Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 560
Nixon White House Tape 560 (August 10, 1971)
7 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Shultz, White House photographer, Butterfield
President Nixon met with his Council of Economic Advisers, including Paul McCracken, Herbert Stein, and George Shultz, to assess the current state of the national economy and evaluate potential administration interventions. The discussion focused on economic indicators, inflation, and the political and psychological impact of potential wage and price controls. Nixon emphasized the need for confidentiality regarding major policy shifts, such as closing the gold window, while the group weighed various stimulus options, including tax relief and investment tax credits, to spur business confidence and consumer spending.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details and discuss the agenda for an upcoming meeting with Billy Graham. The discussion focused on finalizing scheduling arrangements and defining the scope of the conversation intended for the evangelist. No formal policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative planning session.
President Nixon met with Billy Graham and a large delegation of religious and civic leaders, including representatives from the First Baptist Church of Dallas and various educational and charitable organizations, to engage in general conversation and group introductions. The discussion touched upon the President’s recent travels, potential future visits, and coordination for a White House church service. Additionally, the President and Graham briefly discussed the importance of foreign policy briefings and the influence of religious figures in public life.
President Nixon met with Peter M. Flanigan to address pending policy decisions regarding petrochemicals and international textile trade. The discussion focused on evaluating options for oil import policies and the political implications of utilizing the national security clause to manage textile negotiations with Japan. Flanigan reported on consultations with various Cabinet members and congressional figures, emphasizing the need for timely decisions to navigate complex industry pressures and diplomatic relations.
Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield met briefly in the Oval Office to confirm the President's current location. The discussion served as a routine administrative check-in regarding the President's movements. No further substantive policy matters were addressed during this one-minute exchange.
President Nixon and George Shultz met to evaluate the current state of the national economy and assess the feasibility of implementing a wage and price freeze to combat inflation. They discussed various economic indicators, including retail sales and GNP, while considering the necessity of a dramatic policy shift to stabilize the business environment. Additionally, the pair coordinated on administrative matters, specifically the postponement of federal pay increases and staffing levels for the Jobs for Veterans program.
The recording captures brief, ambient audio involving unidentified individuals, likely custodial or maintenance staff, performing routine duties within the Oval Office. No substantive policy discussions, political developments, or interactions with the President are audible during the preserved segment. The content consists entirely of background noise or non-historical activities that provide no insight into the administration's decision-making processes.