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This file contains:
Memo from Rose Mary Woods to Haldeman RE: apparent reply to a previous memo from Haldeman. 1pg. [Memo], 10/29/1968
Letter (author unk RN?) to Philip Habib thanking him for previously submitted report. 1pg. [Letter], 10/23/1968
Letter form Philip Habib to RN informing RN of enclosed report titled "Toward a Modern Diplomacy". 1pg. [Letter], 10/14/1968
Memo (author unk) to RN RE: dealing with the old administration. 18pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from RN to President Johnson RE: presidential transition. 1pg. [Letter], 10/4/1968
Letter from RN to Robert C. Hill extending appreciation for advice on the situation in Mexico. 1pg. [Letter], 10/4/1968
Report (author and recipient unk) RE: American policy toward Germany in the light of the (Soviet) invasion of Czechoslovakia. 3pgs. [Report], 9/28/1968
Typed letter from Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis to RN wishing him well. 1pg. [Letter], 12/9/1968
Handwritten letter from Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis to RN wishing him well. 1pg. [Letter], n.d.
Memo/note (author, recipient unk) noting exchange of messages between RN and Pogorny of the Soviet Embassy. 1pg. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from Pogorny of the Soviet Embassy to RN congratulating him on his election victory. 1pg. [Letter], n.d.
Letter from RN to Pogorny thanking him for his note of congratulations. 1pg. [Letter], 11/13/1968
Western Union telegrams (2ea) from Thomas Upsher and Mr. & Mrs. JE Sorrells to RN expressing displeasure over the appointment of Seargent Shriver to an ambassadorship. 1pg. [Other Document], 12/10/1968
Memo from Chotiner to Rose (Mary Woods) stating that "RN will probably want to handle this himself".. 1pg. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from RN's ex-lawfirm congratulating him on his electio victory. 1pg. [Letter], 11/7/1968
Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to RN acknowledging Bob Woodruff and General Heaton's importance. 2pgs. [Letter], 12/4/1968
Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to RN expressing a wish to meet various cabinet appointees along with a suggestion to appoint Herb Brownell for Chief Justice. 3pgs. [Letter], 12/13/1968
Envelope that contained correspondence from DD Eisenhower to RN. 1pg. [Other Document], n.d.
Letter from Rita Hauser to RN congratulating him on his election victory. 1pg. [Letter], 11/27/1968
Typed letter from Harold Lee to RN claiming election victory is assured along with good luck wishes. 1pg. [Letter], n.d.
Handwritten letter from Harold Lee to RN claiming election victory is assured along with good luck wishes. 1pg. [Letter], 10/19/1968
Envelope that contained letter from H. Lee to RN. 1pg. [Other Document], 10/19/1968
Letter from John McCone to RN encouraging the employment of Gilbert Fitzhugh. 1pg. [Letter], 12/5/1968
Biographical and background information for Gilbert Fitzhugh. [Report], n.d.
Brochure authored by Gilbert Fitzhugh titled "Facing Up to our Urban Problems." 1pg. [Brochure], 11/27/1968
NARA withdrawl sheet. [Form], n.d.
Birthday card from the Yorba Linda 4-H Club to RN with signatures. 2pgs. [Other Document], n.d.
Notes (author/recipient unk) regarding flight information. 1pg. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from Robert Menzies to RN congratulating him on his speculative electoral victory. 1pg. [Letter], 10/9/1968
Envelope that contained letter from R. Menzies to RN. 1pg. [Other Document], n.d.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
26126126
label
WHSF: Returned, 6-2
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
26126126
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
WHSF: Returned, 6-2
description
This file contains:
Memo from Rose Mary Woods to Haldeman RE: apparent reply to a previous memo from Haldeman. 1pg. [Memo], 10/29/1968
Letter (author unk RN?) to Philip Habib thanking him for previously submitted report. 1pg. [Letter], 10/23/1968
Letter form Philip Habib to RN informing RN of enclosed report titled "Toward a Modern Diplomacy". 1pg. [Letter], 10/14/1968
Memo (author unk) to RN RE: dealing with the old administration. 18pgs. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from RN to President Johnson RE: presidential transition. 1pg. [Letter], 10/4/1968
Letter from RN to Robert C. Hill extending appreciation for advice on the situation in Mexico. 1pg. [Letter], 10/4/1968
Report (author and recipient unk) RE: American policy toward Germany in the light of the (Soviet) invasion of Czechoslovakia. 3pgs. [Report], 9/28/1968
Typed letter from Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis to RN wishing him well. 1pg. [Letter], 12/9/1968
Handwritten letter from Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis to RN wishing him well. 1pg. [Letter], n.d.
Memo/note (author, recipient unk) noting exchange of messages between RN and Pogorny of the Soviet Embassy. 1pg. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from Pogorny of the Soviet Embassy to RN congratulating him on his election victory. 1pg. [Letter], n.d.
Letter from RN to Pogorny thanking him for his note of congratulations. 1pg. [Letter], 11/13/1968
Western Union telegrams (2ea) from Thomas Upsher and Mr. & Mrs. JE Sorrells to RN expressing displeasure over the appointment of Seargent Shriver to an ambassadorship. 1pg. [Other Document], 12/10/1968
Memo from Chotiner to Rose (Mary Woods) stating that "RN will probably want to handle this himself".. 1pg. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from RN's ex-lawfirm congratulating him on his electio victory. 1pg. [Letter], 11/7/1968
Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to RN acknowledging Bob Woodruff and General Heaton's importance. 2pgs. [Letter], 12/4/1968
Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to RN expressing a wish to meet various cabinet appointees along with a suggestion to appoint Herb Brownell for Chief Justice. 3pgs. [Letter], 12/13/1968
Envelope that contained correspondence from DD Eisenhower to RN. 1pg. [Other Document], n.d.
Letter from Rita Hauser to RN congratulating him on his election victory. 1pg. [Letter], 11/27/1968
Typed letter from Harold Lee to RN claiming election victory is assured along with good luck wishes. 1pg. [Letter], n.d.
Handwritten letter from Harold Lee to RN claiming election victory is assured along with good luck wishes. 1pg. [Letter], 10/19/1968
Envelope that contained letter from H. Lee to RN. 1pg. [Other Document], 10/19/1968
Letter from John McCone to RN encouraging the employment of Gilbert Fitzhugh. 1pg. [Letter], 12/5/1968
Biographical and background information for Gilbert Fitzhugh. [Report], n.d.
Brochure authored by Gilbert Fitzhugh titled "Facing Up to our Urban Problems." 1pg. [Brochure], 11/27/1968
NARA withdrawl sheet. [Form], n.d.
Birthday card from the Yorba Linda 4-H Club to RN with signatures. 2pgs. [Other Document], n.d.
Notes (author/recipient unk) regarding flight information. 1pg. [Memo], n.d.
Letter from Robert Menzies to RN congratulating him on his speculative electoral victory. 1pg. [Letter], 10/9/1968
Envelope that contained letter from R. Menzies to RN. 1pg. [Other Document], n.d.
citationUrl
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Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Returned White House Special Files
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
White House Special Files Collection
Folder List
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
6
2
10/29/1968
Memo
Memo from Rose Mary Woods to Haldeman
RE: apparent reply to a previous memo from
Haldeman. 1pg.
6
2
10/23/1968
Letter
Letter (author unk RN?) to Philip Habib
thanking him for previously submitted
report. 1pg.
