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Raymond K. Price Speech File: Option B--Resignation, Draft 8/4/74 (See also Statement 8/5 and Resig. 8/8), Ofcl. Copies
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Raymond K. Price Speech File: Option B--Resignation, Draft 8/4/74 (See also Statement 8/5 and Resig. 8/8), Ofcl. Copies
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Price
8/3/74
spece
Good evening.
Since the decision by the Suprme Court 12 days ago, ordering
me to turn over to the District Court the 64 xmemyded taped conversa-
tions suppoenaed by the Special Prosecutor,
2 have been in the
process of reviewing personally a large number of subpoenaed
Presidential conversations, inxaddition and my counsel have also
been conducting their own review.
During this process, a great deal of my time and effort havex has
been focused on it.
Questions have arisen about my intentions -- about whether there
is a strategy, and about what I am going to do.
I have requested this televisinn and radio time in order to
bring you up to date on my current plans.
I am very conscious of the erosion that has taken plance in
the political base that I would need to sustain my position in the
House of Representatives. zIt does appear now that impeachment & will
be voted by the House, and that the issue will proceed to a trail in
the Senat Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
2
As a practical matter,
I accept the virtual certaintym of that development, and of
kimemform I am therefore proceeding on the assumption *ahk that the
issue will b be finally resclved in the Senate.
In reviewing the 64 tapes covered by the Special Prosecutors
subpoena, I have found, with one exception, that theya addmnothing
support what I said on April 29 when a I announced my decision to
make the original transcripts public: x that the evidence already
turned over to the House Judiciary Committee tells the full story
of Watergate, in so far as the President's personal knowledge or
involvement is concerned. With this one exception, they add nothing
an significant or substantial. kmxmhx
The one exception is a conversation that I held with H.R.
Secause This may represent e sign firm
Haldeman on June 23, 1972. In order to complete the record before
addition in The urtugate story, i have withouted my Honey X)
the House, I hadxhamem have ordered that this tape be furnished to
mahr Favortable unimedicately X The House
on ndn L, caple /7
in
the Judiciary Committee tonight All 64, of course, are also being
&
belu
£mxnim turned over to Judge Sirica, in accordance with the order of
TL 14
As these become public, which they withym undoubtedly
the Supreme Court.
be
/-
will in the course of the various trials for which they were subpoenaed,
The
ih
I am confident that the truth of what I have said about them will be
5
evident.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
3
The tape that I am furnishing the House committee is of X a
conversation with Mr. Haldeman concerning the C.I.A. and the F.B.I.
In my statement about Watergate on May 22, 1973, and in subse-
discussed this
quent comments, I conversation -- six
on June 23, six days after the break-in -- in terms that I kn now
find to be erroneous, or at least incomplete. In these statements,
I said that I was concerned that because several former C.I.A.
personnel were involved in the break-in, the investigation might
uncover unrelated covert activities of the C.I.A.; and also that
because Mr. Hunt was notanxel only a former & C.I.A.
operative but adso had also been a member of the so-called "plumbers,"
*hat the investigation might reveal details of what I considered
highly sensitive national security matters the plumbers had worked
on. Therefore, I said, I. gave instructions that the F.B.I. should
be alter alerted to coordinate a with the C.I.A., and to ensure that
not expose
maths.
the investigation stayed out of sensitive nationa 1 security areas.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
4
That Maym22x statement of May 22, 1973 W&S based on my best
0
documentary materails and to
recollection at the time, in addition to/sworn testimony by the
various people involved.
In reviewing the tape, it is now clear that Mr. Haldeman and
I did discuss the political aspects of the situation, and that we
were fully aware of the advantages this course of action would have
WN with respect to limiting possible public exposure of involvement
by persons connected with the re-election committee.
I deeply regret that because my previous statements were made
but +
the from Thargis The on Tvi
1 The not
without benefit of having reviewed the tape, they were inaccurate.
I did begin a review of the 64 subpoènaed tapes, including this
completing
in
one, in May of this year, but then postponed it pending decision by
1
1
the Supreme Court.
I now recognize this postpoment as having been
a grievous mistake, because is as a result my counsel, my staff, and
those who advocated my position within the Judiciary
or
in
Committee did so on the basis of facts that were incomplete.
is 1 have I
To put that June 23 conversation in perspective, however, I do
tult
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Meeting: The President and Haldeman, EOB Office. June 23,
1972. (2:20 - 2:45 P. m. )
H
No problem
P
(Unintelligible)
H
Well, it was kind of interest. Walters made the point
and I didn't mention Hunt, I just said that the thing was
leading into directions that were going to create potential
problems because they were exploring leads that led back
into areas that would be harmful to the CIA and harmful
to the government (unintelligible) didn't have anything to
do (unintelligible).
(Telephone)
P.
Chuck? I wonder if you would give John Connally a call
he's on his trip - I don't want him to read it in the paper
before Monday about this quota thing and say - look, we're
going to do this, but that I checked, I asked you about the
situation (unintelligible) had an understanding it was only
temporary and ah (unintelligible) O.K.? I just don't want
him to read it in the papers. Good. Fine.
II
(unintelligible) I think Helms did to (unintelligible) said,
I've had no -
P
God (unintelligible).
H
Gray called and said, yesterday, and said that he thought -- ---
P
Who did? Gray?
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
..2-
H
Gray called Helms and said I think we 've run right into
the middle of a CIA covert operation.
P
Gray said that?
H
Yeah. And (unintelligible) said nothing we've done at this
point and ah (unintelligible) says well it sure looks to me like
it is (unintelligilbe) and ah, that was the end of that conversation
(unintelligible) the problem is it tracks back to the Bay of Pigs
and it tracks back to some other the leads run out to people
who had no involvement in this, except by contacts and connection
but it gets to areas that are liable to be raised? The whole
problem (unintelligible) Hunt. So at that point he kind of got
the picture. He said, he said we'll be very happy to be helpful
(unintelligible) handle anything you want. I would like to know
the reason for being helpful, and I made it clear to him he
wasn't going to get explicit (unintelligible) generality, and he
said fine. And Walters (unintelligible). Walters is going to make
a call to Gray. That's the way WC put it and that's the way it
was left.
P
How does that work though, how, they 've got to (unintelligible)
somebody from the Miami bank.
H
(unintelligible). The point John makes - the Bureau is
going on on this because they don't know what they are un-
convering (unintelligible) continue to pursue it. They don't
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-3-
H
need to because they already have their case as far as the
charges against these men (unintelligible) and ah, as they
pursue it (unintelligible) exactly, but we didn't in any
way say IVC (unintelligible). One thing Helms did raise.
He said, Gray - he asked Gray why they thought they had
run into a CIA thing and Gray said because of the characters
involved and the amount of money involved, a lot of dough.
(unintelligible) and ah, (unintelligible)
P
(Unintelligible)
H
Well, I think they will.
P
If it runs (unintelligible) what the hell who knows (unintelligible)
contributed CIA.
H
Ya, it's money CIA gets money (unintelligible) I mean their
money moves in a lot of different ways, too.
P
Ya. How are (unintelligible) - a lot of good - -
H
(Unintelligible)
P
Well you remember what the SOB did on my book? When
I brought out the fact, you know --
H
Ya.
P
that he knew all about Dulles? (Expletive Deleted) Dulles knew.
Dulles told me. I know, I mean (unintelligible) had the telephone
call. Remember, I had a call put in -- Dulles just blandly said
and knew why.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
4-
H
Ya
P
Now, what the hell! Who told him to do it? The President?
(Unintelligible)
H.
Dulles was no more Kennedy's man than (unintelligible) was
your man (unintelligible)
P
(unintelligible) covert operation - do anything else (unintelligible)
H
The Democratic nominee, we're going to have to brief him.
P
Yes sir. Brief him (unintelligible). We don't (unintelligible).
H
Oh no. Tell him what we want him to know. I don't think
you ought to brief him.
P
Me? Oh, hell no!
H
.
(unintelligible) you would have been if Johnson called you in - -
P.
Johnson was out of office.
H
That's the point - he was
P
Eisenhower, Eisenhower did not brief Kennedy.
