1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Almanac

April 12, 1971

Introduction

This almanac page for Monday, April 12, 1971, pulls together various records created by the federal government and links to additional resources which can provide context about the events of the day.

Previous Date: Sunday, April 11, 1971

Next Date: Tuesday, April 13, 1971

Schedule and Public Documents

  • The Daily Diary files represent a consolidated record of the President's activities. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    The President's day began at The White House - Washington, D. C.

  • The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents made available transcripts of the President's news conferences; messages to Congress; public speeches, remarks, and statements; and other Presidential materials released by the White House.

    Digitized versions can be found at HathiTrust.

  • Each Public Papers of the Presidents volume contains the papers and speeches of the President of the United States that were issued by the White House Office of the Press Secretary during the time period specified by the volume. The material is presented in chronological order, and the dates shown in the headings are the dates of the documents or events. In instances when the release date differs from the date of the document itself, that fact is shown in the text note.

    To ensure accuracy, remarks have been checked against audio recordings (when available) and signed documents have been checked against the original, unless otherwise noted. Editors have provided text notes and cross references for purposes of identification or clarity.

  • The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other Presidential documents.

    No Federal Register published on this date

Archival Holdings

  • The H. R. Haldeman Diaries consists of seven handwritten diaries, 36 dictated diaries recorded as sound recordings, and two handwritten audio cassette tape subject logs. The diaries and logs reflect H. R. Haldeman’s candid personal record and reflections on events, issues, and people encountered during his service in the Nixon White House. As administrative assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, Haldeman attended and participated in public events and private meetings covering the entire scope of issues in which the Nixon White House engaged in during the years 1969-1973. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

  • The National Archives Catalog is the online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records. It is the main way of describing our holdings and also provides access to electronic records and digitized versions of our holdings. 

    The Catalog searches across multiple National Archives resources at once, including archival descriptions, digitized and electronic records, authority records, and web pages from Archives.gov and the Presidential Libraries. The Catalog also allows users to contribute to digitized historical records through tagging and transcription.

    Nixon Library Holdings

    All National Archives Units

National Security Documents

  • The President's Daily Brief is the primary vehicle for summarizing the day-to-day sensitive intelligence and analysis, as well as late-breaking reports, for the White House on current and future national security issues. Read "The President's Daily Brief: Delivering Intelligence to Nixon and Ford" to learn more.

  • The Foreign Relations of the United States series presents the official documentary historical record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and significant diplomatic activity. Visit the State Department website for more information.

    Vol. VII, Vietnam, July 1970-January 1972

    The Consequences of Operation Lan Som 719 and the Search for a Settlement, April 8-October 6, 1971

    Vol. XIII, Soviet Union, October 1970-October 1971

    "A Key Point in Our Relationship": Backchannel Talks on SALT, Berlin, and the Summit

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China,January-September 1971

    • 113. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 12, 1971, 11:31 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1025, President/HAK Memcons, Memcon—the President, Kissinger, and Amb. Chow Apr. 12, 1971. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The President’s Daily Diary indicates that Chow met with the President from 11:31 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and that Emil Mosbacher, Chief of Protocol for the Department of State, was also present. (Ibid., White House Central Files) The conversation was recorded by the White House taping system. The statements in quotations marks are actually paraphrases. (Ibid., White House Tapes, Recording of conversation between Nixon and Kissinger, April 12, 1971, 11:28 a.m.–12:41 p.m., Oval Office, Conversation No. 477–3)

    • 114. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 12, 1971, 3:31-3:47 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, China, Vol. VI. Confidential. Sent for information. Drafted on April 14. The meeting was held in Kissinger’s office. In an April 14 covering memorandum, Holdridge suggested that no further distribution be made. Kissinger initialed his approval. (Ibid.) Kissinger and Chow met from 3:31 to 3:47 p.m. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division. Kissinger Papers, Box 480, Miscellany, 1968–1976, Record of Schedule)

    Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

    India and Pakistan: Crisis and War, March-December 1971

    • 131. Special National Intelligence Estimate 32–71, Washington, April 12, 1971

      SNIE 32–71 assessed prospects for Pakistan in light of the emerging civil war.

