Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 582
Nixon White House Tape 582 (September 30, 1971)
10 conversations · Oval Office · about 1 hr 56 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Butterfield, Kissinger, Haig
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistics regarding a forthcoming congressional vote. The discussion centered on scheduling and administrative support involving an unidentified secretary. The meeting concluded with preparations for the President’s imminent departure to a boat.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the preparation and framing of a forthcoming economic policy statement. Nixon emphasized the need for a concise, punchy document that clarifies the administration's stance on price increases and clearly defines responsibility for current economic conditions. He instructed Haldeman to oversee the drafting process, coordinating with staff such as Raymond Price and Patrick Buchanan to ensure the message is delivered effectively.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to deliberate the timing of Kissinger’s upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China in relation to the looming United Nations vote on the status of Taiwan. They weighed the political risks of announcing the visit, fearing that a public announcement near the UN vote or traveling to China immediately after a potential Taiwanese expulsion would trigger intense backlash from American conservatives. Ultimately, they discussed the logistical constraints of negotiating travel dates with the Chinese while maintaining a credible US strategy to prevent Taiwan's loss of their UN seat.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified woman, facilitated by staffer Stephen B. Bull. The dialogue remains largely inaudible or missing from the record, providing no substantive evidence of policy discussions or administrative decisions. Consequently, the encounter stands as an unrecoverable interaction within the presidential schedule.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the presidential schedule to coordinate upcoming meetings with Souvanna Phouma, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, and Southern Democrat Congressmen. Nixon directed Bull to restrict press access and photography, specifically ordering that he not be photographed with these guests. Instead, he instructed that photographer Oliver Atkins take individual photos for distribution to minimize time constraints and eliminate unnecessary press contact.
President Nixon met with Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma of Laos, along with Prince Khammao, Alex Toumayan, and Alexander Haig, to discuss the geopolitical implications of the President's upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China. Phouma expressed strong support for the opening of relations with Beijing, while noting Hanoi's apprehension regarding potential shifts in Chinese policy toward North Vietnam's regional ambitions. Nixon emphasized his intention to maintain U.S. foreign aid for countries threatened by communist aggression even after the conclusion of hostilities in Southeast Asia, despite facing increasing domestic pressure from Congress regarding such assistance.
Stephen B. Bull met with Secret Service agents in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding the President's location and schedule. The discussion involved conveying specific instructions from Alexander P. Butterfield to the security detail. The exchange concluded with updates concerning the whereabouts of Henry A. Kissinger.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Stephen Bull met in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics for the President's upcoming schedule and administrative tasks. The discussion focused on finalizing arrangements for a trip to Florida, handling courier reports, and organizing a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Sir Alec Douglas-Home. Key action items included coordinating with Henry Kissinger and arranging for White House photographer Ollie Atkins to manage press access for photo opportunities during the diplomatic visit.
President Nixon met with Sir Alexander F. Douglas-Home, the Earl of Cromer, and Henry Kissinger to discuss the geopolitical landscape, specifically focusing on Vietnam, arms control negotiations with the USSR, and the situation in South Asia. The participants addressed the status of the Vietnam War, the impact of U.S. troop withdrawals, and the necessity of managing domestic political pressure and potential isolationism. Nixon also sought British cooperation regarding upcoming United Nations votes and provided updates on European security conferences and Middle East diplomatic efforts.
President Nixon consults with Secret Service personnel regarding the diplomatic temperament and effectiveness of Treasury Secretary John Connally. The discussion centers on the perception of Connally’s confrontational approach versus the administration’s desire to project both toughness and a cooperative spirit in international negotiations. They evaluate how these conflicting signals affect foreign perception of U.S. economic and political policy.