6
2
10/14/1968
Letter
Letter form Philip Habib to RN informing
RN of enclosed report titled "Toward a
Modern Diplomacy". 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Memo
Memo (author unk) to RN RE: dealing with
the old administration. 18pgs.
6
2
10/04/1968
Letter
Letter from RN to President Johnson RE:
presidential transition. 1pg.
6
2
10/04/1968
Letter
Letter from RN to Robert C. Hill extending
appreciation for advice on the situation in
Mexico. 1pg.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Page 1 of 5
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
6
2
09/28/1968
Report
Report (author and recipient unk) RE:
American policy toward Germany in the light
of the (Soviet) invasion of Czechoslovakia.
3pgs.
6
2
12/09/1968
Letter
Typed letter from Jacqueline Bouvier
Onassis to RN wishing him well. 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Letter
Handwritten letter from Jacqueline Bouvier
Onassis to RN wishing him well. 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Memo
Memo/note (author, recipient unk) noting
exchange of messages between RN and
Pogorny of the Soviet Embassy. 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Letter
Letter from Pogorny of the Soviet Embassy
to RN congratulating him on his election
victory. 1pg.
6
2
11/13/1968
Letter
Letter from RN to Pogorny thanking him for
his note of congratulations. 1pg.
6
2
12/10/1968
Other Document
Western Union telegrams (2ea) from Thomas
Upsher and Mr. & Mrs. JE Sorrells to RN
expressing displeasure over the appointment
of Seargent Shriver to an ambassadorship.
1pg.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Page 2 of 5
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
6
2
n.d.
Memo
Memo from Chotiner to Rose (Mary Woods)
stating that "RN will probably want to handle
this himself". 1pg.
6
2
11/07/1968
Letter
Letter from RN's ex-lawfirm congratulating
him on his electio victory. 1pg.
6
2
12/04/1968
Letter
Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to RN
acknowledging Bob Woodruff and General
Heaton's importance. 2pgs.
6
2
12/13/1968
Letter
Letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to RN
expressing a wish to meet various cabinet
appointees along with a suggestion to appoint
Herb Brownell for Chief Justice. 3pgs.
6
2
n.d.
Other Document
Envelope that contained correspondence
from DD Eisenhower to RN. 1pg.
6
2
11/27/1968
Letter
Letter from Rita Hauser to RN congratulating
him on his election victory. 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Letter
Typed letter from Harold Lee to RN claiming
election victory is assured along with good
luck wishes. 1pg.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Page 3 of 5
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
6
2
10/19/1968
Letter
Handwritten letter from Harold Lee to RN
claiming election victory is assured along
with good luck wishes. 1pg.
6
2
10/19/1968
Other Document
Envelope that contained letter from H. Lee to
RN. 1pg.
6
2
12/05/1968
Letter
Letter from John McCone to RN encouraging
the employment of Gilbert Fitzhugh. 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Report
Biographical and background information for
Gilbert Fitzhugh.
6
2
11/27/1968
Brochure
Brochure authored by Gilbert Fitzhugh titled
"Facing Up to our Urban Problems." 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Form
NARA withdrawl sheet.
6
2
n.d.
Other Document
Birthday card from the Yorba Linda 4-H
Club to RN with signatures. 2pgs.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Page 4 of 5
Box Number Folder Number Document Date
Document Type
Document Description
6
2
n.d.
Memo
Notes (author/recipient unk) regarding flight
information. 1pg.
6
2
10/09/1968
Letter
Letter from Robert Menzies to RN
congratulating him on his speculative
electoral victory. 1pg.
6
2
n.d.
Other Document
Envelope that contained letter from R.
Menzies to RN. 1pg.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Page 5 of 5
Rose Mary Woods
Staff of Richard M. Nixon
450 Park Avenue
(Lto haw) gone
Z
New York, N.Y. 10022
(212) 661-6400
Executive Secretary
10/29/68
Memo:
Bob H. Roue
I have no idea
whether anyone else
has seen the letter
or the report. I
be sure to know
think you should 1
1
where all the reports
are. Rost at god
October 23, 1968
Dear Mr. Habib:
Thank you for your thoughtful report and letter which
Dr. Olds has delivered to me through Ambassador Martin.
You will know from my recent remarks how interested
I am in the reappraisal of our State Department.
At present, I am preoccupied with the campaign but I
will read the report with the care it deserves when
time permits.
Meantime, of course, I hope events of the next two
weeks may permit using your study in the new year.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Mr. Philip C. Habib, President
American Foreign Service Association
2101 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20037
copy
Rose
AMERICAN
FOREIGN SERVICE
I guens the lter
ASSOCIATION
isok-has isor- has
2101 E Street, Northwest
Washington, D. C. 20037
October 14, 1968 but ads seen
338-40 anyone
it
?
Mr. Richard M. Nixon
450 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
H
Dear Mr. Nixon:
In behalf of the American Foreign Service Association
I have the pleasure to enclose a copy of the report "Toward
a Modern Diplomacy.' Commissioned by the Association's
Board of Directors, the report represents the efforts of a
large number of professionals working in their spare time
over the past 18 months. It has benefitted by their
insights and experience. It contains their recommendations
for reform of the organizations with which this country
conducts its foreign affairs,
We believe the report to be an important document,
So far as we are aware, it represents the first effort by
any group of employees of the Federal Government to make
systematic and constructive suggestions for improvements
in the activities for which they are responsible. We hope
that you will find the report valuable and we look forward
to the excitement of serving the next Administration.
Sincerely,
Philip C. Habib
President
Enclosure:
Report
TRANSITION- Spr.
MEMORANDUM FOR
MR. NIXON
DEALING WITH THE OLD ADMINISTRATION
Introduction and Summary
Relations between Presidents and Presidents-Elect of different parties
have always been delicate and often strained. Frequently the President's
natural disappointment at his party's defeat has been tinged with personal bitter-
ness because his administration and policies have borne the brunt of his succes-
sor B campaign salvos. Nor has graciousness been an Inevitable characteristic
of Presidents-Elect. Even the most sympathetic historians of the New Deal find
little to applaud In F.D.R.'s cavalier treatment of Hoover In 1932.
Yet cooperation is essential for several reasons. At least part of the public
will be offended If either fails to show courtesy and consideration. National unity
is hardly served by permitting a hard-fought campaign to merge Into post election
feuding. And, of course, much of the machinery for preparing a new President
for the transfer of power can be utilized only with the concert of his predecessor.
Thus It is in your interest that the interregnum be a time when old hatchets are
buried and the grinding of new axes postponed.
Both because he has more to gain and because the task is easier for him,
the burden of maintaining good will between Administrators falls to the President-
Elect. The outgoing Administration has valuable information, experience, and
- 2 -
advice that you and your team will want to tap. To make cordial advances, to
overlook minor irritants, to soothe the President's wounded pride -- all these are
small prices to pay for such resources.
Pre-election Period. In order to exploit fully the opportunities for an effective
transfer of responsibility allowed by cooperation between the two Administrations,
you should consider the following actions:
- Appoint a counterpart to President Johnson's designee, Charles Murphy,
experienced in the operations of the Executive Branch and able to bargain with
Murphy on equal terms.
- Ask your designee to decide upon the requests to be made of the incumbent
Administration.
- Initiate planning for transition matters not directly related to relations with
the old Administration.
