Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Presidential protocol
69 conversations · frequently with Nixon, White House tour group, Bull, Haldeman
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and unidentified individuals for a brief discussion regarding the management of administrative interruptions. The participants touched upon the identification of unknown objects before the President signaled his intent to implement specific protocols for managing disruptions. This interaction served to coordinate the flow of office activities under the President's direction.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistical details regarding a scheduled performance by the Creston High School Choir. The discussion focused on confirming the status of the group and finalizing the protocol for their appearance at the White House. The two briefly reviewed the agenda, which included a performance of two songs by the choir.
Secret Service agents met with President Nixon in the Oval Office for a brief, routine exchange. The interaction consisted primarily of formal greetings and initial pleasantries. No substantive policy discussions or significant operational decisions were recorded before the conversation ended.
Stephen B. Bull briefed President Nixon regarding the presence of Henry C. Cashen II's parents and his wife, Leslie, at the White House. The brief exchange served to alert the President to these visitors during the afternoon schedule. No further policy or administrative actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon hosted William Perkins, Gary Perkins, and John S. Davies in the Oval Office for a brief, informal meeting. The discussion focused on the room's decor, specifically the presidential seal, and Nixon’s daily schedule regarding diplomatic ceremonies and the reception of foreign ambassadors. The meeting concluded with Nixon presenting his guests with commemorative gifts, including cuff links and golf balls.
President Nixon met with John McCowan, Alexander P. Butterfield, and White House photographer Oliver Atkins to facilitate a brief, cordial exchange of gifts and correspondence. During the meeting, the President presented McCowan with official pens and cufflinks while also arranging for the autographing of items for the visitor. The session concluded with the scheduling of a follow-up photograph and informal well-wishes regarding McCowan's travel plans.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding an upcoming evening meeting with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The participants confirmed the 10:00 p.m. scheduling for the session and established the protocol for the officials' arrival. Nixon directed that Hoover and Mitchell enter together so he could join them at the start of the discussion.
An unknown guide leads a student group on an educational tour of the White House Cabinet Room. The briefing focuses on the room's physical layout, including the utility of specific chairs for support staff and secretaries. Participants also receive information regarding the landing site for the President's helicopter.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator regarding the protocol for placing an outgoing call to an unnamed individual. He explicitly directed the operator not to interrupt the recipient if they were currently attending a social event. This brief exchange served as a procedural directive to ensure presidential communication did not cause undue social disruption.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman debriefed on the President’s recent attendance at the Kennedy Center, focusing specifically on the protocol for his theatrical arrivals. They discussed the effectiveness of coordinating his entrance to coincide with the National Anthem or musical intervals to maximize impact. Additionally, they briefly touched upon the President’s recent company in the presidential box, acknowledging the political value of hosting figures like Alexander Haig.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details for upcoming ceremonial events. The discussion focused on scheduling a signing ceremony, managing the distribution of souvenir pens, and arranging photography sessions for participants, including Charles R. Jonas and Julie Nixon Eisenhower. The pair also reviewed plans for a tour and photo opportunity at the Executive Office Building.
President Nixon met with United States Secret Service agents in the Oval Office for a brief, informal session. During the brief interaction, the President was prompted to greet a guest named Angela who was scheduled to speak that day. The conversation remained limited to these personal introductions before the agents departed.
A White House tour group gathered in the Cabinet Room to observe the formal setting, including the specific arrangement and ownership of the Cabinet Secretaries' chairs. The interaction centered on the physical layout and historical significance of the room's furniture. No formal policy decisions or political discussions occurred during this brief, informal visit.
President Nixon hosted a tour group in the Cabinet Room, providing them with an informal overview of the executive space. He pointed out the specific seating arrangements, including his own chair, and briefly discussed the room's decor and the view of the Rose Garden. The interaction served as a brief, candid moment of public engagement within the White House workspace.
Technical personnel met in the Cabinet Room to coordinate the logistics and lighting for a professional filming session featuring President Nixon. The participants established specific protocols for the President's entry, including the choreography of door-holding, camera positioning, and movement within the room to ensure professional footage. The discussion focused on minimizing intrusive filming practices while capturing the President’s arrival and interactions.
President Nixon held a brief, two-minute meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. The interaction was limited to a single administrative exchange regarding the movement of people within the room. No substantive policy discussions or significant decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with Tina Diver, Neil Diver, and Margita E. White for a brief follow-up to a previous discussion. The meeting functioned primarily as a social encounter, consisting of general pleasantries before the guests concluded their visit and departed the Oval Office. No substantive policy decisions or administrative actions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon hosted a group of unidentified visitors in the Oval Office for an informal tour of the White House. The discussion centered on the physical layout of the executive space, specifically highlighting features of the Cabinet Room and the Resolute Desk. The brief meeting concluded abruptly before the visitors could continue their walkthrough of the presidential offices.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief administrative interaction served as the necessary logistical step to initiate a high-level consultation between the President and his advisor. The call highlights the established protocol for managing the President's secure communications during the period.
