October 20, 1970

The Daily Diary files represent a consolidated record of the President's activities. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

• Original typewritten diary (PDF)

The President's day began at Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri

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

• Kansas City, Missouri (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1416, October 20, 1970)
  The President's Remarks at Menorah Hospital Following a Visit With Two Kansas City Policemen Injured in a Bomb Explosion.
• Johnson City, Tennessee (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1417, October 20, 1970)
  The President's Remarks at East Tennessee State University.
• Asheville, North Carolina (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1421, October 20, 1970)
  The President's Remarks in Front of the Buncombe County Courthouse.
• Fort Wayne, Indiana (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1426, October 20, 1970)
  The President's Remarks at the Fort Wayne Coliseum.
• Fort Wayne, Indiana (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1430, October 20, 1970)
  The President's Remarks to an Overflow Audience in the Exhibition Hall at the Fort Wayne Coliseum.

Statements by the President

• Johnson City, Tennessee (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1417, October 20, 1970)
  Statement by the President in Support of Republican Candidates in Tennessee.
• Asheville, North Carolina (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1421, October 20, 1970)
  Statement by the President in Support of Republican Candidates in North Carolina.
• Fort Wayne, Indiana (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1425, October 20, 1970)
  Statement by the President in Support of Republican Candidates in Indiana.

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.

• Remarks Following a Visit With Two Policemen Injured in a Bomb Explosion in Kansas City, Missouri.
• Statement in Support of Republican Candidates in Tennessee.
• Remarks at East Tennessee State University.
• Statement in Support of Republican Candidates in North Carolina.
• Remarks in Asheville, North Carolina.
• Statement in Support of the Republican Candidate for the United States Senate in Indiana.
• Remarks in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• Remarks to Overflow Crowd in Fort Wayne Coliseum.

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.

• Federal Register of Tuesday, October 20, 1970

Argued

• Perkins v. Matthews
• Wyman v. James

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.

• Transcript of diary entry (PDF)
• Handwritten diary entry (JPG)

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

• Text search for October 20, 1970
• Date search for October 20, 1970

All National Archives Units

• Text search for October 20, 1970
• Date search for October 20, 1970

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.

• President's Daily Brief of 20 October 1970

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. IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969-1972

Coordinating Committee on Export Controls, 1969-1972

• 366. Action Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, October 20, 1970

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files-Europe, Box 677, France, Volume VII 10/70-3/71. Secret. A handwritten note by Kissinger dated October 31 reads: “Hal—Lucet has asked about the French request to cooperate on nuclear diffusion plant. Where does it stand? Please let me know by opening of business November 5.” In an attached November 4 note Sonnenfeldt reported that he dealt with the question in a separate memorandum of the same date.

Vol. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

UN Finances and Reduction of the U.S. Assessment

• 161. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations, Washington, October 20, 1970, 0108Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 10. Confidential. Drafted by Patrick T. O’Connor; cleared by Allen, Paul W. Jones, Frechtling, John W. McDonald, Fox, and Richard W. Murray; and approved by Allen. Repeated to Vienna and the Mission in Geneva.

Chinese Representation in the United Nations

• 301. Telegram From Secretary of State Rogers to the Department of State, New York, October 20, 1970, 2:02 p.m.

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Conference Files: Lot 71 D 227, 1970 UNGA, Volume II of VI. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Michael H. Newlin (POL), cleared by Richard F. Pedersen, and approved by Alden H. Irons (S/S). Repeated to Taipei, Hong Kong, and Phnom Penh.

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

"A Moment of Unusual Uncertainty": Meeting Between Nixon and Gromyko, October 12-December 31, 1970

• 19. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, October 20, 1970

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 71, Country Files, Europe, USSR, Gromyko, 1970. Secret; Nodis. Sent for information. Haig signed the memorandum for Kissinger. In an attached handwritten note to Kissinger, Haig reported: “Pres wanted this p.m. We will have sep[arate] memo on VN in office for you.” In an apparent reference to the possibility of discussion at the United Nations on Vietnam, Nixon wrote the following question on the memorandum: “Debate in assembly. Coalition?”

Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

Philippines

• 232. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, October 20, 1970

  Source: National Security Council Files, Nixon Intelligence Files, Subject File, Philippines. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Sent for information. A notation indicates the President saw it.

Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

March 10, 1970-April 2, 1971

• 60. Telegram From the Embassy in the Netherlands to the Department of State, The Hague, October 20, 1970, 1415Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 697, Country Files, Europe, The Netherlands, Vol. I. Secret; Exdis.

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

Oceans Policy

• 383. Memorandum From the Assistant Legal Adviser for Politico-Military and Ocean Affairs (Neuman) to the Legal Adviser of the Department of State (Stevenson), Washington, October 20, 1970

  Neuman reviewed the range of national interests involved in Law of the Sea negotiations.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 33-8. Secret.

Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

India and Pakistan: Pre-Crisis, January 1969-February 1971

• 85. National Intelligence Estimate 31/32–70, Washington, October 20, 1970

  NIE 31/32–70 provided a summary of long-term political and economic prospects for India and Pakistan.
  
  Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–R 01012A, NIC Files. Secret; Controlled Dissem. Submitted by Deputy Director of Central Intelligence R. E. Cushman, Jr. According to a note on the cover sheet, “The following intelligence organizations participated in the preparation of this estimate: The Central Intelligence Agency, and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, and the NSA. All members of the U.S. Intelligence Board concurred in this estimate on October 20, except for the Assistant to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who abstained on the grounds that the subject was outside of his jurisdiction.”

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.

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-4794 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4794-23A-30A, President Nixon visiting Kenneth. M. Fleming and Charles F. Robinson, Kansas City Policemen injured in Kansas City on 15 October 1970. 10/20/1970, Kansas City, Missouri Menorah Medical Center. President Nixon, Kenneth. M. Fleming and Charles F. Robinson.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4794-31A-32A, President Nixon preparing to depart Kansas City. 10/20/1970, Kansas City, Missouri Unidentified medical facility. President Nixon, two unidentified patients, others.

Roll WHPO-4803 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4803-02-36, President Nixon attending a political campaign rally supporting Republican candidates in Indiana. 10/20/1970, Fort Wayne, Indiana Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum. President Nixon, Congressmen, Congressional Candidates, Republican dignitaries, rally participants.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4803-14, President Nixon speaking onstage from the platform to a packed audience while attending a political campaign rally supporting Republican candidates in Indiana. 10/20/1970, Fort Wayne, Indiana Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum. President Nixon, Congressmen, Congressional Candidates, Republican dignitaries, rally participants.

Roll WHPO-4804 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4804-03-36, President Nixon attending a political rally supporting Republican candidates in Indiana. 10/20/1970, Fort Wayne, Indiana Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum. President Nixon, Congressmen, Congressional Candidates, Republican dignitaries, rally participants.

Roll WHPO-4805 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4805-02A-21A, President Nixon attending a political campaign rally at the Buncombe County Court House for Congressional Candidate, Luke Atkinson. 10/20/1970, Asheville, North Carolina. Buncombe County Court House. President Nixon, Luke Atkinson, dignitaries, rally participants.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4805-08A, President Nixon speaking onstage outdoors, to an audience dotted with open umbrellas on a rainy day, while attending a political campaign rally at the Buncombe County Court House for Congressional Candidate, Luke Atkinson. A banner sign "Nixon is the ONE" hangs near the stage. 10/20/1970, Asheville, North Carolina. Buncombe County Court House. President Nixon, Luke Atkinson, dignitaries, rally participants.

Roll WHPO-4806 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-4806-03-11, President Nixon arriving Tri-City Airport, Johnson City, Tennessee, and being met byenator Howard. H. Baker, Jr., Congressman James H. Quillen, Congressman William E. Brock 3d, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate, Winfield Dunn and Edward Bailey, Republican State Chairman. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee Tri-City Airport. President Nixon, Howard. H. Baker, Jr., James H. Quillen, William E. Brock 3d, Winfield Dunn, Edward Bailey.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4806-12-37, The President attending a political rally supporting Republican candidates in Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnston City, Tennessee East Tennessee State University. President Nixon, William E. Brock, Republican dignitaries, rally participants, crowd.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4806-29, President Nixon at the podium addressing the crowd while attending a political rally supporting Republican candidates in Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnston City, Tennessee East Tennessee State University. President Nixon, William E. Brock, Republican dignitaries, rally participants, crowd.

