Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Watergate investigation
69 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Dean
When Watergate investigation comes up
Related topics: John W. Dean IIIExecutive privilegeHenry E. PetersenWhite House TapesWhite House communicationsJ. Fred Buzhardt Jr.Department of JusticeWhite House operationsLegal counselErvin CommitteePresidential recordsPresidential communicationWhite House staffStephen B. Bull
In this pivotal Oval Office meeting, President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the Watergate investigation. Haldeman informed Nixon of a plan to use the CIA to impede the FBI's inquiry, and Nixon agreed to this strategy. This conversation, later known as the "smoking gun," significantly contributed to Nixon's eventual resignation.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the content and purpose of films being produced for the Republican National Convention. They reviewed various segments, including footage of the President's trip to the Soviet Union, his family, and his interactions with foreign leaders, debating the effectiveness and potential use of specific scenes, such as the Tanya Savicheva story. The conversation also touched upon campaign budget controls, the General Accounting Office investigation, and the Watergate affair, with Mitchell expressing concerns about Martha Mitchell's behavior and potential treatment options.
President Nixon and Jeb Stuart Magruder met briefly to discuss unspecified strategic concerns. The dialogue remains largely indistinct, characterized by vague exchanges regarding a potential course of action and the President's expressed sense of unease. No concrete policy decisions or specific directives were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to coordinate the end-of-session legislative strategy, including maneuvering around the debt ceiling and potential vetoes of the water bill. The group discussed the 1972 campaign, specifically criticizing Senator Charles Percy for his public antagonism toward the White House and strategizing on how to support primary opponents like Roman Pucinski. Additionally, they reviewed sensitive foreign policy developments regarding Vietnam negotiations and leaks, while also managing the President’s logistical schedule, including upcoming radio addresses and security protocols for telephone access.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Dean, and other White House staff and officials to discuss the unfolding Watergate investigation, including potential Senate inquiries and the appointment of minority counsel. They also touched upon White House social events, foreign policy matters involving Kissinger and Laos, and political strategy regarding campaign funds and personnel appointments. A key development was the President's decision to meet privately with Senator Howard Baker regarding the Watergate investigation.
President Nixon met with John D. Ehrlichman to discuss legislative strategy, political damage control, and personnel issues, including the administration's stance on executive privilege regarding congressional inquiries. The two reviewed tactics for managing the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the involvement of White House staff and the potential impact of public testimony by administration officials. Additionally, they addressed upcoming tax reform proposals, the cultivation of key support groups like farmers and veterans, and the potential intervention required to prevent Jimmy Hoffa from assuming a leadership role in a Detroit labor union.
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.
On March 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:46 pm and 12:48 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 869-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Dean and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the Watergate investigation and strategy for upcoming Senate committee hearings, particularly concerning L. Patrick Gray III's nomination for FBI Director. They strategized on how to question Gray about past FBI practices and potential abuses during the 1968 campaign, aiming to deflect criticism and protect the administration. The conversation also touched upon President Nixon's schedule, social events, and foreign relations, including preparations for Leonid Brezhnev's visit.
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 met with John Dean and Richard Moore to discuss strategy for responding to congressional investigations, particularly the Ervin Committee's inquiries into Watergate. They debated the extent of executive privilege, the administration's cooperation with subpoenas, and potential press strategies. Key action items included managing public statements, preparing for potential legal challenges, and considering counter-offensives regarding Democratic campaign activities.
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, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler discussed upcoming foreign leader visits, including those of Willy Brandt and Kakuei Tanaka, and potential trips to Africa, while also reviewing the President's schedule and the logistics of White House social events. They also touched upon the Watergate investigation, press relations, and the role of various aides.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, John Dean, and Richard Moore discussed the President's schedule, including upcoming meetings with Congress and the Cabinet, and the declining quality of leadership in the US. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the Watergate investigation, with Dean providing an update on the administration's strategy for responding to Senate inquiries and potential media narratives. They debated the best approach to handling the ongoing investigations, including the possibility of a counterattack and the timing of releasing information.
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.
