December 20, 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 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.

• Remarks in Bermuda Announcing Removal of Surcharge on Imports.
• Toasts of the President and Prime Minister Edward Heath of the United Kingdom at a Dinner During Their Meetings in Bermuda.
• Proclamation 4098—Termination of Additional Duty for Balance of Payments Purposes
• Proclamation 4099—Modifying Proclamation No. 3279 Relating to Imports of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

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

Decided

• Santobello v. New York
• Schilb v. Kuebel
• Townsend v. Swank
• United States v. Bass
• United States v. Campos-Serrano
• United States v. Louisiana (Louisiana Boundary Case)
• United States v. Marion

Granted

• Morrissey v. Brewer

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 December 20, 1971
• Date search for December 20, 1971

All National Archives Units

• Text search for December 20, 1971
• Date search for December 20, 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 20 December 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. I, Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

• 102. Memorandum for the President’s File by the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Bermuda, December 20, 1971, 1:30-5 p.m.

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President’s Office Files, B Series Documents, Box 58, Folder 39. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The meeting was held in the Sitting Room of Government House.

Vol. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

Secretary-General Succession

• 245. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations, Washington, December 20, 1971, 1823Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 303, Agency Files, USUN, Vol. IX. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Herz; cleared by Pedersen, Assistant Secretary De Palma, and Fry; and approved by the Acting Secretary.

Vol. XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971

South Asia Crisis, 1971

• 328. Telegram From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, Islamabad, December 20, 1971, 1420Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 PAK. Secret; Flash; Exdis.

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

International Cooperation in Space, 1969-1972

• 273. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary (Eliot) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, December 20, 1971

  The Department reminded Kissinger of the potential foreign policy benefits of a joint space docking agreement with the Soviet Union.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, SP 1-1 US-USSR. Secret. Drafted by Curtis W. Kamman (EUR/SOV). James Carson signed for Eliot. A copy was sent to Fletcher. A report of the NASA Delegation to Moscow, November 5, is printed in Logsdon (ed.), Exploring the Universe, Vol. II, External Relations, Document I-45.

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-8084 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8084-01-28, President Nixon stag dinner aboard HMS Glamorgan and departure from ship. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda HMS Glamorgan. President Nixon, Edward Heath, Henry Kissinger, William Rogers, Walter Annenberg, John Connally.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8084-23, President Nixon departing from the ship HMS Glamorgan with Edward Heath and John Connally after a stag dinner. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda HMS Glamorgan. President Nixon, Edward Heath, John Connally, unidentified persons.

Roll WHPO-8085 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8085-02-17, Outside of Government House, meeting with Prime Minister Heath of Great Britain. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House. President Nixon, Edward Heath, William P. Rogers, Henry Kissinger, Sir Alec Douglas-Home.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8085-07, President Nixon meeting with Prime Minister Heath of Great Britain, Secretary of State William Rogers, Lord Martonmere and Sir Alec Douglas-Home outside the Government House in Hamilton, Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House grounds. President Nixon, Edward Heath, William P. Rogers, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Lord Martonmere.

Roll WHPO-8088 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8088-02-03, President Nixon leaving the HMS Glamorgan. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Dock at Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon, Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8088-04-16, President Nixon greeting the people upon leaving the HMS Glamorgan. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Front Street Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon, Edward Heath.

Roll WHPO-8093 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8093-, President Nixon's arrival in Bermuda. Prime Minister Edward Heath and President Nixon aboard the HMS Glamorgan ship. 12/20/1971, Bermuda HMS Glamorgan. President Nixon, Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8093-03A, President Nixon reviewing the military troops during his arrival in Hamilton, Bermuda. Lord Martonmere is walking nearby. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon, Lord Martonmere, military troops.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8093-05A, President Nixon seated during a meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath aboard the HMS Glamorgan ship. 12/20/1971, Bermuda HMS Glamorgan. President Nixon, Edward Heath, unidentified officials and guests.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8093-18A, President Nixon and Prime Minister Edward Heath on the stairway of the HMS Glamorgan ship. 12/20/1971, Bermuda HMS Glamorgan. President Nixon, Edward Heath, officials, unidentified persons.

Roll WHPO-8094 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8094-, President Nixon's speaking to the press from Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon and Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8094-, President Nixon meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon and Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8094-, President Nixon's departure from Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon and Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8094-22, President Nixon shaking hands with Prime Minister Edward Heath outside the Government House in Hamilton, Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon and Edward Heath.

Roll WHPO-8095 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8095-, President Nixon meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon and Edward Heath, Lord Martonmere, Maysie Gasque.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8095-, President Nixon's departure from Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon and Edward Heath, Lord Martonmere, Maysie Gasque.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8095-11, President Nixon meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. Henry Kissinger and officials are seated nearby. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon, Edward Heath, Henry Kissinger, Maysie Gasque, officials, unidentified persons.

Roll WHPO-8096 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8096-, President Nixon's arrival at Government House in Bermuda for meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon and Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8096-24, President Nixon reviewing the military troops during his arrival in Hamilton, Bermuda. Lord Martonmere is walking nearby. 12/20/1971, Hamilton, Bermuda Government House, Hamilton, Bermuda. President Nixon, Lord Martonmere, military troops.

Roll WHPO-8097 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8097-, President Nixon meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Inside of the Government House. President Nixon and Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8097-15, President Nixon seated during meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Inside of the Government House. President Nixon, Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8097-20, President Nixon seated during meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Inside of the Government House. President Nixon, Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8097-26, The presidential helicopter, U.S . Marine Corps UH-1N model, parked at Government House in Bermuda. Unidentified officials stand nearby. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Government House, exterior. Unidentified officials.

