Breadcrumb

May 29, 1971

Introduction

This almanac page for Saturday, May 29, 1971, 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: Friday, May 28, 1971

Next Date: Sunday, May 30, 1971

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.

    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.

  • 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.

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. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

    Chinese Representation in the United Nations

    Vol. XIII, Soviet Union, October 1970-October 1971

    "One of Two Routes": Soviet-American Relations and Kissinger's Secret Trip to China, April 23-July 18, 1971

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China,January-September 1971

    • 130. Message From the Premier of the People’s Republic of China Chou En-lai to President Nixon, Beijing, May 29, 1971

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1031, Files for the President—China Material, Exchanges Leading up to HAK’s Trip to China, December 1969–July 1971. No classification marking. An identical handwritten copy of this message is attached. It was probably prepared by Hilaly. Kissinger met with Hilaly from 9:06 to 9:24 a.m. on May 31. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 438, Miscellany, 1968–1976, Record of Schedule) At that time, he apparently made Kissinger aware of the incoming message but did not yet have the actual text. The two men met again on June 2 from 8:10 to 8:30 p.m. (Ibid.) According to a notation on another copy of the message, it was “transcribed from handwritten document handed to HAK by Hilaly, 6–2–71, 8:10 p.m. Taken to Pres.” This version did not include the comments from Yahya at the end of the message. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1031, Files for the President—China Material, Material Concerning Preparations for First China Trip by HAK, July 1971)

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Thailand

    • 122. Telegram From the Consulate in Hong Kong to the Department of State, Hong Kong, May 29, 1971, 1630Z

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Conference Files, 1966–1972: Lot 73 D 323, Withdrawn Box 14/15, Folder 943. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by James L. Carson (S/S), cleared by Nicholas A. Veliotes, and approved by Green. Also sent to UNSTO and repeated to Bangkok and Vientiane.

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    From SALT Announcement to Summit Announcement, May 27-October 12, 1971

    Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    • 245. Conversation Between President Nixon and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, May 29, 1971

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Recording of Conversation Between Nixon and Kissinger, May 29, 1971, Time Unknown, Oval Office, Conversation 507–4. No classification marking. According to his Daily Diary, Nixon met with Kissinger in the Oval Office from 9:08 to 10:32 a.m. The editor transcribed the portions of the conversation printed here specifically for this volume. The time of the conversation, which was held in the Oval Office, is taken from the President’s Daily Diary; Haldeman joined the discussion at 10 a.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files)

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

    Oceans Policy

    • 395. Conversation Between President Nixon and his Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, May 29, 1971

      Nixon and Kissinger agreed that the highest priority for U.S. oceans policy should be to secure free navigation on the high seas and through international straits.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Recording of conversation between Nixon and Kissinger, Oval Office, Conversation No. 507-4. No classification marking. The portion of the discussion transcribed was part of a conversation covering a variety of subjects that began at 8:13 a.m. and concluded at 10:32 a.m. The editor transcribed the portion of the conversation printed here specifically for this volume. Assistant to the President H. R. Haldeman was also present at the meeting but did not speak during the portion of the conversation transcribed.

    • 397. National Security Decision Memorandum 111, Washington, May 29, 1971

      President Nixon approved negotiations with the Brazilian Government concerning fisheries issues. He stipulated that discussions should commence in autumn 1971 but could begin sooner if the Brazilian Government insisted.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H-224, NSDM Files, NSDM 111. Secret. A copy was sent to the Secretary of Commerce. Another copy was sent to Haig.

    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

    • 70. Paper Prepared by the Ad Hoc Interagency Working Group on Chile, Washington, May 29, 1971

      Summary: This paper outlined the advantages and disadvantages of the Export-Import Bank providing funding for the Chilean national airline to purchase Boeing aircraft and presented options for the SRG’s consideration.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–56, SRG Meeting, Chile 6/3/71. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Fisher and Girdler.

  • 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 Tapes are sound recordings of President Richard Nixon's telephone conversations and of meetings held in the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room in the White House, the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building (OEOB), the Lincoln Sitting Room in the residence section of the White House, and several locations at the Presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland. These recordings document many of the major events and decisions of the Nixon Administration from February 16, 1971 to July 18, 1973. Visit the White House Tapes finding aid to learn about the taping system's operation and archival processing.

