Preparation

In his memo to H. R. Haldeman, White House Aide Dwight Chapin described the purpose of Elvis Presley's unexpected visit; to become a "Federal agent at large" to work against the drug problem by communicating with people of all ages.

After a brief discussion with Presley and his bodyguards, Nixon Aide Egil Krogh was convinced of Presley's sincerity and of his potential value in the fight against drug use by young people. He asked Elvis to return to his hotel and to wait for a phone call. Shortly afterward, Krogh learned that the meeting had been approved and quickly drafted an agenda for the 12:30 meeting.