Post-election Period. Post-election customs are clear. President Johnson
will doubtless suggest an early meeting to set the tone of transitional cooperation
and lay the broad outlines of the actions you will take together. In summary -- to
be elaborated later -- you will want to touch the following points:
- Security clearances: You should make arrangements for expediting security
clearances for your appointees.
- Current and background information: You should seek access to such Admin-
istration information as daily intelligence reports, briefings and memoranda on
current problems, and appropriate "cable traffic. You should also request other
information, to be described below, that may be difficult to obtain later or less
valuable unless studied In advance and acted upon early.
- 3
- National security and budget cooperation: You should plan for early and
close cooperation on national security affairs and the budget process.
- Orientation of appointees: You should arrange for the general orientation
of your appointees: briefing of new officials by the predecessors, access to career
staff and files, clerical and professional assistance, and perhaps ground-rules
to be established for an "open office" policy.
I. Pre-election contacts
1. It will be very much to your advantage to accept President Johnson's
Invitation to begin discussions now about the transition. After Election Day you
will want as much cooperation as you can get from the outgoing Administration.
The more you get, the more effectively you and your appointees can govern after
January 20.
You cannot ask much prior to November 5. Whomever you designate to
negotiate with the Administration can, however, lay the groundwork for fulfilling
your many post-election requirements.
You must first therefore choose an individual to act for you in these nego-
tiations. President Johnson's appointee, Charles Murphy, is an affable but very
tough Southerner, long experienced in Washington. He acted for Truman In the
1952-53 transition, served in Agriculture and on the C.A. B. under Kennedy and
Johnson, returned to the White House recently as a Special Assistant, and reportedly
represented Johnson in Chicago during the democratic Convention. Your designee
must be able to deal with Murphy on equal terms. It seems essential that he possess
not only personal shrewdness and bargaining abilities, but experience in the total
operations of the Executive Branch, preferably In the Executive Office.
- 4 -
2. You should develop with your designee a catalogue of your transitional
needs. For both political and administrative reasons, these will fall Into three
general categories: (a) services that can be performed, at least in part, by the
outgoing Administration prior to November 5; (b) post-election cooperation that
can be plotted and arranged prior to the election: (c) post-election services that
need not, or should not, be discussed with the Incumbent Administration until
after the election. In subsequent sections of this memorandum, we suggest
several cooperative efforts and services you may want to request and, where
important, try to indicate the time when action Is most usefully initiated.
3. Although not directly related to dealings with the old Administration,
certain other transitional matters bear a short comment. In order to coordinate
later cooperation with the Administration and to make maximum use of Interregnum
preparation, you should begin thinking about designees to perform two functions.
First, you will need some person(s) to direct and organize your transition activi-
tles In general. This man would conceivably play much the same role as Henry
Cabot Lodge did for Eisenhower in 1952-1953. Second, you may want to select a
transition planner, whose task will be to perform "think work" about the transition.
The services of Richard Neustadt for Kennedy In 1960-61 suggest the nature of his
responsibilities.
II. The Immediate Post-Election Period
A. Meeting with the President.
4. The President will probably contact you shortly after November 5 and
suggest an early meeting. In order to gain maximum lead time for the transition,
- 5
you should accept the earliest possible date. Preliminary negotiating at the staff
level can settle many details of agenda and format, which then need not occupy the
time of the principals.*
5. You and the President may wish to Issue a joint statement after your
meeting. The Ideal statement would leave everything open and yet obviate any
appearance of friction which might result If the President later feels compelled to
emphasize that his power continues unimpaired until January 20 or If you later
wish to disclaim responsibility for interregnum Executive actions. A suggestion
follows:
The President and President-Elect had at full, friendly
and useful discussion. They and their associates will
cooperate in every appropriate way in order to Insure
a smooth and effective transfer of responsibility on
January 20. They will continue to consult as they
think desirable and are confident that such coopera-
tion can be schleved without impairing the orderly func-
tioning of the Executive Branch In carrying out the
President B Constitutional responsibilities.
B. Principals tone shapes transition.
6. You and the President will have to take strong and positive action to
surmount the Impediments to effective cooperation that have traditionally charac-
terized transitions. Many In Government will feel that they and their policies
were treated unjustly during the campaign. Some new people will act as If they
*
For bargaining purposes, you will want these "White House negotiators" to be
aware not only of your various needs for the transition, but of their relative
priority. In addition, you will want to think about the general format of the
meeting. You may wish, for example, to request the presence of key members
of both Presidential staffs, either for purposes of coordination or In the hope of
exposing subordinates to the spirit of cooperation shown by the principals.
- 6 -
were already in office. New appointees have been known to assume that their
predecessors were fools or scoundrels or both and to show no regard for past
decisions, present reasons, or future insights. Some incumbents may attempt to
"sell" their policies to the new people. And the new people may feel that they are
being asked to commit themselves prematurely.
By frankly anticipating these characteristic attitudes, you can try to offset
them. Hopefully, 80 will the retiring President who must set the example of
neither preempting his successor unnecessarily nor deferring all action In critical
areas. And If he, who has suffered campaign criticism, is willing to act respon-
sibly and constructively, his subordinates can be encouraged to do the same.
You, In turn, cannot be too emphatic In urging your appointees to take
advantage of their predecessors valuable experience in coping with their depart-
ments, their constituencies, and their particular Congressional committees. In
the past, incoming officials have forfeited much of the advantage to be gained In
tapping this source of Information and advice. In 1952, for example, Charles
Wilson neglected entirely to profit from the experience of Robert Lovett. Elght
years later, the Kennedy Administration retained General Andrew Goodpaster
through the transition period but made little effort to draw upon his experience.
Those of your appointees who served In the Eisenhower Administration would do
well to recall how little their own readiness to assist their successors was appre-
ciated. If you can convince your appointees that the advice of former officeholders
is a valuable resource not to be wasted, you will have taken a major step toward
an effective and efficient transition.
-7-
III. Clearance of New Appointees
7. Arrangements must be made for Investigating the personal background of
your appointees for two reasons. First, some of your appointees will need the
immediate security clearances necessary for direct access to classified Informa-
tion of the Johnson Administration. Nor will you yourself wish to entrust classified
materials to your people, either before or after the inauguration, without the assur-
ance of at least preliminary clearance. Second, you will probably want to continue
the practice of investigating all potential Presidential appointees -- regardless of
their need for classified date -- in order to assure yourself of their personal
sultability for high government office.
8. The timing problem: Investigations not begun before the election require
attention. Obviously, the process should be initiated as early as possible to avoid
the delays Incident to overloading the investigative agencies.
9. General procedure: (a) The reports on those needing pre-inaugural
access to classified information must first be examined by the Administration --
perhaps the White House itself -- which can then relay both its decisions and the
reports to you. Exposing such reports to the Administration may be politically
undesirable but is probably unavoidable. It seems unlikely that the information
thus revealed would be misused by the clearing officials. (b) Unless you receive
direct access to the Investigative agencies, reports on persons not in the preceding
category must also be channeled through the Administration. Here, however, the
Administration is merely a conduit to you; it has no need to examine the content of
the report. You should arrange for the Administration, therefore, to transmit to
you the unopened reports on persons not requiring pre-inauguration security
clearances.
- 8
10. In both the pre-election and post-inauguration periods, the problem can
be mitigated through the use of temporary clearances. You will have to determine
the availability, limits, and conditions for such clearances.
