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August 31, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Monday, August 31, 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, August 30, 1970

Next Date: Tuesday, September 1, 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 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.

    Addresses and Remarks

    • The President's Television Interview (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1128, August 31, 1970)
      Transcript of an Interview With the President by John Hart and Bernard Kalb for the CBS Morning News.
    • Meeting With Senator George Murphy (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1131, August 31, 1970)
      Remarks of the President and Senator Murphy Following Their Meeting at the Western White House.

    Announcements

    • White House Conference on Youth (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1132, August 31, 1970)
      Announcement of Cochairmen of the Task Forces Constituting the Conference.

    Appointments and Nominations

    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.

    • Representatives of the White House Conference on Youth met with the President at the Western 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. IRVIN II, of New York, to be Under Secretary of State.

  • 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.

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. XXI, Chile, 1969-1973

    A Spoiling Operation: The 1970 Chilean Presidential Election, January 1-September 4, 1970

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

    The Cease-Fire Agreement

    • 155. Telegram From the Department of State to the White House, Washington, August 31, 1970, 2328Z

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1156, Saunders Files, Middle East Negotiations Files, June Initiative Vol. IV, August 28–November 15, 1970. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Robert Baraz (INR/RSE) and cleared and approved by David Mark (INR/DRR). All brackets are in the original except “[and]”, added for clarity.

    Vol. XXXIX, European Security

    "Bureaucratic Steamroller," January 1969-November 1970

    • 32. Minutes of a Combined Senior Review Group and Verification Panel Meeting, San Clemente, California, August 31, 1970, 11:08-11:40 a.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–111, SRG Minutes, Originals, 1970. Top Secret. Printed from a copy with handwritten corrections, which have been incorporated into the text printed here. The minutes are dated September 1, but according to Kissinger’s record of schedule, the meeting took place on August 31. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 438, Miscellany, 1968–76) The full text of the minutes is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969–1972.

    Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    • 111. Minutes of the Senior Review Group Meeting, San Clemente, August 31, 1970, 12:05-1:07 p.m.

      Source: National Security Council, Minutes File, Box 121, SRG Minutes 1970 (Originals). Top Secret. No drafting information appears on the minutes. According to Kissinger’s Record of Schedule, the Senior Review Group met from 10:07 a.m. to noon to discuss NSSMs 83 and 84. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 438, Miscellany, 1968–76) Regarding NSSM 83 and NSSM 84, see Documents 49 and 36, respectively.

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

    Western Europe Region and NATO

    • 46. Minutes of a Combined Review Group and Verification Panel Meeting, San Clemente, August 31, 1970, 10:08-11:40 a.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–111, Senior Review Group, SRG Minutes Originals 1970. Top Secret. The minutes are dated September 1, but hand corrected to read August 31. On September 14, the Senior Review Group replaced the Review Group, so this was still a combined Review Group and Verification Panel meeting, not a Senior Review Group meeting, as indicated on the minutes.

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

    American Republics Regional

    • 28. Memorandum From the Acting Chairman of the Under Secretaries Committee (Samuels) to President Nixon, Washington, August 31, 1970., Washington, August 31, 1970

      Acting Chairman of the Under Secretaries Committee Samuels reported on key issues for the upcoming IA–ECOSOC meetings and outlined the Department’s recommended responses to Latin American requests for reductions or elimination of trade barriers on exports from the region.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–219, NSDM Files, NSDM 83. Confidential. Attached but not published are the Annexes, and the August 28 memoranda from Palmby to Samuels and from Nehmer to Samuels.

    Vol. E-16, Documents on Chile, 1969-1973

    A Spoiling Operation: The 1970 Chilean Presidential Election, January 1-September 4, 1970

    • 16. Memorandum for the 40 Committee, Washington, August 31, 1970

      Summary: This memorandum discussed options available to the U.S. Government to influence the outcome of the September 4 Chilean Presidential election and the subsequent October 24 election should none of the candidates achieve a clear majority. It outlined U.S. requirements, costs, and issues for taking no, limited, and broad covert action in the event that Allende or Alessandri were elected.

      Source: National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject Files, Chile, 1970. Secret; Eyes Only. A handwritten notation on the bottom of the first page reads, “40 Committee meeting—8 Sept. 1970. Embassy to give assessment; recommendations to be made for 40 Committee consideration at 14 Sept. meeting.” For a description of the 40 Committee meeting, see Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXI, Chile, 1969–1973, Document 92.

    • 17. Telegram From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State, Santiago, August 31, 1970, 2045Z

      Summary: Korry reported on what to expect in the upcoming election.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 14 CHILE. Secret; Limdis. Repeated to USCINCSO, Buenos Aires, Lima, Asunción, Bogotá, Brasilia, Caracas, Guatemala, La Paz, Mexico City, Montevideo, Panama, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, San Salvador, and Santo Domingo. Reference telegram 3205 from Santiago, August 18, is ibid.

  • 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-4258 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4258-, Close-up portrait study of Charles Colson. 8/31/1970, Unknown Unknown. Charles W. Colson.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4258-18, Head and shoulders portrait study of Charles Colson. 8/31/1970, Unknown Unknown. Charles W. Colson.

    Roll WHPO-4259 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4259-02-28, The President meeting with Anderson Carter (US Senate nominee from California). 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Anderson Carter.

    Roll WHPO-4260 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4260-02-32, The President meeting with Anderson Carter (US Senate nominee from California). 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Anderson Carter.

