December 17, 1971

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 Key Biscayne, Florida

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.

Digitized versions can be found at HathiTrust.

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.

• Statement on Signing Bill To Protect Wild Horses and Burros.
• Statement on Signing Veterans Pension and Compensation Bills.
• Executive Order 11636—Employee-Management Relations in the Foreign Service of the United States

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 Friday, December 17, 1971

The Congressional Record is the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress.

• Senate: December 17, 1971
• House of Representatives: December 17, 1971
• Extensions of Remarks: December 17, 1971

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)
• Original audio recording (MP3)

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 December 17, 1971
• Date search for December 17, 1971

All National Archives Units

• Text search for December 17, 1971
• Date search for December 17, 1971

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 17 December 1971

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

Foreign Assistance Policy, 1969-1972

• 78. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, December 17, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, President’s Daily Briefings, Box 37, December 17-December 31, 1971. Secret.

Vol. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

Secretary-General Succession

• 243. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State, New York, December 17, 1971, 0655Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 303, Agency Files, USUN, Vol. IX. Secret; Nodis.

Vol. XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971

South Asia Crisis, 1971

• 323. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Pakistan, Washington, December 17, 1971, 0008Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27 INDIA–PAK. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Sisco, cleared by Haig, and in substance by Rogers, and approved by Sisco. Repeated to New Delhi, Dacca, USUN, London, and Moscow.

• 324. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between President Nixon and His Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, December 17, 1971, 10 a.m.

  Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 370, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File. No classification marking.

• 325. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, December 17, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 38, Presidentʼs Daily Briefs. Top Secret; Sensitive; Codeword. Printed from an uninitialed copy.

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

November 1971-December 1972: Toward a New Equilibrium

• 107. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, December 17, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 537, Country Files, Far East, Japan, Vol. VI, October–31 December 1971. Secret. Sent for information. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. On December 4, Froebe sent a draft of this memorandum to Kissinger for him to sign and forward to the President. (Ibid.)

Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

Cyprus

• 387. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, December 17, 1971

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 592, Country Files, Middle East—Cyprus, Vol. I Jan 1969–June 30, 1974. Confidential.

Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

April 15, 1971-March 11, 1972

• 100. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Libya, Washington, December 17, 1971, 2232Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, PET 15–2 LIBYA. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Harry I. Odell (AF/N); cleared by Brown and Scott George (EUR/BMI); and approved by Robert S. Smith (AF). Repeated to London and Benghazi.

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

Nuclear Test Ban Issues; Peaceful Nuclear Explosions

• 308. Telegram 226692 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union, Washington, December 17, 1971

  Springsteen gave Soviet Chargé Vorontsov an aide mémoire on the venting of radioactive material from a Soviet underground explosion on September 27, 1971.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, DEF 18–8. Confidential. It was repeated to USUN, USMission IAEA Vienna, USDelegation to SALT, and AEC. Drafted by Kadilis (EUR/SOV); cleared by Matlock (EUR/SOV) and Davies (EUR) and in substance by Handyside (PM/AE) and Long (ACDA/ST); and approved by Davies.

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

Bangladesh, December 1971-December 1972

• 375. Intelligence Note RNAN-34 Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Washington, December 17, 1971

  Intelligence assessment of the leadership and orientation of the prospective Government of Bangladesh.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15 BANGLA DESH. Confidential. Drafted in the Office of Research and Analysis for Near East and South Asia by David C. McGaffey and cleared by Office Director Curtis F. Jones

Vol. E-13, Documents on China, 1969-1972

• 73. Message From the Government of the United States to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Washington, December 17, 1971, Washington, December 17, 1971

  The message summarized the exchanges between the United States and Soviet Union concerning the India-Pakistan situation.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 849, President’s File-China Trip, China Exchanges, Oct 20, 1971-Dec 31, 1971. No classification marking. A handwritten note reads, “Handed to Gen Walters 17 Dec 71 for delivery Dec 18.”

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-8068 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8068-, Mike Farrell with a tour group. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. Diplomatic Entrance steps, White House. Mike Farrell, tour group.

Roll WHPO-8069 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8069-, Pat Nixon in posed shots with staff members. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. Yellow Oval Room, White House. Pat Nixon, staff.

Roll WHPO-8070 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8070-, John Nidecker receiving a very large Christmas wreath from Rep. William Steiger. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. John Nidecker, William Steiger.

Roll WHPO-8071 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-8071-, John Nidecker receiving a very large Christmas wreath from Rep. William Steiger. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. John Nidecker, William Steiger, young boy.

