The Nation: Where Are Those Tapes?

If the White House tape-recorded practically every bit of presidential business that took place at either the Executive Mansion or Camp David between the spring of 1971 and the summer of 1973, what has it done with all the tapes? Are they scattered all over the White House basement like a setting for Krapp's Last Tape, the Samuel Beckett play in which the wizened old man is surrounded by the tapes—and voices —of his past?

Well, not exactly. The tapes are stored in several "security areas" in the White House basement and the Executive Office Building next door. The central repository is...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!