Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 535
Nixon White House Tape 535 (July 2, 1971)
25 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 42 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Butterfield, Bull, Atkins, Haldeman
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to review the selection process for the President's upcoming official schedule, specifically regarding the inclusion of volunteer organizations. Nixon expressed concern over the omission of a volunteer group leader from the current list and sought clarification on the origins of the scheduling recommendations. The two discussed the vetting process for event participants, with Butterfield confirming the involvement of various groups in developing the activity roster.
President Nixon held a brief morning meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. The interaction lasted for less than one minute, concluding immediately after the recording began. Due to the lack of available transcripts or descriptive metadata, no substantive policy discussions, decisions, or specific topics can be attributed to this exchange.
President Nixon consulted with an associate regarding specific personal wardrobe orders through Freeman Brothers. He requested several pairs of lightweight gray and blue slacks, emphasizing a preference for a fuller cut that remains appropriate for both casual wear and golf. The conversation concluded with instructions to use his existing sizing pattern to ensure consistency in fit and appearance.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and Peter Flanigan to address several pressing administrative and political challenges. Key discussions focused on responding to the Pentagon Papers, including the need for a rigorous conspiracy investigation and managing the fallout from Daniel Ellsberg's actions. The President also evaluated economic messaging regarding unemployment statistics, strategized the management of political funds and polling, and reviewed potential ambassadorial appointments for Japan and other key posts, emphasizing the need for loyal, business-oriented candidates. Finally, the group discussed using antitrust actions as political leverage against broadcasting networks and implementing funding cutbacks for public broadcasting.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and labor leader Peter Brennan to discuss strengthening political support from construction unions, specifically regarding the administration's foreign policy and the Vietnam War. They addressed the controversy surrounding the recent publication of the Pentagon Papers and the perceived bias of mainstream media outlets. Additionally, the group reviewed domestic challenges including union frustrations with minority hiring initiatives, the management of urban issues in New York City, and the economic impact of environmental regulations on major construction projects.
President Nixon hosted photographer Oliver F. Atkins along with the Peterson family for a brief social meeting in the Oval Office. The participants engaged in informal conversation regarding the logistics of a group photograph and the presentation of presidential gifts. During the session, the President presented the family with cufflinks featuring the presidential seal and an Apollo viewer to commemorate the era's space exploration.
President Nixon met with NSC staffer Robert G. Houdek, his wife, Alexander Haig, and Ronald Ziegler to facilitate a brief farewell and photo opportunity. During the meeting, the President discussed Houdek’s transition to Princeton University for his undergraduate studies. The encounter concluded with the President presenting a gift featuring the presidential seal to Houdek's wife.
President Nixon consulted with an unknown female staff member regarding the logistical arrangements for his upcoming presidential photo opportunities. The discussion centered on changing the format of these sessions to a standing position rather than a seated one. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement on the effectiveness of implementing this new approach for future press engagements.
President Nixon met with Lane and Elizabeth Dwinell to express his personal appreciation for Lane Dwinell's service to the administration. The brief encounter included a discussion regarding a scheduled luncheon for Mrs. Juan Velasco, to which the Dwinells were invited as part of broader diplomatic engagement. The meeting concluded with the exchange of presidential gifts and a photograph, marking the formal end of Dwinell's tenure.
President Nixon met with Master Chief Eleuterio Mendoza, his family, and Brig. Gen. James D. Hughes to recognize and commend the Chief's dedicated service at the White House. The brief social encounter included a photo opportunity, the presentation of presidential gifts, and informal conversation about the Mendoza children. The meeting served as a formal farewell and expression of appreciation for the Chief's contributions.
President Nixon hosted a brief meeting in the Oval Office with Robert J. Newbrand and his family, accompanied by Alexander P. Butterfield. The visit served as a formal gesture of appreciation for Newbrand's service dating back to 1968, as he prepared to relocate to Florida. The encounter included a commemorative photo session and the presentation of official presidential gifts to the family.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize the logistics for an upcoming Congressional event scheduled in the Oval Office. They reviewed the sequence of attendees for a meet-and-greet session and coordinated the necessary protocol for the presentation of presidential gifts. The discussion served to refine the operational flow of the meeting to ensure a smooth interaction with stakeholders.
