February 17, 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 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.

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 to the Congress Transmitting Annual Report on the Foreign Assistance Program.
• The President's News Conference

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, February 17, 1971

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

• House of Representatives: February 17, 1971
• Senate: February 17, 1971
• Extensions of Remarks: February 17, 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 February 17, 1971
• Date search for February 17, 1971

All National Archives Units

• Text search for February 17, 1971
• Date search for February 17, 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 17 February 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. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

Chinese Representation in the United Nations

• 330. Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts, Washington, February 17, 1971, 2157Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 6 CHICOM. Secret. Drafted by Feldman; cleared by Armitage, John A. Froebe, Jr., and Shoesmith; and approved by Deputy Assistant Secretary Herz. Sent to Canberra, Tokyo, and Wellington and repeated to USUN, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

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

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

• 116. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between President Nixon and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 17, 1971, 9:20 a.m.

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Henry Kissinger Telephone Conversation Transcripts, Box 8, Chronological File. No classification marking.

Vol. XXI, Chile, 1969-1973

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

• 206. Minutes of a Meeting of the Senior Review Group, Washington, February 17, 1971, 3:30-3:58 p.m.

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–52, SRG Meeting, Chile, 2/17/71. Secret; Nodis. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. A copy was sent to Nachmanoff, Kennedy, and Bergsten. All brackets are in the original.

Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa

Regional Issues

• 45. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Newsom) and the Department of State Legal Adviser (Stevenson) to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, February 17, 1971

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, LAB 10 S AFR. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Keiter on February 13 and cleared in AF/S, L/AF, and AF.

Vol. XXIX, Eastern Europe, 1969-1972

Yugoslavia

• 223. Telegram From the Embassy in Yugoslavia to the Department of State, Belgrade, February 17, 1971, 1207Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 733, Country Files—Europe, Yugoslavia, Vol. II Aug 70–Aug 71. Secret; Priority; Exdis.

Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

• 184. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 17, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 58, Country Files, Europe, Berlin, Vol. 1. Secret. Sent for information. Kissinger initialed the memorandum indicating that he had seen it.

Vol. E-5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969-1972

Uganda

• 244. Telegram 641 From the Embassy in Uganda to the Department of State, Kampala, February 17, 1971, 1105Z

  Ambassador Ferguson reported that all contacts had been reduced following the coup; he recommended developing contacts at the ministerial level to begin new business relations.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL Uganda-US. Confidential; Priority.

• 245. Telegram 27102 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Uganda, Washington, February 17, 1971, 0126Z

  The Department agreed with the Embassyʼs view, but wanted to delay formal public actions that might prejudice African acceptance of the new Ugandan Government or in any way add to problems threatening the future of the East African community.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL Uganda-US. Confidential. Drafted by Kinter (AF/E); cleared in AF/C, L/AF, AF/E, AID/AFR/ESA, AID/AFR/GC, A/OS, and by Moore; and approved by Newsom.

Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

India and Pakistan: Pre-Crisis, January 1969-February 1971

• 116. Letter From President Nixon to Pakistani President Yahya, Washington, February 17, 1971

  Nixon responded to Yahya’s request for U.S. mediation in Pakistan’s dispute with India over a hijacking incident. He noted that the U.S. Government had discussed the incident with the Indian and Pakistani Governments but suggested that a multilateral approach to mediation through the International Civil Aviation Organization might prove more fruitful.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 759, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan (1971). No classification marking. On February 23 Yahya wrote to Nixonagain and, citing the effects of the prohibition of overflights of Indian territory on contacts between the two wings of Pakistan, reiterated his request that Nixon take a personal interest in the dispute. (Ibid.)

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

Guatemala

• 349. Telegram 634 From the Embassy in Guatemala to the Department of State, February 17, 1971, 0020Z., February 17, 1971, 0020Z

  Ambassador Davis reported his encounters with President Arana and Foreign Minister Herrera at a diplomatic dinner the day after he had conveyed the Department of State’s concerns regarding Guatemala’s counterinsurgency activities. President Arana appealed for help, while Herrera responded by alluding somewhat unflatteringly to State Department.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 785, Country Files, Latin America, Guatemala, Vol. I. Secret; Exdis. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates it was received in the White House Situation Room on February 17 at 8:21 a.m. In telegram 809 from Guatemala City, February 26, Davis reported the arrival of two U.S. journalists on the wake of his meetings with Arana and Herrera and suggested, “GOG may get idea—which they will of course deeply resent—that we issued private warning, they responded, and we disregarded response and socked them.” (Ibid.) In telegram 035575 to Guatemala City, March 3, the Department noted its main motive was to try to help anticipate such critical press interest and avoid damage to Guatemala’s image and prestige. (Ibid.)

Guyana

• 372. Telegram 207 From the Embassy in Guyana to the Department of State, February 17, 1971, 2150Z., February 17, 1971, 2150Z

  According to Ambassador King, former Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg discussed with Prime Minister Burnham the negative economic effects of the nationalization of the bauxite industry for Guyana’s economy. Goldberg raised the possibility that Reynolds might construct processing facilities in Guyana, and Burnham showed interest.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 785, Country Files, Latin America, Guyana, Vol. 1. Secret; Exdis; Priority. Justice Goldberg requested that this message be give no foreign dissemination. After Burnham’s conversation with Goldberg, Burnham decided not to nationalize Reynolds, but would nationalized DEMBA. (Telegram 204 from Georgetown, February 17, ibid.)