Roll WHPO-4807 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-4807-01A-17A, President Nixon attending a political rally supporting Republican candidates in Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee East Tennessee State University. President Nixon, rally participants.

Roll WHPO-4808 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4808-02-11, President Nixon attending a political rally supporting Republican candidates in Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee East Tennessee State University. President Nixon, William E. Brock, Winfield Dunn, rally participants.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4808-09, President Nixon speaking onstage outdoors, to an audience dotted with open umbrellas on a rainy day, while attending a political campaign rally in Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee East Tennessee State University. President Nixon, audience, rally participants.

Roll WHPO-4809 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4809-02-09, President Nixon arriving at the Tri-City Airport, and being greeted by Senator Howard H. Baker, Congressman William E. Brock, Congressman James H. Quillen, Republican Gubernatorial candidate Winfield Dunn and Republican State Chairman, Edward Bailey. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee Tri-City Airport. President Nixon, Howard H. Baker, William E. Brock, James H. Quillen, Winfield Dunn, Edward Bailey.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4809-04, President Nixon is greeted by Senator Howard H. Baker, Congressmen William E. Brock and James H. Quillen, Republican Gubernatorial candidate Winfield Dunn and Republican State Chairman, Edward Bailey, upon his arrival Tri-City Airport. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee Tri-City Airport. President Nixon, Howard H. Baker, William E. Brock, Winfield Dunn, James H. Quillen or Edward Bailey.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4809-10-24, President Nixon attending a political campaign rally supporting Republican Gubernatorial candidate Winfield Dunn in Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee East Tennessee State University. President Nixon, Howard H. Baker, William E. Brock, James H. Quillen, Winfield Dunn, Edward Bailey.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4809-16, President Nixon standing onstage outdoors, holding both arms up with hands in the V Victory sign to an audience dotted with open umbrellas on a rainy day, while attending a political campaign rally for Republican Gubernatorial candidate Winfield Dunn in Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee East Tennessee State University. President Nixon, Howard H. Baker, William E. Brock, James H. Quillen, Winfield Dunn, Edward Bailey.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4809-26-27, President Nixon preparing to leave Johnson City, Tennessee. 10/20/1970, Johnson City, Tennessee Tri-City Airport. President Nixon, Howard H. Baker, William E. Brock, James H. Quillen, Winfield Dunn, Edward Bailey.

Roll WHPO-4810 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4810-03-04, President Nixon arriving at Asheville Municipal Airport, and holding an impromptu campaign rally for Congressional Candidate, Luke Atkinson. 10/20/1970, Asheville, North Carolina Asheville Municipal Airport. President Nixon, Luke Atkinson, rally participants.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4810-05-14, President Nixon attending a political campaign rally for congressional candidate, Luke Atkinson. 10/20/1970, Asheville, North Carolina Buncombe County Court House. President Nixon, Luke Atkinson, rally participants.

Roll WHPO-4819 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4819-, Pat Nixon visits the Headquarters of William Raggio, Washoe County-Reno, District Attorney and candidate for the US Senate. 10/20/1970, Reno, Nevada Reno, Nevada. Pat Nixon, Mr. & Mrs. William Raggio and others attending the political rally.

Roll WHPO-4820 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4820-03-10, Pat Nixon arrives at the Reno Airport. 10/20/1970, Reno, Nevada Reno Airport, Reno, Nevada. Pat Nixon, Mayor and Mrs. Roy Bankofier, Mr. & Mrs. William Raggio, District Attorney.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4820-12-30, Pat Nixon visits District Attorney William Raggio's U.S. Senate campaign headquarters. 10/20/1970, Reno, Nevada Reno, Nevada. Pat Nixon, Mr. & Mrs. William Raggio and other participants in the rally.

Roll WHPO-4821 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4821-03-24, Pat Nixon arrives at the Reno Airport. 10/20/1970, Reno, Nevada Reno Airport, Reno, Nevada. Pat Nixon, Mayor and Mrs. Roy Bankofier, Mr. & Mrs. William Raggio, District Attorney.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4821-25-36, Pat Nixon visits District Attorney William Raggio's U.S. Senate campaign headquarters. 10/20/1970, Reno, Nevada Reno, Nevada. Pat Nixon, Mr. & Mrs. William Raggio and other participants in the rally.

