Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Information management
15 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Haig, Colson
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed managing the flow of information regarding the recent China initiative, specifically addressing the need to limit staff briefings to maintain confidentiality and prevent leaks to the press. They also coordinated an upcoming meeting with John B. Connally, who was seeking clarity on his standing within the administration and preparing for congressional testimony. The conversation reflects the President's broader concern about internal discipline and his desire to shift the administration's focus toward domestic policy successes.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss the summary and categorization of certain materials or information. The participants deliberated on the appropriate scope and detail level required for these documents. The discussion concluded with an agreement to refine the presentation of the subject matter into a concise format.
The White House operator contacted Manolo Sanchez to determine if President Nixon still required a telephone call from Patrick J. Buchanan. Sanchez indicated that the call was no longer necessary because the President had already received the relevant information. This brief exchange served to cancel the scheduled communication and close the matter.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss ongoing organizational tasks and the management of sensitive information reaching the press. The dialogue touches upon the public's uncertainty regarding the administration’s Phase 2 economic policies and the origins of a leaked story involving the White House. The President concludes by confirming that a specific administrative action or announcement is scheduled to take place the following evening.
President Nixon held a private meeting in his Executive Office Building suite to coordinate the distribution of a specific, sensitive report. While the identity of the interlocutor remains unconfirmed, the discussion focused on the management and dissemination protocols for the document. No further details are available regarding the contents of the report or the specific recipients involved in its circulation.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the political implications of a break-in at the office of Dr. John C. Lungren, the President's personal physician. They deliberate on how to leverage the incident for public relations purposes and draw strategic parallels between this intrusion and the ongoing Watergate scandal. The discussion emphasizes the need to control the narrative surrounding the break-in and ensure the story is disseminated effectively to the public.
President Nixon met with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to coordinate the flow of information regarding ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. The President directed Haig to ensure that all relevant reports and updates from Henry Kissinger are immediately relayed to him. Nixon emphasized his desire to remain personally involved and informed by reviewing all incoming intelligence on the diplomatic progress.
President Nixon met briefly with Charles Colson to discuss the status of specific materials or documentation the President was expecting to review. The exchange reflects the President's personal interest in securing and examining these items himself. No definitive policy decisions were made during this brief interaction.
President Nixon consulted with Col. Richard T. Kennedy regarding the status and delivery of a pending report. The discussion emphasized the necessity of obtaining the report before finalizing plans or altering strategic direction. Nixon confirmed he would receive the document once its preparation was completed.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media strategy and the risk of over-saturating the press with information. Nixon expresses concern regarding the volume of material provided to journalists and seeks to refine how the administration manages the narrative. The brief exchange highlights the President’s focus on controlling the flow of information to avoid media exhaustion or negative competitive coverage.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engaged in a brief, cryptic discussion regarding their upcoming schedule and the potential need for a speech. The exchange concluded with a mutual agreement to cease further discussion on a specific, unspecified subject, with both participants expressing a desire to remain uninformed. No concrete policy decisions were finalized during this interaction beyond coordination of their meeting timeline.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the preemptive release of a sensitive document to control the narrative amid concerns over unauthorized leaks. Nixon emphasizes that the current climate has become a public relations struggle and directs Haig to locate the material before it can be leaked by political opponents. The discussion reflects the administration's defensive strategy to manage information flow and prevent unfavorable press coverage.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the urgent need to verify if specific past news reports were covered by New York media outlets. Expressing frustration over the current pace of research, Nixon mandates an immediate staff check to confirm these details. The brief exchange highlights the administration's defensive efforts to manage historical records and media narratives amid mounting political pressure.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the strategic presentation of specific information to an unnamed individual, emphasizing the need to provide factual support for a desired narrative. The pair discusses the timing and methodology for releasing this material, balancing the preference for a structured timeline versus a continuous flow of communication. Nixon underscores his desire to guide the approach without appearing to rigidly dictate the final execution.
President Nixon and Deputy Press Secretary Gerald L. Warren discuss media strategy and public relations management regarding ongoing scandals. The conversation focuses on controlling the narrative surrounding key figures like Jeb Magruder and maintaining distance from student groups. They ultimately decide to limit public engagement and manage the flow of information through vetted, reliable channels.