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August 27, 1971

Introduction

This almanac page for Friday, August 27, 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: Thursday, August 26, 1971

Next Date: Saturday, August 28, 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 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.

  • 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

    UN Finances and Reduction of the U.S. Assessment

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

    Between Beijing and Moscow: Summit Announcement, July 19-October 12, 1971

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

    April-October 1971: Change and Reassessment

    • 91. Minutes of a Senior Review Group Meeting, San Clemente, California, August 27, 1971, 10:54 a.m.-1:25 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–112, SRG Minutes, Originals, 1971, [2 of 6]. Secret; Sensitive. The NSC staff sent Kissinger a briefing memorandum for this meeting, which took place at the Western White House. (Memorandum from Holdridge and Hormats to Kissinger, August 25; ibid., Box H–059, Senior Review Group Meetings, SRG Meeting—Japan 8/27/71) Kissinger noted the minutes of this meeting. (Memorandum from Davis to Kissinger, September 2; ibid., Box H–112, SRG Minutes, Originals, 1971, [2 of 6]) The Department of Defense also prepared a record of this meeting. (Rear Admiral Flanigan memorandum for the record, undated; Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 330–76–197, Box 67, Japan, 123, Tab D2 from briefing material for CIEP meeting of September 7, 1971) U. Alexis Johnson also prepared an account of this meeting and sent it to Rogers as an information memorandum. Johnson wrote, “Discussion on economic issues was brief and inconclusive.” (Memorandum from Johnson to Rogers, August 31; National Archives, RG 59, Lot Files, General Files on NSC Matters, Box 4, NSC–SRG Memos, 1971) The Department submitted to the SRG a paper on political issues in response to an oral request from Holdridge for answers to four questions posed by Kissinger at the August 6 Senior Review Group meeting: “1. Where is Japan Going? 2. What Kind of a Japan Do We Want? 3. How Do We Get It To Go There? 4. What are the Costs?” (Memorandum from Eliot to Kissinger, August 24; ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, White House Central Files, Subject Files, Confidential Files, CF, CO 75, Japan 1/1/71–9/30/71) The CIEP submitted a paper addressing “next steps” for approaching U.S.-Japan economic relations. (Memorandum from Peterson to CIEP Review, August 24; ibid.) On August 26, Davis distributed a paper entitled “The Possibility of a Looser Relationship with Japan and its Consequences,” for consideration at the meeting. The NSC Inter-Departmental Group for East Asia apparently drafted it. (Ibid.)

    Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    • 324. Memorandum for the President’s File, San Clemente, August 27, 1971, 9:30 a.m. PDT

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President’s Office Files, Memoranda for the President, Beginning August 22, 1971. Confidential. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. According to the President’s Daily Diary, Nixon met Rush and Kissinger at 9:41 a.m. in his office at the Western White House; at 9:45, the three men went to the office patio for a brief photo opportunity before going to La Casa Pacifica to resume the meeting, which evidently ended at 10:31 when Nixon and Kissinger (but not Rush) walked to the swimming pool area. (Ibid., White House Central Files)

  • 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-7156 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-7156-01-08, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger walking with Ambassador to Germany Kenneth Rush. 8/27/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House complex (outdoor grounds). President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Kenneth Rush.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-7156-05, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger walking with Ambassador to Germany, Kenneth Rush. 8/27/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House complex (outdoor grounds). President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Kenneth Rush.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-7156-09-18, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger sitting with the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Kenneth Rush. 8/27/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, office patio. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Kenneth Rush.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-7156-12, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger sitting with the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Kenneth Rush. 8/27/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, office patio. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Kenneth Rush.

    Roll WHPO-7157 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-7157-02A-10A, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger walking with the U.S. Ambassador to Germany Kenneth Rush. 8/27/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, complex. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Kenneth Rush.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-7157-11A-15A, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger sitting on a patio with Ambassador to Germany Kenneth Rush. 8/27/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, office patio. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Kenneth Rush.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-7157-13A, President Nixon and Henry Kissinger sitting on a patio with Ambassador to Germany, Kenneth Rush. 8/27/1971, San Clemente, California Western White House, office patio. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Kenneth Rush.