President Nixon met with John Dean, John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and John Mitchell to discuss strategies for handling the Senate Watergate committee's investigation. The primary focus was on how to respond to subpoenas and questions, with Nixon explicitly instructing them to "stonewall it" and "plead the Fifth Amendment, cover up." Key discussions revolved around executive privilege, the potential for witnesses to testify, and managing public perception of the White House's cooperation.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst discuss the need for Kleindienst to serve as the primary point of contact for Senator Howard Baker, who has expressed frustration over communication lapses regarding the Watergate investigation. Nixon explicitly directs Kleindienst to "babysit" Baker to ensure he receives proper guidance and stays aligned with White House strategy. Additionally, they discuss the confirmation prospects of L. Patrick Gray as FBI Director, considering potential alternatives like a judicial appointment if his Senate support falters, and confirm the details of a limited policy regarding the release of raw FBI files to the Ervin Committee.
H. R. Haldeman and John Mitchell coordinated a meeting in Washington to discuss legal strategies regarding the Watergate investigation, specifically proposing a "blue-ribbon" commission as an alternative to existing proceedings. The two men expressed frustration with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst’s lack of initiative in establishing a necessary liaison with the Ervin Committee and gathering information from the grand jury. Additionally, Mitchell sought Haldeman’s intervention to resolve employment obstacles for Herbert "Bart" Porter at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, John Dean, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and Charles Colson discussed the ongoing Watergate investigation and potential strategies. Key topics included John Dean's potential grand jury testimony, the possibility of an independent commission, and how to manage public perception. A significant development was the proposal for Attorney General Kleindienst to meet with Judge Sirica to suggest options like a special prosecutor or a new grand jury, coupled with an assurance of full White House cooperation and a waiver of executive privilege.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:43 pm and 8:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-051 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman, White House operator, and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:26 pm and 9:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-056 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:16 pm and 11:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-063 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:45 pm and 8:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-080 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:45 pm and 8:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-081 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing investigation into the Watergate scandal and its potential impact on his administration. The two focused on the necessity of managing the investigation's pace and gathering sufficient facts to justify legal proceedings. Nixon emphasized the importance of staying informed on developments and coordinating communication to avoid jeopardizing the integrity of the prosecution.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the Watergate investigation, specifically the approach being taken by Leonard Garment and the potential impact of public statements. Nixon expressed concern about damaging the case, referencing a conversation with Henry Petersen and the reluctance to make statements that could be misconstrued. They also touched upon Jeb Stuart Magruder's upcoming statement and the judicial procedures involved, with Nixon asking Dean to research the constitutional implications of confessing in open court. Nixon encouraged Dean, acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss the Watergate investigation, specifically the potential for John Dean to receive immunity and the implications for the presidency. They debated strategies for dealing with Dean, including the possibility of his suspension or dismissal, and the political ramifications of granting immunity to White House staff. The conversation also touched upon the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and the political advantages of including John Volpe in the discussions.
President Nixon met with his Cabinet and key staff to coordinate messaging and strategy on pressing administration priorities, specifically energy policy, economic inflation, and the ongoing Watergate investigations. Nixon urged his officials to actively support the administration's legislative agenda, particularly in the face of rising economic concerns and energy supply challenges. He emphasized the necessity of a unified, firm stance against political pressure, framing the current crises as manageable problems rather than catastrophic failures. Additionally, Nixon underscored his commitment to a thorough investigation into Watergate, stressing the need to maintain public order and confidence while the legal process unfolded.
On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:17 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-134 of the White House Tapes.
On April 25, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 8:17 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-135 of the White House Tapes.
On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-148 of the White House Tapes.
On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:53 pm and 8:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-158 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the ongoing Watergate investigation, including the legal strategies for John Dean, the potential for impeachment, and the handling of press inquiries. They also touched upon the Ellsberg case and the possibility of a photograph being in evidence. Nixon expressed concern about the public perception of the White House and the need to present a unified front.
President Richard Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing investigation into the Watergate scandal and the status of potential evidence. The conversation centers on the President's frustration regarding uncorroborated information and his desire to control the investigative process to avoid political damage. Nixon emphasizes the need to manage the flow of information as the situation escalates, ultimately expressing concern over the implications of incriminating details surfacing.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 6:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-018 of the White House Tapes.