IV. Information for the President-Elect and his designees.
A. Current information.
11. You should request the kind of military, diplomatic, and foreign Intelli-
gence provided routinely for the President. Such information will give you back-
ground for decisions you will have to make after January 20th. Also It should help
you to establish early guidelines for distinguishing presidential from departmental
"business." And It may permit you to judge the form and adequacy of such informa-
tion for your needs.
12. You will, of course, need a staff to sit astride this information flow,
direct your attention to the matters most relevant for you, and otherwise absorb
and use this flow. * Let us emphasize that your most useful and significant infor-
mation may come not via formal transmissions from the old administration but
via your own people working closely with incumbent counterparts as discussed
later in this memorandum.
13. You should request a channel for obtaining appropriate briefings and
memoranda on current problems for yourself and your people. The Administration
would probably offer some on its own initiative but you should clear the way for
making your own specific requests for information and analysis on both substantive
matters and on transitional and organizational topics. **
*
Your basic needs for a transition staff were noted in our August 15 memorandum;
a later memorandum will address Itself to White House organization.
**
Whether you should seek authority to request data directly from the departments
or from departmental staff is discussed in a later section.
- 9 -
Details are not crucial in your initial dealings with the Administration: they
can be worked out later. What you must establish at the outset is the basic prop-
osition that the President-Elect Is entitled to full access and that government infor-
mation should move freely to you and your designees. Whatever you can do to
create an atmosphere of willing cooperation and respect for the President 8 own
responsibilities will facilitate the flow of information.
14. One of your most difficult and critical problems during the transition
will be the gaining of mastery (Insofar as mastery is possible) over national security
affairs. You may want to request President Johnson to assign you one or more
career officials qualified to brief you during the transition period on military,
Intelligence, diplomatic and related matters. The person(s) selected would be
appropriately cleared, sufficiently knowledgeable to interpret and amplify informa-
tion received about substantive and agency problems, and sufficiently experienced
and senior to be respected by both sides for intelligence and discretion. Such a
person would know when it is appropriate to seek further information from the
staffs with which he is familiar and when not to do 80.
15. You might want to request access to some "cable traffic" Into the White
House as a preliminary exposure to later responsibilities. Your personal staff
for national security matters, to take one example, could serve as an effective
recipient of this information to promote their own education and as a condult to you.
B. Other information, especially from the White House and Executive Office.
16. You should ask President Johnson to arrange some way of giving access
(controlled by him) to national security materials that might be available, or
readily available, only in White House files which leave with the retiring President.
- If -
a) One aspect of this request is easily presented and justified:
Elsenhower-Khrushchev conversations were covered completely only in the White
House files which left with President Eisenhower. President Johnson would
doubtless agree that a new President must know what the preceding President said
to foreign officials.
b) Your request should, If possible, embrace a second and more
elusive matter: There might be "limited distribution" or other closely held docu-
ments or memoranda that are conveniently assembled only in White House files. *
c) Perhaps you can do no more than to (1) raise the problem, (2) express
confidence that President Johnson will do everything he properly can to make sure
that his successor is fully informed on significant national security matters, and
(3) leave the details to be worked out by your national security adviser(s) and
their Incumbent counterparts. This reinforces another point: Unlike President
Kennedy's adviser, McGeorge Bundy, who did not begin work until January or
assemble his staff until later, your national security staff should be appointed
early and begin performance as soon as possible.
*
It is conceivable, for example, that complete details of various contacts with
foreign officials on Vietnam matters may be BO sensitive and restricted that full
information vital to the new President might not be readily known to carry-over
personnel or readily revealed by surviving files. In other cases, important
material might be contained in permanent departmental files but yet not readily
accessible because dispersed among voluminous other materials.
- 11 -
17. You should ask to see Task Force reports prepared for the President
and not yet released to the public. You could point out that work by thoughtful
people should not be wasted. You should, however, state your willingness to
accept any limitations imposed by President Johnson as to acknowledgment, attri-
bution, or quotation, and defer to his wishes regarding any reports which he might
issue publicly himself or use in late messages and speeches.
18. You should ask for reorganization studies completed or underway in the
Budget Bureau or in the Departments.
19. You will want to specify certain useful personnel information that could
easily be assembled by the Bureau of the Budget: available Presidential and
Departmental appointments (to the extent not published elsewhere), expiring term
appointments, Presidential powers with respect to various classes of appointees,
personnel policy decisions that need to be made within the first three months, etc.
20. You should request the preparation of a memorandum on technical opera-
tions of the White House, office and mansion - budget, accounting, permanent
personnel, customs, etc. This should be supplemented by personal consultation
between incoming and outgoing officials. In addition, William Hopkins, the
Executive Clerk, is a great storehouse of information on these matters.
21. The preceding enumeration of reports must not disguise the important
truth that your best source of information lies not on paper but In people. Present
(and former) members of the White House Staff are perhaps the most valuable
resource of all for a new Administration. The unique experience and responsibility
of Presidents seem to forge a common bond among them notwithstanding differences
- 12 -
of party or policy. Presidential staffs should find a similar bond arising from the
special Institution they serve. The Insights, experience, and occasionally the
negative example of incumbent and former staff members can be extremely Illum-
inating for new people. And a common loyalty to the Presidency should be enough
to encourage the future staff to seek and the present staff to offer candid discussion
of the Office and Its problems.
V. Orientation of New Appointees.
A. National Security and Budget observers.
22. Since you will need to master, at the earliest possible moment, the
massive flow of communications and advice relating to national security policy,
you should give high priority to obtaining from the outgoing administration permis-
sion for your prospective Special Assistant(s) for national security affairs to work
with their incumbent counterpart(s), and, If possible, immediately nearby, hope-
fully In adjoining offices. If such an arrangement is not offered by President
Johnson, you should request it. The terms of your understanding with the outgoing
President should not preclude your designating more than one person for this
function. Even if you choose to centralize responsibility on your own staff, your
designee will want assistance to help in learning procedures, in mastering substan-
tive Issues, and perhaps in examining files soon to be removed.
23. In addition, your Administration must become familiar promptly and
in depth -- with the Budget Bureau and its current work on the 19 70 budget. Apart
from intimate intra-Administration considerations of peculiarly partisan matters,
!
- 13 -
It would be helpful for your Director (or other designee) and a few key staff to
observe as much of the budget preparation process as they can absorb. In this
way, your appointees can understand the nature of current Issues, can help you
make preliminary judgments about the Issues you want to re-examine after
Inauguration, and can better handle the new or repeated departmental requests
confronting them In early 1969. Close cooperation during the transition period
has become traditional in Budget, and it is a salutary tradition. In the unlikely
event that the Administration fails to offer cooperation in this area, you should
request it.
B. General orientation of appointees.
24. To reiterate a key point, you will find no greater resource In the out-
going Administration than the expertise and experience of its staff and appointees.
In the past, incoming officials have generally suffered to learn the same lessons
time and again because they have not profited from their predecessors' experience.
On the whole, this seems attributable more to mistrust of the predecessors rather
than to any unwillingness of the latter to be helpful. Of course, not everyone can
be equally helpful. Of course, much that is said will have to be discounted by
different interests and circumstances. But the fact is: outgoing officials are a
valuable resource that should be utilized by the Incoming officials during the transi-
tion period.
25. You should press the old Administration to encourage Secretaries,
Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Administrators, and other Presidential
appointees to receive their counterparts and to acquaint them with the administrative
practices and substantive Issues of their agencies.
- 14 -
a) You can expect the office of each Presidential appointee to have
prepared an appropriate "briefing book" on administrative and substantive matters.
