Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 737
Nixon White House Tape 737 (June 16, 1972)
9 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 59 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Butterfield, Ehrlichman, Haldeman
President Richard M. Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinated logistics for an upcoming cabinet meeting held in the Rose Garden. The discussion focused on finalizing the protocol for official photography, specifically arranging for cabinet members to pose for pictures on the Rose Garden steps before moving inside. Following these instructions, the two men exited the Oval Office to proceed with the scheduled event.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and Cabinet members, including Elliot Richardson and Caspar Weinberger, to evaluate the legislative strategy for H.R. 1, the administration's welfare reform bill. The participants debated whether to maintain a firm stance on the original proposal or pursue a compromise with Senator Ribicoff to improve the chances of Senate passage before the Democratic National Convention. Nixon expressed concern that moving toward a compromise might blur the administration's policy distinctions from Democratic nominee George McGovern, while his advisors argued that failing to act could lead to the collapse of the legislation. Ultimately, the President deferred a final decision, requesting further analysis on the political and budgetary implications of the potential concessions.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate scheduling details regarding the President’s meeting with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations Emilio Rabasa Mishkin. The discussion focused on logistical arrangements for the encounter, including a potential photo opportunity on the South Lawn involving Ron Ziegler. Nixon approved the plan for the press to capture images of him with the Secretary following the meeting.
President Nixon met with Mexican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez to discuss strengthening U.S.-Mexican relations and establishing a more pragmatic, "new era" approach to Latin American policy. The leaders also addressed the persistent issue of water salinity in the Colorado River, with Nixon pledging a personal commitment to reaching a definitive, equitable solution before the end of the year. Additionally, Nixon provided Echeverria with insights into his recent diplomatic missions to the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, framing these interactions as essential "neo-realist" strategies for maintaining global stability and restraining communist aggression.
President Nixon met with staff and General Brent Scowcroft to finalize arrangements for a medal presentation ceremony honoring the late John Paul Vann. The discussion centered on managing potential press coverage and coordinating the participation of the Vann family members. Nixon explicitly directed staff to prevent a anticipated political gesture involving the presentation of a draft card by Vann’s son to ensure the event remained dignified and free of media-staged incidents.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed final logistical arrangements for the funeral of John Paul Vann, focusing specifically on managing the conduct of Vann's son. Bull secured assurances that the son would refrain from making a potentially disruptive protest presentation during the event. The pair finalized plans for the President to honor the family and present a formal citation to the press following the services.
President Nixon hosted the family of John Paul Vann, a distinguished military and civilian advisor in Vietnam, to formally present the Presidential Medal of Freedom. During the meeting, which included key administration officials and journalist Joseph Alsop, the President lauded Vann’s dedication and selfless service, comparing his contributions to those of the Marquis de Lafayette. The event served to honor Vann's legacy following his recent death and to highlight his critical role in the efforts to secure South Vietnamese sovereignty.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office for a brief session lasting no more than three minutes. The discussion remains opaque due to the immediate withdrawal of the recording content as a personal, returnable item. Consequently, no substantive policy matters, decisions, or developments are documented for this exchange.
President Nixon and his advisors discussed the management of White House social events, specifically reviewing complaints about guest logistics and the President's personal exhaustion regarding formal dinners. The conversation also shifted to political strategy, including the President's public stance on school busing, the necessity of maintaining a clear administrative position, and upcoming strategies regarding the Democratic National Convention. Nixon and his staff further evaluated the potential of Elliot Richardson for high-level appointments while expressing concerns about the ideological unpredictability of the opposition.