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February 24, 1971

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, February 24, 1971, pulls together various records created by the federal government and links to additional resources which can provide context about the events of the day.

Previous Date: Tuesday, February 23, 1971

Next Date: Thursday, February 25, 1971

Schedule and Public Documents

Archival Holdings

  • The H. R. Haldeman Diaries consists of seven handwritten diaries, 36 dictated diaries recorded as sound recordings, and two handwritten audio cassette tape subject logs. The diaries and logs reflect H. R. Haldeman’s candid personal record and reflections on events, issues, and people encountered during his service in the Nixon White House. As administrative assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, Haldeman attended and participated in public events and private meetings covering the entire scope of issues in which the Nixon White House engaged in during the years 1969-1973. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

  • The National Archives Catalog is the online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records. It is the main way of describing our holdings and also provides access to electronic records and digitized versions of our holdings. 

    The Catalog searches across multiple National Archives resources at once, including archival descriptions, digitized and electronic records, authority records, and web pages from Archives.gov and the Presidential Libraries. The Catalog also allows users to contribute to digitized historical records through tagging and transcription.

    Nixon Library Holdings

    All National Archives Units

National Security Documents

  • The President's Daily Brief is the primary vehicle for summarizing the day-to-day sensitive intelligence and analysis, as well as late-breaking reports, for the White House on current and future national security issues. Read "The President's Daily Brief: Delivering Intelligence to Nixon and Ford" to learn more.

  • The Foreign Relations of the United States series presents the official documentary historical record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and significant diplomatic activity. Visit the State Department website for more information.

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Thailand

    Vol. XXI, Chile, 1969-1973

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

    • 209. Memorandum From Arnold Nachmanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 24, 1971

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 774, Country Files, Latin America, Chile, Vol. III. Secret; Eyes Only. Sent for action. Attached to a February 26 note from Nachmanoff to Kissinger that reads, “Press reports indicate that President Allende announced last night—on nationwide T.V.—that he had invited the USS Enterprise to visit Chile so that its crew could see that Chile is engaged in authentic democracy. He also issued a stern warning against any demonstrations against the ship’s visit. It appears that we have been had. After Allende’s statement, a turndown of the visit now would be taken as a pretty deliberate snub. It would also be played up in the press as U.S. (read White House) unwillingness to allow our sailors to see the ‘truth’ about Chile.” (Ibid.)

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

    The Horn

    • 310. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, February 24, 1971

      In a conversation with Newsom, Somali Ambassador Addou reported that Somalia had virtually lost its independence to the Soviet Union. General Siad remained suspicious of the United States, but Addou urged keeping communications open.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 2 Somali. Secret.

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

    Libya

    • 71. Telegram 373 From the Embassy in Libya to the Department of State, Tripoli, February 24, 1971, 1147Z

      Prime Minister Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi assured the Ambassador that there were no outstanding issues between Libya and the United States apart from the Arab-Israel dispute.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 LIBYA. Secret; Priority; Exdis. It was repeated to Benghazi. In the referenced telegram 4025 to Tripoli, January 9, the Department had advised that the “consensus is that fulfillment [of the F–5] contract difficult justify in terms current Libyan posture toward Middle East peace initiative, their present attitude toward US and US interests in Libya, and generally poor prospects for any marked improvement.” Paragraph 3 dealt with expulsions of American citizens from Libya and paragraph 4 with the petroleum negotiations. (Ibid., DEF 12–5 LIBYA) In telegram 185 from Tripoli, January 26, Palmer discussed the F–5s with MUFA Undersecretary Kikhya. (Ibid.) In a subsequent comment, telegram 381 from Tripoli, February 24, Palmer wrote that there was “nothing new” in Qadhafi’s emphasis on the U.S.-Israeli relationship, but that he was struck by the Libyan leader’s commitment to non-alignment, his pragmatism, and the cordiality of his reception. (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 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

  • 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-5736 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5736-, Cindy Shumaker of Pat Nixon's Press office staff, and an unidentified man pose for portraits outside the White House. 2/24/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Diplomatic Entrance stairs. Cindy Shumaker, unidentified man.

    Roll WHPO-5737 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5737-, Robert Finch with unidentified men. 2/24/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Robert Finch, unidentified men.