Even excessively voluminous and routinely bureaucratic products can be useful to
the appointee (or his special assistant). Even the routine product can identify such
basic information (often unknown to new appointees) as both the "hot" and recurring
issues facing the agency, the identity and arguments of important interest groups
concerned with each Issue, and the relevant Congressional considerations.
b) On such topics, you should advise your appointees to seek the views of
the incumbents. The direct exchange can be more sharply focused and more candid.
c) Furthermore, you should recommend that your appointees ask outgoing
officials (on a discreet and informal basis) for their views on the agencies career
people. (We would hope that some information of this type would have been gathered
in the pre-election period.) The new official with a different policy outlook may
react differently, but incoming and outgoing officials will often have a common
reaction - Independent of policy - to a subordinate S qualities. In time, the new
people may learn, as did their predecessors, that a subordinate is analytical,
concerned, diligent, articulate, concise, skeptical, discreet, or the opposites.
While the new official will not want to be bound by the predecessor's opinions, the
latter's views can accelerate the process of testing and appraising. And, of course,
subordinates are most useful to one who knows what discounts and premiums to
apply to their work.
26. Some incumbent officials may value their successors or their agencies
sufficiently to open their offices to their successors, letting them read much of
the paper traffic and to observe conferences and meetings with subordinates and
- 15 -
outsiders. Whether any particular official makes such an offer will depend upon
his work and working habits and the mesh of personalities. This assumes that the
"open office" approach occurs to him both as a possibility and as one to which the
President would not object. It follows, therefore, that If the President makes no
mention of the subject to you, you should diplomatically suggest Its usefulness.
You should urge him, If agreeable, to authorize such cooperation perhaps by
mentioning it in a Cabinet discussion of transitional arrangements. Some such
approach as this is almost imperative in the State and Defense and perhaps else-
where, depending on your plans.
27. These approaches are not without this danger: such one to one interaction
between incumbents and new appointees may unconsciously and uncritically tend to
freeze existing patterns of organization, allocations of responsibility, or ways of
seeing problems. We see two possible countermeasures: First, you can make
your appointees conscious of the issue, demand critical thinking about it, and warn
that organizational arrangements are subject to review and revision. Second, It
may be possible to postpone the appointment of some Assistant Secretaries in
those departments which can be efficiently managed at the outset without the full
complement of Assistant Secretaries. If so, your primary appointees would have
more time for a thorough personnel search and for a careful review of effective
organizational possibilities within the department.
28. Pre-inauguration access of appointees to the departmental staffs will
probably be opposed by the old Administration which might fear a premature
transfer of staff loyalty. Because no categorical rule can cope entirely with
- 16 -
individual and departmental variations, such contacts are best left to be worked
out agency by agency. At the Presidential level, you should limit yourself to two
requests:
a) Your study groups and task forces may feel particular need for access
to relevant departmental files and experts. Fully knowledgeable outside experts
are, to be sure, often available. But where this is not the case, the government
experts may be essential for thorough appreciation of the data and correct analysis.
You should specify these situations as clearly as you can and request access rele-
vant to them. (They will be relatively few in number.)
b) You should seek agreement in principle that agencies lend a suitable
"expert or two" to the new officials or task forces when they request them and
when such aid can be provided without disrupting the current work of the agency.
29. General pre-inauguration access to files (as distinct from staff) might
be rejected altogether If sought at the Presidential level. Since permanent depart-
mental files will be available later, the Administration may hesitate to grant early
access. You should ask no more than authority to make arrangements on a case-
by-case basis with each department. In light of your hopes to include younger men
in the intimate workings of Government, you might seek permission to designate
relatively junior persons - prospective special assistants to high officials -- to
study relevant files and other background information which they can later bring to
bear in giving post-inauguration assistance to their chiefs. In other situations,
such work might make it possible to delay the appointment of some Assistant
Secretaries, as discussed earlier. This technique could prove extremely valuable
- 17 -
in selected offices where orientation of new appointees Is difficult. Possible
examples are the Secretariat and a few other offices in the State Department as
well as I.S.A. and Systems Analysis In Defense.
30. You should arrange quite early to have at least one incumbent official
remain as Acting Secretary in each Department. He will exercise formal statutory
power until the new Secretary and his team are confirmed (which might not occur
on Inauguration day or the next).
31. There are certain technical areas where you may expect a briefing from
the Administration. If one is not offered, you should request the following informa-
tion:
a) To what extent will departmental office space be available? In 1960-
61, ten new officials were housed in State and two in each of the other Departments.
To accommodate any larger number might well prove disruptive but If an "open
office" policy is In effect, new officials would have to be housed nearby. In other
situations location may not be crucial If adequate information Is available.
b) What funds are available to the President-Elect under the Transition
Act for personnel, supplies, consultants, travel, and office space?
c) To what extent can the various departments help to absorb the
expenses of transition by lending office space and clerical and professional
assistance?
VI. The Handling of Crises
32. If a crisis arises during the transition and the response of the President
will have major continuing consequences (e.g., American response to a Chinese
Invasion of Vietnam), the President will doubtless want to consult you since yours
will be the longer burden.
I
- 18
You probably have little choice but to assume that the President acts in
good faith when he calls upon you. The public would expect you to consult with
the President In a time of national emergency. You will have been receiving and
digesting information before and after the election; your confidence in the data
will be proportional to the variety of your sources. Nevertheless, you may
hesitate to share the responsibility, even symbolically, without clearly adequate
information or time for deliberation, without decision-making authority, and
without the inescapable mandate of office.
No one can tell either principal his duty. This much Is clear: the President
can see that you are kept fully informed and Invite you to express your views. You
may wish to decline and in most cases this is a real option. However, there may
be a crisis of such proportions that silence or the standard formulations of concern
are inadequate responses. Then if you have a clear policy view, there is every
reason to state it. Beyond this we do not venture.
J-x
Johnson SPL
Transition SPL
RICHARD M. NIXON
P. O. BOX 1968
TIMES SQUARE STATION
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10036
October 4, 1968
Dear Mr. President:
In response to your suggestion,
I have designated Mr. Frank Lincoln as my
representative to meet with Mr. Charles
Murphy on matters relating to the transition.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Lyndon B. Johnson
The White House
Washington, D. C.
bcc: Frank Lincoln
H-x
Bob Hill SPL
Transition - SPL)
RICHARD M. NIXON
P. O. BOX 1968
TIMES SQUARE STATION
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10036
October 4, 1968
Dear Bob:
Rose told me of her telephone
conversation with you during our brief stop.
at Key Biscayne and I want you to know how
much I appreciate having your advice on the
situation in Mexico.
Also, I want to thank you for
your suggestion with regard to working up
a team to look carefully at State, Defense,
and CIA top personnel. Others have been
giving some thought to these problems and
I appreciate your doing so as well. I am
going to devote all of my energies and
thoughts to winning the election between
now and November 5th to make sure that we
will have some "taking over" to do!
With warm personal regards,
Sincerely,
The Honorable Robert C. Hill
P. O. Box 350
Littleton, New Hampshire 03561
Borus 17470 - Sept. 28,1968
1. This message concerns American policy toward Germany in
the light of the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
2. This event -- deeply shocking to virtually
Germans
has resulted in increased readiness to provide more
(in)
for defense and to move further on European integration,
including British entry into the Common Market. Although
movement in this direction 18 hesitant and as yet inconclusive,
it is more positive than any heretofore under the present
government and clearly marks a waning of de Gaulle's influence
here.
