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October 15, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, October 15, 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: Tuesday, October 14, 1969

Next Date: Thursday, October 16, 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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    Acts Approved by the President

    • S.J. Res. 46 -- Public Law 91-87
      Joint Resolution to authorize the President to designate the period beginning November 16, 1969, and ending November 22, 1969, as "National Family Health Week".

    Digest of Other White House Announcements

    Following is a listing of items of general interest which were announced in the press but not made public as formal White House press releases during the period covered by this issue. Appointments requiring Senate approval are not included since they appear in the list of nominations submitted to the Senate, below.

    • The President today announced the reappointment of John E. Dolibois as a member of the Board of Foreign Scholarships for a term expiring September 22, 1972.
    • The President transmitted to the Congress the Appalachian Regional Commission's report, "Acid Mine Drainage in Appalachia."

  • 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.

  • Argued

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. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    The Joint Chiefs of Staff Readiness Test

    Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    • 32. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Germany, Washington, October 15, 1969, 1715Z

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 38–6. Secret. Drafted by Sutterlin and Skoug on October 9; cleared by Hillenbrand, Dubs, Nelson, and Eliot; and approved by Rogers. Repeated to London, Moscow, Paris, USNATO, and Berlin. In an October 16 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt complained that the Department failed to clear this telegram with the White House. According to Sonnenfeldt, there was “no hint in the telegram what problems are or where State thinks this whole exercise should come out. I suppose the idea is to make policy as we go, by telegram.” He continued: “I am afraid our Berlin diplomacy has been badly and confusingly handled ever since the President’s Berlin speech.” Sonnenfeldt concluded: “Except for your brief involvement in the drafting of the ‘Berlin probe’ last August, when the French raised it with you, the White House has been unable to exercise any control or even influence on our diplomacy.” In a handwritten note on the memorandum, Kissinger agreed to raise the issue at his weekly meeting with Richardson on October 23. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 689, Country Files, Europe, Germany (Berlin), Vol. I) Two days before the meeting, Sonnenfeldt briefed Kissinger on the current status of the Berlin “sounding.” (Memorandum from Sonnenfeldt to Kissinger, October 21; ibid., Box 337, Subject Files, HAK/Richardson Meeting, May 1969–December 1969) In an October 27 memorandum to Kissinger, Haig described the outcome: “Despite continued efforts by the NSC staff, State adamantly refused to accept White House guidance until the issue was finally resolved between Dr. Kissinger and the Under Secretary of State.” (Ibid., Kissinger Office Files, Box 148, US Domestic Agency Files, State/WH Relationship, Vol. 1)

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

    Iraq 1969-1971

    • 262. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, October 15, 1969

      An Iraqi émigré informed Country Director Talcott Seelye of how an Iranian-funded coup in Iraq had foundered.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 2 NEAR EAST. Secret; Limdis. On November 7, J. Thomas McAndrew, Second Secretary of the Embassy in Lebanon, wrote to Seelye, “Your October 15 memcon of a talk with Lutfi Obeidi came across my desk just after my conversation with Sa’d Jabr. (see Document 260) Though Sa’d did not mention Lutfi’s name, I do not for a moment doubt that the two are in league. Sa’d spoke with great conviction and feeling that time is running out for the United States if it does not either 1) substantially alter its policy toward the Arabs or 2) encourage the few remaining moderate elements in the Middle East. In this latter category he would place, in addition to his ‘group,’ the Kurds under Mullah Mustafa, the Druze of Syria, the Bedouins of Jordan, the Lebanese, and some elements in the Yemen….It seems to me…that no group seeking to overthrow an established regime will have much chance of success unless it can obtain support from an important component of the indigenous military establishment.” (Ibid., NEA/ARN, Office of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq Affairs, Lot 72D4, Box 6, POL 23–9, Rebellions, Coups, (Embassy Attaché), 1969)

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

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 129. Briefing Memorandum From Roger Morris of the National Security Council Staff to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) , Washington, October 15, 1969

      Morris briefed Kissinger on Nigeria/Biafra for his meeting that afternoon with Federal Commissioner for External Affairs Arikpo and provided talking points. Morris noted that Under Secretary of State Richardson had “decided” to proceed with the relief initiative the President previously instructed and had also “decided” to get moving on peace probing.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NCS Files, Box 742, Country Files, Africa, Nigeria, Vol. I. Secret. Morris attached the memorandum of his conversation with Arikpo and Iyalla on October 12 (Document 128).

