Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Richard Nixon
277 conversations · page 3 of 3 · frequently with Nixon, Dean, Bull, Sanchez
In this recording, President Nixon reflects on his recent birthday and discusses press relations, the personal impact of media coverage on his family, and his daily work-life balance. He also evaluates the status of Vietnam peace negotiations, expressing skepticism regarding the North Vietnamese and emphasizing the necessity of securing a ceasefire that addresses concerns over POWs and MIAs. The discussion includes considerations of military options and the political challenges of managing congressional relations during this sensitive period of administration reorganization.
President Nixon spoke with entertainers Dan Rowan and Dick Martin to express his personal appreciation for a humorous birthday skit they produced for his 60th birthday. The discussion included lighthearted banter about the skit’s writer, Paul Keyes, and the President's plan to share the performance with his White House staff. The call concluded with a brief analysis of the upcoming Super Bowl, specifically comparing the strengths of the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, while documenting administrative notes regarding his upcoming schedule and work pressures. The discussion focused on the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the Vietnam settlement, involving key advisors Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig. Additionally, the President addressed preparations for his 1973 Inauguration, including final adjustments to his address and associated reception events.
President Richard M. Nixon and speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. met to conduct a final review and refine the text of Nixon's upcoming second inaugural address. The discussion focused on editing specific passages, adjusting the speech's length, and ensuring the tone effectively conveyed a sense of national responsibility and personal appeal to the American people. The President directed Price to incorporate these revisions into a final draft for delivery, instructing him to coordinate the logistics with press secretary Ronald Ziegler.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman debriefed following the 1973 Inaugural concerts, expressing general satisfaction with the performances and the decision to diversify the entertainment offerings compared to previous years. They discussed the logistics of celebrity involvement and the importance of recognizing performers who supported the President, while specifically ensuring that figures like Frank Rizzo and John Connally were properly accommodated. Additionally, Nixon directed Haldeman to contact Robert Finch in California to clarify the reason for his absence from the inaugural festivities, concerned that it might be perceived negatively.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed logistical details regarding an upcoming Republican National Committee (RNC) reception. They discussed the President's speaking engagement, including the schedule for photographs and the involvement of key figures such as Spiro T. Agnew, Robert J. Dole, and Anne Armstrong. The discussion focused on finalizing the timing and coordination of these ceremonial duties.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to finalize the messaging surrounding the upcoming Vietnam settlement. The two discussed the inclusion of the phrase "peace with honor" in the official public announcement. Ultimately, they reached an understanding regarding the strategic use of this specific terminology in addressing the end of the conflict.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files to document various administrative and political matters following his second inauguration. The recording covers preparations for a speech on the Vietnam settlement, reflections on the public reception of his inaugural address, and updates regarding White House staff and press relations. Additionally, the President noted recent engagements with officials, including Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, and touched upon developments regarding Henry Kissinger’s schedule and international reactions to the Vietnam peace efforts.
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 Henry Kissinger met to prepare for an upcoming press conference by anticipating potential questions regarding the administration's past communications with Lyndon B. Johnson. They focused specifically on establishing a clear timeline and confirmation of calls made by Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, and the President to Johnson following the recent Vietnam peace settlement. The discussion functioned as a briefing to ensure the President could accurately address inquiries concerning these sensitive political contacts.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Barbara Walters to discuss media strategy, specifically focusing on the administration’s handling of the press regarding Henry Kissinger's upcoming trip to Hanoi and the potential for press participation. Nixon emphasized his desire to remain firm against media demands for access, criticized the press's coverage of his recent conference, and expressed his intent to control future press relations by limiting access and maintaining a tough, authoritative posture. Additionally, Nixon directed Ziegler to grant Walters an exclusive interview following Kissinger's return to leverage positive coverage.
President Nixon met with Manolo Sanchez and Tricia Nixon Cox at Camp David to reflect on recent administrative challenges, presidential communication, and foreign policy. Nixon discussed his frustrations with the press, the necessity of maintaining a firm public stance against critics, and his ongoing work regarding energy, trade, and international relations. The conversation also touched upon personal reflections regarding his predecessors and the importance of documenting his own historical record through tape recordings and notes.
President Nixon called Mrs. James Mulligan to express his appreciation for her husband’s eloquent public statement following his recent release as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The two discussed the importance of the unwavering faith shown by POW families, the transition of veterans returning to civilian life, and the President's commitment to ensuring the ongoing release of remaining prisoners. Nixon also shared his vision for a post-war Southeast Asia, emphasizing his goal of securing peace without communism and acknowledging the role of his diplomatic policies, including the contributions of Henry Kissinger, in achieving these objectives.
