46 conversations found
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 8:34 pm to 8:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-162 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to counter the upcoming Senate Watergate hearings, focusing on framing the investigation as a partisan political fishing expedition led by Senator Sam Ervin. They strategize to delegitimize Ervin by highlighting his age, lack of attention to North Carolina constituent interests, and hypocrisy regarding executive privilege and congressional immunity. Additionally, the pair explores potential 1976 Republican candidates, including John Connally, while reaffirming the President's firm stance against allowing White House staff to testify before Congress.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to conduct a brief morning consultation. While the specific details of the discussion remain restricted, the primary focus of the meeting centered on the President's upcoming official schedule. No further substantive actions or developments were documented in the available records for this session.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:38 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming meeting with Republican Congressional leadership. The discussion focused on finalizing arrangements and procedural preparations for these key legislative consultations. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Republican Congressional leaders, including Herbert Stein, John T. Dunlop, Hugh Scott, Robert P. Griffin, John G. Tower, Norris Cotton, Wallace F. Bennett, William E. Brock, III, Gerald R. Ford, Leslie C. Arends, John B. Anderson, William J. ("Jack") Edwards, John J. Rhodes, Barber B. Conable, Jr., Robert C. ("Bob") Wilson, David T. Martin, Samuel L. Devine, George H. W. Bush, Roy L. Ash, John D. Ehrlichman, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., William E. Timmons, Richard K. Cook, Thomas C. Korologos, Ronald L. Ziegler, Clifford P. Hansen, Henry L Bellmon, Marlow W. Cook, Dewey F. Bartlett, Delwin M. Clawson, Burt L. Talcott, Harold R. Collier, and Albert W. Johnson, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 8:38 am and 11:59 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 119-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Republican Congressional leaders and economic advisors to discuss strategies for addressing rising food prices, inflation, and the ongoing transition of the wage-price stabilization program. Key topics included the administration's efforts to increase food supplies and imports, the management of labor-management relations, and the necessity of maintaining party unity to sustain presidential vetoes on spending legislation. The meeting underscored the administration's focus on economic control and the importance of Congressional support in implementing fiscal policy.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:26 am and 10:29 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief meeting in the Oval Office with Republican Congressional leaders Hugh Scott and Leslie C. Arends, alongside Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The discussion primarily focused on legislative strategy and coordination between the White House and GOP leadership. The participants assessed the political landscape during this short session before the attendees departed.
On March 20, 1973, a White House tour group met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 10:26 am and 1:00 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 119-004 of the White House Tapes.
A White House tour group consisting of an unidentified man and woman visited the Cabinet Room, where they discussed the room's layout and the specific roles of various Cabinet members. The participants examined the Cabinet table and identified the assigned seating positions for officials such as George P. Shultz, Anne L. Armstrong, and John A. Scali. The interaction concluded without any significant policy developments or administrative action items.
On March 20, 1973, George H. W. Bush and unknown person(s) met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 10:26 am and 1:00 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 119-003 of the White House Tapes.
