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April 15, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, April 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: Monday, April 14, 1969

Next Date: Wednesday, April 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

    • Department of Justice (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 563, April 15, 1969)
      Announcement of Intention To Appoint Shiro Kashiwa as Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Land and Natural Resources Division.

    News Conferences

    • Meeting With the Minority Leadership (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 561, April 15, 1969)
      News Briefing by Representative Gerald R. Ford and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler Following a Meeting With the President.

    Statements 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.

    • Press conference of George W. Romney, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Francis E. Ferguson, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Urban Problems of the American Life Convention and the Life Insurance Association of America; Hilary J. Sandoval, Jr., Small Business Administrator; and Ronald L. Ziegler, Press Secretary to the President.
    • Press conference of Robert Mayo, Director of Bureau of the Budget, and Ronald L. Ziegler, Press Secretary to the President.

    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.

    • A group of 5th grade students from P.S. 270 in New York City met with the President to help launch this year's U.S. Savings Bond Drive.

    Nominations Submitted to the Senate

    Does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of Foreign Service Officers.

    • JOHN B. MARTIN, JR., of Michigan, to be Commissioner on Aging.
    • ROBERT ELLSWORTH, of Kansas, to be the United States Permanent Representative on the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
    • PHILIP K. CROWE, of Maryland, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Norway.

  • 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

    Vol. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

    UN Finances and Reduction of the U.S. Assessment

    • 147. Airgram From the Department of State to Certain Posts, Washington, April 15, 1969, 2:44 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, UN 10. Confidential. Drafted by Edward W. Lawrence, cleared by Pierre Graham, and approved by Louis E. Frechtling. Sent to the Mission in Geneva, Addis Ababa, Santiago, Rome (FODAG), Paris (UNESCO), Montreal (ICAO), Bangkok (RED), and Vienna (IAEA/UNIDO), and repeated to USUN.

    Vol. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 60. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 15, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/HAK, 1969 [part 2]. Secret; Nodis. A handwritten note on the memorandum reads: “Back from President, 4/16/69.”

    • 61. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 15, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 182, Paris Talks/Meetings, Paris Talks, Memos and Miscellaneous/Memcons, Vol. III, 4/5–69. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Sneider forwarded this memorandum to Kissinger on April 14 noting that it was “per your request” and recommending that he sign it. A note on the memorandum reads: “Pres has seen.” Attached was an April 4 CIA memorandum entitled “Factors Influencing Hanoi’s Behaviors at Paris Peace Negotiations.” Helms sent it to Kissinger under a covering note of April 7, which states the paper was done at Kissinger’s request and notes that, “we come down on the belief that Hanoi is influenced by strong positions on the United States side.”

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

    Initial Contacts, January-April 22, 1969

    • 36. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 15, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/Kissinger, 1969, Part 2, Vol. I. Secret; Nodis. A handwritten notation on the first page reads, “Back from the President, 4/16/69.” On April 10, Kissinger and Dobrynin set up their April 14 meeting for 8:30 p.m. at Kissinger’s house. According to a transcript of the telephone conversation, “Dobrynin ventured the guess that HAK must be very busy these days and HAK said this is a hectic period. HAK said last time they met they talked about getting together next week and asked what his schedule was—Dobrynin said ‘give me a time and and I’ll tell you.’” After scheduling their meeting, “HAK mentioned that he lives alone so can’t offer Dobrynin dinner. Later in conversation Dobrynin said he would be delighted to see how bachelors live.” (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 359, Telephone Records, 1969–1976, Telephone Conversations, 1969)

    • 37. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 15, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/Kissinger, 1969, Part 2, Vol. I. Secret; Nodis. A handwritten notation on the first page reads: “Back from the President, 4/16/69.”

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

    North Korean Shootdown of a U.S. Reconnaissance Flight and Contingency Planning, January-November 1969

    • 7. Paper Prepared by the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Washington, April 15, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 436, Korea:EC–121 Shootdown, North Korean Shootdown of US Reconnaissance Aircraft 4/19/69. Top Secret. Attached as Tab B to an April 15 memorandum from Pursley to Kissinger. Pursley’s memorandum listed four questions that Haig asked the Office of the Secretary of Defense to consider regarding the shootdown of the U.S. aircraft: “1) what options do we have for ‘retaliation’?; 2) what measures can and/or should be taken to prevent the North Koreans from picking up the survivors?; 3) how quickly could we execute an escorted reconnaisance flight like the one that is now missing?; 4) what North Korean assets are available worldwide against which we could take some retaliation?” (Ibid.)

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

    Western Europe Region and NATO

    • 14. National Security Study Memorandum 43 , Washington, April 15, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 365, Subject Files, National Security Study Memoranda (NSSM’s)—Nos. 43–103. Secret.

