Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 574
Nixon White House Tape 574 (September 17, 1971)
15 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Butterfield, White House photographer, Kissinger
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review the daily news summary prepared by Patrick J. Buchanan. The discussion focused on coordinating the President's upcoming schedule and logistics regarding a visit from a new senator. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon met with an unidentified woman in the Oval Office to conduct routine administrative business. The discussion focused primarily on reviewing and securing the President's signature on various official documents. The meeting concluded with the woman's departure, signifying the completion of the requested paperwork.
President Nixon and his advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, held this meeting to strategize on public relations, congressional management, and the administration's aggressive posture toward political opponents. The discussion focused on framing the President's economic policies, neutralizing criticism regarding the military draft and Vietnam, and managing press relations to better promote the administration's leadership. Key outcomes included a decision to escalate military pressure in the DMZ and a plan to utilize media allies and station owners to counter perceived bias in news coverage.
President Nixon met with attorney Charles Rhyne and Alexander Haig to discuss the international reaction to Nixon’s recent foreign policy initiatives, specifically his opening of relations with the People's Republic of China. Rhyne provided a briefing on his recent trip to Yugoslavia, where he engaged with President Josip Broz Tito and various international legal figures regarding the role of world law in global diplomacy. Following this, the participants explored the potential for a presidential address or public statement emphasizing the rule of law as a cornerstone of U.S. moral leadership and a framework for managing international conflicts.
President Nixon held two distinct discussions: first, he met with Maurice Stans, George Shultz, and Kenneth Cole to strategize on economic policy, specifically debating the budget and political messaging for the Minority Business Enterprise program and the potential for controlling bank profits. He then met with Romanian Ambassador Corneliu Bogdan and Henry Kissinger to discuss international relations, including the desire for strengthened U.S.-Romanian economic ties and Romania's autonomy within the Eastern Bloc. Throughout the meeting, the President emphasized his firm stance on maintaining U.S. credibility and pressure regarding the ongoing Vietnam War negotiations.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed strategic options for ending the Vietnam War, including the possibility of a military blockade to force a settlement and address the plight of American prisoners of war. They evaluated the political timing of such actions in relation to the 1972 presidential election, with Kissinger advising that a firm stance against anti-war critics would bolster Nixon's leadership image. Furthermore, they coordinated efforts to influence domestic congressional support, particularly regarding the military draft, and discussed managing political opponents to maintain the administration's position.
Alexander P. Butterfield met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to provide specific instructions or clarifications. The brief encounter focused on ensuring the unknown participant reached a proper understanding of these directives. No further actions or developments were recorded before the participants departed shortly thereafter.
President Nixon met briefly with Stephen B. Bull and an unnamed individual to discuss his schedule, specifically concerning Representative Jack F. Kemp. Following their departure, the President engaged in a cordial phone conversation with television critic Kay Gardella. Nixon praised Gardella’s review of a recent broadcast, specifically highlighting her coverage of his San Clemente residence, and engaged her in casual conversation regarding the television landscape, including the show 'Columbo.'
President Nixon met with Representative Jack Kemp and Alexander Haig to discuss Kemp’s recent fact-finding trip to Vietnam and Laos, where he countered domestic criticism regarding the effectiveness of Vietnamization. The participants discussed strategies for countering political opponents—specifically referencing Paul N. McCloskey, Jr.—and addressed domestic legislative concerns, including aid to parochial schools and defense funding. Nixon encouraged Kemp to take a firm public stance on supporting Israel and maintaining national defense, while the conversation also touched on Kemp’s legislative priorities and a scheduled visit to Buffalo.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler and aide Stephen Bull to coordinate responses to potential press inquiries following the President's recent news conference. The discussion focused on maintaining a firm stance against political speculation regarding a Black vice-presidential candidate and clarifying U.S. economic relations with Japan. Additionally, the group finalized arrangements for the President to pose for photographs at the White House bowling alley.
President Nixon met with representatives from the National Bowling Council to discuss the sport's role in physical fitness and its growing international popularity. During the session, the President engaged in friendly conversation about his personal interest in bowling and his family's involvement, while also posing for photographs with the group. Nixon presented the attendees with presidential cufflinks and autographed programs, encouraging the guests to visit the White House bowling alley before departing.
Alexander P. Butterfield met with Secret Service agents to discuss the logistical arrangements for the President's upcoming activities, including the President's use of the White House bowling alley. The participants engaged in light conversation regarding the merits of bowling as a family-friendly sport before briefly addressing the President's scheduled appointment with Ginger Rogers. The meeting concluded as the agents prepared to coordinate the President's movements for the remainder of the day.
President Nixon met with entertainer Ginger Rogers and Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss the arts, the entertainment industry, and cultural shifts in American media. They exchanged views on the architecture and acoustics of the Kennedy Center, the decline of moral values in contemporary films, and the challenges faced by conservative-leaning entertainers. The conversation concluded with Nixon gifting Rogers a presidential compact and expressing his appreciation for her political support.
President Nixon met with his aides Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to finalize the President's daily schedule. The primary focus of the brief discussion was coordinating the logistics for an upcoming meeting with John H. Geiger. Following the review of these administrative arrangements, the aides departed the Oval Office.
President Nixon met with American Legion leaders, including John H. Geiger and William F. Hauck, to secure the organization's support for his foreign policy, military draft initiatives, and economic agenda. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining military and economic strength to ensure national security and a favorable position in international negotiations, urging the Legion to pressure Congress to sustain the draft. Additionally, the participants discussed concerns regarding the Veterans Administration budget, specifically addressing funding for drug abuse and venereal disease programs, and Nixon promised to coordinate further on these issues through Charles Colson.