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December 17, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, December 17, 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: Wednesday, December 16, 1970

Next Date: Friday, December 18, 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

    • Agricultural Research Center (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1699, December 17, 1970)
      The President's Remarks to the United States Department of Agriculture Corn Blight Conference at Beltsville, Md.

    Meetings With Foreign Leaders

    Reports to the President

    • Minority Business Enterprise (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1699, December 17, 1970)
      Announcement of Report to the President by Secretary of Commerce Maurice H. Stans on the Activities of the Office of Minority Business Enterprise.

    Acts Approved by the President

    • H.R. 2876 -- Private Law 91-205
      An Act for the relief of the Beasley Engineering Company, Incorporated.
    • H.R. 3328 -- Public Law 91-557
      An Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to approve an agreement entered into by the Soboba Band of Mission Indians releasing a claim against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Eastern Municipal Water District, California, and to provide for construction of a water distribution system and a water supply for the Soboba Indian Reservation; and to authorize long-term leases of land on the reservation.
    • H.R. 19830 -- Public Law 91-556
      Independent Offices and Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Act, 1971.
    • S. 4536 -- Public Law 91-558
      An Act to amend the Small Business Act.
    • S.J. Res. 230 -- Public Law 91-555
      Joint Resolution extending the duration of copyright protection in certain cases.

    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 Secretary of Commerce Maurice H. Stans on the report to the President on the Office of Minority Business Enterprise.

    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.

    • Former Governor William W. Scranton, Chairman of the President's Commission on Campus Unrest, met with the President at the White House.

  • 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.

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

  • Argued

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

    High-Level Meetings; Miscellaneous Issues

    Vol. VII, Vietnam, July 1970-January 1972

    Planning and Decisions for Operations in Cambodia and Laos, October 9, 1970-February 7, 1971

    • 91. Memorandum of Conversation, Saigon, December 17, 1970, 6 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Haig Special Files, Box 1011, Haig Special File, Haig’s Southeast Asia Trip December 1970 [1 of 2]. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. The meeting took place in the Presidential Palace.

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

    "A Moment of Unusual Uncertainty": Meeting Between Nixon and Gromyko, October 12-December 31, 1970

    • 62. Memorandum for the Record, Washington, December 17, 1970, 1 p.m.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 269, Memoranda of Conversation, 1968–77, Chronological File. Confidential. Graham was publisher of the Washington Post. According to Kissinger’s Record of Schedule, the meeting lasted until 2:55 p.m. (Ibid., Box 438, Miscellany, 1968–76)

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

    • 192. Minutes of a Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, December 17, 1970, 3:15-3:55 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–111, Senior Review Group, SRG Minutes Originals 1970. Secret. All brackets are in the original except “[Palestinian?]”, added for clarity. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room.

    Vol. XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969-1972; Jordan, September 1970

    Indian Ocean

    • 52. Paper Prepared by Harold Saunders and Samuel Hoskinson of the National Security Council Staff, Washington, December 17, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–176, National Security Study Memoranda, NSSM 104. Secret. A typed notation reads “For HAK.” This paper was prepared for, but not included in, the President’s December 18 briefing. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 29, President’s Daily Briefing Files, December 16–31, 1970)

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    From Stalemate to Breakthrough, August 24, 1970-May 20, 1971

    • 121. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, December 17, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 405, Subject Files, USSR SS–9 Deployment. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Sent for information. Drafted by Hyland. There is no indication that Kissinger saw this memorandum before March 2, 1971, when Sonnenfeldt sent it to Kissinger under a note that stated, “In connection with the new data on silos and SS–9 warhead developments, I would like to call your attention to my memorandum to you of last December 17.” On March 12 Kissinger requested that Helms continue a special study of the SS–9: “Now that the work on the NIE [11–8–70] has been completed, I believe the special study of the SS–9 should be restarted. It is still my desire that the study undertake an in-depth analysis of Soviet decision-making processes and illuminate the major factors that appear to have influenced decisions on the SS–9 program.” (Ibid.)

    • 122. Backchannel Message From the Chief of the Delegation to the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (Smith) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Helsinki, December 17, 1970, 1600Z

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 427, Backchannel Files, Backchannel Messages, 1971 SALT. Secret; Exclusively Eyes Only. At the bottom of the page, Kissinger wrote: “To Gerry Smith. Re SS–9 story—we can’t advise you about what we don’t know. HK” The text of Kissinger’s note was sent as backchannel message WH2230 to Smith after he left Helsinki. The following notation was written on a memorandum from McManis to Haig concerning delivery of Kissinger’s note: “Message delivered by phone to Amb. Smith, 12/19/70. Please have copy delivered to his Washington office ‘eyes only’ on Monday, 21 December 1970.” (Ibid.)

