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Stephen B. Bull's Files
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May 10, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
LEE HUEBNER
SUBJECT
Color Report: Salute to
Agriculture Day, May 7, 1971
One theme that ran through all the activities of this day and the day
previous - - was the President's evident regard for Dr. Norman
Borlaug, the Nobel Peace Prize winner for his leading role in
the "Green Revolution". From their first conversations on the
White House grounds Thursday, Borlaug and the President
seemed to "hit-it-off"; the former talked not about the technical
side of his work with wheat, but about its human and political
implications. A powerfully warm and gentle and genuine man, he
clearly made a deep impression on the President whose remarks
at the Agriculture Department Friday morning and at the White House
dinner Friday night reflected not so much what the staff had suggested
to him but rather the topics he had discussed earlier with Borlaug, such
as
the feeding of hungry people at home and abroad.
On the other hand, Borlaug seemed very impressed with the
President. He told a group of us (including several reporters) after
dinner that he had found the President very responsive to his concerns
about how the world will cope with growing population and his fears
that the revolt against technology may go too far and deny us skills
and resources we will badly need in coming decades. And Borlaug
said then again what he had told the President earlier: that while he
had lived most of his adult life outside the United States, "I am still
a very proud American. 11
Until the
dinner, Borlaug was dressed in a green suit which
John Whitaker referred to as "his green revolution" suit.
Glen Campbell also praised the President warmly at the end of his
concert: "It's really beautiful you know, it's really a beautiful thing
that a man with the President's intelligence and knowledge and wisdom
2
can lead this country of ours. 11 Later, after the President and
Mrs. Nixon had joined Campbell and his wife on the stage (where
the President tested Campbell's drinking water - to be sure that's all
that was in it) Campbell said that like Bob Hope he plays a wide variety
of benefits because "I don't want to blow the hereafter on a technicality. 11
"But if I am reincarnated, 11 he went on "I want to come back with the
President's mind and wisdom and courage
and with Dean Martin's
liver. "
Most of Campbell's other material was pretty earthy -- and pretty funny.
The audience - - including the President - seemed to thoroughly enjoy
the whole evening. The President's full recounting during the toast of
how President Washington bought the land on which the White House is
located from an obstinate farmer was much appreciated. Most of this
dinner material has already made its way into the newspapers.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 7, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
JOHN ANDREWS
SUBJECT
Color Report on President's
Reception for Kuykendall House
Task Force, May 6
RN sized up the group of Congressmen on entering the Blue Room and
remarked, "Glad you could all make it down here today; at least the
streets are clear -- though I see all of you got haircuts just to be on
the safe side. 11 A loud chorus of demurrers greeted the latter obser-
vation -- "Not all of us -- what about Arends -- look at Les. " The
Minority Whip, who wears his hair almost as long as the Big Ear's
own, tossed his tresses defiantly. This outburst set the tone for the
whole session - - all the decorum of a Gree fraternity stag.
After RN had thanked the group for their revenue sharing/reorganization
sales efforts and Kuykendall had replied, Jerry Ford moved to the
microphone, drink still in hand. He got no further than "Well, Mr.
President, " when someone shot from the crowd, "You selling booze,
Jerry? 11 When Ford made reference to the voting regularity of the
Congressmen present -- "They stick with you and they stick with me
most of the time " RN deadpanned, "This sounds like a commercial. 11
Fourth to speak was John Connally, whom RN called "the best cleanup
hitter we have. " RN mentioned that earlier in the afternoon Connally
had faced intensive I and A from "the members of the press -- I almost
said the gentlemen of the press. 11 The Treasury Secretary brought the
group to revival-meeting fervor at once. He loosed the full diapason of
praise for the President and his programs. Fire leapt from his tongue
and bells pealed overhead. When he left off, the applause was pounding.
His boss, blushing crimson, said only, "Now you see why I bring him
along. 11
Page Two
Best laugh of the occasion came on RN's explanation of the Borlaug
appointment Thursday morning. "Because Borlaug is an Iowan, we had
Jack Miller there. Because the event related to foreign aid, we had
H. R. Gross, too. 11
RN handing out tie clasps: "If you already have one, give this to some
rich contributor."
Good time had by all. If Timmons, who was present, concurs, the
Ear feels that some color from the evenl could be usefully peddled to
a columnist in illustration of RN's warm rapport with many on the
Hill.
cc: Ray Price
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
LEE HUEBNER
SUBJECT
Color Report on the Tour
of Agricultural Exhibits
As usual, the White House press was in as good a position - and
often perhaps even in a better position -- to overhear remarks
than I was. I continue to think that the color reporting function
makes the most sense in settings where the press is not present,
though there is probably some utility in covering even these
public occasions from the "color reporters' special perspective.
One item well worth reporting, I think, was the President's obser-
vation that one of the displays described Dr. Norman Borlaug (the
Nobel Peace Prize winner for his leadership role in the "Green
Revolution") as a "peaceful revolutionary. 11 The President pointed
to it, nodded his approval of the phrase, and then told Borlaug that
he liked to use the term "peaceful revolutionary" with reference to
himself and his own "New American Revolution."
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
SUBJECT: COLOR REPORT - Open Door Hour
May 6, 1971
The visit by Charles Rhyne, who presented a copy
of his new book on International Law, was extremely
brief. So was the meeting with the two new members
of the Legislative Liaison Office. There were no
color items in either interview.
However, an unscheduled visit by Artie Johnson and
his wife, (he is the "Laugh-In" star), was a very
enjoyable meeting, and Ron Ziegler will give at
least one item to the press.
This was a part of the conversation where the President
spoke quite feelingly about the role in life of a good
comedian: making people happy. He spoke of his many
friends like Bob Hope and Red Skelton and both Johnsons
were obviously impressed with his genuine appreciation.
The President repeated several times, "Your job is
making people happy, making them smile. It must be
very satisfying." He seemed to find the visit very
enjoyable and prolonged the conversation.
Mrs. Johnson, a charming German girl, had brought the
President a keepsake involving a Milhous ancester in
Germany. The President was quite interested and
appreciative.
He was interested in both of these young people and
quizzed them on a number of subjects, including Johnson's
work on "Laugh-In", Mrs. Johnson's recent American
citizenship, conditions in Germany, and their life in
Southern California.
RAM
RICHARD A. MOORE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 5, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
SUBJECT: COLOR REPORT - Open Door Hour
May 5, 1971
There were two ceremonies today: One was the
presentation of five Distinguished Federal
Civilian Service Awards; the other was a visit
from the National Good Will Worker of the Year.
The writing press and photographers were present
for both events and there were interviews after-
wards with the Good Will Worker, Robert D. Bob Lee,
who lost both his hands in an accident and uses
hooks.
I reported two items to Jerry Warren immediately
afterward, one of which he will feed to the press.
The other might not be appropriate for the press,
but might be appropriate when someone is doing a
personality story about the President.
ITEM 1: At the presentation of the service awards,
the wives were present as were Secretary Connally
and Secretary Hardin. After the press had left,
one of the ladies admired the decor of the Oval
Office and the President explained that Mrs. Nixon
had been responsible. At this point, the wife of
Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson, who has an obvious
sense of protocol, raised a half-serious legal
question and the President had a ready answer.
Noting the Great Seal which is woven into the rug,
she said, "Mr. President, isn't it against the law
to walk on the Seal of the President of the United
States?" He replied, "No, the rug is traditional
and people do walk on it. But I can tell you one
thing. It was suggested that the chair cushions
be designed with the Great Seal and that's where
I drew the line. They may walk on it, but we don't
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
May 5, 1971
Page 2
want them sitting on it."
This Presidential defense of the Seal is the item
which Jerry Warren will put out.
ITEM 2: The President's constant thoughtfulness
about people's feelings was never better illustrated
than in his treatment of young Bob Lee.
As the young man and his wife came forward to shake
hands, the President looked him squarely in the eye
and put out his hand as he would under normal circum-
stances. His "handshake" was just as natural as in
any other case.
A few moments later he made the presentation of a
small box containing a Presidential tie clasp. As
I watched, I didn't think that Lee could cope with
it. However, the President handed it to him in a
completely normal fashion and, sure enough, Lee took
it in his hook and neither one showed any sign that
the maneuver was at all unusual.
The President then had a warm conversation with both
of them and paid particular attention to Mrs. Lee
This episode reminded me of the President's conduct
at the Home for Incurables on Christmas Eve, where
he shook hands and visited with invalids with the
most extraordinary kinds of handicaps, including
palsy patients who could neither talk nor control
their limbs. There again he acted entirely as if
everything was normal.
The President would be the last to want this item
exploited, yet it does illustrate his thoughtfulness
and compassion.
