Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 851
Nixon White House Tape 851 (February 6, 1973)
5 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 39 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, Woods, Burns
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed and reorganized the President's upcoming schedule to accommodate administrative priorities, including economic policy and legislative strategy. They specifically coordinated meetings with figures such as Wilbur Mills and the National Association of Manufacturers while finalizing the timing for a scheduled radio address. Nixon emphasized the need for thorough talking papers to prepare for high-level discussions, ultimately opting for a one-on-one meeting with Mills to avoid unnecessary staff involvement.
President Nixon dictates a personal letter to actress Jane Wyman to express his admiration for her performance in the film "So Big." During the dictation, Nixon critiques the declining quality of contemporary Hollywood and European cinema, contrasting it with the superior artistry of older films. He notes that he and First Lady Pat Nixon frequently rely on older movie catalogs for entertainment during their weekends at Camp David.
In this meeting, President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and H. R. Haldeman to address various administrative and political matters, including the guest list protocols for White House events and potential personnel changes for administration appointees. The discussion also covered the logistical planning for an upcoming radio address, where the President expressed frustration over inadequate preparation time and the poor quality of recent briefings provided by his staff. Additionally, they reviewed details regarding the 1973 inaugural ceremonies and the military discharge status of David Eisenhower, reaching consensus on how to manage these sensitive issues.
President Nixon met with Arthur Burns and George Shultz to coordinate the administration's economic response to a worsening international monetary crisis and trade deficit. The group finalized plans for a 6.5% dollar devaluation and discussed strategies to secure trade revaluation agreements with Japan and European partners. Additionally, they reviewed talking points for upcoming congressional testimonies, emphasized the need for continued wage and price control efforts, and addressed the potential bankruptcy of a railroad company.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the management of the administration's public image and the strategic control of presidential communication. They debated the efficacy of state dinners and ceremonial functions, concluding that these activities often yield low political return, and evaluated the best media outlets for communicating economic policy. Additionally, they critiqued the organizational structure of White House staff, analyzed public opinion on amnesty for Vietnam War deserters, and addressed the psychological transition of Henry Kissinger following the Vietnam peace settlement.