George H. W. Bush met with unknown individuals in the Cabinet Room to discuss matters that remain obscured due to the withdrawal of the recording for personal reasons. The available archival material provides no substantive record of the topics addressed or decisions made during the six-minute and forty-one-second duration of the meeting. Consequently, the historical significance of this encounter cannot be determined from the existing documentation.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Hugh Scott, Ronald L. Ziegler, Leslie C. Arends, and William E. Timmons met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:29 am to 10:46 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Congressional leaders Hugh Scott and Leslie Arends, along with staff members, to coordinate a strategy for responding to the Watergate investigation while emphasizing the administration's commitment to cooperation without compromising executive privilege. Nixon stressed the importance of framing their stance around the constitutional separation of powers and the legal precedent against compelling White House staff to testify before Congressional committees. Additionally, the participants discussed legislative priorities, specifically the need to build Republican support for the President's vetoes on budget appropriations to curb inflation and rising food costs.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:46 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-163 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with White House Counsel John W. Dean, III. This routine administrative request served to initiate a direct communication line between the President and Dean regarding undisclosed matters. The exchange resulted in the successful processing of the call request to the Counsel's office.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John W. Dean, III talked on the telephone from 10:46 am to 10:47 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-164 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Dean discuss the status of a pending public statement, which Dean indicates is currently being finalized. Nixon instructs Dean to deliver the draft to him immediately upon completion for review. This brief exchange reflects the ongoing efforts of the White House staff to coordinate messaging regarding the escalating Watergate investigation.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:46 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon interacted with the White House operator to facilitate a connection for an outgoing telephone call. This brief exchange served the administrative purpose of establishing a line for the President's subsequent communication. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occurred during this brief procedural interaction.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John W. Dean, III met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:46 am to 10:47 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Dean briefly conferred regarding the status of a potential public statement. The exchange focused on whether Dean had prepared a draft or if the two needed to coordinate the planning of a joint release. No specific decisions were reached during this short preliminary discussion, which functioned as a prompt to align their messaging strategy.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:46 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief, cryptic meeting with an unidentified individual, followed immediately by a discussion with John D. Ehrlichman. The participants utilized coded language regarding a potential security or logistical issue involving a 'proxy' set for 25 minutes. No clear policy objectives were established, though the interaction indicates ongoing coordination on confidential administrative or operational matters.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, unknown person(s), and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:47 am to 12:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to reorganize White House communications and enhance the administration's public relations strategy, specifically regarding congressional relations and Watergate. The President expressed frustration with his staff's failure to effectively communicate key themes, emphasizing the need for more aggressive counter-attacks against critics and the media. He mandated a shift in focus to ensure that cabinet members and surrogates, rather than just the President, were effectively pushing the administration's agenda to avoid political fallout.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Vadim A. Trapeznikov, H. Guyford Stever, Anatoliy F. Dobrynin, Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft, and Cyril Muromcew met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:11 pm to 12:40 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Soviet officials, led by Vadim A. Trapeznikov, and U.S. representatives to discuss the expansion of scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and the USSR. The participants emphasized moving beyond symbolic gestures to focus on substantive, practical research that would benefit both nations, specifically highlighting joint efforts in medicine and environmental protection. Nixon affirmed his commitment to these exchanges as a foundational element for future peace and stability, while Trapeznikov provided details on his ongoing tour of American industrial and agricultural sites.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Ronald L. Ziegler, and Mrs. C. Edward Little met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:44 pm to 12:56 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Mr. and Mrs. C. Edward Little, accompanied by Ronald Ziegler, to discuss the broadcast industry and Mr. Little's career with the Mutual Broadcasting System. The conversation covered the challenges of radio networks, the future of UHF television and cable, and Little's efforts to develop specialized programming for Spanish-language and Black radio audiences. Beyond business, the group exchanged anecdotes regarding sports, particularly college football and Duke University, as well as travel experiences in Japan.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:56 pm to 12:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief interaction served administrative purposes to initiate contact with another party. No substantive policy discussions or complex decision-making occurred during this short telephonic connection.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:56 pm and 12:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-165 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a direct call to John W. Dean, III. This administrative exchange served as the precursor to a subsequent consultation between the President and his White House Counsel. No further substantive discussion took place between the President and the operator.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John W. Dean, III met in the Oval Office of the White House from 12:59 pm to 1:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John W. Dean met briefly to coordinate the timing and preparation of upcoming legal or strategic documentation involving Richard Moore and Dick Carter. The President instructed Dean to focus on finalizing these materials before scheduling a follow-up discussion. The interaction concluded with the pair tentatively aligning their calendars for a 1:30 meeting to review progress.