Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 698
Nixon White House Tape 698 (March 30, 1972)
10 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Kissinger, Butterfield, Sanchez
President Richard Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review the logistics of the President’s upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating the details for a forthcoming meeting, specifically addressing the appropriate seating arrangements and placement of the various participants. This interaction served to ensure administrative readiness for the President's scheduled engagements.
President Nixon met with his staff and Teamsters President Frank E. Fitzsimmons to discuss labor policy, the status of the Pay Board following George Meany's resignation, and negotiations regarding the West Coast dock strike. Nixon emphasized his desire to maintain open communication with labor leaders to avoid being perceived as anti-labor and sought Fitzsimmons's advice on navigating these disputes. Additionally, the President received an update from Henry Kissinger regarding delicate Vietnam peace negotiations and upcoming Soviet summit preparations, while later discussing internal Teamsters matters, including the status of Jimmy Hoffa.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to briefly coordinate the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion centered on logistics for a forthcoming meeting, though the brief nature of the exchange resulted in no major recorded policy developments. The conversation concluded immediately after these administrative details were addressed.
President Nixon met with Phillip Sanchez, George Shultz, and Alexander Butterfield to discuss the administration's outreach efforts to the Spanish-speaking community and the operational challenges facing the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). Nixon emphasized that the administration must prioritize honesty, fiscal responsibility, and tangible results over the empty promises of the previous Great Society programs. Sanchez received confirmation of his standing within the administration, with Nixon encouraging him to continue his direct communication with both the President and Shultz to advocate for his initiatives.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding Kissinger's travel and official calendar. The discussion focused primarily on the alignment of upcoming administrative schedules and professional commitments. No major policy shifts were recorded, as the brief exchange was restricted to administrative planning.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the President's schedule and the signing of an executive order. The conversation quickly shifted to a casual inquiry regarding the status of the crab apple blossoms at the White House. Nixon requested that Butterfield investigate whether weather conditions or environmental factors had affected the blooming cycle of these trees.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss diplomatic leverage regarding the Soviet Union, specifically weighing how ongoing conflicts in Vietnam and economic incentives influence Soviet cooperation. Kissinger reported progress in Middle East negotiations, noting a rare departure from the Soviets' previous blanket support for Egypt, while Nixon emphasized the need for a cautious and controlled approach to these engagements. The President also confirmed his strategic decision to signal disengagement to the Israelis to maintain his negotiating position and gain greater clarity on current developments.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss logistics and strategic communications for upcoming foreign diplomatic missions, including a stopover in Warsaw during an upcoming Soviet trip and potential visits to Iran. The conversation centered on managing public expectations for the Moscow summit and the importance of securing prime-time television coverage for Kissinger’s media appearances. Additionally, the President reviewed the political optics of the Vietnam War, emphasizing a desire to adopt a firmer stance on the conflict as part of his broader foreign policy and 1972 campaign strategy.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman, later joined by Charles Colson, met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on the timing of a speech to the National Catholic Educational Association to maximize political impact before the Wisconsin primary. They discussed labor relations, particularly the President's relationship with Teamsters leader Frank Fitzsimmons and the maneuvering of AFL-CIO President George Meany regarding the 1972 election. Additionally, the participants reviewed international travel logistics, current economic policy, and the administration's strategy for managing the burgeoning ITT controversy.
Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield met with two unidentified individuals in the Oval Office to coordinate the installation of new equipment. The brief discussion focused on technical details regarding the implementation of a foot button and an associated number sequence. George, whose surname remains unrecorded, was identified as the individual responsible for the installation project.