April 5, 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 San Clemente, California

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.

• Message on the Opening of the 1971 Baseball Season.

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.

• Senate: April 5, 1971
• Extensions of Remarks: April 5, 1971

Decided

• Hill v. California
• Investment Co. Institute v. Camp
• Johnson v. United States
• Kitchens v. Smith
• Mackey v. United States
• Rewis v. United States
• Rogers v. Bellei
• United States v. Freed
• United States v. United States Coin & Currency
• United States v. White
• United Transportation Union v. State Bar of Michigan
• Williams v. United States

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 April 5, 1971
• Date search for April 5, 1971

All National Archives Units

• Text search for April 5, 1971
• Date search for April 5, 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 05 April 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. IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969-1972

Foreign Assistance Policy, 1969-1972

• 58. CIEP Decision Memorandum No. 2, Washington, April 5, 1971

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, S/S Files: Lot 82 D 126, Box 5197, CIEP Decision Memoranda. Confidential. Copies were sent to the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor; the CEA Chairman; the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs; the Executive Director of the Domestic Council, and the Special Trade Representative.

Vol. VII, Vietnam, July 1970-January 1972

Operational Lam Son 719, February 8-April 7, 1971

• 173. Backchannel Message From the Ambassador to Vietnam (Bunker) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Saigon, April 5, 1971, 1020Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 84, Vietnam Subject Files, Special Operations File, Vol. VI. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. A note indicates that it was sent to San Clemente.

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

"A Key Point in Our Relationship": Backchannel Talks on SALT, Berlin, and the Summit

• 167. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, April 5, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 715, Country Files, Europe, USSR, Vol. XIII. Confidential. Sent for information. Kissinger initialed the memorandum.

• 168. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 5, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 715, Country Files, Europe, USSR, Vol. XIII. Confidential. Sent for information. Sonnenfeldt forwarded a draft of the memorandum, based in part on an attached March 19 status report from Eliot, to Kissinger on April 2. (Ibid.) According to notes and an attached correspondence profile, the President saw the memoranda from Kissinger and Rogers (Tab A) on April 13.

Vol. XXI, Chile, 1969-1973

Cool and Correct: The U.S. Response to the Allende Administration, November 5, 1970-December 31, 1972

• 218. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 5, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 774, Country Files, Latin America, Chile, Vol. IV. Secret. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.

Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

• 216. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 5, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–223, NSDM 106. Secret; Limdis. Sent for action. Davis stamped the memorandum indicating that the President had seen it. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. Sonnenfeldt forwarded a draft, including a proposed NSDM, in a March 29 memorandum to Kissinger. “The new NSDM,” he commented, “makes more current the President’s guidelines, offers the negotiators a bit more flexibility without sacrificing any of the basic principles, and also serves to remind the agencies of the strong White House interest.” (Ibid.)

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

Italy

• 210. Backchannel Message From the Ambassador to Italy (Martin) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Rome, April 5, 1971, 1730Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 65, Country Files—Europe, Martin, Ambassador (Italy). Secret; Sensitive; Immediate; Eyes Only. The White House forwarded the message to San Clemente at 1857Z, April 5, with the instruction: “Deliver in sealed eyes only envelope for Colonel Kennedy.” A notation on the original reads: “Recv’d. SCCC 051125Z” and “4/5/71. HAK has seen.”

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

Chemical and Biological Warfare; Geneva Protocol; Biological Weapons Convention

• 224. Telegram 1259 From the Mission in Geneva to the Department of State, Geneva, April 5, 1971, 1845Z

  The telegram reported on an informal meeting between the U.S. and Soviet delegations on the Soviet draft Biological Weapons Convention.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, DEF 18. Confidential; Priority. It was repeated to London, Moscow, USNATO, USUN, and USDel SALT.

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

Cuba

• 236. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter American Affairs (Meyer) to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, April 5, 1971., Washington, April 5, 1971

  Noting that some OAS members were considering lifting or modifying sanctions against Cuba, Assistant Secretary Meyer recommended that the U.S. maintain a position against any changes in the OAS’s stance on Cuba and the active discouragement of any reconsideration of OAS policy toward Cuba.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 24 CUBA. Secret. Drafted on April 1 by Richard A. Poole (USOAS); cleared by Jova; and the recommended actions were approved by Rogers. In telegram 066661 to San José, April 20, the Department reported that Castro had unilaterally rejected normalization of relations with the U.S. and a return to the OAS. (Ibid., POL CUBA–US)

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 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.

White House Telephone

• 42-1; Unknown between 12:00 a.m., 4/5 & 8:54 a.m., 1/23; United States Secret Service agents; White House operator

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-5969 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5969-03A-04A, Henry Kissinger briefing reporters. 4/5/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, outdoor area. Henry Kissinger, reporters.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5969-05A-06A, John Ehrlichman sitting with Ken Cole. 4/5/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, outdoor area. John Ehrlichman, Ken Cole.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5969-08A-17A, President Nixon meeting with representatives of the movie industry. 4/5/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, Conference Room. President Nixon, Charlton Heston, movie industry representatives.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5969-19A-22A, President Nixon exiting Air Force One along with Ed Nixon and his family. 4/5/1971, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. President Nixon, Ed Nixon, Mrs. Ed Nixon, Amy Nixon, Beth Nixon, military aide.

