April 2, 1971

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

• Original typewritten diary (PDF)

The President's day began at San Clemente, California

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.

• Message to the Congress Transmitting Annual Report on Operation of the International Coffee Agreement.
• Letter to Governors Urging Their Cooperation in the Observance of Earth Week.
• Remarks Following a Meeting on Welfare Reform Proposals in San Clemente, California.
• Proclamation 4042—Earth Week, 1971

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.

• Federal Register of Friday, April 2, 1971

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.

• Transcript of diary entry (PDF)
• Original audio recording (MP3)

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

• Text search for April 2, 1971
• Date search for April 2, 1971

All National Archives Units

• Text search for April 2, 1971
• Date search for April 2, 1971

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.

• President's Daily Brief of 02 April 1971

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. IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969-1972

Trade and Commerce, 1969-1972

• 252. Memorandum From the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations (Gilbert) to President Nixon, Washington, April 2, 1971

  Source: National Archives, RG 364, Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations: Lot 78 B 1, STR Reading: March/April 1971, Box 44. Confidential. Attached to an April 2 memorandum from Eberle to Peterson reminding Peterson that the attached options paper had been sent to Peterson’s staff for review, along with a background paper that STR had not tried to clear with the agencies because “our experience indicates such an effort would be very time-consuming and would add little except occasional restatements of agency views.”

Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa

Regional Issues

• 48. Telegram From the Department of State to All African Diplomatic and Consular Posts, Washington, April 2, 1971, 1738Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 1 S AFR–US. Confidential. Drafted by Newsom on March 31, cleared by Eliot, and approved by Rogers. A handwritten note reads: “Inform Consuls.”

Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

March 10, 1970-April 2, 1971

• 88. Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Posts, Washington, April 2, 1971, 2311Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, PET 6 LIBYA. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Clark; cleared in EUR/RPE and AF/N; and approved by Akins. Sent to all OECD capitals, USOECD Paris, USEC Brussels, USNATO Brussels, New Delhi, and Islamabad; and repeated to Tripoli, Tehran, Beirut, Caracas, Djakarta, Lagos, Jidda, Kuwait, Algiers, Benghazi, and Dhahran.

Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

• 215. Message From the German State Secretary for Foreign, Defense, and German Policy (Bahr) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Bonn, April 2, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 60, Country Files, Europe, Egon Bahr, Berlin File [2 of 3]. Top Secret. The message, translated here from the signed German original by the editor, was sent through the special Navy channel in Frankfurt. No time of transmission is on the message; a handwritten note indicates that it was received in Washington at 1732Z. No evidence has been found to indicate whether Kissinger saw the message in San Clemente or after his return to Washington on April 5. For the German text of the message, see also Dokumente zur Deutschlandpolitik, 1971–72, Vol. 1, pp. 173–174.

Vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969-1972

Italy

• 209. Backchannel Message From the Ambassador to Italy (Martin) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Rome, April 2, 1971, 1146Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 65, Country Files—Europe, Martin, Ambassador (Italy). Secret; Sensitive. It was received at the White House and subsequently transmitted from the Situation Room to Haig at the Western White House in San Clemente at 1305Z, April 2, with the instruction “Deliver in sealed eyes only envelope.” Martin forwarded a more detailed assessment of the factors, political and personal, motivating unrest in the military high command to the Department of State in telegram 2114 from Rome, April 4. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 695, Country Files—Europe, Italy, Vol. III)

Vol. E-1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969-1972

International Cooperation in Space, 1969-1972

• 262. Memorandum From Robert M. Behr of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, April 2, 1971

  Behr described Rogers’ March 23 memorandum to the President and explained the nature of Secretary of State Rogers’ nervousness over the on-going negotiations with the European Space Conference. Behr also suggested that Kissinger provide guidance to Rogers.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 393, Subject Files, Space Programs, 1971. Confidential. Sent for action. A copy was sent to Sonnefeldt. Tab B is Document 259. Tab C was attached but not published. For the guidance as sent to Rogers, see Document 270. There is no indication that Kissinger saw the memorandum. A notation on the front page of the memorandum reads: “OBE”

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

• 58. Memorandum for the 40 Committee, Washington, April 2, 1971

  Summary: This memorandum provided a progress report on actions taken in preparation for the April 4 elections in Chile.
  
  Source: National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject Files, Chile, 1971–72. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The March 15 reference memorandum is Document 56.

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.

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-5966 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5966-02-09, Cathy Barker with her staff. 4/2/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Cathy Barker, staff.

Roll WHPO-5968 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5968-03A-04A, President Nixon with Warren Dorn and Robert Finch. 4/2/1971, San Clemente, California unknown. President Nixon, Robert Finch, Warren Dorn.

