Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 735
Nixon White House Tape 735 (June 15, 1972)
16 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 51 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Kissinger, Butterfield, Haig
President Nixon met with Mexican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez, Henry Kissinger, and Alexander Haig to address bilateral tensions and the broader geopolitical stability of the Western Hemisphere. The primary bilateral issue discussed was the water salinity problem affecting the Colorado River, for which Nixon provided a personal commitment to reach a definitive, fair resolution by the end of the year. Beyond water rights, the participants discussed the threat of communist influence in Latin America, emphasizing the need for increased private investment and economic partnership to counter Soviet and Cuban-backed ideologies. The meeting underscored the shared necessity for stable economic development to prevent social unrest that could ultimately impact both nations.
Stephen B. Bull met with unidentified individuals to discuss the administrative details regarding a birthday gift for the President, specifically a piece of Steuben glass presented by Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg. The participants briefly touched upon the President’s schedule and mentioned Mexican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez. The brief exchange concluded abruptly without any further recorded action items.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling and logistical arrangements for an upcoming visit from the Apollo 16 astronauts, John W. Young and Thomas K. Mattingly, III. The discussion focused on the sequence of events, including a photo opportunity, the presentation of gifts, and a press briefing. Bull confirmed the timeline for the astronauts' arrival and highlighted specific background details regarding the mission's technical challenges to prepare the President for the encounter.
President Nixon met with NASA astronauts Thomas K. Mattingly, III, John W. Young, and Charles M. Duke, along with NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher, to discuss the ongoing U.S. space program and its potential for international cooperation. The discussion focused on the strategic importance of the upcoming joint space mission with the Soviet Union, the role of space exploration in maintaining American national spirit, and the potential for sharing space shuttle technology with other nations. Nixon encouraged the astronauts to utilize Camp David for recreation and provided instructions regarding their recognition during a forthcoming state dinner for Mexican President Luis Echeverría.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield discuss logistics for an upcoming Cabinet meeting and associated photo opportunity. They finalize plans for the President to deliver remarks regarding his recent trip to the Soviet Union following the session. Nixon provides specific instructions on the arrangement of the group and dictates that official photographs be taken without the attendees present.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate a potential lunch meeting with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. This brief interaction served to facilitate the scheduling of high-level diplomatic or policy discussions between the President and Kissinger. The primary action item was for Bull to verify Kissinger's availability for the proposed midday appointment.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to review Kissinger's recent Congressional briefing on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). They discussed the positive reception from legislators, the administration's strategy for maintaining defense spending during negotiations, and the importance of asserting presidential leadership in foreign policy. Additionally, they reviewed global political developments, including the status of the Vietnam War and the upcoming 1972 election, while coordinating Kissinger’s travel schedule to the People’s Republic of China.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to address administrative or personal tasks regarding the President's immediate workspace. The brief discussion centered on organizing items within the office, specifically involving the removal or clearing of materials. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief logistical interaction.
President Richard M. Nixon met briefly with Alexander P. Butterfield in the Oval Office to facilitate the processing of administrative documents. The primary purpose of the meeting was for the President to review and sign various items requiring his formal authorization. Butterfield departed immediately after the President completed the necessary paperwork.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual, subsequently joined by Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler, to coordinate administrative movements or public appearances. The discussion centered on locating a specific individual for a meeting during the lunch hour. No substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief logistical exchange.
President Nixon met with an unidentified female visitor in the Oval Office to briefly coordinate scheduling for an upcoming afternoon meeting. The conversation appears to be a casual administrative exchange regarding the movements of Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. No substantive policy matters or major political decisions were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon held a brief, undocumented meeting with one or more unidentified individuals in the Oval Office. The surviving transcript fragment reveals only a colloquial remark in which the President declines a request or proposal, stating he will not "entertain" the individual. Due to the limited nature of the recording, no substantive policy decisions or meaningful administrative actions were captured.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Stephen Bull, and Henry Kissinger to discuss a variety of domestic and administrative matters, including the President's upcoming schedule, staff performance, and campaign media strategies. They reviewed the administration's stance on busing policies, concerns regarding the environmental regulation of DDT, and the professional management of personnel. Additionally, the participants coordinated details for the posthumous presentation of the Medal of Freedom to the family of John Paul Vann and finalized logistics for a potential presidential trip to Walker's Cay.
President Nixon met with Saudi Prince Sultan ibn Abd al-Aziz, along with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and Alexander Haig, to solidify the strategic security partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The discussion focused on regional stability, particularly the need for military cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait to counter subversive threats from Iraq. The meeting concluded with a commitment to the ongoing Saudi military modernization program, including the F-5 aircraft contract and naval equipment, reinforcing a mutual desire for regional peace and security.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative matters and schedule updates. The discussion focused on Ronald Ziegler's upcoming press briefing and the scheduling of a meeting with John D. Ehrlichman to address the issue of busing. Following these logistical arrangements, the meeting concluded promptly.
President Nixon and his advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, discussed public relations strategies, specifically focusing on the effective use of documentary-style media and the positive reception of astronauts on tour. The group evaluated the political benefits of their recent international initiatives, including the high-profile China announcement and strategic congressional briefings. Additionally, they reviewed recent diplomatic interactions with Mexican officials and analyzed the military situation in Vietnam, noting the resilience of South Vietnamese forces in defensive operations.