Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 608
Nixon White House Tape 608 (October 29, 1971 – November 1, 1971)
4 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Colson, Kissinger, Butterfield
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield, H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger to discuss a range of domestic and foreign policy issues, with a significant focus on the public and political fallout from the United Nations vote to expel Taiwan. The participants evaluated the effectiveness of recent administration outreach and media appearances, specifically addressing criticisms from the John Birch Society and the reactions of various UN delegates captured on film. Additionally, they reviewed economic concerns, including interest rates and housing, and coordinated communications strategies to manage the 1972 political landscape.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the political fallout from the United Nations' recent vote to expel Taiwan and the potential impact of Nixon's upcoming initiative to visit the People's Republic of China. The two reviewed U.S. diplomatic efforts, assessed public and political reaction among domestic critics, and discussed strategies for managing international relations ahead of the 1972 election. They also addressed coordination with figures like Ronald Reagan regarding his recent Asia trip and finalized arrangements for upcoming scheduling and correspondence.
President Nixon and personal secretary Rose Mary Woods met to discuss the management of various administrative matters and personal property within the White House. The conversation covered the placement of presidential gifts, including items from the Shah of Iran, and addressed logistical planning regarding the President's upcoming schedule and meetings with guests. Additionally, the pair touched upon political reactions to the recent United Nations vote to expel Taiwan and reviewed official portraiture.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and H.R. Haldeman to coordinate the administration's political strategy regarding recent foreign policy setbacks, specifically the U.N. vote to expel Taiwan and impending congressional action on foreign aid. The discussion focused on managing media narratives, securing support from key legislators like George Mahon and Gale McGee, and leveraging the President's upcoming international trips to bolster his leadership image. Colson and Nixon reviewed public relations tactics, including the potential for direct presidential communication to address legislative challenges and mitigate domestic political criticism.