22. Memorandum From President Nixon to His Assistant for Domestic Affairs (Ehrlichman)1

In considering what we do with regard to the obsolete programs, Agriculture and Oil Imports, I think we must weigh all of the decisions insofar as they may affect key Senate races in 1970. I do not want the judgment of the politicians to be conclusive, but we must have in mind our choice doing what we conclude is the right thing this year and not being able to do anything after the elections next year, or postponing a decision until after the elections so that we can do something positive next year, and the year afterwards. Consequently, I want you to discuss all of these decisions with Harlow so that I can get a properly balanced picture before moving one way or the other.

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Central Files, Subject Files, Box 25, EXTA 4/CM Tariff Imports, Oil October–December 1969. No classification marking.