Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on William P. Rogers
388 conversations · page 4 of 4 · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Rogers, Haldeman
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman met to strategize the second-term administration reorganization, focusing on personnel changes and reining in the influence of key advisors. They discussed the forced departure of Herbert G. Klein, the management of Henry Kissinger’s growing public celebrity and professional friction with Secretary of State William Rogers, and the need to exert tighter presidential control over ambassadorship selections. The group further coordinated tactical appointments within the State Department, specifically intending to use Kenneth Rush and William J. Casey to assert greater administrative oversight.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed personnel planning for the second-term administration reorganization, specifically focusing on diplomatic appointments and the retirement of senior officials. Haldeman reported on his recent phone consultations with Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding potential changes and the anticipated resistance from individuals like U. Alexis Johnson. To expedite these staffing decisions, Nixon requested that Haldeman and John Ehrlichman meet with him immediately at Camp David before his scheduled meeting with Richard Kleindienst.
President Nixon requested that the Camp David operator confirm the locations of Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird and Secretary of State William P. Rogers. He specifically sought to verify if both officials were attending a NATO conference, while explicitly noting he did not wish to speak with either of them. The President directed the operator to consult the National Security Council staff to resolve the inquiry and call him back with the information.
On December 6, 1972, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:31 pm and 4:40 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 157-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed the Camp David operator to confirm the current whereabouts of Secretary of Defense David Packard and Secretary of State William Rogers. He specifically requested that the operator verify their attendance at a NATO meeting through the National Security Council staff. The President explicitly noted that he did not intend to speak with either official, seeking only to track their locations.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield coordinated final preparations and logistics for a White House dinner scheduled for December 16, 1972. Following the resignation of John B. Connally, who was slated to be the respondent, Nixon decided that Secretary of State William P. Rogers should serve in that role. Additionally, the President confirmed that Vice President Spiro Agnew and Mrs. Agnew would join him and the First Lady in receiving guests.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to finalize logistical details and media management for an upcoming award ceremony honoring Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The discussion focused on controlling press access during the event and perfecting the delivery of the official citation, which had been vetted by Melvin R. Laird. Henry A. Kissinger joined the brief session to coordinate the preparation of a statement regarding Secretary of State William P. Rogers.
H. R. Haldeman and William E. Timmons discussed ongoing Congressional Democratic Caucus activities and their potential impact on the Nixon administration. The conversation focused on Democratic efforts to challenge the administration through resolutions regarding the impoundment of funds and the requirement for Cabinet members, such as Secretary of State William P. Rogers, to testify before Congress. Timmons reported on the tense atmosphere within the caucus, including reports of impeachment rhetoric, and committed to providing Haldeman with copies of the caucus resolutions once they became available.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss how Secretary of State William P. Rogers should respond to harsh public criticisms of U.S. Vietnam policy made by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While National Security Council staff advised a 'no comment' approach, Nixon explicitly overrules them and authorizes Rogers to publicly rebuke Gandhi's remarks. Nixon instructs Haldeman to have Rogers use the President's previous correspondence regarding peace efforts as the basis for his response.
On February 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:47 am and 12:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-065 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to review and coordinate the President's daily schedule and upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on the logistics regarding Donald Rumsfeld’s arrival and departure, as well as preparations for a telephone call with Secretary of State William P. Rogers concerning trade legislation and George P. Shultz. The conversation served primarily as an administrative briefing to manage the timing and sequence of these high-level meetings.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the administration's messaging regarding potential hijacking negotiations with Cuba, emphasizing that Secretary of State William P. Rogers would address the topic at an upcoming press conference. The two also discussed the protocol for lowering the American flag to half-mast in light of recent inquiries, noting that senior staff members including Alexander Haig and H.R. Haldeman supported the move. Nixon instructed Ziegler to bring relevant documentation to his office at 2:45 p.m. for final review and approval.
