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March 24, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, March 24, 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: Monday, March 23, 1970

Next Date: Wednesday, March 25, 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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    Awards and Citations

    • Presidential Unit Citation (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 440, March 24, 1970)
      Announcement of Award to Detachment 15, 1st Combat Evaluation Group, Pacific Air Forces.

    Proclamations

    Statements by the President

    Nominations Submitted to the Senate

    Does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of Foreign Service Officers.

    • KENNETH M. SMITH, of Texas, to be Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, vice David D. Thomas, resigned.

  • 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. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 209. Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting , Washington, March 24, 1970, 2:35-3:20 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–114, WSAG Minutes, Originals, 1969–1970. Top Secret; Sensitive. Colonel Behr sent this record and the minutes of six other WSAG meetings on Laos and Cambodia to Kissinger on March 31. A note on Behr’s transmittal memorandum reads: “HAK has seen. 4/6.” The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room.

    • 210. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, March 24, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 546, Country Files, Far East, Laos, Vol. IV, 1 February 1970–31 March 1970. Top Secret; Sensitive; [code word not declassified]. On March 19 Kissinger sent Rogers and Laird a memorandum informing them that plans to use Lao guerrilla units, Lao T–28 aircraft, and U.S. tactical aircraft as necessary to disrupt and forestall Chinese road construction south of Muong Houn should be “held in abeyance” and the two cabinet officers should notify the President when they believed conditions had changed so as to justify taking such action. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27 LAOS) In an undated memorandum to the President, which was not sent, Kissinger justified the decision on the grounds that the Lao Government seemed less concerned about the threat, Chinese road construction was not progressing rapidly, airlift resources were needed for the defense and possible evacuation of Long Tieng, and the public was much more aware of events in Laos. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 546, Country Files, Far East, Laos, Vol. IV, 1 February 1970–31 March 1970)

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

    Saudi Arabia

    Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

    Greece

    • 272. Response to National Security Study Memorandum 90 , Washington, March 24, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–170, National Security Study Memoranda, NSSM 90. Secret; Nodis. This section of the response to NSSM 90, “U.S. Interests in and Policy Toward Mediterranean Area,” February 26, was prepared by the Interdepartmental Ad Hoc Group on the Mediterranean. The Chairman of the Group, William Cargo, forwarded it to Kissinger with the explanation that it was being handled separately from the rest of the response to NSSM 90 because of its more restricted classification.

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    Chemical and Biological Warfare, Safeguard Phase II, the Draft

    • 135. Minutes of National Security Council Meeting, Washington, March 24, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–110, NSC Meetings Minutes, Originals, 1970. Secret. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the meeting was held from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. in the Cabinet Room. (Ibid., White House Central Files)

    Vol. E-1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969-1972

    U.S. Policy Towards International Production and Trafficking in Illegal Drugs

    • 165. Telegram 42685 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey, Washington, March 24, 1970, 1015Z

      The Department instructed Ambassador Handley to put into effect a plan to collect Turkey’s opium output to prevent diversion to the heroin market.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files1970-73, INCO-DRUGS TUR. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. Repeated to Paris for Cusack. Drafted by Hartley and Schwartz on March 20; cleared by Davies, Cash, Ingersoll, AID, and William Watts of the NSC staff; and approved by Richardson.

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

    Dominican Republic

    • 276. Telegram 696 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State, March 24, 1970, 0330Z. , March 24, 1970, 0330Z

      On March 24, U.S. Air Attaché Lt. Col. Donald J. Crowley, was kidnapped, presumably by members of the Dominican Popular Movement (MPD). Ambassador Meloy reported that he had pressed President Balaguer to accept the kidnappers’ demands. The Ambassador also indicated concern over evidence that Dominican security forces might be opposed to negotiating with “their enemies of the left.”

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 783, Country Files, Latin America, Kidnapping in Dominican Republic. Secret; Limdis; Immediate. The Embassy in Santo Domingo reported Crowley’s kidnapping in Telegram 677, March 24. (Ibid.) Attached but not published is the CIA Intelligence Information Cable TDCS–314/03286–70, March 24, which confirmed the Ambassador’s concern that there was “considerable opposition on the part of military officers to the idea of complying with the demands of the kidnappers….” (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 783, Kidnapping in Dominican Republic)

