(2010-0546-F) Richard M. Nixon

The materials in FOIA 2010-0546-F are a selective body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. This FOIA consists of records related to former President Richard Nixon. A former Congressman, Senator, and Vice President, Nixon became the 37th President in 1969. The Nixon Administration was known for its foreign policy achievements, particularly the President’s landmark 1972 visit to the People’s Republic of China, improved relations with the Soviet Union, and the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam. However, a scandal involving the break-in of the Democratic party headquarters in 1972 overshadowed the Nixon administration’s legacy. After the House Judiciary Committee opened impeachment proceedings against him, Richard Nixon resigned the presidency on August 9, 1974. By the time President Clinton took office, Nixon was 80 years old. Despite his advanced age, the former president offered his advise and observations on foreign policy to the 42nd President. Nixon traveled to Russia and eastern Europe twice during the Clinton Administration, and each time he reported to the incumbent President on the visits. Then, on April 18, 1994, Nixon suffered a massive stroke at his home in Park Ridge, New Jersey. He died at Cornell Medical Center in New York on April 22. That day, President Clinton announced the former President’s passing in the Rose Garden and proclaimed a National Day of Mourning on the day of the funeral. The service was held on April 27 at the Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda, California. President and Mrs. Clinton, as well as all of the living former presidents and their wives, attended. A large Congressional delegation and foreign diplomatic corps were also present. Reverend Dr. Billy Graham officiated the service, during which President Clinton, Henry Kissinger, Senator Bob Dole, and Governor Pete Wilson delivered eulogies. In his remarks, President Clinton observed, “For the past year, even in the final weeks of his life, he gave me his wise counsel, especially with regard to Russia. One thing in particular left a profound impression on me. Though this man was in his ninth decade, he had an incredibly sharp and vigorous and rigorous mind.” President Nixon was interred at the birthplace next to his wife, former First Lady Pat Nixon, who had died ten months earlier. In the WHORM Subject Files there can be found correspondence, memos, talking points, notes, and speech drafts pertaining to lively exchanges between Nixon and President Clinton, addresses delivered by Clinton upon the death of Nixon, the opening of tapes and documents mainly related to Watergate for research, and condolences vis-à-vis the passing of Pat Nixon and her husband. President Clinton penned compassionate messages to Tricia Cox and Julie Eisenhower offering solace upon the demise of their mother and father. He also paid tribute to Nixon at his funeral and played a key role in arranging for an official day of mourning. The White House Staff and Office files contain correspondence, memos, lists, and other materials related to Nixon’s communications with President Clinton, as well as records dealing with his death and funeral. These include many condolence messages and lists of foreign dignitaries planning to attend the funeral. Also, on more than one occasion Clinton solicited Nixon’s advice on foreign policy matters. The responsive records come from the Counsel Office files of David Gergen and Robert (Trey) Schroeder, the Press Secretary files of Dee Dee Myers, and the files of multiple National Security Council staff members. Responsive material is also located in NSC Cables, Emails, and Records Management Systems. The cables primarily consist of condolence messages from foreign heads of state following the announcement of President’s Nixon’s death. The NSC Emails and the records in the NSC Records Management system include correspondence related to meetings and telephone calls with President Nixon.