 1971)
21 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Butterfield, Bull, Ziegler, Haldeman
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed the administration of Camp David, specifically focusing on the usage of the facility by staff members and Cabinet officials. They reviewed logistical concerns regarding guest access and the potential overuse of the presidential retreat by insistent personnel. Nixon expressed a desire for more oversight regarding scheduling and access protocols to manage the facility's limited resources effectively.
President Nixon held a brief administrative interaction with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This communication served to establish a connection for the President to conduct official business following the operator's assistance. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on the "Salute to Agriculture" event and strategies for congressional outreach regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) and war-related resolutions. The two discussed domestic political tactics, including the potential for polling public sentiment on war protests and managing the optics of POW/MIA casualty reports. Nixon also directed staff to take a more aggressive, "workmanlike" approach to administrative initiatives, such as the cancer program and breeder reactor funding, to ensure the White House receives proper political credit.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and an unknown individual to coordinate the logistics and scheduling for an upcoming agriculture exhibit appearance. The discussion focused on managing the President's itinerary, including a planned interaction with Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. The participants reviewed the physical layout of the exhibit and the specific sequence of events to ensure the appearance proceeded as planned.
President Nixon met with Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin, agronomist Norman E. Borlaug, and aide John C. Whitaker to discuss administrative details regarding an upcoming agriculture exhibit. The brief meeting focused primarily on scheduling logistics and the potential impact of weather on the event's proceedings. No major policy decisions were recorded during the short interaction.
A group of unidentified individuals met with President Nixon to discuss the effectiveness and performance of various American agricultural programs operating internationally. The participants expressed high praise for the caliber of personnel deployed in the field. The discussion focused primarily on evaluating the impact and professional quality of these overseas development initiatives.
President Nixon met with Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, later joined by Clark MacGregor and Congressmen H. R. Gross and Jack R. Miller, to discuss U.S. agricultural aid programs and global food production. The participants emphasized the importance of training local scientists in developing nations and long-term technical assistance over short-term financial aid. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the urgent need to address rapid population growth in countries like India, Pakistan, and Mexico as a prerequisite for global stability. The meeting also included informal exchanges regarding a gift from the National Pork Producers’ Council and a discussion on the health of former Pakistani President Ayub Khan.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator regarding logistical arrangements for an upcoming medical procedure, including the hospital and attending physicians. He directed the operator to coordinate with General Haig to finalize these details. Additionally, the President briefly touched upon concerns regarding administrative or financial policies that could impact institutional stability.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler to discuss administrative strategies for managing public perception regarding Vietnam War protests, upcoming economic data, and the Peace Corps. A primary focus was developing a firm communications strategy to commend law enforcement and law-abiding citizens while condemning the tactics of anti-war demonstrators in Washington, D.C. The President also touched upon legislative lobbying for the Supersonic Transport (SST) program and coordinated with staff regarding the timing and delivery of critical documents related to international negotiations.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Alexander Haig to discuss the critical need for a major policy announcement to strengthen his position against mounting congressional pressure regarding the Vietnam War. They evaluated the political impact of potential developments, including a Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement and diplomatic initiatives involving China and the USSR. Ultimately, Nixon emphasized that he required a decisive, high-profile move to bolster his support in the Senate, deciding to prioritize a meeting with South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu as a key strategic action. The conversation concluded with a brief meeting involving Charles Rhyne and Richard Moore regarding the potential for a presidential initiative to promote international law.
President Nixon met with his legislative aides, including Thomas C. Korologos, Max L. Friedersdorf, and William E. Timmons, to acknowledge their work in the Senate and present them with gifts. The brief session included a photo opportunity with the White House photographer to commemorate the staff members' contributions. Following their departure, Ronald L. Ziegler joined the President to briefly discuss a photograph of Nixon's great-great-grandfather, Milhous.
President Nixon hosted actor and comedian Arte Johnson and his wife for a brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office, which included an initial photo session with a White House photographer. The conversation focused on lighthearted pleasantries, including discussions about Southern California geography, the San Diego Zoo, and the President’s home in San Clemente. Nixon also presented the Johnsons with official presidential gifts and engaged in casual banter regarding their respective backgrounds and professional work.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding the President's upcoming schedule. The primary focus of the brief discussion was determining the specific location and arrangements for an impending meeting with Treasury Secretary John B. Connally. Following these instructions, Bull promptly exited the Oval Office to facilitate the requested scheduling updates.
President Nixon, Treasury Secretary John Connally, and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate the administration's public messaging regarding ongoing economic challenges and international monetary policy. They discussed the necessity of maintaining a firm, positive stance on the stability of the U.S. dollar amid global speculation and emphasized the urgency of improving U.S. industrial competitiveness, particularly in the steel sector. Connally also outlined his planned public statements addressing labor and management responsibility to ensure the long-term health of the American economy.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to discuss political strategy, focusing on upcoming public opinion polls regarding Vietnam and the orchestration of publicity efforts to counter congressional efforts to force a withdrawal. They reviewed logistical plans for the President’s potential visit to the Gateway National Bank project and discussed the political benefits of attending the NATO Conference on Cities in Indianapolis. The conversation also touched upon the President’s travel schedule and the strategic value of appearing at major cultural events, such as the Indianapolis 500, to connect with middle-American audiences.
Participants discuss the recent anti-war demonstrations in Washington, D.C., focusing on the rationale behind the mass arrests of protestors. The speakers justify the police action by asserting that the demonstrators intentionally broke the law and were prepared for incarceration. They characterize the protestors' behavior as performative and conclude that the legal consequences were an expected and appropriate outcome of the participants' actions.
An unidentified group met with President Nixon in the Oval Office to discuss an individual's decisive leadership and firm stance on a recent action. The participants praised this person's willingness to accept responsibility for their choices without hesitation or wavering. The discussion reflects an internal evaluation of a political figure's character and their accountability regarding a specific decision.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to finalize the President's schedule for May 7, 1971, focusing on logistics for upcoming public appearances. The discussion centered on managing press access and determining the President’s level of involvement in remarks for the "Salute to Agriculture" and an appearance on the "Glen Campbell Show." They reached decisions to keep press presence minimal, specifically limiting photo coverage and briefings during the musical entertainment portion of the show to maintain control over the President's public image.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate administrative logistics, specifically regarding the distribution of White House gifts for members of Congress. The discussion covered the inventory of items such as key chains, paperweights, and golf balls, as well as the engraving of the President's signature on cufflinks and tie clasps. Additionally, the pair addressed scheduling concerns involving Charles W. Colson and established strict access restrictions regarding specific visitors.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson, Ronald Ziegler, and Stephen Bull to discuss public perception of the administration's firm handling of recent anti-war protests in Washington, D.C. The participants reviewed strategies for countering criticism from political opponents and the media, specifically focusing on documenting evidence of communist support behind the demonstrations. Additionally, they coordinated plans to leverage political allies, such as labor leader Peter Brennan, to mobilize public support and ensure the administration’s narrative regarding the restoration of order remained dominant.
Unnamed individuals discuss political intelligence or strategic planning, referencing a figure named Becker who claims support across various states. The speakers address geographic advantages and suggest that specific operational objectives are being met in multiple locations, including Chicago. The brief exchange concludes without identifying a formal decision, focusing instead on the perceived progress of an ongoing project.