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October 31, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Friday, October 31, 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: Thursday, October 30, 1969

Next Date: Saturday, November 1, 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.

    Addresses and Remarks

    Appointments and Nominations

    Reports to the President

    Acts Approved by the President

    Checklist of White House Press Releases

    The releases listed below, made public by the Office of the White House Press Secretary during the period covered by this issue, are not included in the issue.

    • The President's remarks to the Inter American Press Association (advance text).

    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 transmitted to the Congress the second annual report of the Department of Transportation.
    • Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York met with the President in his office in the Executive Office Building.

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

    Trade and Commerce, 1969-1972

    • 218. National Security Decision Memorandum 29 , Washington, October 31, 1969

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, S/S Files: Lot 83 D 305, NSDM 29. Confidential. Copies were sent to the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Administrator of AID, and Director of the Bureau of the Budget.

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Thailand

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    Preparations for SALT, January 27-November 12, 1969

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    February 20, 1969-February 19, 1970

    Vol. XXXIX, European Security

    "Bureaucratic Steamroller," January 1969-November 1970

    • 10. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, October 31, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 683, Country Files, Europe, Germany, Vol. IV. Secret. On November 5, Sonnenfeldt forwarded Rogers’s memorandum to Kissinger. In a covering memorandum he wrote that it “raises again the major problem of holding State back from over-commitment to the idea of such a conference simply in order to appear to respond positively to the Warsaw Pact overtures, so that we ‘demonstrate to public opinion’ our willingness to negotiate European security issues constructively with the Soviets.” (Ibid.)

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

    Portugal

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

    U.S.-Cuba Hijacking Agreement, 1969-February 1973

    • 125. Memorandum from Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, October 31, 1969

      Rogers recommended that the President send a note to the Cuban Government informing it that the United States was prepared to return hijackers on a reciprocal basis except in cases of political asylum.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, AV 12. Confidential. Copies were sent to S/S, ARA, and L. The note and background memorandum were attached but not published.

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

    Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Implementation of Safeguard System

    • 36. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, October 31, 1969, 9:30 a.m.

      In this fifth and final session of the U.S.-German NPT discussions, participants continued to ferret out problematic phrases and vague statements in the U.S. position and the FRG Statement. Both sides expressed approval with the overall accomplishments of the sessions.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–1969, DEF 18–6. Secret. Drafted on November 19 by Malin (ACDA/IR). The meeting took place in the ACDA conference room.

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

    Guatemala

    • 325. Telegram 4677 From the Embassy in Guatemala to the Department of State, October 31, 1969, 0130Z. , October 31, 1969, 0130Z

      The Ambassador and Foreign Minister Fuentes Möhr discussed the border dispute with British Honduras and what role, if any, the United States might play in providing technical and financial assistance as a “‘carrot’ for working out some kind of cooperation agreement.” Ambassador Davis indicated that he would find out what the “USG attitude” was on the matter.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 785, Country Files, Latin America, Guatemala, Vol. I. Confidential; Exdis. Sent for action. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates that it was received in the White House Situation Room November 1 at 9:50 a.m. In telegram 192533 to Guatemala City, November 14, the Department of State indicated that it could not give a direct response to Fuentes Mohr’s question regarding possible U.S. financial and technical assistance, but it would welcome input from him on how the United States might contribute to a cooperation agreement between Guatemala and British Honduras. (Ibid.)

  • 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-2302 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W:

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2302-Unknown, Unknown. 10/31/1969, Unknown Unknown. Unknown.

    Roll WHPO-2306 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2306-09-23, Dr. Jean Mayer and others. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. White House Grounds. Jean Mayer.

    Roll WHPO-2307 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2307-02-06, Workmen constructing a giant Halloween pumpkin Jack O Lantern face set at the entrance of the White House North Portico entryway. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2307-07-26, Vice President Agnew conducts a Medal Of Honor awards ceremony. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. Unknown. Spiro Agnew.

    Roll WHPO-2308 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2308-01-11, Vice President Agnew conducts a Medal Of Honor awards ceremony. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. Unknown. Spiro Agnew.

    Roll WHPO-2309 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2309-00A-34A, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2310 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2310-02-28, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2311 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2311-00A-34A, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. various locations, White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2312 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2312-03A-13A, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. various locations, White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2313 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2313-03-34, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2315 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2315-02A-13A, Servicemen and others at a medals ceremony. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. Unknown.

    Roll WHPO-2316 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2316-01-15, 17-29, Halloween Costume Party at the White House for underprivileged children, hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House. Tricia Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2316-26, Vampire TV program "Dark Shadows" star Jonathan Frid pretends to bite Tricia Nixon's neck during a Halloween Costume Party for underprivileged children at the White House, hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2317 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2317-20A, Halloween party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. A child in costume looking into a mirror with Tricia nearby. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Tricia Nixon, children.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2317-2A-35A, Halloween party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2318 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2318-02-36, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Tricia Nixon, Magician.

    Roll WHPO-2319 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2319-03A-36A, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2320 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2320-13A, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House. Tricia Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2320-30-14, Halloween Party for underprivileged children hosted by Tricia Nixon. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House. Tricia Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2321 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2321-06-19, President Nixon speaking at the Inter-American Press Association Dinner. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. Washington Hilton Hotel. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2322 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2322-08-13, President Nixon speaking at the Inter-American Press Association Dinner. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. Washington Hilton Hotel. President Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2323 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2323-03A-20A, President Nixon speaking at the Inter-American Press Association Dinner. 10/31/1969, Washington, D.C. Washington Hilton Hotel. President Nixon.

  • 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.

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-086
      Background briefing by Henry Kissinger and Charles Meyer. (10/31/1969, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 60:00:00

      Keywords: Briefings, public briefings, statements to the press (see also Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media)

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by ELB (initials of WHCA engineer)

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-691023
      Remarks by President Nixon at the Annual Meeting of the Inter American Press Association. (10/31/1969)

      Runtime: 28:48:00

      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-3478
      "Today" Show with Mrs. Virginia Knauer AND "Here's Barbara" with Eisenhower Dinner.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:29:28
    • WHCA-3479
      Weekly News Summary.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:24:32

      10. Cronkite/Rather: Tricia Nixon holds white House Halloween Party for children of the Wider Horizons project. Time Code Start: 03:42. Keywords: Presidents, families, masquerades, costume parties, holidays, celebrations. Network: CBS.

      11. Huntley/Valeriani: President Nixon outlines Latin American policy in speech to Inter-American Press Association. Time Code Start: 03:68. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, South American, Central American, Mexico, media, newspapers, magazines, the press, television, TV. Network: NBC.

      12. Vice President Agnew on Vietnam Protesters. Time Code Start: 03:91. Keywords: Vice Presidents, statements, demonstrations, rally, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, students, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: NBC.

      13. Vice President Agnew on Vietnam Protesters. Time Code Start: 04:17. Keywords: Vice Presidents, statements, demonstrations, rally, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, students, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)