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July 31, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Friday, July 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: Thursday, July 30, 1970

Next Date: Saturday, August 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 Situation in the Middle East (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1003, July 31, 1970)
      The President's Remarks on Acceptance by the Governments Concerned of the United States Proposal for a Cease-Fire and Negotiations.

    Appointments and Nominations

    Statements by the President

    • The Right To Read (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1005, July 31, 1970)
      Statement by the President on the Formation of the National Reading Council, With Walter W. Straley as Chairman and Mrs. Nixon as Honorary Chairman.

    Acts Approved by the President

    • H.R. 14452 -- Public Law 91-359
      An Act to provide for the designation of special policemen at the Government Printing Office, and for other purposes.
    • H.R. 14453 -- Public Law 91-369
      An Act to authorize the Public Printer to grant time off as compensation for overtime worked by certain employees of the Government Printing Office, and for other purposes.
    • H.R. 17619 -- Public Law 91-361
      Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1971.
    • S. 417 -- Public Law 91-365
      An Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain lands in New Mexico to the Cuba Independent Schools and to the village of Cuba.
    • S. 759 -- Public Law 91-362
      An Act to declare that the United States holds in trust for the Washoe Tribe of Indians certain lands in Alpine County, California.
    • S. 778 -- Public Law 91-367
      An Act to amend the 1964 amendments to the Alaska Omnibus Act.
    • S. 885 -- Public Law 91-364
      An Act to authorize the preparation of a roll of persons whose lineal ancestors were members of the Confederated Tribes of Weas, Piankashaws, Peorias, and Kaskasklas, merged under the Treaty of May 30, 1854 (10 Stat. 1082), and to provide for the disposition of funds appropriated to pay a judgment in Indian Claims Commission Dockets Numbered 314, amended, 314-E and 65, and for other purposes.
    • S. 1046 -- Public Law 91-366
      An Act to protect consumers by p'roviding a civil remedy for misrepresentation of the quality of articles composed in whole or in part of gold or silver, and for other purposes.
    • S. 1456 -- Public Law 91-363
      An Act to amend section 8c(6) (I) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted and amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and subsequent legislation, so as to permit marketing orders applicable to apples to provide for paid advertising.
    • S. 3274 -- Public Law 91-368
      An Act to implement the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
    • S. 3889 -- Public Law 91-360
      An Act to amend section 14(b) of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended, to extend for one year the authority of Federal Reserve banks to purchase United States obligations directly from the Treasury.

    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.

    • President-elect Luis Echeverria Alvarez of Mexico will make a private visit to the United States in mid-November and has accepted President Nixon's invitation to meet with him for private talks at that time.

  • 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.

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

    Chinese Representation in the United Nations

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China, 1970

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    Round Two at Vienna, April 18-August 13, 1970

    • 100. National Security Decision Memorandum 74, Washington, July 31, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–208, National Security Decision Memoranda, NSDMs 51–100. Top Secret. Copies were sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior members of the U.S. SALT Delegation.

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

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 197. Dispatch to the Chief of the Africa Division, Central Intelligence Agency, [text not declassified], July 31, 1970

      The dispatch provided a number of comments on postwar Nigeria relevant to the preparation of National Intelligence Estimate 64.2–70 (Document 201). It was noted, for example, that reintegration of the Ibos into national life had gone much better than could have been expected. The military government had indicated that future U.S.-Nigerian relations would largely depend upon U.S. provision of military training and equipment.

      Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, 78–03050R/1/3. Secret.

    The Horn

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

    Libya

    • 63. Intelligence Memorandum 531/70, Washington, July 31, 1970

      This 6 page report examined arms supplies and suppliers to Libya since the 1969 revolution.

      Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DI/OCI Files, Job 79–T00830A, Box 6. Secret; Noforn. Prepared in the Office of Current Intelligence of the Central Intelligence Agency, and coordinated with the offices of National Estimates, Strategic Research, and Economic Research, and with the Directorate of Plans.