On February 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:27 am and 9:06 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-134 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed William E. Timmons to reschedule a meeting with Mike Mansfield to Thursday morning, citing a need for Henry Kissinger to recover from travel and to better prepare for the discussion. Nixon also noted that Secretary of State William P. Rogers was scheduled to testify the following day. Timmons confirmed the change to the new 11:00 am slot, and the President instructed him to coordinate the update with the necessary parties.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the management of Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the upcoming announcement of a U.S.-PRC liaison office, as well as the difficult legislative challenge of securing Congressional approval for bilateral aid to North Vietnam. They strategized on how to frame the aid as essential leverage to ensure North Vietnamese compliance with peace agreements and regional troop withdrawals, while debating how to overcome opposition from both conservative skeptics and liberal critics. Ultimately, the pair resolved to lobby key Senators individually to emphasize that failing to support the aid program would effectively invite further regional instability.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated the preparation for Secretary of State William P. Rogers' upcoming testimony regarding foreign relations. The discussion confirmed that Rogers had been briefed on the imminent release of a U.S.-People's Republic of China communiqué. They agreed that providing Rogers with the text by the following afternoon was the appropriate strategy to handle potential congressional inquiries on the matter.
On February 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:55 am and 10:06 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-164 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss the administration’s strategy for managing the public perception of the recent Vietnam peace settlement. The conversation focused on establishing a narrative around the agreement, including the role of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and the importance of crafting specific messaging for Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker and South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. The participants emphasized the need to generate significant public attention and secure support for the deal’s diplomatic precedents.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the aftermath of Secretary Rogers' meeting with North Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Duy Trinh regarding the Paris Agreement. The primary focus was on North Vietnam's assurances about the full release of POWs within the 60-day period and their commitment to discuss the next phase of releases through the Joint Military Commission. Nixon expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived softness of the public statement and the lack of progress on key issues like mining, while also considering how to frame the developments for the press.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the upcoming International Conference on Vietnam, focusing on a Washington Star headline that appeared to stem from North Vietnamese comments about ceasefire violations. Ziegler briefed the President on the context, noting that the headline likely originated from statements made by Madame Nguyen Thi Binh and Nguyen Duy Trinh following a meeting with the four foreign ministers. The conversation also touched upon the release of Prisoners of War (POWs), with the understanding that North Vietnam had assured the US of their release according to the agreement.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger spoke to discuss the hostage crisis in Sudan involving the Black September organization and the status of American and Belgian diplomats. Nixon sought clarification on conflicting reports regarding the casualties provided by Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler. Kissinger agreed to verify the details of the incident and report back to the President immediately, while the two also briefly addressed Secretary of State William P. Rogers's travel schedule.
On March 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:03 am and 11:22 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-044 of the White House Tapes.
On March 5, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-050 of the White House Tapes.
On March 5, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:04 pm and 3:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-051 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull discussed the logistics for an upcoming visit to the State Department to meet with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They reviewed the schedule for a proposed luncheon and an event involving the unveiling of a bronze plaque, while dismissing the idea of a large address to Foreign Service officers. Nixon ultimately deferred to Rogers's preferences regarding the luncheon guest list and the format of the visit.
On March 5, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-054 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual and later Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative tasks and logistical planning. Discussions centered on the President's upcoming schedule, including appointments and a potential meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers, as well as the finalization of a speech regarding crime and drug abuse. Specific action items included clearing the President's Monday schedule and reviewing the final draft of the law enforcement address.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinated scheduling logistics for an upcoming meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers, with Henry Kissinger also under consideration. The discussion focused on finalizing a time slot between 2:00 and 2:30 PM, while briefly touching upon golf arrangements and potential delays concerning the Cost of Living Council. Bull was tasked with confirming the logistics to ensure the meeting proceeded as planned.
On March 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:46 pm and 1:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-094 of the White House Tapes.
On March 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:53 pm and 4:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-194 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the logistics and strategic purpose of an upcoming briefing for subcabinet officers. The primary goal of the session was identified as a form of "therapy" for the attendees rather than a forum for substantive policy speeches. They addressed necessary coordination efforts, including the involvement of Secretary of State William P. Rogers, press coverage arrangements, and the structure of the agenda regarding budget and tax matters.
