Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Staff management
111 conversations · page 2 of 2 · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Ziegler, Haig
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to verify the whereabouts of John D. Ehrlichman. The primary objective was to determine if Ehrlichman was at lunch at a restaurant called Spree, with the President expressing a desire to avoid disturbing him if he was occupied. The conversation concluded with the President instructing the visitor to report back on Ehrlichman's location immediately.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman. This brief interaction served as the administrative mechanism for the President to initiate a private consultation with his top aide. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this request for a connection.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to demand immediate progress on the legal assertion that presidential and National Security Council papers remain the property of the President rather than the government archives. Expressing intense frustration with the current staff's pace and efficacy, Nixon insisted that legal counsel Garland finalize this position immediately. He concluded by threatening to terminate the entire staff if his directive regarding the control of these records was not executed.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to discuss administrative logistics and scheduling. The primary action item involved a request for a meeting with Lawrence M. Higby. Additionally, the two engaged in brief casual conversation regarding the weather and weekend plans.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize on managing the public perception of the ongoing Watergate scandal, emphasizing the need to focus on substantive executive actions rather than reacting to individual news leaks. The discussion covered the upcoming release of documentation regarding the President's San Clemente property, potential responses to the Ervin Committee, and the need to streamline White House staff and communications. Nixon also expressed a desire to maintain a rigorous daily schedule of formal meetings to project strength and stability amidst political pressure.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss internal administrative management and the broader political strategy regarding ongoing investigations. The President emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary confrontations and instructs Haig to ensure White House staff refrain from answering legal questions during press briefings. They also touch upon the political nature of the opposition's efforts to target the presidency and the complications surrounding executive privilege and document disclosure.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to place an urgent call to his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods. The primary objective of the request was to facilitate communication with Woods, though the specific purpose or subject matter of the intended conversation remained undisclosed. The exchange served strictly as a logistical directive for the operator to connect the President with his secretary.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to strictly enforce a new policy prohibiting family members from accompanying guests during presidential meetings. Despite Nixon’s previous directive, Bull confirmed that families were included in an upcoming scheduled visit. Nixon emphasized that this practice must be discontinued permanently, ordering Bull to ensure no further exceptions are made for family attendance.
This recording captures unidentified individuals gathered in the Cabinet Room to discuss logistical or operational matters, potentially concerning staff management or facility arrangements. The dialogue, conducted in Welsh, focuses on the visibility and accessibility of staff within the workspace, referencing the arrangement of lines and visual oversight among personnel. No specific policy decisions or significant administrative actions are clearly identified due to the fragmented nature of the discussion.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate control and access regarding White House tape recordings, particularly addressing requests from H.R. Haldeman to listen to specific conversations from March and April 1973. The President emphasized strict oversight of the recordings and authorized access only under controlled circumstances while reviewing the logistical concerns regarding the quality and content of those tapes. Additionally, the group discussed scheduling details for a forthcoming reception for Senators, with Nixon insisting on a rotation and reduction of White House staff attendees to improve the event's atmosphere.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed administrative logistics regarding an upcoming retreat to Camp David, specifically weighing the social inclusion of staff counselors and their wives. Nixon expressed a preference for maintaining personal solitude during his downtime while ensuring he retains professional access to advisors like Mel Laird, Bryce Harlow, and Roy Ash if needed. Additionally, the President reviewed his legislative agenda, emphasizing the need to evaluate upcoming bills for potential vetoes to maintain a balanced budget heading into the election year.