Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 722
Nixon White House Tape 722 (May 9, 1972)
14 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 32 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Butterfield, Kissinger, Woods
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the tactical implementation of the U.S. blockade and mining of North Vietnamese ports following the President’s May 8 speech. The discussion focused on executing massive air strikes against strategic targets like rail bridges and POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricant) storage, while emphasizing a calculated approach to avoid direct confrontation with Soviet vessels. Nixon underscored the need for presidential resolve and noted with satisfaction that public and media reactions remained surprisingly restrained, tasking Kissinger with further preparation regarding diplomatic communications and potential Soviet responses.
President Nixon held a brief, informal encounter with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office. The discussion began with a personal inquiry regarding the participant's availability or state of fatigue. Due to the lack of substantive transcript content, no specific policy matters or official decisions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the administration's strategic response to the mining of North Vietnamese harbors and the accompanying public and congressional reactions. They evaluated the performance of Secretary of State William Rogers in recent briefings, expressing frustration with his lack of firm rhetoric, and deliberated on how to better leverage favorable public opinion to bolster support for the President’s Vietnam policy. Nixon directed his staff to emphasize the necessity of the blockade and his commitment to peace, while coordinating with Republican and Southern Democratic allies to counter political opposition from figures like George McGovern and Hubert Humphrey.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming dinner honoring Duke Law School alumni. They reviewed the guest list, including attendance by various administration officials, and discussed the appropriate protocol for distributing guest gifts. Ultimately, the President decided to have the gifts mailed to attendees rather than displayed on the dinner tables.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the positive public reception and political fallout regarding his recent Vietnam blockade speech. The group reviewed feedback from various supporters and strategized on how to leverage the President's perceived courage and leadership in the face of partisan opposition. Additionally, the President addressed administrative items, including a letter to Wilt Chamberlain, diplomatic recommendations for ambassadorships, and scheduling concerns related to upcoming events.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Alexander Butterfield discussed the positive internal reception to the administration's recent Vietnam blockade policy, highlighting support from cabinet members and departmental staff. The group pivoted to managing public perception, specifically strategizing the release of internal and external polling data to demonstrate broad support for the President's war policy. They also addressed the political implications of the Case-Church amendment and coordinated efforts to publicize favorable sentiment from influential figures.
President Nixon met with John Connally to discuss the favorable public reaction to the President's recent decision to implement a naval blockade and intensified bombing in North Vietnam. The two men criticized the lack of support from within the administration, specifically targeting William P. Rogers and Melvin R. Laird, while emphasizing the necessity of bold leadership to maintain national strength and electoral viability. They also discussed plans to systematically replace disloyal bureaucrats across federal agencies and the judiciary, viewing the upcoming election as a crucial opportunity to run against a fragmented and radicalized Democratic Party.
President Nixon held a brief, one-minute meeting with Mary A. ("Toni") Sidley in the Oval Office. The interaction consisted primarily of social greetings and a brief request. No substantive policy matters or major historical developments were recorded during this session.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman reviewed the political fallout and public reaction to the President's recent decision to blockade North Vietnam. The discussion focused on coordinating public support, monitoring congressional responses, and managing the messaging surrounding the administration's peace proposals versus Democratic opposition. Nixon directed Haldeman to mobilize allies, including John Connally and Melvin Laird, to launch aggressive, patriotic attacks against Democratic presidential candidates who criticized the blockade.
President Nixon met with Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg, John N. Mitchell, and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss diplomatic relations, the 1972 Republican National Convention, and political strategy for the upcoming election. The participants focused on local campaign support in Pennsylvania—specifically regarding Frank Rizzo—and potential political endorsements from influential figures like Norton Simon. Nixon and Annenberg reaffirmed their strong personal and political alliance, with Nixon explicitly requesting Annenberg's continued service as Ambassador to the Court of St. James's following the 1972 election.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified staff member regarding the scheduling of Henry A. Kissinger. The discussion primarily addressed the status of a scheduled return phone call involving the National Security Advisor. Ultimately, the conversation resulted in the cancellation of the planned communication.
President Nixon invited H. R. Haldeman into the Oval Office for a brief, last-minute consultation immediately prior to his departure for the day. This unscheduled meeting served as a final check-in between the President and his Chief of Staff. No substantial policy matters or major decisions were recorded in this brief interaction.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to review a list of individuals for his upcoming speech at the Duke Law School dinner. The conversation also briefly touched upon potential nominations for the position of Attorney General. No major policy shifts resulted from this brief administrative planning session.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss strategies for countering domestic political opposition in the Senate following recent votes against administration policy regarding the Vietnam War. The participants focused on coordinating an aggressive public relations campaign and mobilizing supporters to attack the voting records of Democratic senators, while dismissing potential legislative threats as electorally motivated. Additionally, they reviewed ongoing military operations in Hanoi and Haiphong, including B-52 strikes and the mining of harbors, while assessing the diplomatic fallout regarding potential Soviet and Chinese reactions to these escalations.