On April 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:09 am and 9:13 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to devise a strategy to counter potential testimony from John W. Dean III before the Ervin Committee. The pair discussed discrediting Dean by emphasizing his role in the original Watergate investigation and framing his upcoming testimony as self-serving and unreliable. They also addressed legal concerns regarding executive privilege and the protection of presidential papers, while coordinating efforts to handle inquiries about White House involvement in payments to defendants and the manipulation of intelligence documents.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Alexander Haig discussed the Watergate investigation, focusing on potential CIA involvement, the role of various individuals like L. Patrick Gray and Vernon Walters, and the implications of their testimony and memoranda. They strategized on how to present their accounts, particularly concerning meetings with Walters and Helms, and the nature of any discussions about limiting the investigation or providing cover stories. The conversation also touched upon executive privilege, the release of documents, and the broader implications of the unfolding scandal for national security and the administration.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss legal strategy regarding the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on John Dean’s role and his potential testimony. They review documentation of Dean's interactions with Lt. Gen. Vernon Walters, aiming to frame these as standard investigative procedures while distancing the President from Dean’s actions. The two conclude that J. Fred Buzhardt should consult with Richard Helms to assert national security privilege over specific records to limit their disclosure during the ongoing inquiry.
President Nixon and Ron Ziegler discussed press relations and the ongoing Watergate investigation. They focused on how Ziegler handled press briefings, the tone of White House communications, and potential strategies to manage public perception. Key topics included the President's August 1972 statement, John Dean's role, and the possibility of a press conference. They also touched upon the Ellsberg break-in and the handling of sensitive files, with a decision to potentially adjust the frequency of Ziegler's briefings.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the scheduling and parameters of an upcoming meeting with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The President emphasized his desire to hear a personal message from Petersen, while noting that the conversation should remain distinct from ongoing grand jury matters. This exchange served to facilitate the logistics and communication protocols for the President's engagement with the Justice Department official.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a forthcoming discussion with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. The two discussed logistical delays caused by inclement weather and the necessity of ensuring privacy for the meeting. The conversation focused on managing the interaction to avoid premature or public association with grand jury proceedings.
On May 15, 1973, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. and Doug Parker talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:21 pm and 5:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-068 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:48 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-074 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:25 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-076 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and legal counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. held a brief meeting to verify the status of undisclosed materials or records. Buzhardt confirmed that the requested items had been secured and reviewed, though he noted that the effort yielded unsuccessful or unproductive results. This exchange served as a status update regarding the handling of sensitive documentation amidst the unfolding Watergate investigation.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the potential resignation of G. Bradford Cook, the ongoing Watergate investigation including possible replacements for Elliot Richardson, and the impact of Watergate and the economy on public opinion polls. They also covered press relations, potential White House staff changes, and the administration's response to the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed internal investigations into agency involvement, specifically focusing on the CIA's potential role and the necessity for a thorough, broad-based inquiry. Nixon directed Ziegler to gather specific data regarding FBI reports and the timeline of staff involvement in Los Angeles to clarify administrative oversight. This exchange reflects the White House's attempt to manage and compartmentalize information surrounding ongoing investigations.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:31 pm and 5:39 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 920-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with J. Fred Buzhardt regarding the collection of affidavits from various officials to document that the Huston Plan was never fully implemented. Nixon emphasized the urgency of gathering these testimonies to prepare a defense strategy, while also discussing media efforts to highlight how upcoming Ervin Committee hearings might jeopardize ongoing legal trials. Finally, the President and Ronald Ziegler discussed countering allegations regarding a past political opponent's medical history, with Nixon demanding that negative information about the source of these rumors be leaked to the press to discredit the accuser.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:58 pm and 8:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-108 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the management of information and materials related to ongoing investigations, specifically focusing on what should be disclosed to prosecutors versus what falls under security protections. Nixon expresses concern over the handling of CIA-related information and the legal implications of providing specific directives to the agency. The conversation underscores the administration's efforts to navigate the tension between cooperative transparency and the protection of sensitive executive branch records.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:34 pm to 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, along with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., met to discuss the forthcoming White Paper on Watergate, focusing on fact-checking, potential press questions, and the precise phrasing of statements. They also reviewed details of the Huston Plan, including its approval and memoranda, and debated the President's knowledge and role in various aspects of the Watergate investigation and the Ellsberg break-in. The conversation also touched upon Henry Kissinger's discussions regarding North Vietnam, Daniel Ellsberg, and nuclear war considerations.
