December 29, 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 Key Biscayne, Florida

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.

• Joint Statement Following Meetings With Chancellor Willy Brandt of the Federal Republic of Germany in Key Biscayne, Florida.
• Remarks Following Meetings With Chancellor Brandt of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Remarks in an Informal Exchange With German Correspondents Who Accompanied Chancellor Brandt on His Visit to the United States
• Statement on the Death of Former Associate Justice John M. Harlan.

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.

• Federal Register of Wednesday, December 29, 1971

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 December 29, 1971
• Date search for December 29, 1971

All National Archives Units

• Text search for December 29, 1971
• Date search for December 29, 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 29 December 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. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

The Intelligence Community and the White House

• 259. Memorandum by Secretary of Defense Laird, Washington, December 29, 1971

  Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD/ISA Files: FRC 330 74 083, 310.1 Oct 1971. No classification marking.

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

November 1971-December 1972: Toward a New Equilibrium

• 109. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of State Johnson to President Nixon, Washington, December 29, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, VIP Visits, Box 925, Japan, Sato (San Clemente), Jan 72, [2 of 2]. Secret. This memorandum was included in the President’s briefing books for his meeting with Sato at San Clemente, January 6–7, 1972. (Ibid.) A January 6 memorandum from Kissinger, outlined the agenda items that Nixon and Sato were to discuss at the summit. (Ibid.) Kissinger, on the advice of Froebe, rejected a request in a December 29 memorandum from Russell Train, Chairman of the Executive Office of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, to raise with Sato the issue of excessive hunting of whales. Kissinger suggested in a January 17 memorandum to Train that given the crowded agenda, the problem should be raised “at other levels.” (Both ibid.)

Vol. XXI, Chile, 1969-1973

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

• 283. Memorandum From Arnold Nachmanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, December 29, 1971

  Source: National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject Files, Chile, 1971–72. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Sent for action.

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

Proximity Talks and the Backchannel: Separate Department of State and White House Negotiating Tricks

• 271. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, December 29, 1971

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 ISR. Secret; Nodis; Cedar Plus. Drafted by Stackhouse (NEA/IAI). The meeting was held at 9 a.m. in Rabin’s residence.

Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

• 336. Memorandum for the President’s File by the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig), Key Biscayne, December 29, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, President’s Office Files, Box 87, Memoranda for the President, Beginning December 26, 1971. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only.

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

Malta

• 239. Message From British Prime Minister Heath to President Nixon, London, December 29, 1971, 1545Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 622, Country Files—Middle East, Malta, Vol. I. No classification marking.

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

Brazil

• 145. Memorandum From the Acting Director of Central Intelligence (Cushman) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, December 29, 1971., Washington, December 29, 1971

  According to CIA reporting, Presidents Nixon and Médici held a secret conversation in which they discussed support for “safeguarding the internal security and status quo in the hemisphere, including the governments of Bolivia and Uruguay.”
  
  Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Executive Secretary Subject Files, Job 80–B01086A, Box 12, Brazil. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. A copy was sent to the Secretary of State. The covering memorandum stated that, “The attached memorandum contains comments regarding commitments allegedly made to President Médici by President Nixon. They have not been included in the dissemination and are being forwarded for your information.” Attached but not published is Central Intelligence Agency Intelligence Information Cable TDCSDB 315/07838–71 of December 22,“Reactions within Brazil to Visit of President Emílio Garrastazu Médici to the United States.” On December 20, in a conversation with British Prime Minister Edward Heath, Nixon stated, “The Brazilians helped rig the Uruguayan election.”

Costa Rica

• 191. Intelligence Memorandum, No. 2111/71, Washington, December 29, 1971., Washington, December 29, 1971

  The memorandum discussed President José Figueres’ efforts at negotiating a commercial relationship with the Soviet Union.
  
  Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Current Intelligence, Job 79–T00831A. Secret; No Foreign Dissemination.

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 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-8144 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8144-, President Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt's Key Biscayne departure. 12/29/1971, Florida Key Biscayne. President Nixon, Willy Brandt, unidentified aides, Walter Scheel, Secret Service agents.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8144-14A, President Nixon shaking hands with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt while Secretary of State William Rogers and Vice Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Walter Sheel stand nearby. 12/29/1971, Florida Key Biscayne grounds. President Nixon, Willy Brandt, Secretary of State William Rogers, Walter Scheel.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8144-16A, President Nixon listens while West German Chancellor Willy Brandt speaks at the microphone stand during Brandt's Key Biscayne departure. 12/29/1971, Florida Key Biscayne. President Nixon, Willy Brandt, Walter Scheel.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8144-20A, President Nixon walking with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt during Brandt's Key Biscayne departure. 12/29/1971, Florida Key Biscayne. President Nixon, Willy Brandt, unidentified officials or aides.