On March 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:47 pm and 1:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers consult on the appropriate method for communicating a sensitive recommendation, debating whether a formal letter or a direct phone call is more suitable. Nixon expresses hesitation regarding the timing and nature of the call, ultimately seeking Rogers’s advice on the matter. Following their brief exchange, the President decides to proceed with the communication.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull met briefly to address administrative logistics regarding the President's personal belongings and correspondence. The discussion focused on the status of a letter dispatched to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau, which had been coordinated through Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The conversation concluded with Bull confirming the handling of the dispatch and the President preparing for his subsequent scheduled engagement.
On March 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:01 pm and 4:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-016 of the White House Tapes.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with the White House operator to place a telephone call to Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The brief exchange includes background presence from President Nixon and John Ehrlichman, suggesting high-level coordination regarding pending administrative business. The call likely relates to ongoing matters involving Attorney General Richard Kleindienst, Senator Lowell Weicker, and issues surrounding testimony, though the specific substance remains minimal in this recording.
H. R. Haldeman and Secretary of State William P. Rogers coordinated a meeting to facilitate a briefing for the President. Haldeman instructed Rogers to meet with him first to provide necessary background information before Rogers proceeded to a scheduled appointment with the President. They strategically finalized the timing of these meetings and discussed the formal recording of Rogers's visit to the White House to ensure an accurate official record.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, to check on her well-being and coordinate their upcoming social schedule. During the brief check-in, the President clarified that he would be unavailable for dinner that evening due to pressing work obligations, including a meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers. They concluded the call by confirming plans to reunite the following day.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, held a brief personal check-in regarding the President's health and upcoming schedule. They confirmed plans to meet at a dinner later in the week while the President noted his need to work with Secretary of State William Rogers that evening. The interaction served as a coordination of social and professional commitments rather than a discussion of policy.
On March 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:18 pm and 3:27 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 423-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon recorded a memorandum for the file regarding a private telephone call involving John D. Ehrlichman and William P. Rogers. The discussion centered on an exchange of congratulations between the participants. No further substantive policy decisions or action items were documented in this brief dictation.
On April 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:55 pm and 5:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-072 of the White House Tapes.
Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew spoke to coordinate scheduling adjustments regarding a planned meeting or social engagement. Rogers notified the Vice President that he had to cancel their previous plans due to a last-minute request from President Nixon to join him for a discussion aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. The two agreed to postpone their interaction and discussed the inclusion of Adele Rogers in the rescheduled arrangements.
On April 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:55 pm and 6:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-074 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1973, William P. Rogers and Adele (Langston) Rogers talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:55 pm and 6:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-075 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with William Rogers to discuss the unfolding Watergate scandal, focusing on the potential testimony of John Dean, Jeb Magruder, and John Mitchell. They reviewed the role of Henry Petersen in the investigation, the disposition of materials from E. Howard Hunt Jr.'s safe, and the implications of Dean's negotiations with prosecutors. The conversation also touched upon President Nixon's schedule and potential actions, including involving Leonard Garment.
President Nixon met with his personal valet Manolo Sanchez and an unidentified individual to coordinate his immediate professional and personal schedule. The brief discussion primarily concerned the President's upcoming evening bowling plans and arrangements for a meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers scheduled for the following afternoon. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this logistics-focused interaction.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discuss the President's personal health before shifting focus to the political crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal. The two assess the counsel of William P. Rogers and John B. Connally, with Nixon noting Rogers’s inability to make decisive recommendations. Consequently, Nixon instructs Haldeman to consult with Connally regarding the political strategy of a proposed leave of absence, seeking his candid input on the decision.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the escalating Watergate crisis, specifically focusing on the timing of their impending resignation leaves and the President’s forthcoming national address. Nixon seeks to maintain distance from legal negotiations involving John Dean and considers proposing that Attorney General William P. Rogers take charge of a special investigation to restore public confidence. They also review the handling of sensitive White House documents and the importance of appearing resilient and in control amid mounting political pressure.