President Nixon met with Clifford D. Carlson, Carol A. Carlson, and Max L. Friedersdorf for a brief, informal social visit in the Oval Office. The conversation included expressions of presidential condolences regarding the recent death of Carlson's wife and lighthearted exchanges about family and personal appearances. The meeting concluded with a formal photograph session and the distribution of presidential gifts, including cuff links and golf balls.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, regarding the immediate need to notify former President Lyndon B. Johnson of J. Edgar Hoover’s passing prior to the official public announcement. Nixon instructed Woods to handle the incoming return call from Johnson if he remained unavailable, ensuring the former president learned the news directly from the administration. This coordination served to maintain protocol and personal courtesy regarding the death of the longtime FBI director.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to an unnamed individual upon their arrival. He emphasized that the connection should not be initiated until he had completed other pending tasks. This brief exchange served to coordinate the President's immediate schedule and communication priorities.
A White House tour group was guided through the Cabinet Room to learn about the history and decor of the space where significant executive decisions are finalized. The tour guide explained the protocol of the room, including the seniority-based seating arrangements for cabinet members and the placement of high-ranking officials like Henry Kissinger. The group also examined the presidential chairs and the selection of historical portraits on display, highlighting the tradition of incoming presidents redecorating the room to reflect their personal preferences.
A White House tour group explored the Cabinet Room, where they discussed the history and functional use of the space, including the placement of the President's chair and its role in official signing ceremonies. An unidentified guide or staff member recounted personal anecdotes regarding the President's past appearances in the room and the logistics of managing crowds during such events. The exchange focused primarily on the room's layout, furnishings, and the practical experience of hosting official presidential proceedings.
President Nixon hosted a tour group in the Cabinet Room to provide an informal look at the executive workspace. During the brief interaction, the President gestured toward the specific seating arrangements, including the designated chairs for Cabinet members and the Counselor to the President. No formal policy decisions were made during this social visit, which served primarily as a public relations gesture for the visitors.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Executive Office Building to oversee the delivery and precise placement of an unknown object. While the specific nature of the item remains undocumented due to the lack of a transcript, the brief interaction focused entirely on the logistics of its arrival and installation. The session concluded shortly after the placement was finalized.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to confirm the successful completion and mutual understanding of a previous communication. The brief exchange served as a follow-up to ensure that the intended message had been clearly conveyed to the recipient. No further actions were required, as both parties expressed satisfaction that the matter had been handled effectively.
President Nixon, Joe D. Waggonner, Jr., and H. R. Haldeman discussed the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace. The conversation centered on the status of the investigation into Arthur H. Bremer, including concerns regarding evidence recovered from his apartment and the coordination between the FBI and Secret Service. Furthermore, the participants evaluated the medical prognosis of Wallace following his surgery and debated the political and physical propriety of a presidential visit to the hospital.
President Nixon met with an unknown staff member to establish specific communication protocols regarding his office buzzers. He instructed the individual to ensure that when the buzzer sounds, staff should enter the office under the guise of delivering coffee or other items to maintain discretion. This conversation focused on managing the President's personal security and administrative workflow within the Executive Office Building.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to facilitate an urgent phone connection with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief interaction served as a procedural request to initiate high-level communication. The conversation reflects the President's reliance on White House operators to manage secure and immediate access to his key foreign policy advisor.
President Nixon hosted a tour group in the Cabinet Room, providing them with an opportunity to view the historic space. During the brief interaction, the President discussed the seating arrangements within the room, including the specific placement of his chair and that of the Vice President. The exchange concluded with the visitors offering expressions of gratitude in Welsh before departing.
A White House tour group was guided through the Cabinet Room, receiving an overview of the chamber's historical and functional significance. The guide explained the room's utility for presidential meetings and bill-signing ceremonies while detailing the traditional seating order for cabinet members. Participants were also shown specific interior features, including the donor-provided table and official pewter appointments.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed final logistical arrangements for the funeral of John Paul Vann, focusing specifically on managing the conduct of Vann's son. Bull secured assurances that the son would refrain from making a potentially disruptive protest presentation during the event. The pair finalized plans for the President to honor the family and present a formal citation to the press following the services.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office. The participants exchanged brief remarks, during which the President expressed his gratitude. The meeting concluded quickly without the discussion of substantive policy or strategic matters.
President Nixon communicated with the Camp David operator to manage a scheduled call with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, who was en route to visit journalist Stewart Alsop. Nixon decided to cancel the immediate effort to reach Kissinger, noting that the conversation was no longer urgent. The President instructed the operator to inform Kissinger that he could return the call at his own convenience later in the day.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to issue instructions regarding security or local coordination. He specifically directed the operator to place a call to the police. No further substance was recorded, leaving the nature of the emergency or request unresolved in this fragment.
