Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 837
Nixon White House Tape 837 (January 8, 1973 – January 10, 1973)
6 conversations · Oval Office · about 5 hr 26 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Woods, Sanchez
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss various personnel and administrative matters, including the nomination of George D. Webster, potential diplomatic assignments for L. Patrick Gray and William D. Ruckelshaus, and planning for the 1973 inaugural church service. They reviewed the status of Webster's nomination amid concerns over his past financial practices and tax payments, ultimately considering alternatives. The conversation also touched upon sensitive political intelligence regarding Anna C. Chennault and 1968 election-related activities, as well as the ongoing second-term reorganization of White House staff.
President Nixon dictated a formal birthday acknowledgement letter addressed to Steven B. Bull. In the message, Nixon expressed his appreciation for Bull’s long-standing friendship and steadfast support throughout his career. The President also reflected on his advancing age and confirmed his expectation to see Bull at the upcoming 1973 inauguration ceremony.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Stephen Bull, and staff members to discuss details regarding the President's 60th birthday celebration, the upcoming inauguration, and long-term staffing reorganization. The group reviewed the success of a surprise birthday film featuring football highlights and discussed the necessity of strictly limiting guests at inaugural events to avoid uncontrollable crowd sizes and political optics issues. Additionally, Nixon emphasized his desire to move toward more informal White House gatherings, while Haldeman provided updates on personnel appointments and strategies for handling the skeptical Washington press corps.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed a variety of personnel, political, and foreign policy matters, including the pending Vietnam peace settlement and staff management. They reviewed potential appointments for the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and the political implications of these choices. Additionally, the President and Haldeman mapped out a strategy to handle the public announcement of the Vietnam negotiations while managing Henry Kissinger’s schedule and press relations during the upcoming inauguration. They also addressed legislative strategies regarding David Eisenhower’s potential congressional run and other personnel logistics for the second term.
An unidentified speaker expresses a definitive belief that departure is not possible, highlighting a sense of entrapment or strategic stalemate. The brevity of the statement suggests a tense discussion regarding an ongoing policy or military commitment. No specific action items or further context are provided beyond this assessment of a restricted exit strategy.
President Nixon held a brief, private session in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. While no transcript exists to detail the specifics of the dialogue, the meeting occurred during a period of intense focus on the conclusion of the Vietnam War and domestic policy planning. The nature of the encounter remains speculative due to the lack of available documentation regarding the participant’s identity or the specific agenda items addressed.