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Nixon Tapes on Arthur F. Burns

53 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Connally, Colson

March 16, 1971 · Nixon, Haldeman & Butterfield

President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally discussed administrative strategies for managing the economy, specifically regarding the financial stability of Lockheed and the political implications of Department of Justice actions against banks for political contributions. They deliberated on how to handle Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns, whose public testimony on wage, price, and fiscal policies had become a source of friction for the administration. Connally agreed to speak with Burns to establish boundaries for his testimony and to reassert the administration’s position on monetary supply and interest rates.

March 18, 1971 · Nixon & Shultz

President Nixon and George Shultz discuss the administration's economic management strategy, including the roles of Cabinet members and key economic advisors like Arthur Burns. They coordinate upcoming meetings with Treasury Secretary John Connally and review the effectiveness of the Domestic Council's economic subcommittee. Nixon emphasizes the need for patience regarding economic growth trends, tasking his team with evaluating the state of the economy by mid-April rather than reacting prematurely to monthly data fluctuations.

March 19, 1971 · Nixon & Butterfield

President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to briefly review administrative logistics regarding the President’s schedule. The discussion focused on the current status of the presidential helicopter and logistics for an upcoming meeting with Arthur F. Burns. No major policy decisions were made during this short briefing.

March 19, 1971 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistical details for the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically regarding a meeting with Arthur F. Burns and attendance at Thomas E. Dewey's funeral. The discussion focused on fine-tuning departure times to accommodate weather conditions in New York. The two finalized the timing for these engagements to ensure efficient travel and meeting management.

March 19, 1971 · Nixon, Burns & Bull

President Nixon met with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns to discuss the state of the national economy and manage public perception of their working relationship. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a united front to avoid fueling media speculation regarding potential policy disagreements, while Burns outlined his concerns over a looming international monetary crisis and interest rate strategies. The two agreed to maintain close, private coordination on economic policy while keeping their options open regarding further fiscal stimulus until April economic data became available.

April 9, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon initiates a call to the White House operator to be connected with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns. This brief exchange serves as the administrative bridge for a subsequent, more substantive discussion between the President and Burns regarding economic policy. No further substantive discourse occurs during this specific interaction.

April 9, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon requested that the White House operator connect him with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns. The operator informed the President that Burns was currently at lunch and that messages were being relayed to him to return the call. Nixon acknowledged this update and prepared to wait for the chairman to reach out.

May 5, 1971 · Nixon

The White House operator informs President Nixon that Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns is attempting to reach him by telephone. Nixon acknowledges the notification, authorizing the operator to facilitate the connection. This brief interaction serves as a preliminary administrative step to bridge a direct communication line between the President and the Chairman.

May 5, 1971 · Nixon & Burns

President Nixon and Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns discussed the escalating international monetary crisis and the need for the administration to formalize a concrete policy strategy. Nixon pushed Burns, Paul Volcker, and Paul McCracken to develop a proactive plan rather than continuing to delay action, despite Burns' preference for postponing significant changes until later in the year. The President directed Burns to coordinate with Treasury Secretary John B. Connally regarding their ongoing communication with foreign officials.

June 7, 1971 · Nixon & Butterfield

President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed logistical arrangements for an upcoming bipartisan congressional briefing, focusing on venue constraints and the exclusion of Blair House due to its current unavailability. Nixon mandated a streamlined approach for the associated reception, explicitly restricting the event to drinks only and prohibiting the serving of hors d'oeuvres. Additionally, the pair confirmed that Arthur F. Burns would be included on the guest list for an upcoming dinner honoring Willy Brandt.

June 8, 1971 · Nixon, Haldeman & Bull

President Nixon met with key advisors and economist Milton Friedman to discuss administrative scheduling, the current economic climate, and potential policy adjustments ahead of the 1972 election. A primary focus was the ongoing struggle to balance inflation and unemployment, with Friedman cautioning against reactive policy shifts and emphasizing the need for stability in the money supply. Nixon expressed concern over the volatility of Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns and sought advice on managing economic expectations while avoiding the political pitfalls of wage and price controls.