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

    United Kingdom

    • 334. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, December 17, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1023, Presidential/HAK MemCons. Secret; Eyes Only. The meeting took place in the President’s office. An edited version of this memorandum of conversation was provided to the Department of State. It is ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL UK–US. Heath visited Washington December 16–18. For texts of public statements by the President and Prime Minister, see Public Papers: Nixon, 1970, pp. 1142–1143, 1148–1151.

    Vol. E-5, Part 2, Documents on North Africa, 1969-1972

    Algeria

    • 23. Telegram 204757 From the Department of State to the Interests Section in Algeria, Washington, December 17, 1970, 0012Z

      The Department forwarded a record of Secretary of State Rogers’ conversation the previous day with new Minister Counselor of the Algerian Interests section Bousselham, in which the latter had stressed the common interests of both countries despite their policy differences.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 17 ALG-US. Confidential. Drafted by Blake; cleared by NEA/UAR, S, and AF; and approved by Eliot. In a December 14 memorandum from Moore to Rogers, Moore had relayed Bousselham’s request for an appointment. Updating the Secretary on the status of expropriation negotiations between Algeria and American firms, Moore concluded, “We want to respond to these Algerian actions to assure them that we share the desire for improved relations. The rather unorthodox gesture of your receiving Bousselham at this time would give such a signal. We urge, therefore, that you agree to see him for a 10 minute courtesy call before December 19.” (Ibid., POL 15–1 ALG) In telegram 205697, December 18, the Department reported on Bousselham’s talks on economic relations with Deputy Under Secretary Samuels and Assistant Secretaries Newsom and Trezise. (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-5311 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5311-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for British Prime Minister Edward Heath on the South Lawn of the White House. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House exterior. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Prime Minister Edward Heath, officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5311-14, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for British Prime Minister Edward Heath on the South Lawn of the White House. President Nixon and PM Heath are standing on the reviewing stand watching a red jacketed Marine marching band pass by. Rows of troops are seen at attention in the background. Public audience visible on lawn.(Double Exposure blurry panoramic shot taken from upper White House balcony looking down at entire field out to the water fountain area.). 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House exterior. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Prime Minister Edward Heath, officials.

    Roll WHPO-5312 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5312-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for British Prime Minister Edward Heath on the South Lawn of the White House. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House exterior. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Prime Minister Edward Heath, officials.

    Roll WHPO-5313 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5313-02-10, Arrival of British Prime Minister Edward Heath. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House exterior. President Nixon, Edward Heath, British marching band, honor guards, guests and attendees.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5313-11-14, President Nixon meets with Prime Minister Edward Heath. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. Oval Office. Edward Heath and President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-5314 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5314-, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath meeting. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. Oval Office. Edward Heath and President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-5315 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5315-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials attend the arrival ceremony for British Prime Minister Edward Heath. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House grounds. Edward Heath, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, British marching band, honor guards, guests and attendees.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5315-13A, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath reviewing the troops during an arrival cereony on the White House Grounds. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House grounds. President Nixon, Edward Heath, honor guard, troops.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5315-25A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath stand and wave from the White House Truman Balcony after Heath's arrival ceremony. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Truman Balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Edward Heath.

    Roll WHPO-5316 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5316-, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath seated informally during an Oval Office meeting. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, interior. Edward Heath, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5316-06A, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath seated informally during an Oval Office meeting. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, interior. Edward Heath, President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-5317 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5317-01-29, Arrival of British Prime Minister Edward Heath with President Nixon in attendance. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, exterior. Edward Heath, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, British marching band, honor guards, guests and attendees.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5317-30-36, Children being introduced to Prime Minister Heath. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, interior. Edward Heath, Pat Nixon, unidentified guests and attendees.

    Roll WHPO-5318 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5318-, Arrival of British Prime Minister Edward Heath with President Nixon in attendance. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, exterior. Edward Heath, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, honor guards, guests and attendees.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5318-14, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath standing at a White House balcony decorated with pine needle swags for the Christmas season. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, exterior. Edward Heath, President Nixon, Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-5319 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5319-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials attend the arrival ceremony for British Prime Minister Edward Heath. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. Edward Heath, President Nixon, unidentified guests and attendees.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5319-20A, President Nixon and Prime Minister Edward Heath stand on the reviewing platform, while Pat Nixon stands nearby in the background. The US Flag and UK Flag shown in the foreground. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. Edward Heath, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, unidentified guests and attendees.