On April 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:01 am and 9:02 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate the transportation of Secretary of State William P. Rogers to Camp David for a private meeting. The logistics involve arranging a military helicopter to transport Rogers from a helipad near his residence in Bethesda to the designated landing site at Thurmont. Bull is instructed to finalize these details promptly and report back to the President with an estimated arrival time to facilitate scheduling.
On April 28, 1973, Stephen B. Bull and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David from 9:27 am to 9:28 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed a strategic plan to manage the mounting Watergate crisis ahead of a forthcoming presidential speech. Ziegler proposed that Nixon appoint William P. Rogers as Attorney General to lead the Justice Department, arguing this move would provide a "masterstroke" that separates the President from the ongoing investigation. The pair also coordinated the handling of H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean, focusing on the implementation of forced leaves of absence to stabilize the administration while maintaining the President's personal defense against allegations.
On April 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 11:22 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-014 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 11:23 am and 3:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-015 of the White House Tapes.
On April 28, 1973, Camp David operator and William P. Rogers talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:23 am and 3:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-016 of the White House Tapes.
On April 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:25 am and 10:26 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the strategic management of the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the necessary resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon sought Rogers's advice on how to handle the duo's apparent reluctance to leave, ultimately concluding that their continued presence hindered government operations and that full resignations were unavoidable. Additionally, they discussed the upcoming public announcement regarding the appointment of a new FBI director and the oversight of the ongoing investigation.
On April 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:36 am and 11:46 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-031 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the impending resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman amid the deepening Watergate scandal. Rogers advised Nixon against attending the meeting with his aides to maintain distance and credibility, recommending instead that the President present the resignations as a firm, unilateral decision rather than a matter for negotiation. The conversation concluded with an agreement that the two aides should resign voluntarily to maintain the 'high ground' while John W. Dean would be dismissed separately, allowing Nixon to distance himself from the scandal's fallout.
On April 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:01 pm and 12:28 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon requested Secretary of State William P. Rogers to travel to Camp David to review and provide editorial feedback on a draft of his forthcoming address regarding the Watergate scandal. Nixon tasked speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. with preparing the draft and sought Rogers's input, explicitly referencing Rogers's prior assistance during the 1952 Checkers fund crisis. The two agreed that Rogers would arrive at 5:00 p.m. to review the document and offer suggestions to strengthen the President's public response.
On April 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:52 am and 11:02 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-049 of the White House Tapes.
On April 30, 1973, Rose Mary Woods and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:20 pm and 10:32 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-043 of the White House Tapes.
Secretary of State William P. Rogers calls President Nixon to offer praise and support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two discuss the effective delivery and tone of the speech, as well as the difficult resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Additionally, Rogers updates the President on positive feedback from congressional leaders regarding a potential role for David Packard and expresses his commitment to supporting the administration. Tricia Nixon Cox also joins the call to reiterate the family's appreciation for Rogers's loyalty during the crisis.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to instruct Leonard Garment to revise a memorandum regarding access to the personal papers of H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman. Expressing shock and disappointment at the breadth of the proposal, the President insisted that the documents be protected rather than opened to FBI scrutiny, explicitly stating that his former aides were not defendants. The conversation also touched upon coordinating the President’s concerns with Secretary of State William P. Rogers's schedule.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to investigate whether Secretary of State William Rogers is hosting a lunch for a foreign chancellor. Simultaneously, the President expresses significant anger regarding an instance of reported fraud, instructing Bull to inform Carmen that such poor judgment is unacceptable. Nixon emphasizes that the individuals involved are not dependents and demands immediate action to address the situation.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to establish firm control over White House staff files, asserting that all correspondence between himself and his staff—particularly regarding national security—belongs exclusively to the President rather than individual staff members. This directive was intended to clarify ownership protocols in response to a memorandum drafted by Leonard Garment. Bull was tasked with revising the document to reflect the President's position for subsequent review by William P. Rogers.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss strategies for handling legal challenges, specifically regarding the handling of presidential papers and the refusal of a subpoena. Nixon asserted that his records were protected by national security claims and insisted they should be submitted through alternative channels rather than handed over directly. The conversation concluded with Nixon directing Bull to coordinate with William P. Rogers to manage the situation.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to communicate to H.R. Haldeman that he has successfully handled concerns regarding FBI involvement during a recent Cabinet meeting. Nixon specifies that he rejected the proposal for a formal memorandum suggested by Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Furthermore, the President authorizes an invitation for Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and their families to utilize Camp David over the upcoming weekend.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:47 pm and 6:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-107 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:15 pm and 7:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-117 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:36 pm and 11:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-127 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:21 am and 10:24 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-136 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Thomas Hart to coordinate logistical details for an upcoming visit from West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. The discussion focused on finalizing the meeting schedule and clarifying the roles and attendance of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. They specifically reviewed the timing of a planned photo opportunity to ensure smooth transitions for the participating officials.
