Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 867
Nixon White House Tape 867 (March 2, 1973)
41 conversations · Oval Office · about 4 hr 47 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Ziegler, Kissinger, Woods
President Nixon, along with Ronald Ziegler and Henry Kissinger, discussed strategy for an upcoming press conference, focusing on how to address questions regarding Watergate, specifically John Dean's role, Donald Segretti, and Maurice Stans, with a plan to refer inquiries about the Committee to Re-elect the President to that organization. They also touched upon the Khartoum hostage incident and the upcoming visit of President Thieu, as well as the release of POWs.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler briefly discussed the upcoming presidential press conference. Their conversation focused on potential questions, with a specific mention of Frank Cormier. The meeting was very short, with Ziegler departing after only a few minutes.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to request assistance in reaching two individuals: George Bell and Richard Allen. The President inquired about George Bell's whereabouts, learning he was at a hospital. The primary purpose of this call was to initiate contact with these individuals, though the specific reason for the calls was not detailed in the transcript.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed upcoming White House social affairs, specifically reviewing invitations and guest lists. They also touched upon the President's schedule, including arrangements for photographs and introductions. The conversation appears to be a quick check-in on administrative details related to presidential events and personnel.
This brief exchange occurred between President Nixon and the White House operator in the Oval Office. The primary purpose appears to be a routine operational matter, likely involving a phone connection or request. No significant policy discussions or decisions were recorded.
President Nixon briefly discussed a table in the residence with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office. The purpose and specific details of the table's relevance were not discernible from the limited transcript. The meeting was very short, concluding with the unknown person's departure.
President Nixon briefly spoke with Margaret Armiger in the Oval Office. The conversation appears to be a very short, informal exchange, possibly a farewell or well-wishing, with no substantive policy discussions or decisions recorded.
President Nixon, along with Ronald Ziegler and Rose Mary Woods, discussed strategies for an upcoming press conference, including potential questions and answers regarding Nguyen Van Thieu, economic devaluation, and aid to North Vietnam. They also deliberated on the distribution of "appreciation" gifts to political supporters and White House staff, detailing costs and recipients. Additionally, the conversation touched upon White House social events, specifically a dinner for Golda Meir and the performance of Van Cliburn, as well as press relations and public relations matters.
President Nixon and his wife Pat met with representatives from the American Heart Association, including Dr. Paul Yu, Richard Ross, and James Cavanaugh, for a "Heart of the Year" award presentation. The discussion focused on the AHA's work, the impact of heart attacks on presidents like Eisenhower and Johnson, and Mrs. Nixon's advocacy. The meeting included a photograph session and the presentation of gifts, emphasizing the possibility of recovery and a useful life after a heart attack.
President Nixon met briefly with Paul Findley in the Oval Office. The purpose of the meeting appears to have been Findley's arrival and a brief interaction before he departed. Helmut Sonnenfeldt was also mentioned as being present or involved. The conversation was very short and contained no substantive discussion of policy or action items.
President Nixon briefly reviewed his upcoming schedule, which included receiving diplomatic credentials and having lunch in the Lincoln Room. The conversation was very short, with the President indicating he would change his suit and likely have lunch.
President Nixon briefly met with an unidentified man in the Oval Office. The conversation, lasting approximately ten minutes, concerned the arrival and departure of Paul Findley. No significant decisions or action items were recorded.
President Nixon met with Congressman Paul Findley and advisors Richard Cook and Helmut Sonnenfeldt to discuss a resolution on Atlantic Union. Nixon expressed his support for the principle of Atlantic Union but was hesitant to publicly endorse the specific resolution due to potential complications with ongoing European security conferences and trade negotiations. He agreed to provide a letter for Findley to use, expressing his support for the goal without becoming an active advocate, similar to his stance on the Equal Rights Amendment. The conversation also touched upon legislative challenges, including veto overrides and congressional relations.
President Nixon, Stephen Bull, and Rose Mary Woods briefly discussed an individual named Mark Goode, who was apparently undertaking a special assignment and had some "Russian warrants" related to his station. The conversation also touched upon the spelling of Goode's name and a message from the President. Rose Mary Woods' entry into the meeting was noted, along with a mention of diplomatic credentials presentation and a separate meeting with Goode.
President Nixon met briefly with Mark I. Goode, his wife, and two daughters, along with Stephen Bull, for a photo opportunity. The meeting was primarily for taking pictures, including one of the President with Mark Goode and his family, and arrangements were made for copies of these photographs. Nixon expressed appreciation for Goode's work with the White House.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Stephen Bull discussed various personnel appointments and foreign policy matters. Key topics included the selection of an ambassador to Israel, with Kenneth Keating being considered despite age concerns, and the potential implications for Rockefeller's support. They also addressed ongoing financial activities related to the Watergate investigation, specifically how funds were being managed and distributed to defendants. Additionally, the conversation touched upon congressional relations, including invitations for lawmakers to travel abroad and the handling of diplomatic protocol for visiting dignitaries.
