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November 18, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, November 18, 1969, 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, November 17, 1969

Next Date: Wednesday, November 19, 1969

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 (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1624, November 18, 1969)
      Announcement of Award to the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, and Attached Units, United States Army.

    Congress, Communications to

    Executive Orders

    Statements by the President

    Acts Approved by the President

    Checklist of White House Press Releases

    The releases listed below, made public by the Office of the White House Press Secretary during the period covered by this issue, are not included in the issue.

    • Press conference of Postmaster General Winton M. Blount following his return from a trip to the Far East.
    • Press conference of Senator George Murphy, Representative Wayne N. Aspinall, and Representative Don H. Clausen following their meeting with the President.

    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.

    • A delegation from the Associated General Contractors of America, accompanied by Representative Bob Wilson of California, called on the President at the White House.
    • Robert Gomulinski, National Commander of the Amvets, called on the President at the White House. He was accompanied by Representative Gerald R. Ford of Michigan.
    • The annual Thanksgiving turkey was presented to the President by David Graham, president of the National Turkey Federation, Washington, Ind. Representatives John B. Anderson of Illinois, and John T. Myers and Roger H. Zion of Indiana, were present for the ceremony at the White House.
    • Ambassador Basil George Vitsaxis of Greece presented his credentials to the President in the Blue Room at the White House.
    • Senator George Murphy and Representative Don H. Clausen of California and Representative Wayne N. Aspinall of Colorado met with the President to discuss the Point Reyes National Seashore area.

  • 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.

  • Argued

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. I, Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China, 1969

    • 46. Memorandum From Roger Morris of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) , Washington, November 18, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–040, Review Group Meeting, Sino-Soviet Differences, 11/20/69. Secret. Sent for information. Morris sent the memorandum to Kissinger through Robert Osgood of the NSC staff. A handwritten notation on the first page notes that copies were sent to Sonnenfeldt, Watts, Holdridge, and Kennedy. Attached was another copy of the first page of this memorandum, upon which Kissinger wrote: “But basically this is Option C–2, or is that wrong? HK.”

    Vol. XIX, Part 2, Japan, 1969-1972

    January-November 1969: The Decision for Okinawa Reversion

    • 25. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Laird to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) , Washington, November 18, 1969

      Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 330–75–103, Box 14, Okinawa, 323.3. Top Secret. A copy was sent to Rogers. The recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is contained in a November 8 memorandum to Laird, numbered JCSM–708–69. (Ibid.) Kissinger later thanked Laird for expressing the views of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in this memorandum, noting that the considerations they raised “were given careful weight in the discussions with Prime Minister Sato.” (Memorandum from Kissinger to Laird, December 3; ibid.)

    Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

    Greece

    • 263. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, November 18, 1969

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 17 GREECE–US. Secret;Nodis. Drafted by Davies. A notation on the memorandum reads: “Approved by WH/Kissinger per David White to HBrown 1/16/70.” In a November 26 memorandum attached to a copy of this memorandum, Saunders, recommending clearance, wrote: “Neither HAK nor I was present, so we have to take Rodgerʼs word for it.” Saunders continued: “The Presidentʼs crack at the press on p. 2 is the only questionable statement as far as distribution is concerned. But since the Department has this already, I think Secret/NODIS is probably tolerable.” (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1235 Saunders Chronological Files, Greece, 10/1/69–12/31/69.

    Cyprus

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    Chemical and Biological Warfare, Safeguard Phase II, the Draft

    • 103. Minutes of National Security Council Meeting , Washington, November 18, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–109, NSC Meetings Minutes, 1969. Top Secret. The meeting was held from 3:44 to 5:27 p.m. in the Cabinet Room of the White House. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary)

    Vol. E-2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969-1972

    Chemical and Biological Warfare; Geneva Protocol; Biological Weapons Convention

    • 161. Minutes of a National Security Council Meeting , Washington, November 18, 1969

      The meeting focused on U.S. chemical warfare policies. It included some discussion of the 1925 Geneva Protocol banning the use of chemical and biological agents in warfare and where tear gas and herbicides fit into that agreement.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–109, NSC Meeting Minutes Originals, 1969. Top Secret. The minutes bear no indication of who drafted them. The attachments (the NSC book and Helms’ briefing on Soviet chemical and biological warfare) are not published.

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

    Mexico

    • 445. Letter From President Nixon to President Díaz Ordaz of Mexico, Washington, November 18, 1969. , Washington, November 18, 1969

      In a letter thanking President Díaz Ordaz for a November 6 letter, President Nixon referred to efforts to deal with issues bilateral concern and expressed his “personal regret for the friction which Operation Intercept has caused in the relations of our two countries.”

