Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 691
Nixon White House Tape 691 (March 21, 1972 – March 22, 1972)
10 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 40 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haig, White House photographer, Sanchez
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the logistics for a forthcoming meeting with the White House News Photographers Association. The discussion focused on scheduling, the sequence of photo opportunities, and how to handle potential inquiries regarding the President’s dinner attendance. Nixon instructed Ziegler to provide non-committal responses to any questions about his interactions with the attendees.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming event with the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA). The discussion focused on preparations for the meeting, which was scheduled to take place in the Cabinet Room. The encounter served as a final administrative check to ensure the President's schedule proceeded as planned.
President Nixon met with a Romanian delegation, led by Manea Manescu, to discuss the ongoing development of U.S.-Romanian political, economic, and cultural relations. The participants reviewed the impact of Nixon’s recent diplomatic initiatives in China and the Soviet Union, with Manescu expressing Romania's support for principles of national sovereignty and non-interference. Nixon reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with Romania, promising to prioritize the country's economic interests, including the pursuit of Most Favored Nation (MFN) trade status.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss administrative discipline regarding the length and quality of briefing materials provided for the President’s meetings, reflecting on his recent engagement with the Turkish delegation. The conversation shifts to potential foreign travel, specifically weighing the diplomatic implications of a stopover in Turkey versus a proposed trip to Poland. Additionally, Nixon explores the logistics of a nationwide publicity tour for the arrival of pandas at the Washington Zoo and reviews recent public commentary and political messaging regarding busing.
President Nixon met with Gerard Smith and Alexander Haig to discuss the strategic approach and political risks regarding the upcoming Soviet summit and potential arms control agreements. The President emphasized that while an agreement is desirable, it must be robust enough to withstand political attacks from the right wing, which he viewed as a greater threat than critics on the left. The participants assessed the implications of including submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) in the deal and discussed tactics for managing congressional reactions and maintaining bargaining power ahead of the Moscow summit.
President Nixon met briefly with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office. The interaction focused on the delivery of tea, serving as a routine service encounter within the President's daily schedule. No policy discussions or significant administrative decisions occurred during this brief engagement.
President Nixon met with Raymond Shafer, John Ehrlichman, and Egil Krogh to discuss the forthcoming release of the President's Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse report. The group strategized on how to frame the findings, with the President emphasizing his opposition to marijuana legalization while acknowledging the commission's recommendation to decriminalize private possession. Additionally, they reviewed political campaign dynamics, the President's position on school busing, and a sensitive plan to involve J. Edgar Hoover in authenticating an ITT-related document to neutralize media scrutiny.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, reviewed the guest list and logistical arrangements for an upcoming state dinner honoring Turkish Prime Minister Nihat Erim. The discussion focused on confirming attendance for various prominent figures, including Max M. Fisher and Del E. Webb, while addressing potential issues regarding missing invitations. The pair specifically noted the delivery status of an invitation intended for O.J. Simpson and evaluated the influence of various contributors on the guest selection process.
President Nixon and his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods briefly discuss the status of a specific, unnamed individual, noting her positive condition. This exchange serves as a check-in regarding the welfare of an associate. No formal policy decisions or administrative actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office for an informal discussion regarding personal administrative matters and the president's daily domestic requirements. While no transcript is available, these routine interactions between Nixon and Sanchez typically centered on household arrangements and the management of the president’s private quarters. No major policy developments or national security decisions were initiated during this brief exchange.