Breadcrumb

August 4, 1970

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, August 4, 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: Monday, August 3, 1970

Next Date: Wednesday, August 5, 1970

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. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    The NSC System

    • 116. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Laird to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, August 4, 1970

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–299, NSC System, New NSC System. Confidential. Kissinger wrote at the top of the first page: “When will I get analysis.” On June 10 Haig forwarded to Kissinger an “under-the-table” draft of the memorandum, prepared by the JCS in response to a request made by Laird at a March 9 meeting. (JCSM–259–70, May 28; ibid.) In his covering memorandum Haig commented that “a number of the criticisms are valid and most of the recommendations worthy of consideration. I believe it is time for a major streamlining and tightening of procedures. This process may help give a needed shot-in-the-arm to the system.” (Ibid.)

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

    Foreign Assistance Policy, 1969-1972

    • 30. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, August 4, 1970

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, AID (US) 1. Confidential. According to an August 3 memorandum from Spiers to the Secretary, the memorandum was prepared at the Secretary’s request. The original memorandum with Secretary Rogers’ signature is ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Agency Files, Box 193, AID, Volume II 1/70-8/10/70, attached to an August 5 memorandum from Bergsten to Kissinger that reads: “Since your memorandum on the issue is already with the President, and since on balance you support Secretary Rogers’ position, I send this to you only for information. Nevertheless, if the President has not yet made his decision on the issue, you may wish to mention it to him or have it included in his package.” Kissinger’s memorandum on the issue is Document 135.

    International Development Policy, 1969-1972

    Vol. VII, Vietnam, July 1970-January 1972

    The Aftermath of the Cambodian Incursion, July 21-October 7, 1970

    Vol. XII, Soviet Union, January 1969-October 1970

    Soviet Military Buildup in Cuba and Crisis in Jordan, August 4-October 9, 1970

    • 192. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 4, 1970

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Geopolitical File, Box CL 215, Soviet Union, Chronological File, “D” File. No classification marking.

    Vol. XIX, Part 1, Korea, 1969-1972

    U.S. Troop Reductions and Related Defense Issues, November 1969-February 1971

    Vol. XXI, Chile, 1969-1973

    A Spoiling Operation: The 1970 Chilean Presidential Election, January 1-September 4, 1970

    Vol. XXIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1969-1972

    The Cease-Fire Agreement

    • 140. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel, Washington, August 4, 1970, 2009Z

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1155, Saunders Files, Middle East Negotiations Files, U.S. Peace Initiative For the Middle East Vol. II. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted on August 4 by Lissfelt (NEA/IAI); cleared by Atherton, Stackhouse (NEA/IAI), and Eliot; and approved by Sisco. Repeated Priority to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Jidda, London, Moscow, USUN, and Paris.

    Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa

    Portuguese Africa

    • 91. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 4, 1970, 2:45 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 17 THE CONGO. Secret. Drafted by McKesson on August 10 and cleared by Newsom. The meeting was held in Rogers’s office.

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

    U.S. Policy Towards International Production and Trafficking in Illegal Drugs

    Vol. E-5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969-1972

    Congo

    • 235. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 4, 1970

      The President discussed with Congo President Mobutu political instability, security, and economic development. Mobutu expressed his concerns about Chinese and Russian Communist influences in neighboring countries.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 278, Memoranda of Conversations, Presidential File, June–Sept 1970. Secret. The meeting took place in the White House.

    The Horn

    • 296. Telegram 1856 From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State, Mogadiscio, August 4, 1970, 0920Z

      The Embassy reported that the Somali Government had decided to release the “Midnight Sun” as a gesture of goodwill even though it had “blatantly violated internal and territorial waters.”

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–6 Somali-US. Confidential. Repeated to CINCSTRIKE and COMIDEASTFOR.

  • 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-4058 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4058-01A-21A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon participating in the White House arrival ceremony for President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4058-22A-30A, President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4058-27, President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu.