  • 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-3215 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3215-01-08, President Nixon and Vice President Agnew standing on the White House steps for a portrait with members of the Bi-Partisan Leadership. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, North Portico. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Edward Ted Kennedy, Hugh Scott, Gerald Ford, John Mitchell, John Ehrlichman, Donald Rumsfeld, George Shultz, Margaret Chase Smith, Winton Blount, Jerris Leonard, Stanley Pottinger, Mike Mansfield, Robert Byrd, John McCormack, Carl Albert, Hale Boggs, Dan Rostenkowski, Leslie Arends, Robert Mardian, John Anderson, John Rhodes, Richard Poff, Gordon Allott, Milton Young.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3215-04, President Nixon and Vice President Agnew standing on the White House steps for a portrait with members of the Bi-Partisan Leadership. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, North Portico. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Edward Ted Kennedy, Hugh Scott, Gerald Ford, John Mitchell, John Ehrlichman, Donald Rumsfeld, George Shultz, Margaret Chase Smith, Winton Blount, Jerris Leonard, Stanley Pottinger, Mike Mansfield, Robert Byrd, John McCormack, Carl Albert, Hale Boggs, Dan Rostenkowski, Leslie Arends, Robert Mardian, John Anderson, John Rhodes, Richard Poff, Gordon Allott, Milton Young, six unidentified congressmen or officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3215-09-18, Members of a crowd pushing in towards President Nixon in order to speak with him. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, North Portico. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-3216 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3216-01, President Nixon attending a Bi-Partisan Leadership meeting regarding the postal strike. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Ted Kennedy, Hugh Scott, Gerald Ford, John Mitchell, John Ehrlichman, Donald Rumsfeld, George Shultz, Margaret Chase Smith, Winton Blount, Jerris Leonard, Stanley Pottinger, Mike Mansfield, Robert Byrd, John McCormack, Carl Albert, Hale Boggs, Dan Rostenkowski, Leslie Arends, Robert Mardian, John Anderson, John Rhodes, Richard Poff, Gordon Allott, Milton Young.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3216-02-04, President Nixon walking in the White House porch colonnade with Press Secretary Ron Ziegler. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House Colonnade. President Nixon, Ron Ziegler.

    Roll WHPO-3217 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3217-02-16, President Nixon and Vice President Agnew standing on the White House steps for a portrait with members of the Bi-Partisan Leadership. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, North Portico. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Ted Kennedy, Hugh Scott, Gerald Ford, John Mitchell, John Ehrlichman, Donald Rumsfeld, George Shultz, Margaret Chase Smith, Winton Blount, Jerris Leonard, Stanley Pottinger, Mike Mansfield, Robert Byrd, John McCormack, Carl Albert, Hale Boggs, Dan Rostenkowski, Leslie Arends, Robert Mardian, John Anderson, John Rhodes, Richard Poff, Gordon Allott, Milton Young.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3217-05A, President Nixon and Vice President Agnew standing on the White House steps for a portrait with members of the Bi-Partisan Leadership. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, North Portico. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Ted Kennedy, Hugh Scott, Gerald Ford, John Mitchell, John Ehrlichman, Donald Rumsfeld, George Shultz, Margaret Chase Smith, Winton Blount, Jerris Leonard, Stanley Pottinger, Mike Mansfield, Robert Byrd, John McCormack, Carl Albert, Hale Boggs, Dan Rostenkowski, Leslie Arends, Robert Mardian, John Anderson, John Rhodes, Richard Poff, Gordon Allott, Milton Young, six unidentified congressmen or officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-3217-17-26, Members of a crowd pushing in towards President Nixon in order to speak with him. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, North Portico. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-3218 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3218-00-02, President Nixon meeting with Hollis Dole, Assistant Secretary of the Interior. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Hollis M. Dole.

    Roll WHPO-3219 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3219-03-24, Pat Nixon standing with members of the League of Republican Women. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. Shoreham Hotel. Pat Nixon, unidentified women officials.

    Roll WHPO-3220 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-3220-03A-14A, Pat Nixon at a reception for wives of AFL-CIO union officials. 3/24/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. Pat Nixon, unidentified women.

  • 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.

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-150
      Press briefing by John D. Ehrlichman, Leonard Garment, Ronald Ziegler, Pottinger, Mardian, and Leonard regarding civil rights. (3/24/1970, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 1:20:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary

      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.

  • 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-3666
      Weekly News Summary and Art Linkletter.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:56:03

      8. Kaplow/Chancellor: Report of President Nixon's comments on desegregation, pledging to move away from segregation. Time Code Start: 19:47. Keywords: desegregation, racism, racial profiling, racial discrimination, civil rights, African Americans, schools, students. Network: NBC.

Context (External Sources)