President Nixon briefly met with an unidentified man in the Oval Office. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the order of diplomatic credentials ceremonies for Malaysia, Mauritania, Iceland, Guyana, and Paraguay. The unknown man departed shortly after the discussion.
President Nixon briefly met with Stephen Bull and later with Manolo Sanchez in the Oval Office. The conversation touched upon the expected duration of a meeting with John M. Olin, with Olin reportedly stating he only needed 50 seconds. Bull also mentioned an item for the residence.
President Nixon met with John M. Olin and Manolo Sanchez in the Oval Office to discuss Olin's long-standing support for the President, including his views on the Vietnam War bombing campaign and POWs. They also covered international trade, specifically Olin Corporation's potential dealings with the USSR and China regarding agricultural developments, and the critical issue of Atlantic salmon conservation, with Olin expressing concern over Danish and Greenlandic fishing practices. A significant portion of the conversation focused on President Nixon's opposition to proposed capital gains and estate taxes, which he believed would harm entrepreneurship and family wealth.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to discuss the arrival of departing subcabinet members for an "open door hour." The conversation was brief, with Bull confirming the arrival of the individuals before departing himself.
President Nixon met with Treasury Secretary Edwin Cohen and his wife, along with Stephen Bull, to discuss Cohen's recent minor surgery and his impending departure from his government position. The President expressed his appreciation for Cohen's service and advised him to pursue lucrative opportunities in the private sector, referencing advice from George Shultz. A photograph was taken to commemorate Cohen's time in service.
President Nixon met with Harold and Mrs. Finger in the Oval Office to discuss Finger's upcoming move to a new job with General Electric. The conversation touched upon Finger's distinguished career in government, including his time at NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission, and the President expressed his appreciation for Finger's service and performance. They also discussed the importance of cross-fertilization between government and private industry, with Finger's new role involving the establishment of an energy systems center in Washington.
President Nixon met with Stephen Bull and Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Moot to take photographs and express his appreciation for their service. The conversation touched upon Moot's new job, a significant challenge, and Nixon's acquaintance with Roger Lewis, who attended Stanford University with David Packard. The meeting concluded with the departure of the Moots.
President Nixon met with Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Schubert and Stephen B. Bull to express his appreciation for Schubert's service and discuss his future employment. The conversation touched upon Schubert's new job with Bethlehem Steel in Pennsylvania, including its location and duties. A photograph was taken during the meeting.
President Nixon met with Charles L. Ill and Stephen B. Bull to discuss Ill’s past service during the 1968 campaign and his recent tenure working with the Navy. Ill expressed frustration regarding his forced resignation and the lack of clarity surrounding his dismissal despite his prior dedication to the administration. The conversation served as a professional exit for Ill, with the President acknowledging his frank feedback regarding personnel changes and administration staffing challenges.
President Nixon met with Samuel Jackson and his wife to discuss Jackson’s transition from his role in the administration back into private legal practice. The President expressed his appreciation for Jackson’s service and performance while reflecting on the professional opportunities awaiting him at a prestigious law firm. The conversation concluded with Nixon affirming that Jackson’s tenure in the administration provided him with valuable experience for his upcoming partnership.
President Nixon met with Spencer Schedler and his wife, accompanied by Stephen Bull, to formally express his appreciation for Schedler's past contributions to the administration and the 1968 campaign. The discussion touched upon Schedler's potential for future government service and his connections to prominent supporters like John Ruan. The meeting concluded with a photo opportunity to commemorate the visit and acknowledge Schedler's ongoing commitment to the President.
President Nixon met with Richard and Mrs. Melich, accompanied by Stephen B. Bull, for a social visit in the Oval Office. The conversation focused on the Melichs' travels to Yugoslavia, the USSR, and Sweden, as well as their long-standing history of supporting the Republican Party at national conventions since 1952. The group also discussed family backgrounds, including the Melichs' ancestral ties to the Mormon faith and the naming of their child after the President.
President Nixon met with Carlos C. Villarreal and his wife, along with aide Stephen B. Bull, to discuss potential new employment opportunities for Villarreal within the administration. The conversation focused on evaluating two Washington-based positions: Assistant Secretary of the Navy and a role within the Agency for International Development (AID). Nixon encouraged Villarreal to pursue the Navy position, specifically suggesting he coordinate an interview with Secretary of the Navy John W. Warner.