3. I welcome this evolution and believe it is in the interests
of the US. Conversely, I believe that if the Germans do
not act now, the opportunity to strengthen NATO in the light
of the Czechoslovak crisis will have been missed. This will
make the invasion of Czechoslovakia an even greater short
term Soviet success than it is already and will sharply reduce
the possibility of converting it into a long term Soviet
failure.
4. If the crisis does not lead to strengthening NATO, I
believe the result in Germany will be a pcom of pessimism
and of accommodation towards the USSR. The result in the US
will be disappointment over the lack of European response
and continuing pressures to withdraw more American troops
from Europe. The outcome either way may be a historic
turning point. If it is negative, it will give impetus to a
downward spiral in the US relationship with Europe, which,
Germans tell me,must eventually result in Western Europe's
becoming an enlarged Finland.
5. The German decision is not firm yet. It may not take
final form for several weeks. Perhaps the major concern of
German leaders with regard to it 1s that, if they finally
decide on a go-ahead policy, they will be left in ants isolation
by their allies, and thus exposed to Soviet attack and to
both European and German criticism as being hasty and foolish
"hardliners".
6. I hope I appreciate at least some of the difficulties of
your present situation, but I believe it most desirable in
view of the importance of the German decision to give them
some encouragement by positive moves of our own in response
to some positive prior European moves. One such move would
be a statement from you that you will recommend to the in-
coming administmration that the US should commit itself to
continued adherence to the NATO treaty beyond the 1969 dead-
line. Another would be a similar recommendation to retain
at least the present level of troops in Europe in the face of
the new situation caused by INK the Soviet intervention in
Czechoslovakia, and preferably, to return to Europe permanently
the two withdrawn brigades of the 24th Division.
7. The reports about strategic arms talks with the Soviets
are a real worry here -- at whatever level talks might be
held. Although I know little of current plans, I accept
the proposition that a workable arrangement on this subject
would be in the interest of Europe 8.8 well as the US and that
the matter should be pursued with the Soviets in the future.
8. Nonetheless, given the present atmosphere in Germany,
a decision apparently to reward Soviet mgk aggression by
embarking on arms talks would, I fear, be incomprehensible
here. How, it would be asked, can one explain a willingness
to trust the Soviet word when they have just broken it SO
flagrantly in Czechoslovaxia?
9. Another effect of an expression of US willingness to
XX start talks with the Soviets now would be to put in doubt
the judgment and good sense of German leaders inp pressing
for increases in defense. Such a US decision might well
eliminate the possibility of a positive German decision on
defense.
10. You may have a different perspective in Washington. But
as I view it, the chance for strengthening NATO, and the
damage which would arise from not doing 80, outweigh in terms
of our national interest the potential gain from opening
the talks with Soviets xxxxxxxxxxxxat this time.
COPY OF HANDWRITTEN LETTER:
received in mailroom 12/9/68
1040 Fifth Avenue
Dear Mr. Nixon --
You must be very tired and very happy -
All the hopes and good wishes of the country
are with you now -- and I just wanted to add mine to that long
long list --
and to wish you so deeply strength and health,
and peace of mind and happiness for all the years that lie
ahead -- and last, but so important, good luck.
Most Sincerely,
Jacqueline Bouvier Onassis
Dar M. Dixon-
4- must be very tired and
very happy.
at the country are with you now -
and I just wanted to add mine
The Hanardle Richard m Dixon
Fifth Dive
All the hopes and good wishes
810
to that long long list -
and to wish you So deeply
Had
strength and health, the and peace & mind
By.
]
and happiness for all the years that
lie ahead - and Past, but So important,
good luck. Most Sincerely
I
Jaqudie Bruier Onassis
ENCE ange of messages
RN - Podgorny
Thru State Y foret
Embasy
released to press
11/15/68
]
file From Russin GOVT
UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION BY THE SOVIET EMBASSY OF TELEGRAM
TO RN FROM M. POGORNY CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE
stat
SUPREME SOVIET OF THE USSR
Dear Mr. Nixon:
Please accept our congratulations on your election as
President of the United States of America.
We wish you fruitful work in this affix high office. We
would like to hope that the forthcoming period will be marked
with a further development of relations between the USSR and
the USA in the interests of the Soviet and the American
peoples, in the interests of strengthening peace through
our world.
(Dictated 6:45 p.m., to B. Harlow, November 8, by Consulate
+
Mikhailov, Soviet Embassy, Washington, D.C.)
Mr. Mikhailov (NA 8-7550) wishes to be notified that the
original cable has reached Mr. Nixon. He awaits a return
call.
Han been received
in
USSR 9:50 a.m.
November 13, 1968
Mr Haldeman: Ray Price phoned in the following letter
to be written to Chairman Todgorny of the USSR.
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Thank you for your kind and gracious note of congratulations
on my election as President.
I remember with great pleasure my trips to the Soviet Union,
and especially the friendship I found expressed so warmly
between the Soviet and American peoples.
I join you in the hope that this friendship can be preserved
and further strengthened. It is now more essential than
ever that our two peoples work together, in a spirit of
mutual respect and with a recognition of the special
responsibilities we share for the peace of the world.
I am sure great strides can be taken in the years just
ahead, toward the genuine peace and secuirty that people
everywhere yearn for.
gone
reply of Richard Nixe
Print Elect of
the Unitil States
of America
Churman Pray
telegram
Telefax
western union
Telefax
LLG045 (31)CTB027 CT
LYA014 PD LYNCHBURG VIR 10 905A EST
HON RICHARD M NIXON
SHOREHAM HOTEL WASHDC
I STRONGLY RESENT THE APPOINTMENT OF SGT SHRIVER TO THE UN
STOP YOU ARE BITING THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU
THOMAS T UPSHUR 2255 LANGHORNE RD
(905),
1968 DEC 10 AM 9 5g
FAX M
WU 1270 (R8-66)
Telefax
western union
Telefon
LLF128 (56)NSA166
o
09
NS ABA082 PD SNYDER TEX 10 143P CST
HONORABLE RICHARD NIXON
SHOREHAM HOTEL WASHDC
SGT SHRIVER HAS ALREADY CONSUMED TOO MUCH us TREAUREY DON'T
GIVE KIM AHBASSADORSHIP so FAR YOUR APPOINTEES HAVE BEEN SCOD
MR AND MRS J E SORRELLS
1968 DEC 10 PM $ 12
(155)
fh
FAX M
Sussivered
5
VI
Murray Chotiner
Nixon Agnew
Special Assistant to Campaign Manager
Campaign Committee
Staff of Richard M. Nixon
445 Park Avenue
Third Floor
New York, N.Y. 10022
(212) 661-6400 Ext. 11
Rose-
RN will probably
want to handle this
himself
Thurray
1
]
Murry Chotina
NIXON MUDGE ROSE GUTHRIE ALEXANDER & MITCHELL
Betsuthing
JOHN H.ALEXANDER
BLISS ANSNES
20 BROAD STREET
JOHN T. TRIMBLE
PETER W. ASHER
COUNSEL
ARTHUR M. BECKER
MILTON BLACK
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10005
JOHN F. BROSNAN
GEORGE E. BUCHANAN
WILLIAM H. CANNON
NOV
HARRY B. CLARK
212-422-6767
GOLDTHWAITE H. DORR
819681
1701 PENNSYLVANIA AVE.,N.W.
THOMAS W. EVANS
RICHARD S. FARROW
WASHINGTON, D.C.
