Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 552
Nixon White House Tape 552 (July 30, 1971)
6 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 58 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Sanchez, Haldeman, Kissinger, Harris
President Richard M. Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office. Given the lack of a transcript or record of substantive policy deliberations, the interaction likely concerned routine personal assistance or staff coordination. No specific administrative decisions or political developments are documented as resulting from this brief encounter.
President Nixon initiates a brief administrative interaction with the White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection. The conversation serves as a routine procedural step to bridge a call to another party. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to discuss his upcoming schedule, specifically deciding to cancel his planned visit to the Bohemian Grove due to concerns regarding press intrusion and the potential breach of the club's traditional off-the-record atmosphere. The participants also reviewed foreign policy developments, including the China initiative and ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, while addressing the need to manage conservative discontent within the party. Finally, they evaluated the political implications of recent labor disputes and strategized on the handling of upcoming presidential trips and public relations.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Manolo Sanchez to discuss travel arrangements for his upcoming vacations to California and New York. The conversation focused on the President's desire for genuine rest, the logistical necessity of limiting visitors to ensure privacy, and managing the expectations of friends like Jack Drown and Bebe Rebozo. The President emphasized his need for a working retreat, free from political staff, to recover from the stresses of his office while maintaining a controlled schedule for his family and guests.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the cancellation of the President's planned visit to Bohemian Grove to avoid unwanted media scrutiny and potential tax implications for the club. They also address a communications breakdown regarding the unauthorized release of a presidential letter to a Soviet cosmonaut’s daughter, which had gained significant media attention. Finally, they touch upon Vice President Spiro Agnew’s scheduling habits and plan a follow-up presidential call to NASA officials following the lunar landing of Apollo XV.
Secret Service agents utilized the Oval Office to coordinate logistics and monitor the movements of President Nixon during his travel between the East Wing and other locations. The discussion focused on operational security and clarifying the President's precise schedule and whereabouts to ensure proper protection. Ultimately, the agents confirmed the President's transit route and successfully reconciled their communication regarding his physical location.