H
and wouldn't be proper anyway (unintelligible) because you're
too (unintelligible)
P
(unintelligible) same thing that Eisenhower did. Course
Eisenhower (unintelligible)
Phone rings
P
Ya. Ah, I'll call him tomorrow.
Hq
(Unintelligible) sure, that you want io
P
No. I just simply think that we provide for (unintelligible)
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-5-
P
from the appropriate authorities (unintelligible) of course
not, and I don't think we ought to let Kissinger brief - I'd
just have Helms (unintelligible)
(unidentifiable)
P
What did you say that poll, Gallup (unintelligible) wonder
why he got it out so quickly. Usually lead time is two weeks.
H
Well, actually, this is where lead time usually was and until
the last few months (unintelligible). This time he's putting
it out fast.
P
(Unintelligible) want to get it out before the Convention.
H
Well, because he's got a trial heat, and he wants 10 put this
out before - set the stage for the trial heats.
P
(Unintelligible) before the Convention. (Unintelligible)
God damn (unintelligible) well what do you
H
Sure.
P
You know we sat here and talked about (unintelligible) year
and a half ago. But we had no idea - we thought they do it
on the TODAY Show (unintelligible and all that (expletive
deleted). And at that time (unintelligible) took events didn't we?
H
(Unintelligible) always known was the case, but --
P
China, May 8, and Russia. That's all.
II
If you don't have the events you gotta make (unintelligible)
everything (unintelligible) better off putting three months 05 three
year's effort against one event than you are putting the same
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-6.-
H
amount, tenth of that effort, non-event type thing.
P
I'm really impressed with Shultz and all those guys --
H
J told him.
P Fine.
H
I talked to Shultz about calling Connally and I said that you
had mentioned how impressed you were with the paper he had
done (unintelligible).
P
Eisenhower - (unintelligible) sure elections (inaudible) and
then in November, before the election, he dropped a 57
(unintelligible) The reason for that was nothing he did,
Congressional election (unintelligible)
H
Ya.
P
I'm saying to you, McGovern candidate (unintelligible)
problem got to take on (unintelligible) In 1958 (unintelligible)
March, (unintelligible) 52
H
Eisenhower?
P
Eiscnhower.
H
(Unintelligible)
P
Yes sir (unintelligible) May 54-31, June 53-32, July 52-32,
August (unintelligible) September (unintelligible) October (un-
intelligible) 26, November election 52- (unintelligible) January.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-7-
P
For example, here's early July 1961, July 57. August 61.
September - September 58, October 58, November 58. That's
when we were running. We were running lower (unintelligible)
A little lower (unintelligible) Kennedy, you really can't tell about
that. At the eve, his lowest was 62 (unintelligible) elections. But
in 63 at the end he was 57. Johnson then, of course, he was up
in the 80s. We've never been very high.
II
That's incredible. I don't think you ever will get up in the
80s.
P
No. Well Johnson, of course -- 66 46, 56 September October 44,
November 44, December 48, that's all. Except his negatives
were higher 42, 44, 41 our negatives have never been that
high. He run around 49 (Unintelligible).
H Ya.
P
Then it goes on 46, 48, 45, 41, 39, 39, 38, 51, 46, 58, 48, 39.
40, 41 (unintelligible) then back up to 49, 46, 42. The point
that I'm trying to make (unintelligible) cause you're under attack
H
Sure.
P
(Unintelligible)
II
Before the public eye the focus of attention is on the negatives
of the Administration. It's an interesting point. Buchanan,
in response to the response to his attack
P
Ya
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
H
argues quite strongly that the point that the attacks should
always turn to the positive side. He argues that that is
wrong, and the attacks should stay on the negative side.
Do not try to weave in also positive points. That there
should be an attack program that is purely attack
P
Except on foreign policy.
H
That's what he is talking about primarily. You hammer
your strong point.
P
I just think you've got to hit that over and over again. We
gotta win - -
H
You don't argue against our hammering our strong point. His
argument is when you are attacking - we should do some of
our advertising - should be an attack on McGovern advertising -
and that attack should not (unintelligible) Nixon strongpoints. It
should only (unintelligible) McGovernment negative points.
P
Ya.
H
argument being that it is impossible in this election for
you to get less than 40% of the vote, equally impossible for
you to get more than 60. (unintelligible) that up over there.
We should go over early if WC could get this (unintelligible) on
the networks, Wait until 3:00 - we got a problem because of -
what is it (Unintelligible) because they are shooting with one
camera (siren) (unintelligible) we're better off
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-9-
P
Clear over there on the other side? You get the word
to them.
Z
Yes sir. But I don't want to take your time to do it.
P
I'll go across - I just wanted to (unintelligible)
Z
Yes sir. Absolutely.
P
And, based from the thing this morning, do you feel it
worthwhile to (unintelligible) till Monday?
Z
Yes, sir.
H
Well, let's do it earlier in the day, because we are
(unintelligible) jeopardizing
Z
At 2:00.
P
Are you set up? You want me to come right this minute?
Z
Well, I don't - anytime you feel comfortable.
P
(Unintelligible)
Z
As soon as possible.
H
His argument is to start with, you got 40% of the people who
will vote for you no matter what happens,
P
I agree
H
and you got 40% of the people that will vote against you
no matter what happens, so you got 20% of the vote left in
the middle who may vote for you 01 may not. and that 20%
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-10-
H
is what you gotta work on. His argument is that you're so
well know, your pluses are as clear as your minuses; that
getting one of those 20, who is an undecided type, to vote for
you on the basis of your positive points is much less likely
than getting him to vote against McGovern by scaring him to
death about McGovern; and that that's the area that we ought
to be playing.
P
Well.
H
(Unintelligible)
P
Well, I am not going to do it. I'really want you to bring
in Flanigan and all these others (unintelligible) and lay
it to them (unintelligible)
H
Yep.
P
Don't you think he 'll agree? Oh, you don't?
H
No, J. think they will. They'll agree for awhile (unintelligible)
agree -- they'll say well why not do it anyway.
P
No, No, Nope. No - Never! I can't take it for granted. Listen,
he could think I'm setting him up (unintelligible) reasonable
man. God damn it, (unintelligible) I have him be against
Muskie. We don't give a (expletive deleted). Or, Nixon!
Muskie - screw him otherwise - fine. I don't know if our
people would be scared (unintelligible) about Muskie.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-11-
H
(Unintelligible) they are. They aren't, but I think you got
to build that up. His point is that so little is know, better
chance of (voices fade)
)
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
1st dut
OPTION B SPEECH
GOCC evening, my fellow Americans.
More than two years have passed since the Watergate break-in.
For some sixteen months for more than a year -- Watergate has
dominated the headlines, and distractedth the nation and divided
our people.
Now, together, we confront the prospect of an even more intensive
concentration on Watergate lasting until the end of the year -- if
the House votes impeachment, and if the case goea to a trial in
the Senate.
Each of us must weigh carefully the toll this has taken already
its
on our nation, and the further toll in the months ahead.
This is a consideration that I am sure must weigh heavily on
the minds of those members of the House considering their votes. It
is a consideration that HE weighs heavily on my own mind, as I consider
what ROMI course best will serve the interests of the nation, now
and in the future.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Realistically, given the outcome of the Judiciary Committee
proceedings and the present temper of the House, we must assume
that the outcome of the House debate would be impeachment on one
or more of the three articles voted by the Committee. This would
automaticallylead to a trial and in the Senate -- a trial which would
probably last until the end of the year, and ÈR the outcome of which
could
(Inentally not pr be predicted. such a that share would of my consume as our well The an as incorduct and This of
attention, The Senate and The Water --at-
Even if that They trial were to end in acquittal, the result would retion
this when with The
nor The
be a weakened and damaged Presidency for the remainder of my term and can
attrid such
in office. There would be a lingering be bitterness and division distraction.
in the country. The government would go on, but with severely
reduced efféctiveness -- at a critical time for America and for
Brunding dud Thoughout my political
the (Throughout world.
my l.f.- I have always Third to do what 5
believed was in The best - term a 1 Z
Therefore, I shall resign the Presidency tomorrow, effective country.
in There
at
a.m. Vice President Ford will be inaugurated at as President
at that hour, at a ceremony in
.
believe The country would
best be served by my reserved
This office.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
One of the great strengths of our constitutional system is tat
it provides for an orderly succession, even in periods of extraordinary
stress.