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 787, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. I, January–December 31, 1969. No classification marking. In a November 17 memorandum to the President recommending that Nixon sign this letter, Kissinger observed that “Díaz Ordaz was very deeply disturbed by the narcotics drive, Operation Intercept.” Attached but not published to the November 17 was a translation of Díaz Ordaz’s November 6 letter to Nixon.

  • 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-2435 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2435-02-06, President Nixon walking to his office. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. West Wing colonnade, White House. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2436 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2436-02-18, President Nixon in the Oval office signing an extension of the Great Plains Conservation Program while Senator Bob Dole and Representative Thomas Kleppe stand nearby. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Robert Dole, Thomas Kleppe.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2436-09, President Nixon handing a pen to Thomas Kleppe after signing an extension of the Great Plains Conservation Program while Senator Bob Dole stand nearby. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Robert Dole, Thomas Kleppe.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2436-19, President Nixon standing at his Oval office desk speaking with Senator Bob Dole, after signing an extension of the Great Plains Conservation Program. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Robert Dole.

    Roll WHPO-2437 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2437-02A-23A, President Nixon, in the Rose Garden, accepting the traditional live Thanksgiving turkey for 1969. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and representatives of the National Turkey Federation present the gift. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Rose Garden Steps, White House. President Nixon, Clifford M. Hardin, Secy of Agriculture W. E. Hauver, Dir, Poultry Div, USDA John B. Anderson, Congressman John Myers, Congressman Roger Zion, Congressman Mr. and Mrs. David Graham, President of the Nationall Turkey Federation Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Strickler, G. L. Walts, Hermon I. Miller.

    Roll WHPO-2438 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2438-02A-23A, President Nixon in the Rose Garden accepting the traditional live Thanksgiving turkey for 1969. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and representatives of the National Turkey Federation present the gift. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Rose Garden Steps, White House. President Nixon, Clifford M. Hardin, Secy of Agriculture W. E. Hauver, Dir, Poultry Div, USDA John B. Anderson, Congressman John Myers, Congressman Roger Zion, Congressman Mr. and Mrs. David Graham, President of the Nationall Turkey Federation Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Strickler, G. L. Walts, Hermon I. Miller.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2438-06, President Nixon in the Rose Garden accepting the traditional live Thanksgiving turkey for 1969. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and representatives of the National Turkey Federation present the gift. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Rose Garden Steps, White House. President Nixon; Clifford M. Hardin, Secy of Agriculture; Present according to the PDD: W. E. Hauver, Dir, Poultry Div, USDA; John B. Anderson, Congressman John Myers, Congressman Roger Zion, Congressman David Graham, Mrs. David Graham, President of the Nationall Turkey Federation Mr. Lloyd Peterson, Mrs. Lloyd Peterson, Mr. Charles Strickler, Mrs. Charles Strickler, G. L. Walts, Hermon I. Miller.

    Roll WHPO-2439 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2439-01-05, President Nixon receiving a small bulldozer statuette gift from Rep. Bob Wilson and representatives of the National Associated General Contractors of America in the Oval Office. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Bob Wilson, Anthony Benintend, Glenn Dowdy, William Dunn, Donald Giampaoli, Carl Halvorson, J.N. Matich.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2439-03A, President Nixon receiving a small bulldozer statuette gift from Rep. Bob Wilson and representatives of the National Associated General Contractors of America in the Oval Office. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Bob Wilson, Anthony Benintend, Glenn Dowdy, William Dunn, Donald Giampaoli, Carl Halvorson, J.N. Matich.

    Roll WHPO-2440 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2440-01-03, President Nixon meeting in the Oval office with Rep. Gerald Ford and representatives of AMVETS. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Gerald Ford, Robert Gomulinski, Anthony Caserta, Ralph Hall, Marshall Miller.

    Roll WHPO-2441 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2441-03A-19A, Vice President Agnew presenting posthumous Medals of Honor to families of three servicemen. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Vice Presidential Office, Executive Office Building, (EOB). Spiro Agnew, Medal of Honor recipient families.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2441-17A, Vice President Spiro Agnew sitting at his EOB office desk with an unidentified child on his lap with a woman (probably his mother) who holds a framed medal of honor nearby. Agnew is signing a document for posthumous Medals of Honor to families of three servicemen. The officials Vice Presidential Seal hangs on the wall behind him. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Vice Presidential Office, Executive Office Building, (EOB). Spiro Agnew, unidentified child, unidentified woman.