President Nixon and his close associate Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo coordinated potential travel plans for the President to visit Key Biscayne, Florida, over the upcoming weekend. The discussion focused primarily on monitoring local weather forecasts to determine the feasibility of the trip. Nixon decided to delay his final decision until Friday morning, at which point he planned to confirm his travel status with Rebozo and his daughter, Julie Eisenhower.
On February 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:44 pm and 7:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-130 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to ensure that members of the press no longer displace audience members to secure seating during his future visits to the National Theatre. Nixon expressed concern over reports that eight patrons had lost their seats to reporters, characterizing the practice as improper. Bull clarified that the theater had independently allocated the seats, and he agreed to the President’s directive that future press coverage should occur from the back of the venue.
On February 23, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:03 pm and 3:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-185 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Stephen Bull to discuss the upcoming Senate Watergate hearings and the administration's strategy for handling executive privilege claims. Key topics included the appointment of minority counsel, communication with Attorney General Kleindienst and Senator Baker, and the potential for leaks from the FBI. Nixon and Dean agreed to revise a statement on executive privilege to allow for informal discussions while barring formal testimony before committees, and discussed how to manage Kleindienst's testimony and potential fallout from FBI investigations.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Manolo Sanchez to discuss the implications of FBI Director Gray's statements regarding the availability of FBI records to Congress. Nixon expressed strong opposition to Gray's apparent willingness to provide raw FBI files and agents for briefings, emphasizing historical precedent where the FBI maintained strict confidentiality. They also touched upon a 1968 bugging incident, with Dean relaying Attorney General Kleindienst's assessment that Cartha D. DeLoach's statements about the incident were likely untrue and potentially perjurious. Nixon instructed Dean to warn DeLoach through Kleindienst that his statements were being investigated and he should tell the truth.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on precedents for releasing information to Congress and the implications of a past "freeze" order that restricted FBI information sharing. They reviewed historical examples, including the Dr. Condon case and the Harry S. Truman precedent, to distinguish the White House's current posture on executive privilege from past actions. Nixon emphasized the importance of providing information through interrogatories rather than formal hearings to avoid a "circus." The conversation also touched upon Attorney General Kleindienst's loyalty and his close relationship with John Mitchell, whom Nixon identified as the most vulnerable figure in the unfolding scandal.
President Nixon met with Harold and Mrs. Finger in the Oval Office to discuss Finger's upcoming move to a new job with General Electric. The conversation touched upon Finger's distinguished career in government, including his time at NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission, and the President expressed his appreciation for Finger's service and performance. They also discussed the importance of cross-fertilization between government and private industry, with Finger's new role involving the establishment of an energy systems center in Washington.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the strategy for dealing with Senate investigations into the Watergate affair, particularly focusing on the confirmation hearings for L. Patrick Gray III as FBI Director. They debated the extent of cooperation with the Senate committees, the implications of releasing "raw files," and the use of executive privilege. Dean reported on conversations with Senator Eastland and concerns about Senator Baker's stance, while also outlining plans to prepare witnesses and manage potential testimony regarding former White House staff.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the ongoing media coverage and investigations related to the Watergate break-in and its aftermath. Dean reported on efforts to counter "innuendo" and "character assassination" in the press, particularly concerning Dwight Chapin's hiring of individuals for opposition research. They also touched upon the lack of media attention to the FBI's investigation into bugging devices found at the Democratic National Committee, and strategies for introducing specific questions into congressional hearings to address these issues, including the role of Senators Hruska and Gurney.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and John Dean met to discuss strategies for responding to the Senate Watergate Committee and the confirmation hearings for L. Patrick Gray as FBI director. They coordinated messaging and potential defenses, including the possibility of withholding testimony. The conversation also touched upon ambassadorial appointments and the political implications of John Connally's party switch.
