Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 595
Nixon White House Tape 595 (October 18, 1971)
8 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haig, Butterfield, Woods
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the political landscape surrounding domestic opposition to the Vietnam War. They focused specifically on the implications of Daniel Ellsberg’s activities and influence. During the meeting, they also coordinated aspects of the President's upcoming schedule, including a potential meeting with Robert F. Ellsworth.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods to coordinate his scheduling and manage the logistics of upcoming White House social functions. The discussion focused on streamlining guest lists for formal dinners, specifically those involving foreign dignitaries like Josip Broz Tito, to minimize the President's personal burden of shaking hands with numerous attendees. Additionally, they reviewed potential ambassadorial appointments and campaign finance considerations regarding donor Cornelius V. Whitney.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding his official schedule and upcoming appointments. Their discussion focused on arranging refreshments and meetings with key officials, including Secretary George P. Shultz. The conversation also touched upon the President's engagement with members of the Washington Redskins football team, specifically Jack Pardee, Maxie Baughan, and George Burman.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to evaluate potential Supreme Court nominees, weighing the political implications and qualifications of figures such as Howard Baker, Caspar Weinberger, Hershel Friday, and Mildred Lillie. The discussion focused on selecting candidates who could secure Senate confirmation while adhering to the administration's philosophical goals and navigating regional and gender-based political concerns. Additionally, the President and his staff touched upon U.S. foreign economic policy, specifically assessing the performance of Peter G. Peterson regarding textile negotiations.
President Nixon hosted a social visit in the Oval Office for professional football players Jack Pardee, George Burman, and Maxie Baughan, along with their spouses and children. The meeting served as a ceremonial event featuring a White House tour and photo opportunities, with the President discussing the importance of football in the Washington, D.C. community. The conversation covered various aspects of the sport, including local team news and personal family backgrounds, before concluding with the exchange of gifts and farewells.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding his official schedule. The discussion centered on arrangements for the President to conduct meetings at the Executive Office Building, specifically noting an appointment with Robert F. Ellsworth. The brief exchange served to confirm the timing and location of these upcoming professional obligations.
President Nixon met with Robert F. Ellsworth and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to deliberate on the selection of a new U.S. Ambassador to NATO. The discussion emphasized finding a candidate who possesses the President's full confidence, understands the complexities of the Washington bureaucracy, and can effectively navigate sensitive geopolitical issues, including Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR) and relations with the Soviet Union. The participants evaluated potential candidates and administrative requirements, ultimately aiming to appoint a professional capable of advancing U.S. foreign policy interests in Europe.
President Nixon met with unidentified individuals in the Oval Office to discuss logistical details regarding his official schedule. The participants specifically addressed his planned movements between the White House and the Executive Office Building. Due to the lack of a transcript and the unintelligible nature of the recording, no further policy decisions or substantive developments were captured.