    The Horn

    Vol. E-5, Part 2, Documents on North Africa, 1969-1972

    Algeria

    • 16. Telegram 174764 From the Department of State to the Interests Section in Algeria, Washington, October 15, 1969, 1901Z

      This telegram transmitted a memorandum of a conversation between the Secretary of State and Algerian Foreign Minister Bouteflika. Over the course of the meeting the two men discussed improving U.S.-Algerian relations, Algeria’s relationship with the other major powers and the possible course its new economic programs would follow.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–1969, POL 7 ALG. Secret; Priority; Limdis. It was repeated to Paris, Rabat, and Tunis. Drafted by Lowrie and approved by Bray. The septel was telegram 176130 to Algiers, October 17, in which the Department expressed gratification at the improved tone in U.S.-Algerian relations, but regretted that it stopped short of full diplomatic resumption. It also advised the Interests Section that Acting Director of AF/N Charles Bray would be the official Algerian contact in Washington. (Ibid., POL 17 US-ALG)

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

    American Republics Regional

    • 14. Minutes of National Security Council Meeting, Washington, October 15, 1969. , Washington, October 15, 1969

      The participants discussed United States-Latin American economic issues, particularly trade. President Nixon concluded the meeting by stating that the United States needed to firmly support its friends in Latin America, including military governments in the region.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–109, NSC Meetings Minutes, Originals, 1969. Secret. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the following attended the meeting, the meeting lasted from 10:05 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary)

  • 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-2172 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2172-00-28, President Nixon shaking hands with the members of the Board of Directors of the Mutual Broadcasting Corporation and their wives. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Mutual Broadcasting Corp. directors and wives.

    Roll WHPO-2173 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2173-01A-20A, Joint meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Policy and the Quadriad. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, David Kennedy, Clifford Hardin, Maurice Stans, George Shultz, George Romney, Robert Mayo, Paul McCracken, Hendrik Houthakker, Arthur Burns, Moynihan, William Mc. Martin, Nathaniel Samuels, Fred Bergsten, William Safire, Bert Cox.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2173-17, Joint meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Policy and the Quadriad. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, David Kennedy, Clifford Hardin, Maurice Stans, George Shultz, George Romney, Robert Mayo, Paul McCracken, Hendrik Houthakker, Arthur Burns, Moynihan, William Mc. Martin, Nathaniel Samuels, Fred Bergsten, William Safire, Bert Cox.

    Roll WHPO-2174 Photographer: Hodge | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2174-04-20, Bud Wilkinson presenting awards to Miss Pace and Mr. Breese as other look on. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. East Garden, White House. Bud Wilkinson, Miss Pace, Mr. Breese, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-2175 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2175-02A-14A, Pat Nixon accepting several gifts and speaking from the dais at the American Association of Nurserymen Awards Luncheon. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. Statler Hilton Hotel. Pat Nixon, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-2176 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2176-02A-34A, Pat Nixon accepting several gifts at the American Association of Nurserymen Awards Luncheon. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. Statler Hilton Hotel. Pat Nixon, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-2177 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2177-04A-14A, Pat Nixon receiving an honorary membership certificate from the Soroptimist Club. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Pat Nixon, Senora de Oporta, unidentified women.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2177-15A-24A, Pat Nixon with Senora de Oporta and others. 10/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Yellow Oval Room. Pat Nixon, Senora de Oporta, unidentified women.

    Roll WHPO-2178 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2178-, Swimming pool area, fall. 10/15/1969, Camp David, Maryland swimming pool area.

    Roll WHPO-2179 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2179-01-04, Swimming pool area, fall. 10/15/1969, Camp David, Maryland swimming pool area.

    Roll WHPO-2180 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2180-01-03, Swimming pool area, fall. 10/15/1969, Camp David, Maryland swimming pool area.

    Roll WHPO-2181 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2181-01-03, Swimming pool area, fall. 10/15/1969, Camp David, Maryland swimming pool area.

    Roll WHPO-2182 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2182-01-04, Swimming pool area, fall. 10/15/1969, Camp David, Maryland swimming pool area.

  • 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-691010
      Telephone conversation with Senator George Murphy. (10/15/1969)

      Runtime: 4:40

      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-3460
      Moratorium Special, Pt. I.
      CBS
      Runtime: 01:03:20
    • WHCA-3462
      Moratorium Special, Pt. I.
      NBC
      Runtime: 00:57:00
    • WHCA-3466
      Weekly News Summary.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:43:19

      14. Governor Reagan's visit to Washington, D.C. with President Nixon in background. Time Code Start: 03:27. Keywords: Presidents, Governors, meetings, California. Network: CBS.

      15. Moratorium (Disturbance N.W. Gate)(Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 03:57. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      16. Moratorium (Disturbance N.W. Gate)(Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 03:76. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      17. Brinkley: Report on President Nixon; 14 Republican Congressman urge President Nixon to ignore moratorium and order escalation to Vietnam War. Time Code Start: 03:94. Keywords: Presidents, media, reports. Network: NBC.

      18. Moratorium at the White House (Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 04:19. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      19. Moratorium (Disturbance N.W. Gate) (Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 04:28. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      20. White House Director of Communications Herb Klein on the Moratorium (Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 04:53. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war, advisors, media, interviews. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)