Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 923
Nixon White House Tape 923 (May 19, 1973)
8 conversations · Oval Office · about 2 hr 60 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Bull, Haig, Butterfield, Woods
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the draft of a speech for an upcoming Armed Forces Day ceremony, focusing on revisions to a poker analogy and the inclusion of specific language regarding Article 20 of the Vietnam Peace Agreement. The discussion also covered logistical arrangements for the President’s travel, including potential helicopter transport from Andrews Air Force Base and weather considerations for the outing. They concluded by confirming the schedule for the President’s upcoming trip to Camp David and his travel plans with Bebe Rebozo.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Alexander Butterfield met to strategize the White House response to the escalating Watergate scandal, focusing on the upcoming Ervin Committee hearings and potential impeachment proceedings. Nixon expressed a desire to present a 'White Paper' to Congressional leaders to clarify the administration's position and distance himself from the scandal, rather than addressing the public on prime-time television. They also discussed the status of CIA involvement, potential testimony from Richard Helms and Vernon Walters, and the need for a unified defense against political opponents.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the administration's defensive strategy regarding the unfolding Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the recent televised testimony of James W. McCord. The two strategized on how to counter negative media narratives, address the erratic public behavior of Martha Mitchell, and organize a group of loyal political allies to fight back against congressional and public criticism. Nixon emphasized his resolve not to quit, while Woods suggested aggressively questioning McCord's credibility and past associations to protect the President and John Mitchell.
President Nixon met with unidentified individuals in the Oval Office to address administrative or logistical matters. The brief encounter focused on the physical arrangement of office furniture, specifically concerning the seating. No substantive policy or political discussions were recorded during this session.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Alexander Haig to strategize the White House response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the preparation of a forthcoming White Paper and the management of sensitive documents. The participants discussed the potential impact of Lieutenant General Vernon Walters’s testimony, the handling of executive privilege regarding presidential conversations, and the necessity of preventing staff members from surrendering their notes to congressional investigators. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining presidential authority and public morale, ultimately deciding that the White House must remain unified and proactive while avoiding premature television speeches or concessions.
President Nixon met with unidentified individuals in the Oval Office to discuss logistical planning and the immediate scheduling of upcoming activities. The participants focused on coordinating departure instructions and moving toward the next phase of their agenda. The conversation concluded with the group exiting the office to transition to their next location.
President Nixon met with his personal aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding his daily schedule and upcoming movements. The discussion focused on managing the President's personal briefcase and finalizing travel or meeting arrangements involving First Lady Pat Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Bull received specific instructions to ensure that the timing of these transitions was handled carefully and without undue haste.
An unidentified group of individuals met in the Oval Office to discuss personal logistics regarding their impending departure. The brief dialogue centered on scheduling constraints and the presence of family members, including a wife and daughter. No policy-related matters or substantive political decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.