Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 594
Nixon White House Tape 594 (October 18, 1971)
10 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Butterfield, Haldeman, Woods
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate administrative logistics regarding his personal schedule. The primary focus of the brief discussion was confirming the appointment time for the President’s barber. They ultimately resolved the scheduling conflict by settling on 5:30 p.m. for the service.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed various administrative concerns, including staff scheduling, public relations, and the political fallout from Supreme Court nominations. The discussion addressed the perceived media bias surrounding Henry Kissinger's China initiative and the President’s desire to maintain control over the narrative regarding foreign policy summits. Additionally, they evaluated campaign finance matters and the management of White House photography to improve the President's public image.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods and aide Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss administrative matters, including the handling of presidential correspondence to children. The group also addressed sensitive campaign financing issues, specifically involving a $200,000 contribution from Dwayne O. Andreas and the storage of those funds by Bebe Rebozo. Additionally, the President reviewed his schedule and touched upon the purchase of wine for the White House.
This recording captures a brief meeting between President Nixon and unidentified participants in the Oval Office. Due to the withdrawal of the majority of the segment, the specific subject matter and objectives of the discussion remain unavailable for historical analysis. The content is restricted, preventing any determination of substantive policy developments or decisions.
President Nixon met with William P. Rogers and Robert H. Finch to discuss upcoming diplomatic travel, administrative scheduling, and political strategy. Key discussions included planning First Lady Pat Nixon's trip to Africa, finalizing the itinerary and delegation for Finch's upcoming Latin American tour, and managing domestic Hispanic outreach. The participants also consulted on foreign policy initiatives, specifically regarding media strategy for the President's planned visits to China and the Soviet Union, and the potential for preliminary negotiations concerning a European security conference.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed the strategic nuances of potential upcoming summitry and international diplomatic relations. Nixon emphasized his desire to visit the Soviet Union, citing the positive reception of his China policy by Russian media as a catalyst for potential progress. The conversation centered on leveraging this momentum to address key global issues, specifically European security, SALT negotiations, and force reduction in the Middle East.
President Nixon met with a large group of representatives from the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) to receive their expressions of support for his administration's economic policies. The informal discussion touched on concerns regarding the impact of price increases on the savings and income of retirees. The meeting concluded with a group photograph and brief casual conversation between the President and the attendees.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical arrangements for the President’s upcoming schedule and appointments. The discussion included administrative details regarding a visit from a barber and a meeting with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Additionally, the pair touched upon economic concerns involving inflation and the preservation of personal savings.
President Nixon met with his longtime valet, Manolo Sanchez, for a brief exchange regarding personal logistics and social arrangements. The discussion touched upon the distribution of photographs and travel plans for visitors. The interaction concluded with mutual expressions of appreciation and final pleasantries.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss urgent foreign policy matters, specifically coordinating a unified administration stance on the upcoming United Nations vote regarding Taiwan's status. They addressed concerns about press leaks, particularly regarding the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) and the President's planned trip to Moscow, with Nixon directing Haig to sternly warn Secretary of State William Rogers and the Defense Department against disloyalty. Additionally, they reviewed global pressures, including the situation in India-Pakistan, the impact of Soviet naval movements, and the status of John Connally’s upcoming diplomatic travel arrangements.