      Source: Central Intelligence Agency, NIC Files, Job 79–R01012A. Secret; Controlled Dissem. According to a note on the cover sheet, the estimate was prepared by the CIA and the intelligence organizations in the Departments of State and Defense, and NSA. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in the estimate except the representative of the FBI, who abstained because the subject was outside of his jurisdiction.

    Vol. E-10, Documents on American Republics, 1969-1972

    Nicaragua

    • 503. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Meyer) to the Acting Secretary of State (Irwin), Washington, April 12, 1971., Washington, April 12, 1971

      Assistant Secretary Meyer supported Nicaraguan Ambassador Sevilla-Sacasa’s request for “some sign of special attention by President Nixon” for President Somoza during his visit.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 NIC. Confidential. Drafted by Hines; cleared by Hurwitch, Breen, William R. Codus (S/CPR), and Von Stroebel (Commerce); cleared in info by Colonel Wyrough (DOD). Copies sent to U, J, C, and ARA/CEN/N. Irwin approved Meyer’s recommendation on April 13 and sent the attached memorandum to the President. On the memorandum to Nixon, there is a typed note that indicates that Nixon would meet Somoza for dinner in June. (Ibid.)

    Vol. E-16, Documents on Chile, 1969-1973

    Cool and Correct: The U.S. Response to the Allende Administration, November 5, 1970-December 31, 1972

    • 60. Telegram From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State, Santiago, April 12, 1971, 2205Z

      Summary: In this telegram, Korry recounted Allende’s public declaration to maintain good relations with the United States and his desire to enter into realistic negotiations with U.S. copper companies concerning compensation for expropriation. Korry offered an optimistic view of the prospects for negotiations.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, INCO 15–2 CHILE. Confidential; Priority; Exdis.

  • The Kissinger telephone conversation transcripts consist of approximately 20,000 pages of transcripts of Kissinger’s telephone conversations during his tenure as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (1969-1974) and Secretary of State (1973-1974) during the administration of President Richard Nixon. Visit the finding aid for more information.

    Digitized versions of many of these transcripts can be found on the Yale University Library website.

Audiovisual Holdings

  • The White House Tapes are sound recordings of President Richard Nixon's telephone conversations and of meetings held in the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room in the White House, the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building (OEOB), the Lincoln Sitting Room in the residence section of the White House, and several locations at the Presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland. These recordings document many of the major events and decisions of the Nixon Administration from February 16, 1971 to July 18, 1973. Visit the White House Tapes finding aid to learn about the taping system's operation and archival processing.

    Oval Office

    White House Telephone

  • The White House Photo Office collection consists of photographic coverage of President Richard Nixon meeting with prominent social, political, and cultural personalities; speaking engagements and news conferences of the President and various high-ranking members of the White House staff and Cabinet; Presidential domestic and foreign travel, including Presidential vacations; social events and entertainment involving the First Family, including entertainers present; official portraits of the President, First Family, and high-ranking members of the Nixon administration; the 1969 and 1973 Inaugurals; the President’s 1972 Presidential election campaign appearances (including speeches) and other official activities of the White House staff and the President’s Cabinet from January 20, 1969 until August 9, 1974 at the White House and the Old Executive Office Building; other locations in Washington, DC, such as The Mall; and the Presidential retreats in Camp David, Maryland, Key Biscayne, Florida, and San Clemente, California. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    Roll WHPO-6020 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6020-05-11, President Nixon with government and veterans leaders meeting to discuss an OEO grant to aid Vietnam veterans. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, government and veterans leaders.

    Roll WHPO-6021 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6021-03A-10A, President Nixon receiving an autographed photo poster of the U.S. Alpine Ski Team from team member Marilyn Cochran, Member of the Ski Team, standing with Barbara Cochran, sister Bobby Cochran, brother and Henry C. Cashen II, Deputy Assistant. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Marilyn Cochran, Lindy Cochran, Barbara Cochran,Barbara Cochran, Bobby Cochran, Henry C. Cashen II.

