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March 19, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, March 19, 1970, 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: Wednesday, March 18, 1970

Next Date: Friday, March 20, 1970

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.

    Addresses and Remarks

    • Higher Education (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 381, March 19, 1970)
      The President's Remarks Upon Transmitting His Message to the Congress.
    • Boy of the Year Award (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 389, March 19, 1970)
      The President's Remarks Upon Presenting the Award to James Heath of Catskill, N.Y.

    Congress, Communications to

    • Higher Education (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 381, March 19, 1970)
      The President's Message to the Congress Proposing Measures for the Reform of Student Financial Aid Programs and the Creation of a National Student Loan Association, a Career Education Program, and a National Foundation for Higher Education.

    Executive Orders

    Acts Approved by the President

    • H.R. 14944 -- Public Law 91-217
      An Act to authorize an adequate force for the protection of the Executive Mansion and foreign embassies, and for other purposes.

    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.

    • Fact sheet on the President's message on higher education.
    • Press conference of Dr. James E. Allen, Jr., Commissioner of Education and Assistant Secretary for Education, HEW, Lewis H. Butler, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, HEW, and Dr. Daniel P. Moynihan, Counsellor to the President, on the President's message on higher education.

    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.

    • In a ceremony attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Secret Service, and the White House Police, the President signed H.R. 14944, a bill creating the Executive Protection Service for the protection of foreign embassies as well as the Executive Mansion.
    • The President announced the appointment of Dr. James E. Allen, Jr., to be a member of the Board of Foreign Scholarships for a term expiring in September 1972.
    • In the third of a series of "Evenings at the White House," actor Nicol Williamson and The World's Greatest Jazz Band of Yank Lawson and Bob Haggart presented a one-hour program of words and music for the President and Mrs. Nixon and their guests.

    Nominations Submitted to the Senate

    Does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of Foreign Service Officers.

    • ANDREW W. BOGUE, of South Dakota, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Dakota, vice Axel J. Beck, retired.
    • DONALD D. HILL, Of California, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of California for the term of 4 years, vice Wayne B. Colburn, resigned.

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

    Foreign Assistance Policy, 1969-1972

    • 24. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of the Treasury Volcker to President Nixon, Washington, March 19, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Agency Files, Box 289, Treasury, Volume I. Confidential. Another copy of this memorandum is attached to a March 17 memorandum from Petty to Secretary Kennedy recommending it to be sent to the President to alert him to the need to generate high-level political support in France and Germany for a large IDA replenishment. Petty specifically wanted the President to take it up with Chancellor Brandt in early April. (Washington National Records Center, Department of the Treasury, Secretary’s Memos/Correspondence: FRC 56 74 A 7, Memo to the President—Jan-April 1970)

    International Development Policy, 1969-1972

    Vol. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 203. Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting , Washington, March 19, 1970, 10:08-11:55 a.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–114, WSAG Minutes, Originals, 1969–1970. Top Secret; Sensitive. Colonel Behr sent this record and the minutes of the next six WSAG meetings on Laos and Cambodia to Kissinger on March 31. A note on Behr’s transmittal memorandum reads: “HAK has seen. 4/6” The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room.

    • 204. Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting , Washington, March 19, 1970, 1-2:20 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–114, WSAG Minutes, Originals, 1969–1970. Top Secret; Sensitive. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room.

    • 205. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, March 19, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 506, Country Files, Far East, Cambodia, Vol. II, September 1969–9 April 1970. Secret. Sent for information. On the bottom of the first page Nixon wrote: “I want Helms to develop & implement a plan for maximum assistance to pro U.S. elements in Cambodia—Don’t put this out to 303 or the Bureaucracy. Handle like our air strikes.” Kissinger wrote at the top of the page: “I want to discuss with Helms Monday am.” Holdridge sent the draft of this memorandum to Kissinger on March 18, suggesting that he send it to the President. (Ibid.)

    Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

    Cyprus

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

    Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Implementation of Safeguard System

    • 48. Telegram 40032 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union , Washington, March 19, 1970

      The telegram reported on Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Seaborg’s March 18 meeting with Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin. Seaborg recounted the FRG’s decision to sign the NPT. Dobrynin concurred with Seaborg’s assessment, cautioning that the difficulties would arise when “ironing out the differences in texts.” Both participants expressed their desire to prompt the adoption of the resolution at the April Board meeting.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, AE 13 IAEA. Limited Official Use; Priority. It was repeated to London and Vienna. Drafted and approved on March 18 by Allen (IO); and cleared by Kratzer (AEC). Trevithick (SCI) was informed.

    Vol. E-4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969-1972

    Iran 1970

    • 55. Telegram 1019 From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, Tehran, March 19, 1970, 0900Z

      Ambassador MacArthur summarized his recent audience with the Shah in which the latter reiterated his arguments for more U.S. credit to purchase military equipment.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 IRAN. Secret; Priority; Exdis.

    Vol. E-5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969-1972

    The Horn

  • 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-3187 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3187-02, A portrait study of Ron Ziegler. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. Ron Ziegler.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3187-02A-31A, A portrait study of Ron Ziegler. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. Ron Ziegler.

    Roll WHPO-3188 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3188-01-28, A portrait study of Ron Ziegler. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. Ron Ziegler.

    Roll WHPO-3189 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3189-02A-13A, President Nixon signing the Executive Protection Services Act H. R. 14944. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3189-07A, President Nixon signing the Executive Protection Services Act H. R. 14944. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, unidentified signing attendees.

    Roll WHPO-3190 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3190-02A-30A, President Nixon signing the Executive Protection Services Act H. R. 14944. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3190-26A, President Nixon at the signing ceremony for the Executive Protection Services Act H. R. 14944. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Jennings Randolph, B. Everett Jordan, John Sherman Cooper, J. Caleb Boggs, Silvio Conte, Kenneth Gray, James Grover, Tom Steed, Richard Sillivan, Clifton Enfield, Richard Peet, Richard Royce, Bailey Guard, Emil Mosbacher Jr., Amb. Guillermo Sevilla-Sacasa, Amb. Egidio Ortona, Asst. Secretary Rossides, Deputy Assistant Secretary Knorr, John Ehrlichman, Egil Krogh, Jack Caulfield.

    Roll WHPO-3191 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3191-01-14, President Nixon presenting the "Boy of the Year Award" to James Heath of Catskill, NY. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Roosevelt Room. President Nixon, James Heath.

    Roll WHPO-3192 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3192-02A-18A, An "Evening at White House" with Nicol Williamson. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room.

    Roll WHPO-3193 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3193-04A-17A, An "Evening at White House" with Nicol Williamson. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Nicol Williamson.

    Roll WHPO-3194 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3194-02A-19A, An "Evening at White House" with Nicol Williamson. 3/19/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Nicol Williamson.

  • 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.

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-149
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Morris Mann, Lew Butler, and Dr. James Allen regarding the education bill. (3/19/1970, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 31:00:00

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

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by "MBS"; Recorded by JAD (initials of WHCA engineer)

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

    J - Entertainment at the White House

    • WHCA-SR-J-121
      Nicol Williamson. (3/19/1970, White House)

      Runtime: A: 00:39:25, B:00:28:19

      Keywords: Performance, acting

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-700316
      Filmed remarks by President Nixon About a Special Message to the Congress on Higher Education. (3/19/1970)

      Runtime: 1:55

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-700317
      Presentation of Boy of Year Award to James Heath with Heath, John Burns. (3/19/1970)

      Runtime: 0:53

      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-3655
      "Today" Show with Vice President Agnew; "Today" Show with Sec. of State William Rogers; "Today" Show with Sec. George Romney; "Today" Show with Govs. Shafer (Pa.) & Holton (Va.). Senator Stuart Symington, Lawrence O'Brien.
      CBS, NBC
      Runtime: 01:04:30
    • WHCA-3657
      "Tonight" Show with Herbert Klein. VP Spiro Agnew; Secretary of State William Rogers, Secretary George Romney.
      NBC
      Runtime: 00:32:42

Context (External Sources)