Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Arthur F. Burns
85 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Connally, Haldeman
These are conversations about Arthur F. Burns. For the 65 conversations Burns took part in, see Arthur F. Burns’s page →
When Arthur F. Burns comes up
Related topics: Economic policyFederal ReserveJohn B. ConnallyPresidential schedulingWhite House operationsGeorge P. ShultzWage and price controlsMonetary policyWhite House logisticsWhite House administrationPresidential communicationNational EconomyWhite House communicationsPay Board
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.
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.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman reviewed internal confusion regarding the attendance and frequency of meetings involving the Construction Wage Council. Haldeman provided updates from his discussions with George P. Shultz and John D. Ehrlichman, specifically addressing conflicting accounts from George Romney, Arthur Burns, and Paul McCracken. The exchange focused on resolving discrepancies in participant lists to clarify administrative oversight of the committee's wage negotiations.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally discussed economic policy and the need for better coordination with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns. Connally reported on a private meeting with Burns, during which he advised the Chairman to maintain closer cooperation with the administration and avoid public statements that undermined the President's economic program. They agreed to hold the administration's current economic course until April 15, while exploring ways to manage public perception and push back against international criticism of U.S. monetary and balance-of-payments policies.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, to discuss domestic economic policy and management of cabinet officials. The discussion focused on addressing maneuvering by cabinet members, such as Arthur Burns and Maurice Stans, who were attempting to bypass the established Domestic Council system regarding economic issues. Nixon decided that these matters should be handled exclusively through the formal Domestic Council process rather than through uncoordinated committee meetings, effectively asserting control over his economic advisors and cabinet structure.
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.
On March 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:08 pm and 1:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 470-017 of the White House Tapes.
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.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-060 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-061 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-018 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-021 of the White House Tapes.
On May 4, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-081 of the White House Tapes.
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.
President Nixon and John Connally discussed the potential devaluation of the dollar and European monetary actions, with Nixon emphasizing that the US would not take blame for European bankers' actions and that the dollar remained strong. They also reviewed positive economic indicators, including stock market performance and retail sales, while downplaying concerns about the unemployment rate. Nixon instructed Connally to maintain a calm and firm stance when speaking with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns and to coordinate with Henry Kissinger regarding foreign affairs.
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.
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.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for George Shultz to solicit Milton Friedman’s professional opinion on a letter from Arthur Burns regarding economic policy. Nixon seeks an evaluation of the administration’s current anti-inflation efforts, specifically questioning whether the current strategy is ineffective and if a six-month wage and price freeze would serve as an appropriate corrective measure. This request reflects the administration’s mounting concerns over inflation and their consideration of more drastic fiscal interventions.
On June 28, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 2:47 pm to 2:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Alexander Butterfield met to discuss personnel and strategic planning for a new administration project focused on the systematic declassification of historical national security documents. The participants reviewed potential candidates to lead this effort, emphasizing the need for an individual with an aggressive, "bear-cat" personality capable of navigating institutional resistance from the CIA, Department of State, and Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, the President and Haldeman briefly touched upon economic indicators, specifically unemployment targets, and expressed frustration regarding Arthur Burns's lack of cooperation.
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.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Egil Krogh to discuss strategies for curbing unauthorized leaks of government information and managing economic policy. The President directed that high-level officials and staff with top-secret access undergo polygraph examinations to identify leakers, specifically targeting a suspected individual within the Department of Defense. Additionally, the participants discussed the administration's strained relationship with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns, ultimately deciding to adopt a 'cool treatment' strategy to pressure him, while also considering efforts to influence the Federal Reserve's composition and independence.
President Nixon met with John Connally and Peter Peterson to strategize a bold, coordinated plan to address U.S. economic instability, specifically the trade deficit and the defense of the dollar. The participants discussed potential measures such as the cessation of gold convertibility, the floating of exchange rates, and the implementation of wage and price controls. They emphasized the need for strict confidentiality, the importance of maintaining Arthur Burns’ cooperation, and the political necessity of framing these actions as a display of strong, decisive leadership.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss various personnel assignments, including potential roles for Robert Finch and Donald Rumsfeld, and to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically events surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. They reviewed the political implications of Arthur Burns's public comments on the economy and discussed managing relations with conservative figures such as William F. Buckley Jr. and J. Daniel Mahoney. The conversation also touched upon intelligence gathering and the administration's strategic handling of various political outreach initiatives.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John Connally discussed a strategy to exert political pressure on Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns regarding monetary policy. Connally reported that their coordinated 'tactic' of feigning ignorance had successfully gotten Burns' attention and prompted a shift in his outlook. They agreed to maintain pressure while maintaining a posture of plausible deniability, with Connally planning to press Burns for more positive public statements during a future meeting.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss their recent, contentious interaction with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns, focusing on the need to manage his influence and public messaging. The conversation shifts to evaluating positive indicators in the economy, such as strong retail sales data, which Colson reports from recent industry meetings. Nixon instructs Colson to distill these economic findings into concise flash bulletins rather than lengthy reports to better communicate the administration's economic narrative.
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.
President Nixon met with speechwriter William Safire and secretary Rose Mary Woods to refine the text of his upcoming address regarding significant economic policy shifts. The discussion focused on drafting adjustments and incorporating input from advisors like Henry Kissinger and Arthur Burns, particularly concerning foreign economic aid and dollar stabilization measures. The primary goal of the session was to ensure the linguistic precision and strategic clarity of the speech.
On August 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:22 pm and 11:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 007-151 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns discuss the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the wage-price freeze, expressing relief that the plan remained secret during its development at Camp David. The two leaders strategize on managing international monetary policy, with Nixon tasking Burns to maintain close control over Paul Volcker and Dewey Daane to ensure alignment with administration objectives. Finally, they plan to secure political support from Representative Wilbur Mills by offering him full credit for the initiative to ensure the program's success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the exclusion of Arthur Burns from an invitation list for a Japanese dinner event. To avoid personal friction with Burns, Nixon instructed Haldeman to shift the responsibility to the State Department, claiming the agency exclusively curated the guest list. The two agreed on this strategy to manage Burns's expectations and protect the White House from appearing at fault.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally discussed administrative updates and the orchestration of economic and judicial policy. They coordinated a meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns to ensure his alignment with the administration's economic program while managing his influence on public perception. Additionally, Nixon consulted Connally regarding his strategy for upcoming international trade negotiations and his decision to appoint two conservative judges to the Supreme Court to solidify a long-term ideological shift in the judiciary.
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.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger discuss recent political developments, focusing on the public reaction to the U.N. vote regarding Taiwan and the President's upcoming trip to China. They analyze Senator Hugh Scott's effective leadership, the political fallout from the U.N. proceedings, and the ongoing public interest in the Harris Poll. Additionally, Nixon instructs Colson to coordinate a private, off-the-record meeting between Arthur Burns and a group of influential business leaders to communicate an optimistic outlook on the national economy.
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.
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.
On November 4, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:25 pm and 6:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 013-127 of the White House Tapes.
On November 4, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:25 pm and 6:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 013-128 of the White House Tapes.
On November 4, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:25 pm and 6:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 614-022 of the White House Tapes.
On November 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:10 am and 9:23 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 615-006 of the White House Tapes.
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.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, later joined by H.R. Haldeman and George Shultz, to discuss a broad range of political and economic issues. The group focused on coordinating strategy for upcoming congressional votes on busing, the potential veto of child development legislation, and the selection of a new Secretary of Agriculture. Furthermore, they reviewed economic policies, specifically addressing concerns regarding the dock strike, the potential re-imposition of wage-price freezes, and the need to manage Arthur Burns regarding monetary policy and the money supply.
On November 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 1:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building. While the bulk of the recording is withheld for personal privacy, the brief transcript captures the President inquiring about the needs of Dr. Arthur Burns. No further substantive policy discussions were documented during this short interaction.
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.
President Nixon and Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns held a brief check-in following the President’s return from a trip to Chicago. The two men exchanged brief pleasantries and confirmed the receipt of previously discussed information. The conversation concluded with Nixon expressing his intention to address the pending matter in the near future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
President Nixon inquired about Arthur Burns's activities and sought an assessment of the public's reaction to a specific event or policy. He instructed an aide to discreetly gather information on the audience's response. The conversation also touched upon personal matters, including well-wishes for "Billy" and an invitation for someone to visit Camp David.
President Nixon and John Connally discuss the positive reception to Connally's recent economic speech in New York City and the strategic importance of appearing firm against labor interests at the upcoming AFL-CIO convention. They shift focus to international economic policy, agreeing to minimize the involvement of Arthur Burns and Peter Peterson to maintain control over upcoming diplomatic negotiations. Nixon outlines a plan to meet individually with leaders from France, Germany, and Britain to discuss monetary and geopolitical strategy rather than engaging in large, multi-party forums.
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.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally coordinated their strategy for managing Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns regarding monetary policy and upcoming economic discussions. They planned a two-stage approach: Connally would meet with Burns individually to prep him on the money supply, followed by a larger 4:30 PM meeting involving Nixon, Connally, Burns, George Shultz, and Henry Kissinger. This structure was designed to ensure Burns remained aligned with administration goals while providing him with a sense of inclusion in the decision-making process.
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.
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.
On December 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John B. Connally talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:27 pm and 4:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-081 of the White House Tapes.
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.
On December 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-127 of the White House Tapes.
On December 22, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:46 am and 9:48 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 640-002 of the White House Tapes.
On January 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:25 am and 9:48 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 650-001 of the White House Tapes.
On January 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 650-007 of the White House Tapes.
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.
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.
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.
President Nixon calls George Shultz to commend his performance on 'Face the Nation,' particularly his confrontation with journalist Daniel Schorr. The two discuss positive economic trends, specifically a drop in insured unemployment, while expressing skepticism regarding the reliability of volatile monthly economic statistics. Nixon also mentions his plan to send a firm note to Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns concerning the money supply and praises the recent appointment of Marina von N. Whitman to the Council of Economic Advisers.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and George Shultz to discuss administrative strategy regarding the economy and the unpredictable behavior of Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns. The President expressed frustration with Burns's independent posturing on international monetary convertibility and his management of the money supply, while the group evaluated the political risks of ongoing wage and price controls. Nixon and his advisors decided to push for a stronger, unified economic narrative while avoiding further public controversy, eventually planning a private post-China trip meeting to reassess their strategy for exiting the system of wage and price controls.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss administrative coordination, specifically reviewing recent interactions between John Connally, Arthur Burns, and George Shultz. The discussion touched on personnel management and the strategic handling of upcoming statements, particularly concerning busing and welfare reform. Nixon emphasized the need for clear accountability within his staff to ensure key policy objectives were effectively communicated.
President Nixon and George Shultz discussed Shultz's meeting with George Meany regarding Meany's potential resignation from the Pay Board and concerns about the economic stabilization program, including price and interest rate increases, wage controls, and meat prices. They also touched upon the administration's policy on interest rates, potential actions against bankers, and the construction industry's role, with Nixon expressing a desire for Connally to publicly address Arthur Burns on interest rates.
President Nixon consults John B. Connally regarding the selection of a new member for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, where they agree to appoint a younger candidate to ensure longevity and malleability under Arthur Burns. Additionally, the two discuss a controversial civil suit filed by the U.S. government against Price Daniel involving Tidelands rights. Nixon expresses frustration that a government attorney involved in previous Tidelands litigation is responsible for the new brief and suggests the matter needs immediate intervention.
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.
President Nixon and George P. Shultz discussed the successful Senate confirmation of Richard G. Kleindienst and upcoming Cabinet swearing-in ceremonies. The conversation shifted to critical budgetary concerns, with the President emphasizing the necessity of vetoing environmental and spending bills to curb excessive federal expenditures. Finally, they reviewed international monetary policy, specifically coordinating a stance on gold that diverged from the views held by Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns.
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.
President Nixon contacted Herbert Stein via the Camp David operator to relay instructions regarding Arthur Burns’s upcoming trip to Argentina. Nixon expressed skepticism toward the existing ban on Argentine beef imports, which is officially justified by concerns over foot-and-mouth disease, but feared domestic political backlash if Burns prematurely promised a policy change. Stein was directed to verify the trade constraints with Earl Butz and ensure that Burns was briefed on the sensitivity of the issue before meeting with Argentine officials.
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.
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.
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield and Stephen Bull to coordinate logistics for several upcoming diplomatic and official engagements, including a visit with Sir Alexander Douglas-Home and a trip to Atlanta. The discussion also addressed scheduling requests from Arthur Burns, specifically concerning a follow-up conversation regarding Nixon's recent speech to the International Monetary Fund. The participants evaluated the timing of these various meetings and the availability of key staff members like Peter Flanigan to manage related administrative details.
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.
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.
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.