President Nixon met with Donald and Mrs. Donald McI. Kendall to dictate a personal letter reflecting on his relationship with their family. Following this, he dictated a memorandum to H. R. Haldeman regarding a collection of eulogies. The discussion focused on drafting an introduction for the collection concerning Dwight D. Eisenhower, specifically highlighting the formal shift in their professional relationship after Nixon's inauguration. Nixon directed Haldeman to incorporate these anecdotes into the text and decided against further inquiry into Eisenhower's final conversations.
President Nixon met with an unknown woman in the Oval Office to provide specific instructions regarding the handling of a special item. Although the exact nature of the item remains undocumented due to the lack of a transcript, this brief interaction highlights a confidential administrative task conducted by the President. The meeting concluded quickly, with the unidentified visitor departing the office shortly thereafter.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed upcoming scheduling commitments, including a dinner for George Shultz and a State Department event. They discussed the political challenges of maintaining traditional social accessibility amidst the constraints of the presidency, with Nixon emphasizing that the nature of his office precludes returning to previous personal interactions. The pair also touched upon personnel matters, specifically regarding Emil Mosbacher’s duties and rewards, and confirmed a scheduled meeting with John Dean.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistics for a White House signing ceremony featuring Senators J. Glenn Beall, Jr. and Lloyd M. Bentsen. The discussion focused on scheduling a photograph session with the senators and finalizing the mechanics of the bill-signing process. Nixon confirmed his intent to personally utilize a specific pen for the official signing.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons discussed logistical arrangements for the upcoming congressional adjournment, specifically regarding how legislative leadership would formally notify the President. They reviewed historical precedents for this notification process, weighing options such as a personal visit to the White House or a telephone call from key leaders like Mike Mansfield. The conversation also briefly touched upon the status of Hale Boggs following his recent airplane disappearance, with Nixon suggesting this should be treated as a matter of public concern.
President Nixon held a brief, informal exchange with a White House operator regarding the orchestration of a telephone call. The President expressed a desire for a sense of dramatic flair in the communication process. No substantive policy matters or official state business were transacted during this interaction.
President Nixon held a brief introductory meeting with Mary A. ("Toni") Sidley in his Old Executive Office Building suite. The encounter served primarily as a formal exchange of greetings. No policy discussions or specific administrative actions occurred during the one-minute interaction.
President Nixon contacted the Camp David operator to issue instructions regarding security or logistics near the Aspen Lodge. He specifically requested that the operator manage personnel located in the hallway outside his study. This brief interaction served to maintain the President's privacy and secure the immediate area.
President Nixon met with an unknown man and woman in the Cabinet Room to provide a tour of the executive facilities. The brief exchange primarily focused on the seating arrangement within the room, specifically identifying the positions occupied by Nixon and Treasury Secretary George P. Shultz. No major policy decisions or significant political developments resulted from this informal interaction.
President Nixon held a brief administrative interaction with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. This exchange served as a routine communication task, acting as a precursor to a more substantive discussion designated as a separate conversation. No policy decisions or significant political developments occurred during this brief request for operator assistance.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics regarding the attendance of former President Lyndon B. Johnson at a memorial service for Harry S. Truman. The President directed Bull to relay specific instructions to Charles W. Colson to ensure Johnson was properly informed of the arrangements and discouraged from attending. The brief exchange focused on managing these sensitive high-level protocol matters.
President Nixon and former President Lyndon B. Johnson engaged in a brief, informal New Year's exchange primarily to coordinate their response regarding attendance at the upcoming public memorial service for Harry S. Truman. The two leaders agreed that having already paid their personal respects in Independence, Missouri, both would skip the public Washington event to avoid any appearance of exploitation or diplomatic slight. During the call, Nixon expressed support regarding ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations, while Johnson discussed his recent health struggles following the Cotton Bowl and his appreciation for Nixon's continued friendship.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation primarily consisted of the President expressing his appreciation to the visitor. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were recorded during this exchange.
H. R. Haldeman and White House physician Walter R. Tkach discuss the recent death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Tkach confirms that resuscitation efforts at Brooke Army Hospital were unsuccessful and notes that the family is waiting to make an official announcement. Haldeman coordinates the timing for President Nixon to place a condolence call to Lady Bird Johnson once authorization is granted.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss logistical arrangements for the funeral of Lyndon B. Johnson, focusing on Nixon's refusal to attend any services held at the Washington National Cathedral due to personal animosity toward Dean Francis B. Sayre. Nixon instructs Haldeman to ensure the White House press staff is firm regarding his non-attendance and emphasizes his preference for services to be held at the Capitol. Additionally, the President orders the postponement of a planned television address and a dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato to avoid appearing insensitive during the national mourning period.
