Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Melvin R. Laird
54 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Haldeman, Bull
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met briefly to review the President’s upcoming schedule involving key Congressional leaders and administration officials. The discussion focused on coordinating meetings with individuals such as Allen J. Ellender, Richard B. Russell, Patrick J. Buchanan, and Melvin R. Laird. The short exchange served primarily as a logistical check to clarify the status and alignment of these pending appointments.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the positive public and political reception of the President's April 7th Vietnam speech, noting that even business leaders viewed the administration's policy favorably. The two agreed to maintain a disciplined communication strategy by instructing Press Secretary Ron Ziegler to refuse further questions regarding specific withdrawal dates, thereby preserving strategic flexibility. Additionally, they reviewed the status of the Lt. William Calley controversy, concluding that the administration should allow legal processes to unfold while Kissinger works to encourage Defense Secretary Melvin Laird to moderate his public commentary on Vietnam and other sensitive issues.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman deliberate on how to effectively counter political criticism from Representative Pete McCloskey regarding administration policies. They reject the idea of using Gerald Ford, instead concluding that Secretary of State William Rogers should defend his ambassador and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird should directly confront McCloskey. Haldeman is tasked with coordinating with Laird and ensuring Rogers takes a more aggressive public stance against the congressman.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the need to manage Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, whom Nixon accuses of distancing himself from the administration's Laos policy while speaking with Republican senators like Howard Baker and Edward Gurney. Nixon expresses frustration that Defense and State Department officials are attempting to shift blame for the Laos operation, insisting that Laird must publicly support the administration's decision. To address this, the President decides to schedule a breakfast meeting with Laird for the coming Thursday to ensure internal alignment and improve communication.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place a telephone call to Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The brief exchange serves as an administrative bridge to facilitate direct communication between the President and the Secretary. No substantive policy discussions occur, as the conversation focuses exclusively on establishing the connection.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the announcement of a breakthrough in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), emphasizing that the agreement was a presidential initiative. They strategized on how to manage key Cabinet members, particularly William Rogers and Melvin Laird, to ensure they felt included and supportive without revealing the sensitive details of the negotiation process. Additionally, the President discussed his plans to brief legislative leaders and handle potential leaks, while Kissinger briefed the group on secret diplomatic efforts involving China and North Vietnam.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss foreign policy initiatives, specifically the delicate handling of the People's Republic of China, and the broader political landscape concerning the administration's re-election prospects. They evaluated the performance of cabinet members, with Kissinger expressing distrust toward Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird’s political ambitions and perceived lack of loyalty. Additionally, they addressed concerns regarding the Vietnam War, emphasizing the necessity of preventing a collapse of Saigon before the 1972 election while noting the military's ongoing struggles with drug abuse.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the Case-Reed proposal and the influence of Patrick J. Buchanan on the administration's messaging. They also addressed coordination regarding upcoming diplomatic communications with the Soviet Union and determined that Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird should be directed to call the President to discuss the administration's formal stance. These consultations reflect ongoing efforts to manage foreign policy strategy and internal bureaucratic alignment.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate his upcoming schedule regarding the presidential yacht Sequoia and a meeting with Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird and various members of Congress. The brief discussion served to finalize logistical arrangements and ensure the President’s agenda remained aligned with his legislative priorities. No further substantive policy shifts were noted during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to George H. Mahon to extend personal birthday greetings and relay well wishes from the First Lady to Mrs. Mahon. The conversation touched upon lighthearted topics, including Mahon’s golf game as referenced by Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The call concluded with a brief exchange expressing mutual support regarding the challenges of the presidency and national affairs.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss scheduling matters concerning Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The conversation focused on coordinating the President's upcoming agenda in relation to Laird's availability. No major policy decisions were reached beyond the logistical management of the executive calendar.
