Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 606
Nixon White House Tape 606 (October 28, 1971)
6 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 32 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Butterfield, Kissinger, Connally, Burns
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discuss the logistical arrangements and entertainment choices for an upcoming State dinner. The conversation focuses on the technical aspects of film presentation and the duration of performance segments, with the President providing specific feedback on the proposed format. Nixon also critiques the quality of a specific entertainer, ultimately deciding against the inclusion of certain background sound options for the films.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors (the "Quadriad") and Henry Kissinger to discuss international monetary policy, trade negotiations, and the upcoming Asian trip for John B. Connally. The group addressed the urgency of trade concessions, the complexities of gold convertibility, and the need to manage currency realignments while maintaining a firm U.S. negotiating position. Nixon provided specific instructions for Connally’s itinerary, emphasizing the need to reassure allies in Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia of U.S. commitment while avoiding being sidelined by State Department staff during sensitive private discussions.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss strategies for managing international relations, specifically navigating the complex diplomatic process surrounding the President's upcoming trip to the People's Republic of China (PRC). A primary focus was neutralizing Secretary of State William Rogers's potential interference and tendency to critique the administration's independent diplomatic initiatives. Nixon instructed Kissinger to engage with Rogers regarding the proposed communique while maintaining tight control over the process to prevent leaks and ensure the President's personal oversight remained paramount.
President Nixon met briefly with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate the President's evening schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was confirming logistical arrangements for a scheduled photograph opportunity with White House social aides. This brief exchange served to finalize the President's immediate commitments before the conclusion of his workday.
President Richard M. Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office. The brief interaction concluded with the two men departing the office together. No substantive policy discussions or administrative decisions were recorded during this segment of the tape.
United States Secret Service agents met with President Nixon in the Oval Office to coordinate security logistics and discuss the President's immediate movements. The brief exchange focused on establishing the operational plan for the President's departure and location security. No substantive policy matters were addressed beyond standard protective protocols.