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John W. Dean, III talked on the telephone from 12:59 pm to 1:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-166 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John W. Dean III coordinate a meeting to review a nearly finalized draft letter prepared with the assistance of Richard A. Moore. They discuss the urgency of the document's release, with Dean suggesting it should be sent that afternoon. Ultimately, they agree to meet at 1:30 pm to discuss the final version of the text.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiates a brief communication through the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The exchange is purely logistical, serving as a placeholder for a subsequent conversation with another party. No substantive policy matters or executive decisions are addressed during this short administrative interaction.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon interacted with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief exchange served exclusively as a logistical step to connect the President to an external party. No substantive policy matters or political discussions were recorded during this connection process.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-167 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent call to General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. This brief interaction served solely to facilitate communication between the President and his top aide. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occurred during this connection.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, John W. Dean, III, and Richard A. Moore met in the Oval Office of the White House from 1:00 pm to 2:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Dean, and Richard Moore to discuss administration messaging, the importance of maintaining a unified strategy against political opponents, and the ongoing Watergate investigations. The President expressed frustration with the lack of leadership and backbone among his staff and the Republican political class, emphasizing that he and his team must seize the initiative through a more vigorous public relations counterattack. They specifically focused on coordinating a response to the Senate's Ervin Committee by preparing written interrogatories and shifting public focus toward potential Democratic abuses, such as past improper uses of the FBI.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief, five-minute meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified male visitor. While no transcript exists to detail the specific dialogue, the encounter centered on a review of the President’s official schedule. The meeting concluded without any documented follow-up or specific policy developments.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office for a brief, five-minute encounter. The discussion centered on the provision of refreshments. No significant policy developments or administrative decisions were recorded during this brief administrative interaction.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief five-minute meeting in the Oval Office with unidentified individuals. Given the lack of a transcript or specific documentation regarding the session, the substance of the discussion remains unknown to researchers. No specific policy decisions, developments, or action items can be verified from this recorded interaction.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 1:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-168 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon attempted to reach Alexander M. Haig, Jr. via the White House operator to discuss an ongoing matter. The operator informed the President that Haig was currently delivering a speech at the Walter Reed Hospital Officer's Club. Nixon instructed the operator to have Haig return the call once he returned to his office in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:31 pm and 3:11 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual to discuss matters that remain obscured by the lack of a surviving transcript. Although the specific agenda is unknown, the presence of the President and an outside participant during this period of the administration suggests a discussion regarding confidential government or political affairs. No definitive outcomes or action items can be verified due to the absence of recorded dialogue.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:31 pm and 3:11 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief administrative interaction with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The discussion served as a logistical step for the President to initiate contact with another party. No policy decisions or substantive political deliberations occurred during this brief communication exchange.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:31 pm and 3:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-169 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone communication through the White House operator to request a call with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The primary purpose of this contact was to facilitate urgent communication with his chief deputy. No further substance was recorded beyond this administrative request to connect with Haig.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 3:10 pm to 3:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-170 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed whether to take military action in response to North Vietnamese cease-fire violations. While Henry Kissinger advocated for a strong response to maintain credibility, both Nixon and Haig expressed skepticism, noting that current intelligence suggested the threat had tapered off and that public support for such action would be difficult to justify once U.S. troops and prisoners of war were fully withdrawn. The two agreed to delay any decision for 24 hours to further monitor the situation, with Nixon emphasizing that any military response required more concrete evidence than currently existed.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:11 pm and 3:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on the availability of staff for key meetings and the logistics of official engagements. They discussed the scheduling of Cabinet members and advisors, specifically noting Caspar Weinberger’s absence in San Francisco and the timing of a future meeting with George H.W. Bush regarding the Congressional Campaign Committee. These administrative discussions served to coordinate upcoming staff interactions and prioritize essential appointments for the following days.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:16 pm and 3:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the administration's strategic response to potential North Vietnamese ceasefire violations following the withdrawal of U.S. troops and prisoners. Nixon expresses skepticism regarding the necessity of immediate military action, noting that the absence of American personnel makes it politically difficult to justify intervention without congressional support. They evaluate whether current ceasefire breaches, specifically equipment infiltration, warrant a response or if such actions are primarily performative.