June 28, 1971 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate his personal and professional schedule for the evening. The President requested that his barber appointment be arranged for 6:00 p.m., specifically following his scheduled meeting with Arthur F. Burns. Bull confirmed he would facilitate the requested adjustments to the President's itinerary.

July 22, 1971 · Nixon, Connally & Haldeman

President Nixon directs Treasury Secretary John B. Connally to hold a private meeting with Paul McCracken to discuss sensitive international monetary issues and strategies for improving U.S. economic competitiveness. The President emphasizes the need to bypass other staff members, such as Paul Volcker and Arthur Burns, to obtain an objective assessment of potential revaluation options. Connally agrees to consult with McCracken independently and provide a candid evaluation of the explosive proposals.

August 3, 1971 · Nixon & Connally

President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally discussed the strategic timing for rolling out upcoming economic policy initiatives while the President prepared for a vacation in San Clemente. The pair deliberated on how to manage external expectations and coordinate administrative messaging involving key advisors like Peter Peterson and George Shultz. They also briefly touched upon Connally's coordination with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns regarding the administration's fiscal goals.

August 12, 1971 · Nixon & Haldeman

President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman convened to finalize the strategic rollout of the administration's forthcoming economic program. The discussion focused on coordinating the logistics for an upcoming summit at Camp David involving key economic advisors, including John B. Connally, Paul A. Volcker, and Arthur F. Burns. This meeting served as a crucial planning session to synchronize the administration's messaging and timing regarding major pending economic policy shifts.

August 16, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent call to Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns. This request followed the President's public announcement earlier that day regarding his 'New Economic Policy,' which included the suspension of the gold standard and the imposition of wage and price controls. The call was initiated to facilitate high-level communication between the President and his top monetary advisor during a critical period of economic transition.

August 16, 1971 · Nixon & Butterfield

President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate administrative logistics regarding his immediate schedule and upcoming engagements. The discussion centered on managing arrivals for a meeting at the State Department, specifically involving Arthur F. Burns and George P. Shultz, as well as the status of speech drafts being prepared by William L. Safire. Butterfield was tasked with overseeing these appointments and ensuring the necessary materials were ready for the President's review.

September 7, 1971 · Nixon & Colson

President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the administration's political strategy for passing legislation related to the wage and price freeze and the upcoming transition to Phase II of the economic program. They review favorable stock market trends and positive congressional feedback regarding the President's scheduled speech to Congress. The participants also coordinate a plan to leverage Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns as a primary spokesperson to bolster public and congressional support for the administration's economic initiatives.

September 20, 1971 · Nixon, Au & LeTendre

President Nixon met with Ronald G. S. Au, the President of the U.S. Jaycees, along with Andre LeTendre and George T. Bell to host a formal photo opportunity in the Oval Office. The participants exchanged pleasantries and brief remarks regarding the photography session. Discussions touched upon Au’s recent trip and the scheduling of an upcoming meeting with Arthur F. Burns before the recording was interrupted.

September 20, 1971 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate scheduling and communication logistics. The brief discussion focused on arranging a meeting with Arthur F. Burns and facilitating a telephone call for Attorney General John N. Mitchell regarding the timing of the President’s appearance with Miss America contestants. Additionally, the President initiated a follow-up call to William E. Walk, Jr.

October 6, 1971 · Nixon & Connally

President Nixon and John Connally coordinate the final review process for an upcoming economic speech draft prepared by William Safire. Nixon outlines a restricted vetting procedure involving only Connally, George Shultz, Herbert Stein, and a limited contribution from Arthur Burns regarding interest rates. The President emphasizes keeping the review circle small to ensure efficiency, tasking Connally with reviewing the document after Safire delivers it.