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

    Guatemala

    • 340. Airgram A–170 From the Embassy in Guatemala to the Department of State, Guatemala City, July 31, 1970., Guatemala City, July 31, 1970

      The Embassy reported on the first month of Arana’s presidency, observing that he was committed to pacifying Guatemala and that a lull in guerrilla activities had allowed the Guatemalan Government to settle in and organize.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15 GUAT. Confidential. It was repeated to CINCSO for POLAD, San Salvador, Tegucigalpa, Mexico City, San José, Managua, and Panama. It was drafted and cleared on July 30 by Political Officer Lawrence A. Pezzullo. Stamped notations on the Airgram indicate that it was received at the Department of State on August 4 at 8:28 a.m. and at the Bureau of Inter-American Affairs on August 5.

  • 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-4038 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4038-01-21, Unidentified female (possibly Susan Porter). 7/31/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Lawn. Unidentified female.

    Roll WHPO-4040 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4040-04-13, Mantlepiece in the East Room. 7/31/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room.

    Roll WHPO-4041 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4041-02-12, Judy Agnew with students. 7/31/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. Judy Agnew, unidentified students.

    Roll WHPO-4042 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4042-03-06, Artifical bird. 7/31/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office.

    Roll WHPO-4077 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4077-02A-12A, President Nixon meeting with William Rogers, Secretary of State and Henry Kissinger, National Security Advisor. 7/31/1970, San Clemente, California Western White House, exterior. President Nixon, William P. Rogers, Henry A. Kissinger.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4077-04A, President Nixon sitting on the patio of the Western White House during a meeting with William Rogers, Secretary of State and Henry Kissinger, National Security Advisor. 7/31/1970, San Clemente, California Western White House, exterior. President Nixon, William P. Rogers, Henry A. Kissinger.

    Roll WHPO-4078 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4078-03-09, President Nixon meeting with William Rogers, Secretary of State. 7/31/1970, San Clemente, California Western White House, exterior. President Nixon, William P. Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4078-06, President Nixon seated informally on the patio during a meeting with Secretary of State William Rogers. 7/31/1970, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica, exterior. President Nixon, William P. Rogers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4078-10, President Nixon meeting with Secretary of State William Rogers and Henry Kissinger, National Security Advisor. All three are pictured from behind and shown as silhouettes. 7/31/1970, San Clemente, California Beach. President Nixon, William P. Rogers, Henry A. Kissinger.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4078-10-14, President Nixon meeting with Secretary of State William Rogers and Henry Kissinger, National Security Advisor. 7/31/1970, San Clemente, California Beach. President Nixon, William P. Rogers, Henry A. Kissinger.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4078-15-18, The President holds press briefing at the San Clemente Inn. 7/31/1970, San Clemente, California San Clemente Inn. President Nixon, William P. Rogers, H. R. Haldeman.

  • 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-700724
      Remarks by President Nixon on Middle East cease-fire from western WH. (7/31/1970)

      Runtime: 4:16

      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-3809
      Weekly News Summary - Tape II.
      All networks
      Runtime: 0:30

      7. Reynolds: Middle East. Time Code Start: 07:01. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      8. Gill: Middle East. Time Code Start: --. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      9. Scali: Middle East. Time Code Start: --. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      10. Smith: Southern desegregation; South desegregation won't be forced; states must ask federal government for help. Time Code Start: 10:11. Keywords: desegregation, racism, racial profiling, racial discrimination, civil rights, African Americans, schools, students. Network: ABC.

      11. Howard K. Smith: Commentary on the Middle East situation, Without Soviet Mideast intervention, Arabs wouldn't negotiate. Time Code Start: 10:51. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations, USSR, Soviet Union, Russia, Arabs, Jordanian, truces, treaty, treaties, ceasefires, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      12. Valeriani: Middle East. Time Code Start: 12:55. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.

      13. President Nixon's Statement on the Middle East. Time Code Start: 14:13. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Presidents, statements, speeches. Network: NBC.

      14. Chet Huntley's farewell. Time Code Start: 15:33. Keywords: celebrities, retirement, news anchors, newscasters, speeches, media, radio, television, TV, the press. Network: NBC.

      15. Cronkite: Middle East. Time Code Start: 18:49. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: CBS.

      16. Pierpoint: Middle East. Time Code Start: --. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: CBS.

      17. Rather: Southern desegregation; President NIXON reports federal government won't force integration unless states ask for help, Civil Rights leader Jerris Leonard confused by Nixon statement,. Time Code Start: 21:09. Keywords: desegregation, racism, racial profiling, racial discrimination, civil rights, African Americans, schools, students. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)