Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 844
Nixon White House Tape 844 (January 30, 1973)
4 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 38 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, Sanchez, Ziegler
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate arrangements for upcoming funeral services. The discussion focused on logistical planning involving the Capitol, the National Cathedral, and the involvement of Billy Graham. Additionally, the two reviewed the President’s schedule at the Executive Office Building and addressed a memorandum from James D. Hughes to H. R. Haldeman.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical adjustments to his morning schedule. The discussion centered on delaying certain appointments and setting a specific time for an important telephone call. Nixon provided clear instructions for Bull to manage communications with expected parties regarding these timing changes.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and South Vietnamese officials, Tran Kim Phuong and Tran Van Lam, to discuss the recent Vietnam ceasefire and the importance of continued U.S. military and economic support for South Vietnam. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a strong, unified front against North Vietnamese aggression while expressing frustration with domestic media coverage and political opposition regarding the war. During the meeting, the participants coordinated plans for future high-level visits and strategies to maintain the stability of the South Vietnamese government under President Thieu.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the administration's struggle to manage public perception and media relations regarding the Vietnam peace settlement. The President expressed frustration with Henry Kissinger’s tendency to court favor with the press, insisting that he must prioritize communicating the President's vision and accomplishments in foreign policy rather than focusing on himself. Nixon directed his staff to coordinate a more aggressive and unified effort to secure positive media coverage and public support, specifically noting that he needed to maintain firm control over the administration's messaging.