Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Department of Defense
22 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Kissinger, Beall
When Department of Defense comes up
Related topics: Presidential communicationKenneth RushWhite House operationsMelvin R. LairdPersonnel managementHenry KissingerWhite House administrationSecond term reorganizationLogisticsExecutive communicationWatergateThomas H. MoorerTelephone communicationsSchedule management
On May 5, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:15 am and 10:30 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 002-085 of the White House Tapes.
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.
On May 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:13 am and 9:08 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 507-003 of the White House Tapes.
On December 25, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:38 am and 11:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-090 of the White House Tapes.
On May 4, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:04 pm and 3:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-156 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1972, Henry A. Kissinger and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 2:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-003 of the White House Tapes.
On May 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:23 pm and 10:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-025 of the White House Tapes.
On May 9, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:56 am and 12:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-051 of the White House Tapes.
On July 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:08 pm and 12:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 350-006 of the White House Tapes.
On September 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:40 pm and 2:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 362-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized time in his Executive Office Building office to dictate memoranda before requesting that the White House operator place a return call to Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The interaction largely focused on administrative tasks and executive communication. Following the brief telephone connection, the President resumed his dictation process.
President Nixon hosted a bipartisan group of Congressional members and Department of Defense officials in the Cabinet Room for the formal signing of HR 10670, a bill establishing a survivor benefit plan for retired military personnel. The discussion emphasized the necessity of providing military families with benefits comparable to those in the Foreign Service and other civilian sectors. The President utilized the event to express his administration's gratitude for Congressional support and to stress the importance of national respect for those serving in an all-volunteer armed force.
On October 6, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 031-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the reorganization of the administration for the upcoming second term, focusing on staffing key Cabinet and department positions. They deliberate on potential appointments, including Peter Brennan for Labor, Howard Callaway and George H.W. Bush for Commerce or other roles, and the consideration of Anne Armstrong for a Cabinet post to improve the administration's political image. Additionally, Nixon expresses his intent to prioritize strong leadership at the Department of Defense under Elliot Richardson and addresses personnel transitions involving Charles Colson, Robert Finch, and Donald Rumsfeld.
On November 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:22 pm and 6:29 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 229-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon attempted to reach Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman, who was unavailable while attending an event at the Washington National Cathedral. Upon learning of the delay, the President redirected the operator to initiate a call to Undersecretary of Defense Kenneth Rush. The conversation reflects Nixon’s efforts to conduct official business regarding the Department of Defense during the evening hours.
President Nixon and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rush discuss the administrative removal of Gordon Wade Rule, a career civil servant suspected of long-term insubordination. Because Rule holds civil service protections that prevent immediate termination, the President authorizes Rush to strip him of all official responsibilities and initiate formal disciplinary charges. The conversation underscores the administration's determination to discipline Rule despite his established influence among congressional allies.
On December 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 6:52 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 158-029 of the White House Tapes.
On December 29, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 6:52 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 237-037 of the White House Tapes.
On December 30, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 12:38 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 238-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of Defense-designate Elliot L. Richardson discuss the strategic messaging and format for Richardson’s upcoming visits to various military agencies. The President emphasizes the importance of boosting military morale and ensuring service secretaries and military chiefs feel included in the decision-making process. They finalize plans for a meeting the following day to discuss policy initiatives and personnel attendance, aiming to present a unified and appreciative front to the armed services.
Admiral Thomas H. Moorer called President Nixon to express support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two discussed the appointment of Elliot Richardson as the new Attorney General and the subsequent vacancy within the Department of Defense. Nixon signaled his intention to recruit a successor from California to fill the leadership gap created by Richardson's move.