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:19 pm and 3:26 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule to manage meeting durations and logistics. Key discussions focused on limiting a courtesy call from the Citizens for Control of Federal Spending to ten minutes and coordinating the timing of other appointments, including sessions with George H.W. Bush and staff counselors. The President ultimately decided to proceed with the courtesy call, while Bull advised on the scheduling of additional administrative meetings.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:19 pm and 3:26 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s remaining schedule for the week, ultimately deciding to clear the calendar of additional meetings to prioritize other administrative objectives. During the brief discussion, Cole requested that the President pose for a photograph to be featured on an upcoming Republican National Committee publication. Bull also presented an additional document requiring the President’s signature.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, George H. W. Bush, Linwood Holton, William T. Cahill, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., unknown person(s), John D. Ehrlichman, and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House from 3:26 pm to 4:26 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 884-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Vice President George H.W. Bush, New Jersey Governor William Cahill, and other officials to discuss volatile primary election contests in New Jersey and the broader political strategy for upcoming races. The participants focused on managing divisive party primaries—specifically involving Charles Sandman—and the potential fallout from congressional fights and Watergate-related scrutiny. Nixon instructed his team to remain neutral in primaries while offering support to candidates in general elections, and they coordinated a public messaging approach regarding the President's stance on these state-level political matters.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:09 pm and 5:39 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 885-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the growing political crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the administration’s strategy for responding to Congressional inquiries and potential subpoenas. The two debated the merits of issuing a formal White House statement versus maintaining a policy of non-disclosure to manage damaging revelations, while also considering how to insulate the President from the emerging legal troubles of staff members and associates. Additionally, they reviewed potential strategies for handling the Ervin Committee, discussed the legal ramifications of executive privilege, and touched upon developments in the Vesco case involving campaign contribution allegations.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 5:39 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 885-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This brief administrative interaction served as a logistical step for the President to initiate further communication. No substantive policy discussions or complex decision-making occurred during this short exchange.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:39 pm and 5:40 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 885-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon informs his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, that he must remain at the White House to work on a budget speech with John Erickson. He requests that she assist her mother with their evening plans in his absence. The brief exchange focuses on the President's personal schedule and the coordination of family logistics.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Tricia Nixon Cox talked on the telephone from 5:39 pm to 5:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-172 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, to notify her that he would be working late at the White House with John Ehrlichman on a budget speech. He requested that she join First Lady Pat Nixon for dinner in his absence to ensure she was well-cared for. The brief exchange also touched upon the President’s health and the pleasant weather.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-171 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place a personal telephone call to his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The conversation was brief and served solely as a procedural request to initiate the connection. No substantive policy matters or official developments were addressed during this interaction.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:40 pm and 5:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 885-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to briefly discuss geographical or situational details concerning a specific location identified as Skopel. The exchange appears to be a follow-up inquiry regarding information or correspondence the President had previously reviewed. No major policy decisions were reached during this short interaction before Bull’s departure.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:40 pm and 5:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 885-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics for the evening. The discussion primarily focused on the President's upcoming schedule, including his transition to the Executive Office Building and specific requests for dinner. This brief exchange functioned as a routine administrative check-in regarding the President's personal accommodations.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:45 pm and 5:59 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 885-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and General Brent Scowcroft discussed the potential for U.S. airstrikes against North Vietnam in response to ongoing infiltration, weighing the strategic military value against the political risks of such action. They evaluated the timing of these strikes in relation to the final scheduled release of American prisoners of war and the formation of a new government in Laos. Ultimately, they examined whether a show of force would successfully deter future North Vietnamese aggression or if it would merely incite domestic Congressional opposition without achieving a meaningful military objective.
On March 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House from 6:00 pm to 7:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 885-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Stephen Bull discussed a variety of administrative and political concerns, including scheduling presidential meetings and managing the public fallout from the Watergate scandal. The participants deliberated on whether to have White House staff testify before investigative committees and the risks associated with potential disclosures and perjury. Nixon expressed frustration with the ongoing inquiries, emphasizing the need for a cohesive containment strategy to protect the administration while balancing the requirement for public explanations.