Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 720
Nixon White House Tape 720 (May 5, 1972)
19 conversations · Oval Office
Featuring Nixon, Bull, White House photographer, Woods, Haldeman
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed the status of a potential meeting with Secretary of Commerce Peter G. Peterson. Nixon determined that he lacked sufficient time for a formal session, opting to forgo a scheduled meeting in favor of addressing domestic matters separately. Consequently, Butterfield received direction to inform the Secretary that the request was declined.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, regarding a recent television interview given by his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, with Barbara Walters. The discussion focused on Woods's impressions of the interview's quality, length, and the technical aspects of its production. The brief exchange served as a post-broadcast evaluation of how the interview reflected on the administration.
President Nixon interacts with a White House operator and an unidentified caller to discuss a request for an meeting or interaction involving Mr. Rogers. The conversation touches on professional affiliations, specifically mentioning the New York Building Construction Council, and references prior coordination with John Colson. The exchange serves as a brief logistical facilitation for upcoming communications or appointments.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and H.R. Haldeman to finalize the decision to initiate a naval blockade and intensified bombing campaign against North Vietnam, a move Nixon viewed as essential to prevent a defeat in the war and preserve American credibility. The discussion focused on coordinating the strategy to ensure secrecy, managing potential friction with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and Secretary of State William Rogers, and addressing the geopolitical implications of a confrontation with the Soviet Union. Nixon directed his team to maintain a facade of normalcy to mask the impending escalation while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of absolute loyalty and silence from his staff to prevent leaks.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate logistics for a forthcoming meeting involving the press. The discussion focused on the necessity of efficiency due to time constraints and addressed the costs associated with gift items for new visitors. Bull confirmed he would manage the distribution of these items in the session room following the brief exchange.
President Nixon met with Frank J. Rauscher, Elliot L. Richardson, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., and James H. Cavanaugh to discuss the administration's cancer research program and broader legislative concerns. Nixon emphasized his commitment to concentrating resources on cancer as a model for addressing other health issues, while also instructing Rauscher on how to frame this approach publicly. The conversation concluded with Nixon expressing deep frustration regarding the current legislative climate in Congress, specifically citing difficulties with Social Security and overall spending policies.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the strategy and messaging for an upcoming televised address regarding the Vietnam War and a proposed blockade. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the American 'leader class'—including university presidents, the media, and business elites—whom he accused of lacking the fortitude to support his policies. Consequently, the two agreed to coordinate a political counter-offensive that would blame congressional 'doves' for the breakdown in peace negotiations and the enemy's continued intransigence.
President Nixon hosted Representative Delbert L. Latta and the Springer family in the Oval Office for a brief, ceremonial meeting featuring a photo session. The conversation centered on praising a woodcarving presented by Delbert Springer, discussing the value of small-town American life, and acknowledging Latta’s legislative support. The visit concluded with the exchange of presidential gifts and the President providing autographs for the Springer family members.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate an upcoming appointment with Dr. Jerome H. Jaffe. The brief discussion served to facilitate the logistics of this meeting regarding federal drug abuse policy. No further substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief transition.
President Nixon hosted Dr. Jerome H. Jaffe and his family in the Oval Office for a brief, informal social meeting accompanied by Egil Krogh Jr. The discussion focused on greetings for the Jaffe children and the facilitation of official White House photographs. The encounter concluded with the President presenting gifts and expressing well wishes regarding Dr. Jaffe’s ongoing work for the administration.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting with a group led by John D. Rockefeller III. The discussion focused on administrative details including the duration of the session, seating arrangements, and the provision of refreshments. Kenneth R. Cole, Jr. was identified as a key participant involved in the coordination of these preparations.
President Nixon met with John D. Rockefeller III and members of the Commission on Population Growth and the American Future to discuss the commission's work and the administration's stance on population policy. While acknowledging shared goals, Nixon highlighted his fundamental disagreement with the commission regarding the sensitive issue of abortion. The participants agreed to establish a follow-up citizens' committee, involving figures such as Daniel P. Moynihan, to continue the commission's efforts and provide a report to the President by the end of the year.
President Nixon held a brief, two-minute meeting with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office. The fragmentary nature of the recording, which consists of only a brief statement regarding unidentified subject matter, precludes a substantive analysis of the discussion's intent or outcome. No specific policy developments or actionable directives can be discerned from this brief interaction.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield in the Oval Office to conduct routine administrative business. The interaction focused on the review and signing of official documents brought forward by Butterfield. The brief exchange concluded after the necessary paperwork was finalized.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Manolo Sanchez to coordinate his upcoming weekend schedule at Camp David and discuss Tricia Nixon Cox’s recent television appearance. The President focused on the logistical preparations for his highly sensitive, impending announcement regarding a naval blockade of Haiphong, Vietnam. He emphasized the necessity of the blockade despite the risk of canceling the upcoming Soviet Summit and maintained strict secrecy regarding the plan.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual to discuss scheduling arrangements for lunch and the ongoing sequence of official appointments. The discussion included a passing remark regarding the challenges associated with public programming and the sensitivity of media questioning. No major policy decisions were reached during this short interaction.
President Nixon and his valet, Manolo Sanchez, briefly discussed the quality of a recent televised appearance by Tricia Nixon. Nixon praised his daughter's appearance and composure while noting her success in managing the media environment. The conversation reflects the President's personal focus on his family's public image and media reception.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and travel arrangements. The discussion focused on logistics for the President's visit to Camp David, specifically noting the participation of Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Rose Mary Woods. The conversation concluded with an agreement on departure timing for the afternoon.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to discuss the implementation of a naval blockade and intensified bombing campaign against North Vietnam. The President expressed deep frustration with the 'leader class'—specifically academia, religious leaders, and the media—for their lack of support and what he perceived as a failure of national resolve. Despite internal disagreement with Kissinger over the potential impact on civilian casualties and the upcoming Soviet summit, Nixon remained resolute in his decision to proceed, viewing the blockade as a necessary action to secure the release of POWs and ensure the survival of South Vietnam. The meeting also addressed long-term strategy for managing public opinion through media outreach and emphasizing the President's firm leadership.