President Nixon reviewed a recording of a previous meeting with John W. Dean III while meeting with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation primarily involved evaluating the content and potential impact of the taped discussion with Dean. The President and the visitor discussed strategies for managing the information contained within these recordings and deliberated on how to approach its public or internal handling.
President Nixon spent this session reviewing specific segments of previously recorded White House conversations, including discussions involving John W. Dean, III and Henry A. Kissinger. During the same period, Nixon engaged in an brief telephone conversation with Richard G. Kleindienst concerning a meeting and potential testimony. The President utilized this time to selectively audit past internal records and coordinate administrative matters during the ongoing investigation.
On June 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 12:51 pm to 12:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-065 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull meet to discuss the technical operation and maintenance of the White House taping system. The discussion focuses on the physical location of recording equipment, the procedure for daily tape rotation, and an assessment of existing tape segments from April. Nixon gives instructions regarding the management of these recordings and tasking Bull with oversight of the system's ongoing operations.
On June 4, 1973, unknown person(s) and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:50 pm and 5:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 442-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the review, editing, and preparation of White House tape recordings. The discussion focused on managing the logistics of selecting and transcribing specific conversations from March and April 1973 for official review. Nixon instructed Bull to finalize the processing of these tapes so the President could personally listen to the recordings.
On June 4, 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 5:06 pm and 6:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 442-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the ongoing transcription of sensitive White House tape recordings. The discussion focused on establishing a systematic process for reviewing specific recordings from March, with particular emphasis on identifying content involving the President. They assigned responsibility for transcribing various segments to ensure comprehensive documentation of the requested materials.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the handling of a statement intended for release by John Dean regarding the Senate Judiciary Committee, then chaired by Senator James Eastland. The discussion touched upon the review of specific mission-related documents and coordination with Press Secretary Ron Ziegler. They concluded by agreeing to follow up on the status of these materials and Dean's statement the following day.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull met to address technical issues and gaps in the White House taping system. Nixon expressed frustration over malfunctioning recording equipment and specifically requested that Bull locate and provide access to recordings from March 16 and March 20. The President emphasized the priority of retrieving these specific tapes, signaling his intent to personally listen to the recordings for review.
On June 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:34 pm and 2:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-108 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with J. Fred Buzhardt to review the status of the ongoing Watergate investigation and discuss the aggressive, broad-ranging document and testimony requests made by Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. Buzhardt characterized Cox’s efforts as an attempt to overstep his mandate and challenge executive privilege, leading to a strategy of forcing Cox to formally request items in writing to maintain administrative control. Nixon and Buzhardt agreed to resist these demands firmly, preparing for an inevitable future confrontation or subpoena while emphasizing the necessity of protecting the constitutional integrity of the presidency.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed strategies for conducting a rigorous cross-examination of John Dean in anticipation of his upcoming testimony before the Ervin Committee. The President emphasized highlighting Dean’s failure to report key information to the Department of Justice, despite his regular access to officials like L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen. They further reviewed chronological evidence to prove that Dean’s involvement in fund-raising and obstruction predated his meetings with the President, with the goal of undermining Dean's credibility and distancing the White House from his illicit activities.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met to discuss legal defense strategies regarding ongoing investigations and potential witness reliability. The conversation centered on concerns regarding a witness's propensity for lying and the risk that their testimony could undermine the administration's legal position. They weighed the strategic implications of how specific evidence or documentation might be contested or utilized during formal proceedings.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the management of presidential records and materials, specifically focusing on the documentation of the administration's first four years. The two men also evaluate potential publishers for these materials and touch upon ongoing investigations, including the testimony of John Dean and others involved in the Watergate scandal. Nixon expresses concern regarding the motivations of those testifying and emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to documenting his presidency.