Roll WHPO-8075 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8075-, John Nidecker with a group of men. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. John Nidecker, unidentified men.

Roll WHPO-8076 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8076-01A-14A, Portrait of Vicki Keller. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. Executive Office Building, rooms. Vicki Keller, Peter Michel, unidentified staff members.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8076-15A-23A, Portraits of Peter Michel. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. Executive Office Building, rooms. Vicki Keller, Peter Michel, unidentified staff members.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8076-24A-27A, Portraits of Wilbur Jenkins' office staff. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. Executive Office Building, rooms. Vicki Keller, Peter Michel, unidentified staff members.

Roll WHPO-8077 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8077-02-16, Closeup portrait of Ed Harper. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Ed Harper, Ray Waldmann, Roy Morey.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8077-17-27, Closeup portrait of Ray Waldmann. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Ed Harper, Ray Waldmann, Roy Morey.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8077-28-36, Posed head and shoulders shots of Roy Morey. 12/17/1971, Washington, D.C. unknown. Ed Harper, Ray Waldmann, Roy Morey.

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-4890
  Julie Eisenhower in North Carolina, "A White House Christmas".
  Undetermined
  Runtime: 00:33:03
• WHCA-4891
  "WTOP Special, Children's Concert". Nixon impersonator Richard M. Dixon.
  Metromedia
  Runtime: 00:59:33
• WHCA-4892
  "In My Opinion". David Eisenhower, Julie Nixon Eisenhower.
  
  Runtime: 00:31:14
• WHCA-4893
  "Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition".
  Undetermined
  Runtime: 00:31:12
• WHCA-4910
  Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 01:35:49
  
  1. Smith/Gill: Secret White House pledge of support to Pakistan. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Asian, Pakistani, East Indian, war. Network: ABC.
  
  2. Smith/Lawrence: Washington Post and backgrounder identifications, Ron Ziegler. Time Code Start: 02:05. Keywords: media, newspapers, editorials, stories, accusations, reports, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: ABC.
  
  3. Smith/Donaldson: Finance meeting in Washington, D. C.. Time Code Start: 04:40. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: ABC.
  
  4. Smith: The Nixon dollar (President Nixon). Time Code Start: 07:03. Keywords: Presidents, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, currency, monetary values, exchange rates, decreases, wages, costs, increases. Network: ABC.
  
  5. Smith: McCarthy emerges as Presidential candidate. Time Code Start: 07:35. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.
  
  6. Chancellor: President Nixon used hotline to Moscow to persuade Russians to intercede in India-Pakistan War. Time Code Start: 09:35. Keywords: Soviet Union, Russia, USSR, Vietnam War, Asian, Pakistani, East Indian, war. Network: NBC.
  
  7. Chancellor/Marshall: McCarthy declares candidacy for President. Time Code Start: 10:03. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: NBC.
  
  8. Chancellor/Brinkley: Campaign platforms. Time Code Start: 12:33. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting, conventions, political parties, Republicans, GOP, Republican Party, Democrats, Democratic Party. Network: NBC.
  
  9. Chancellor/Stern/Kiker: President's Commission reports on Marijuana; White House reaction. Time Code Start: 14:45. Keywords: advisors, organizations, drugs, drug abuse, cannabis, marijuana, pot smoking, addicts, addiction, prevention programs. Network: NBC.
  
  10. Chancellor/Levine: Dollar and Devaluation; Finance meeting in Washington, D. C.. Time Code Start: 17:49. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, currency, monetary values, exchange rates, decreases, wages, costs, increases. Network: NBC.
  
  11. Kalb: Bangladesh mission established in Washington, D.C.. Time Code Start: 19:30. Keywords: South Asian, charity, organizations, agencies, Bangladesh Liberation War relief aid. Network: CBS.
  
  12. Mudd: Accomplishments of first session of 92nd Congress; Mansfield, Scott. Time Code Start: 21:39. Keywords: House of Representatives. Network: CBS.
  
  13. Schorr: International monetary revaluation meeting. Time Code Start: 23:55. Keywords: international, money, currency, exchange rates, values, increases, decreases. Network: CBS.
  
  14. Sevareid: Commentary on commencing the war in the subcontinent. Time Code Start: 26:00. Keywords: Asian, East India, Indo Pakistani war. Network: CBS.

• LIFE magazine of December 17, 1971

• New York Times of December 17, 1971

• AP Images photos from December 17, 1971
• Getty Images photos from December 17, 1971

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.

• December 1971 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• December 17, 1971