Nixon White House Tapes › Tape 945
Nixon White House Tape 945 (June 19, 1973)
12 conversations · Oval Office · about 3 hr 40 min of released audio
Featuring Nixon, Haig, Kissinger, Buzhardt, Sanchez
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the logistics and messaging for the ongoing visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, including scheduling, guest lists for the Sequoia, and ensuring the summit's historic significance was properly emphasized. Kissinger advised on managing the press and briefing Allies, while the pair also discussed the political damage caused by the Watergate scandal. Nixon expressed frustration with the Ervin Committee hearings and Republican congressional behavior, deciding to postpone a public response until after John Dean’s testimony concluded.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to assess the functionality of his telecommunications equipment. This brief exchange served as a technical check to ensure the President's phone lines were operating correctly. No policy discussions or significant political decisions were made during this routine inquiry.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig, Ronald Ziegler, and J. Fred Buzhardt to discuss ongoing Watergate fallout and strategy, specifically focusing on the upcoming testimony of former White House counsel John Dean before the Ervin Committee. The participants expressed frustration with the lack of aggressive public defense by Republican allies and the perceived bias of special prosecutor Archibald Cox, prompting discussions on how to better leverage allies to challenge Dean's credibility and the scope of Cox's investigation. Additionally, the President reviewed his economic recovery program and the status of Leonid Brezhnev's state visit, stressing the importance of controlling the media narrative during these high-stakes events.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss logistics and planning for the upcoming visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, specifically focusing on the itinerary for Camp David and the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. Kissinger updates the President on the Soviet Union's attempt to offer a non-aggression treaty to China, noting that the Chinese rejected the overture due to their ongoing relationship with the United States. The participants resolve to maintain flexibility regarding the Brezhnev schedule while ensuring the Soviet leader's security concerns are addressed.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods to discuss logistics for Leonid Brezhnev’s state visit, specifically focusing on managing guest lists and timing for receiving lines and entertainment. Following Woods' departure, Alexander Haig joined the President to discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation, including the erratic public behavior of Martha Mitchell and efforts to ensure objectivity regarding Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. The participants expressed concern over the perceived partisanship of the Ervin Committee and emphasized the need for strategic handling of political allies and legal representatives.
President Nixon met briefly with White House special counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to discuss matters related to the ongoing Watergate investigation. The extremely brief interaction reflects the high level of urgency and concern surrounding the administration's legal defense at the time. No specific directives were recorded, as the conversation primarily served to acknowledge pressing developments in the case.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig, J. Fred Buzhardt, and Melvin Laird to discuss ongoing challenges including the Watergate scandal and upcoming administrative transitions. They reviewed the status of John Dean's legal situation, focusing on his handling of campaign funds and the political advantage of exposing his alleged financial impropriety through press coverage. Furthermore, the group discussed personnel adjustments, including bringing Bryce Harlow onto the White House staff, and coordinated legislative strategies regarding a pending House vote on Cambodia funding and the implementation of the Phase IV economic program.
President Nixon consulted with an aide regarding the logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The discussion focused on managing press access, specifically the duration and scope of photographic opportunities at the meeting site. The President emphasized a preference for minimizing media presence and streamlining the encounter to ensure a quick and efficient engagement.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming trip to Camp David. The conversation focused on the transportation arrangements, specifically the use of the presidential yacht, the Sequoia, and the preparation of the President’s briefcase and personal effects. The meeting concluded with instructions for Sanchez to finalize these administrative details to ensure the President's departure preparations were completed.
President Nixon met with two unidentified individuals to discuss logistical challenges regarding Soviet General Secretary Leonid I. Brezhnev’s upcoming schedule. The primary focus involved the need to delay Henry Kissinger’s activities, a task requiring coordination with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin. The brief meeting concluded with an urgent emphasis on time constraints regarding these diplomatic arrangements.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Alexander Haig met briefly to coordinate the logistics and diplomatic agenda for Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev's upcoming visit. They discussed scheduling meetings with Senators and planning specific talks regarding SALT and Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR). Additionally, the group briefly addressed emerging press reports concerning John Dean’s handling of campaign funds, with Nixon emphasizing the need to manage the fallout from the Watergate-related allegations.
United States Secret Service agents convened in the Oval Office to receive operational instructions regarding the President's upcoming movements and security protocols. The discussion focused on logistical preparations for potential meetings, including security arrangements potentially related to an anticipated visit from Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The session concluded with the agents tasked to implement the specific security directives provided for the President's schedule.