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

    Oceans Policy

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

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 56. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to the Under Secretary of State (Richardson) , Washington, April 15, 1969

      Kissinger forwarded a memorandum of David Rockefellerʼs conversation with Ivory Coast Ambassador Ahoua, who met with Rockefeller to present President Houphouet-Boignyʼs views on Nigeria. Those views concerned Soviet influence in Nigeria, South African Government financial aid for Biafra, and criticism of Secretary Palmerʼs commitment to the Nigerian Government.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 741, Country Files, Africa, Nigeria, Vol. I. Secret. This unsigned copy of the memorandum indicates that Kissinger signed the original.

  • 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-0781 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0781-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon attend a cabinet meeting with members and their wives. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, cabinet members and their wives, Spiro Agnew, Mrs. Judy Agnew, William P. Rogers, Mrs. Rogers, David M. Kennedy, Mrs. David Kennedy, Melvin R. Laird, Mrs. Laird, Richard Kleindienst, Mrs. John N. Mitchell (Martha Mitchell), General Winton M. Blount, Mrs. Blount, Walter J. Hickel, Mrs. Hickel, Clifford M. Hardin, Mrs. Hardin, Rocco Siciliano, Mrs. Siciliano, George P. Shultz, Mrs. Shultz, Robert H. Finch, Mrs. Finch, George W. Romney, Mrs. Romney, John A. Volpe, Mrs. Volpe, Robert P. Mayo, Mrs. Mayo, Dr. Arthur Burns, Mrs. Burns, Charles W. Yost, Mrs. Yost, Presidential Staff present: H. R. Haldeman, James Keogh, Lee DuBridge, Mrs. DuBridge, Herb Klein, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Ronald L. Ziegler, C. Stanley Blair, John Ehrlichman, Bud Wilkinson, John C. Whitaker, Ollie Atkins.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0781-16, President Nixon and Pat Nixon attend a cabinet meeting with members and their wives. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, cabinet members and their wives: Spiro Agnew, Mrs. Judy Agnew, William P. Rogers, Mrs. Rogers, David M. Kennedy, Mrs. David Kennedy, Melvin R. Laird, Mrs. Laird, Richard Kleindienst, Mrs. John N. Mitchell, Martha Mitchell, General Winton M. Blount, Mrs. Blount, Walter J. Hickel, Mrs. Hickel, Clifford M. Hardin, Mrs. Hardin, Rocco Siciliano, Mrs. Siciliano, George P. Shultz, Mrs. Shultz, Robert H. Finch, Mrs. Finch, George W. Romney, Mrs. Romney, John A. Volpe, Mrs. Volpe, Robert P. Mayo, Mrs. Mayo, Dr. Arthur Burns, Mrs. Burns, Charles W. Yost, Mrs. Yost, Presidential Staff present: H. R. Haldeman, Lee DuBridge, Mrs. DuBridge, John Ehrlichman, C. Stnley Blair, Daniel Patrick Moynihan; Herb Klein, Bud Wilkinson, John C. Whitaker, or James Keogh (2 of 4).

    Roll WHPO-0783 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0783-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon attend a cabinet meeting with cabinet member's wives in attendance. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, cabinet members and their wives, Spiro Agnew, Mrs. Judy Agnew, William P. Rogers, Mrs. Rogers, David M. Kennedy, Mrs. David Kennedy, Melvin R. Laird, Mrs. Laird, Richard Kleindienst, Mrs. John N. Mitchell (Martha Mitchell), General Winton M. Blount, Mrs. Blount, Walter J. Hickel, Mrs. Hickel, Clifford M. Hardin, Mrs. Hardin, Rocco Siciliano, Mrs. Siciliano, George P. Shultz, Mrs. Shultz, Robert H. Finch, Mrs. Finch, George W. Romney, Mrs. Romney, John A. Volpe, Mrs. Volpe, Robert P. Mayo, Mrs. Mayo, Dr. Arthur Burns, Mrs. Burns, Charles W. Yost, Mrs. Yost, Presidential Staff present: H. R. Haldeman, Lee DuBridge, Mrs. DuBridge, John Ehrlichman, C. Staley Blair, Daniel Patrick Moynihan; Herb Klein, Bud Wilkinson, John C. Whitaker, or James Keogh (2 of 4).
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0783-15, President Nixon and Pat Nixon attend a cabinet meeting with cabinet member's wives in attendance. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, cabinet members and their wives, Spiro Agnew, Mrs. Judy Agnew, William P. Rogers, Mrs. Rogers, David M. Kennedy, Mrs. David Kennedy, Melvin R. Laird, Mrs. Laird, Richard Kleindienst, Mrs. John N. Mitchell (Martha Mitchell), General Winton M. Blount, Mrs. Blount, Walter J. Hickel, Mrs. Hickel, Clifford M. Hardin, Mrs. Hardin, Rocco Siciliano, Mrs. Siciliano, George P. Shultz, Mrs. Shultz, Robert H. Finch, Mrs. Finch, George W. Romney, Mrs. Romney, John A. Volpe, Mrs. Volpe, Robert P. Mayo, Mrs. Mayo, Dr. Arthur Burns, Mrs. Burns, Charles W. Yost, Mrs. Yost, Presidential Staff present: H. R. Haldeman, James Keogh, Lee DuBridge, Mrs. DuBridge, Herb Klein, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Ronald L. Ziegler, C. Stanley Blair, John Ehrlichman, Bud Wilkinson, John C. Whitaker, Ollie Atkins.