    Roll WHPO-4261 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4261-03-21, President Nixon seated on a sofa in his office informally, during a meeting with Rep. Richard Roudebush, Congressman from the 5th District of Indiana. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Richard L. Roudebush.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4261-08, President Nixon seated on a sofa in his office informally in the Western White House, during a meeting with Rep. Richard Roudebush, Congressman from the 5th District of Indiana. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Richard L. Roudebush.

    Roll WHPO-4262 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4262-02-26, President Nixon meeting with Richard Roudebush (Congressman from the 5th District of Indiana). 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Richard L. Roudebush.

    Roll WHPO-4263 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4263-02-24, President Nixon in his office during a meeting with Senator George Murphy. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, George Murphy.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4263-02-24, President Nixon seated outdoors at his office patio during a meeting with Senator George Murphy, Secretary of State William Rogers, and John Mitchell. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, George Murphy, Secretary of State William Rogers, John Mitchell.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4263-14A, President Nixon in his office during a meeting with Senator George Murphy in the Western White House. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, George Murphy.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4263-20A, President Nixon seated outdoors at his office patio during a meeting with Senator George Murphy, Secretary of State William Rogers, and John Mitchell. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, George Murphy, William Rogers, John Mitchell.

    Roll WHPO-4264 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4264-03-18, 20-28, President Nixon meeting with Senator George Murphy. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, George Murphy.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4264-19, President Nixon standing outside on a hill, pointing to something in the distance, during a meeting with Senator George Murphy. 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, George Murphy.

    Roll WHPO-4265 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4265-03-28, President Nixon meeting with William Raggio (District Attorney of Reno, Nevada). 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, William Raggio.

    Roll WHPO-4266 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4266-02-25, President Nixon meeting with William Raggio (District Attorney of Reno, Nevada). 8/31/1970, San Clemente, CA La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, William Raggio.

  • 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.

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-700827
      Remarks by President Nixon with Senator George Murphy at Western White House. (8/31/1970)

      Runtime: 2:33

      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-3833
      NBC News Special: "Reply to the President" with Senators Fulbright & McGovern. Prime Minister Golda Meir of Israel, Dr. Alexander Heard.
      CBS, NBC
      Runtime: 0:30
    • WHCA-3834
      Weekly News Summary - Tape I.
      All networks
      Runtime: 01:00:30

      5. Smith: Report on terror and violence; Radical terrorists unreasonable; American guerrillas romantic escapists; government must work for reform. Time Code Start: 05:30. Keywords: militants, bombings, violence, sabotage, shootings, kidnappings, death, assassinations, terrorism. Network: ABC.

      6. Strong: Report on terror and violence. Time Code Start: 05:58. Keywords: militants, bombings, violence, sabotage, shootings, kidnappings, death, assassinations, terrorism. Network: ABC.

      7. Jackson: Report on terror and violence. Time Code Start: 08:13. Keywords: militants, bombings, violence, sabotage, shootings, kidnappings, death, assassinations, terrorism. Network: ABC.

      8. Smith: Middle East. Time Code Start: 09:54. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      9. Jarriel: U.S. approach to Middle East (President Nixon). Time Code Start: 10:28. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations, Presidents, statements, speeches. Network: ABC.

      10. Smith: Commentary on terrorism; Radical terrorists unreasonable; American guerrillas romantic escapists; must track and hunt down and crush terrorists. Time Code Start: 11:52. Keywords: psychology, escapism, ideology, activists, militants, violence, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      11. Brinkley: Supreme Court to rule on integrated school definition October 12. Time Code Start: 13:57. Keywords: desegregation, racism, racial profiling, racial discrimination, civil rights, African Americans, schools, students. Network: NBC.

      12. McGee: School desegregation. Time Code Start: 14:43. Keywords: desegregation, racism, racial profiling, racial discrimination, civil rights, African Americans, schools, students. Network: NBC.

      13. Brinkley: Representative Roger Zion gets North Vietnam prisoners of war film in Paris, France; 75 American POW's in film, 20 unidentified. Time Code Start: 15:24. Keywords: Congressmen, Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, military, troops, indentification, movies, films, documentary,. Network: NBC.

      14. Goralski: POW film. Time Code Start: 15:34. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: NBC.

      15. Cronkite: POW film; Representative Roger Zion receives film of POWs from North Vietnam in Paris, France; 75 POW's in film, 14 identified; photos of unidentified men shown. Time Code Start: 18:24. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, movies, films, documentary, identification. Network: CBS.

      16. Schieffer: POW film. Time Code Start: 18:45. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: CBS.

      17. Cronkite: Middle East peace talks stall; Defense Minister Moshe Dayan wants United Arab Republic SAM's back from Suez Canal; United Arab Republic charges Israel stalling to get more United States arms:Secretairy Laird admits U.S. Arms being sent. Time Code Start: 21:13. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, negotiations, ceasefires, weapons, criticisms. Network: CBS.

      18. Kalb: Middle East (President Nixon). Time Code Start: 22:00. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Presidents, statements, speeches. Network: CBS.

      19. Rather: President Nixon criticized adviser's advice on US -Soviet peace force in Middle East; Kissinger and State Department differ. Time Code Start: 24:00. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Presidents, criticisms, cabinet, advisors. Network: CBS.

      20. Eric Sevareid: Commentary on Vice President Agnew's trip to Asia. Time Code Start: 25:24. Keywords: Vice Presidents, travel, trips, Asia, Southeast Asia, Philippines, China, Thailand, Nepal, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)