Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Confidentiality
33 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Kissinger, Haldeman
When Confidentiality comes up
Related topics: Presidential schedulingOperational securityLogisticsEconomic policyCongressional relationsWhite House operationsWhite House communicationsWhite House administrationVietnam WarSupreme Court appointmentsSpeechwritingPublic relationsPress relationsNational Security
President Nixon and Representative Gerald Ford discuss strategy for managing sensitive legislative meetings, specifically seeking to limit attendance to key congressional leaders like Carl Albert to maintain confidentiality. Nixon expresses frustration with political criticism of the FBI and explores ways to bypass public disclosure concerns by restricting the group size for upcoming discussions. The conversation concludes with a plan for Ford to coordinate the meeting logistics while Nixon emphasizes his desire to share confidential insights without the risks associated with larger, record-heavy briefings.
On April 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:03 am and 11:10 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-011 of the White House Tapes.
On April 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Marjorie P. Acker met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:03 am and 11:10 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 245-008 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:27 pm and 5:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 250-021 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:05 pm and 8:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 250-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Peter G. Peterson met to discuss the deteriorating U.S. balance of payments and the potential for a bold, secret economic initiative to address rising unemployment and trade deficits. Peterson argued that traditional economic measures were insufficient and politically risky, instead proposing a temporary import surcharge and export rebate system to stimulate the economy. The President authorized Peterson to coordinate with John Connally, George Shultz, and Paul McCracken to develop a confidential plan, while emphasizing the need for absolute secrecy to prevent market instability.
President Nixon met with Republican congressional leadership, including Gerald R. Ford, Hugh Scott, and Robert P. Griffin, to coordinate legislative strategy on pressing domestic economic issues and sensitive foreign policy matters. The discussion focused on securing congressional cooperation for trade and tax policies, addressing unemployment and inflation, and managing public perception regarding the Vietnam War. Additionally, Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining strict confidentiality in diplomatic negotiations, particularly regarding his administration’s opening to the People's Republic of China and future discussions with the Soviet Union.
President Nixon directed George P. Shultz to coordinate with Henry Kissinger and David Packard to finalize a defense budget that maintains national security interests. Additionally, Nixon instructed Shultz to consult exclusively with John Ehrlichman regarding a sensitive, separate initiative while specifically excluding other staff members like Peter Peterson and H.R. Haldeman to ensure strict confidentiality. Nixon emphasized the need for compartmentalization, advising Shultz to keep John Connally uninformed of the broader strategy so he could maintain honest deniability with the press.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the upcoming announcement of Nixon's economic program. They focused on the timing of the announcement and the need to control information leaks, particularly regarding potential import levies. Nixon stressed the importance of keeping discussions about specific economic measures, like an import levy, confidential to avoid negative reactions from industry and Congress, mentioning that Representative Mills had already been approached, which he considered detrimental.
President Nixon and his valet, Manolo Sanchez, discuss the implications and potential scrutiny surrounding a specific message intended for an unknown destination. The conversation touches on the sensitivity of the content and the risks of public exposure if the message were discovered. The participants exchange brief remarks regarding the nature of the communication, though the specific subject matter remains cryptic.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with Clark MacGregor to ensure that Senator Gordon L. Allott is informed that President Nixon will personally intervene with Representatives F. Edward Hébert and Leslie C. Arends regarding an unspecified draft issue. Haldeman emphasizes that the President's involvement must remain strictly confidential to secure the necessary cooperation from the congressmen. MacGregor acknowledges the directive and agrees to convey these instructions to Allott while cautioning against any public disclosure.
Attorney General John Mitchell updates President Nixon on the health status of Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan, who is currently undergoing medical tests. Mitchell reports that Chief Justice Warren Burger is coordinating the situation and intends to handle the matter with discretion to prevent premature leaks regarding Harlan’s potential departure. Nixon instructs Mitchell to ensure Burger manages the timing carefully, prioritizing both political sensitivity and speed.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategy regarding upcoming Supreme Court nominations, specifically focusing on managing the vetting process and the influence of the American Bar Association (ABA). The President emphasized the need for strict confidentiality, instructing staff to avoid leaks and to withhold information from the press, including directives for Ronald Ziegler to remain noncommittal regarding potential nominees. They also addressed the necessity of compiling detailed biographical data on candidates while asserting the administration's intention to proceed with appointments regardless of ABA approval.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the finalization and strategic rollout of two forthcoming Supreme Court appointments. Nixon emphasizes maintaining strict confidentiality—excluding even top staff—until a coordinated notification process begins to inform key Congressional leaders. They finalize communication plans, including how to address potential opposition from the American Bar Association and how to manage the media narrative surrounding the nominees, William Rehnquist and Lewis F. Powell, Jr.
President Nixon contacted his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to address a technical issue with a malfunctioning buzzer in her Old Executive Office Building (OEOB) workspace. Beyond the maintenance request, Nixon directed Woods to transcribe a rough draft of a speech he recorded on tape. He explicitly commanded that the material remain strictly confidential and prohibited Woods from sharing or showing the tape to anyone without his express authorization, citing concerns about unauthorized access by staff members.