When I chose Mr. Ford as my nominee to fill the Vice-Presidential
vacancy last
, I did so because in the quarter century that
I have known him and worked with him, and I have found him to be a
man of exceptional character, integrity and ability -- one who
understands America, who understands its needs, and who is fully
Bpa capable of givingx leading the country and of bringing distrinction
to this office.
As President, hw he will have my full support, and I ask that
you give him yours.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
8/2/74
4
you have a right to know why I have made this decision.
I continue to believe firmly and completely that the mistakes
that were made do not constitute sufficient grounds for the impeachment
i have faith in The with =67 inder
of a President. Indeed, I b1 believe tonight that if Iwere to pursue
of buting on The adminis tiatem, and on my conduct
the Constitutional process through to its conclusion, I would be
of This H2
sustained by the Senate.
has also become
However, it is clear that the margin by which I could expect
to win in the Senate would ha probably be sufficiently narrow ID
that it would leave this office unacceptably
weakened for the critical two years that would remain in my term.
As a result, my ability to govern effectively would be undercut,
and the country ways would suffer because of that.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
5
However, I do want to discuss with you,
Le bx HOWMEMXMX very frankly and very directly, to a matter
whix which I know would have
affected the deliberations in both the House and the Senate, whinhm
and which was also a factor in my own
NEEDSOR decision.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
TEXT 8/3/14 1
6/
Last week, in my review of the tapes to be turned over to the
Special Prosecutor, I discovered one that indicated my own knowledge
of the Watergate cover-up was greater than I have previously indicated,
and that it came sooner -- in fact, that I did learn shortly after
the break-in that it was a potential source of severe unxerbackm
at that time,
embarassment to the Administration and to my campaign committee, and
that I did approve actions which I hoped would have the effect of
covering up the connection.
Rather than withhold to that tape, I have turned it over to
Judge Sirica. I have also made it available tonight to the House
Judiciary Committee, so That its records will be complete
In the light of this, I owe to you, the American people, an
explanation of why until now I have continued to maintain that I
had no knowledge of the cover-up until I was told about it by John
Dean on March 21, 1973.
With hindsight, it is very easy to say that I should have simply
opened up everything at once to the prosecutors, and let the chips fall
where they might. Certainly the events that have followed have demonstra-
ted that this would have been the wiser as well as the proper course.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
At the time, however whether rightly or wrongly -- I was
deeply concerned, in human terms, about the
possible impact on valued friends and associates, as well as on admaxm
others involved who had done wrong in a cause they believed to be
right. Because some of the same people were involved, I was concerned
that an unlimited investigation might comprimise the genuinely sensi-
tive national security matters that the so-called "plumbers" had been
dealing with. In the midst of a political campaign, I knew that
the break-in had the potential for massive exploitation as a political
if a sufficient connection could be established
\
issue and that/it conceivably could /even record be decisive in terms of
the outcome, and therefore in terms of all that
was at stake both here and abroad, including the foundation I was
trying to build for a structure of peace that could last into the
next century.
I thought the break-in itself was stupid, as well as XII wrong.
But once it had taken place, I knew that I had inherited the consequences
-- and that with the Presidency at issue, those potential consequences
reached out also to the nation and the world.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
In retrospect, it wuld have been better to have explained
this fully and frankly when Wathington Watergate and the cover-up
again became a national issue early last улатко year -- at a time
I still did not fully
when the cover-up had reached dimensions that even then HH did not
comprehend. Instead, I felt trapped by events. and chose a different
way of attempting to defend what I believed to be the interests of
to preserve
the Presidency, and my capacity to funct, on in what I believed to
be the interests of the Nation.
I say this not in $ defense, but in explaimshx explanation.
To those who have stood see steadfastly with me through these
Vice President Ford, including
months, (including/the members of my Cabinet, and including particularly
those members of the House Judiciary Committee who argued and voted
against impeachment, E and including the many others who organized
or
and spoke out in my behalf, I would say a particular word. Whether
you would have done so if you had known the full story, I cannot know --
perhaps you cannot know. I deeply regret any embarrassment you may
feel now, on learning that what you believed to be entirely true was
only partially true. In my own conscience, I know that each judgment
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
8/3/74 4
9/
I made, including those judgments to withhold part of the truth,
was made because I believed at the time that it was
-
EMRM in the national interest -- that in a situation in which there
were no good answers
, it was the least bad answer, not simply
from my own standpoint but from the standpoint of the nation whose
stability I was trying to preserve.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
0
for another Live months the agony and uncertainty of the Watergate
obsession.
In the course of the recent House Judiciary Committee hearings,
my associates and I were
I was accused of much wrong-doing.
I accept full responsibility for whatever
mistakes were made. I d
would only emphasize that
emphasize, however, that in my own case, and I believe also on
the part of those members of my Administration who were involved,
we were attempting to serve the best interests of the country. There
was no personal gain involved. The mistakes were mistakes of judg-
ment.
Much has been said alamt abuse of power.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
12/74
what 18 called
particular
We have heard much about/the abuse of power abcut the measures
I took in 1969, 1970, 1971, to deal with what I considered serious
threats to the nation's security and well-being. From the relative
calm of today's conditions, it is easy to look back, and to condemn
the remedy without regard for the ill that it was meant to cure.
It is easy to forget the burning cities, the ravaged
campuses, the college deans barricaded in their offices, 5 the orgy
of riots and mass, violent demonstrations tab that were designed to
and did strike terror across the nation.
These were not democracy in action. These were brutal and dangerous
assaults against the democratic system.
It is easy to forget that the hemorraging leaks of
the most sensitive defense and diplomatic secrets came at a time when
those leaks seriously jeopardized our efforts to negotiate and end
to the war in Vietnam, to negotiate a limitation
on nuclear arms, and to negotiate a new relationship with the People's
Republic of China. These leaks were hailed in the name of peace; those
responsible were treated as heroes in the cause of peace. But in fact
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
dz
they threatened to destroy our efforts to achieve peace.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
774
13
When I assumed this effice, I had one overriding aim. That
was to build a structure of peace in the world that would last
beyond this administration, and into the next century -- so that
the
of today
instead of three wars in a generation, young Americans could look
forward to the prospect of now wars in their lifetimes.
As I leave this office, the one thing of which I am most
proud is the progress we have made toward that goal. Not only by
ending the war in Vietnam, but even more importantly by helping
pattern
build a new signature of M relationships among the world's powers,
AIXET
one that will contribute to stability rather than instability
and therefore to peace rather than war.
One reason I am leaving is to ensure that the
bitterness and uncertainty of an impeachment trial will not jeopardize
that structure. I would have preferred to continue building it, but
I would rather leave than endanger it.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
14
This is not a farewell. Although resigning the
Presidency, I shall do all that I can to help my successor,
and to advance the causes of peace abroad and progress at
home that I did my best to serve while I held that office.
I shall do all that I can to help bind up whatever wounds
may remain from the dividisions and difficulties the nation
has gone through in these past two years.
In turning over this office to Vice President Ford, I do so with
a profound sense of the wieght of responsibility that will fall tomorrow
morning on his shoulders -- and therefore of the understanding, the
cooperation, the patéence, he will need from all of us.
This is not a time for grudges; not a time for recrimination;
but rather a time for dedication -- to America's future, to its
institutions, to its traditions -- and to those shared values that
are at the heart of its continuity.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
There 1S a time light; and time leave
Whoever occupies this office must be President of all the
people -- wand whoever occupies this office must have the help
and cooperation of all the people. We should, and must, have
vigorous debates over the genuine policy differences that will
always exist among a wide variety of persons with a wide variety
of perspectives. But it also is important that we condutt those
debates with civility, and with respect for our differences. We
must do better in the future than we have done in the recent
past -- when of the last three presidents, one, President Kennedy,
was assassinated, and the next two -- one Democrat, one Republican --
in effect were driven from office.
There must be a measure of tolerance, a margin for
imperfection, an aceeptance of the fact that mistakes will occur --
and a recognition that the work of government must go on. We must
learn to live better with our political differences, and to recognize
that the rasaxm institutions of government are hunjan institutions --
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
16
-- with all the faults and in frailties inherman that are part of
the human condition. Only if we do so can we restore the stability
,
the continuity, that are essential if America is to begin its
third century strungx with the strength and resilience that the
decades ahead will require.