    Roll WHPO-6022 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6022-02-27, Tricia Nixon at the Easter Egg Roll. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Lawn. Tricia Nixon, children, adults, policemen.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6022-12A, Tricia Nixon at the Easter Egg Roll. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Lawn. Tricia Nixon, children, adults.

    Roll WHPO-6023 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6023-01A-33A, The annual White House Easter Egg Roll. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Lawn. Tricia Nixon, children, adults, band members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6023-16, The annual White House Easter Egg Roll. A view from the band stage with tubas. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Lawn. children, adults, band members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6023-33, Close up portrait of Tricia Nixon at The annual White House Easter Egg Roll. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Lawn. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-6024 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6024-07-13, Tricia Nixon participating in activities during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House Lawn. Tricia Nixon, children, adults, policemen, Easter Bunny.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6024-07A, Tricia Nixon signing autographs during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House Lawn. Tricia Nixon, children, adults, policemen.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6024-14-21, Tricia Nixon with the Easter Bunny at the White House Easter Egg Roll. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House Lawn. Tricia Nixon, children, adults, policemen, Easter Bunny.

    Roll WHPO-6025 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6025-00-37, Children enjoying the 1971 White House annual Easter Egg Roll event. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House Lawn. clowns, children, adults, band members, Easter Bunny.

    Roll WHPO-6026 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6026-03-05, President Nixon standing with Henry Kissinger and Anna Chennault, Vice President of the Flying Tiger Airlines in the oval office. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Anna Chennault (Anna is the widow of Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault, former commander of the WWII Fying Tigers Air Squadron).
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6026-05, President Nixon standing with Henry Kissinger and Anna Chennault, Vice President of the Flying Tiger Airlines in the oval office. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Anna Chennault (Anna is the widow of Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault, former commander of the WWII Fying Tigers Air Squadron).

    Roll WHPO-6027 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6027-02-12, President Nixon receiving a pin and a photo of the U.S. Ski Team from Marilyn Cochran, Lindy Cochran, Barbara Cochran, Bobby Cochran. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Cashen, Marilyn Cochran, Lindy Cochran, Barbara Cochran, Bobby Cochran, unidentified young man.

    Roll WHPO-6028 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6028-03-06, President Nixon sitting at his desk with Henry Kissinger and Chow Shu-kai, Ambassador to the Republic of China. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Chow Shu-kai.

    Roll WHPO-6029 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6029-03-04, President Nixon standing with George Shultz on the patio looking at the White House garden. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden steps. Presiden Nixon, George P. Shultz.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6029-03A, President Nixon standing with George Shultz on the patio looking at the White House garden. George Shultz pictured from behind. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden steps. Presiden Nixon, George P. Shultz.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6029-05-06, President Nixon sitting at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Maurice Stans, H.R. Haldeman, and James Lynn. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. Presiden Nixon, Maurice Stans, James Lynn, Harry Robbins Haldeman.

    Roll WHPO-6030 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6030-02-07, President Nixon sitting at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with George Shultz and Peter Peterson. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George P. Shultz, Peter Peterson.

    Roll WHPO-6031 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6031-02-14, President Nixon sitting at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with with Victor Lasky and Mrs. Lasky. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Victor Lasky, Mrs. Victor Lasky.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6031-10A, President Nixon sitting at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with with Victor Lasky and Mrs. Lasky. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office.

    Roll WHPO-6032 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6032-02A-03A, President Nixon sitting at his desk with Maurice Stans, H. R. Haldeman, and James Lynn. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Harry Robbins Haldeman, James Lynn.

    Roll WHPO-6039 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6039-02A-15A, President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers seated together outside on the Oval Office patio during a meeting. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, patio. President Nixon, William Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6039-08, President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers seated together outside on the Oval Office patio during a meeting. Tulips in bloom set in pots and in the Rose Garden flower beds nearby. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, patio. President Nixon, William Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6039-10, President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers seated together outside on the Oval Office patio during a meeting. Tulips in bloom set in pots and in the Rose Garden flower beds nearby. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, patio. President Nixon, William Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6039-16A-25A, President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers stand together outside on the Oval Office patio during a meeting. Tulips in bloom set in posts and in the Rose Garden flower beds nearby. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, patio. President Nixon, William Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6039-26, President Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers stand together outside on the Oval Office patio during a meeting. Tulips in bloom set in pots and in the Rose Garden flower beds nearby. 4/12/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, patio. President Nixon, William Rogers.