Roll WHPO-5970 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-5970-04-07, Artwork. 4/2/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5970-08-12, President Nixon exiting a golf cart. 4/2/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, grounds. President Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5970-13-20, The entrance to "La Casa Pacifica". 4/2/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, exterior.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5970-21-27, President Nixon sitting with Ronald Reagan, Elliot Richardson, Casper Weinberger, James Hall, Ed Messe and Paul Beck. 4/2/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, Presidential Office. President Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Elliot Richardson, Casper Weinberger, James Hall, Ed Messe, Paul Beck.

Roll WHPO-5980 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5980-03, President Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Eliot Richardson standing at a microphone at the helipad. 4/2/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, helipad. President Nixon, Elliot Richardson, Ronald Reagan, unidentified persons.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5980-07-09, Unidentified persons at the helipad. 4/2/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, helipad. President Nixon, Elliot Richardson, Ronald Reagan, unidentified persons.

Roll WHPO-5982 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5982-03A-04A, President Nixon walking with Ronald Reagan and Elliot Richardson, Secretary of HEW . 4/2/1971, San Clemente California Western White House, grounds. President Nixon, Elliot Richardson, Ronald Reagan, press corps members.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5982-04A/05, Governor Ronald Reagan and Secretary of HEW Elliot Richardson, Secretary of HEW, standing outside at a microphone during a press conference. 4/2/1971, San Clemente California Western White House, helipad. President Nixon, Elliot Richardson, Ronald Reagan, press corps members.

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.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-710401
  Remarks by President Nixon to press re welfare at western White House with ER, Governor Ronald Reagan. (4/2/1971)
  
  Runtime: 2:22
  
  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-4254
  "The David Frost Show" with Elliot Richardson. Richard Nixon, Howard K. Smith.
  ABC
  Runtime: 01:33:34
• WHCA-4256
  Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 01:30:00
  
  17. Smith/Donaldson: Unemployment figures for March, 1971. Time Code Start: 44:54. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, statistics. Network: ABC.
  
  18. Reasoner/Bell: Vietnam report. Time Code Start: 47:54. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  19. Smith/Gill: New schdule of withdrawal of troops. Time Code Start: 50:06. Keywords: Vietnam War, Armed Forces, mlitary, troops, decreases, withdrawals. Network: ABC.
  
  20. Reasoner/Peterson: Calley trial (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 51:55. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: ABC.
  
  21. Smith/Wordham: Welfare reform. Time Code Start: 53:22. Keywords: bills, laws, Family Assistance Programs, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance, financial aid. Network: ABC.
  
  22. Reasoner: President Nixon popularity. Time Code Start: 57:32. Keywords: Presidents, public opinions, polls, approval ratings, Gallup poll, Harris poll. Network: ABC.
  
  23. Reynolds: The mood of America. Time Code Start: 58:06. Keywords: public opinions, polls, approval ratings, Gallup poll, Harris poll, psychology. Network: ABC.
  
  24. Smith: Commentary on the Vietnam War. Time Code Start: 61:37. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  25. Brinkley: Unemployment figure is 6% for March 1971. Time Code Start: 63:21. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, statistics. Network: NBC.
  
  26. Chancellor/Goralski: Army rebuttal to public reaction of Calley's verdict (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 64:59. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: NBC.
  
  27. Brinkley/Lewis: North Vietnam overran Duc Duc, South Vietnam; Film shows shows remains of village destroyed by North Vietnamese; Major Franklin Trapnel. Time Code Start: 66:20. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War. Network: NBC.
  
  28. Chancellor: President Nixon meets with Governor Reagan to discuss welfare reform. Time Code Start: 68:22. Keywords: Presidents, Governors, meetings, reforms, Family Assistance, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance. Network: NBC.
  
  29. Cronkite: Further reaction to Calley's verdict & peace moves from Senator Scott (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 70:15. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: CBS.
  
  30. Cronkite/Williams: Vietnam report. Time Code Start: 75:12. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: CBS.
  
  31. Cronkite: Unemployment figures for March 1971. Time Code Start: 79:26. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, statistics. Network: CBS.
  
  32. Cronkite/Rather: President Nixon meets with Governor Reagan to discuss welfare reform. Time Code Start: 79:56. Keywords: Presidents, Governors, meetings, reforms, Family Assistance, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance. Network: CBS.
  
  33. Sevaride: Commentary on Calley's trial (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 82:18. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: CBS.
  
  34. End of Tape II. Time Code Start: 85:03. Keywords: program finishing time reminder. Network: CBS.

• LIFE magazine of April 2, 1971

• New York Times of April 2, 1971

• AP Images photos from April 2, 1971
• Getty Images photos from April 2, 1971

The Vanderbilt Television News Archive is the world's most extensive and complete archive of television news. They have been recording, preserving and providing access to television news broadcasts of the national networks since August 5, 1968.

• April 1971 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• April 2, 1971