    Oval Office

    White House Telephone

  • 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-6423 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6423-, President Nixon watching cadet troops marching white attending a reviewing ceremony at the West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field, Mess Hall. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, First Captain Pyrz, military personnel, aides, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6423-21A, President Nixon greeting and shaking hands with Cadets in dress uniforms and plumbed hats while attending a reviewing ceremony at the West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field "The Plain". President Nixon, West Point cadets.

    Roll WHPO-6424 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6424-02A, H.R. Haldeman filming the Cadet Corps reviewing ceremony at West Point. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field, "the Plain". President Nixon, Haldeman, military personnel, staff.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6424-03A, Presidential Staff riding in a car during a reviewing ceremony event at the West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field, Mess Hall. President Nixon, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6424-04A-20A, President Nixon at the Mess Hall with military personnel, after attending attending a reviewing ceremony at the West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Mess Hall. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, First Captain Pyrz, military personnel, aides, guests.

    Roll WHPO-6426 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6426-01A-30A, President Nixon attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, military personnel, guests, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6426-08, President Nixon watching the cadet corps troops marching while attending a reviewing ceremony at the West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, military personnel, guests, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6426-27, President Nixon standing before a podium while attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, military personnel, guests, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6426-30, President Nixon standing in front of a statue of General Douglas MacArthur after attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, military personnel, guests, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6426-31A-33A, President Nixon standing in front of a statue of General Douglas MacArthur after attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York unknown. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, military personnel, guests, aides.

    Roll WHPO-6427 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6427-, President Nixon attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field, Mess Hall. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, cadets.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6427-14, President Nixon standing on "The Plain" with an honor guard while attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy . 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field, Mess Hall. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, cadets.

    Roll WHPO-6428 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6428-, President Nixon attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, First Captain Pyrz, cadets.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6428-, President Nixon attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, First Captain Pyrz, cadets.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6428-05, President Nixon stands at attention with his hand on his heart (National Anthem) watching the troops march while attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. (viewed from behind). 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6428-05, President Nixon stands at attention with his hand on his heart (National Anthem) watching the troops march while attending a reviewing ceremony at West Point military academy with Superintendent Major General William Knowlton. (viewed from behind). 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton.

    Roll WHPO-6429 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6429-01A-11A, President Nixon reviews troops with General William Knowlton. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, cadets, crowd, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6429-12A-18A, President Nixon visits West Point Military Academy. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Parade Field. President Nixon, Gen. William Knowlton, cadets, crowd, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6429-19A, President Nixon enters the Washington Hall on the West Point Campus. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Washington Hall. President Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-6429-20A-32A, President Nixon at the Cadet Brigade Commander's table presents a proclamation granting amnesty to the Corps of Cadets from minor punishments. 5/29/1971, West Point, New York Washington Hall. President Nixon.
  • 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-4398A
      Network News Excerpts on Vietnam Drug Problem [Weekly News Summary]. Robert Finch, Goralski, McGee, John Chancellor, Harry Reasoner, Sam Donaldson.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:34:07

      1. Reasoner/Donaldson: The drug problem in the American Division in South Vietnam. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: pharmaceuticals, medicines, drugs, drug abuse, narcotics, heroin, marijuana, alcohol, alcoholism, addicts, addiction, prevention, programs. Network: ABC.
    • WHCA-4399
      "The David Susskind Show".
      Undetermined
      Runtime: 01:00:30
    • WHCA-4414
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:30

      13. Brinkley/Kaplow: President Nixon spoke at West Point, telling the cadets the end of the war was in sight and their service would be in peace time. Peace in Vietnam would be "in honor" and beyond that were grounds for hope of for new era of world peace. Ni. Time Code Start: 00:24:56. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, mililtary, schools, colleges, Vietnam War, ending. Network: NBC.

      14. Green/McGee (?): Communist forces shelled 8 South Vietnamese and US bases in region around Saigon/Southern half of country. Some complain that American TV doesn't share "the Communist truth - burning villages and committing atrocities." but there are no c. Time Code Start: 00:27:53. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, North Vietnamese, Viet Cong, People's Republic of China, movies, media, television, TV, women, forced labor. Network: NBC.

      15. Mudd/Pierpoint: President Nixon began administration's end of school appearances at government run academies. Vice President Agnew to give commencement speech at Air Force Academy, Defense Secretary Laird at West Point, Attorney General Mitchell at the FB. Time Code Start: 00:29:53. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, mililtary, schools, colleges, Vietnam War, ending. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)