November 3, 1971 · Colson & Burns

Charles W. Colson attempted to reach Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns to relay positive feedback regarding the market's response to Burns' recent policy announcement. Upon learning that Burns was attending a Cost of Living Council meeting, Colson left a message with Burns' office praising the Chairman's dividend decision. Colson noted that the market's 14-point rise was attributed to the statement, and he requested that this enthusiasm be conveyed to Burns as he prepared a supportive memorandum for President Nixon.

613-012Tape 6131 hr 25 min

November 4, 1971 · Nixon, Colson & Shultz

President Nixon met with his senior staff and economic advisors to manage the ongoing national economic stabilization program, focusing specifically on the Pay Board's negotiations and the administration's messaging strategy. Amidst concerns regarding the money supply and Federal Reserve policy, Nixon dictated a firm memorandum to Arthur Burns, stressing the electoral importance of economic expansion and the dangers of restrictive monetary policy. The President also discussed diplomatic and personnel matters, including upcoming meetings with world leaders, media relations, and potential staffing changes within public broadcasting and the executive branch.

November 4, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon initiated a brief telephone request to the White House operator to be connected with Arthur F. Burns. This administrative communication served as the setup for a subsequent conversation with the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.

November 4, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon consulted the White House operator to locate Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns regarding a returned phone call. Upon learning that Burns was attending an event at the Madison Hotel, the President instructed the operator to leave a message with Burns' wife. Nixon decided against interrupting Burns at the function, opting instead to speak with him directly during an upcoming receiving line appearance that evening.

November 5, 1971 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President's morning schedule, specifically addressing upcoming meetings and communications. Nixon instructed Bull to defer a meeting with Arthur F. Burns, opting to take a phone call rather than an in-person visit. The discussion also briefly touched upon John D. Ehrlichman and logistics regarding a planned trip to Florida.

November 5, 1971 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinated scheduling logistics regarding an upcoming meeting with Arthur F. Burns. The President directed Bull to facilitate communication with Burns concerning his recent discussions with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Additionally, the pair managed internal administrative arrangements to ensure these high-priority diplomatic and economic updates were handled promptly.

November 10, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon initiates a request through the White House operator to place a telephone call to Arthur F. Burns. This brief interaction serves as the administrative bridge for a direct consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. No substantive policy discussions occur during this exchange, as it is strictly logistical in nature.

November 10, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon consulted with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns regarding an upcoming meeting with Congressman Wright Patman concerning national economic policy and interest rates. The President informed Burns of a planned reduction in the discount rate, intending to use this move as leverage to discourage Patman from pursuing mandatory legislative controls on interest rates. Nixon ultimately decided that Burns should not attend the meeting, opting for a one-on-one session to better manage the political rapport with Patman.

November 11, 1971 · Nixon, Colson & Eisenhower

President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the national economy, focusing on the recent reduction of the discount rate by Arthur Burns and the ongoing volatility of the stock market. They reviewed the progress of Pay Board regulations, emphasizing the need to frame these policies to avoid the appearance of yielding to labor interests. Additionally, Colson reported on Frank Fitzsimmons' offer to provide intelligence gathered by labor investigators regarding Edward M. Kennedy, which the President encouraged him to pursue.

November 11, 1971 · Nixon & Colson

President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to manage business community anxieties and bolster confidence in the national economy following the implementation of Phase II wage and price controls. They characterize business leaders as unnecessarily timid despite favorable economic indicators, such as rising consumer demand and optimistic projections from economists. Nixon and Colson decide to utilize high-profile administration figures, including Secretary John B. Connally and Vice President Spiro Agnew, to urge business leaders to adopt a more aggressive investment stance. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the administration's ongoing efforts to influence Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns regarding the money supply and notes recent successes in legislative maneuvers concerning military and economic aid.

