Nixon Knew What He Liked in Art and Wine, Memos Show

NEW YORK —  Former President Richard M. Nixon wrote myriad memoranda while in office on subjects ranging from modern art to the quality of French wines served at state dinners, according to a new book.

Excerpts from “FROM: The President, Richard Nixon’s Secret Files,” edited by Bruce Oudes and published by Harper & Row, appear in People magazine’s Dec. 5 issue. They show that Nixon peppered his staff and family alike with memos signed “The President” and often referred to himself as “RN.”

Some examples:

Jan. 9, 1970, to U.S. Information Agency Director Frank Shakespeare: “What is the situation with regard to the horrible modern art in some of our embassies? I realize we can’t censor this stuff, but I would like a report as to what embassies have some of these atrocious objects.”

March 16, 1970, to Nixon assistant H. R. Haldeman: “Would you please have the Bordeaux years checked? I know that ’59 is an excellent year, even with my unsophisticated taste; but my recollection is that ’66 is one of the poor years. The reason I ask is that we seem to have a huge stock of ’66 Bordeaux on hand, and I wondered why.”

July 24, 1972, to daughters Tricia and Julie: “It occurs to me that from time to time you may be asked for anecdotes which would relate to some of the political events that have occurred over the years. . . . On a personal side, you might mention some of our Christmas parties when I played the piano for group singing, etc., always by ear. . . . You can say that these kinds of events are not publicly known, but they have been part of the Nixon story that is to you most heartwarming.”