Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 686
Nixon White House Tape 686 (March 17, 1972)
12 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, White House photographer, Kissinger
President Nixon held a brief morning meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. While no transcript exists to detail the specific dialogue, the interaction was logged as involving a private file. The meeting concluded in less than seven minutes, leaving no official record of substantive policy decisions or action items.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate his daily schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was the preparation for an upcoming meeting with White House Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman. This brief session served to organize the President's priorities and manage the flow of administrative business for the morning.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion focused on final preparations for a meeting with Irish Ambassador William Warnock, with potential input from National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. No further substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the administration's political strategy regarding school busing and a proposed Constitutional amendment. The participants reviewed the public response to the President's recent policy announcement, focusing on favorable polling data and bipartisan support from congressional allies. They also discussed the utility of utilizing computer-categorized call data to gauge public opinion and counter critical news media coverage.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule. The brief discussion focused on logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting and a formal photograph session. No significant policy decisions were made during this administrative planning session.
President Nixon met with members of the Citizens' Advisory Council on the Status of Women to discuss the evolving role of women in American society and the administration's commitment to gender equality. The discussion centered on increasing female representation in government appointments, including the judiciary, the Council of Economic Advisers, and the Atomic Energy Commission. Nixon highlighted his recent appointment of Marina von N. Whitman as evidence of his efforts to make breakthroughs for women in traditionally male-dominated professional fields.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated strategy ahead of a National Security Council meeting involving William Rogers, Melvin Laird, and Gerard Smith. Their discussion focused on navigating complex negotiations regarding anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with the Soviet Union. Nixon determined that he would personally interject to override Smith’s position if necessary to ensure administration control over the defense posture.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield consulted on logistics regarding the use of Camp David by Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They discussed whether Rogers should occupy the facility alone or invite additional staff members and family. The discussion concluded with instructions for Butterfield to coordinate these details directly with H.R. Haldeman.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review logistical arrangements for an upcoming visit from Irish Ambassador William Warnock. The discussion focused on protocol for the meeting, including the coordination of a photograph and the exchange of gifts between the Ambassador and First Lady Pat Nixon. This brief briefing ensured the East Wing was prepared for the presentation and the reciprocal gift-giving process.
President Nixon met with William Warnack, Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and Marion H. Smoak for a brief, informal diplomatic engagement. The meeting included the presence of the White House photographer to document the encounter and brief personal remarks regarding the First Lady and Tricia Nixon Cox. The session concluded shortly after these social pleasantries and a photo opportunity.
President Nixon met with Tina and Neil Diver, along with Margita White, for a brief social interaction focused on personal rapport and photo opportunities. The conversation touched upon the President’s past visits to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and included the presentation of gifts and photographs. The participants engaged in lighthearted discussion regarding mementos and scheduling before the recording concluded.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss strategic concerns regarding arms control negotiations, specifically focusing on the dangers of including submarines in potential freeze agreements with the Soviets. They express skepticism about Soviet reliability in maintaining agreement discipline and worry that such a deal could inadvertently permit continued Russian naval modernization. Additionally, the President confers with H. R. Haldeman and Alexander Butterfield regarding personnel management, the need for administrative discipline, and the handling of internal communications and upcoming briefings.