RAY
RICHARD A. MOORE
May 5, 1971
FOR:
RICHARD MOORE
LEE HUEBNER
JOHN ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Events -
Thursday, May 6, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Thursday, May 6:
Lee Husbner - Dr. Norman Borlaug and Tour of Agriculture
Exhibits on South Lawn - 10:00 a.m.
Richard Moore - Open Door Hour - 12:00 p.m. -
The President's Office
John Andrews - Reception - House Task Force on Revenus
Sharing and Reorganisation - 5:15 p.m. -
The Blue Room
Thank you.
ec: A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
John Andrew J
SUBJECT:
Color Report on Voluntary Action Reception,
April 27
Good to be back on the canape circuit -- even Big Ears have to eat.
The President told the National Center for Voluntary Action directors
that the ethical concept which best expresses the ideal of voluntarism
is the Hebrew tsdakah -- "do justly. " This gave his inspirational
remarks to the group a nice cosmopolitan flavor and stamped them
as his own, not the work of one of his Gentile speech writers. Of all
his important callers in recent days, he said, the three who left the
deepest impression were the Boys Clubs' "Boy of the Year, the
Cystic Fibrosis poster girl, and the little boy who represented the
deaf children's aid groups. He asked the directors to embrace in
their service goals not only the many Americans who need help but
also the millions who need the satisfaction of giving help to others.
Of course the real Grand Prix event of color reporting is eaves-
dropping on the President and his guests in a receiving line. One
cannot be both couth and within earshot. The Big Ear manages it
by standing a step and a half off the President's shoulder, looking
impassive like a Secret Service agent, and never meeting the eyes
of a guest (it makes them forget what they are going to say to RN).
He heard the following bits of business transacted:
-- Chrysler President Lynn Townsend: "We're back at a
profit the first quarter!" RN: "Yes, I saw that. You'd be sur-
prised how I keep up with those things."
-- RN to George Romney: "About your trip to Europe. Send
me that agenda. I want to see to it that you stay in our embassies
at each stop, and that you take a little time off over there. 11
-2-
-- Martin Castillo, apparently seeing RN for the first time
since he was eased out of the top job with the Cabinet Committee
on the Spanish Speaking: "I wanted to tell you, sir -- probably the
highlight of my entire life was working with you. 11 RN: "We'll
work together again. 11
-- John Volpe: "I'm just back from Maine where we had a
ceremony tearing down the very first billboard of the '71 highway
beautification effort. 11
cc: Ray Price
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
LEE HUEBNER Lit
SUBJECT
Color Report on Swearing-
In of Dr. James Fletcher
A brief, uneventful ceremony. Afterward -- and after the press
left -- the President went through his traditional ritual of pre-
senting cufflinks and pins bearing the Presidential seal. "I bet
you don't wear cufflinks the President said to Fletcher's
young -- and modishly attired -- son. "I will now!" the boy
shot back enthusiastically.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 26, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
JOHN ANDREWS
SUBJECT
Color Report on Congressional
Half-Hour, April 26
No color items were observed in the Cystic Fibrosis Poster Child
event.
At the beginning of the Tennessee portrait presentation session,
Senator Howard Baker mentioned that one of his last visits to the
White House had involved discussions about TVA. The President
deadpanned, "Didn't we sell that? 11 Then he reassured the group,
which included a representative of the IBEW locals at TVA, "That's
a standard joke the Senator and I have. " "Everyone now is talking
so much about selling the Pentagon, " he added an oblique refer-
ence to CBS's cause celebre documentary -- "they've stopped
worrying about selling the TVA. 11
As he was being photographed next to the near-life-size oil portrait
of himself, RN commented to the artist, "I can't be caught looking
at the picture they'd say I was admiring myself."
Told by State Rep. Ben Longley that Governor Dunn's budget had
come within one vote of adoption in the Tennessee House the other
day, RN asked the party composition. Longley said both Houses
were 58 percent Democratic. "But many of them obviously states-
men, " the President commented drily.
Notable in the President's handling of the Ohio Youth Choir was that
he played neither to the press who were present nor to the Ohio
Senators and Congressmen rather he walked up close to the choir,
faced them, and talked with them in a low, easy voice. The mythical
"President who can't relate to kids" was nowhere in evidence. He
struck a chord in the group with wry recollections of his high school
glee club "I was such a bad bass, they always made me master of
ceremonies.
the singing was fun, but the bus rides were even
better. " (Scandalized "ooohh" from the back of the choir.)
Page Two
His earnest, animated remarks to the teenagers about what to look
for on their European trip this summer echoed his rambling talk
with the Lincoln Memorial kids last May 9. The Big Ear, doubling
as the Big Analyst, wonders: Is this a subject which RN feels
particularly impelled to discuss with young people? Does he perhaps
see youthful indifference to the effects of turning our backs on Viet-
nam, youthful negativism about the relative benefits of American
life, and youthful "new isolationism" in general, as all growing from
a deficiency in world perspectives among the new generation?
cc: Ray Price
April 26, 1971
FOR:
LEE HUEBNER
JOHN ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Events -
Tuesday, April 27, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, April 27:
Lee Huebner -
Swearing-In of Dr. James Fletcher as
Administrator of NASA - 10:00 a.m. -
The President's Office.
John Andrews -
Reception for National Voluntary Action
Committee - 6:15 p.m. - State Dining Room.
Thank you.
cc: A. Butterfield
J. Hustsman
R. Ziegler
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 23, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
LEE HUEBNER
LH
SUBJECT
Color Report on Meeting with
Agricultural Editors --
Supplemental observations
Two points might well be noted --
1. The President's pride in the Rose Garden. This has been
noted before (even during the Cambodian decision-making a year
ago when he was talking about the blossoms). It will probably be
noted again if the wedding is held here. On this occasion he held
forth for quite a while on various aspects of the Garden, including
the fact that the various apple trees blossom according to how
much sun they get -- those on the north side first, the one closest
to his office last because it is shaded by another taller tree.
2. The President's knowledge of things agricultural of all
sorts. The extreme example came when he was handed (and then
pocketed) a card announcing a "cow chip throwing contest" in
Oklahoma. He read it aloud, looked up, laughed and said "I know
what a cow chip is ! How do you throw that? Like a discus?" and
then pantomimed a discus thrower as the group looked on laughing.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 23, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
LEE HUEBNER
LH
SUBJECT
Color Report on Open Hour
Poster Child and Alabama
Group
The many still and motion picture cameras present undoubtedly
captured far better than any words can do this charming inter-
lude featuring the President, a small boy, and a dog. "They're
both hams, aren't they?" the President concluded as the group
finally dispersed and as Pascha returned to her quarters.
The session featured the President and the boy feeding the dog --
the food being conveniently at hand in the top drawer of the Presi-
dent's desk. All of this was well noted by the press. What may
not have been noted was the remark one of the guests made about
the poster child who sat glowing in the President's arms: "I've
never seen him smile or laugh so much. He's usually so shy. "
After the press had left, the President remarked on how people
who are handicapped in one area often compensate in others.
This boy is really compensating for his hearing impairment by
developing a lively personality, the President observed. "You
really picked a winner this time!" he exclaimed as the child con-
tinued to romp around the room.
The session with the Birmingham group was chiefly notable for
the President's display of tact and patience when the leader of the
delegation persisted in delivering a heavy handed, belabored (and
unscheduled) speech insisting the President come to speak to a
gathering in Alabama in the fall. Later someone else handed
the President a personal note scrawled by Bart Starr -- which
prompted a Presidential observation that Starr was "a great citi-
zen" who would make "a marvelous coach. " While signing
Page Two
autographs, the President was exposed once more to the argument
that he simply had to attend this Alabama gathering (again he
graciously thanked the man without making a commitment). As
the meeting ended, he saluted the two Alabama Senators (though
only Allen was present) for their foreign policy support and noted
that "we can't leave Vietnam in a way that turns the country over
to the Communists because then everything we have done would be
lost. 11
April 23, 1971
FOR:
W. SAFIRE
J. ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Events -
Monday, April 28, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Monday, April 26:
W. Safire - President's Address to U.S. Cha mber of Commerce
Constitution Hall - 11:00 a.m.
J. Andrews - Congressional Half-Hour - 12:15 p.m. -
President's Office
Thank you.
cc: A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
SUBJECT:
Open Door Hour
President's Meeting with James M. Hannan,
National President, Navy League of the
United States, Thomas E. Morris, Senior
Vice President, J. Paull Marshall, National
Judge Advocate, and C. Robert Clark,
National Treasurer
Wednesday, April 21, 1971
12:15 p.m.
