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May 3, 1971

Introduction

This almanac page for Monday, May 3, 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: Sunday, May 2, 1971

Next Date: Tuesday, May 4, 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. VII, Vietnam, July 1970-January 1972

    The Consequences of Operation Lan Som 719 and the Search for a Settlement, April 8-October 6, 1971

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

    "One of Two Routes": Soviet-American Relations and Kissinger's Secret Trip to China, April 23-July 18, 1971

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China,January-September 1971

    • 121. Memorandum of Conversation, Taipei, May 3, 1971

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 US/KENNEDY. Secret. Prepared by Jurich, Special Assistant for National Security Affairs to the Secretary of the Treasury. Telegrams relaying the contents of Kennedy’s discussions with Vice President C.K. Yen on May 1 and Finance Minister K. T. Li on April 30 are ibid. The memorandum of Kennedy’s conversation with Chiang and his May 12 memorandum to the President are ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 820, Name Files, Ambassador David M. Kennedy. Kennedy’s May 13 summary report of his meetings, forwarded to Rogers, then the President, stated that the Chinese assured him negotiations would take 3 to 5 days. He also mentioned that the Chinese hoped to obtain a steel mill and greater investment in “oil resource development” to offset voluntary limitations on the growth of their textile industry. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 7 US/KENNEDY) Ambassador Kennedy also visited Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, where he sought to obtain commitments to negotiate limits on textile imports into the United States. Memoranda of conversations he held were forwarded to Rogers on May 13. (Ibid.)

    Vol. XXIX, Eastern Europe, 1969-1972

    Yugoslavia

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

    Peru

    • 627. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to President Nixon, Washington, May 3, 1971., Washington, May 3, 1971

      President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs Haig argued that the U.S. Government representatives at the May 4 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) meeting should not read a statement critical of Peru because it could potentially jeopardize President Velasco’s upcoming visit to the United States and could possibly reverse the graduate shift toward more favorable relations with the United States.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 793, Country Files, Latin America, Peru, Vol. 2, July 1970–13 December 1971. Confidential. Sent for action. Haig approved for Nixon. Attached but not published was an undated memorandum to Nixon, in which Peterson stated that Connally wanted to make a “strong statement on Peru’s economic policy and its treatment of private investment.” On May 4, Haig wrote to Connally:“As I mentioned to you last night, for purely tactical reasons and in view of certain shifts with have recently occurred in the Peruvian Government as well as the pending visit of Velasco to the United States, the President has asked that on this occasion we not single out the IPC nationalization issue and the treatment of US contractors specifically.” (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 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-6189 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6189-, White House interior décor in various rooms. 5/3/1971, Washington, D.C. East Room, Blue Room, White House.

    Roll WHPO-6190 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6190-02A-12A, President Nixon greets Danny Jones, his parents, and his baby sister. 5/3/1971, California El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. President Nixon, Danny Jones, Jones family members, crowd, aides.

    Roll WHPO-6198 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-6198-, Pat Nixon greets women visiting the White House for a Congressional Wives Luncheon. 5/3/1971, Washington, D.C. Blue Room, White House. Pat Nixon, Congressional wives, social aide.

    Roll WHPO-E2697 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2697-06-10, President Nixon with John McLaughlin. 5/3/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2697-11-17, President Nixon preparing to board Marine One. 5/3/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, south lawn.

  • 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.

    I - Various Administration Events

    • WHCA-SR-I-073
      James Keogh interview with Robert Pierpoint of CBS. (5/3/1971, [None listed])

      Runtime: 0:07:58

      Keywords: Television

      Production credits: No feed information listed; No WHCA engineer initials listed

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original. Technical notes: 43 minutes and 24 seconds of silence at end of recording removed from access copies.

  • 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-4339
      WTOP Mayday Report. a special local television news report on the anti-war protests
      PBS
      Runtime: 0:30
    • WHCA-4340
      NBC Mayday Special. coverage of the anti-war protests in Washington
      PBS
      Runtime: 1:00
    • WHCA-4341
      WTOP Local News. local television news broadcast, focusing on the anti-war protests
      PBS
      Runtime: 00:59:45
    • WHCA-4342
      ABC Nightly News AND WRC Local News with Mayday Report. coverage of anti-war protests in Washington, DC
      PBS
      Runtime: 00:59:10
    • WHCA-4343
      WRC Local News with Mayday Report, "NBC Nightly News" AND "CBS Evening News". coverage of anti-war protests in Washington, DC
      WTOP, CBS
      Runtime: 1:30
    • WHCA-4344
      WMAL Local News with Mayday Report AND WTOP Local News with Mayday Report. local television news broadcasts focusing on the anti-war protests
      NBC
      Runtime: 01:29:40
    • WHCA-4345
      Homefront '71: The President, the Press & the Public". FTN: U.S. Representative Hale Boggs, "MTP": John K. Fairbanks, Jerome A. Cohen.
      CBS, NBC, ABC
      Runtime: 01:05:20
    • WHCA-4355
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:30:30