President Nixon and John Dean briefly confer while awaiting the completion of a briefing by Ron. Nixon instructs Dean to wait until the briefing is finished before coming in, suggesting Dean might take more notes in the interim. Dean agrees to handle the situation.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:09 pm to 4:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 419-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, John Dean, and Ron Ziegler discussed the administration's policy on providing FBI raw files to congressional committees. Nixon expressed frustration with agency responsiveness and emphasized the need to "shake them up." Dean clarified that while formal submissions of raw files were unprecedented, informal access had been granted in past cases, such as the Valachi and Harry Dexter White cases, without leaks. The discussion centered on whether congressional committees should be allowed to formally receive and record such sensitive information.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the President’s recent press conference and the hostile nature of the press corps. Sanchez expressed personal distress regarding the intense media scrutiny and the stressful environment surrounding the administration. The conversation reflects the President's ongoing preoccupation with his public image and the adversarial relationship between the White House and the press.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the administration's strategy for handling the Watergate investigation and the release of FBI files. They debated the extent of disclosure to the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasizing the need to protect "innocent people" from "raw files." The conversation also touched upon managing public perception, particularly through press conferences and statements by Ronald Ziegler, and strategizing responses to Senator Ervin's committee. A key action item was for Dean and Richard Moore to develop a "master plan" at Camp David.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the fallout from the Watergate investigation and the upcoming Senate hearings. They reviewed the agreement reached with Senators Ervin and Baker regarding FBI reports and the Justice Department's handling of information. Nixon instructed Dean to work with Richard Moore on preparing a general statement for the President, to be released after the sentencing of the Watergate burglars, which Dean confirmed would occur the following week. Dean also expressed concerns about the difficulty of preparing a comprehensive report without creating new problems and suggested focusing on Donald Segretti's activities as a potentially less problematic area for public disclosure.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Richard Moore to strategize on managing the Watergate disclosures and related legal challenges. Key topics included the extent of potential disclosures, the use of executive privilege, and responses to press inquiries and the Common Cause lawsuit. A significant development was the discussion around Dean's deposition in the Common Cause case, with consideration given to asserting executive privilege versus cooperating with the legal process to avoid appearing evasive.
On March 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 8:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-160 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed a draft letter that Dean and Richard Moore were preparing. Dean indicated the letter was nearly complete and suggested it should be released that afternoon. Nixon agreed to meet with Dean and Moore at 1:30 PM to review the draft before its release.
President Nixon and John Dean briefly conferred in the Oval Office regarding the timing of a meeting. Nixon indicated that Dean and Moore should come in to discuss matters when Dean felt ready, suggesting a 1:30 PM meeting for that afternoon. The conversation was a brief check-in to schedule a more substantive discussion.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, to notify her that he would be working late at the White House with John Ehrlichman on a budget speech. He requested that she join First Lady Pat Nixon for dinner in his absence to ensure she was well-cared for. The brief exchange also touched upon the President’s health and the pleasant weather.
President Nixon informs his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, that he must remain at the White House to work on a budget speech with John Erickson. He requests that she assist her mother with their evening plans in his absence. The brief exchange focuses on the President's personal schedule and the coordination of family logistics.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the ongoing confirmation hearing for L. Patrick Gray and the potential strategy for responding to congressional inquiries. They debated whether Gray should be made a "martyr" and considered various approaches for Nixon to provide information, including written statements or general assurances, to address concerns about executive privilege and cooperation with Congress. The conversation also touched upon the need for Nixon to have clear facts to counter allegations against individuals like Haldeman and Colson.
On March 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone from 3:02 pm to 3:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-186 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull met briefly to review the President’s daily schedule and pending administrative tasks. The discussion focused on arrangements for a phone call to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau regarding the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS) in Vietnam, following a recommendation from General Brent Scowcroft. Nixon ultimately directed that the call be prioritized to address the status of his correspondence with the Prime Minister.
On March 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:32 pm and 2:57 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 423-007 of the White House Tapes.
On March 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:09 am and 12:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 421-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, spoke briefly as the President prepared to depart for a trip to California. The two discussed positive public reactions to the President's March 29 speech, specifically noting input from Patrick J. Buchanan. Tricia also expressed her expectation that the President would receive a favorable response from returning prisoners of war regarding his address.
On April 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 9:01 pm to 9:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 425-050 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-133 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to modify the attendee list for an upcoming Thursday meeting by adding domestic cabinet members. Nixon specifically excluded the Attorney General from this session, directing Bull to prioritize select officials such as Roy Ash and Caspar Weinberger. The exchange focused on finalizing the guest list composition for these executive deliberations.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:21 pm and 5:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-017 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:24 am and 9:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 897-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, to inform her that he would be unavailable that evening due to his need for rest. The two also briefly discussed the upcoming state dinner for Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. Julie confirmed that preparations were complete and noted the high level of public interest and demand for attendance at the event.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified visitor in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding his upcoming meeting with Dr. Rainer Barzel. The discussion focused specifically on the scheduling and timing of the appointment with the West German political leader. No further substantive matters were recorded during this one-minute encounter.
On April 25, 1973, Lawrence M. Higby and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:25 pm to 4:26 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 430-020 of the White House Tapes.
On April 25, 1973, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone from 4:35 pm to 4:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-147 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 1:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 30, 1973, Ronald L. Ziegler and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David from 5:54 pm to 5:55 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-057 of the White House Tapes.