President Nixon consulted with Henry Kissinger regarding the scheduling and coordination of an upcoming meeting with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The President instructed Kissinger to attend the session, which was slated for that afternoon at the Executive Office Building. This conversation served to organize the administrative logistics and ensure the national security advisor's presence for the consultation with the Defense Secretary.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss administrative matters or potential materials contained within a folder related to Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The brief exchange focused on verifying the contents of specific documents brought to the President's attention. No major policy shifts or substantive executive decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the political strategy surrounding the administration's foreign aid program following a recent legislative setback. They coordinate efforts to ensure Secretary of State William P. Rogers publicly reinforces a hard-line stance, similar to recent statements made by Melvin Laird, to avoid compromising on security versus development assistance. Additionally, they review Vietnam casualty reporting and strategize the push for a 30-day continuing resolution to maintain legislative authority.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage pending telephone communications. The discussion focused on arranging calls with Henry Kissinger, Charles Colson, and other administration officials, while also finalizing plans for upcoming meetings with figures such as Melvin Laird, William Rogers, and Senator Carl Curtis. The President provided specific instructions regarding the sequence of these engagements and the logistical coordination required for his personal office affairs.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the schedule of Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The brief exchange focused on administrative logistics regarding Laird's availability. No major policy decisions were recorded during the short interaction.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming daily schedule and ensure appropriate preparations for several high-level meetings. The discussion focused on logistics for appointments with Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird, including a press photograph, as well as sessions involving Secretary of State William P. Rogers and national security advisors Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig. This briefing served to organize the administrative flow and personnel attendance for these key executive engagements.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the strategy for an upcoming Vietnam troop withdrawal announcement, expressing significant frustration with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird over their policy disagreements and suspected leaks to the press. Nixon evaluates different withdrawal timelines and troop levels, ultimately leaning toward a two-month incremental plan despite pressure from his cabinet for longer-term commitments. The conversation concludes with Kissinger tasked to manage the communications with Rogers and Laird to ensure they align with the President's preferred policy direction.
A White House tour group was hosted in the Cabinet Room, where they received a brief orientation regarding the room's furnishings. The discussion centered on the history and ownership of the Cabinet chairs, specifically referencing high-ranking officials such as Melvin R. Laird, George P. Shultz, and William P. Rogers. No significant policy developments or administrative decisions were recorded during this observational visit.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss personnel issues within the Cabinet and the administration's frustration regarding Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The President expressed significant anger over a recent news leak concerning Vietnam troop withdrawal plans, which he viewed as a deliberate attempt by Laird to undermine administration policy. Consequently, the two evaluated the potential replacement of Laird and Secretary of State William P. Rogers, while also briefly touching upon upcoming presidential scheduling for meetings with foreign leaders.
President Nixon recounted an anecdote about Harry Hopkins and the Works Progress Administration to George Shultz and Caspar Weinberger to illustrate his frustration with departmental budget or supply requests. The President used the story, which involved a director being told to have his workers 'lean on each other' rather than receive more shovels, as a directive for Shultz and Weinberger to relay a message of fiscal restraint to Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The call served as a lighthearted but firm instruction to curb administrative spending.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed plans to involve Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird in the upcoming announcement regarding Vietnam troop withdrawals, with Nixon intending to have Laird lead the press briefing to bolster the administration's Vietnamization policy. They also reviewed the qualifications of David Kenneth Rush for a position within the Department of Defense, noting his suitability despite potential resistance from Laird. Additionally, the pair coordinated diplomatic responses regarding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's return to Bangladesh, monitored the deteriorating political situation in Malta and Italy, and received an update on Alexander Haig's progress during his trip to China.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler met to coordinate the public communication strategy regarding upcoming U.S. troop withdrawals from Vietnam. They established a procedure where Nixon would deliver a brief announcement following an introduction by Ziegler, after which Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird would handle subsequent press questions. Ziegler committed to providing the President with a status report prior to the official announcement.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review the details and attendance list for his upcoming daily schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating a series of meetings involving Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird, John H. Chafee, and LynRae McClintock. Nixon specifically noted the logistical arrangements regarding McClintock’s husband, a Justice Department lawyer, and their pending relocation to Los Angeles.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the intensifying North Vietnamese offensive and strategies to counter it, including the use of B-52 strikes and naval gunfire. Nixon expressed frustration with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird’s pessimism and perceived lack of enthusiasm, contrasting him unfavorably with the supportive Kenneth Rush. The two leaders emphasized that the United States must project an image of unpredictable resolve to pressure the Soviet Union and China while maintaining that national security decisions remain independent of the upcoming 1972 election. Consequently, they directed preparations for expanded air operations and potential mining contingencies to signal American strength.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed Secretary of State William P. Rogers's successful congressional testimony and the administration's plan to capitalize on it. Nixon directed Haldeman to have Patrick Buchanan extract key talking points from the testimony for immediate distribution to cabinet members and administration spokesmen. They also reviewed Rogers's assertive confrontation with Senator J. William Fulbright and coordinated the upcoming appearance of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird to maintain a unified public narrative.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place a call to Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. This request follows a private consultation between the President and National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger regarding national security or defense-related matters. The conversation functions primarily as an administrative step to facilitate immediate communication between the President and the Secretary of Defense.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file to summarize recent events and internal administrative considerations. He reviews a dinner involving John B. Connally, discusses the involvement of entertainers like Bob Hope in Vietnam, and touches upon military matters including drug use and dishonorable discharges. Additionally, the President briefly reflects on the activities of defense officials Melvin R. Laird and Thomas H. Moorer regarding the escalation of the Vietnam War.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding an upcoming press conference involving Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The discussion centered on the strategic messaging surrounding Vietnam policy and coordination for the briefing. This consultation served to align the administration's public stance on ongoing military developments in the region.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the positive performance of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird during a recent televised press conference regarding the Vietnam War. Impressed by Laird’s intensity and effectiveness, the President directs Colson to coordinate a follow-up meeting with H. R. Haldeman. The brief call serves to facilitate immediate staff consultation on how to leverage the momentum from the press conference.