The President welcomed the members of the Navy League and reminded
them that he was an old Navy man himself and was startled momentarily
by Mr. Hannan when he reminded the President that he was still on
active duty in the Navy -- as Commander in Chief. This came up when
Mr. Hannan presented the President with an honorary membership in
the League, reminding him that he would have to resume paying dues
six years from now when he leaves active duty. The President seemed
puzzled for a moment but quickly got the point, to the enjoyment of all.
He talked briefly about the importance of a strong Navy and then was
presented with a small reproduction of a statue of Admiral Farragut
which stands in Minorca and was donated by the Madrid Navy League.
The President hadn't realized that Farragut came from a Spanish family
and admitted that he thought he had been a Frenchman. In short, the
President is willing to admit it when there is something he doesn't know.
RAM
RICHARD A. MOORE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 21, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
SUBJECT:
Open Door Hour
President's Meeting with Miss Ann Ucello,
Director, Office of Consumer Affairs,
Department of Transportation and Mrs.
Mary Lou Grier, Chairman, National
Advisory Council, Small Business
Administration
Wednesday, April 21, 1971
12:20 p.m.
This was a very brief and cordial visit. Both ladies admired the
Farragut statue whereupon the President recited what he had learned
about Farragut in the previous meeting, including his Spanish back-
ground. The ladies were impressed with his knowledge at which time
he admitted that, up to a few minutes ago, he thought Farragut was a
Frenchman and the President was putting his new knowledge to immedi-
ate use.
The President was behind schedule but, instead of easing the ladies out,
he scored a plus by inviting them to have a special tour of the Rose
Garden which neither had seen before. They left delighted.
RAIN
RICHARD A. MOORE
April 21, 1971
FOR:
JOHN ANDREWS
FROM: STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Event -
Thursday, April 22, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential event on Thursday, April 22:
Medals of Honor Presentation (Posthumous) - 4:30 p.m.
The Blue Room.
Thank you.
cc:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 20, 1971
agricultural He meant Editory to
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
LEE HUEBNER 2H
S
SUBJECT
Color Report of Greeting of
U. S. Jaycees Leadership
Nothing special to report on this occasion. A pool of White
House reporters was present -- and most of the editors
were taking notes.
April 20, 1971
FOR:
NOEL KOCH
RICHARD MOORE
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Events
Wednesday, April 21, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Wednesday, April 21, 1971:
R. Moore - Open Door Hour - 12:15 P.M. - The President's Office
N. Koch - Greetings to 4-H Club Leadership - 3:45 P.M. -
The East Room
Thank you.
ce: A. Butterfield
J. Hustsman
R. Ziegler
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 20, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
JOHN ANDREWS
SUBJECT
Color Report on President's
Greeting to Jaycees
The audience consisted of about 150 men and a scattering of
women. The President told the group that when he asked JC
President Gordon Thomas who the ladies were, Thomas re-
plied, "Wives, I hope. " "Tell your wives I'll vouch for you, 11
RN said to the group. "That you were here -- and by your-
selves. "
A moment later he told them he'd see that the Rose Garden
was added to their tour route: "That's where I walk each day
on my way to work. You can go through there too and see
what it will feel like when you're President. 11
The main portion of his remarks was a spirited appeal for
these young men to exert their leadership to "Keep America
on the path to greatness" -- which was the end line of his
little speech. As a central illustration of his point, he re-
vealed some of his thinking about the merits of the SST debate
and the significance of that defeat. He said he considered the
environmental aspects of the controversy fairly legitimate on
both sides, but the "America needn't try SO hard" argument he
called dangerous and unworthy. The tendency for a nation to
"drop out of the race" and coast, cropping up in any one area,
can spread contagiously into all areas of national life, the
President warned. He quoted De Gaulle's dictum that "France
was never her true self unless she was engaged in some great
enterprise, 11 an alarm which he said was sounded for France
too late. Between the lines of his remarks today was the clear
implication that he intends to sound it for America very early --
meaning from now on -- and to keep doing so until it is heeded.
cc: Ray Price
S.B.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 19, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
JOHN ANDREWS D
SUBJECT
Color Report on Taft Institute
Award
Presentation
After a long combat lull, the Big Ear today made another limited-
duration incursion into the Oval Office for the above ceremony.
The President's remarks in accepting the Taft Citizenship Award
received press coverage - - but of particular note was his precise
recollection that Robert Taft, Sr., won his 1950 Senate race by
over 400, 000 votes. This is a good example of RN's remarkable
gift of recall -- comparable to remembering batting averages
from the turn of the century.
The President seemed in exceptionally good spirits, bantering with
the Institute group during the photo session after the press left.
Handing out cufflinks and bow pins, he gave a sample of the patter
he uses to lighten up the gift-giving ritual: "These have the Presi-
dential seal on them -- just like up there in the ceiling; you know
the distinctive feature of this office is the two seals, overhead and
in
the
carpet. Since you are a bipartisan group, I should point
out that these do not have my name on them, so anyone can wear
them
It's just a small gift - - you needn't declare it on your income
tax. 11
After the office photo, he insisted on another out in the Rose Gar-
den, which he called "the most beautiful sight in Washington in the
springtime. " "It's planted with tulips at this time of year, " he
added. "You can admire them or tiptoe through them if you like. 11
cc: Ray Price
S.B.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 19, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
The Staff Secretary,
FROM:
DeVan L. Shumway Jan
SUBJECT:
"Color Report" on Building Trades Council
The President started off the meeting by asking the 18 union leaders
present in the room to speak up because "I find these sessions valuable
for what I hear -- not for what I say.
The President said the economy is on the way up and that the significant
thing now is that economists will argue about "how much it is going up
not about whether it is going up." As an observer I was amazed at the
President's ability to analyze the business situation without the use
of notes while detailing figures and dates.
Analyzing the prospects of the construction trades, the President described
1970 as a "flat year" but predicted that 1971 would be an "up year." He
said the construction industry was in a "sellers market."
"Often the lead horse in terms of industry is construction," he said in
describing how the economy will be turning up.
The President again showed his memory when one of the participants
mentioned a problem in connection with revenue bonds.
"You remember you raised that before and you said Mitchell knew all about
it." The President responded, "I remember."
Secretary Hodgson, who was present at the meeting, quoted the President
earlier as saying about the construction workers: "We need these fellows.
They are builders and we need builders in this country."
In a similar vain the President concluded the meeting by saying: "If every
man around this table opposes me for partisan reasons or if every man around
this table opposes every domestic program, for what you have done for your
country on the vital issues that affect our nation's security you will always
be welcome in this room as long as I am here."
Chuck Colson fed this to Ron Ziegler and I fed it to Vic Reisel.
April 19, 1971
FOR:
L. HUEBNER
J. ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Events -
Tuesday, April 20, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, April 20:
L. Husbner - Greeting of Agricultural Editors - 11:30 a.m.
The Rose Garden
J. Andrews - Greeting of U.S. Jaycees Leadership - 12:15 p.m.
State Dining Room.
Thank you.
cc:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
S. bue
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 15, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
FROM:
ALEXANDER P. BUTTERFIELD
SUBJECT:
Color Report on the President's Meeting
with His Committee on Employment of the
Handicapped and the Santin Twins
Report: Although no special words were spoken in this brief meeting,
I noticed again something which I think is very much worth reporting.
The President is always remarkably at ease when mingling and
conversing with physically handicapped persons. (The Santin twins,
in today's case, were both in wheelchairs
and noticeably disfigured
physically by muscular dystrophy.)
The meeting with the committee and the twins could have been as stiff
and formal as the visitors probably anticipated
but it was so far
from that -- so informal and friendly and chatty out there in that
beautiful sun-drenched, blossom-filled Rose Garden
that one could
actually see the guests lose their apprehension and relax. The
President was jovial and more animated than usual as he talked to the
crippled twins and shook hands with the committee members.
In many respects this particular revelation of the President's warmth
and compassion reminded me of his meeting several weeks ago with
Harvey Firestone in the Oval Office. The President didn't pretend for
a minute to overlook the fact that Harvey was brought into the room in
a wheelchair, pushed by a nervous male attendant. As in the Rose Garden
today, he set about immediately putting Mr. Firestone and others at ease.
After a friendly greeting, he said, "Come on, Harvey, let's have a picture
taken by my desk. You stand here and
(as he literally lifted the frail
little man from the chair and helped him to a supportive position next to
the desk) I'll stand next to you. II The attendant started to rush forward
- 2 -
with Harvey's "walker", but the President waved him back and said,
"Oh, he doesn't need that damn thing. 11 It was obvious to me, and
I'm sure to others in the room, that Harvey was getting just the
medicine he needed. He was all smiles
...
as though he had long
resented the sissy treatment he'd been receiving from friends and
associates and was absolutely overjoyed by this far more honest
man-to-man approach.