In saying this, I am not offering excuses for wrongs that
have taken place. I am not attempting to minimize those wrongs.
But I am urging, for the future , that our judgments be leavened
with a sense of proportion, and that future Presidents be judged
while in XX office more nearly be by the standards that history
has a way of bringing
br ings to Presidents whenxtheyma minemx after they have
left office.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Also, I believe that the wounds of
Watergate must be healed, and they must be healed soon. As long
as the power of the Presidency remains at stake, as long as the
question of who will be President remains unsettled, that process
will not begin. By this act, I trust that it will begin.
I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President during
these past five and a half years. They have been a momentous time in
the history of our nationa and the world. They have been a time of
achievement of which I believe we can all be proud. -- achievements
that represent the shared efforts of the Administration, of the Congress
and of the people.
To those who have fought beside me in these past
given
difficult months, those who have offered their support, their
-
encouragment and their aid, / I offer not my thanks bu
-but also this thought:
my thanks, and also this thought:
You may be tempted to feel that because the effort ended this
way, it was not worth making. That would be a mistake. It is
never wrong da to do what we believe is right.
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
There is a time to fight, and a time to leave.
At each step of the way, I have tried to serve what I believed
to be the best interests of the country. When I believed that those
interests would best be served 10 by fighting to retain office, I
-
fought to retain it. Now I believe they would best X be served by
my leaving it and so I shall leave.
Thank you, and good even
F
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious
triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to
take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy
much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray
twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Historical File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 5. 1974
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I have today instructed my attorneys to make available to the House
Judiciary Committee, and I am making public, the transcripts of three
conversations with H.R. Haldeman on June 23, 1972. I have also turned
over the tapes of these conversations to Judge Sirica, as part of the
process of my compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.
On April 29, in announcing my decision to make public the original set of
White House transcripts, I stated that "as far as what the President personall
knew and did with regard to Watergate and the cover-up is concerned, these
"
materials -- together with those already made available -- will tell it all.
Shortly after that, in May, I made a preliminary review of some of the 64
taped conversations subpoenaed by the Special Prosecutor.
Among the conversations I listened to at that time were two of those of
June 23. Although I recognized that these presented potential problems, I
did not inform my staff or my Counsel of it, or those arguing my case, nor
did I amend my submission to the Judiciary Committee in order to include
and reflect it. At the time, I did not realize the extent of the implications
which these conversations might now appear to have. As a result, those
arguing my case, as well as those passing judgment on the case, did so with
information that was incomplete and in some respects erroneous. This was
a serious act of omission for which I take full responsibility and which i
deeply regret.
Since the Supreme Court's decision twelve days ago, I have ordered my
Counsel to analyze the 64 tapes, and I have listened to a number of them
myself. This process has made it clear that portions of the tapes of these
June 23 conversations are at variance with certain of my previous statements.
Therefore, I have ordered the transcripts made available immediately to
the Judiciary Committee so that they can be reflected in the Committee's
report, and included in the record to be considered by the House and Senate.
In a formal written statement on May 22 of last year, I said that shortly
after the Watergate break-in I became concerned about the possibility that
the FBI investigation might lead to the exposure either of unrelated covert
activities of the CIA, or of sensitive national security matters that the
so-called "plumbers" unit at the White House had been working on, because
of the CIA and plumbers connections of some of those involved. I said that
I therefore gave instructions that the FBI should be alerted to coordinate
with the CIA, and to ensure that the investigation not expose these sensitive
national security matters.
That statement was based on my recollection at the time -- some eleven
months later -- plus documentary materials and relevant public testimony
of those involved.
(CHER)
MORE
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 2 -
The June 23 tapes clearly show, however, that at the time I gave those
instructions I also discussed the political aspects of the situation, and that
I was aware of the advantages this course of action would have with respect
to limiting possible public exposure of involvement by persons connected
with the re-election committee.
review of the additional tapes has, so far, shown no other major
consistencies with what I have previously submitted. While I have no way
at this stage of being certain that there will not be others, I have no reason
to believe that there will be. In any case, the tapes in their entirety are
now in the process of being furnished to Judge Sirica. He has begun what may
be a rather lengthy process of reviewing the tapes, passing on specific claims
of executive privilege on portions of them, and forwarding to the Special
Prosecutor those tapes or those portions that are relevant to the Watergate
investigation.
It is highly unlikely that this review will be completed in time for the House
debate. It appears at this stage, however, that a House vote of impeachment
is, as a practical matter, virtually a foregone conclusion, and that the issue
will therefore go to trial in the Senate. In order to ensure that no other
significant relevant materials are withheld, I shall voluntarily furnish to the
Senate everything from these tapes that Judge Sirica rules should go to the
Special Frosecutor.
I recognize that this additional material I am now furnishing may further
damage my case, especially because attention will be drawn separately to
it rather than to the evidence in its entirety. In considering its implications,
therefore, I urge that two points be borne in mind.
The first of these points is to remember what adually happened as a result
of the instructions I gave on June 23. Acting Director Gray of the FBI did
coordinate with Director Helms and Deputy Director Walters of the CIA. The
CIA did undertake an extensive check to see whether any of its covert acti-
vities would be compromised by a full FBI investigation of Watergate. Deputy
Director Walters then reported back to Mr. Gray that they would not be
compromised. On July 6, when I called Mr. Gray, and when he expressed
concern about improper attempts to limit his investigation, as the record
shows, I told him to press ahead vigorously with his investigation - which he
did.
The second point I would urge is that the evidence be looked at in its entirety,
and the events be looked at in perspective. Whatever mistakes I made in the
handling of Watergate, the basic truth remains that when all the facts were
brought to my attention I insisted on a full investigation and prosecution of
those guilty. I am firmly convinced that the record, in its entirety, does not
justify the extreme step of impeachment and removal of a President. I trust
that as the Constitutional process goes forward, this perspective will prevail.
#
#
#
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Meeting: The President and Haldeman, Oval Office, June 23, 1972,
(10:04 - 11:39 iL. m.)
(Unintelligible)
P
(Unintelligible).
...
they've got a magnificènt place --
H
No, they don't. See, that was all hand-held camera
without lighting - lousy place. It's good in content,
it's terrible in film quality.
P
(Unintelligible) Rose, she ought to be in here.
H
No, well let her in if you want to, sure - -
P
That's right. Got so goddamned much (scratching noises)
H
Goddamned.
P
I understand, I just thought (unintelligible).
If I do, I just buzz.
H
Yeah. Ah - - -
P
Good, that's a very good paper at least (unintelligible).
The one thing they haven't got in there is the thing we
mentioned with regard to the Armed Services.
H
I covered that with Ehr lichman who says that can be done
and he's moving. Not only Armed Services, but the whole
government.
P
GSA? All government?
H
All government procurement, yeah. And, I talked to John
about that and he thought that was a good idea. So, Henry
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 2 -
gets back at 3:45.
P
I told Haig today that I'd see Rogers at 4:30.
H
Oh, good, O.K.
P
Well, if he gets back at 3:45, he won't be here until
4:00 or 4:30.
H
IL'II be n little after 4:00 (unintelligible) 5:00.
P
Well, I have to, I'm supposed to go to Camp David.
Rogers doesn't need a lot of time, does he ?
H
No sir.
P
Just a picture?
H
That's all. He called me about it yesterday afternoon and
said I don't want to be in the meeting with Henry, I understand
that but there may be a couple of points Henry wants me to
be aware of.
P
Sure.
P
(Unintelligible) call him and tell him we'll call him as
soon as Henry gets here, between 4:30 and 5:00 (unintelligible)
Good.
H.
O.K., that's fine.