Roll WHPO-8145 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8145-, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt's Key Biscayne departure. 12/29/1971, Florida Key Biscayne. President Nixon, Willy Brandt, unidentified aides, Secret Service agents, Press Corp.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8145-14A, The presidential helicopter lifting off from the helipad at Key Biscayne. 12/29/1971, Florida Key Biscayne.

Roll WHPO-8147 Photographer: Grove | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8147-04-22, Ron Ziegler leaving on the second China visit advance with his team. 12/29/1971, Washington, D.C. Andrews Air Force Base, tarmac. Ronald Ziegler, unidentified team members.

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.

K - Informal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-K-253
  Remarks to German press-California. (12/29/1971)
  
  Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-711125
  Remarks by President Nixon to German press after joint statement with Chancellor Brandt. (12/29/1971)
  
  Runtime: 3:14
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-P-711224
  Remarks by President Nixon on conclusion of talks with Chancellor Willy Brandt in Key Biscayne, with Brandt. (12/29/1971)
  
  Runtime: 2:08
  
  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-4920
  "This Week" AND "Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition". Julie Nixon Eisenhower.
  Undetermined
  Runtime: 00:59:46
• WHCA-4921
  "Seven Summits", Nixon and Brandt in Key Biscayne.
  WTOP
  Runtime: 01:32:57
• WHCA-4927
  Weekly News Summary 24-30 December 1971, Tape II.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 1:30
  
  14. Reasoner/Rooke: Films of captured American flyers. Time Code Start: 37:29. Keywords: military, aviation, POWs (Vietnam Prisoner of War), Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  15. Smith/Lawrence: Former Secretary of Defense Clark Clifford discusses Vietnam policy. Time Code Start: 39:46. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, military, Vietnam War, testimony, consulations. Network: ABC.
  
  16. Smith/Jarriel: Secretary of State Rogers on Vietnam policy. Time Code Start: 41:28. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  17. Reasoner/Amburg: Vietnam veterans against the war, San Francisco, California. Time Code Start: 42:20. Keywords: demonstrations, rally, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.
  
  18. Reasoner/Jackson: Mayor John Lindsay in Wisconsin. Time Code Start: 44:30. Keywords: Mayors, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.
  
  19. Reasoner: Representative Ashbrook (R - Ohio) announces his Presidential candidacy. Time Code Start: 46:50. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.
  
  20. Gill: President Nixon and Chancellor Willy Brandt in Key Biscayne, Florida. Time Code Start: 47:16. Keywords: West Germany, Europe, Heads of State, meetings, Presidents, residences, homes. Network: ABC.
  
  21. Smith: Commentary on U.S. policy. Time Code Start: 49:42. Keywords: foreign relations, politics. Network: ABC.
  
  22. Chancellor/Rich: Indochina air war; four captured American flyers on displ[acement]. Time Code Start: 51:34. Keywords: Laos, Cambodia, VVietnam War, bombings, aircraft, military, weapons, troops, prisoners, POWs (Vietnam Prisoner of War). Network: NBC.
  
  23. Chancellor/Kaplow: Key Biscayne, Florida meeting, (West German Chancellor Willy Brandt and President Nixon). Time Code Start: 54:06. Keywords: West Germany, Chancellors, leaders, meetings, Presidents, residences, homes. Network: NBC.
  
  24. Chancellor/Kiker: Representative Ashbrook will run against President Nixon in primaries. Time Code Start: 56:33. Keywords: Presidents, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries. Network: NBC.
  
  25. Chancellor/Brinkley: Mayor John Lindsay in Wisconsin, Brinkley journal…candidates. Time Code Start: 58:42. Keywords: Mayors, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: NBC.
  
  26. Collingwood/Henderson/Sargent: Communist films of U.S. flyers; Mrs. Kushner talks about her husband, a POW since '67. Time Code Start: 61:16. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: CBS.
  
  27. Schieffer: Why the air attacks? China reacts vocally. Time Code Start: 68:00. Keywords: Indochina War, Vietnam War, bombings, People's Republic of China. Network: CBS.
  
  28. Collingwood/Strawser: Representative Ashbrook runs against President Nixon; Mayor John Lindsay runs in. Time Code Start: 69:34. Keywords: Mayors, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: CBS.
  
  29. Collingwood/Pierpoint: David Kennedy appointed new U.S. Ambassador to NATO (N.A.T.O.); President Nixon and West German Chancellor Willy Brandt in Key Biscayne, Florida. Time Code Start: 72:47. Keywords: North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Europe, military, war, defence, defense, West Germany, Heads of State, Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, meetings, heads of state, meetings, residences. Network: CBS.
  
  30. Sevareid: Too many candidates, Mayor John Lindsay runs also. Time Code Start: 75:14. Keywords: Mayors, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: CBS.

• New York Times of December 29, 1971

• AP Images photos from December 29, 1971
• Getty Images photos from December 29, 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.

• December 1971 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• December 29, 1971