    Roll WHPO-4059 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4059-02A-18A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon participating in the arrival ceremony for President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4059-17, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu stand together on the Truman Balcony at the White House. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Truman Balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu.

    Roll WHPO-4060 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4060-02-36, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials participate in the arrival ceremony for President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu, William Westmoreland.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4060-07A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Mobutu, Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu, and officials participate in the arrival ceremony for President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu, General William Westmoreland.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4060-35A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Mobutu, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu stand together on the Truman Balcony at the White House. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Mrs. Marie-Anoinette Mobutu, William Westmoreland.

    Roll WHPO-4061 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4061-04A-23A, Meeting with Harry Dent and Congressman Louis Frey Jr. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. Harry Dent's office. Harry Dent, Louis Frey Jr., unidentified others.

    Roll WHPO-4065 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4065-02-09, Harry Dent and Paul Eggers meeting around a round table. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. Harry Dent's Office. Harry Dent, Paul Eggers.

    Roll WHPO-4066 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4066-01-33, Vice President Agnew with unidentified men, and accepting a check to be donated to Spanish-Speaking Americans from money made by watch sales. One of the wrist watches has a caricature of Vice Presdient Agnew on the face of the watch. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. Executive Office Building, Vice Presidential Office. Spiro Agnew, unidentified men.

    Roll WHPO-4072 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4072-02-07, President Nixon walking in the Rose Garden with President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, unidentified others.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4072-08-14, President Nixon speaking with President Joseph Desire Mobutu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, unidentified others.

    Roll WHPO-4073 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4073-01-23, President Nixon meeting with a delegation of Congressmen, including Rep.Charles W. Sandman, Jr., New Jersey, and Senator Wallace Bennett, Utah, during the Congressional Half-Hour. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Charles W. Sandman, Wallace Bennett, Senator and Mrs. Robert Kay, John E. Nidecker, John A. Volpe, Frank E. Moss, Alan Bible, Laurence Burton, Thomas Goodfellow, Lyle Snader, Jim Shultz, R.R. Bryant, Jerry Handerson.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4073-03A, President Nixon at his Oval Office desk meeting with a delegation of Congressmen, including Rep.Charles W. Sandman, Jr., New Jersey, and Senator Wallace Bennett, Utah, during the Congressional Half-Hour. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Charles W. Sandman Jr., possibly Wallace Bennett or Laurence Burton.

    Roll WHPO-4074 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4074-01A-16A, President meets with a delegation of Congressmen during the Congressional Half-Hour. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Charles W. Sandman, Wallace Bennett, Senator and Mrs. Robert Kay, John E. Nidecker, John A. Volpe, Frank E. Moss, Alan Bible, Laurence Burton, Thomas Goodfellow, Lyle Snader, Jim Shultz, R.R. Bryant, Jerry Handerson.

    Roll WHPO-4075 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4075-03A-05A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon stand with President Joseph Desire Mobutu and Mrs. Mobutu of the Congo for a formal portrait at the Grand Stairway. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Stairway. President Nixon, Pat Nixon and President and Mrs. Joseph Desire Mobutu of the Congo.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4075-06A-09A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon escorting their guests, President Joseph Desire Mobutu and Mrs. Mobutu of the Congo, to receive other dinner guests. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Stairway to the East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon and President and Mrs. Joseph Desire Mobutu of the Congo.

    Roll WHPO-4076 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-4076-04-27, President Nixon and Pat Nixon escorting their honored guests, President Joseph Desire Mobutu, and Mrs. Mobutu (Marie-Antoinette Mobutu) of the Congo to receive other dinner guests. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President and Mrs. Joseph Desire Mobutu (Marie-Antoinette Mobutu) of the Congo and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-4076-28-37, President Nixon and Pat Nixon with President Joseph Desire Mobutu (Marie-Antoinette Mobutu), and Mrs. Mobutu of the Congo. 8/4/1970, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President and Mrs. Joseph Desire Mobutu (Marie-Antoinette Mobutu) of the Congo and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
  • 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-075
      Remarks upon being given his 3rd Agnew watch-VP E.O.B. office. (8/4/1970)