H
Now, on the investigation, you know the Democratic
break-in thing, we're back in the problem area because
the FBI is not under control, because Gray doesn't exactly
know how to control it and they have - their investigation
is now leading into some productive areas because they've
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-3-
been able to trace the money - not through the money itself -
but through the bank sources - the banker. And, and it
goes in some directions we don't want it to go. Ah, also
there have been some things - like an informant came in off
the street to the FBI in Miami who was a photographer or has
a friend who is a photographer who developed some films
through this guy Barker and the films had pictures of
Democratic National Committee letterhead documents and
things. So it's things like that that are filtering in. Mitchell
came up with yesterday, and John Dean analyzed very care-
fully last night and concludes, concurs now with Mitchell's
recommendation that the only way 10 solve this, and we're
set up beautifully to do it, ah, in that and that -- - - the only
network that paid any attention to it last night was NBC -
they did a massive story on the Cuban thing.
P
That's right.
II
That the way to handle this now is for us to have Walters call
Pat Gray and just say, "Stay to hell out of this - this is ah,
business here we don't want you to go any further on it. 11
That's not an unusual development, and ah, that would take
care of it.
P
What about Pat Gray -- you mean Pat Gray doesn't want to?
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-4-
H
Pat does want to. He doesn't know how to, and he doesn't
have, he doesn't have any basis for doing it. Given this,
he will then have the basis. He'll call Mark Felt in, and
the two of them -- and Mark Felt wants to cooperate because
he's ambitious --
P
Yeah.
H
He'll call him in and say, "We've got the signal from across
the river to put the hold on this. 11 And that will fil rather
well because the FBI agents who are working the case, at this
point, feel that's what it is.
P
This is CIA ? They 've traced the money ? Who'd they trace it
to?
H
Well they' ve traced it to a name, but they haven't gotten to
the guy yet.
P
Would it be somebody here?
II
Ken Dahlberg.
P
Who the hell is Ken Dahlberg?
H
He gave $25, 000 in Minnesota and, ah, the check went
directly to this guy Barker.
P
It isn't from the Committee though, from Stans?
H
Yeah. It is. It's directly traceable and there's some more
through some Texas people that went to the Mexican bank
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 5 -
which can also be traced to the Mexican bank - they' get
their names today.
H
- And (pause)
P.
Well, I mean, there's no way -- I'm just thinking if they
don't cooperate, what do they say? That they were approached
by the Cubans. That's what Dahlberg has to say, the Texans
too, that they :
H
Well, if they will. But then we're relying on more and more
people all the time. That's the problem and they'll stop if
we could take this other route.
P
All right.
H
And you seem to think the thing to do is get them to stop?
P
Right, fine.
H
They say the only way to do that is from White House
instructions. And it's got to be to Helms and to - ah,
what's his name ? Walters.
P
Walters.
H
And the proposal would be that Ehrlichman and I call them.
in, and say, ah --
P
All right, fine. How do you call him in -- I mean you just --
well, we protected Helms from one hell of a lot of things.
H
That's what Ehrlichman says.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
P
Of course, this Hunt, that will uncover a lot of things.
You open that scab there's a hell of a lot of things and
we just feel that it would be very detrimental to have this
thing go any further. This involves these Cubans, Hunt,
and a lot of hanky-panky that we have nothing to do with
ourselves. Well what the hell, did Mitchell know about
this?
H
I think SO. I don't think he knew the details, but I think he
knew.
P
He didn't know how it was going to be handled though - with
Dahlberg and the Texans and so forth? Well who was the
asshole that did? Is it Liddy? Is that the fellow? He must
be a little nuts !
H
He is.
P
I mean he just isn't well screwed on is he? Is that the problem?
H
No, but he was under pressure, apparently, to get more
information, and as he got more pressure, he pushed the
people harder to move harder --
P
Pressure from Mitchell?
H
Apparently.
P
Oh, Mitchell. Mitchell was at the point (unintelligible).
H
Yeah.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 7
P
All right, fine, I understand it all. We won't second-guess
Mitchell and the rest. Thank God it wasn't Colson.
H
The FBI interviewed Colson yesterday. They determined
that would be a good thing to do. To have him take an
interrogation, which he did, and that. the FBI guys working
the case concluded that there were one or two possibilities -
one, that this was a White House - they don't think that there
is anything at the Election Committee - they think it was
either a White House operation and they had some obscure
reasons for it - non-political, or it was a- - Cuban and the
CIA. And after their interrogation of Colson yesterday, they
concluded it was not the White House, but are now convinced
it is a CIA thing, so the CIA turnoff would --
P
Well, not sure of their analysis, I'm not going to get that
involved. I'm (unintelligible).
H
No, sir, we don't want you to.
P
You call them in.
H
Good deal.
P
Play it tough. That's the way they play it and that's the
way we are going to play it.
H
O.K.
P
When I saw that news summary, I questioned whether it's a
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-8-
P
bunch of crap, but I thought, er, well it's good to have them
off us awhile, because when they start bugging us, which they
have, our little boys will not know how to handle it. I hope
they will though.
H
You never know.
P
Good.
I
Mosbacher has resigned.
P
Oh yeah?
H
As we expected he would.
P
Yeah.
H
He's going back to private life (unintelligible).
Do you want to sign this or should J. send it to Rose?
P
(scratching noise)
H
Do you want to release it?
P
O.K. Great. Good job, Bob.
H
Kissinger?
P
Huh? That's a joke.
H
Is it?
P
Whenever Mosbacher came for dinners, you see he'd have
to be out escorting the person in and when they came through
the receiving line, Henry was always with Mrs. Mosbacher
and she'd turn and they would say this is Mrs. Kissinger. He
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-9-
P
made a little joke.
H
I see. Very good. O.K.
P
Well,good.
H
(unintelligible) Congressional guidance to get into the Mills
thing at all. It was reported that somebody - Church met
with Mills.
P
Big deal (unintelligible).
H
Well, what happened there is - that's true : Church went
Um ?
P
Is it pay as you go or not?
H
Well, Church says it is, our people don't believe it is.
Church told Mills that he had Long's support on adding social
security and Wilbur equivocated on the question, when Johnny
Burns talked to him about whether he would support the Long/
Church Amendment, but Long and Church telling him that it
is fully funded - and our people are afraid Mills is going to
go along if they put the heat on him as a partisan Democrat
to say that this would be damned helpful just before our
Convention to stick this to the White House. Ah, Johnny Burns,
he talked to Wilbur about it afterwards and this has been
changed, SO don't be concerned about it - you should call
Mansfield and you should tell Mansfield that Burns is going
to fight this in conference and that he will demand that it
go to rules and he will demand a three-day lay-over, which
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-10-
H
means he will carry the conference over until July 7, which
would be - and then before they even start the action, so it
will mean they have to stay in- - they can't --
P
All right.
H
(Unintelligible).
P
Go. ahead.
H
Clark made the point that he should handle this, not you, and
is doing this through Scott to Byrd, who is acting (unintelligible)
still in the hospital. And ah, Clark's effort is going to be
to kill the Church/Long Amendment. They got another tactic
which is playing a dangerous game, but they are thinking
about, which is, if they put Social Security on (unintelligible)
that they will put Revenue Sharing and H. R. 1 in it and really
screw it up.
P
I would. Not dangerous at all. Buck up.
H
They're playing with it - they understand. Clark is going
off with the mission to kill it.
P
Revenue Sharing won't kill it, but H. R. 1 would.
H
So, that's what he is off to.
P
But, boy if the Debt Ceiling isn't passed start firing
(expletive deleted) government workers, I really mean it -
cut them off. They can't do this - they've got to give us
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-11-
P.
that Debt Ceiling. Mills has said that he didn't (unintelligible)
on the Debt Ceiling earlier. Well, it's O.K. - it's O.K.
H
Well, Burns says that he is justifying it on the basis that they
have tol him that it's finance. Ehrlichman met with them as
the Republicans on Senate Finance yesterday and explained
the whole thing to them. They hadn't understood the first six-
months financing and they are with it now and already to go
and hanging on that defense. He feels, and they very much
want, a meeting with you before the recess, finance Republicans.
P
All right. Certainly.
II
So, we'll do that next week. Did you get the report that the
British floated the pound?
P
No, I don't think so.
H
They did.
P
That's devaluation?
I-I
Yeah. Flanigan's got a report on it here.
P
I don't care about it. Nothing we can do about it.
H
You want a run-down?
P
No, 1 don't.
H
He argues il shows the wisdom of our refusal to consider
convertability until we get a new monetary system.
P
Good. I think he's right. It's 100 complicated for me
to get into. (unintelligible) I understand.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-12-
H
Burns expects a 5- day percent devaluation against the dollar.