President Nixon met with James M. Beggs and his wife to discuss Beggs's tenure at the Department of Transportation and his future career prospects. The President expressed appreciation for Beggs's work under former Secretary John A. Volpe while acknowledging the immense difficulty of the department's mission. The conversation concluded with Nixon advising Beggs on potential private sector opportunities in California, specifically praising the management quality of the Howard Hughes organization.
President Nixon met with Laurence H. Silberman and his wife to formally bid farewell to Silberman as he departed the administration. During the meeting, which included commemorative photography, Nixon expressed appreciation for Silberman’s service alongside George P. Shultz and James D. Hodgson. The President further offered career advice regarding Silberman’s transition into a private law firm partnership, emphasizing the value of his government experience.
President Nixon met with FAA Administrator John H. Shaffer and his wife, accompanied by Stephen B. Bull, for a social visit in the Oval Office. The conversation consisted primarily of introductions, formal photography, and casual chitchat regarding Shaffer’s professional background at Trans World Airways. The group also discussed recreational topics, specifically their shared memberships at private golf clubs and the President’s performance on the links.
President Nixon met with Social Security Commissioner Robert Ball and his wife for a courtesy visit that included an official photograph session and an informal discussion about the Social Security program. The conversation touched upon the administration's support for the program's long-term sustainability, the necessity of addressing the impact of inflation on recipients, and the value of self-help initiatives. Nixon praised Ball’s professional competence and integrity before concluding the meeting with a brief mention of family needlepoint artwork.
President Nixon met with Charles A. Meyer to review various ambassadorial appointments and discuss U.S. policy towards Latin America. The two assessed potential candidates for diplomatic posts, including the replacement for the ambassador in Mexico and leadership in Peru, while emphasizing the need for more effective engagement in the region. Nixon encouraged Meyer to remain available for future administrative assignments and international delegations, particularly regarding Inter-American affairs, following Meyer's transition back to the private sector at Sears.
President Nixon consulted with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding an upcoming meeting with Timothy G. Elbourne. The discussion focused on Elbourne's recent activities, specifically his interactions concerning the People's Republic of China and his attendance at a social event featuring Sammy Davis, Jr. This exchange served as a preparatory briefing for the President to ensure he was fully informed about Elbourne's recent engagements.
President Nixon met with Timothy G. Elbourne and his family in the Oval Office to bid them farewell as Elbourne transitioned to a new position at the Disney Travel Company in California. The discussion touched upon Elbourne's prior advance work for the administration, including his contributions to the President's trip to the People's Republic of China. The meeting concluded with the President posing for photographs and providing autographs for the family.
President Nixon met with Herbert G. Klein and Donna J. Kingwell to bid farewell to Kingwell as she transitioned to a new position in California. The discussion touched upon personal matters, including Kingwell's residence and background, alongside reflections on Klein’s public relations work and his recent trip to the People's Republic of China. The meeting concluded with the President expressing his appreciation for their service.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the tragic killing of U.S. diplomats in Khartoum, Sudan, and to reaffirm the administration’s firm policy against paying ransom or yielding to terrorist blackmail. The discussion touched upon the strategic challenges of protecting ambassadors in volatile regions and the necessity of maintaining pressure on Arab governments to control terrorist factions. Additionally, the President reviewed various diplomatic appointments and personnel matters, including potential candidates for ambassadorial posts in Pakistan, Thailand, and other nations.
President Nixon met with Stephen Bull and an additional staff member, likely H.R. Haldeman, to review and finalize his upcoming presidential schedule and public appearances. The discussion focused on coordinating logistics for various briefings, award ceremonies, and social functions, including an upcoming 'Evening at the White House' event featuring George Foreman. Nixon made several administrative decisions regarding his participation in these events, notably declining certain ceremonial duties, such as the swearing-in of the SEC chairman and further meetings with charity poster children.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss a wide-ranging agenda including ambassadorial appointments, personnel management within the administration, and the administration's response to the recent murder of U.S. diplomats in Sudan. They reviewed the status of various staff members, discussed the political implications of John Connally's expected party switch, and evaluated the President's press strategy. During the meeting, Nixon decided to lower the White House flag to honor the slain diplomats and instructed staff to streamline ceremonial swearing-in events.
United States Secret Service agents gathered in the Oval Office to conduct administrative or operational business during the evening hours. Due to the lack of a transcript and the ambiguity of the participants, the precise nature of their discussion remains undocumented. The meeting concluded before the start of the following morning's business, with no specific policy decisions or significant developments recorded.