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October 8, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, October 8, 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: Wednesday, October 7, 1970

Next Date: Friday, October 9, 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.

    Addresses and Remarks

    • Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1353, October 8, 1970)
      The President's Informal Remarks to Reporters Upon Arrival at the Base at Savannah.
    • Skidaway Island, Georgia (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1354, October 8, 1970)
      The President's Informal Remarks in Response to Reporters' Question About Reaction to His Southeast Asian Speech.
    • Ocean Science Center of the Atlantic Commission (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1355, October 8, 1970)
      The President's Remarks at Dedication Ceremonies at Skidaway Island, Savannah, Ga.

    Announcements

    Acts Approved by the President

    • S.J. Res. 110 -- Public Law 91-442
      Joint Resolution to amend the joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution to establish the first week in October of each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week," approved August 11, 1945 (59 Stat. 530), so as to broaden the applicability of such resolution to all handicapped workers.
    • H.J. Res. 236 -- Public Law 91-443
      Joint Resolution authorizing and requesting the President of the United States to issue a proclamation designating the week of August 1 through August 7, 1971, as "National Clown Week".

  • 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. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

    Committee of 24

    Vol. XXI, Chile, 1969-1973

    Two Tracks: U.S. Intervention in the Confirmation of the Chilean President, September 5-November 4, 1970

    Vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969-1972

    Canada

    • 103. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Canada, Washington, October 8, 1970, 2347Z

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 670, Country Files—Europe, Canada, Vol. II. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by T. Shoesmith (EA), cleared in EUR and S/S–O, and approved in E. Repeated to Taipei, Stockholm, Tokyo, USUN, and Hong Kong.

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

    International Environmental Policy

    • 300. Research Study SAS-1, Prepared by the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Washington, October 8, 1970

      The study, entitled: “Major International Conference on the Environment, 1971-1972,” was prepared as a supporting paper for a report on “U.S. Priority Interest in the Environmental Activities of International Organizations.”

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, SCI 41. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Howard M. Wiedemann, (IND/DFR).

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

    Afghanistan, 1969-1972

    • 336. Telegram 6242 From the Embassy in Afghanistan to the Department of State, Kabul, October 8, 1970, 0810Z

      The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs inquired about the status of the request for 100,000 tons of PL–480 wheat.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AID(US) 15–8 AFG. Limited Official Use. Sent as a joint Embassy/AID message. On October 24, the Department authorized the Embassy to negotiate an agreement for 50,000 metric tons of wheat. Budgetary limitations precluded an agreement for the full amount requested. (AID airgram 2370 to Kabul; ibid.) The PL–480 agreement was signed in Kabul on March 27, 1971. (Telegram 2125 from Kabul, March 27; ibid.) The text of the agreement was transmitted to the Department on March 31 in airgram A-33. (Ibid.)

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

    Bolivia

    • 94. Memorandum From Viron P. Vaky of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, October 8, 1970., Washington, October 8, 1970

      National Security Council staff member Vaky suggested the United States quietly give assurances to General Torres that if he acted reasonably, the United States could work with him.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 770, Country Files, Latin America, Bolivia, Vol. 1, 1969–1970. Confidential. Sent for information. “Action” was handwritten on the memorandum. Kissinger wrote “I agree with pvt. [private] contact. HK” on the memorandum. In an October 14 note to Haig, Vaky stated that on October 9 Torres asked for a continuation of relations. Vaky asked the Department of State to respond affirmatively. Vaky also asked the Department to make an approach to Torres along the lines his October 8 memorandum to Kissinger. Vaky concluded, “I think this little gambit will pay off.” Haig initialed the note. On October 13, the Department made the approach to Torres. (Telegram 168190 from the Department of State, ibid.)

    Paraguay

    • 571. Letter From President Nixon to President Stroessner of Paraguay, October 8, 1970.