    Roll WHPO-5320 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5320-, Chandelier in the Cabinet Room. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House Cabinet Room. none.

    Roll WHPO-5321 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5321-, President Nixon during a meeting with Maurice Stans and Abraham Venable. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Maurice Stans, Abraham Venable, unidentified members of the Press.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5321-04, President Nixon during a meeting with Maurice Stans and Abraham Venable. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Maurice Stans, Abraham Venable, unidentified members of the Press.

    Roll WHPO-5322 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5322-, Pianist Garrick Ohlsson seated at a grand piano. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House interior. Garrick Ohlsson.

    Roll WHPO-5323 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5323-, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath exchange gifts while Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas Home, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, William Rogers, and other officials look on. The gift is a ship replica Heath is building for himself. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. President Nixon, Edward Heath, Alec Douglas Home, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, William Rogers, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5323-05A, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath exchange gifts while Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas Home, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, William Rogers, and other officials look on. The gift is a ship replica Heath is building for himself. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. President Nixon, Edward Heath, Alec Douglas Home, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, William Rogers, unidentified officials.

    Roll WHPO-5324 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5324-02-10, President Nixon visits Beltsville Agricultural Research Center with Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and Center Director Ned D. Bayley. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. President Nixon, Clifford Hardin, Director Ned D. Bayley, unidentified officials.

    Roll WHPO-5325 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5325-01-10, President Nixon speaking to seated officials at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. President Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5325-11-19, President Nixon touring the dairy cow area at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center with Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and Center Director Ned D. Bayley. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. President Nixon, Clifford Hardin, Director Ned D. Bayley, unidentified officials.

    Roll WHPO-5326 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5326-02-10, Ewes and their lambs in a pasture at the the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center farm. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research. animals.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5326-11-14, President Nixon helicopter preparing to land at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center farm. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. unidentified officials and security.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5326-15-20, President Nixon speaking to seated officials at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. President Nixon, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5326-21-25, President Nixon touring the grounds at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center farm with Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and Center Director Ned D. Bayley. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. President Nixon, Clifford Hardin, Director Ned D. Bayley, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5326-26-33, President Nixon looking at a herd of dairy cows in a corral (possibly gernsey) while touring the grounds at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center farm with Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and Center Director Ned D. Bayley. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. President Nixon, Clifford Hardin, Director Ned D. Bayley, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5326-34-36, President Nixon touring the grounds at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center farm with Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and Center Director Ned D. Bayley. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. President Nixon, Clifford Hardin, Director Ned D. Bayley, unidentified officials.

    Roll WHPO-5327 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5327-01A-18A, Ewes and their lambs in a pasture at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center farm. 12/17/1970, Beltsville, Maryland Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. animals.

    Roll WHPO-5328 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-04A-07A, State Dining room tables decorated with floral arrangements and table settings for a White House state dinner honoring British Prime Minister Edward Heath. Christmas themed décor in the room. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, state dining room.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-08A-09A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and the Marine Band Orchestra conductor pose for a portrait with seated Orchestra memebers in the Grand Hall area. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Hallway. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Marine Orchestra & Band members with conductor.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-10A-16A, President Nixon greeting British Prime Minister Edward Heath arriving for State Dinner evening. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House North Portico. President Nixon, Edward Heath.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-17A-23A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath pose for a formal portrait in front of the Grand Staircase before a State Dinner. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House Grand Staircase. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Edward Heath, Honor Color Guard.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-24A-25A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath walk the Grand hall red carpet on their way to a state dinner. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House Grand Hallway. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Edward Heath, Color Guard.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-26A, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath standing by a fireplace in the blue room during a state dinner reception. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Blue Room. President Nixon, Edward Heath.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-27A-29A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath talking with pianist Garrick Ohlsson, winner of the Chopin Piano Competition, after his East Room performance. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Edward Heath, Garrick Ohlsson (Ohlsson was the first American to win first prize in the International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition, in 1970).
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-30A-31A, View of the National Christmas tree lit at night from a White House window in a darkened room. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House window.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-32-33A, Individual portraits of White House aides dressed in tuxedos standing in front of the official Christmas tree. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. Steve Bull unidentified man.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5328-34A, State dinner guests mingle at a reception in the Great Hall on a state dinner evening honoring Prime Minister Edward Heath. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Great Hall. unidenified guests.