Roll WHPO-5972 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-5972-02A-06A, Pat Nixon with John Manfuson and unidentified woman from Goodwill Industries. 4/5/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Pat Nixon, John Manfuson, unidentified woman.

Roll WHPO-5973 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-5973-02A-10A, Pat Nixon greeting guests in a receiving line at Senate Ladies Luncheon. 4/5/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Blue Room. Pat Nixon, Senate ladies, unidentified person.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5973-11A-14A, Pat Nixon with pianist Roger Williams. 4/5/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, Senate ladies, musician Roger Williams.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5973-15A-19A, An Easter Bunny costumed character handing out flowers to guests departing from the Senate Ladies Luncheon. 4/5/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Hall. Pat Nixon, Senate ladies, unidentified person.

Roll WHPO-5980 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5980-10-21, Movie industry representatives briefing after meeting with President Nixon. 4/5/1971, California El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, interior. President Nixon, Samuel Arkoff, Ted Ashley, James Aubrey, Charles Boren, Al Chamie, Mike Frankovitch, Charlton Heston, Leo Jaffe, Stanley Jaffe, Ben Lovelace, Walter Mirisch, James Nicholson, David Picker, Taft B. Schreiber, Melville Shavelson, Gordon Stulberg, Jack Valenti, Richard Walsh, Hal Wallis, Jack Warner, Robert Wise, Elmo Williams.

Roll WHPO-5981 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5981-03-11, President Nixon meeting with representatives of the movie industry. 4/5/1971, San Clemente, California Conference Room, Western White House. President Nixon, Samuel Arkoff, Ted Ashley, James Aubrey, Charles Boren, Al Chamie, Mike Frankovitch, Charlton Heston, Leo Jaffe, Stanley Jaffe, Ben Lovelace, Walter Mirisch, James Nicholson, David Picker, Taft B. Schreiber, Melville Shavelson, Gordon Stulberg, Jack Valenti, Richard Walsh, Hal Wallis, Jack Warner, Robert Wise, Elmo Williams.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5981-12-25, Movie industry representatives briefing after meeting with President Nixon. 4/5/1971, California room, El Toro Marine Corps Air Station building. President Nixon, Samuel Arkoff, Ted Ashley, James Aubrey, Charles Boren, Al Chamie, Mike Frankovitch, Charlton Heston, Leo Jaffe, Stanley Jaffe, Ben Lovelace, Walter Mirisch, James Nicholson, David Picker, Taft B. Schreiber, Melville Shavelson, Gordon Stulberg, Jack Valenti, Richard Walsh, Hal Wallis, Jack Warner, Robert Wise, Elmo Williams.

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.

C - First Lady

• WHCA-SR-C-065
  Remarks by Pat Nixon at the Roger Williams performance in the East Room. (4/5/1971, East Room, The White House.)
  
  Runtime: 1:05
  
  Keywords: Musician, musicians, music, celebrities, performance, American popular music
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by WJN (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

H - White House Staff Member Recordings

• WHCA-SR-H-365
  Press briefing by Peter Flanigan, Ronald Ziegler, Jack Valenti, and Mr. Schriver. (4/5/1971, El Toro Mas, California)
  
  Runtime: 20:00
  
  Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by JRS (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  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-4266
  Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 1:30
  
  15. Smith/Clark: Vietnam protest (Senator Javits on Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 41:15. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: ABC.
  
  16. Smith/Geer: Opening day at RFK, Secretary of Defense Laird on POWs. Time Code Start: 44:10. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: ABC.
  
  17. Smith/Farmer: Indochina War. Time Code Start: 46:13. Keywords: Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  18. Smith: Commentary on Calley case and the rise from the jungle (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 49:21. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: ABC.
  
  19. McGee: Secretary of Defense Laird delivers President Nixon's opening day message. Time Code Start: 51:09. Keywords: sports, games, baseball, buildings, openings, military, Presidents, speeches, cabinet, advisors. Network: NBC.
  
  20. Kaplow: President Nixon talks to novei industry. Time Code Start: 51:44. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, manufacturing, employees. Network: NBC.
  
  21. Cronkite: Calley case (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 53:27. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: CBS.
  
  22. Cronkite/Duval: Indochina war with report on the treatment of prisoners (training of U.S. men) [Vietnam Prisoner of War]. Time Code Start: 56:40. Keywords: Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: CBS.
  
  23. Cronkite: Secretary of Defense Laird gives President Nixon's message on opening day at RFK. Time Code Start: 60:45. Keywords: sports, games, baseball, buildings, openings, military, Presidents, speeches, cabinet, advisors. Network: CBS.
  
  24. Cronkite/Sevareid: Commentary on Vietnam war. Time Code Start: 63:04. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: CBS.

• TIME magazine of April 5, 1971

• New York Times of April 5, 1971

• AP Images photos from April 5, 1971
• Getty Images photos from April 5, 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.

• April 1971 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• April 5, 1971