President Nixon reviewed personal dictabelt recordings and memos to document his internal thoughts and prior communications regarding the unfolding Watergate scandal. He assessed the legal and political vulnerabilities of key staff members, including H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean, while considering potential legal strategies involving immunity and clemency. The session served as a retrospective evaluation of his administration's handling of the crisis and his efforts to establish a clear record of his knowledge and decision-making.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:28 am and 11:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-017 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 917-17
Date: May 14, 1973
Time: Unknown between 11:28 am and 11:40 am
Location: Oval Office
The President played portions of a previously recorded dictabelt tape.
*****************************************************************
[Begin segment reviewed under deed of gift]
Dictabelt entry, April 6, 1973
-San Clemente
-Location
-Discussion
[Pause]
April 10, 1973 [?]
-24-
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Tape Subject Log
(rev. June-2012)
Conversation No. 917-17 (cont’d)
Watergate
-President’s conversation with H. R. (“Bob”) Haldeman
-President’s knowledge prior to press coverage
-President’s conversation with Henry A. Kissinger
-President’s support for Haldeman
-Appearance of guilt
-Strength
[Pause]
Watergate
-President’s conversation with John D. Ehrlichman
-Samuel J. Ervin, Jr. [?]
-Haldeman
-Staff
-Delay
-Impartiality
-Dean
-Prosecuting strategy
-Jeb Stuart Magruder
-Conviction
-Immunity
-Witness
-Charles W. Colson
-Clemency
-Review
-White House staff
-Set-up
-Dean, Haldeman
[Pause]
[April 7. 1973]
Memos [April 7, 1973]
-President’s drive through Laguna, California
-25-
NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Tape Subject Log
(rev. June-2012)
Conversation No. 917-17 (cont’d)
-Charles G. (“Bebe”) Rebozo
[Pause]
Memos for file, April 8, 1973
[Pause]
Memos for file, April 14, 1973
[End segment reviewed under deed of gift]
*****************************************************************This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.