What I have done:
I have relayed the essence of this report to
Gerry Warren, Deputy Press Secretary.
What I plan to do:
Nothing more from this end of the line. However,
I believe this is the kind of thing which can be passed along so easily
by any one of us who finds himself talking informally to, or being
interviewed by, a news media representative. It should serve as an
excellent example of the President's feelings for others (even though
he is not by nature a demonstrative person) when you are asked by a
reporter what kind of man the President "really is".
P.S.
Whereas I hesitate to mention another personal experience
(having reported some time ago the President's insistence
on seeing my daughter, Susan, in the Oval Office -- just to
cheer her up -- on the day she was released from Bethesda
Naval Hospital), I may as well add quickly a report which is
in precisely the same category as the one above:
The President sent a fruit basket and a huge
bouquet of mixed flowers, along with a hand-
written note, to my wife and daughters while
they vacationed recently in Puerto Rico.
The truth is that the President is especially thoughtful of
others. The truth should be better known.
April 7, 1971
FOR:
NOEL KOCH
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Event
Thursday, April 8. 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential event on Thursday, April 8:
Domestic Briefing for Cabinet and
White House Wives - 10:15 A.M. -
The East Room.
Thank you.
CC:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
March 24, 1971
FOR:
ROBERT FINCH
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Celor Reporter for Presidential Event
Thursday, March 25, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential meeting on Thursday, March 25:
5:00 p.m. P. - Meeting with Black Caucus -
The Cabinet Room.
Thank you.
cc:
A. Butterfield
J. Hustsman
R. Ziegler
Mr. Bull (FYI)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 23, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
FROM:
ALEXANDER P. BUTTERFIELD
SUBJECT:
"Color Report" on the President's Meeting in
the Cabinet Room with Key Dairy Industry
Personnel -- March 23, 1971
What happened at this meeting was not at all unique; I have witnessed
such scenes a hundred times. Yet it is a story worth telling.
Like members of other groups who come to the White House to see the
President, the 18-20 dairy farmers stood in the Cabinet Room and chatted
in low tones, each making an effort to hide a natural nervousness. There
was an occasional cough, and a laugh, but not a trace on any face of genuine
ease,
Then, all of a sudden, BOOM
the President was announced and standing
among those at the south end of the room. He looked tan, healthy and
relaxed. The dairymen were noticeably surprised, for they expected a
somber man. The President smiled broadly and without a pause began
walking around the Cabinet Table shaking hands, laughing, joking, and
saying something to identify himself with each home state. By the time
he took his seat, the prevailing mood in the room was one of complete
informality.
Then, he spoke to his visitors, welcoming them warmly as a group --
telling them of his awareness of their deep commitments to the principles
for which America stands, and expressing his gratitude for their steadfast
nonpartisan support on the issues which are critical to the nation's security
and general welfare.
I will not belabor the point. The President did only what he does so often.
He demonstrated warmth, gratitude, sincerity, understanding and just
plain humaness -- and in so doing he moved a large group of somewhat
uncertain and apprehensive visitors to express themselves similarly.
- 2 -
There was one other thing that I thought of while I sat there: No one
could have been with me -- hearing a dairy farmer from Oklahoma,
another from Kansas, another from Arkansas, and another from
Iowa telling it to the President "like it is" -- and gone away with the
thought that RN is an isolated man. It would seem to me that the
point should be made again and again to our news media friends that
a meeting such as this one today is typical -- that these sessions occur
with many and varied special interest groups day in and day out, here
in Washington and on the road as well -- that we have a President who
listens, a President who cares.
What I have done as of this writing:
1. Personally reviewed information above with Gerry Warren,
Deputy Press Secretary.
2. Reviewed information above, via telephone, with Van Shumway.
Recommended action by others:
Dissemination via appropriate means to news media representatives.
This report tells of 2 things -- (1) the President's humaness
...
as
reflected by his warmth, informality, etc. ; (2) the President's
continual exposure to individuals and groups
and to their particular
problems and interests. Neither is news to us, yet both items are
relatively unknown to the American public. One should be described
as a typical characteristic, ORtrait; the other should be described as
a typical event in the President's day.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 22, 1971
FOR:
ALEXANDER BUTTERFIELD
WILLIAM SAFIR,
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Events -
Tuesday, March 23,
971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, March 23:
Alex Butterfield -
10:30 - Meeting with Laders of the
Dairy Industry - The Cabinet Room.
William Safire -
3:00 - Meeting with U.S. Mayors -
The Cabinet Room.
Thank you.
!!6!!
cc:
J. Huntsman
but
C.'20.
R S Ziegler
Stam
and 1 you can 1. can can anything do to thanyyou. anything latta
nitness
March 22, 1971
FOR:
ALEXANDER BUTTERFIELD
WILLIAM SAFIRE
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Events -
Tuesday, March 23, 1971
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, March 23:
Alex Butterfield -
10:30 - Meeting with Leaders of the
Dairy Industry - The Cabinet Room.
William Safire -
3:00 - Meeting with U.S. Mayors -
The Cabinet Room.
Thank you.
cc:
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
S.B.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 20, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
JOHN ANDREWS
SUBJECT
Color Report on NAB
Reception, March 19
Six or eight small details of the occasion, each no more than a straw
in the wind by itself, taken together promp! the reporter to some
observations about the President as an extemporaneous speaker.
RN's platform virtuosity was shown off at its best earlier in the week
in his moving eulogy of Whitney Young at Lexington, Kentucky. He
spoke without the text Ray Price had prepared for him, and watching
on television with that text in hand one could see him move through
its major points, each now couched in his own terms, and could also
see him move off into passages of his own composing -- all done
gracefully and with deep feeling. Where his allusion to Lon Fuller's
1963 Yale lectures came from one could not know, except to know that
this office, which is supposed to supply such things, had not supplied
that - - and again one marvelled at the President's eclectic knowledge
and razor-sharp recall.
What all this has to do with the NAB reception is that black press lord
John Sengstacke, an NAB board member, admired the eulogy enough to
ask the President for a text as he came through the receiving line last
night. He knew well enough, one assumes, that his papers' journalists
could obtain a transcript from the White House press office -- but he
chose to tell the President face to face how fine it was and ask for a
copy himself.
The President and the business leaders who were his guests seemed
to feel very much at home with one another. The reporter heard one
NAB official say to another by the canape table: "Whenever I think I
have problems, I just look at the President. Here's a man about my
age, much the same background, and look at the problems he has, and
Page Two
the way he handles his job. 11 After the President's little talk a man in
the front called out, "We work free in NAB all year just to see you
once a year! and another as Anglo as you or me, to look at him
whooped above the applause, "Viva el Presidente!"
For his part, the President was in fine form. The serious portion of
his talk to the group dwelt on Whitney Young's contribution of changing
individual lives by opening up thousands of jobs for the hard-core
unemployed, and made the point that all in the NAB could take the same
satisfaction that their work was helping real people one by one. This
again was RN's own approach, not an angle a speechwriter had suggested.
He spoke very easily, with perfect timing in the lighter portion of his
remarks. "What Lynn Townsend has done for NAB, only a man who
makes Chryslers could accomplish
(laughter)
I ride in one
(bigger laughter) only in Florida. 11 (Undercutting the compliment, for
the biggest laughter of all.) "We've had great joy this week, with the
announcement of my older daughter's marriage plans
(then the throw-
away line)
not that I recommend that kind of thing. " (Gale
of
laughter.)
And half a dozen more of the same -- just the right feel, and flawless
delivery.
Afterward a guest who had seen the reporter taking notes volunteered
this: "I'll tell you one thing about that talk he was a thousand times
more poised and positive and at ease talking to us tonight than at the
dinner here last ye 11 Tying in as well to the theme of RN as speaker
was the remark Louis Cabot of Boston made to him in the receiving
line: "I appreciate the way you single out people and look them in the
eye when you're addressing a group. I've been here several times and
I've always been one that you looked right at. 11 Of course, the obvious
point is that nearly everyone in such a group comes away thinking he's
been "singled out" by the Presidential eye, such is RN's mastery of the
art.
This material is of long range value, not immediate press
use, with possible exception of the sengstacke item.
cc: Ray Price
March 19, 1971
FOR:
JOHN ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Event
It is requested that you serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential event today, March 19. 19718
Reception - National Alliance of Businessmen - 6:30 p.m.
State Diaing Room (Business Suit).
Thank you.