JAMES G. FRANGOS
LEONARD GARMENT
202-298-5970
GERRIT GILLIS
GERALD B. GREENWALD
(D.C. BAR ONLY)
RANDOLPH H. GUTHRIE
12, RUE DE LA PAIX
MATTHEW G. HEROLD,JR.
PARIS 2e, FRANCE
JOSEPH V. KLINE
WILLIAM B.LANDIS
742-05-99
JOHN LARSON
FRANKLIN B.LINCOLN, JR.
WILLIAM .MADISON
November 7, 1968
JOHN N. MITCHELL
CABLE ADDRESSES
RICHARD M. NIXON
BALTUCHINS-NEW YORK"
RICHARD S. RITZEL
MILTON C. ROSE
"BALTUCHINS-WASHINGTON"
NORMAN M. SEGAL
BALTUCHINS-PARIS"
HARRY G.SILLECK,
HENRY ROOT STERN, JR.
JAMES P. TANNIAN
ROBERT E. WALSH
GEORGE W. WHITTAKER
DONALD J. ZOELLER
The Honorable Richard M. Nixon
President-Elect
file
810 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y.
Dear Mr. President:
The new form of salutation gives me the greatest
pleasure. Your victory, as I well know, is an unbelievable
story of what courage, determination and ability can
accomplish.
All of us here who have been minding the store
take great pride in our partner and his colleagues. Some
of us did not even really appreciate how emotionally involved
we were. We did not go to bed until Humphrey conceded! And
one of us, I can personally confess, is too damned old for
such ordeals, loaded with such suspense.
Well now it is over -- we all know you will do the
best that a human being can do to resolve the almost insoluable
problems that face our country.
Best to Pat and the children.
Sincerely,
B/b
RHG:ARK
DDE
GETTYSBURG
PENNSYLVANIA 17325
Walter Reed Hospital
December 4, 1968
Dear Dick:
When I saw you all Thanksgiving Day there were two rather
personal matters that I wanted to mention but with so many
people present I thought it better to write you personally,
making sure you got the letter yourself.
The first one has to do with Bob Woodruff. As you know,
being from Georgia, he has been a Democrat all his life
but he has supported me in the past as well as you this
time. He made a significant contribution---I suppose
secretly, due to his party affiliation. I am told that the
amount was in excess of $20,000. I know you are ac-
quainted with Bob and thought it quite possible this knowl-
edge had not come to your attention. I felt if you knew it
you would write a note of appreciation.
The other point has to do with General Heaton. When he
was asked to remain another two years on active duty
(Though now retired) he declined to do so before the
election for the simple reason of his determination to
avoid serving under your opponent. I believe under the
last resolution passed by Congress, a resolution ex-
tended his service to sometime in May. It occured to
me that you might want to take some action in the mat-
ter. He wants nothing for himself, but all his associ-
ates that I have met are so impressed; first, by his
standing in medicine in the United States and second, by
the close and friendly relation he has built up with Con-
gress during the past 15 years that you might want him
to continue for a couple years as the Chief, Army Medi-
cal Corps or you might want to use him in some capacity
as coordinator of military medicine in all the services.
He is an extremely able man.
Incidentally, we were all delighted to hear that you are
assigning Colonel Tkach as your White House Physician.
He is top flight in every respect.
I hate to bother you with a letter but these two matters
were personal and are the expressions of my own opinion.
No one else has any knowledge of this letter. I shall ad-
dress it to Bryce Harlow who can bring it to you at your
convenience.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the visit you and
your family made to Mamie and me on Thanksgiving Day.
That occasion has been the highlight of seven long months
in a hospital room.
With every good wish and affectionate greetings to every
member of your charming family.
Cordially,
the ≤
President-Elect Richard M. Nixon
c/o Hotel Pierre
5th Avenue at 61st Street
New York, New York 10021
DDE
GETTYSBURG
PENNSYLVANIA 17325
Walter Reed Hospital
December 13, 1968
Dear Dick:
I think you have named a fine cabinet, one that ought
to attain rather a very fine standing in public esteem.
Herb Brownell has probably already told you that I
had a question mark about one appointment, but after
all, you are the one responsible and I have every
intention of supporting you and him in every way.
Bill Rogers, who came to see me a day or so ago,
said that you wanted to have each of your Cabinet
members pay me a visit at the convenience of each.
I can assure you I will be looking forward to such
visits. I am quite anxious to meet the ones I do
not know like the Secretary of Treasure, the
Secretary of Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture,
the Attorney General, and the Post Master General.
Of course, I would like to have a long talk with
Governor Finch. I remember meeting him on one
occasion, I have not had a chance to have a real
conversation with him. However, I assure you I'll
be interested in meeting all the members of your
cabinet. Another paper attached expresses some
personal ideas. Please destroy it as soon as you
have read it. I wanted to make sure you haven't
overlooked certain possibilities about a new appoint-
ment you will soon have to make.
Of course, you know how disheartened I am to have
to miss the wedding of Julie and David. Nevertheless,
I am happy for both of them and think my grandson is
one of the luckiest young fellows in the world to get
such a girl.
Give my love to Pat and the girls, and of course,
best wishes for your success.
Cordially,
IRE 2.
P. S. This morning Mel Laird came to see me.
After talking to him I feel much better.
D.
President-Elect Richard M. Nixon
c/o Hotel Pierre
5th Avenue at 61st Street
New York, New York 10021
1
Walter Reed Hospital
MEMO of some personal views!
December 13, 1968
Personally, I believe that a fine man for the Post
of Chief Justice would be Herb Brownell. There's
no use for me to extol his record or for me to bore
you with my high opinion; you know him as well as I
do. I realize that there may be reasons that, from
your stand point, would make such an appointment
unwise or undesireable. But assuming that there
are no insurmountable objections, I give you the
above suggestion as a very earnest one.
Before I knew that you had named Bill Rogers as your
new Secretary of State, I had an alternative to suggest
if for some reason you should not find it wise to make
the Brownell appointment. This alternative was to
move Potter Stewart up to Chief Justice, and then
perhaps to appoint Bill on the court to the available
vacancy. At any rate, if you don't desire, person-
ally, to select Brownell, I think Potter Stewart
would make a fine Chief Justice.
Again I would ask that you would destroy this memo
after you have had a chance to read it.
Dr.
my
him will
11389
GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
WASHINGTON
DC
President-Elect Richard M. Nixon
c/o Hotel Pierre
5th Avenue at 61st Street
New York, New York 10021
PERSONAL FOR
MOLDOVER HAUSER & STRAUSS
COUNSELLORS AT LAW
BOWERY BANK BUILDING
110 EAST 42ND STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017
Bobldeman
(212) 687-4890
CABLE: STRAUMOL
RITA E. HAUSER
1001 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
EDWARD D. MOLDOVER
SUITE 800
PETER J. STRAUSS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
(202) 628-7234
8, PLACE DU PALAIS BOURBON
PARIS 7. FRANCE
November 27, 1968
President-Elect Richard M. Nixon
Hotel Pierre
New York City
Dear Mr. Nixon:
I am sorry I missed the chance to say congratulations
to you last evening when I popped in on the 39th floor en route
to the annual dinner of the International Chamber of Commerce
at the Hotel (I was pressed into service translating on the
subject of the American challenge to business in Europe).