      President Nixon replied to President Stroessner’s request for U.S. military assistance. Even though he stated that the prospect for restoring cuts in Military Assistance Program (MAP) assistance did not look likely, Nixon said he would request authorization from Congress for credit for the purchase of military equipment.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 19–8 US–PAR. No classification marking. Nixon wrote at the bottom of the letter, “I recall with great pleasure my visit to Paraguay in 1958.” A telegraphic copy of Stroessner’s letter of July 20 is published as Document 569.

  • 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-4713 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4713-01-28, Presidential motorcade traveling from Hunter Air Force Base to the Savannah Yacht Club. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia streets. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4713-23, President Nixon and Pat Nixon waving to the crowd from the presidential motorcade limousine while traveling from Hunter Air Force Base to the Savannah Yacht Club. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia streets. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, secret service, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4713-29-35, President Nixon and others cruising to Skidaway Island on the Royal Eagle yacht. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia. Royal Eagle. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Robert Demere, others.

    Roll WHPO-4714 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4714-02-14, President Nixon and Pat Nixon participating in the Dedication Ceremony for the Ocean Science Center of the Atlantic Commission. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia Skidaway Island. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, distinguished guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4714-15-18, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, David and Julia Eisenhower and others flying by helicopter from Skidaway Island to Hunter Army Airfield. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia. Skidaway Island. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, David and Julia Eisenhower and other members of the Presidential party.

    Roll WHPO-4715 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4715-01A-04A, President Nixon arriving at Hunter AFB. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia airport, tarmac. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, others.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4715-05A-17A, Presidential motorcade traveling from Hunter AFB to the Savannah Yacht Club. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia streets. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, others.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4715-18A-22A, President Nixon greeting crowd. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia streets. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, others.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4715-23A-30A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and others cruising on the Royal Eagle to Skidaway Island. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia. Royal Eagle. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, others.

    Roll WHPO-4716 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4716-01-19, President Nixon addressing audience in front of a large American Flag during the Dedication Ceremony for the Ocean Science Center of the Atlantic Commission. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia Skidaway Island. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, David and Julie Eisenhower, distinguished guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4716-20-27, President Nixon and Pat Nixon participating in the Dedication Ceremony for the Ocean Science Center of the Atlantic Commission. 10/8/1970, Savannah, Georgia Skidaway Island. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, David and Julie Eisenhower, distinguished guests.

    Roll WHPO-4729 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4729-04-16, Vice President Agnew preparing to leave for Fort Smith, Arkansas for Campaign '70. 10/8/1970, Fort Smith, Arkansas Airport, tarmac. Spiro T. Agnew, local candidates.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4729-17-21, Vice President Agnew arriving at Fort Smith, Arkansas for Campaign '70. 10/8/1970, Fort Smith, Arkansas Airport, tarmac. Spiro T. Agnew, local candidates.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4729-22-26, Vice President Agnew shaking hands with local candidates. 10/8/1970, Fort Smith, Arkansas unknown. Spiro T. Agnew, local candidates.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4729-27-29, Vice President Agnew addressing crowd. 10/8/1970, Fort Smith, Arkansas unknown. Spiro T. Agnew.

    Roll WHPO-4730 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4730-08-22, Vice President Agnew arriving in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for Campaign '70 and greeting crowd at airport. 10/8/1970, Fort Smith, Arkansas airport, tarmac. Spiro T. Agnew, local officials, others.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4730-23-34, Vice President Agnew attending a reception and fund-raiser in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 10/8/1970, Fort Smith, Arkansas unknown. Spiro T. Agnew, local officials, others.