  • The White House Communications Agency Sound Recordings Collection contains public statements that took place between 1969 and 1974. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    D - First Family

    • WHCA-SR-D-014
      The Agnews on the "Dinah Shore Show". (4/12/1971, none listed)

      Runtime: none listed

      Production credits: No feed information listed; No WHCA engineer initials listed

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-371
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler, Frank Carlucci, Donald Johnson, Mayor Stokes, and Mr. Oates regarding G.I. Bill (Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944) and education. (4/12/1971, Press Center, White House)

      Runtime: 31:00:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by RSM (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

  • The White House Communications Agency Videotape Collection contains “off-the-air” recordings of televised programs produced between 1968 and 1974. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    • WHCA-4270
      "The Dick Cavett Show": Joseph Gelmis, Richard Hayes, Anthony Quayle, Paul Anka.
      CBS
      Runtime: 01:29:42
    • WHCA-4282
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:33:28

      9. Reasoner: 11 Gis killed in helicopter rescue; North besieging South Vietnam Fire Base No. 6; troop strength in South Vietnam drops below 300,000,. Time Code Start: 21:40. Keywords: fire support base, firebases, temporary military encampments, artillery air strike coordination center, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.

      10. Giggans: South Vietnam; United States helicopter shown dropping gas drums to start fires clearing jungle near rice fields; Villagers in Binh Dinh Province thought to be farmers by day, enemy by night, comments by Lt. Colonel Fred C. Austin. Time Code Start: 22:50. Keywords: Vietnam War, fires, Vietnam War, Agent Orange, herbicides, defoliation, plant killers, poisons, chemical warfare,. Network: ABC.

      11. Smith: U.S. Ping Pong team in People's Republic of China (table tennis). Time Code Start: 24:50. Keywords: People's Republic of China, sports, ping pong, table tennis, games, organizations, groups, travel, trips. Network: ABC.

      12. Jarriel: U.S. Ping Pong team in People's Republic of China (table tennis). Time Code Start: 25:25. Keywords: People's Republic of China, sports, ping pong, table tennis, games, organizations, groups, travel, trips. Network: ABC.

      13. Sherwood: Film shows Easter Egg Roll on White House lawn, Tricia Nixon awards prizes, signs autographs. Time Code Start: 26:15. Keywords: holidays, games, celebrations, eggs, dairy products, food, White House. Network: ABC.

      14. Smith: Commentary, President Nixon's Revenue Sharing program based on assumption states need be given more power, states failed to use power they have; examples cited. Time Code Start: 27:22. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: ABC.

      15. Chancellor: Laos report. Time Code Start: 29:07. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War. Network: NBC.

      16. Brinkkley/Rich: U.S. Ping Pong team in People's Republic of China (table tennis). Time Code Start: 30:05. Keywords: People's Republic of China, sports, ping pong, table tennis, games, organizations, groups, travel, trips. Network: NBC.

      17. Chancellor/Perkins: Problems in the cities. Time Code Start: 32:40. Keywords: urban development, housing, lifestyles. Network: NBC.

      18. Cronkite: Firebase 6, (FSB) South Vietnam. Time Code Start: 38:04. Keywords: fire support base, firebases, temporary military encampments, artillery air strike coordination center, Vietnam War. Network: CBS.

      19. Cronkite: President Nixon expands G.I. Bill to get veterans more jobs. Time Code Start: 39:12. Keywords: Presidents, bills, laws, Armed Forces, military, troops, veterans, employment, unemployment, jobs. Network: CBS.

      20. Cronkite: East Egg Roll on White House lawn with Tricia Nixon. Time Code Start: 39:36. Keywords: holidays, games, celebrations, eggs, dairy products, food, White House, Presidents, famlies, women. Network: CBS.

      21. Sevareid: Commentary on potpourri; Springtime in Washington D.C.; Events around the world. Time Code Start: 41:25. Keywords: cities, tourism, seasons. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)