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March 12, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, March 12, 1969, 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: Tuesday, March 11, 1969

Next Date: Thursday, March 13, 1969

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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    • Commission on Civil Rights (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 396, March 12, 1969)
      Announcement of Designation of the Reverend Theodore Martin Hesburgh as Chairman.
    • Federal Home Loan Bank Board (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 397, March 12, 1969)
      Announcement of Nomination of Preston Martin as Member and Chairman.
    • United States Information Agency (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 398, March 12, 1969)
      Announcement of Intention To Nominate Henry Loomis To Be Deputy Director.
    • Department of Labor (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 398, March 12, 1969)
      Announcement of Intention To Nominate Lawrence H. Silberman to Be Solicitor.
    • National Alliance of Businessmen (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 399, March 12, 1969)
      Announcement of Naming of Lynn Townsend as Vice Chairman and Paul W. Kayser as Executive Vice Chairman.

    Congress, Communications to

    Resignations and Retirements

    • Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 397, March 12, 1969)
      Announcement of Forthcoming Retirement of Gen. Lyman Lemnitzer, To Be Succeeded by Gen. Andrew J. Goodpaster.

    Acts Approved by the President

    • S. 17 -- Public Law 91-3
      An Act to amend the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 with respect to the election of the board of directors of the Communications Satellite Corporation.

    Checklist of White House Press Releases

    The releases listed below, made public by the Office of the White House Press Secretary during the period covered by this issue, are not included in the issue.

    • Biography of Rev. Theodore Martin Hesburgh.
    • Biography of Preston Martin.
    • Biography of Lawrence H. Silbernman.
    • Biography of Henry Loomis.

    Digest of Other White House Announcements

    Following is a listing of items of general interest which were announced in the press but not made public as formal White House press releases during the period covered by this issue. Appointments requiring Senate approval are not included since they appear in the list of nominations submitted to the Senate, below.

    • Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, including former Governor Allan Shivers of Texas, met with the President at the White House to discuss urban problems.
    • The room previously known as the Fish Room, in the West Wing of the White House, will in the future be referred to as the Roosevelt Room. The West Wing was added during the administration of President Theodore Roosevelt.

  • 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.

  • The Congressional Record is the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress.

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. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    Foreign Economic Policy

    • 350. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, March 12, 1969

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, PER 1. No classification marking. Drafted by Richardson on March 14. Copies were sent to Rogers, Pedersen, Samuels, Greenwald, Rimestad, and Hastings.

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

    International Development Policy, 1969-1972

    • 107. Letter From Secretary of Commerce Stans to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, March 12, 1969

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, FN 6-1. No classification marking. Attached to an April 3 letter from Rogers to Stans stating that many of the Commerce Department’s reactions were similar to those in the Department of State/AID analysis. Rogers enclosed a copy of Richardson’s March 25 memorandum to the President and its attachments (Document 108).

    Vol. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 37. Memorandum From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Wheeler) to Secretary of Defense Laird, Washington, March 12, 1969

      Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD/ISA Files, FRC 330 75–0013, Vietnam Task Force, Joint Staff Memos. Top Secret; Sensitive. Laird sent this memorandum to Nixon on March 13, indicating that it contained Wheeler’s observations and recommendations of the trip he and Laird made to Vietnam, March 5–12. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 70, Vietnam Subject Files, Secretary Laird’s Trip to S. Vietnam, March 5–12, 1969) See Document 38 for Laird’s impressions.

    Vol. XIX, Part 2, Japan, 1969-1972

    January-November 1969: The Decision for Okinawa Reversion

    • 4. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, March 12, 1969

      Source: Library of Congress, Kissinger Papers, RD drawer 1, Memoranda to the President, 1969–72. Top Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. On March 18, Kissinger sent this memorandum to the President under a memorandum that read: “Although Okinawa will be considered by the National Security Council shortly, I thought you would be interested in this think-piece which outlines the essential elements of the Okinawan problem.”

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

    United Kingdom

    Vol. E-2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969-1972

    Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee; Seabed Arms Control Treaty

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

    Peru

  • 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 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-0482 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0482-, John Davies performing his duties at White House. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. John Davies, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-0483 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0483-, John Davies performing his duties at White House. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. John Davies, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-0484 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0484-, John Davies and unidentified man holding a crystal bowl filled with flowers. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. John Davies, unidentified man.

    Roll WHPO-0485 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0485-, Pat Nixon posing for portraits while wearing her 1969 Inaugural gown. Oval portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale hangs in wall display. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon, unidentified woman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0485-07A, Pat Nixon posing for portraits while wearing her 1969 Inaugural gown. An oval portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale hangs over the fireplace. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0485-09A, Pat Nixon posing for portraits while wearing her 1969 Inaugural gown. An oval portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale hangs over the fireplace. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0493 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0493-, Pat Nixon posing for portraits while wearing her 1969 Inaugural gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0493-01, Pat Nixon posing for portraits while wearing her 1969 Inaugural gown. An oval portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale hangs over the fireplace. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0494 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0494-, Pat Nixon standing, in her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0495 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0495-, Pat Nixon standing, in her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0496 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0496-, Pat Nixon seated, wearing her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0497 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0497-, Pat Nixon seated, wearing her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0498 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0498-, Pat Nixon in her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0499 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0499-, Pat Nixon standing, wearing her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0500 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0500-, Pat Nixon in her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0501 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0501-, Pat Nixon in her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0502 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0502-, Pat Nixon seated, wearing her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0503 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0503-, Pat Nixon seated, wearing her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-0504 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0504-, Pat Nixon standing, wearing her Inaugural Ball gown. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-1464 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1464-, Pat Nixon posing for portraits while wearing her 1969 Inaugural Ball gown and jeweled jacket while standing in front of the Yellow Oval Room fireplace. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1464-01, Pat Nixon posing for portraits while wearing her 1969 Inaugural Ball gown and jeweled jacket. An oval portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale hangs over the fireplace. 3/12/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon.

Context (External Sources)