Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 812
Nixon White House Tape 812 (November 3, 1972)
15 conversations · Oval Office · about 51 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, White House photographer, Kissinger
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss a Washington Star article concerning the 1968 bugging of Nixon's campaign, strategizing on how to address the allegations. They weigh the necessity of official denials and conclude that the burden of clarification lies with former President Lyndon B. Johnson rather than the White House. The conversation reflects a tactical decision to avoid direct involvement in the controversy while pressuring the Johnson camp to address the story.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming meeting with Mstislav V. Keldysh. The discussion centered on administrative arrangements, specifically involving Henry Kissinger and the protocol for seating configurations. The President emphasized the need to adhere to strict time constraints during the scheduled appointment.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to discuss administrative directives regarding Rose Mary Woods. The conversation focused on the status of ongoing document retyping projects and established follow-up procedures for staff assignments. No major policy decisions were reached, as the discussion primarily served to coordinate internal workflow and ensure the completion of clerical tasks.
President Nixon met with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and Soviet scientist Mstislav Keldysh to discuss the expansion of U.S.-Soviet cooperation in non-military sectors, including science, health, space, and trade. The participants emphasized that fostering these positive collaborative ties was essential for building a lasting peace beyond mere arms control agreements like SALT I. Nixon also highlighted his intent to further develop these relationships and pursue productive diplomatic engagements, including a potential visit to the Soviet Union, during his anticipated second term.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed logistical arrangements for the recording of a campaign speech. The conversation focused on coordinating the technical setup for the recording session to follow other scheduled obligations. Nixon emphasized the need for Bull to manage the scheduling and necessary preparations for this production.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of an upcoming meeting with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The President emphasized the need to adhere to strict time constraints for this engagement. Bull was instructed to facilitate the logistics for the meeting, resulting in the finalization of the President's schedule.
President Nixon met with members of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), including Russell E. Train and Beatrice Willard, for a formal photograph session and a discussion regarding environmental policy. The President requested that the Council provide material for his upcoming State of the Union address by December 1, 1972. During the exchange, Nixon also emphasized his commitment to conservation measures, such as energy-saving practices and paper recycling, while briefly touching upon his California background and campaign interests.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss reports regarding a 1968 bugging incident and potential FBI involvement during the transition period. Haldeman relays information from George Christian regarding Lyndon B. Johnson’s desire to avoid public confrontation over allegations of Nixon campaign interference in peace talks. The two also address concerns about internal FBI leaks and touch upon Johnson’s health and his public stance regarding the 1972 election.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual and subsequently with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding a scheduled visit by Erie, Pennsylvania Mayor Louis J. Tullio. The discussion focused on the sequence of events for the meeting, including the Mayor's arrival and a photo opportunity involving the Mayor and his wife, Gracie Tullio. These brief sessions served to finalize the President's public schedule for the day.
President Nixon met with Erie, Pennsylvania Mayor Louis J. Tullio, his wife Grace, and aide William F. Rhatican to discuss the 1972 presidential campaign and local municipal issues. The discussion covered Tullio's political support for Nixon despite his Democratic affiliation, as well as specific federal assistance for infrastructure projects in Erie, including railroad track removal. Additionally, the group addressed the recent death of Grace Tullio’s brother in the Vietnam War, with the President offering condolences and discussing the administration's policy regarding military settlements.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and manage his daily schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating an upcoming appointment with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Additionally, the President reviewed the logistical details and duration of a recent meeting he held with Louis J. and Grace Tullio.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to strategize on public relations regarding the Vietnam War, specifically addressing potential criticism from George McGovern that the ongoing peace negotiations were a hoax. They evaluated the pros and cons of holding a background press briefing to counter these claims and reinforce the narrative that "peace is at hand." Ultimately, the President directed staff to coordinate the logistics for such a session while remaining cautious about the tone and timing of the messaging to ensure it served the administration's goals.
Alexander P. Butterfield meets with an unidentified individual to confirm the successful transfer of a briefcase. The brief exchange focuses solely on verifying that the participant has taken possession of the item. No further details regarding the contents of the briefcase or subsequent actions were discussed during this recording.
President Nixon held a brief, unscheduled meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. Given the lack of a transcript or meeting logs, the specific subject matter and objectives of this brief encounter remain unknown. The interaction concluded within six minutes, leaving no documented record of decisions or action items.
Stephen B. Bull met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to discuss an unspecified matter. The brief exchange lasted less than six minutes before the participants departed the office. Due to the lack of available transcripts or descriptive logs, the specific nature of this business remains undocumented.