On April 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:25 pm and 8:58 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon speaks with the White House operator to rectify confusion regarding current call-screening protocols following restrictive instructions issued by Bruce Kehrli. Nixon clarifies that while routine calls should be routed through Rose Mary Woods, he insists that all calls from Cabinet members be put through to him directly. After settling these administrative procedures, the President approves the connection of an incoming call from Reverend Billy Graham.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, connected via telephone to facilitate a conversation with Tricia's husband, Edward Cox. During the call, it was noted that the President had been receiving numerous communications from high-profile figures, including Cabinet members, Billy Graham, and Governor Ronald Reagan, in the wake of his televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The interaction served primarily to coordinate family communication during a period of intense political pressure.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to continue patching through incoming telephone calls for the next half hour following his televised speech regarding the Watergate scandal. The President specifically requested that calls from Paul W. Keyes, Rose Mary Woods, and Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo be prioritized. This exchange reflects the President's desire to gauge public and personal reaction immediately following his major address.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate personal calls to his daughters. After confirming that both Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Tricia Nixon Cox were currently unavailable due to travel, the President decided to postpone his outreach. No substantive policy or political matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
On May 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:51 pm and 6:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-071 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:15 pm to 2:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-014 of the White House Tapes.
On May 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:53 pm and 2:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 434-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to adjust his late-afternoon schedule regarding an upcoming meeting with Nelson Rockefeller. To accommodate additional administrative tasks, the President pushed the start time of the meeting back to 4:15 p.m. in the Oval Office. Nixon also confirmed that Rockefeller would be accompanied by former Delaware Governor Russell W. Peterson.
On May 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the precise wording of an upcoming White House statement regarding the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasizes the need to avoid phrasing that could be exploited by the press, specifically instructing Ziegler and Patrick Buchanan to ensure the language does not imply that Watergate is damaging his foreign policy initiatives. This directive follows concerns over recent negative media coverage sparked by remarks made by Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate logistical details regarding his upcoming schedule. The discussion centered on an American Legion award presentation involving Senator Jacob K. Javits. The participants finalized arrangements for accompanying press coverage and the required official photography session.
On May 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 930-002 of the White House Tapes.
On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:38 pm and 4:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 443-019 of the White House Tapes.
On June 7, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-140 of the White House Tapes.
On June 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 8:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 040-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Roy Voege, Manolo Sanchez, and an unidentified individual in his office to facilitate personal grooming and clothing arrangements. The discussion focused on the practical logistics of applying makeup and the delivery of a suit. These interactions served as brief, routine maintenance tasks regarding the President’s public appearance.
President Nixon calls Rose Mary Woods to coordinate her arrival for a planned evening excursion on the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. The two discuss her ongoing beauty shop appointment and finalize travel logistics to ensure she meets the President and First Lady on the White House south grounds. Nixon instructs Woods to join their party directly rather than traveling separately, confirming a brief wait for her arrival.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate her attendance on a brief excursion aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. After confirming Woods' current availability, Nixon instructed her to meet him at the South Grounds within twenty minutes to facilitate transportation together. The brief exchange focused primarily on scheduling logistics and travel arrangements for the outing.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discuss their respective public engagements and the ongoing, highly successful diplomatic visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Amidst the summit, Nixon emphasizes that the global importance of his negotiations outweighs the domestic political distractions of the Watergate scandal. Additionally, they discuss the positive reception of Julie’s recent public speaking, the upcoming schedule for David Eisenhower, and recent reports discrediting John Dean regarding financial misconduct.
On July 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:22 pm and 4:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 949-008 of the White House Tapes.
Julie Nixon Eisenhower contacted Secret Service agents to coordinate relaying urgent news to her sister, Tricia Nixon Cox. She requested that the agents inform Tricia that President Nixon had been diagnosed with viral pneumonia and would be hospitalized for several days. Eisenhower emphasized that the condition was not life-threatening while providing contact instructions for further communication.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss managing the public narrative surrounding his recent health concerns. The President expresses a clear desire to avoid drawing excessive attention to his condition, rejecting a proposed five-day precautionary measure to prevent the situation from appearing larger than it is. The conversation concludes with a mutual agreement to keep the matter low-profile.
President Nixon calls his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to personally inform her of his diagnosis of viral pneumonia and his impending week-long hospitalization at Bethesda. The two discuss his frustration regarding forced rest and the President's instructions to Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler concerning the public announcement of his condition. Nixon expresses cynical amusement at the prospect of the White House press corps applauding the news of his illness.