Roll WHPO-8098 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8098-, President Nixon and Prime Minister Edward Heath's arrival at the Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Grounds of the Government House.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8098-, President Nixon meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Inside the Government House. President Nixon and Edward Heath.

Roll WHPO-8099 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8099-, Prime Minister Edward Heath officiates at the Arrival ceremony for President Nixon in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Bermuda. Richard Nixon and Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8099-, Meeting with President Nixon and Prime Minister Edward Heath. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Government House. Richard Nixon and Edward Heath.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8099-, President Nixon making speech in front of Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Government House. Richard Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8099-14, President Nixon seated during meeting with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Government House in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Government House, sitting room. President Nixon, Edward Heath.

Roll WHPO-8100 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8100-, Military ceremony. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Bermuda. Richard Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8100-, Prime Minister Edward Heath officiates at President Nixon's arrival ceremony in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Richard Nixon.

Roll WHPO-8101 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8101-, President Nixon departure ceremony. Greeting people. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Naval Air Station Bermuda, Kindley Field. President Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8101-08A, President Nixon signing an autograph for a poster that reads, "Merry Christmas Mr. President" for children in the crowd during his departure ceremony in Bermuda. Prime Minister Edward Heath stands nearby. 12/20/1971, Bermuda Naval Air Station Bermuda, Kindley Field. President Nixon, Edward Heath, crowd.

Roll WHPO-8111 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8111-, President Nixon, British Prime Minister Heath, Secretary of State William Rogers, and other dignitaries seated for a black tie dinner aboard the Naval ship HMS Glamorgan in Bermuda. 12/20/1971, Bermuda HMS Glamorgan. President Nixon, Prime Minister Edward Heath, 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.

F - Secretary of State Briefings

• WHCA-SR-F-024
  Press briefing by Sec. Rogers and Sec. John Connally at the Bermudiana Hotel in Hamilton, Bermuda. (12/20/1971, Bermudiana Hotel, Hamilton, Bermuda)
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by REE (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

K - Informal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-K-251
  Aboard HMS Glamorgan-Bermuda. (12/20/1971)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-711218
  Remarks by President Nixon re 10% Import Surcharge Elimination at Governor's House, Hamilton, Bermuda. (12/20/1971)
  
  Runtime: 0:58
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-P-711219
  Remarks by President Nixon in toast aboard HMS Glamorgan in Hamilton, Bermuda with Prime Minister Edward Heath. (12/20/1971)
  
  Runtime: 13:03
  
  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-4900
  "I Am Somebody", with Richard Allen.
  Wolper Productions
  Runtime: 00:26:26
• WHCA-4910
  Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 01:35:49
  
  21. Reasoner/Jerrold: President Nixon repeals import surcharge at meeting with in Bermuda with British Prime Minister Heath. Time Code Start: 42:58. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, international, Caribbean, Prime Ministers, meetings, imports, taxes. Network: ABC.
  
  22. Reasoner/Kincaid: Industry boom expected due to devaluation. Time Code Start: 45:27. Keywords: industrial, manufacturing, international, money, currency, exchange rates, values, increases, decreases. Network: ABC.
  
  23. Smith: Commentary on Import surcharge, Currency to be revalued, More United States foreign trade and more jobs at home expected. Time Code Start: 47:50. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: ABC.
  
  24. Utley/Kaplow: President Nixon drops import surcharge at Bermuda meeting with British Prime Minister Heath. Time Code Start: 49:25. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, international, Caribbean, Prime Ministers, meetings, imports, taxes. Network: NBC.
  
  25. Utley/Brady: Genocide atrocity reported in Dacca (Dhaka, Bangladesh), Massacre discovered, intellectuals taken by Pakistani police shot shortly before war's end; doctors, journalists, professors, 250 others missing. Time Code Start: 51:48. Keywords: South Asian, Bangladesh Liberation War, Pakistani Army, genocidal war, mass murder, violence, death squads. Network: NBC.
  
  26. Stern: Supreme Court throws out gun case, 7 man court throws out conviction of man on New York anti-gun law, Justices Burger and Blackmun vote in minority. Time Code Start: 54:13. Keywords: courts, trials, rulings, weapons, firearms, controls, sales, controls, registrations, licenses. Network: NBC.
  
  27. Cronkite: Indochina and POW family at Christmas. Time Code Start: 55:24. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, families, holidays, Laos, Cambodia,. Network: CBS.
  
  28. Schieffer: No end in sight to Air war in Indochina, Film of bomb loading on carrier USS Constellation shown,. Time Code Start: 58:07. Keywords: Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War, bombings, aircraft, military, weapons, Navy, ships. Network: CBS.
  
  29. Cronkite: U.S. troop strength reduced in Taiwan. Time Code Start: 63:24. Keywords: Vietnam War, Armed Forces, mlitary, troops, decreases, withdrawals. Network: CBS.
  
  30. Cronkite/Pierpoint: President Nixon drops import surcharge at Bermuda meeting with British Prime Minister Heath. Time Code Start: 64:00. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, international, Caribbean, Prime Ministers, meetings, imports, taxes. Network: CBS.
  
  31. Cronkite/Burdette/Sheahan: Wagner effects of international currency revaluations. Time Code Start: 65:36. Keywords: international, money, currency, exchange rates, values, increases, decreases. Network: CBS.

• TIME magazine of December 20, 1971

• New York Times of December 20, 1971

• AP Images photos from December 20, 1971
• Getty Images photos from December 20, 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.

• December 1971 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• December 20, 1971