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.

B - Vice-Presidential (Agnew and Ford)

• WHCA-SR-B-138
  Kup's show with VP Agnew-WMAQ Studios, Chicago, Illinois (two tapes). (10/20/1970)
  
  Runtime: 35:00:00
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

• WHCA-SR-B-139
  Remarks at a fund raising dinner-Lord Baltimore, Baltimore, MD. (10/20/1970)
  
  Runtime: 30:00:00
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-701033
  Remarks by President Nixon on arrival at East Tennessee St. U. in Johnson City with Senator Howard Baker, Representatives Brock and Quillen, Winfield Dunn. (10/20/1970)
  
  Runtime: 24:56:00
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

• WHCA-SR-P-701034
  Remarks by President Nixon at a rally in Pack Square in Asheville, NC with Miss North Carolina. (10/20/1970)
  
  Runtime: 0:27:00
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

• WHCA-SR-P-701035
  Remarks by President Nixon at Republican rally in Ft. Wayne Memorial Coliseum. (10/20/1970)
  
  Runtime: 34:40:00
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

• WHCA-SR-P-701036
  Remarks by President Nixon to overflow crowd after Ft. Wayne rally. (10/20/1970)
  
  Runtime: 7:00
  
  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-3912
  "Television and Politics". David Eisenhower.
  KOB
  Runtime: 1:00
• WHCA-3913
  "The Tonight Show" with John Lindsay. William Scranton, Shirley Bassey, Engelbert Humperdinck.
  Group W Productions
  Runtime: 00:28:15
• WHCA-3919
  Weekly News Summary - Tape II.
  All networks
  Runtime: 1:00
  
  1. Chancellor/Hager: Communist countries complete largest military maneuvers in Soviet East Block since WWII. (Footage ripped from East German TV) Size of Communist war games gave indication of growing imbalance in Central Europe. Warsaw Pact now has 50% mor. Time Code Start: 00:00:00. Keywords: N.A.T.O., North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Europe, military, United States, Soviet Union, Russia, USSR, Armed Forces, troops. Network: NBC.
  
  2. Chancellor/Kaplow: President Nixon on campaign road for Republicans. Mrs. Nixon in Reno to campaign. President Nixon told audience in North Carolina his administration stands firmly against bussing. Stood strong on law and order in Kansas City, Missouri, . Time Code Start: 00:02:32. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, speeches, desegregation, bombings, victims, law enforcement, salaries, wages, Pat Nixon, crime, crimes, offences, infractions, criminals, criminality, law breaking, law and order. Network: NBC.
  
  3. Cronkite/Rather/Mudd: Nixon's campaign trail. Went to hospital in Kansas City, Missouri to meet police officers hurt in bombing as they worked on a community relations project, Federal Model Cities Program. (Same b-roll as NBC story) President Nixon calls. Time Code Start: 00:06:20. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, speeches, desegregation, bombings, victims, law enforcement, salaries, wages. Network: CBS.
  
  4. Cronkite/Pappas: Ohio special grand jury's investigation into Kent State produced more arrests and a growing campus reaction to the Grand Jury itself. Six indicted youths surrender to authorities, and so far 10 of the 24 indicted have come forward to poli. Time Code Start: 00:14:47. Keywords: courts, investigations, universities, shootings, demonstrations, rallys, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, students, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: CBS.
  
  5. Cronkite/Sevareid: White House announces more campaigning. Seems to be more agreement on what went wrong over who's responsible for it going wrong, or for fixing it. In his inaugural speech President Nixon spoke on healing, unifying and building a great c. Time Code Start: 00:17:07. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, speeches, desegregation, racism, racial profiling, racial discrimination. Network: CBS.
• WHCA-4003
  Political commercial excerpts of "Television & Politics".
  CBS
  Runtime: 0:10

• New York Times of October 20, 1970

• AP Images photos from October 20, 1970
• Getty Images photos from October 20, 1970

The Vanderbilt Television News Archive is the world's most extensive and complete archive of television news. They have been recording, preserving and providing access to television news broadcasts of the national networks since August 5, 1968.

• October 1970 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• October 20, 1970