P
Yeah. O.K. Fine.
H
Burns is concerned about speculation about the lira.
P
Well, I don't give a (expletive deleted) about the lira.
(Unintelligible)
H
That's the substance of that.
P
How are the House guys (unintelligible) Boggs (unintelligible)
H
All our people are, they think it's a great. - a great ah --
P
There ain't a vote in it. Only George Shultz and people
like that that think it's great (unintelligible) There's no
votes in it, Bob.
P
Or do you think there is?
H
No, (unintelligible) I think it's -- it looks like a Nixon
victory (shuffling) major piece of legislation (unintelligible)
P
(unintelligible)
H
Not til July. I mean, our guys analysis is that it will - not
going to get screwed up. The Senate will tack a little bit of
amendment on it, but not enough to matter and it can be
easily resolved in Conference.
P
Well, what the hell, why not accomplish one thing while
we're here.
H
Maybe we will.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-13-
P
Yep. Not bad.
H
In spite of ourselves.
P
O.K. What else have you got that's amusing today?
IT
That's it.
P
How's your (unintelligible) (Voices fade) coverage?
I-I
Good newspaper play lousy television - and they covered
all the items, but didn't (unintelligible) you gotta (unintelligible)
but maximum few minutes (unintelligible)
P
(unintelligible)
II
Sure. One thing, if you decide to do more in. office ones --
P
Remember, 1, I - - when I came in I asked Alex, but apparently
we don't have people in charge. I said I understood, that you had
told me that the scheme was to let them come in and take a
picture -- an Ollie picture -- but (expletive deleted), what
good does an Ollie picture do?
H
Doesn't do any good.
P
Don't know what it was but apparently he didn't get the word.
H.
Well, I think we ought to try that next time. If you want to
see if it does us any good, and it might, let them.
P
Well, why wasn't it done this time?
H
I don't know.
P
It wasn't raised?
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-14-
H
I don't know. You said it --
P
Because I know you said M and Ollie sat back there and
(unintelligible) and I said (unintelligible) But, (expletive
deleted) Ollie's pictures hang there and nobody sees them
except us.
H
Now what you've got to - it's really not the stills that do us
any good on that. We've got to let them come in with the lights.
P
Well in the future, will you make a note. Alex, Ron or whoever
it is - no Steve. I have no objection to them coming in, and
taking a picture with stills, I mean with the camera. I
couldn't agree more. I don't give a (expletive deleted) about
the newspapers.
H
You're going to get newspaper coverage anyway.
P
What (unintelligible) good objective play --
HI
Oh, yeah.
P
In terms of the way it was --
H
Or in the news.
P
Needless to say, they sunk the bussing thing, but there
was very, very little on that (unintelligible) Detroit
(unintelligible)
H
Two networks covered it.
P
We see what Detroit does. We hope to Christ the question
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-15-
P
(unintelligible) SOB, if necessary. Hit it again. Somebody
(unintelligible) bussing thing back up again.
H
What's happened on the bussing thing. We going to get one
or not? Well, no we're out of time. No. After.
P
I guess it is sort of impossible to get the word to the research
people that when you say 100 words, you mean 100 words.
H
Well, I'm surprised because this is Buchanan, and I didn't
say time on this one, I said 100 words and Pat usually takes
that seriously, but that one - I have a feeling maybe what
happened is that he may have started short and he may have
gotten into the editing - you know the people - the clearance
process - who say you have to say such and such, although I
know what's happened.
P
I don't know - maybe it isn't worth going out and (unintelligible)
Maybe it is.
H
Well, it's a close call. Ah, Ehrlichman thought you probably - -
P
What?
H
Well, he said you probably didn't need it. Hc didn't think
you should, not at all. He said he felt fine doing it.
H
Well, it's a close call. Ehrlichman thought you probably --
P
What ?
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
as 16 -
H
Well he said you probably didn't need it. He didn't think
you should -- not at all. He said he felt fine doing it.
P
He did? The question, the point, is does he think everybody
is going to understand the bussing?
H
That's right.
P
And, ah, well (unintelligible) says no.
H
Well, the fact is somewhere in between, 1 think, because I
think that (unintelligible) is missing some - -
P
Well, if the fact is somewhere in between, we better do it.
H
Yeah, I think Mitchell says, "Hell yes. Anything we can hit
on at anytime we get the chance -- and we've got a reason for
doing it -- do it. 11
P
When you get in -- when you get in (unintelligible) people,
say, "Look the problem is that this will open the whole, the
whole Bay of Pigs thing, and the President just feels that ah,
without going into the details -- don't, don't lie to them to
the extent to say there is no involvement, but just say this is
a comedy of errors, without getting into it, the President
believes that it is going to open the whole Bay of Pigs thing
up again. And, ah, because these people are plugging for
(unintelligible) and that they should call the FBI in and
(unintelligible) don't go any further into this case period!
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
P
(Inaudible) our cause --
H
Get more done for our cause by the opposition than by us.
P
Well, can you get it done?
H
I think so.
P
(unintelligible) moves (unintelligible) election (unintelligible)
H
They're all -- that's the whole thing. The Washington Post
said it in it's lead editorial today. Another "McGovern's
got to change his position. 11 That that would be a good thing,
that's constructive. Ah, the white wash for change.
P
(unintelligible) urging him to do so - say that is perfectly
all right ?
H
Cause then they are saying -- on the other hand -- that he
were not so smart. We have to admire the progress he's
made on the basis of the position he's taken and maybe he's
right and we're wrong.
P
(Inaudible) I just, ha ha
H
Sitting in Miami (unintelligible) our hand a little bit. They
eliminated their law prohibiting male (unintelligible) from
wearing female clothes - now the boys can all put on their
dresses - so the gay lib is going to turn out 6,000 (unintelligible).
P
(uhintelligible)
H
I think
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-18-
P
They sure test the effect of the writing press. I think,
I think it was still good to have it in the papers, but, but,
let's -- perfectly -- from another standpoint, let's just say
look, "Because (unintelligible) people trying and any other
damned reason, I just don't want to go out there (unintelligible)
what better way to spend my time than to take off two afternoons
or whatever it was to prepare for an in-office press conference. "
Don't you agree?
H
That's, that's --
P
(unintelligible) I spend an hour -- whatever it was - - 45
minutes or SO with television executives (unintelligible) all in and
outs (unintelligible). "Look, we have no right to ask the
President anything (unintelligible) biased. 11 (unintelligible)
says I'm going to raise hell with the networks. And look,
you've just not got to let Klein ever set up a meeting again.
He just doesn't have his head screwed on. You know what
I mean. He just opens it up and sits there with eggs on
his face. He's just not our guy at all is he ?
H
No.
P
Absolut ely, totally, unorganized.
H
He's a very nice guy.
P
People love him, but damn is he unorganized.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-19-
H
That's right, he's not.
P
But don't you agree that (unintelligible) worth doing and
that it's kind of satisfying.
H
Sure. And as you point out there's some fringe benefits
with -- going through the things is a good exercise for you --
P
That's right.
H
In the sense of getting caught up on certain items --
P
Right.
H
It's a good exercise for the troops in having to figure out
what the problems are and what the answe rs are to them.
P
Three or four things. Ah - Pat raised the point last night
that probably she and the girls ought to stay in a hotel on
Miami Beach. First she says the moment they get the
helicopter and get off and so forth, it destroys their hair
and 80 forth. And of course, that is true -- even though
you turn them off and turn them on so on. The second
point is --
H
Could drive over --
P
Well, the point is, I want to check with Dean to be sure
what the driving time is. If the driving time with traffic
is going to be up to an hour --
H
Oh no.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-20-
P
With the traffic --
H
But they have an escort.
P
How long would it take?
H
Half an hour. Less than half an hour. You can make it easy
in a half hour without an escort, and they would - they should
have an escort. They should arrive with - and they may not
like it - it may bother them a little, but that's what people
expect - and you know at the Conventions -- every county - -
P
She has another point though which I think will please every-
body concerned. She says, "Now, look. You go there -
she says as far as she was concerned she would be delighted -
the girls would be delighted to every reception - everything
that they have there. 11 They want to be busy. They want to
do things and they want to be useful. Of course, as you know,
our primary aim is to see that they are on television
(unintelligible) coming into the hall (unintelligible) shooting
the hall (unintelligible) plan on television. My point is, I
think it would be really great if they did the delegations of
the bit states. Just to stop in you know. Each girl and
SO forth can do --
H
Sure.