November 12, 1971 · Nixon & Colson

President Nixon consulted Charles Colson regarding Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns's recent public remarks on inflation in New York. Concerned primarily with how Burns's statements were perceived by his specific audience, Nixon directed Colson to move beyond wire service summaries and secure a firsthand account of the reception. Colson committed to contacting an attendee immediately to evaluate the impact of the comments on liquidity and investor sentiment, reporting his findings back to the President that evening.

November 12, 1971 · Nixon & Colson

President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the positive reception among Wall Street figures regarding Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns' recent address to the New York Stock Exchange and his comments on money supply. Colson reports that despite some lingering concerns regarding international policy and a perceived 'profit squeeze,' key financial leaders remain optimistic about economic growth. Additionally, Colson updates the President on labor relations, confirming that AFL-CIO President George Meany intends to keep labor representatives involved in the Pay Board process despite recent disagreements.

November 18, 1971 · Nixon & Flanigan

President Nixon and Peter Flanigan discuss potential candidates for ambassadorial appointments to Japan and NATO, specifically evaluating figures like Fredrick M. Eaton, Nat Samuels, and David M. Kennedy. The President emphasizes his preference for Kennedy for the NATO post while tasking Flanigan with vetting other options, including Eaton, with Henry Kissinger. Additionally, Nixon directs Flanigan to mobilize influential contacts to pressure Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns regarding his management of the money supply.

November 24, 1971 · Nixon, Bull & Sanchez

President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Manolo Sanchez to review the President’s upcoming schedule and logistics. The discussion focused on coordinating appointments with Arthur F. Burns and John B. Connally, as well as managing a White House photographer's schedule. The meeting concluded with preparations for the President’s impending departure for California.

December 10, 1971 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the logistics for the upcoming signing ceremony of the Revenue Act of 1971. They specifically discussed the distribution of signing pens to key political figures, including John B. Connally, Wilbur D. Mills, Arthur F. Burns, and Russell B. Long. The President finalized plans for the presentation of these pens to ensure proper recognition of the individuals involved in the legislation's passage.

December 10, 1971 · Nixon & Connally

President Nixon initiates a call to Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally to facilitate a conversation with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns. The primary purpose of the call is to secure an immediate consultation with Burns regarding ongoing economic policy matters. Nixon directs the coordination of this contact to ensure direct communication with the Fed leadership.

December 20, 1971 · Nixon & Connally

President Nixon and John Connally discuss the positive public reception of a recently negotiated international monetary agreement and plan Connally's upcoming travel schedule. They also address concerns raised by economist Milton Friedman regarding the money supply, with Nixon urging Connally to leverage his influence over Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns to ensure appropriate policy adjustments. They decide to schedule a formal Quadriad meeting to discuss these monetary issues further.

December 20, 1971 · Nixon

President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to place a telephone call to Arthur F. Burns, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. This brief interaction serves as the preliminary administrative step required to connect the President with Burns for a private consultation. No substantive policy discussion occurs during this operator-assisted connection request.

December 22, 1971 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate logistical details regarding an upcoming appointment with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns. The discussion focused on scheduling constraints, specifically ensuring Burns departed promptly to accommodate his travel plans. Bull confirmed the necessary timing to ensure the President would meet with him as scheduled.

January 18, 1972 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on arranging meetings with key advisors, including John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, John Connally, and Arthur Burns, to address economic concerns such as the West Coast dock strike. Bull was tasked with finalizing the sequence of these engagements to ensure efficient management of the President's afternoon agenda.

January 18, 1972 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly conferred regarding the logistics of the President's upcoming daily schedule. The primary focus of the meeting was to coordinate the timing and appearance of scheduled appointments with Arthur F. Burns and John B. Connally. Bull also alerted the President to the imminent arrival of Dr. Hayes for a subsequent meeting.

January 18, 1972 · Nixon, Burns & Connally

President Nixon met with Arthur Burns and John Connally to coordinate economic policy and public messaging ahead of the State of the Union and the upcoming budget message. The discussion focused on establishing a federal spending ceiling, managing inflation, and potential leadership changes within the Pay Board, including the possible recruitment of Arthur Goldberg. The group also addressed the challenges of wage and price controls, specifically concerning the decontrol of small businesses and the administration's political narrative regarding economic recovery.