  • 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-126
      Remarks at a fund raising rally-Fort Smith, Arkansas. (10/8/1970)

      Runtime: 35:00:00

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-701015
      Remarks by President Nixon on arrival at hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. (10/8/1970)

      Runtime: 8:00

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-701016
      Remarks by President Nixon en route to Skidaway Boat Dock in Savannah. (10/8/1970)

      Runtime: 18:00

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-701017
      Remarks by President Nixon dedicating Oceanographic Research Center in Savannah. (10/8/1970)

      Runtime: 18:01

      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-3896
      Weekly News Summary - Tape II.
      All networks
      Runtime: 01:02:46

      18. Report on the Administration's Vietnam peace plans; film from Paris. Time Code Start: 23:04. Keywords: Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      19. Report from the State Department on the administration's Vietnam Peace initiatives. Time Code Start: 25:47. Keywords: Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      20. Vietnam update: latest casualty report and troop reductions from Vietnam. Time Code Start: 27:03. Keywords: Vietnam War, killed in action, KIA, death tolls, fatalities, casualty, casualties, military, troops. Network: ABC.

      21. Film report on G.I. reactions to announced withdrawals from Vietnam. Time Code Start: 27:44. Keywords: Vietnam War, military, troops, withdrawals. Network: ABC.

      22. Film report on South Vietnamese reaction to announced withdrawals from Vietnam. Time Code Start: 29:06. Keywords: Vietnam War, troops, withdrawals. Network: ABC.

      23. Congressional reactions to announced withdrawals from Vietnam. Time Code Start: 30:28. Keywords: Vietnam War, troops, withdrawals. Network: ABC.

      24. Report on impact of the President Nixon's speech on Indiana Elections. Time Code Start: 32:35. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, elections, candidates, campaigns, campaigning, voting, results. Network: ABC.

      25. Free POWs. Time Code Start: 35:21. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: ABC.

      26. Free POWs - with two families. Time Code Start: 35:37. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: ABC.

      27. Campus reactions to announced withdrawals from Vietnam. Time Code Start: 37:38. Keywords: Vietnam War, troops, withdrawals, universities, colleges, public opinions, reactions. Network: ABC.

      28. Film report from UCLA Berkeley campus. Time Code Start: 37:52. Keywords: colleges, universities, students, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      29. President Nixon's mood. Time Code Start: 39:34. Keywords: Presidents, psychology. Network: ABC.

      30. Smith/Jarriel: President Nixon in Georgia, campaigns for Republican governor candidate Hal Suit, some anti-war signs along motorcade route. Time Code Start: 39:58. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      31. Frank Reynolds: Commentary. Time Code Start: 41:58. Keywords: media, reports. Network: ABC.

      32. Report on reactions to Presidents Nixon's speech. Time Code Start: 43:34. Keywords: Presidents, speeches. Network: NBC.

      33. Report on implications of President Nixon's speech for the Paris Peace Talks. Time Code Start: 44:22. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.

      34. Report on Capitol Hill reaction to President Nixon's speech for the Paris Peace Talks. Time Code Start: 46:35. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.

      35. Update on Vietnam casualties. Time Code Start: 48:42. Keywords: Vietnam War, killed in action, KIA, death tolls, fatalities, casualty, casualties, military, troops. Network: NBC.

      36. Film report on the military's view of the war in Vietnam. Time Code Start: 49:13. Keywords: Vietnam War, Armed Forces, Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, reactions. Network: NBC.

      37. Reaction to President Nixon's speech. Time Code Start: 50:37. Keywords: Presidents, speeches. Network: CBS.

      38. Film report from Paris on reactions to the President Nixon's speech. Time Code Start: 51:07. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: CBS.

      39. Cronkite: President Nixon Nixon dedicates Savannah, Georgia oceanographic center, comments on Indochina peace plan. Time Code Start: 53:15. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      40. Report from the State Department on the Administration's peace plans. Time Code Start: 54:13. Keywords: Vietnam War, treaties, peace, proposals. Network: CBS.

      41. Report on radical bombings on the West Coast, with film comments from Attorney General Mitchell. Time Code Start: 54:45. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, law officials. Network: CBS.

      42. Film report on homemade bombs. Time Code Start: 56:14. Keywords: weapons, bombings, construction. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)