Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 568
Nixon White House Tape 568 (September 9, 1971)
13 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 51 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, United States Secret Service agents, Krogh
Secret Service agents met with the President in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics and preparations for an upcoming event or transportation plan. The discussion focused on the operational challenges of managing a large group of people and equipment efficiently. The agents confirmed that their preparations were on schedule and finalized the arrangements for the movement.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review and finalize the sequence of his upcoming afternoon appointments. The discussion focused on scheduling meetings with Egil Krogh and Jerome Jaffe. The session concluded with Bull confirming the operational arrangements for the President's remaining schedule.
President Nixon and Egil Krogh discussed preparations for an upcoming meeting with Raymond Shafer, the chair of the Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse. The primary objective was to ensure Shafer could manage extremist commission members like Harold Hughes to avoid a dissenting report that the administration would be forced to publicly repudiate. Krogh planned to keep the meeting brief, utilizing a photo opportunity to acknowledge the Commission's work while also incorporating a session on the strategies of the Special Action Office led by Jerome Jaffe.
President Nixon met with Raymond Shafer, Dr. Jerome Jaffe, and Egil Krogh to discuss the ongoing work and public perception of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse. Nixon emphasized his firm opposition to the legalization of marijuana while expressing concern that the Commission avoid being perceived as a group of 'do-gooders' or becoming a source of political embarrassment. Shafer assured the President that the Commission would maintain a low profile, avoid controversial stances on legalization, and focus on providing a scientific, objective report that complemented the administration's broader drug abuse policies.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the logistics for an upcoming swearing-in ceremony involving Ezra Solomon and Judge Charles R. Richey. The discussion focused on managing press presence within the Oval Office, specifically ensuring photographers would depart immediately following the oath. They also addressed administrative details regarding necessary supplies, including Bibles for the ceremony and the participation of Frank C. Carlucci, III.
President Nixon hosted back-to-back swearing-in ceremonies in the Oval Office for Ezra Solomon, as a member of the Council of Economic Advisors, and Frank C. Carlucci III. The sessions included formal oaths of office, family photographs, and the presentation of commemorative Presidential gifts, such as cufflinks and pins. During the meetings, Nixon engaged in informal conversation with the participants, reflecting on past professional associations and discussing the careers of the appointees, including Carlucci's previous work in Brazil and at the Office of Economic Opportunity.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to discuss a minor physical injury the President had sustained. The brief exchange served as an informal update regarding the President's personal health status. No further policy or administrative actions were taken during this short interaction.
H. R. Haldeman and Alexander P. Butterfield met briefly to discuss adjustments to the scheduling of Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally. The discussion centered on the constraints imposed by a tight timeline regarding the President's upcoming engagements. No further substantive policy issues were addressed before the participants concluded their meeting.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and John Connally met to discuss public relations strategy, the effectiveness of the President's recent economic speech, and the complex challenges of international trade and monetary policy. The participants expressed deep distrust of the State Department bureaucracy and foreign service establishment, agreeing on the need to bypass traditional diplomatic channels to manage international pressures and trade negotiations. Nixon and Connally decided to form a small, secure, and loyal team of experts to handle secret trade negotiations and global outreach, while maintaining a tough, cynical stance toward foreign partners to protect American interests.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office. The brief interaction consisted of informal remarks and personal exchanges. No substantive policy decisions or significant administrative actions were recorded during this segment of the conversation.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The interaction served as a routine administrative task to connect the President with another party. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other staff to discuss political strategies following his September 9, 1971, economic speech, specifically focusing on managing bureaucratic handling of Japanese trade negotiations and exchange rates. The group addressed concerns regarding the competency of Peter G. Peterson and the necessity of centralizing economic authority within a small White House-led group. Additionally, they reviewed positive public reaction to the President's assertive leadership tone and discussed upcoming scheduling matters, including a potential appearance at the Al Smith dinner and the terminal illness of Senator Winston L. Prouty.
Secret Service agents coordinated logistics for a transition toward the White House residence. The brief exchange focused on operational movements and security positioning within the executive complex. No major policy decisions were reached, as the discussion remained strictly confined to administrative protocols for personnel activity.