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March 23, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Monday, March 23, 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: Sunday, March 22, 1970

Next Date: Tuesday, March 24, 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

    • Work Stoppages in the Postal Service (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 418, March 23, 1970)
      The President's Remarks in a Television and Radio Address on Actions To Be Taken.
    • Organization of African Unity (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 421, March 23, 1970)
      Exchange of Toasts Between the President and Ambassador S. Edward Peal of Liberia at a Dinner at the White House.

    Appointments and Nominations

    • Federal Aviation Administration (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 421, March 23, 1970)
      Announcement of Intention To Nominate Kenneth M. Smith as Deputy Administrator.

    Executive Orders

    Proclamations

    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.

    • Press conference of Winton M. Blount, Postmaster General, ead George P. Shultz, Secretary of Labor, on the Presddent's television and radio address on the work stoppages in the postal service.

    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.

    • The Executive Committee of the National Legislative Conference of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO met with the President at the White House.

    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.

    • JOHN N. NASSIKAS, of New Hampshire, to be a Member of the Federal Power Commission for the term of 5 years expiring June 22, 1975 (reappointment).
    • WILLAM B. HENDERSON, of Kentucky, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Kentucky for the term of 4 years, vice Harry M. Miller, retired.

  • 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

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

  • Decided

    Granted

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. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 207. Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting , Washington, March 23, 1970, 11:08 a.m.-12:37 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. 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.

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    Questions Pertaining to Tibet, 1969-1972

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Thailand

    • 55. Letter From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Thai Foreign Minister Thanat Khoman, Washington, March 23, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 102, Country Files—Far East, Thanat (Foreign Minister), [2 of 2]. Secret. In a March 24 memorandum to the Secretaries of State and Defense, the Director of Central Intelligence, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kissinger noted that his message to Thanat had been drafted by the Department of State and had “been approved and slightly modified by the President. It was dispatched via the same channel that Foreign Minister Thanat’s message was sent to me.” Attached but not printed.

    Vol. XXIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1969-1972

    The Cease-Fire Agreement

    • 106. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State , Tel Aviv, March 23, 1970, 1630Z

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 612, Country Files, Middle East, Israeli Aid. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. The telegram is attached to a March 23 memorandum to Kissinger in which Eliot wrote: “The attached telegram from Tel Aviv sets forth the Israeli response to our decision on aircraft and economic aid for Israel. In view of its sensitivity I would be grateful if you would limit its distribution in the White House to as few as possible.”

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    Opening Round at Helsinki and Preparations for Vienna, November 17, 1969-April 15, 1970

    • 57. Letter From the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (Smith) to President Nixon, Washington, March 23, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 876, SALT, 1/70, Vol. VII, Memos and Miscellaneous. Secret. On March 24 Kissinger sent copies of the letter to the Rogers, Laird, Mitchell, Moorer, and Helms. In a March 25 memorandum to the President, Kissinger summarized and commented on Smith’s letter: “The Government is not fully agreed on what, if any, verification arrangements are ‘necessary,’ in the sense of adequate, for the proposal he endorses and this affects whether his condition is one that is likely to be met.” (Ibid.)

    • 58. Paper Prepared by the National Security Council Staff , Washington, March 23, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–027, NSC Meeting 3/25/70 SALT. Top Secret. Kissinger included the paper as part of the President’s briefing materials for the NSC meeting scheduled for March 25.

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    Chemical and Biological Warfare, Safeguard Phase II, the Draft

    • 132. Minutes of Defense Program Review Committee Meeting, Washington, March 23, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–98, DPRC General, Mar. 1970–Dec. 1970. No classification marking. Attendees included the following: Schlesinger, Packard, Kissinger, McCracken, Johnson, Spiers, Vannoy, Tucker, Lynn, and Vice Admiral John Lee representing ACDA.

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

    Western Europe Region and NATO

    • 33. Response to National Security Study Memorandum 90 , Washington, March 23, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–170, National Security Study Memoranda, NSSM 90. Secret; Exdis. Prepared by the Ad Hoc Interdepartmental Group on the Mediterranean. NSSM 90 is Document 31. See also Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972, Document 272.

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

    Cuba

  • 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-3199 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3199-02-13, Nixon giving a broadcast speech about employing U.S. troops to solve the postal strike. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-3200 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3200-01A-09A, President Nixon giving a televised broadcast speech from the Oval Office about employing U.S. troops to solve the postal strike. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3200-03A, President Nixon giving a televised broadcast speech from the Oval Office about employing U.S. troops to solve the postal strike. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-3201 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3201-01A-14A, President Nixon attending a Bi-Partisan Leadership meeting regarding the postal strike. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Senator Mansfiled, Senator Scott, Congressmen McCormack, Congressmen Albert, Congressmen Arends.

    Roll WHPO-3202 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3202-02-10, President Nixon attending a Bi-Partisan Leadership meeting regarding the postal strike. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Senator Mansfiled, Senator Scott, Congressmen McCormack, Congressmen Albert, Congressmen Arends.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3202-11-22, President Nixon giving a televised broadcast speech from the Oval Office about employing U.S. troops to solve the postal strike. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, reporters, cameramen.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3202-16, President Nixon giving a televised broadcast speech from the Oval Office about employing U.S. troops to solve the postal strike. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, reporters, cameramen.

