Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on San Clemente
19 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Haldeman, Bull
President Nixon met with military aides Commander Craig S. Campbell, Charles R. Larson, and Major General James D. Hughes to facilitate introductions and formal photographs. The discussion centered on Larson’s upcoming military reassignment to a submarine command based in San Diego, which Nixon noted was conveniently located near his San Clemente estate. The brief meeting concluded with the exchange of personal gifts and expressions of mutual appreciation regarding the aides' service.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Alexander Butterfield met to coordinate upcoming presidential remarks and review scheduling logistics. The discussion included planning for an honorary dinner for Nicaraguan President Anastasio Somoza Debayle and television arrangements for the upcoming Lyndon B. Johnson library dedication ceremony. Nixon also expressed his personal preference to avoid future use of a presidential library, favoring his office in San Clemente instead.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on legislative management regarding Vietnam-related amendments and securing unanimous Republican support. They also coordinated meetings with congressional leadership, various cabinet members, and administrative staff to address political strategy and media narratives. Additionally, the pair discussed private logistical concerns regarding the President’s travel to California and expressed personal frustrations regarding family acquaintances, specifically Helene and Jack Drown, whose presence the President wished to minimize during his time at the San Clemente residence.
President Nixon met briefly with Stephen B. Bull and an unnamed individual to discuss his schedule, specifically concerning Representative Jack F. Kemp. Following their departure, the President engaged in a cordial phone conversation with television critic Kay Gardella. Nixon praised Gardella’s review of a recent broadcast, specifically highlighting her coverage of his San Clemente residence, and engaged her in casual conversation regarding the television landscape, including the show 'Columbo.'
President Nixon contacted Herbert E. Kaplow’s wife to express his and the First Lady’s condolences following the recent death of Kaplow’s father. Beyond the personal expressions of sympathy, Nixon briefly discussed the scheduling logistics for his upcoming trip to San Clemente, California. He noted that the timing remained fluid due to ongoing Senate business but suggested that the trip would likely occur late the following day or on Thursday.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss office space configurations and administrative logistics at both the San Clemente estate and the West Wing of the White House. The President expressed frustration with current reception arrangements, specifically criticizing the lack of appropriate waiting areas for guests and the cluttered, "cubbyhole"-like conditions for staff such as Stephen Bull. They explored design alternatives, including relocating staff and modifying the Roosevelt and Cabinet rooms, to improve functionality, professional appearance, and access control within the White House.
President Nixon and Nellie Connally engaged in a brief, cordial exchange to discuss personal matters following the President’s birthday. The conversation centered on the Connallys' gift of a San Clemente photograph and an expression of gratitude for a thoughtful anniversary letter sent by the President. They concluded the call by discussing future social plans and commending First Lady Pat Nixon’s recent television appearance regarding her trip to Africa.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discuss the administration’s upcoming speech on Vietnam, with Nixon arranging to have Henry Kissinger or William Safire deliver a draft to Connally for review. The two men also evaluate the positive reception of Connally’s recent speeches targeting labor and business leaders. Additionally, they deliberate on legislative strategy regarding aid to parochial schools and exchange pleasantries regarding a gift purchased by the Cabinet for Nixon’s San Clemente residence.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discuss preparations for an upcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of diligent preparation over off-the-cuff remarks. The conversation briefly touches upon political acquaintances and logistical concerns regarding school closures before transitioning into personal topics, including a gift for the President's San Clemente home and travel plans involving fishing in the Bahamas. No major policy decisions were reached, as the meeting served largely to coordinate schedules and manage social pleasantries.
President Nixon spoke with Adele Rogers to express his personal appreciation for a thoughtful gift presented by Cabinet members for his San Clemente home. The conversation focused on the aesthetic suitability of the sculpture selected by Rogers and Nellie Connally, as well as the positive reception of a recent anniversary dinner the President had hosted for his Cabinet. This interaction served primarily as a social gesture to reinforce interpersonal relationships between the President and his Cabinet wives.
An unidentified caller attempted to reach Major Freed via the White House and San Clemente signal operators to discuss logistics. Upon learning that Major Freed was currently on a tour of the Western White House compound with Mr. Douglas, the caller requested a return call once he became available. This brief exchange highlights the administrative coordination required for staff movements at the San Clemente site.
President Nixon initiated a brief administrative call via the White House operator to coordinate communication with CIA Director Richard M. Helms. The discussion focused on facilitating a conversation with Helms and referencing ongoing coordination with Henry Kissinger regarding matters to be presented to the President. These arrangements were made in anticipation of Nixon's upcoming travel to San Clemente.
President Nixon held an informal meeting with an unidentified woman in the Oval Office to discuss personal or administrative matters. The brief interaction included casual conversation regarding Stephen B. Bull's current location and weather conditions at San Clemente and Camp David. The discussion concluded with the President advising his guest not to rush before she departed the office.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to arrange a gift of golf clubs for John B. Connally, including instructions for adding a presidential seal and drafting an accompanying note. The two also discussed logistical coordination regarding the President's upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating a potential visit by the Connallys to San Clemente during the Fourth of July holiday. Additionally, Bull provided a brief update on a scheduled meeting between Donald Nixon and his lawyer.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the logistical and security arrangements for Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit to San Clemente. Nixon emphasizes the site's suitability, noting its controlled environment on a military base, while Kissinger highlights the Soviet delegation’s significant concerns regarding security and reported plots. The two agree to resolve the site issue by the following day to finalize travel arrangements.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. informed President Nixon that Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev had agreed to visit San Clemente, while simultaneously canceling a planned stop in Houston. Nixon expressed enthusiasm for the visit, emphasizing his desire to host Brezhnev as a personal guest in his own home to facilitate private, secure, and relaxed discussions. Haig was instructed to confirm these arrangements with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin and ensure the security and lodging details were settled for the upcoming summit.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the final logistics for Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming visit, emphasizing security arrangements at San Clemente and the preference for a controlled environment over a potential trip to Houston. Nixon notes that he has secured a commitment for private, high-level meetings between himself, Brezhnev, and Henry Kissinger. Additionally, they coordinate a recruitment strategy to bring William Scranton into the administration, with the President tasking Haig with offering Scranton a seat on the National Security Council to secure his acceptance.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinate logistics for the upcoming visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, specifically regarding accommodations at the San Clemente compound for Brezhnev, his wife, and Andrei Gromyko. Nixon requests that Kissinger convey his gratitude for a warm personal note received from Brezhnev and confirm the residence arrangements. The two also briefly discuss Kissinger’s successful briefings to Congress and the press, as well as the optimal timing for the signing of a nuclear non-proliferation agreement.
President Nixon and his advisors met to finalize the logistics and agenda for Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev’s upcoming state visit. The discussion focused on balancing formal state proceedings with informal, spontaneous-looking events in San Clemente and at Camp David to foster positive imagery. Key decisions included finalizing the guest list for a reception—prioritizing a mix of political, business, and Hollywood figures—and arranging for a scenic coastal drive to provide Brezhnev with a more authentic view of America.