January 18, 1972 · Nixon & Connally

President Nixon directed John Connally to coordinate with Arthur Burns regarding the strategic release and public relations management of the upcoming federal budget message. They discussed leaking information to the Sunday papers to build anticipation, aiming to maximize political impact by framing the initiative as a proposal under consideration. Connally agreed to manage the messaging with Burns to ensure the President could finalize and announce the decision during the official budget release.

January 26, 1972 · Nixon & Connally

President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally discussed strategic U.S. positions regarding international monetary policy, specifically maintaining firm control over dollar convertibility despite dissent from Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns. They coordinated plans to exert economic pressure on Canada in trade negotiations to signal strength to Japan and Europe, with Nixon suggesting he might postpone a meeting with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to show dissatisfaction. Additionally, Connally briefed the President on India's financial aid to Bangladesh, prompting a plan to challenge National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger on U.S. foreign aid priorities during their next meeting.

April 16, 1972 · Nixon & Woods

President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the cancellation of a planned trip to Camp David due to inclement weather and coordinate Woods's availability for the remainder of the day. During the call, Woods relays supportive sentiments from Arthur Burns regarding the President’s recent decision to escalate Vietnam air strikes despite potential political fallout. Nixon emphasizes his resolve to avoid losing the war, citing the significant deployment of naval and air assets as evidence of his commitment.

June 21, 1972 · Nixon & Walters

President Nixon instructed Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters to provide a confidential briefing to Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns regarding Latin American political conditions. The briefing was intended to prepare Burns for his upcoming diplomatic trip to Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela. Walters agreed to coordinate with Burns to arrange the meeting at the latter's office later that afternoon.

June 24, 1972 · Nixon & Stein

President Nixon consulted with Herbert Stein to provide cautionary instructions regarding Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns' upcoming trip to Argentina. Nixon expressed skepticism regarding the long-standing health justifications for restricting Argentine beef imports and tasked Stein with coordinating with Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz to ensure Burns did not inadvertently make unsustainable trade promises. This conversation served to manage potential diplomatic fallout and domestic political complications surrounding international trade policies.

August 11, 1972 · Nixon, Woods & Burns

President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Arthur F. Burns to review administrative tasks and scheduling matters in the Oval Office. The participants discussed the President's previous engagement with the Donald McI. Kendall family and processed various documents requiring presidential signature. The brief meeting concluded following the arrival of Alexander P. Butterfield.

March 3, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files covering several high-level administrative and foreign policy matters. The recording details his reflections on a Quadriad meeting involving Arthur F. Burns, observations from Henry A. Kissinger regarding the Treaty of Versailles, and personnel discussions concerning the reassignment and loyalty of John Lodge. The President also noted considerations related to Israel during this administrative review.

March 21, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to conduct a comprehensive review and reorganization of his daily schedule. The discussion focused on rescheduling several high-level meetings, specifically regarding interactions with Secretary of the Treasury George P. Shultz and Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns. Nixon instructed Bull to clear his calendar through Thursday and finalize arrangements for a private meeting with Shultz at the White House.

April 16, 1973 · Nixon & Bull

President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to postpone a scheduled meeting with Arthur F. Burns and George P. Shultz. The President cited urgent national security matters as the reason for his unavailability and limited the upcoming session with them to 30 minutes. This directive reflects the President's attempt to manage his schedule amidst the increasing pressures of the escalating Watergate scandal.

May 29, 1973 · Nixon

President Nixon held a brief, preliminary meeting in the Oval Office to coordinate the arrival of key economic advisors, including George P. Shultz, Roy L. Ash, John B. Connally, and Arthur F. Burns. The interaction focused on confirming the attendance of these officials for a subsequent gathering. The meeting concluded quickly as the President waited for the remainder of the group to assemble.