Panama

• 544. Memorandum From Arnold Nachmanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 17, 1971., Washington, February 17, 1971

  National Security Council staff member Nachmanoff recommended that President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger approve for President Nixon the text of Special Representative for U.S.-Panama Relations Anderson’s reply to Ambassador de la Ossa. The letter states that for the United States the defense and efficient operation of the Canal are very important, and suggests further discussions be held.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 792, Country Files, Latin America, Panama, Atlantic-Pacific International Ocean Canal Study Commission, Vol. 1, 1971. Secret. Sent for action. Haig initialed for Kissinger and initialed his approval for Kissinger. Attached but not published are Tabs A and B. Tab A is the draft letter to de la Ossa and Tab B is a February 10 letter from Anderson to Nixon. The final version of Anderson’s letter to de la Ossa was not found.

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.

Oval Office

• 450-19; Unknown between 12:00 a.m. & 4:04 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Ziegler, Ronald L.
• 450-20; 4:04 p.m. - 4:51 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House photographer
• 450-21; 4:52 p.m. - 5:24 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Scheel, Walter; Rogers, William P.; Kissinger, Henry A.; White House photographer
• 450-22; 5:25 p.m. - 5:26 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Ziegler, Ronald L.
• 450-23; 5:26 p.m. - 5:53 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Ehrlichman, John D.; Evans, Daniel J.; White House photographer; Bull, Stephen B.
• 450-24; 5:53 p.m. - 5:59 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Chapin, Dwight L.
• 450-25; 6:20 p.m. - 6:32 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob"); Ziegler, Ronald L.

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-5678 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5678-02-19, Pat Nixon sitting for a coin sculpture by the Philadelphia Mint. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon, sculptor, unidentified men.

Roll WHPO-5679 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-5679-02A-16A, Pat Nixon sitting for a coin sculpture by the Philadelphia Mint. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon, sculptor, unidentified men.

Roll WHPO-5680 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5680-03A-10A, President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel and Secretary of State William Rogers. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, William Rogers, Walter Scheel, Daniel Evans.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5680-10A, President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel and Secretary of State William Rogers. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, William Rogers, Walter Scheel, Daniel Evans.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5680-11A-15A, President Nixon sitting with State of Washington Governor Daniel Evans. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, William Rogers, Walter Scheel, Daniel Evans.

Roll WHPO-5681 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5681-03-07, President Nixon sitting with William Rogers, Walter Scheel, Henry Kissinger, and another man. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, William Rogers, Walter Scheel, Henry Kissinger, unidentified man.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5681-08-09, President Nixon talking with photographers. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, photographers.

Roll WHPO-5682 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-5682-03-09, President Nixon and Pat Nixon greeting singing groups from the four service academies, entertainment for a Military Reception. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, service academy singers.
• Frame(s): WHPO-5682-10-17, President Nixon with singing groups from the four service academies, entertainment for a Military Reception. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, service academy singers.

Roll WHPO-5692 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-5692-03-09, President Nixon sitting informally with German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel, William Rogers, and an unidentified man. 2/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Walter Scheel, William Rogers, unidentified man, press corps 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.

J - Entertainment at the White House

• WHCA-SR-J-144
  Entertainment at a military reception [see P-710218]. (2/17/1971)
  
  Runtime: 39:45:00
  
  Keywords: Musician, musicians, music, celebrities, performance
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-710218
  Remarks by President Nixon at military reception [see J-144]. (2/17/1971)
  
  Runtime: 9:07
  
  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-4181
  "The Mike Douglas Show" with guest Sen. Hubert Humphrey.
  
  Runtime: 00:59:52
• WHCA-4182
  "Claire". Pearl Bailey.
  Undetermined
  Runtime: 01:01:19
• WHCA-4184
  Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 1:30
  
  26. Sm/Jarriel/Reasoner: White House comment on Laos with Vietnam report. Time Code Start: 61:09. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  27. Tuckner: Helicopter pilots in Laos. Time Code Start: 62:49. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  28. Smith: Secretary Connelly asks Congress for new ceiling on the National Debt and the economy and construction prices. Time Code Start: 66:02. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, speeches, economic, budgets, jobs, unemployment, labor, buildings, housing, wages, costs, debt, ceilings. Network: ABC.
  
  29. Smith: Commentary on the Laos push. Time Code Start: 67:23. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  30. Chancellor: President Nixon's comments on Laos. Time Code Start: 69:07. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, Laos, Vietnam War. Network: NBC.
  
  31. Lewis: Indochina. Time Code Start: 69:52. Keywords: Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: NBC.
  
  32. Chancellor: President Nixon and construction wages and prices. Time Code Start: 72:48. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, jobs, unemployment, labor, buildings, housing, wages, costs. Network: NBC.
  
  33. Cronkite/Rather: President Nixon's statement on Indochina. Time Code Start: 73:51. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: CBS.
  
  34. Cronkite: Construction wages and prices. Time Code Start: 76:36. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, labor, buildings, housing, wages, costs. Network: CBS.
• WHCA-4211
  Excerpts From the "NBC Nightly News" Indochina War Coverage, Tape I (Weekly News Summary).
  NBC
  
  42. Newman: President Nixon at press conference takes strong stand on peace negotiations. Time Code Start: 46:30. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, statements, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: NBC.
  
  43. Lewis: U.S. helicopters meet heavy anti-aircraft fire. Time Code Start: 47:25. Keywords: Vietnam war, helicopters, aircraft,. Network: NBC.

• New York Times of February 17, 1971

• AP Images photos from February 17, 1971
• Getty Images photos from February 17, 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.

• February 1971 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• February 17, 1971