President Nixon met with Congressman Wilmer D. Mizell and the Arizona State University baseball team, coached by Bobby Winkles, to discuss their upcoming participation in the Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia. The group outlined plans to conduct baseball clinics for local youth in Colombia as a form of cultural diplomacy, a program the President agreed to support through coordination with the Department of State. During the visit, Nixon offered encouragement to the athletes and distributed presidential mementos, including cufflinks and golf balls.
President Nixon met with Congressman Roman C. Pucinski, Orlando Rivera, and Father Arthur Fagan to discuss federal education funding and the administration's policy regarding school busing. During the meeting, Nixon presented gifts to the visitors and engaged in a brief discussion about the effectiveness of current Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) spending. Nixon concluded by directing his staff member Edward L. Morgan to meet with Pucinski to review the budget and address concerns about the allocation of funds toward busing initiatives.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate his official schedule. The discussion focused on upcoming appointments, specifically regarding a meeting with Congressman William J. Keating. Following the brief briefing, Bull concluded the meeting by departing the office.
President Nixon met with Representative William J. Keating, Herbert W. Wengler, and Richard A. Fossier to discuss the manufacturing and potential future production of commemorative medallions, including those featuring former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The participants also touched upon the administration’s progress regarding the Vietnam War and domestic unemployment rates. Nixon directed the group to coordinate further details concerning the production and presidential seal requirements with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman.
President Nixon met with Congressman Chalmers P. Wylie to discuss domestic economic policy, welfare reform, and foreign policy matters, specifically regarding the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam. The President explained his rationale for vetoing a public works bill, emphasizing the need to control federal spending and inflation while prioritizing targeted emergency employment measures. Additionally, the pair discussed economic conditions in Ohio and coordinated a potential future visit by the President to the state.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and manage administrative logistics for an assembly of presidential appointees. The discussion specifically focused on arrangements for Frederic V. Malek and the coordination of a group photograph session. This meeting served to finalize protocols for official staff interactions and documentation within the White House.
President Nixon met with a group of administration officials and appointees, including Frederic Malek and several representatives from the Department of the Interior, for a brief introductory session. The President utilized the opportunity to express appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals serving in government and to acknowledge the bureaucratic challenges inherent in Washington work. The meeting concluded with the exchange of presidential gifts for the attendees and their spouses.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the design and production of permanent commemorative plaques featuring the presidential seal for use in hotels and meeting rooms visited by the President. They deliberated on materials, such as metal on wood, and the appropriate language to designate specific "presidential suites." The President instructed Bull to formalize these installations as a standardized practice for commemorative purposes.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate administrative logistics regarding the President's schedule. The discussion focused on H.R. Haldeman’s recent interview, the potential recording of that session, and an upcoming engagement involving Harry S. Dent. The meeting served to ensure synchronization between the President and his staff regarding pending appointments and personnel matters.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate administrative details regarding the President’s upcoming schedule. The brief discussion centered on managing appointments and logistical arrangements for the following day. No substantive policy decisions were reached during this short logistical exchange.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods, H. R. Haldeman, and Alexander Butterfield to manage presidential logistics, including scheduling, correspondence, and photography, while discussing high-level foreign policy and security concerns. The participants addressed the handling of autograph and photo requests to improve efficiency, and Nixon expressed frustration over the perceived disloyalty of NSC staff members like William Lake and Morton Halperin. Furthermore, Nixon and Haldeman coordinated strategy regarding Secretary of State William Rogers' potential Mideast diplomatic mission and the ongoing secret negotiations with China, ultimately transitioning into a discussion on the messaging and tone of the President's upcoming July 3rd Bicentennial speech.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate scheduling details regarding a forthcoming luncheon for Mrs. Juan Velasco. The discussion centered on logistics involving the First Lady and considerations related to the weather. The participants finalized the arrangements before departing together.
President Nixon met with United States Secret Service agents to discuss logistics regarding his current whereabouts and protective security details. The brief exchange focused on coordinating the President's movements and security protocol. The meeting concluded shortly after the agents confirmed the necessary arrangements with the President.