    Roll WHPO-5329 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5329-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath pose for formal portraits at the Grand Staircase on the evening of a State Dinner. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Edward Heath, Pat Nixon, two Color Guards.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5329-05A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and British Prime Minister Edward Heath pose for formal portraits at the Grand Staircase on the evening of a State Dinner. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Staircase. President Nixon, Edward Heath, Pat Nixon, Honor Guards.

    Roll WHPO-5330 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5330-02-03, Social aides with President Nixon and Pat Nixon pose for a formal portrait with approx 30 White House social aides in their dress uniforms. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, unidentified White House staff aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5330-04-06, President Nixon and British Prime Minister Edward Heath exchange gifts while Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas Home, Secretary of State William Rogers, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon and other officials look on. Gift of ship replica Heath is building for himself. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. Oval Office. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Edward Heath, Tricia Nixon, unidentified guests.

    Roll WHPO-5331 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5331-, Pat Nixon presents graduation diplomas at an overseas commencement ceremony in the White House East Room. 12/17/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, unidentified graduates and guests, unidentified soldier.

  • 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-056
      Remarks by Pat Nixon at OEF graduation ceremony in the East Room. (12/17/1970, East Room, The White House)

      Runtime: 0:40

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

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

    D - First Family

    • WHCA-SR-D-005
      Tricia Nixon's remarks at a Christmas party at the Argentinian Embassy. (12/17/1970, Argentinian Embassy)

      Runtime: 3:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by "not known"; Recorded by JFH (initials of WHCA engineer)

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

    G - Cabinet Officer Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-G-069
      Press briefing by Secretary of Commerce Maurice Stans. (12/17/1970, Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 45:00:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by CAL (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-307
      Robert Brown meeting concerning Pascagoula, Mississippi. (12/17/1970, Indian Treaty Room, Executive Office Building)

      Runtime: 1:45:00

      Keywords: meetings

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

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

    J - Entertainment at the White House

    • WHCA-SR-J-139
      Garrick Ohlsson [see P701216]. (12/17/1970)

      Runtime: 33:19:00

      Keywords: Musician, musicians, music, celebrities, performance, classical music

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-701213
      Arrival ceremony for Prime Minister Edward heath, with Prime Minister Heath. (12/17/1970)

      Runtime: 2:22

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-701214
      Message for nat. Military Prayer Breakfast. (12/17/1970)

      Runtime: 1:08

      Keywords: Church service, worship service, prayer service, religion

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-701215
      Remarks by President Nixon at Beltsville, Md. Agricultural Research Center at Corn Blight Conference with CH. (12/17/1970)

      Runtime: 15:02

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-701216
      Remarks by President Nixon in toast at state dinner for Prime Minister Heath [see J-139]. (12/17/1970)

      Runtime: 7:14

      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-4041
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      All networks
      Runtime: 1:00

      5. Smith: U.S. Army Intelligence and Congress. Time Code Start: 09:10. Keywords: House of Representatives, Armed Forces, spying, espionage, military, operatives, investigations. Network: ABC.

      6. Jarriel: British Prime Minister Heath and President Nixon. Time Code Start: 09:44. Keywords: Presidents, Prime Ministers, Europe, England, United Kingdom, meetings. Network: ABC.

      7. Utley: U.S. Secretary of the Army Resor on spying; Army Secretary Stanley Resor denies the military investigated members of Congress. Time Code Start: 11:34. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, statements, House of Representatives, military, espionage, spies, spying, operatives, investigations. Network: NBC.

      8. Utley: Commerce Secretary Maurice Stans predicts highest Christmas retail sales ever. Time Code Start: 11:56. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, statements, holidays, shoppings, consumer goods, sales. Network: NBC.

      9. Cronkite: Polish rioting. Time Code Start: 12:16. Keywords: Poland, riots, demonstrations, rally, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, violence, deaths, Soviet Union, Russia, USSR. Network: CBS.

      10. Cronkite: Army surveillance of civilians. Time Code Start: 13:21. Keywords: Armed Forces, military, espionage, spies, spying, operatives, investigations. Network: CBS.

      11. Barr: U.S. Army Head of Surveillance. Time Code Start: 13:50. Keywords: Armed Forces, military, espionage, spies, spying, operatives, investigations, officials, leaders. Network: CBS.

      12. Sevareid: Commentary on spying on civilians. Time Code Start: 16:49. Keywords: Armed Forces, Pentagon, military, government, espionage, spies, operatives, investigations. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)