    Roll WHPO-5738 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5738-, President Nixon signing papers while Virginia Knauer and two staff members stand by. 2/24/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Virginia Knauer, staff members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-5738-10A, President Nixon signing papers while Virginia Knauer and two staff members stand by. 2/24/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Virginia Knauer, staff members.

    Roll WHPO-5739 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5739-, Judy Agnew at a tea for governors' wives. 2/24/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Judy Agnew, governors' wives, aides.

    Roll WHPO-5741 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5741-, Pat Nixon greeting second grade students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Anacostia. 2/24/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Pat Nixon, school children, teachers.

    Roll WHPO-5742 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-5742-, Pat Nixon greeting second grade students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Anacostia. 2/24/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Pat Nixon, school children, teachers.

  • 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.

    E - Secretary of Defense Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-E-024
      Press conference by Sec. Def. Melvin Laird and Lt. General Vogt. (2/24/1971, Pentagon)

      Runtime: 1:25:00

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

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

    G - Cabinet Officer Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-G-081
      Press briefing by Virginia Knauer and Secretary of HEW Elliot Richardson, with Gerald Warren. (2/24/1971, Press Center)

      Runtime: 40:00:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by BAC (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-346
      Press briefing by Virginia Knauer, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Elliot Richardson, and Gerald Warren. (2/24/1971, Press Center, White House)

      Runtime: 40:00:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

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

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-H-347
      Press briefing by Henry Kissinger. (2/24/1971, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 1:20:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

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

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-H-348
      Press briefing by Henry Kissinger. (2/24/1971, East Room, White House)

      Runtime: 41:45:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

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

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-710231
      Remarks by President Nixon in a staff meeting. (2/24/1971)

      Runtime: 12:06

      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-4193
      "Book Beat" with guest Ramsay Clark.
      WTOP
      Runtime: 00:29:15
    • WHCA-4195
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:31:19

      29. Reasoner/Giggins/Smith/Scali: Secretary of Defense Laird (Laird). Time Code Start: 77:30. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, military, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.

      30. Reasoner/Jarriel: Bob Hope and Up With People at the White House. Time Code Start: 82:10. Keywords: Comedian, actor, actors, celebrities, musicians, music, humor, comedy, comedians, shows, music, performance. Network: ABC.

      31. Smith: Commentary on wage freeze. Time Code Start: 84:30. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, employment, employees, salaries, salary, payments, freezes, controls. Network: ABC.

      32. Chancellor/Brady: Secretary of Defense Laird (Laird). Time Code Start: 86:10. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, military, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: NBC.
    • WHCA-4196
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:00

      1. Chancellor/Briggs: Secretary of Transportation Volpe on the wage price issue and construction. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, speeches, jobs, unemployment, labor, buildings, housing, wages, costs. Network: NBC.

      2. Perkins: National welfare rights organization. Time Code Start: 02:30. Keywords: Family Assistance Programs, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance, financial aid, organizations. Network: NBC.

      3. Chancellor: Laos war hero. Time Code Start: 06:40. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War, heroes. Network: NBC.

      4. Cronkite/Scheiffer: Secretary of Defense Laird (Laird). Time Code Start: 09:43. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, military, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: CBS.

      5. Cronkite: Consumer and welfare legislation. Time Code Start: 14:08. Keywords: bills, laws, Family Assistance Programs, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance, financial aid. Network: CBS.
    • WHCA-4211
      Excerpts From the "NBC Nightly News" Indochina War Coverage, Tape I (Weekly News Summary).
      NBC

      59. Chancellor: Stiff opposition stalls invasion; film of Pentagon news briefing; Secretary of Defense Laird claims success. Time Code Start: 66:54. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews, military, Cambodia, Vietnam War, United States Department of Defense headquarters, Armed Forces. Network: NBC.

      60. Brady: Air war continues but ground war stalled at Quang Tri. Time Code Start: 69:40. Keywords: Vietnam War, bombings, aircraft, military, weapons. Network: NBC.

      61. Newman: Another supply route closed. Time Code Start: 71:30. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: NBC.
    • WHCA-4246
      NBC News Excerpts: Phil Brady's Indochina Reports [Weekly News Summary]. Phil Brady.
      NBC
      Runtime: 00:34:02

      3. Brady: Report from Quang Tri, South Vietnam; Laos air war continues while ground war is stalled. Time Code Start: 05:25. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War, bombings, aircraft, military, weapons. Network: NBC.

Context (External Sources)