H. R. Haldeman coordinated with the White House operator to establish a connection with John D. Ehrlichman to address several pressing administrative matters. The discussion focused on scheduling adjustments for Elliot L. Richardson and the legislative strategy surrounding the Higher Education Conference Report, specifically the administration's stance on school busing. Additionally, the participants reviewed the timing for Melvin R. Laird’s upcoming testimony regarding supplemental appropriations.
H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman coordinated administrative strategy regarding Elliot Richardson's push for the Higher Education Conference Report, specifically concerning the administration's stance on controversial busing amendments. The pair agreed that Richardson must be instructed to abandon his position in favor of the White House’s priorities, with Haldeman tasked to direct Kenneth R. Cole, Jr. to deliver this instruction. Additionally, they reached a consensus to delay testimony on supplemental appropriations by Melvin R. Laird until at least November, following consultation with John C. Whitaker.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed a broad range of foreign policy and administrative issues, including Secretary of State William Rogers’s upcoming diplomatic travel and the political implications of the unauthorized air strikes conducted by General John D. Lavelle. The conversation touched upon the administration's strategic objectives regarding SALT ratification, legislative maneuvers involving Senator Henry M. Jackson and George McGovern, and the evolving dynamics with the Soviet Union and China. Kissinger also provided updates on personnel matters and public relations strategies to manage potential fallout from military and diplomatic developments.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed the need to improve public relations support for Frank C. Carlucci regarding disaster relief efforts in Pennsylvania. The conversation shifted to political strategy, specifically managing Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird’s public comments on the all-volunteer army and Vietnam policy to avoid credibility issues. Nixon directed Colson to control the timing of these announcements, favoring a mid-September rollout, while also coordinating a response to political attacks from George McGovern and Democratic figures like W. Averell Harriman and Cyrus R. Vance.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephonic connection with Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. This administrative interaction served solely to initiate official communication between the President and the head of the Department of Defense. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
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 consulted with the White House operator to coordinate the arrival of Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The exchange served as a logistical update to ensure the President was prepared to meet with Laird upon his return from downtown. No substantive policy decisions were made during this brief coordination.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated a brief, private meeting at the Dogwood cabin to discuss an upcoming afternoon appointment with Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The President sought to consult with Haldeman regarding the substance of the Laird meeting before it took place. Haldeman agreed to the request and prepared to head to the cabin immediately following his lunch.
President Nixon and Bryce Harlow discussed organizational strategies for the administration's second term, focusing on the planned departure of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and a broader restructuring of White House staff. Nixon proposed appointing Laird as the new Republican National Committee chairman to lead a reorganization of party political operations, intending to shift partisan activities away from the White House. The conversation also touched upon the necessity of staff turnover to revitalize the administration, with Nixon confirming the pending departures of several key personnel, including Herbert Klein, Donald Rumsfeld, and Charles Colson.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the administration's second-term reorganization, noting Melvin Laird's acceptance of Elliot Richardson's appointment. The conversation then shifted to the surplus of U.S. military aid in South Vietnam and the potential for dispatching Laird on a diplomatic mission to deliver a firm ultimatum to President Nguyen Van Thieu. They agreed that such a mission, to be accompanied by Alexander Haig, should only occur following the finalization of the Vietnam peace agreement.