    Roll WHPO-3203 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3203-02-09, Presentation of a gift to John Davies. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. John Davies.

    Roll WHPO-3204 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3204-03A-15A, Presentation of a gift to John Nesteska. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. John Nesteska.

    Roll WHPO-3205 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3205-04-15, Meeting of Building and Trades Construction Department. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-3206 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3206-02A-10A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers and wife Adele Rogers stand in a receiving line greeting attendees of the African Unity Dinner. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William Rogers, Adele Rogers.

    Roll WHPO-3207 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3207-03A-34A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers and wife Adele Rogers stand in a receiving line greeting attendees of the African Unity Dinner. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William Rogers, Adele Rogers.

    Roll WHPO-3208 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3208-04-06, President Nixon and Pat Nixon enroute to the African Unity Dinner with Secretary of State William Rogers and his wife, Adele. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Foyer. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William P. Rogers, Adele Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3208-07-30, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers and wife Adele Rogers stand in a receiving line greeting attendees of the African Unity Dinner. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William Rogers, Adele Rogers.

    Roll WHPO-3209 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3209-02A-10A, White House East Room. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3209-11A-28A, The African Unity Dinner. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room.

    Roll WHPO-3210 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3210-04-09, The African Unity Dinner. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William Rogers, Adele Rogers.

    Roll WHPO-3212 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3212-01-14, President Nixon and Pat Nixon at the African Unity Dinner with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and his wife, Adele. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William Rogers, Adele Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3212-15, 21, President Nixon and Pat Nixon at the African Unity Dinner with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and his wife, Adele. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William Rogers, Adele Rogers.

    Roll WHPO-3213 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3213-01-02, The African Unity Dinner. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3213-03-33, President Nixon and Pat Nixon receiving attendees at the African Unity Dinner with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and his wife, Adele. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, William Rogers, Adele Rogers.

    Roll WHPO-3214 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3214-04-09, Smith College foreign exchange students. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, North Portico.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3214-10-16, Orchestra playing in White House Grand Foyer. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Foyer.

    Roll WHPO-3211A Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3211A-16A-17A, President Nixon and guests at the African Unity Dinner. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-3211B Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3211B-05, 11, 12, President Nixon and Pat Nixon at the African Unity Dinner with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and his wife, Adele. 3/23/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon.

  • 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-009
      Press briefing by Sec. Rogers regarding the Middle East. (3/23/1970, State Department)

      Runtime: 31:17:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by State Department; Recorded by RRS (Bob Schroder, WHCA engineer)

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

    G - Cabinet Officer Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-G-043
      Briefing on the postal strike by Secretary of Labor George Shultz and Postmaster-General Winton Blount, with additional speakers Ronald Ziegler and. (3/23/1970, Roosevelt Room, The White House)

      Runtime: 0:29:23

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

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original. Technical notes: 19 minutes and 31 seconds of silence at end of recording removed from access copies.

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-700319
      Live televised remarks by President Nixon about work stoppages in the Postal System. (3/23/1970, Oval Office, the White House)

      Runtime: 0:07:18

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by JD (initials of WHCA engineer), mult-pool feed by NBC

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-700320
      Remarks by President Nixon at a dinner for OAU with Liberian Ambassador, US Army Chorus. (3/23/1970)

      Runtime: 8:58

      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-3663
      President Nixon's Speech on the Postal Strike; President's Speech on the Postal Strike. Senator Hugh Scott.
      ABC
      Runtime: 01:04:00
    • WHCA-3664
      President Nixon televised address on the Postal Strike.
      CBS
      Runtime: 00:09:13
    • WHCA-3666
      Weekly News Summary and Art Linkletter.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:56:03

      3. Cronkite: Excerpts of President Nixon's speech on the Mail Crisis, orders attorney general to ensure mail is delivered, forbids strikers to interfere. Time Code Start: 04:51. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Post Office, strikes. Network: CBS.

      4. Cronkite/Rather : Postal Strike, President Nixon orders Army to deliver New York City mail; comments by Postmaster General Blount and Labor Secretary George Shultz. Time Code Start: 07:07. Keywords: U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Post Office, strikes, military, troops, army, employment. Network: CBS.

      5. Brinkley: Excerpts of President Nixon's speech about the Postal Strike mail crisis; announces use of military to break New York City strike; Army used elsewhere if needed. Time Code Start: 10:20. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Post Office, strikes. Network: NBC.

      6. Huntley: Postmaster General Winton Blount says troops to provide essential mail service; social security, welfare checks top list for delivery. Time Code Start: 13:21. Keywords: U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Post Office, strikes, Armed Forces, military, Army. Network: NBC.

      7. Reynolds/Jarriel: Report on Presidents Nixon's speech about the Mail Crisis Postal Strike, orders federal troops to restore New York City mail service; won't hesitate to send Army into other cities for delivery service. Time Code Start: 15:15. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Post Office, strikes. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)