      26. Report on anti-war demonstrations in Washington DC and attempts to block Washington DC traffic, police tear gas Georgetown, and the arrival of National Guards. Time Code Start: 41:50. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      27. Report on arrest of protesters and Rennie Davis. Time Code Start: 48:58. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      28. Herbert Klein and Washington DC Police Chief Jerry Wilson comment on anti-war demonstrations. Time Code Start: 50:37. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      29. Report on Pat Nixon's luncheon for Congressional wives. Time Code Start: 52:01. Keywords: White House events. Network: ABC.

      30. Secretary of State Rogers' trip to the Middle East and meeting with King Hussein. Time Code Start: 52:18. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast. Network: ABC.

      31. Anti-American, Anti-Rogers protests in Beirut. Time Code Start: 54:12. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast. Network: ABC.

      32. Howard K. Smith commentary on anti-war demonstrations in Washington DC. Time Code Start: 55:16. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      33. Report on anti-war demonstrations in Washington DC and attempts to block Washington DC traffic, Marines guard the White House. Time Code Start: 57:04. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: NBC.

      34. Chancellor: Egypt Vice President Aly Sabry fired yesterday. State Secretary William Rogers arrives in Beirut, Lebanon, after visiting Jordan and South West Asia. Film shows Rogers observing occupied Middle East territory from helicopter; viewing Golan Hei. Time Code Start: 62:30. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, officials, travel, meetings, leaders, firings. Network: NBC.

      35. Anti-American, Anti-Rogers protests in Beirut. Time Code Start: 64:17. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast. Network: NBC.

      36. Chancellor: Israel Ambassador Itzhak Rabin returns to Israel from trip to U.S.; doesn't believe Rogers' Mideast visit will produce results.. Time Code Start: 64:33. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast. Network: NBC.

      37. Report on anti-war demonstrations in Washington DC and attempts to block Washington DC traffic, Marines guard the White House. Time Code Start: 65:04. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: NBC.

      38. Cronkite/Morton Report on anti-war demonstrations in Washington DC and attempts to block Washington DC traffic, Marines guard the White House. Demonstrators only block few highways. briefly; film shows police chasing protesters, using tear gas; protesters. Time Code Start: 67:47. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      39. Cronkite/Morton: , Washington DC Police Chief Jerry Willson comments on anti-war demonstrations. Police arrest over 7,000; 2,000 held at practice football field. Rennie Davis says failed to out maneuver police or show military superiority; thinks potentia. Time Code Start: 72:17. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      40. Cronkite: President Nixon and the POW situation with Hanoi. Nixon calls on North Vietnam to agree to internment of Vietnam War POWs in Sweden.. Time Code Start: 74:07. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, POW, military. Network: CBS.

      41. Cronkite: Report on Vietnam and U.S. troop strength. Little fighting in Vietnam War; United States troop strength down below 272,000.. Time Code Start: 74:29. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, military. Network: CBS.

      42. Cronkite: Cambodia Chief of State asks Lon Nol to become leader again with actual power delegated to Deputy Premier Sisowath Sirik Matak.. Time Code Start: 75:06. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War. Network: CBS.

      43. Cronkite: Report on feud between South Vietnam President Thieu and Vice President Ky. They are reportedly no longer speaking to each other.. Time Code Start: 75:30. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War. Network: CBS.

      44. Cronkite/Kalb/McLaughlin: Secretary of State Rogers' trip to the Middle East, meeting with King Hussein in Jordan, then travels to Beirut, Lebanon. Film shows Palestinians staging Anti-American march, Egypt Vice President Aly Sabry fired because opposes E. Time Code Start: 75:50. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast. Network: CBS.

      45. Report on anti-war demonstrations in Washington DC and attempts to block Washington DC traffic, Marines guard the White House. Time Code Start: 77:48. Keywords: Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      46. Cronkite/Sleisenger: Report on May Day celebrations in Peking, Film shows dance, fireworks, looks like a party. Time Code Start: 79:35. Keywords: People's Republic of China. Network: CBS.

      47. Eric Sevaried commenary on anti-war demontrations and government bugging of private citizens. Time Code Start: 82:00. Keywords: Wire taps, wire tapping, surveillance, privacy, Vietnam War, Indochina War, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)