President Nixon requested that the Camp David operator confirm the locations of Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird and Secretary of State William P. Rogers. He specifically sought to verify if both officials were attending a NATO conference, while explicitly noting he did not wish to speak with either of them. The President directed the operator to consult the National Security Council staff to resolve the inquiry and call him back with the information.
President Nixon consulted with the Camp David operator to confirm the current location of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and Secretary of State William Rogers. The operator verified that both officials were in Brussels at the time of the inquiry. This brief exchange served to track the whereabouts of key cabinet members during a period of ongoing international diplomatic activity.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield to clarify why John B. Connally and Melvin R. Laird were absent from an upcoming White House dinner. Butterfield was unable to provide a specific reason for Connally’s absence or his current whereabouts. The brief exchange highlights the President's personal attention to guest list management and the logistical uncertainty surrounding the attendance of key political figures.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator in an attempt to reach Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The conversation was intended to facilitate a direct communication between the two officials. Ultimately, the attempt to connect with Laird proved unsuccessful and the call was canceled.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss ongoing personnel changes within the administration, specifically regarding the planned departure of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and the recruitment of Melvin R. Laird for a senior White House role. Haig confirms that Rogers prefers to delay the announcement of his exit to avoid complications related to the Watergate scandal. Meanwhile, the two coordinate a strategy to persuade Laird to accept a position as a domestic policy advisor, scheduling a meeting at Camp David to finalize the offer with support from Bryce Harlow.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to discuss his official schedule. The brief consultation included a specific focus on upcoming engagements involving Counselor to the President Melvin R. Laird. No further details regarding policy decisions or additional agenda items were recorded during this brief administrative meeting.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate the immediate whereabouts of Melvin R. Laird. The discussion focused on locating Laird at Alexander M. Haig, Jr.’s office to facilitate his prompt return for a scheduled meeting in the Oval Office. Nixon directed that Haig also participate in this upcoming briefing.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection between AFL-CIO President George Meany and Presidential Advisor Melvin R. Laird. The President specifies that the call should be routed through his line, indicating his personal oversight of the request. This administrative action serves to bridge a communication channel between the White House and organized labor leadership.
President Nixon and Melvin R. Laird called AFL-CIO President George Meany to personally inform him of Laird's appointment as Counselor to the President for Domestic Affairs. During the conversation, Laird clarified that his new role would include overseeing the Cost of Living Council and wage-price policy. The participants agreed to meet once Meany recovered from a recent bout of tendinitis to discuss these economic issues in greater detail.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate the timing and communication of personnel changes involving Melvin Laird and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The discussion centered on ensuring the public announcement of Haig’s retirement from the military was handled properly. The parties agreed to contact staff members John Irving and others to manage the dissemination of this information through wire services.
President Nixon and Gerald L. Warren discuss media strategy, specifically the successful press reception of Melvin R. Laird’s recent briefings and the administration's efforts to project strength regarding economic policy and Congressional relations. The conversation also addresses ongoing Watergate pressures, with Nixon expressing confidence that public interest in impeachment and resignation has waned, while strategizing on how to use FBI wiretap disclosures to intimidate political opponents. Finally, they coordinate the optics for a forthcoming meeting on the Sequoia, intended to signal stability through discussions with John B. Connally and Bryce N. Harlow.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call to Melvin R. Laird. This brief administrative exchange served solely to initiate communication with the former Secretary of Defense. No policy discussions occurred during this transition period.
President Nixon consults with Bryce N. Harlow to finalize his return to the White House staff in a senior advisory role. Nixon clarifies that he expects Harlow to serve as a key political strategist and confidant alongside Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and Melvin R. Laird, rather than merely focusing on congressional relations. The conversation concludes with an agreement for Harlow to begin his tenure on July 2, 1973, with a formal announcement scheduled for the following Saturday.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig, J. Fred Buzhardt, and Melvin Laird to discuss ongoing challenges including the Watergate scandal and upcoming administrative transitions. They reviewed the status of John Dean's legal situation, focusing on his handling of campaign funds and the political advantage of exposing his alleged financial impropriety through press coverage. Furthermore, the group discussed personnel adjustments, including bringing Bryce Harlow onto the White House staff, and coordinated legislative strategies regarding a pending House vote on Cambodia funding and the implementation of the Phase IV economic program.