      Runtime: 2:45

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

    J - Entertainment at the White House

    • WHCA-SR-J-132
      Andre Watts [see P-700807]. (8/4/1970)

      Runtime: 24:10:00

      Keywords: Musician, musicians, music, celebrities, performance, classical music

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-700806
      Arrival ceremony for President Mobutu, with President Mobutu. (8/4/1970)

      Runtime: 2:40

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-700807
      Remarks by President Nixon introducing after-dinner entertainer, Andre Watts [see J-132]. (8/4/1970)

      Runtime: 1:10

      Keywords: Musician, musicians, music, celebrities, performance

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-700808
      Remarks by President Nixon in toast to president Joseph Mobutu, with President Mobutu. (8/4/1970)

      Runtime: 6:30

      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-3811
      Weekly News Summary - Tape I.
      All networks
      Runtime: 1:00

      21. Reynolds: Film report on the Charles Manson murder trial: judge refuses mistrial motion. Time Code Start: 29:43. Keywords: Presidents, statements, criticisms, courts, trials, killings, deaths, crimes, violence, homicides, murders, shootings, law officials, lawyers. Network: ABC.

      22. Wordham: Film report on Middle East situation. Time Code Start: 30:13. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      23. Reynolds: Middle East. Time Code Start: 32:11. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      24. Jones: Middle East. Time Code Start: 32:50. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Israeli, truces, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      25. Reynolds: Film report on Cambodia. Time Code Start: 36:20. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.

      26. McVane: Report on Cambodia. Time Code Start: --. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.

      27. Frank Reynolds: Commentary; President Nixon's statement that Charles Manson guilty guilty of 8 murders and news media making him hero, then retracting statement damaged Nixon's credibility. Time Code Start: 37:04. Keywords: Presidents, statements, criticisms, courts, trials, killings, deaths, crimes, violence, homicides, murders, shootings, media, newspapers, magazines, the press, television, TV. Network: ABC.

      28. Brinkley: Hurricane Celia damage in Corpus Christi, Texas. Time Code Start: 39:04. Keywords: weather, disasters, hurricanes, storms, damages. Network: NBC.

      29. Brelis: Hurricane Celia damage report, Corpus Christi, Texas area, 160 mph wind, $200 million damage. Time Code Start: 39:55. Keywords: weather, disasters, hurricanes, storms, damages, costs. Network: NBC.

      30. Brinkley: Report on Cambodian bombing and Vietnamization. Time Code Start: 43:25. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War, bombs, bombings. Network: NBC.

      31. Davis: Vietnam. Time Code Start: 43:25. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: ABC.

      32. Oliver: Report on the Charles Manson trial; Manson shows jury paper headline "Manson Guilty, Nixon Declares;" judge had kept jurors from seeing news; trial in uproar. Time Code Start: 44:10. Keywords: Presidents, statements, criticisms, courts, trials, killings, deaths, crimes, violence, homicides, murders, shootings, media, newspapers, magazines, the press, television, TV. Network: ABC.

      33. Cronkite: Film report on the Charles Manson murder trial: Nixon's remark about Charles Manson's guilt reaches courtroom. Time Code Start: 46:05. Keywords: Presidents, statements, criticisms, courts, trials, killings, deaths, crimes, violence, homicides, murders, shootings, media, newspapers, magazines, the press, television, TV. Network: CBS.

      34. Kurtis: Charles Manson trial; Manson holds up headline "Manson Guilty, Nixon Declares"; jurors had been isolated from news; attys. Ask for mistrial, judge denies it; Manson asks to represent self, denied. Time Code Start: 46:21. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, statements, courts, trials, killings, deaths, crimes, violence, homicides, murders, shootings, media, publications, newspapers, headlines. Network: CBS.

      35. Cronkite: Report on bombing of Cambodia. Time Code Start: 48:32. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)