On May 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:12 am and 10:13 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-156 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the potential recruitment of former Chief Justice Earl Warren to lead a commission investigating the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on leveraging Secretary of State William P. Rogers' personal relationship with Warren to secure his chairmanship for the inquiry. Nixon viewed Warren's potential involvement as a strategic maneuver to restore public credibility and influence the framing of the President's upcoming public address on the matter.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss upcoming scheduling requirements and personal needs. The conversation focused on logistical arrangements for a potential meeting aboard the Sequoia with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Additionally, Nixon emphasized his need for rest and refreshment, prioritizing a brief period of sleep to prepare for his subsequent professional duties.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the status of a potential commission to address Watergate, focusing on William P. Rogers's effort to recruit Earl Warren for the role despite their adversarial relationship. They also reviewed news of indictments against Maurice Stans and John Mitchell regarding the Robert Vesco case, viewing the legal proceedings as a sign that the justice system was functioning. Additionally, Haig provided a brief status update on Elliot Richardson’s ongoing testimony and efforts to influence upcoming personnel appointments.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-190 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified staff member regarding the preparation of a forthcoming Sunday night television address. The discussion focused on the necessary length of the speech, with the President specifying a fifteen-minute duration to ensure effective delivery. Nixon emphasized the importance of coordinating the message with advisors Leonard Garment and William P. Rogers while considering the political implications for Congress.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-204 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed strategies to manage the fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the upcoming Congressional hearings and potential revelations regarding unauthorized wiretaps. They strategized on how to frame past FBI wiretapping activities as standard national security protocols inherited from previous administrations rather than partisan misconduct. Additionally, they evaluated the political implications of replacing Secretary of State William Rogers with Henry Kissinger or John Connally, ultimately weighing Kissinger's professional indispensability against the political utility of a cabinet change.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:58 am and 10:45 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss strategies for stabilizing the administration amidst the ongoing Watergate crisis and internal personnel challenges. They reviewed the results of Nixon's recent meeting with Congressional leaders and debated necessary shifts in White House staff organization, particularly concerning the influence of Roy Ash and the role of the Office of Management and Budget. A significant focus of the discussion was managing the departure of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and neutralizing the perceived lack of public confidence, with Nixon emphasizing a plan to increase his own public profile through frequent travel to engage directly with labor, farm, and industry stakeholders.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss ongoing personnel changes within the administration, specifically regarding the planned departure of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and the recruitment of Melvin R. Laird for a senior White House role. Haig confirms that Rogers prefers to delay the announcement of his exit to avoid complications related to the Watergate scandal. Meanwhile, the two coordinate a strategy to persuade Laird to accept a position as a domestic policy advisor, scheduling a meeting at Camp David to finalize the offer with support from Bryce Harlow.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the scheduling requirements for a Council of the Americas meeting. Nixon expressed concern regarding whether Secretary of State William P. Rogers needed to attend, contingent upon whether the Council had already met with Rogers following his recent trip to Latin America. Bull was tasked with verifying the Council's itinerary to determine if Rogers' presence at the White House was necessary.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and manage his professional engagements. They discussed the President's attendance at a Council of the Americas meeting, noting the involvement of William P. Rogers and Nelson Rockefeller, while Nixon expressed skepticism regarding the meeting's overall utility. Additionally, Nixon decided against a trip to Florida for the weekend and determined that Rose Mary Woods would not need to accompany Alexander Haig on his own planned travel.