  • 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-434
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler and Ambassador Kenneth Rush, U.S. ambassador to West Germany. (8/27/1971, San Clemente Inn, San Clemente, California)

      Runtime: 25:00:00

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

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by RHD (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-H-696
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler and Ambassador Kenneth Rush. (8/27/1971, Aqua-Marine Room, San Clemente Inn, San Clemente, California)

      Runtime: 20:00

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

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by RES (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-H-697
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler. (8/27/1971, Surf and Sand Hotel, Laguna Beach, California)

      Runtime: [Nonelisted]

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

      Production credits: No feed information listed; Recorded by RES (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-4617
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:30

      1. Reasoner/Rukeyser: Japan floats the yen in response to freeze. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Japanese, economy, money, currency, exchange rates, value, employment, employees, money, wages, costs, employment, employees, salaries, salary, payments, freezes, controls. Network: ABC.

      2. Smith: More on the economy. Time Code Start: 01:47. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: ABC.

      3. Donaldson: Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Romney on what happens after the freeze. Time Code Start: 02:28. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, employment, employees, salaries, salary, payments, freezes, controls. Network: ABC.

      4. Smith/Giggans: Parlimentary and Presidential campaigns in South Vietnam. Time Code Start: 04:02. Keywords: Vietnam War, Congress, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      5. Smith: School busing issue. Time Code Start: 06:23. Keywords: bills, laws, legislation, desegregation, racism, racial discrimination, African Americans, schools, students, transportation, reports. Network: ABC.

      6. Smith/Farmer: Busing situation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Time Code Start: 07:00. Keywords: bills, laws, legislation, desegregation, racism, racial discrimination, African Americans, schools, students, transportation, reports. Network: ABC.

      7. Smith: Commentary on the world economy, supported by U.S. money. Time Code Start: 09:50. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, credit, loans, financial aid. Network: ABC.

      8. Chancellor: Japan floats the yen. Time Code Start: 11:28. Keywords: Japanese, economy, money, currency, exchange rates, value. Network: NBC.

      9. Kaplow/Levine: White House reaction to Japan economic move. Time Code Start: 12:20. Keywords: Japanese, economy, money, currency, exchange rates, value, economics. Network: NBC.

      10. Chancellor/Nessen: Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Romney on what's after the freeze. Time Code Start: 14:30. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, employment, employees, salaries, salary, payments, freezes, controls. Network: NBC.

      11. Chancellor: Vietnam elections; the war. Time Code Start: 16:20. Keywords: Vietnam War, elections, candidates, campaigns, campaigning. Network: NBC.

      12. Chancellor: New York Times' Vice President Reston and Chou En Lai. Time Code Start: 16:52. Keywords: media, newspapers, magazines, the press, publications, executives, columnists, reports, journalists, People's Republic of China, leaders. Network: NBC.

      13. Chancellor/Natley: President Nixon endorses East-West Berlin, Germany agreement. Time Code Start: 17:28. Keywords: Europe, bills, laws, countries, agreements, signings, treaty, treaties. Network: NBC.

      14. Chancellor: Senator Jackson to run for 1972 Democratic Presidential candidacy. Time Code Start: 19:25. Keywords: Senators, Presidential elections, campaigns, primaries, candidates, Democrats, Democratic Party. Network: NBC.

      15. Chancellor/Dancy: Representative Wilbur Mills Appreciation Day. Time Code Start: 20:21. Keywords: Congressmen, celebrations, commemorations. Network: NBC.

      16. Hart/Webster: Japan floats the yen; Japan's economy. Time Code Start: 23:46. Keywords: Japanese, economy, money, currency, exchange rates, value, economics. Network: CBS.

      17. Hart/Meyer: Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Romney on what's after the freeze. Time Code Start: 28:45. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, employment, employees, salaries, salary, payments, freezes, controls. Network: CBS.

      18. Hart/Rabel: The Vietnam war; Election campaign in Saigon, Vietnam. Time Code Start: 30:38. Keywords: Vietnam War, elections, candidates, campaigns, campaigning. Network: CBS.

      19. Hart/Drinkwater: Upcoming H-bomb test at Amchitka Island, Alaska causes concern. Time Code Start: 33:00. Keywords: Cannikin, Spartan anti-ballistic missile (ABM) interceptor, underground tests, nuclear weapons, atomic bombs, explosions, Aleutian Islands. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)