    Roll WHPO-0784 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0784-01-08 No negatives - contact sheet only., President Nixon with Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Kissinger, H. R. (Bob) Haldeman, John Ehrlichman.

    Roll WHPO-0785 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0785-, President Nixon posed on portico with Life Insurance Representatives and other officials. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, West Portico. President Nixon, unidentified Life Insurance Representatives, others.

    Roll WHPO-0786 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0786-02A-04A, President Nixon greets fifth grade students from Brooklyn, New York Public School 270. A large (60 x 90 foot) reproduction of the campaign eagle symbol. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Sen. Jacob Javits, Rep. John Rooney, Eva Gabor, unidentified students and adults from Brooklyn P.S. 270.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0786-05A-10A, President Nixon receives Savings Bonds campaign pins from campaign Honorary Co-Chairman actress Eva Gabor. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0786-08A, President Nixon stands, holding an envelope containing what is most likely Savings Bonds campaign pins given to him by campaign Honorary Co-Chairman actress Eva Gabor, who stands nect to him. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Eva Gabor, unidentified persons.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0786-11A-14A, A large (60 x 90 foot) reproduction of the campaign eagle symbol. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House.

    Roll WHPO-0787 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0787-02A-06A, President Nixon greets fifth grade students from Brooklyn, New York Public School 270. President Nixon receives Savings Bonds campaign pins from campaign Honorary Co-Chairman Eva Gabor and views the students' 60x90 foot reproduction of the campaign eagle symbol. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Sen. Jacob Javits, Rep. John Rooney, Eva Gabor, unidentified students and adults from Brooklyn P.S. 270.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0787-07A-30A, President Nixon receives U.S. Savings Bonds campaign pins from bond campaign Honorary Co-Chairman actress Eva Gabor, while standing amid a group of Brooklyn New York's Public School 270 fifth grade students, near a 60 x 90 foot U. S. Savings Bonds Program campaign eagle symbol, spread out on the White House lawn. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, aide Col. Brennan, Eva Gabor, Rose Deering, Acting Principal of P. S. 270. Anthony Perry, President ot the PTA. Senator Javits. Congressman Rooney. Mrs. Siemers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0787-11A, President Nixon stands with 270 students from Brooklyn New York's Public School near their 60 x 90 foot reproduction of the campaign eagle symbol spread out on the White House lawn. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, aide Col. Brennan, Rose Deering, Acting Principal of P. S. 270. Anthony Perry, President ot the PTA. Senator Javits. Congressman Rooney. Mrs. Siemers.

    Roll WHPO-0790 Photographer: Schuman | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0790-, A George Comptis painting of the George Washington statue which stands on the steps of the Federal subteasury building. This painting was hung in Ray Price's office. 4/15/1969, unknown

    Roll WHPO-0791 Photographer: Schuman | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0791-, A George Comptis painting of the Brooklyn Bridge. 4/15/1969, unknown

    Roll WHPO-0804 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0804-03-05, President Nixon on the West Wing Portico with Life Insurance Representatives. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, West Portico. President Nixon, unidentified Life Insurance Representatives.

    Roll WHPO-0863 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0863-, Rose Mary Woods at her desk. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Office of Rose Mary Woods. Rose Mary Woods.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0863-[none], Rose Mary Woods seated at her desk. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Office of Rose Mary Woods. Rose Mary Woods.

    Roll WHPO-0864 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0864-, Rose Mary Woods at her desk. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Office of Rose Mary Woods. Rose Mary Woods.

    Roll WHPO-0865 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0865-, Rose Mary Woods at her desk. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Office of Rose Mary Woods. Rose Mary Woods.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0865-[none], Portrait of Rose Mary Woods seated at her desk with hand on chin. 4/15/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Office of Rose Mary Woods. Rose Mary Woods.

  • 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.

    C - First Lady

    • WHCA-SR-C-003
      First Lady Pat Nixon's remarks to the Republican Women's National Convention in the East Room of the White House. (4/15/1969, East Room, The White House, Washington D.C.)

      Runtime: 0:33:15

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

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

    G - Cabinet Officer Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-G-015
      Briefing by Director of Budget Robert A. Mayo and House Minority Leader Gerald Ford. (4/15/1969, Roosevelt Room, The White House)

      Runtime: 45:00:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by NBC; No WHCA engineer initials listed

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-G-016
      Announcements regarding investment capital for urban core areas, with speakers Ronald Ziegler, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development George Romney and Francis E. Ferguson. (4/15/1969, Roosevelt Room, The White House)

      Runtime: 16:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by NBC; No WHCA engineer initials listed

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

Context (External Sources)