John knows how elated I have been since the election.
I wanted to tell you especially how happy you have made many of
us in New York who have labored long for your cause in the
shadow of the other "big" figures in this State. We feel great,
particularly me, and if you could induce John to stop calling
me "Mata Hari", my pleasure would be complete.
Best to you in the days ahead. We are very much
with you.
Sincerely,
Rita Retail E.
REH:pb
Both other Hauser describe like with a had
Ami
My dear Dick,
I have been following the campaign
with the closest interest and deepest admiration
for you. Even from this long distance, your
victory is assured. Your success is the devout
hope of many millions in this part of the world.
Christina and I are having a few days
in Japan in the first week of November where
we'll get the results.
Give our love to Pat and take good
care of yourself.
Good luck! Good luck!
Yours,
Jidi
(s) Harold
74, H.W. Kennedy Lee Road
Hong Kong
Typerys
74, Rennedy Road,
Thong Kong
JIG
OCT 2 2 1968.
19. X. 68
by Mm Dick,
I Lave been following The Parpain
mith the chest interest and depeat admiration
to
you. Even form The long distance, your
Victary is assued. your Incien is Ke devent
hope of many millims in The pat of The was
days in Japan in the first week of Gwenber few
Chistina and are having a
where will fet the verults.
can of yourself.
I'm any love f Pat a take sont
Sood Lack! Sand Luch!
yrs
Hander Has all
Personal
HONOR
21605
19 OCT
1968
HONG KONG
Mr. Richard M. Nixon
BY AIR MAIL
810. Fifth Avenue
U.S.A
how York G.G
N.Y.
M.W.Lee
74. KENNEDY ROAD, HONG KONG.
JOHN ALEX MC CONE
612 SOUTH FLOWER STREET
LOS ANGELES 90017
5 December Fils ef 1968
Dear Dick:
previous
In my recent work on urban problems, I have
been very much impressed with the thoughtful approach
and active interest of Mr. Gilbert Fitzhugh, Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
I know nothing of Mr. Fitzhugh's political orienta-
tion but his publicly expressed views on such subjects
as employment and training, welfare, housing, and fiscal
and monetary policies indicate sound and thoughtful
judgment and a deep concern for the public interest.
Attached is a resume of his background, drawn from
Who's Who, and a copy of a speech recently delivered
before the Commerce and Industry Association in New York
City.
If you have not already done so, you might turn
Gilbert Fitzhugh's name over to your talent scouts as
a possible candidate for something or other.
Best regards,
John
Sincerely,
Honorable Richard Nixon
Century Plaza Hotel
Los Angeles, California
FITZHUGH, Gilbert Wright, life insurance CO. executive
b. Bklyn, July 8, 1909; S. Herbert W. and Ethel (Gilbert) F;
BS, Princeton, 1930; LLD (honorary) Carroll College, 1966;
m. Lea Van Ingh, June 17, 1933; children -- Gilbert Van Ingh,
Lea Armistead. With Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. 1930 --, various
positions acturial and group divisions, 1930-58, asst gen mgr
Canadian head office 1946, 47, v.p. charge planning and development,
NYC 1958-60 v.p. gen mgr for Canada, 1960-61, exec v.p. NYC 1962-63,
president and chief executive officer, 1963 - 66, chmn bd., chief
exec officer since 1966 -..
dir. Singer company, Chase Manhattan Bank; trustee Consol. Edison Co.
NY, Inc. Member bd dors. Institute of Life Insurance, Dir. Greater
New York Fund, Economic Devel. Council N.Y.C., Life Ins. Med. Research
Fund N.Y.C. Pub Dev Corp.; trustee YMCA Retirement Fund, Natl.
Industrial Conference Board, Com. for Econ Development, Fellow Society
Acturies (past president), American Academy of Acturies, also Casualty
Acturial Society; member Commerce and Industry Assn, N.Y. (dir.),
N.Y.C. C of C. (v.p.) Phi Beta Kappa
Clubs: Blind Brook, The Links, Union League, Princeton (NY City)
Rideau, Ottowa Hunt and Golf (Ottowa, Canada),
Adirondack Mountain (Lake Placid, N.Y.), Seigniory
(Montebello, Can)
Home: 16 Sutton Place, N.Y.C. 10022
Off: 1 Madison Avenue, N.Y.C. 10010
Facing Up To
Our Urban
Problems
Address by
Gilbert W. Fitzhugh
Chairman of the Board
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
At the
Commerce and Industry
Association Luncheon
New York, New York
November 27, 1968
RICHARD NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
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NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
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file anotim have
President Elect
]
[
Richard m. Jifon
Happy Birthday to
Our Nonorary member
Richard m. nixon
The Lida Velino
11-H Club !
Howard Sutherly Many memiclion Jean
Patty Harms
Coster
Hommend
Kay Hunting in
Karen Hinderson Pathy
Junnifer shink
Sherrill Schoepe
Demnis Loyel Bob Barner Schoepe Horan m- million Seaster
Lwa Ocheltree
Gwen Blondfield
Rodney Barth Shari
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Mark Barth Vallance
Denise Rhoades mat Vallance
Hug steam Mak Plumt
candiporman abce a Horan (Leades)
Russ m uger
Sandy Hammo nd Sherrie Costs Gatliff
Cynthia Lazenby BANK 53
Kathy Koran
Jenninday
michael Horan
Nom Henderson yun Binger
Patty Ludi
michele Callere
Hungers
Kim Mc Million
Kim Ocheltree
]
file anotin have
President Elect
I
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Michael m. Jifon
San Merco- -
55th Bruno
SATURDAY P.J. Moriarty 61+3
11:30 AM Northeast FlT. #53
2:11 pm Arrive MiAmi
San Marino 531
no Reservation
60 E 91ˢᵗ
pwfo
SIR ROBERT MENZIES
95 COLLINS STREET
MELBOURNE C.1 VICTORIA
TELEPHONE 639463
OCT18 1968
In London
9th October, 1968
PERSONAL
my dear Diok Nixon
Thank you very much for your kind letter. I have just
emerged from a four and a half week stay in hospital, and
still have some limitations resulting from what was in effect
a mild stroke. My signature will therefore be most
peculiar.
It seems to us at this distance that you are likely to
be elected. I have always believed in the intervention in
Vietnam; indeed, it was my Government that put Australia
into the field. I therefore view with some distaste the
spectacle of Vice-President Humphrey getting as far away from
Johnson's action as possible.
As a foreigner I have, of course, no politics in your
country. But I have a great personal regard for you, and
I therefore make bold to offer one remark. When Tom Dewey
was forecast by all the pollsters to beat Truman in 1948, the
Republican supporters went too far. They even began to publish
the names of those who would be his Ministers of State.
This I thought made a lot of Republicans so confident that
they forgot to vote. This cannot arise in Australia, where
we have compulsory voting; but with you it seems to me to
be an almost chronic danger to appear to be certain of victory.
So, for heaven's sake, keep an eye on your public relations
boys!
With my warmest personal good wishes,
Yours sincerely,
RobarWeying
(R. G. MENZIES)
Mr. Richard M. Nixon.
BY AIR MAIL
PAR AVIDN
15X68
E1/6 =
W.O.2
PR833J
PERSONAL
Mr. Richard M. Nixon,
P.O. Box 1968
Times Square Station,
New York, N.Y. 10036,
U.S.A.
From: R. G. Menzies.