Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on David Packard
19 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Rogers, Haldeman, Bull
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss administrative adjustments to cancer research legislation to ensure direct presidential oversight, as well as strategies to address Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard's threatened resignation over the Lockheed decision. Nixon emphasizes his intent to take a personal lead on the cancer initiative to bypass bureaucratic inefficiencies within HEW and the NIH. Regarding Packard, they confirm that John Connally is actively working to persuade him to remain in his post by emphasizing his past contributions and the potential for upcoming policy successes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman briefly discussed the ongoing crisis surrounding the Lockheed Corporation's financial stability. The conversation focused on the potential resignation of Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard amidst the government's deliberations over a corporate bailout. No final policy resolution was reached during this brief exchange, which centered primarily on personnel implications regarding the Lockheed decision.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the President's immediate daily schedule and upcoming appointments. They discussed the logistics regarding a meeting with Henry Kissinger, as well as engagements with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and David Packard. The conversation centered on managing the timing and professional flow of these cabinet-level interactions, including the status of Packard's resignation.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Rose Mary Woods to coordinate his daily schedule and manage upcoming meetings. The discussion focused on logistical priorities regarding scheduled appointments with David Packard and Nicholas P. Thimmesch, alongside the handling of reports provided by Franklin Haydn Williams. The session concluded with instructions to prioritize the meeting with Packard and the management of sensitive administrative documentation.
President Nixon met with departing Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard and Alexander Haig to discuss the transition of Packard's office and the administration’s upcoming defense budget priorities. Nixon expressed strong appreciation for Packard’s service during various international crises and sought his advice on managing relationships with the business elite upon his return to private life. The group also evaluated specific defense spending adjustments, including potential investments in F-111 aircraft and airborne command posts, to signal military strength while managing domestic economic impacts.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to manage his evening communications schedule. After receiving an update regarding the delayed travel plans of Edward W. Carter, the President decided to postpone his outreach to Carter until the following morning. Concurrently, Nixon directed the operator to place a new call to David Packard in San Francisco.
President Nixon directed the Camp David operator to confirm the current whereabouts of Secretary of Defense David Packard and Secretary of State William Rogers. He specifically requested that the operator verify their attendance at a NATO meeting through the National Security Council staff. The President explicitly noted that he did not intend to speak with either official, seeking only to track their locations.
President Nixon met with Stephen Bull and Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Moot to take photographs and express his appreciation for their service. The conversation touched upon Moot's new job, a significant challenge, and Nixon's acquaintance with Roger Lewis, who attended Stanford University with David Packard. The meeting concluded with the departure of the Moots.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files, addressing administrative matters and potential personnel appointments. The discussion included references to a recent meeting with John J. McCloy, from whom the President solicited advice and recommendations regarding the selection of a new chairman, specifically considering David Packard for the role. The President also touched upon staffing concerns and broader political outlooks related to future elections.
Secretary of State William P. Rogers calls President Nixon to offer praise and support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two discuss the effective delivery and tone of the speech, as well as the difficult resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Additionally, Rogers updates the President on positive feedback from congressional leaders regarding a potential role for David Packard and expresses his commitment to supporting the administration. Tricia Nixon Cox also joins the call to reiterate the family's appreciation for Rogers's loyalty during the crisis.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discussed the recruitment of David Packard for an appointment, agreeing that Nixon should personally call Packard to address his reluctance and concerns regarding potential stock conflicts. Rogers confirmed that congressional leaders, including Mike Mansfield and George Mahon, strongly supported Packard as the best candidate for the position. Additionally, Nixon briefed Rogers on a recent meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew, during which he instructed Agnew to refrain from making public political statements.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the status of David Packard and potential strategies for addressing his outstanding stock holdings and political involvements. Nixon expresses frustration over Packard’s recent public statements and instructs that he must remain silent regarding sensitive political matters. To resolve the uncertainty, Nixon decides to contact Packard directly to invite him for a meeting to clarify his position and future role.
President Nixon initiated a request through the White House operator to place an outgoing call to David Packard in California. The brief exchange served as a logistical step to facilitate direct communication with the former Deputy Secretary of Defense. No further substantive discussion occurred during this connection beyond the placement of the call.
President Nixon held a brief introductory conversation with David Packard to discuss the recent resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman amid the deepening Watergate scandal. Seeking to leverage Packard's experience, Nixon requested a follow-up meeting to gauge Packard's interest in returning to government service. They scheduled a breakfast meeting for the following Thursday to discuss the potential appointment further, noting that key congressional figures had already expressed enthusiasm for the prospect.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the potential appointment of David Packard to a high-level position, evaluating his qualifications, political alignment, and rapport with Kissinger. The conversation also covers the success of Nixon’s recent meetings with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt and Egon Bahr, including the tone of Nixon's comments regarding the Soviet Union. Nixon concludes by reinforcing the administration's commitment to upcoming Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), instructing Kissinger to maintain high morale and execute their diplomatic strategy.
President Nixon instructed Thomas Hart to adjust his official schedule to accommodate a meeting with David Packard. Nixon directed that Packard be slotted for a 9:00 a.m. appointment on Thursday, explicitly requesting that Stephen Bull reschedule existing commitments to allow for a 30- to 60-minute duration. The President confirmed he had already concluded his meeting with Roy Ash, clearing the way for the new appointment.
President Nixon directs Thomas Hart to schedule a meeting with David Packard for the following Thursday morning. Additionally, the President requests that Steve remain available to facilitate his transition to the gym. This brief exchange serves primarily as a logistical instruction for managing the President's upcoming calendar and personal fitness routine.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss high-level personnel appointments and administrative staffing, specifically evaluating candidates like David Packard and Kenneth Rush for key roles. The discussion centered on Packard's potential hesitance regarding his stock holdings and his stance on U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe, as well as the political implications of considering John B. Connally. Ultimately, Nixon and Kissinger agreed that Kissinger would pressure Packard to accept a position before his departure, with the understanding that Rush would serve as the secondary choice for the assignment.
President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discussed potential personnel appointments, including the recruitment of David Packard and E. Barrett Prettyman as White House Counsel, while navigating complex conflicts of interest and personal reservations. The two men also reviewed the political fallout of John Connally’s party switch and tensions regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s role on the Domestic Council. Finally, they addressed the ongoing Watergate scandal, agreeing that while the disclosure of the Daniel Ellsberg break-in would be unpleasant, the administration must focus on maintaining government functionality.