On November 23, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:09 pm and 3:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 623-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and William Safire discuss the drafting process for a high-stakes speech regarding secret foreign policy negotiations and the handling of POW issues. To maintain strict confidentiality, Nixon mandates that only Rose Mary Woods may type the draft, emphasizing the importance of themes centered on credibility and the strategic necessity of past official silence. The two finalize a schedule for Safire to deliver his work to the Executive Office Building so Nixon can review it around his other commitments, including the State of the Union preparations and a meeting on the dock strike.
President Nixon and Senator John C. Stennis discuss the need for a confidential briefing regarding the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit. Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to contact Stennis to explain sensitive strategic information necessary for managing Senate reactions before the summit. Additionally, the two men agree to arrange a future private, off-the-record meeting to discuss broader, undisclosed policy concerns away from the cabinet and aides.
President Nixon discussed a report he had previously given to H.R. Haldeman, emphasizing that its contents were not to be distributed to anyone. The conversation, involving the President and an unidentified individual, focused on controlling the dissemination of this specific report.
Henry Kissinger contacted Senator Robert C. Byrd to request a delay of an upcoming Democratic caucus regarding Vietnam, citing the extreme sensitivity of ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Le Duc Tho. Byrd explained that while he had already postponed the meeting at the request of J. William Fulbright, he was constrained by Senate leadership obligations and required a public justification to delay it further. Kissinger agreed to consult with President Nixon to determine if sufficient information could be shared with Byrd to provide that justification, while both men emphasized the need for strict confidentiality regarding their communication.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the logistics for a private evening meeting aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. They confirm a 6:30 p.m. arrival time to meet with an unnamed third participant. The discussion focuses exclusively on finalizing these arrangements for the small, confidential gathering.
President Nixon met with United States Secret Service agents to discuss sensitive operational matters. The dialogue centered on maintaining discretion regarding undisclosed information, specifically ensuring that a third party remained uninformed about the subject of their discussion. No specific further actions or policy changes were formally documented in this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate the delivery of unspecified materials to the Old Executive Office Building. Nixon instructed that these items be left outside the office to avoid direct interaction with the couriers. The exchange reflects the President's desire to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive operational or personal details during the delivery process.
On September 15, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 3:08 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 358-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with John A. Scali regarding a personal matter involving a potential future commitment. The brief exchange centered on Nixon’s recent conversation with professional football player Sonny Jurgensen and the President's deliberation over an unspecified offer or request. Nixon ultimately expressed a desire to keep the matter private, concluding the discussion without any further formal action.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief meeting to discuss the handling of sensitive, undisclosed information referred to as the "Michelle thing." Nixon explicitly instructed Ziegler to maintain confidentiality and ensure the matter remained unpublicized until the outcome was certain. Additionally, Nixon emphasized the need for strict security regarding the documentation of these proceedings, insisting that the records be preserved and kept out of the reach of the press.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the relief efforts following the recent earthquake in Nicaragua, specifically noting Ambassador Turner B. Shelton's gratitude for the administration's support. Nixon also provided instructions to facilitate follow-up telephone communications with Maurice J. Williams. Furthermore, the President emphasized maintaining discretion regarding his prior contacts with Williams, requesting that this information not be shared with Gerald L. Warren.
President Nixon consults with Colonel Richard T. Kennedy regarding the logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting. The President instructs Kennedy to limit the number of attendees to ensure discretion and emphasizes the need for a controlled approach when discussing potential points of contact. The conversation concludes with a directive for the participants to travel to the President's location.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss efforts to cultivate a relationship with attorney Edward Bennett Williams, emphasizing the necessity of discretion and indirect communication. Nixon expresses his desire to maintain a positive rapport with Williams despite potential political tensions and public scrutiny. The discussion centers on leveraging Williams's influence and connections while ensuring his involvement remains confidential.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief meeting to coordinate messaging and ensure mutual understanding regarding sensitive information. The conversation centered on the management of specific inquiries and the necessity of keeping communications restricted to a limited circle of individuals. Nixon emphasized the importance of total discretion as they aligned their strategy for handling forthcoming public or internal inquiries.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Henry Kissinger to coordinate the administration's public schedule, specifically addressing the timing of President Nguyen Van Thieu's visit and the President's upcoming press conference regarding troop withdrawals. The group discussed logistical and political considerations for various correspondents' dinners, including whether the President should attend the Gridiron dinner given the hostile posture of Democratic leaders like George McGovern. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger reviewed foreign policy developments involving the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, emphasizing the need for strict confidentiality regarding these sensitive diplomatic channels.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:04 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review administrative logistics regarding his personal schedule and upcoming appointments. During the brief discussion, the President emphasized the need for strict confidentiality, specifically instructing Bull to maintain silence regarding his movements. The meeting concluded with Nixon providing instructions for later coordination, including plans to visit his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower.