Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 640
Nixon White House Tape 640 (December 22, 1971)
12 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 16 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, Kissinger, Shultz
President Nixon held a brief two-second encounter in the Oval Office with unidentified individual(s). The interaction was strictly limited to a request for coffee. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were addressed during this exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate logistical details regarding an upcoming appointment with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns. The discussion focused on scheduling constraints, specifically ensuring Burns departed promptly to accommodate his travel plans. Bull confirmed the necessary timing to ensure the President would meet with him as scheduled.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, and Arthur Burns to coordinate key administrative priorities, including the upcoming presidential trip to the People's Republic of China, ongoing defense budget negotiations, and personnel appointment procedures. A primary focus was establishing stricter internal control over government leaks—specifically regarding Yeoman Charles Radford—and reaffirming the President's authority over Federal Reserve Board appointments. The participants also discussed the President's recent television documentary, strategies for managing the money supply to address economic concerns, and the administration's stance on federal pay raises.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the logistical arrangements for an upcoming ceremony involving the presentation of commissions to Associate Justices. The President expressed a desire to streamline the event by bypassing formal introductions with attendees he had previously met. Additionally, they briefly touched upon concerns regarding insufficient financial pledges for the associated committee.
Following a formal ceremony in the Oval Office to recognize the commissions of new Supreme Court Justices Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist, President Nixon transitioned into a private session with his staff. The discussion focused on national security concerns, specifically the ongoing investigation into intelligence leaks involving Navy Yeoman Charles E. Radford, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Henry Kissinger. Nixon and his advisors resolved to neutralize the threat posed by Radford by utilizing the legal pressure of potential criminal prosecution to ensure his silence, while simultaneously using the incident as a pretext to restructure security operations within the Joint Chiefs and the National Security Council.
President Nixon met with Peter Flanigan and H.R. Haldeman to evaluate potential candidates for various ambassadorships, including Japan, Spain, and Argentina. The discussion focused on balancing political loyalty and competence while addressing specific diplomatic needs in countries undergoing potential leadership transitions. Nixon emphasized his desire to appoint reliable individuals who align with his administration's goals rather than relying on traditional career diplomats or individuals with conflicts of interest.
President Nixon met with departing economic advisor Paul W. McCracken to discuss the administration's economic legacy and international monetary policy. They reviewed the successful implementation of the August 1971 surcharge and the resulting shifts in global currency values, as well as strategies for future negotiations with Japanese and European counterparts. Nixon expressed gratitude for McCracken’s service and solicited final advice regarding the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, reflecting optimism for economic growth heading into 1972.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss logistical arrangements regarding the President’s schedule at the Executive Office Building. The brief exchange focused on finalizing the transition and movement between the White House and the EOB. No substantive policy decisions were reached during this short administrative interaction.
President Nixon met with his tailors, Anthony T. Rossi and Acheille Mongelli, to discuss the selection and fitting of clothing for his upcoming international travel to the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union. The President emphasized a need for lightweight, versatile fabrics suitable for varying climates and the demands of his 1972 campaign schedule. During the session, they reviewed fabric samples, finalized adjustments for his measurements, and the President signed autographs for the staff members who assist with his wardrobe.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a logistical request regarding White House tour arrangements. The discussion specifically focused on facilitating a tour for recent guests to view the executive mansion's holiday decorations. Bull was tasked with overseeing the execution of this request before departing the Oval Office.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss various personnel matters, executive actions, and the administration's public image. They finalized the terms for James R. Hoffa's clemency, specifically focusing on restrictive conditions regarding his future labor union involvement, and reviewed potential appointments, including a possible Department of Defense role for Peter Flanigan. Additionally, they analyzed the President’s recent public approval ratings, discussed strategies to improve his standing heading into 1972, and reviewed positive public feedback regarding a televised special featuring the President.
Secret Service agents and unidentified individuals convened in the Oval Office to facilitate official presidential business. Discussions focused on personnel appointments, specifically evaluating John D. Lodge’s performance as Ambassador to Argentina and considering candidates for future diplomatic postings. The meeting also addressed logistical management of the President's schedule, including coordination efforts involving Charles Colson and James Suffridge.