    Roll WHPO-2442 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2442-02A-08A, John Davies accepting a petition of support for President Nixon from unidentified men. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. John Davies.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2442-09A-24A, President Nixon in the Rose Garden accepting the traditional live Thanksgiving turkey for 1969 from Secretary of Agriculture Hardin, Bob Dole and officials. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, Clifford Hardin, Bob Dole, John Anderson, John Myers, Roger Zion, unidentified men and women.

    Roll WHPO-2443 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2443-02-35, President Nixon, in the Rose Garden, accepting the traditional live Thanksgiving turkey for 1969. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and representatives of the National Turkey Federation present the gift. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, Clifford Hardin, Bob Dole, John Anderson, John Myers, Roger Zion, unidentified men and women.

    Roll WHPO-2445 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2445-07-22, Pat Nixon standing with White House Chef Henry Haller. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House kitchen. Pat Nixon, Henry Haller.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2445-12, Pat Nixon standing with White House Chef Henry Haller and another White House cook. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House kitchen. Pat Nixon, Henry Haller, unidentified White House cook.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2445-23-28, Pat Nixon and unidentified men admiring dinner table settings ready for a meal. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Family Dining Room, West Sitting Hall, White House. Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2445-29-36, Pat Nixon and an unidentified woman seated on a sofa. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Family Dining Room, West Sitting Hall, White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2446 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2446-02-22, Harry Flemming standing with OEO District Directors. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Executive Office Building. Harry Flemming, OEO District Directors.

    Roll WHPO-2447 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2447-03A-14A, President Nixon meeting in the Oval office with Charles Rhyne of the United Citizens for Nixon-Agnew Committee. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Charles Rhyne, Spiro Agnew.

    Roll WHPO-2448 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2448-03A-07A, Bob Brown with a group of visitors. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Bob Brown.

    Roll WHPO-2449 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2449-01-07, President Nixon shaking hands in the Oval Office with Rep. Clark MacGregor. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, congressman Clark MacGregor, George Murphy, Don Clausen, Wayne Aspinall.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2449-02, President Nixon shaking hands in the Oval Office with Representative Clark MacGregor. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, congressman Clark MacGregor.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2449-09-12, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Senator George Murphy, Congressman Don Clausen, and Rep. Wayne Aspinall. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George Murphy, Don Clausen, Wayne Aspinall.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2449-12, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Senator George Murphy, Congressman Don Clausen, and Rep. Wayne Aspinall. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George Murphy, Don Clausen, Wayne Aspinall.

    Roll WHPO-2450 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2450-01-06, President Nixon receiving the credentials of Ambassador Basil Vitsaxis of Greece. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. Blue Room, White House. President Nixon, Basil Vitsaxis.

    Roll WHPO-2451 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2451-03, Timothy Bakarich (National Hemophilia Foundation posterchild). 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Timothy Bakarich.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2451-04-17, Pat Nixon seated with Timothy Bakarich, National Hemophilia Foundation poster child. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Pat Nixon, Timothy Bakarich.

    Roll WHPO-2452 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2452-04-09, Pat Nixon seated with Timothy Bakarich, the National Hemophilia Foundation posterchild. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Pat Nixon, Timothy Bakarich.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2452-10-16, Pat Nixon seated with Timothy Bakarich, National Hemophilia Foundation poster child, and his family. 11/18/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Pat Nixon, Timothy Bakarich, Mr. & Mrs. James Bakarich, Nancy Bakarich.

  • 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-097
      Press briefing on Trade Bill with Ronald Ziegler, Fred Burkston, Carl Gilbert, and Ted Gates; "OFF THE RECORD - NOT FOR RELEASE". (11/18/1969, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 23:00

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

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by "WHCA only"; Recorded by ADS (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-H-098
      Press briefing by Winton Blount and Ronald Ziegler. (11/18/1969, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 18:00

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

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

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-H-106
      Statement to press by Sen George Murphy, with Ronald Ziegler, Hickel, Congressman Pries, Congressnan Clausen. (11/18/1969, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 10:00

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

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by TWM (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-3515
      "Today" with Hubert Humphrey; "Here's Barbara" with Herb Klein.
      NBC, NBC
      Runtime: 00:32:32
    • WHCA-3529
      Weekly News Summary.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:27:03

      2. Postmaster General Blount on Moratorium Dissent (Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 03:03. Keywords: U.S. Postal Service, cabinet, advisors, Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)