CC:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
March 15, 1971
FOR:
ALEXANDER BUTTERFIELD
LEE HUEBNER
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Events -
Tuesday, March 16, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, March 16:
Alex Butterfield
-
12:15 p.m.
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick,
President's Office.
12:20 p.m.
Mr. Jack McCarthy,
President's Office.
Lee Huebner
-
8:30 p.m.
Irish Evening at the White
House - The Residence
(Black Tie).
Thank you.
CC:
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
March 10, 1971
FOR:
W. SAFIRE
N. KOCH
FROM:
S: BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Events
You are requested to act as color reporter for the following
Presidential events:
W. Safire
-
President's Trip to Williamsburg, Va.
to Address National Conference on the
Judiciary - March 11, 1971
N. Keeh
-
President's Trip to Newport, R.I., to
Address OCS Graduation at Newport
Naval Base - March 12, 1971
Thank you.
cc:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntoman
R. Ziegler
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 26, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
JOHN ANDREWS
SUBJECT
Color Report on Adams
Portrait Ceremony
Edging in behind the receiving line, the Big Ear caught the
following:
1. Rep. Margaret Heckler, in whose district the donating
Adams family resides, told the President, "I was proud to
have the First Lady introduce you. 11 (President had said
this was a first. ) "We Women's Lib types, " the Congress-
woman went on, "need that kind of thing from time to time. "
2. Rear Admiral Harry Hull, USN, Ret., husband of a
Louisa Catherine Adams namesake, said to the President,
"May I say you're doing a magnificent job. Keep it up,
and to hell with the rest of them. 11 President replied, "That's
right -- that's the Navy spirit. 11
3.
A guest came through the line in a wheel chair, a social
aide wheeling him, and reached up a little awkwardly to shake
the President's hand. To put him at ease, the President
smiled, "Do you have a good chauffeur there? 11
Little potential for immediate use is seen here. Number 3 might
be added to other little kind remarks for later use.
cc: Ray Price
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 25, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MR. H. R. HALDEMAN
FROM:
ALEXANDER P. BUTTERFIELD
A/
SUBJECT:
Open Door Hour Anecdotalists
(Staff Secretary Action Memo Log P1430H)
You asked in your memorandum of February 19th if Steve and I
can work out a system whereby the Open Door Hour anecdotalists
enter the President's Oval Office along with the guests
having
met and spoken to the guests beforehand.
The answer, of course, is that we can do this very easily -- and
that we will.
As it happens, I have spoken to the President personally about this
matter and he has suggested that we eliminate anecdotalists from all
Open Door Hour events which do not give promise of "color".
He suggested that we assign color reporters to only those events
designated beforehand by Ziegler as appointments with "human
interest".
We are going to work with this modified system for awhile and
see if it puts the President more at ease without losing any really
worthwhile anecdotes.
cc: Ronald L. Ziegler
Stephen B. Bull
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 25, 1971.
MEMORANDUM FOR:
ALEX BUTTERFIELD
FROM
:
BILL SAFIRE
SUBJECT
:
Color Report: Meeting with
the President - 4:15 p.m.
Feb. 24 re Foreign Policy
Speech
After the President finished making his last revisions on
the speech text, he handed it to me and asked what I
thought of the likely impact of the speech. I said it was a
thoughtful kind of speech, no news lead -- won't set the
world on fire.
As I was walking out of the EOB office, the President
observed mildly, "The whole object of our foreign policy
is not to set the world on fire. "
Passed to Time and Newsweek.
February 25, 1971
FOR:
JOHN ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Events -
Friday, February 26, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Friday, February 26:
10:00 a. m. - Swearing-In Ceremony - Hon. George Bush
The State Dining Room.
3:00 p.m. - Presentation of Adams Portraits -
The East Room.
Thank you.
cc:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 24, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE PRESIDENT'S FILE
FROM
LEE HUEBNER
SUBJECT
Color Report -- President's
Meeting with Federal Execu-
tive Board Chairmen in the
Family Theater, 12:15 p.m.,
February 24, 1971
The President spoke briefly and effectively. No unusual comments
or color. But his comments might be useful for those who are
working in the government reorganization area (Krogh, et. al) to
know about and use in their speeches, conversations and so on. I
will send a copy of this memo to Krogh.
The President greets his audience as those who are fighting the
battles in the front lines. 11 Later he refers to them as those "who
work down in the valleys where the people live. 11 For most people,
government is not the symbolic man in Washington, but the regional
official on the scene.
The President plugs various items in his domestic program and con-
cludes with his "revolutionary" proposals: revenue sharing and
reorganization.
He says: "Its not easy to give a State of the Union Address and look
down at twelve Cabinet officers and tell them they will be reduced
to eight. They all cheered, of course, but that's because each one
thought he would be one of the eight!"
As for this audience, here is the key: It's easy to be comfortable
with the status quo, even if it is a mess. Even a mess can be com-
fortable when you are used to it. Change is difficult. But as
people in government, we have got to recognize that people are fed
up with government -- and that means every area of government
-2-
for three reasons: it costs too much, it doesn't work, and there is
not much any one person can do about it.
To make government work better, we are asking you to do a difficult
thing -- - - to give up power rather than fighting for your own empire,
to welcome change rather than defending the status quo.
We are all part of the government establishment. But what separates
big people from "petty bureaucrats" is their willingness to change.
We want to change the game and that means you will have to learn
some new plays. But, "if you learned the old plays and were able to
work in the mess we've got now, you ought to be able to learn new
ones. 11
And with that, the President departs.
"See if you can top that!" someone in the audience shouts to Bill
Ruckelshaus as he resumes the podium. "That's a tough act to
follow, 11 responds Ruckelshaus.
cc: Bud Krogh
Alex Butterfield
Ron Ziegler
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 24, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM
JOHN ANDREWS
SUBJECT
Color Report on Governors'
Dinner, February
23
This vein yielded the reporter no anecdotal ore. The reporter
observes that (1) anecdotalists who are actual guests at an
event like this -- last night Messrs. Finch and Rumsfeld - -
are the only ones in a position to gather material during the
dinner and informal conversation, and (2) staff color reporting
on the toasts and entertainment hour, which received close
press coverage, would be redundant.
CC: Ray Price
Alex Butterfield
Steve Bull
February 24, 1971
FOR:
ROBERT FINCH
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Event -
Thursday, February 25, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the Swearing-In
Ceremony for Thomas Kleppe as SBA Administrator on Thursday,
February 25, at 3:30 p.m., in the President's Oval Office.
Thank you.
cc:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 24, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. STEPHEN B. BULL
FROM:
ALEXANDER P. BUTTERFIELD
SUBJECT:
Assigning Anecdotalists to
Presidential Events
Please use Messrs. Finch and Rumsfeld -- and some of the other
designated anecdotalists -- far more than you have been in the past.
Whereas I agree generally with your practice of assigning speech
writer anecdotalists to those events at which "their suggested remarks"
might be used by the President, I do not think such assignments are a
must.
In other words, I agree fully with John Andrews -- that guests
Finch and/or Rumsfeld could have served the "color report" purpose
every bit as well as, if not better than, John Andrews. At the
Governors Dinner John was a fifth wheel floating around the periphery.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 22, 1971
For:
L. Huebner
W. Safire
From:
Stephen Bull
Re:
Color Reporter for Presidential Events-
Tuesday, February 23, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, February 23, 1971:
L. Huebner
-
11:30 A.M. Open Door Hour - Oval Office
W. Safire
-
12:00 A.M. President's Science Advisory
Committee (Cabinet Room)
Thank you.
CC:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
February 22, 1971
FOR:
D. RUMSFELD
J. ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter for Presidential Events -
Tuesday, February 23, 1971
You are requested to serve as celor reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, February 23, 1971:
D. Rumsfeld
-
3:30 p.m. - Remarks to Governors
Conference - Washington Hilton Hotel -
International Ballroom East.
J. Andrews
-
Governors Dinner - 8:00 p.m. -
State Dining Room
Thank you.
ec:
A. Butterfield
J. Huntsman
R. Ziegler
February 18, 1971
FOR:
W. SAFIRE
L. HUEBNER
J. ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Meetings -
Friday, February 19, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential meetings on Friday, February 10:
9
W. Safire -
Meeting with Editors of Fortune Magazine -
10:00 a.m. - President's Office
L. Husbner -
Open Deor Hour - 12:30 p.m. - President's Office
J. Andrews -
Reception for Members of President's Council
on Physical Fitness - 11:30 a.m. - East Room
Remarks to Attendees of Young Republican
Leadership Training School - 4:00 p.m. -
East Room
Thank you.
ee:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Ziegler
February 17, 1971
FOR:
WILLIAM SAFIRE
NOEL KOCH
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reports of Presidential Events -
Thursday, February 18, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Thursday, February 18:
Noel Kech -
Dem. Congressional Breakfast -
The State Dising Room - 8:00 a.m.
William Safire
-
Dedication of Woodrow Wilson
Center for International Scholars -
Old Smithsonian Institution - 5:30 p.m.
Thank you.
CC:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Ziegler
February 16,-1971
FOR:
JOHN ANDREWS
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporter - Military Reception
8:30 p.m. - Wed., Feb. 17, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the Military
Reception to be held in the Residence on Wednesday evening,
February 17, at 8:30 p.m.
Thank you.
ec:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Ziegler
February 15, 1971
FOR:
J. ANDREWS
N. KOCH
W. SAFIRE
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reporters for Presidential Meetings -
Tuesday, February 16, 1971 -
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events:
W. Safire -
Cabinet Meeting - Cabinet Room
8:00 A.M.
N. Koch
#
Medals of Honor Presentation (Posthumous) -
The East Room - 11:00 A.M.
J. Andrews -
Presidential Remarks at American Legion
Banquet, Sheraton Park Hotel - 8:50 P.M.
ee:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Ziegler
February 15, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MR. JOHN R. BROWN, III
Staff Secretary
FROM:
ALEXANDER P. BUTTERFIELD
+/
SUBJECT:
Addition to List of Outlets
(in Anecdotalists Program)
Please add Bob Haldeman and Dwight Chapin to your list of
officially designated outlets in the anecdotalists program.
Thank you.
CC:
Stephen B. Bull
February 10, 1971
FOR:
WILLIAM SAFIRE
RICHARD MOORE
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reports for Presidential Meetings -
Thursday, February 11, 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential meetings on Thursday, February 11:
William Safire
-
Swearing-In of Ambassader-At-Large
David Kennedy, 11:15 a.m., President's
Oval Office
Richard Moere
-
Swearing-In of Governor John Connally
as Secretary of the Treasury, 11:30 a. m.,
The East Room
cc:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Ziegler
February 9, 1971
FOR:
WILLIAM SAFIRE
JOHN WHITAKER
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Color Reports for Presidential Events -
Wednesday, February 10, 1971
You are requested to sit in on the following Presidential mestings
on Wednesday, February 10:
William Safire
-
Democratic Congressional Breakfast -
8:00 a.m. - State Dining Room
-
Reception for Members of Business Council -
6:00 p.m. - The Residence
John Whitaker
-
Reception for National Industrial
Pollution Control Council - 11:00 a. m. -
State Dining Room
CC:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Ziegler
February 8, 1971
FOR:
WILLIAM SAFIRE
RICHARD MOORE
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
RE:
Presidential Schedule
Tuesday, February 9. 1971
You are requested to serve as color reporter for the following
Presidential events on Tuesday, February 9:
William Safire
-
Republican Congressional
Leadership Meeting, 8:00 a.m.,
The Cabinet Room
Richard Moore
-
Open Door Hour, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.,
The President's Oval Office
cc:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Biegler
Steve Bull
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 6, 1971
PERSONAL/CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MR. ROBERT H. FINCH
MR. DONALD RUMSFELD
MR. HERBERT G. KLEIN
MR. RONALD L. ZIEGLER
MR. PATRICK J. BUCHANAN
MR. WILLIAM L. SAFIRE
MR. RICHARD A. MOORE
MR. NOEL C. KOCH
MR. LEE W. HUEBNER
MR. DE VAN L. SHUMWAY
FROM:
ALEXANDER P. BUTTERFIELD
SUBJECT:
Anecdotal Reports of Presidential Activities
Over the past 2-week period we have been experimenting with various
schemes for picking up and getting to the attention of the public in
anecdotal form the humorous, the colorful, and the otherwise inter-
esting and different extra things which so often occur during
Presidential ceremonies, conferences and meetings. Whereas
a number of people have spoken up on the matter, and in so doing
stated a variety of opinions, all have agreed that the idea is a good one
and that putting it into effect is an absolute must.
The purpose of this memorandum, therefore, is to set before you a few
relatively simple procedures which we believe to be essential to the
maintenance of a really effective anecdotal reporting program revolving
around the daily activities of the President.
But first a point or two by way of clarification:
(1) The mission of the "anecdotalist" is quite different from that
of the writer of a "Memorandum for the President's File".
A memo writer is assigned to sit in on each event which is
not public
that is, each event at which the proceedings are
Page Two
not recorded by the White House Communications Agency
or covered by the press. An anecdotalist is assigned
to every meeting, public and private, at which there might
occur a newsworthy item relating to the human side of the
President.
(2) The memo writer is almost always a staff member of the
office having prime interest in the particular Presidential
meeting or event. More often than not, he is the individual
who prepared the briefing paper for the President and who
is most familiar with the purpose and background, and with
the subject to be discussed. Although it is true that he too
should be alert to color, tone and mood, his chief concern
is substance
and in mentally noting commitments made
by either the President or his visitors so that he can take
whatever follow-up action might be necessary. The anec-
dotalist, on the other hand, is somewhat special. He is
one who has the ability to observe more closely than most,
and to instantly recognize "the little things" the witticisms
and catch-phrases, the expressions, the poignant moments
all of which when occurring in the Presidential environment
reveal in a variety of ways the warm and generous and human
side of the man who serves as President. And what he
captures, the anecdotalist can tell and write about descrip-
tively.
(3) It is important for both the memo writers and the anecdotalists
to get their reports on paper immediately (while events are
still fresh in their minds) so that little or nothing of signi-
ficance is lost. The report of the memo writer is then sent
through the Staff Secretary to the President's Personal File
where in all probability it will remain unseen until the end
of the Administration when historical records are reviewed
and pieced together. The color report of the anecdotalist
is destined also for its chronlogical niche in the President's
Personal File, but in almost all cases the information which
it bears must be moved without delay by way of our news
media outlets (Messrs. Safire, Buchanan and Shumway
and in press conferences and speeches of their own, Messrs.
Finch, Rumsfeld, Klein and Ziegler) to the eyes and ears
of the American public.
(4) Finally, I should list the names of currently designated
"anecdotalists" and "outlets".
Anecdotalists (or Color Writers)
Mr. Finch
Mr. Rumsfeld
Mr. Klein
Mr. Safire
Mr. Buchanan
Mr. Koch
Mr. Moore.
Mr. Huebner
Outlets to the News Media
Mr. Finch
Mr. Rumsfeld
Mr. Klein
Mr. Ziegler
Mr. Safire
Mr. Buchanan
Mr. Shumway
Each anecdotalist, or color writer, will receive advance
notice from the appointments office informing him of the
times and dates of the meetings, conferences, ceremonies
and social functions he is to attend. If it will be impossible
for him to attend because of a higher priority commitment,
he need only make that fact known to the appointments
office (usually Steve Bull or Mrs. Beverly Kaye) right away
so that another member of the "anecdotalist pool" can be
assigned to cover the activity.
Here then are the procedures to be followed:
(1) At the termination of the event being covered -- assuming
something occurred worth reporting -- the anecdotalist
should go directly to the office of either the Press Secretary
or the Deputy Press Secretary and describe orally what
happened or what was said. This person-to-person report
should be made by the anecdotalist enroute back to his own
office, not at a later time. This is the first step, and one
of the most important.
(2) Again, assuming that an anecdote or two are picked up,
the anecdotalist must next record it (or them) on paper.
He should do this in his own style, being as brief or as
elaborate as he, himself, thinks appropriate.
(3) Then, on that same sheet of paper, he should add these two
bits of information:
a)
What he plans to do with the item to help get it out
(if he feels that he can contribute).
b)
What he thinks others might be able to do with the
particular item(s), i.e. what special actions he
recommends
if any.
NOTE: It may well be that what occurred in the
meeting or at the ceremony, or whatever, is
something which should not be disseminated right
away, but saved -- perhaps for insertion later in
a speech or a book. In most cases, however, the
anecdotes should be moved out to the attention of the
public that very day, or the next, via news reporters,
TV commentators and columnists.
(4) Before the close of business on that same day, the "color
report" typewritten or in longhand -- should be sent to
the office of the Staff Secretary. He (the Staff Secretary)
will get confidential copies to the seven persons listed above
as "outlets", and they will take whatever actions they deem
appropriate.
The setting forth of these procedures is not meant to preclude the application
of changes at a later date. It would seem best, however, to work with
this system, complying as best we can with these instructions, for at least
4-6 weeks before considering any sort of major modification.
Thank you.
PERSONAL/CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 1, 1971
FOR:
WILLIAM SAFIRE
NOEL KOCH
RICHARD MOORE
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
PB
RE:
Color Reports for Presidential Meetings -
Tuesday, February 2, 1971
You are requested to sit in on the following Presidential events
scheduled for Tuesday, February 2:
Noel Koch
-
Prayer Breakfast - Washington Hilton -
8:00 a.m.
W. Safire
-
Cabinet Meeting - 10:00 a.m.
Sub-Cabinet Meeting - East Room -
Richard Moore -
Open Door Hour - 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Eveningnat the White House -
8:30 p.m.
cc:
J. Brown
A. Butterfield
R. Ziegler
January 20, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MR. ALEX BUTTERFIELD
MR. DWIGHT CHAPIN
Sexu
FROM:
H. R. HALDEMAN
I agree with Bull's basic procedural memorandum regarding the
assignment of anecdotalists. I would, however, like to make
a few points clear so that there is no confusion in the future:
1.
Alex Butterfield is to assume final responsibility
for the assignment of anecdotalists for all upcoming
meetings. The suggestions that Steve makes with
regard to reviewing the assignments in your 2:00 p.m.
meeting is find but there has to be one person in
charge and that person is to be Alex.
2.
In addition to Safire, Dick Moore, and the speech
writers, we should also try to use Rumsfeld,
Finch and Klein in the role of anecdotalist. Please
Garnal
make sure that in appropriate meetings they are
included - particularly where we want someone
talking to the press afterward.
3.
Since Alex is in charge of the anecdotalist, he
should probably follow up in notifying the anec-
dotalist. However, if he wants to delegate this
responsibility to Bull - fine.
4.
Make sure that the Staff Secretary is used in
following up on getting the information and report
of the meetings.
The primary purpose of the whole anecdotalist program is to get
the line out on what has happened in meetings. Therefore, the
anecdotalist's responsibility is not only to brief Ziegler or Warren,
but also to get the people who are in the meeting talking about the
2.
meeting to members of the press and the groups that they represent.
In order to do this, much more active follow up is needed by the
anecdotalist.
After the meeting, the anecdotalist should get together with the
Cabinet or staff member(s if one sits in and decide on some
possible ways of getting out what has happened in the meeting.
The specific approach will vary with the type of meeting that is
being held but there should be an aggressive attempt on the part of
all our staff members to talk up what happened and to get the line
out.
In this regard Chapin should play a key role and when big meetings
are held he should probably meet with the people afterward and
see if we can't come up with some sort of an almost instant game
plan that we can put into effect to try and sell the line. Even better,
of course, would be to have a planned program before the meeting
occurs so that we can immediately swing into action.
We should try some new techniques in getting the line out. Examples
would include, (1) calling one or two of the network commentators in
and giving them an exclusive on what took place at the meeting (2) calling
particular columnists in or (3) having Ziegler or the individual involved,
stand up and brief.
The success of the program depends on what we are able to do in getting
the line out. One person needs to be responsible for coordinating this.
Give me your recommendation as to whom that person should be and
how he intends to follow up.
THE WHITE ROCOM
WASHINGTON
February 2, 1971
FOR:
P. BUCHANAN
D. HERSHFIELD
I. HUEBNER
N. KOCH
W. SAFIRE
R. MOORE
FROM:
ALEXANDER BUTTERFIELD
RE:
Anecdotal Reports of Presidential Activities
It is standard procedure for a staff member to sit in on a Presidential
meeting or event and take notes for a subsequent report that he will pre-
pare on the content of the event. This "Memorandum for the President's
Files" is usually limited to the substance of the meeting and serves as an
aid for the staff member to follow up on items that came under discussion.
Because the staff member limits himself mainly to substance, some
extremely interesting and important non-substantive aspects that would
be very valuable were they known to the public, have gone unreported.
Consequently, it was recommended that the best way to fill this gap
would be to have an additional person sit in on most Presidential events
for the sole purpose of noting the human side of the meeting. During the
few weeks that we have been operating this program, we have referred
to the person sitting in as an "anecdotalist". However, "anecdotalist"
is somewhat misleading since it cannotes only humor and suggests that
the individual should be looking only for humorous items. The objective
£: to identify the human side, which would include humor, but also the
off-beat, the attitudes, tone, color and these other rather nebulous con-
capts that contribute to a better understanding of the President and
Presidential activities. There will be meetings when the color reporter
(ameedotalist) will emerge with the conclusion that there is nothing of
significance to report. This is fine and should be reported exactly like
that. However, we will have covered the meeting thoroughly.
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As with any program, a certain procedure will have to be established,
but in the case of color reporting the attempt is to keep it as simple
as possible. Underlying the procedure are three basic premises:
1.
Persons qualified to act as color reporters are a
special breed who have not only the ability to recognize a
"nugget" of significant interest but can articulate it in a
succinct and relevant manner after the event.
2.
The nugget is of value only when it is released through
a workable outlet.
3.
The nugget may be equally, if not more, valuable to another
outlet on the staff as it is to the individual who identified it
during the event.
In view of the above, the following is the procedure we would like to
institute:
1.
Report orally and immediately to the Press Secretary or
Deputy Press Secretary on what transpired as interpreted by
an anecdotalist. This report to the Press Secretary will
reveal specifically what it is that the anecdotalist will be
releasing.
2.
Prepare a brief report (typewritten or handwritten) outlining,
explaining, or identifying the following:
(a)
The anecdote (nugget) (item) (etc.).
(b)
What you have done to date with this item,
g., told the Press Secretary.
(c)
What you plan to do, e. g., drop it casually to a
reporter at lunch the next day. Perhaps you plan
to do nothing at all.
(d)
Special instructions, e.g., hold for exclusive use.
- 3 -
Submit this report to the Staff Secretary by the close of
business on the same day for a morning meeting, and by noon
the next day for an afternoon meeting or evening event. He
in turn will distribute copies to the other color reporters and
outlets SO that they may make use of the nuggets you have un-
covered and, provided that you have not placed restrictions
on them under "special instructions", will feel free to release,
plug, or push the item in whatever manner they may choose.
Assignment of Color Reporters
The addressees of this memorandum are considered to be qualified
"color reporters", and will be called upon from time to time to sit
in on meetings and perform the duties described above. The following
individuals are considered to be appropriate "outlets" and, although
their regular duties prohibit their functioning as color reporters, color
reports will be channeled to them by the Staff Secretary for their use:
Herbert Klein
Ronald Ziegler
De Van Shumway
Ausignment of the color reporter to a meeting or event will be made
by the Appointments Office, and every effort will be made to make the
assignment as well in advance as possible. For those public events
in which the President delivers formal remarks, the color reporter
will usually be the individual who has worked on the preparation of the
suggested remarks. Other assignments will be made in accordance
with the nature of the meeting, the availability of the color reporter, etc.
January 19, 1971
Koch
FOR:
P. BUCHANAN
D. HERSHFIELD
L., NUEBNER
W. SAFIRE
R. MOORE
FROM:
DWIGHT L. CHAPIN
RE:
Anecdotal Reports of Presidertial Activities
It is standard procedure for a staff member to sit in on a Presidential
meeting or event and take notes for a subsequent report that Le will pre-
pare on the content of the event. This "Memorandum for the President's
Files" is usually limited to the substance of the meeting and serves as an
aid for the staff member to follow up on items that came under discussion.
Because the staff member limito himself mainly to substance, some
extremely interesting and important non-substantive aspects that would
be very valuable were they known to the public, have gone unreported.
Consequently, it was recommended that the best way to all this gap
would be to have an additional person sit in on most Presidential events
for the sole purpose of noting the human side of the meeting. The anec-
dotalist would concern himself generally with Lone, color background
and substance
relates to the first three. At the conclusion of the
noterrally
meeting, it is the responsibility of the auecdotalist to do a number of
things:
orally +
1. ReportyImmedintely to the Press Secretary or Deputy Press Secretary
on what transpired as interpreted by an anecdotalist. This report
to the Press Secretary will reveal specifically what it is that the
anecdotallst will be roleasing.
2. It is the personal and immediate responsibility of the ancedotalist
to insure that those items of interest are appropriately disseminated
to the public. The anecdetalist may use a variety of means, including
contacting columnists directly, requesting an administration spokesman
to include the event in a public speech or appearance he is about to make,
or something of this nature. The Press Secretary and the Office of
- 2 -
the Director of Communications can provide information with regard
to what members of the Administration or party are participating in
outside events.
3. A report should be written immediately and submitted to Alex Butterfield
within 24 hours on what transpired during the meeting from an anecdotalist
point of view. Those reports serve not only as a historical record, but
frequently are requested by the President for his perusal.