President Nixon and Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo discuss the death of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and the coordination of memorial service attendance. The conversation also touches upon a recent, successful event at the President’s Florida home, which Rebozo describes as having been received with great enthusiasm. Nixon requests that Rebozo make plans to attend the upcoming funeral ceremonies.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified woman in his Old Executive Office Building workspace. The interaction consisted of a short exchange of greetings before the woman departed. No substantive policy discussions or significant political developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon held a brief, six-minute meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. The discussion was limited to the President extending his personal expression of thanks to the participant. No further substantive policy matters or specific administrative decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with unidentified individuals in the Oval Office for a brief, informal encounter. The discussion focused on the President's coat and included an exchange of gratitude between the parties. The meeting concluded quickly with the departure of the guests.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a visit to Alice Roosevelt Longworth. The discussion centered on selecting an appropriate gift for the former first daughter. No significant policy decisions were reached during this brief logistical encounter.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to close the door to his office, signaling a need for privacy regarding a series of upcoming sensitive discussions. He expressed his intention to consult with numerous individuals on an unspecified but significant matter. This brief exchange served as a preparatory step for the President to conduct private deliberations away from staff interruption.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed news coverage, specifically discussing journalistic criticism directed toward the administration. The conversation pivoted to the logistics of ending the official mourning period for the late President Lyndon B. Johnson, incorporating feedback from Lady Bird Johnson regarding flag protocols. They ultimately decided to issue a formal public statement that would simultaneously serve as a tribute to the former president and acknowledge the return of prisoners of war.
President Nixon held a brief meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual. The discussion primarily consisted of the President expressing his thanks to the participant. No other policy matters or substantive actions were documented during this short exchange.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed the approval of a plaque installation and the necessity of preparing comprehensive background materials for an upcoming engagement. The conversation touched upon the involvement of various staff members and referenced specific protocols regarding leadership figures in Congress. The brief exchange served to finalize administrative decisions regarding the President's public scheduling and documentation requirements.
President Nixon met with a delegation from the Frontiers of Science Foundation of Oklahoma, led by Edward King Gaylord and accompanied by Congressman John Jarman, to recognize the organization's contributions to scientific education and research. During the brief, ceremonial Oval Office session, Nixon commended the role of voluntary organizations in American life, arguing that private sector initiative often produces more value than government spending. The President presented the group with commemorative gifts and engaged in light conversation regarding his experiences with science education, his past visits to Oklahoma, and the logistical challenges of presidential communications via satellite.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual, during which refreshments were served. The limited transcript and duration suggest this was a social or protocol-oriented encounter rather than a substantive policy discussion. No significant developments or administrative actions were recorded during this interaction.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified individual to discuss a matter involving the potential installation or use of a wire. The President explicitly rejected the idea, stating, 'I don't want a wire,' before the participant exited the Oval Office shortly thereafter. The exchange appears to be a quick logistical or security-related interaction rather than a substantive policy discussion.
President Nixon met with unidentified individuals in the Cabinet Room for a brief, informal exchange. The conversation consisted of pleasantries, general remarks regarding health and advice, and expressions of mutual appreciation. No substantive policy decisions or political strategies were recorded during this brief interaction.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator regarding the screening of his incoming calls. He specifically requested that the operator avoid interrupting him for dinner-related inquiries or non-urgent matters. This brief interaction served to establish protocols for maintaining the President's workflow and privacy during his evening hours.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated the logistical arrangements and agenda for the upcoming summit with Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev. The two discussed the protocol for Nixon to personally present an automobile as a gift to Brezhnev and established a sequence for upcoming meetings, including sessions involving Kissinger and Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin, as well as private time for the President and Brezhnev. Kissinger committed to delivering a brief outlining the remaining summit goals to ensure the plenary sessions and private discussions proceeded as planned.
President Nixon held a brief, private meeting with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office. The interaction was limited to informal social pleasantries, specifically the provision of refreshments, and lacks any record of substantive policy discussion or administrative decision-making. No official transcript exists to provide further insight into the purpose or identity of the visitor.
President Nixon hosted a private tour group in the Cabinet Room, providing them with an overview of the room's historical significance and administrative layout. The discussion focused on the specific seating arrangements for the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members, as well as the historical portraits and artwork displayed in the room. The President also referenced personal family milestones, including Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding, while showing the group the neighboring Rose Garden.
A White House tour group was granted access to the Cabinet Room, where they received a brief orientation regarding the space's layout and historical significance. The discussion centered on the physical attributes of the room, including the arrangement of seating for cabinet members and the president, as well as the room's technical features such as lighting and alarm systems. Additionally, the group discussed personal details regarding Tricia Nixon Cox’s wedding.