P
The second thing is -- just go by and say hello, and they 'll
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-20A-
P
they'll do the handshakers (unintelligible) you know
(unintelligible).
H
Well, the big point is, there's, there's several major
functions that they may want to tie that into.
P
Yeah. Yeah.
H
There's - a strong view on the part of some of our strategists
that we should be damned careful not to over use them and
cheapen them. That they should -- there is a celebrity value
you can lose
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
21
H
by rubbing on them too much --
P
I couldn't agree more.
H
and SO we have to -- their eagerness to participate should
not go --
P
California delegation (unintelligible) think I'm here. I
mean we're going to have (unintelligible)
P
You understand -- they're willing. Have them do things --
do the important things, and so forth, and so on.
H
There's the question. Like Sunday night they have the (unintelligible)
whether they should go to that -- now at least the girls should go.
I think I ought to go too!
P
Yep.
H
You know, whether Pat -- one thought that was raised was that
the girls and their husbands go down on Sunday and Pat wait and
come down with you on Tuesday. I think Pat should go down and
should be there cause they'll have the Salute --
P
(Inaudible)
H
She should arrive separately. I think she should arrive with
the girls. Another thought was to have the girls arrive Sunday,
Pat arrive Monday and you arrive Tuesday. I think you're
overdoing your arrivals.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
22
P
No, no, no. She arrives with the girls and they -- they should
go. I agree.
H
But, I don't think you have to be there until Tuesday.
P
I don't want to go near the damned place until Tuesday. I don't
want to be near it. I've got the arrival planned (unintelligible)
my arrival of, ah --
H
Now we're going to do, unless you have some objection, we should
do your arrival at Miami International not at Homestead.
P
Yes, I agree
H
Ah, we can crank up a hell of an arrival thing.
P
Alright
P
(unintelligible) is for you, ah, and perhaps Colson probably
(inaudible).
P
I was thumbing through the, ah, last chapters of (unintelligible)
last night, and I also read the (unintelligible) chapters (unintalligible).
Warm up to it, and it makes, ah, fascinating reading. Also
reminds you of a hell of a lot of things that happened in the campaign - --
press you know, election coverage, the (unintellgible) etc., etc.
H
Yeah
P
So on and so on. I want you to reread it, and I want Colson to
read it, and anybody else.
H
O.K.
P
And anybody else in the campaign. Get copies of the book and
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
23
P
give it to each of them. Say I want them to read it and have it
in mind. Give it to whoever you can, O. K.?
H
Sure will.
P
Actually, the book reads awfully well -- have to look at history
1 want to talk to you more about that later in terms of what it tells
us about how our campaign should be run, O.K.?
H
O.K. In other words, (unintelligible) the media and so forth
P.
to a great extent, is responsible to what happened to Humphrey
both in '68. If that's true, it did not apply in 1960. The media
was just as bad (unintelligible) two weeks. In 1960 we ran
H
It was a dead heat.
P
all the way through the campaign and it never changed, clearly.
It may be - - it may be that our -- as you read this on how
(unintelligible) our campaign was -- how much television, you
know. We didn't have (unintelligible) at all. Ii may be that our
'60 campaign (unintelligible) was extremely much more effective
and it may be too, that we misjudged the (unintelligible). You
read it through and (unintelligible) see what I mean, I mean,
it's it's -- even realize that 168 was much better organized.
It may be we did a better job in '60. It just may be. It may
tell us something. Anyway would you check it over?
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
24
H
Yep.
P
(unintelligible) check another thing -- getsback? Convention?
H
He was, I'm not sure if he still is.
P
Could find out from him what chapters of the book he worked on.
Ah, I don't want coverage of the heartattack thing. I did most of
the dictating on the last two but I've been curious (unintelligible).
But could you find out which chapters he worked on. Also find
out where Moscow is -- what's become of him -- what's he's
doing ten years. Say hello to him (unihtelligible) might find it
useful (unintelligible) future, despite the (unintelligible). You'll
find this extremely interesting, read (unintelligible).
H
Read that a number of time s (unintelligible) different context --
P
Ah, I would say another thing - - Bud Brown (unintelligible) did
you read it? (Unintelligible) candidat es. I don't know who all
you discussed that with. Maybe it's not been handled at a high
enough level. Who did you discuss that with? (Unintelligible)
H
MacGregor and Mitchell. MacGregor and Mitchell, that's all.
P
Yep. (Unintelligible) I don't mind the time -- the problem that I
have with it is that I do not want to have pictures with candidates
that are running with Democrats -- or against Democrats that
may either be (unintelligible) or might be for üs. On the other
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
25
P
hand, all sophisticated Democratic candidates you understand --
the damned candidates (unintelligible) they gotta get a picture
with the President. The way to have the pictures with the candidate
this would be a very clever thing, is to call both Democrats - - the
good Southern Democrats and those few like (unintelligible), who
did have a picture with me, see, and then call them up and say
look (unintelligible) came. on and they took a picture and maybe
(unintelligible) President. Wants you to know that if you would
like a picture, if you would like to come down to the office, you
know, you can have a picture taken that you are welcome to use.
How does that sound to you as a (unintelligible)? Let me say this.
I'm not I'm not -- I think that getting to the candidates out there
that are very busy and so forth may help us a bit. If the candidates
run too far behind you, it drags you too much.
H
Yeah. That's right
P
On the, on the other side, I don't think it's going to hurt you
particularly if you always (unintelligible) there's some quality --
H
O yeah, but they aren't going to (inaudible)
P
(Unintelligible) quite candid with you -- I think when I ran in £46,
remember, I would have gotten on my hands and knees for a picture
with Harold Stassen and (unintelligible) whole story. We (unintelligible)
to do what we can (unintelligible) in the House and the Senate -- as
well as we can.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
26
H
(Unintelligible) have our loyalists feel that we're --
P
That's right. (Unintelligible) and I'll be glad to it next week,
and I think on that basis we can handle the Democrats. Say, "Look
they had a picture, 11 and then call each onc. I mean they'll have to
check this list. Check each one (unintelligible) and say, look
(unintelligible) if you'd like a picture with him -- not on a basis of
support - - See?
H
Yeah.
P
(Unintelligible) not going to make any statement -- not going to
make any statement. (Unintelligible) have a picture, he'd be glad
to have a picture (unintelligible).
H
Picture of the --
P
That's right. Be glad to if you like, but it's up to you and so forth.
H
You did the Democrats in here. Would you do a, would you do the
Republicans? Do a different picture (unintelligible) full shot.
P
Yeah. Another point I was going to mention to you, Bod, is the
situation with regard to the girls. J. was talking to Pat last night.
Tricia and I were talking, and she mentioned -- Tricia said that
apparently when she was in Allentown there were 20 or 30 thugs --
labor thugs out booing.
H
Hmmm.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
26A
P
And when she went to Boston to present some art - - her Chinese
things to the art gallery there -- two the (unintelligible) from the
press were pretty vicious. What I mean is they came through the
line and one refused to shake. One was not with the press. Refused
to shake hands, SO forth and so on. Tricia (unintolligible) very
personal point, (unintelligible) good brain in that head. She said
first she couldn't believe that the event that they do locally (unin-
telligible) understand. You know she does the Boys' Club, the Art
Gallery (unintelligible). She says the important thing is to find this
type of (unintelligible) to go into the damn town (unintelligible) do
television, which of course, they do. (Unintelligible) she says
why (unintelligible) control the place. She says in other words, go
in and do the Republican group. Now, sure isn't (unintelligible)
to say you did the Republican group, as it is the Allentown Bullies
Club? But, that's the paper story. The point is, I think Parker
has to get 3. little more thinking in depth, or is it Codus now who
will do this?
H
They are both working on it.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
(27)
P
What's your off-hand reaction on that, Bob?
I do not want them, though, to go in and get the hell kicked
(unintelligible).
H
There's no question, and we've really got to work at that.