As a general course, the ancedotalists will be limited to the addressees of
this memorandum because recognizing good aneciotes and disseminating
them to the public requires a special skill possessed by very few people.
For the most part, Bill Safire and Dick Moore will carry the great burden
of this anecdotal program, but on occasions the speechwriter responsible
for proparing suggested remarks for the President will serve in the
encodotalist capacity. Every effort will be made by the Appointments
Office to notify the anecdotalist well in advance 50 that he may plan his
schedule accordingly. Additionally, every effort will be made to notify
the anecdotalist by memorandum of the event he is expected to cover.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 16, 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR:
H. R. HALDEMAN
VIA:
DWIGHT L. CHAPIN
FROM:
STEPHEN BULL
the
RE:
Procedure for Assignment of Anecdotalist
There is currently in effect a system operated by Alex Butterfield
whereby a staff member is assigned to each meeting to sit in and then
write a memorandum for the President's files regarding what transpired.
Mr. Butterfield's office keeps records of those meetings requiring a
memorandum and follows up to insure that the memos are received.
The Staff Secretary, through use of the Action Memo, is the initiator
for requesting the memo for the President's files.
Presumably, the anecdotalist's report should be something separate
from the staff member's substantive report, and there are only a limited
number of people on the staff qualified to write a good anecdotalist's
report.
1.
Eligible Anecdotalists
The people to be used as anecdotalists are as follows:
Bill Safire - large meetings such as Cabinet Meetings,
meetings with outside groups, and all economic
meetings (where an anecdotalist is permitted)
because of Bill's expertise in the area of economics.
Dick Moore - smaller type meetings in the President's office
and such events as visits to the Washington Home for
the Incurables.
Speechwriters - any public event for which the individual
speechwriter wrote the Presidential remarks.
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Alex Butterfield - a substitute or backup anecdotalist who
would fill in when the assigned anecdotalist fails to
show up.
2. Method of Assignment
There are three variations of the President's schedule. The most
complete one has an extremely limited distribution and is given to the
following:
President's EOB Office
Manolo Sanchez
Stephen Bull
Alex Butterfield
John Brown
Dwight Chapin
H. R. Haldeman
Larry Higby
Hugh Sloan
Rose Woods
Ron Ziegler
The extreme left-hand column indicates the starting time for each
meeting. Immediately below the starting time will be listed the name
of the anecdotalist. When there is to be no anecdotalist, the word "None"
will be inserted in place of the name. As is generally the procedure,
the daily schedule is submitted to Dwight Chapin for approval. One of
the items that he will review is the assignment of an anecdotalist. He will
not be making the assignment, however, but insuring that the anecdotalists
have been properly assigned.
3. Selection of Anecdotalists
At the 2:00 p.m. meeting held each day in Mr. Butterfield's office,
one of the items to be reviewed will be the anecdotalists. In addition to
receiving Mr. Butterfield's guidance on the assignment of an anecdotalist,
this discussion will serve as a second backstop to insure that an anecdotalist
has been assigned. As a general guideline, an anecdotalist will be assigned
in accordance with the areas of expertise listed above, and for all meetings
except those of a very confidential nature, staff meetings, and ones in which
the President does not wish to have anyone present.
- 3 -
4. Indication to President of Anecdotalist
On the President's desk calendar, right below the starting time
of the meeting, the name of the anecdotalist will be indicated. If the
President should decide that he does not wish to have an anecdotalist,
or the assigned anecdotalist present, we will be flexible enough to make
appropriate changes on a last minute basis.
5. Notification of Assignment for Anecdotalist
As much in advance as possible, I will give verbal notification to
the principal anecdotalist (Bill Safire and Dick Moore) of the possibility
of assignments to a specific meeting. Following the 2:00 p.m. meeting
with Mr. Butterfield, and upon receiving approval of the specific assign-
ment of the anecdotalist on the limited distribution schedule submitted to
Mr. Chapin, I will send a brief memo to each anecdotalist advising him
of the meeting to which he is assigned the following day. A carbon copy
of the assignment will be sent to John Brown for Staff Secretary follow-up,
Alex Butterfield for information, and Ron Ziegler for notification of the
identity of the anecdotalist.
6. Appropriate Follow-Up by the Anecdotalist
Following any meeting attended by an anecdotalist, it will be the
responsibility of the assigned anecdotalist to report to the Press Secretary
or the Deputy Press Secretary on what transpired during the meeting.
If something of significance or public interest occurred, the Press Secretary
has the option of taking a verbal report immediately from the anecdotalist
and relaying it to the Press, or waiting for the written report submitted
to the Staff Secretary not more than 24 hours after the meeting. Should
for some reason the anecdotalist fail to report to the Press Office, the
Press Secretary, having been previously notified by copy of the memorandum
assigning the anecdotalist, can contact the anecdotalist himself to check if
anything happened of particular interest or significance. However, emphasis
will have to be placed on the responsibility of the anecdotalist to contact the
Press Secretary rather than the opposite.
CC:
Alexander Butterfield
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 31, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MR. STEPHEN B. BULL
FROM:
DWIGHT L. CHAPING
H
We are not covering ourselves well on the anecdotalist.
For example, the other day there was no one in at the time
that the President had the young men from Boys Town. We
also slipped up by not having an anecdotalist in when the
President met with the Jewish leaders yesterday.
Without fail, we must have someone in acting as the
anecdotalist at all times. The two men who are to be used
most extensively are Safire and Moore. Safire is to be
used more for group-type meetings and not for individual-
type meetings. Moore is okay for individual-type meetings
and so is Alex Butterfield.
When a group comes in at the last minute as the Jewish
leaders did yesterday, then I guess our best course of
action is to get in touch with Alex immediately and just
have him step in and act as the anecdotalist.
As you know, every day Harriet prepares a draft schedule
for me which you review and then I approve. From now on,
I am going to ask Harriet to make a xerox copy of the draft
schedule to be sent to you for review. When you are
reviewing it, please indicate by each meeting or appointment
who the anecdotalist will be. That way I can look over how
you have them assigned and what events are being covered or
are not being covered. This may act as some insurance
against the slip-ups which we have encountered recently.
If at any time the anecdotalist assigned does not show up for the
particular meeting, then Alex should be told immediately so that
he can step in and fill the void.
CC: Mr. Butterfield
Miss Elam
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 30, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR:
M.R. JOHN R. BROWN, III
MR. STEPHEN B. BULL
FROM:
ALEXANDER P. BUTTERFIELD
i/
SUBJECT:
Selecting Anecdotalists for Presidential
Meetings
The President said today that Bill Safire should serve as an
anecdotalist only in the fairly large meetings -- never in those
which involve only one, two or three guests.
MEMORANDUM
N
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 15, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR:
STEVE BULL
FROM:
DWIGHT CHAPIN
at
Attached you will find a memorandum to Bill Safire.
Bill, Dick Moore, and one or two others will be sitting
in on all meetings which the President has in the future
per the attached memorandum.
It is your responsibility to see that we have an anecdotalist
assigned for every meeting. I will have to work closely
with you on this. Once you've read these memoes, let's
sit down and discuss the procedure which we can follow.
Thank you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 15, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BILL SAFIRE
FROM:
DWIGHT CHAPIN
The President has stated that for virtually all meetings which he holds,
except naturally those that are private head-to-head sessions, and
absolutely for all public functions, all dinners, etc., there is to be an
assigned anecdotalist in attendance. We will be using you for this assign-
ment, as well as Dick Moore when available, and as time moves on, one
or two others.
You should plan on sitting in on the meetings to which you are assigned as
a participant but obviously should not speak up unless called upon. The
President has asked that you not take notes but should be very alert to the
opportunities for a warm human interest story coming out of the meeting,
and then should move on your own initiative afterwards to getthat story
planted in a good place. Obviously, Ron Ziegler and Herb Klein should be
kept posted on what you are planting and who you are planting it with.
Another purpose of your sitting in on the meeting will be to work with Ron
Ziegler immediately after the session to see that the proper line is estab-
lished. This would include your spending two or three minutes briefing
whoever it may be that would be appearing before the press corps or who-
ever is assigned to talk to some reporters. I am sure you get the point.
In addition to the above, it will also be your responsibility to write up a
brief memo for the President's file regarding the human interest angle,
not the substantive part of the meeting.
As we discussed this morning, my office will see that you are notified as
to what meetings you should sit in on. Steve Bull will be charged with the
responsibility of alerting you as far in advance as possible so that you can
adjust your schedule accordingly. Alex Butterfield will be working with
you to insure that we get the followup memo for the President's file.
CC: Alex Butterfield
Steve Bull