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October 17, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Friday, October 17, 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: Thursday, October 16, 1969

Next Date: Saturday, October 18, 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.

    Addresses and Remarks

    Appointments and Nominations

    • Federal Reserve System (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1425, October 17, 1969)
      Announcement of Intention To Nominate Arthur F. Burns as a Member of the Board of Governors Replacing William McChesney Martin, Jr., as Chairman.
    • United States Ambassador to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1426, October 17, 1969)
      Announcement of Intention To Nominate Lewis Hoffacker of the District of Columbia.
    • Task Force on Urban Renewal (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1426, October 17, 1969)
      Announcement of Establishment and Membership.

    Proclamations

    Statements by the President

    • Federal Reserve System (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1425, October 17, 1969)
      Statement by the President Upon Announcing His Intention To Nominate Arthur F. Burns To Be a Member of the Board of Governors Replacing William McChesney Martin, Jr., as Chairman.

    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.

    • The President's Address to the Nation on the rising cost of living (advance text).

  • 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.

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

    UN Finances and Reduction of the U.S. Assessment

    Vol. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 137. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, October 17, 1969, 4:49-5:45 p.m.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 63, Memoranda of Conversations, Presidential File, 1969. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Holdridge sent this memorandum to Kissinger on October 24 with the recommendation that it receive no distribution outside the White House. Kissinger agreed. (Ibid.) The time of the meeting is from the President’s Daily Diary. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Central Files)

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China, 1969

    • 40. Draft Response to National Security Study Memorandum 63 , Washington, October 17, 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. For drafting information, see footnote 3, Document 15.

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    The Joint Chiefs of Staff Readiness Test

    • 84. Diary Entry by the President’s Assistant (Haldeman) , Washington, October 17, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, Handwritten Journals and Diaries of Harry Robbins Haldeman, Vol. 3, September 29, 1969–January 12, 1970. No classification marking. The diary entry, which is handwritten by Haldeman, was transcribed by the editors.

    Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    • 35. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, October 17, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 682, Country Files, Europe, Germany, Vol. III. Confidential. Sent for information. According to another copy of this memorandum, Hyland drafted it on October 14. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 287, Memoranda to the President, 1969–1974, Oct.–Dec. 1969) Sonnenfeldt forwarded a draft to Kissinger on October 7; in his cover memorandum, Sonnenfeldt commented that the State paper was “workmanlike but somewhat superficial” and probably did not contain “anything the President has not already heard.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 682, Country Files, Europe, Germany, Vol. III) In accordance with Kissinger’s handwritten instructions, Sonnenfeldt revised the draft on October 14 to include a summary of the State paper. (Ibid.) A note indicates that the memorandum was returned from the President on October 21. Kissinger later wrote that State had submitted a “thoughtful paper” and that he agreed with its conclusion that “under an SPD–FDP coalition an active all-German and Eastern policy will have the first priority.” (White House Years, p. 408)

    Vol. E-4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969-1972

    Iran 1969

    Vol. E-4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969-1972

    Iran 1969

    • 26. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, October 17, 1969

      Rogers provided Nixon with recommended positions and talking points for the Shah’s forthcoming visit.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 920, VIP Visits, Shah of Iran, Washington DC, 10/21–10/23/69. Secret. Scope, objective paper, and talking points were enclosed but are not published.

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

    Bolivia

    • 80. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, October 17, 1969. , Washington, October 17, 1969

      President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger outlined for President Nixon the implications of the nationalization of Gulf Oil.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 770, Country Files, Bolivia, Vol. 1 1969–1970. Confidential. Sent for information. The memorandum was not initialed by Kissinger. The Hickenlooper Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 was initially approved in August 1962 and subsequently revised in December 1963. Sponsored by Senators Burke B. Hickenlooper and E. Ross Adair, the amendment stipulated that the President suspend assistance to any country that expropriated the property of U.S. citizens or corporations without proper compensation. (76 Stat. 260)

  • 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-2192 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2192-00A-19A, President Nixon shaking hands and seated at his desk with Congressional candidate Philip Crane. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Philip Crane.

    Roll WHPO-2193 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2193-00A-06A, President Nixon receiving a telephone from Loren Berry, Paul Henson, and William Graham. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Loren Berry, Paul Henson, William Graham.

    Roll WHPO-2194 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2194-, Formal head and shoulder portraits of Connie Stuart, Pat Nixon's secretary. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Constance Cornell Stuart, (AKA) Connie Stuart.

    Roll WHPO-2195 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2195-, Formal head and shoulder portraits of Connie Stuart, Pat Nixon's secretary. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Constance Cornell Stuart, (AKA) Connie Stuart.

    Roll WHPO-2196 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2196-, Formal head and shoulder portraits of Connie Stuart, Pat Nixon's secretary. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Constance Cornell Stuart, (AKA) Connie Stuart.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2196-06, Formal head and shoulder portraits of Connie Stuart, Pat Nixon's secretary. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Constance Cornell Stuart, (AKA) Connie Stuart.

    Roll WHPO-2197 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2197-, Formal head and shoulder portraits of Connie Stuart, Pat Nixon's secretary. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Constance Cornell Stuart, (AKA) Connie Stuart.

    Roll WHPO-2198 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2198-03-19, Pat Nixon with members of the Women's Action Panel. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Family Dining Room. Pat Nixon, guests.

    Roll WHPO-2199 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2199-06A-36A, Pat Nixon with members of the Women's Action Panel. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Family Dining Room. Pat Nixon, guests.

    Roll WHPO-2200 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2200-07-26, Firemen responding to a fire in a White House office. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. various locations, White House. firemen, staff.

    Roll WHPO-2201 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2201-03-10, President Nixon seated at his desk prior to making a radio address on inflation. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2202 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2202-02A-19A, President Nixon seated at his desk prior to making a radio address on inflation, with photographers snapping pictures. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, photographers, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2202-20A-23A, President Nixon sitting informally with Sir Robert Thompson and Kissinger. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Kissinger, Sir Robert Thompson.

    Roll WHPO-2203 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2203-05-26, Firemen responding to a fire in White House. 10/17/1969, Washington, D.C. various locations, White House. firemen, staff.

  • 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-691011
      President Nixon Address to the Nation on the Rising Cost of Living (Radio Message). (10/17/1969)

      Runtime: 16:21

      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-3466
      Weekly News Summary.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:43:19

      25. Cronkite/Rather: President Nixon asks self-restraint for economy stabilization, no wage and price controls, inflation slowing, announced Federal Reserve Board Chairman William McChesney Martin resignation, replacement is Arthur Burns. Time Code Start: 05:38. Keywords: Presidents, cabinet, advisors, resignations, appointments, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: CBS.

      26. Cronkite: Fire caused by copying machine short circuit in White House, residential wing not affected. Time Code Start: 05:62. Keywords: fires, government buildings, residences, Washington, D.C.. Network: CBS.

      27. Cronkite/Rather: Report on President Nixon's radio speech on economy; on the road to recovery from runaway prices. Time Code Start: 05:72. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices, reports, speeches. Network: CBS.

      28. Brinkley: Report on President Nixon's radio speech on economy; says nation recovering from rising prices; William McC. Martin leaving Federal Reserve Board in January to be replaced by Dr. Arthur Burns. Time Code Start: 06:07. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices, reports, speeches. Network: NBC.

      29. Smith/Jarriel: Report on President Nixon's radio speech on economy; Urges restraints in buying, on road to recovery. Time Code Start: 06:25. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices, reports, speeches. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)