P
Yep. (unintelligible)
J-I
Ya, but I think a I'm not sure - if you can't get the controlled
non-political event, then I think it. is better to do a political
event (unintelligible).
P
For example - now the worse thing (unintelligible) is to go to
anything that has to do with the Arts.
H
Ya, see that - it was (unintelligible) Julie giving that time
to the Museum in Jacksonville.
P
The Arts you know - they're Jews, they're left wing - in other
words, stay away.
P
Make a point.
H
Sure.
P
Middle America - put that word out - Middle America-tyne of
people (unintelligible), auxiliary, (unintelligible). May the hell
doesn't Parker get that kind of thing going? Most older things
are elite groups except, I mean, do the cancer thing wmaybe
nice for Tricia to go up - ride a bus for 2 hours Ridossome of
that park in Oklahoma - i but my view is, Bob, relate it to Middle
America and not the elitist (unintelligible). Do you agree?
H
Yep. Sure do.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
(28)
P
I'm not complaining. I think they are doing a hell of a job.
The kids are willing --
H
They really are, but she can improve.
P
There again, Tricia had a very good thous ht on this, but let's
do Middle America.
H
Yep.
P
(Unintelligible).
P
I don't know whether Alex told you or not, but I want a Secret
Service reception some time next week. I just gotta know who
these guys are. (Unintilligible). Don't you think so? I really
feel that they're there - that ah, I see new guys around - and
Jesus Christ they look 80 young.
H
Well, they change them - - that's one (unintelligible) any
reception now would be totally different (unintelligible).
P
Get 100 then - so it's 200 and I shake their hands and thank
them and you look (unintelligible) too - (unintelligible). They
have a hell of a lot of fellas, let's face it, (unintelligible)
friends (unintelligible), but I just think it's a nice -
H
They all - you have such - that's why it's a good thing to do,
cause they are friends - and they have such overriding respect
for you and your family - on that a
P
I wouldn't want the whole group. something like (unintelligible).
Third point - I would like a good telephone call list for California,
but not a huge book, and the kind is - This would be a good time
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
(29)
where (unintelligible) and just give thanks to people
for their support. For example, Colson had me call
(unintelligible) the other day - (unintelligible) thing to do, but,
here you could take the key guys that work - I wouldn't
mind calling a very few key contributors - maybe, but
we're talking about magnitude of ten - very key ten.
H
Ten - you mean ten people?
P
Ya.
H
Oh, I thought you meant $10, 000.
P
No, ten. Ten. I was thinking of very key (unintelligible), people
like -- that worked their ass off collecting money, just to say
that - people that - the people that are doing the work - very
key political (unintelligible) just to pat them on the back. I
mean that means a helluva lot - very key political VIPs,
you know, by political VIPs - ah (unintelligible) just get the South -
get a better (unintelligible). Our problem is that there are only
two men in this place that really give us names - that's Rose -
the other is Colson, and we just aren't getting them. But I
mean ah, and then editors - by editors and television people -
like a (unintelligible) call, but a few key editors who are just
busting their ass for us where there's something to do. But
give me a good telephone list, and Rose should give me a few
personal things - like I do a lot of things, but I called (unintelligible)
here today some (unintelligible) and things of that sort. But I
think this would be a very good use of my time while I'm in California.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
P.
I never mind doing it you know when I've got an hour
to put my feet up and make a few calls - don't you agree?
H
Yep.
P
I think of the campaign - that's going to be a hell of a (unintelligible).
I think sometimes when we're here in shington, you know,
supposedly doing the business of the government, that I can call
people around the country - people that will come out for us -
and 60 forth as like (unintelligible) for example, Democrats come out
for us. They're (unintelligible) right across the board - Democrat
or labor union. (unintelligible)
H
Ya.
P
Religious leaders (unintelligible) say something. You gotta be careful
some ass over in (unintelligible) checked on (unintelligible) that's
why you can't have Klein (unintelligible). He just doesn't really have
his head screwed on Bob. I could see it in that meeting yesterday.
He does not.
H
That's right.
P
He just doesn't know. He just sort of blubbers around. I don't
know how he does TV so well.
H
Well, he's a sensation on that - that goes to the (unintelligible)
meaning of the thing, you know. What's his drawback, is really an asset.
P
Ya. If you would do this. Pat, and tell Codus, (unintelligible), but
I will go to Camp David (unintelligible) half hour. Key Biscayne - she
might want to stay there if she can go in less than a half hour
with an encort. Do you think you can? Frankly, Miami Beach
(unintelligible) but we can arrange it either way? Leave it to her
choice.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-32-
P
(Unintelligible) Why don't you reread it?
Enter
Z
We're delaying our briefing until noon for the higher education
(unintelligible) and so forth. But I thought, if you agree, that
I would not for press purposes, but just sit on the side for
this economic thing.
P
Sure. How many of them are there?
Z
Well there's the entire cabinet of economic advisers, I mean
Council of Economic Advisers, plus Shultz -- fairly big group.
P
Shultz
Z
Well.
H
(Unintelligible)
P
See what I mean?
H
Sure.
P
It's the kind of thing that I get in toasts and that sort of thing,
but, but you see, I don't think our guys do that kind of - that
should be must reading that book is crammed full - crammed
full - see. It would be helpful for those to get it. O.K. Oh,
can we take another second? I mean, on that thing on the All
Time Baseball greats -- I would like to do that and, if you could,
if you could get it.
Unidentified
Voice
There's already a story at random --
P
I saw it.
UV
Indicating that you were going to
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
§
-33
P
If you would get that -- if you would get the three or four.
I don't want the -- I'm only speaking of the All Times Greats.
UV
Right.
P
And then, and then get me a couple of other people (unintelligible)
very badly (unintelligible) and I'll go down through the - quietly
(unintelligible)
UV
So do you want names from me or justa list of others you have
picked?
H
No, just the names that have been picked (unintelligible)
various people.
UV
Right.
P
(Unintelligible)
UV
Right, I got it,
P
O.K.
UV
Yes Sir. (Unintelligible)
H
You did, huh.
Z
Yeah. Incidentally, in the news summary (unintelligible)
preferred television. Did you see that? (unintelligible) I talked to
H
We may (unintelligible) we may not.
Z
No, the point I'm making -
P
) know Ron, but let me say - but I think - apparently, the TODAY
Show this morning (unintelligible) two minutes of television.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-34-
Z
Ithought he got good play. Particularly in light of the fact
that ah, helluva a lot of other (unintelligible) would take
place in the nation.
P
Right
H
We have an overriding --
P
What, weren't, how about the guys that were there? They
were pleased with the --
Z
(unintelligible) and then (unintelligible)
P
Huh?
P
Cause I didn't think they would --
Z
But they alway are --
P
Helluva a lot of news and --
H
Well that snaps all our own machinery into motion too.
Z
(Unintelligible) damn. Feel it?
P
(Unintelligible) that's good, warm --
Z
Right. They came to me and then said (unintelligible)
P
(Unintelligible) should have some more
Z
And, they liked the color. They made the point about -- you
know. How relaxed you were, and at the end, sitting down and
talking about the baseball thing after the whole thing -- after it
was over. You know, you just chipped those things off with such
ease and SO forth. It was so good.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Meeting: The President and Haldeman, Oval Office, June 23, 1972
(1:04 - 1:13 p.m.)
P
O. K., just postpone (scratching noises) (unintelligible)
Just say (unintelligible) very bad to have this fellow Hunt,
ah, he knows too damned much, if he was involved - you
happen to know that? If it gets out that this is all involved,
the Cuba thing it would be a fiasco. It would make the CIA
look bad, it's going to make Hunt look bad, and it is likely
to blow the whole Bay of Pigs thing which we think would be
very unfortunate - both for CIA, and for the country, at this
time, and for American foreign policy. Just tell him to lay
off. Don't you?
H
Yep. That's the basis to do it on. Just leave it at that.
P
I don't know if he'll get any ideas for doing it because our
concern political (unintelligible). Helms is not one to
(unintelligible) - I would just say, lookit, because of the
Hunt involvement, whole cover basically this
H
Yep. Good move.
P
Well, they've got some pretty good ideas on this Meany
thing. Shultz did a good paper. I read it all (voices fade).
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum