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April 24, 1973

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, April 24, 1973, 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 23, 1973

Next Date: Wednesday, April 25, 1973

Schedule and Public Documents

Archival Holdings

  • Selective document listing

    President's Office Files

    The President's Office Files consists of materials drawn together by the Special Files Unit from several administrative subdivisions within the White House Office. It is the handwriting and sensitive papers sent to the Staff Secretary that now comprise much of the President's Office Files. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    • Annotated and Unmarked News Summaries [Note: Although there was no News Summary on this date, due to the way News Summary products were compiled, you should also consult nearby days for potentially relevant materials.]

  • 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. XVIII, China, 1973-1976

    Kissinger's Visits to Beijing and the Establishment of the Liaison Offices, January 1973-May 1973

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    March 8-October 5, 1973

    • 181. Message From King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to President Nixon, JIdda, April 24, 1973

      Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Scowcroft Daily Work Files, Box 2, Chronological File A, May 16–20, 1973. Secret; Sensitive. The message was received from Prince Fahd in Jidda on April 24 and transmitted to Kissinger on April 26.

    Vol. E-6, Documents on Africa, 1973-1976

    Burundi

    • 58. Memorandum From the Director of Central African Affairs (Cohen) to the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Newsom), Washington, April 24, 1973

      Cohen transmitted and summarized an airgram from Ambassador Yost in Bujumbura describing the impact of the U.S. policy of minimizing relations with Burundi.

      Source: National Archives, AF/C Files: Lot 76 D 427, Burundi, Memcon/Briefing Memo 1973. Confidential. The Briefing memorandum was drafted by Siefkin and Cohen (AF/C). A handwritten note from Newsom to Cohen on the first page reads: “Let’s wait for Bob Yost’s specific recommendations on programs to be resumed.” The attached Airgram, Bujumbura A-31, March 30, 1973, is not published.

    Vol. E-11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973-1976

    Mexico

    • 52. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 24, 1973

      Summary: Kissinger summarized a March 19 memorandum from Director of Central Intelligence Schlesinger regarding President Echeverría’s attitude towards the United States, highlighting the conclusion that Echeverría would draw back from his often critical posture if it became clear that his policies were undermining U.S.-Mexican relations.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 788, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. IV, 1973. Secret. Sent for information. A note on the memorandum reads: “The President has seen.” Attached at Tab A, but not published, is Schlesinger’s unsigned memorandum of March 19. (Ibid.) An undated memorandum from Scowcroft for the President’s files summarized a February 14 conversation with Helms in which Nixon noted that Echeverría had been “particularly obnoxious” in recent public statements and asked if Echeverría was taking a “cheap shot” at the United States or if his actions reflected deeply held beliefs. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversations, Box 1)

    Vol. E-11, Part 2, Documents on South America, 1973-1976

    Peru

    • 284. Transcript of Telephone Conversation, Washington, April 24, 1973, 1 p.m.

      Summary: Kissinger and Shultz discussed how the United States should vote on an Inter-American Development Bank loan to Peru.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Kissinger Telephone Conversation Transcripts (Telcons), Box 19, Chronological File, April 24–25, 1973. No classification marking. In a telephone conversation that took place at 4:30 p.m. on April 24, Shultz informed Kissinger that the President of the IDB, Antonio Ortíz Mena, had told him that “abstention would be be appropriate,” in his view, “because the Peruvians would regard this as a gesture of good faith on our part”; Kissinger and Shultz agreed that the United States should abstain. (Ibid.) In telegram 77610 to Lima, April 25, the Department instructed the Embassy to inform the Peruvian Government that the abstention was intended to express deep concern over U.S.-Peruvian investment disputes while also showing “good faith as a step towards successful conclusion of the Greene mission.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 793, Latin America, Peru, Vol. 3, January 1972–December 31, 1973)

    Vol. E-12, Documents on East and Southeast Asia, 1973-1976

    Indonesia and the East Timor Crisis

    • 96. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 24, 1973, 1405–1430., Washington, April 24, 1973, 1405-1430

      Eagleburger and Galbraith discussed U.S. relations with Indonesia.

      Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 330–76–117, Indonesia, 333, 1973, May 2. Secret. Drafted by Shaid and approved by Doolin. The conversation took place in Eagleburger’s office. Eagleburger’s talking points for the meeting are ibid. On April 25, Kissinger disapproved a recommendation that he meet with Galbraith. (Memorandum from Holdridge to Kissinger, April 23; National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 533, Indonesia, Volume 4, 1 January 1973–)

    Vol. E-14, Part 1, Documents on the United Nations, 1973-1976

    Issues of Representation in International Organizations

    • 55. Telegram 76900 From the Department of State to the Mission in Geneva, April 24, 1973, 1834Z., April 24, 1973, 1834Z

      The Department instructed the Mission to discourage any attempt by the Provisional Revolutionary Government to gain international stature by securing membership status in the World Health Organization or some other U.N. specialized agency.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Secret. Drafted by Rosenberg on April 23; cleared by Stull and McNutt, and in IO/HDC (in draft) and EA/VN; and approved by Sullivan. Repeated to Saigon, USUN, and the Delegate to the JEC in Paris.

    Vol. E-15, Part 2, Documents on Western Europe, 1973-1976, Second, Revised Edition

    France, 1973-1976

    • 308. Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, April 24, 1973, 3:18-3:45 p.m.

      Summary: The Senior Review Group considered the study prepared in response to NSSM 166, Review of U.S.-French Bilateral Issues.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–113, SRG Minutes (Originals) 1972–1973 (3 of 4). Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. Attached but not published is Walters’ briefing text, an April 23 paper entitled “Franco-American Relations.” In his briefing, Walters predicted that the recent easing of U.S.-French tensions would continue, but cautioned that some U.S.-French differences would remain, particularly regarding the U.S. role both in Europe and the world. The papers requested at this meeting were sent to Kissinger under cover of a May 11 memorandum from Eliot. (Ibid., Box H–195, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–166)

  • 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 can be found in the National Archives Catalog.

Audiovisual Holdings

  • Visit the White House Tapes finding aid to learn about the taping system's operation and archival processing.

    White House Telephone

  • 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-E0696 Photographer: COPY | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0696-, Dave Gergen portrait. 4/24/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. David Richmond Gergen.

    Roll WHPO-E0700 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0700-04A-07A, White House Communications Agency equipment. 4/24/1973, Miami, FL Miami Press Center.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0700-08A-09A, Unidentified individuals in the press center. 4/24/1973, Miami, FL Miami Press Center. unidentified individuals.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0700-A, Unidentified man napping, the official Presidential seal can be seen above him. 4/24/1973, Miami, FL Marine One helicopter interior. unidentified male.

    Roll WHPO-E0701 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0701-, White House Communications Agency engineers setting up in the Miami Press Center. 4/24/1973, Miami, Florida Miami Press Center. unidentified workers.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0701-03A, President Nixon walking down the ramp of the "Spirit of '76" (Air Force One) at Andrews Air Force Base. 4/24/1973, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. President Nixon, Tricia Cox, David and Julie Eisenhower.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0701-04A-14A, President Nixon greeting people in the crowd waiting at Andrews Air Force Base. 4/24/1973, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. 14A: President Nixon, Ronald Zielger, members of the press.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0701-14, President Nixon greeting people in the crowd waiting at Andrews Air Force Base. 4/24/1973, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base.

  • 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.

    S - White House Press Office Briefings (continuation of the L-series)

    • WHCA-SR-S-082
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (4/24/1973, 4 Ambassadors Press Center)

      Runtime: 30:00:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

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

      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-6245
      "Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition". Secretary of Defense Elliot Richardson.
      NBC
      Runtime: 00:29:16
    • WHCA-6250
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:30

      11. Smith/Gill: President Nixon weighs what action to take about Watergate; Haldeman refuses comment to reporter Bill Matney about White House bugging. Time Code Start: 26:59. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: ABC.

      12. Smith/Median: Mitchell and Vesco. Time Code Start: 29:45. Keywords: law officials, investigations, financiers, banking, investments, securities, frauds, stocks, bonds, sales, Presidential elections, donations, contributions, gifts, money, funding. Network: ABC.

      13. Smith/Koppel: Cambodia and ceasefire problems. Time Code Start: 31:56. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War, ceasefires. Network: ABC.

      14. Smith: Comment on Watergate and Charlie Brown. Time Code Start: 34:35. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: ABC.

      15. Chancellor/Rosenfield: Problems with ceasefire; Sihanouk. Time Code Start: 36:40. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War, royalty, Heads of State, leaders, truces, treaty, treaties, peace, ceasefires. Network: NBC.

      16. Chancellor/Spur: Ho Chi Minh trail; Cambodia; Sihanouk; in Peking, China. Time Code Start: 38:26. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War, roads, People's Republic of China, royalty, Heads of State, leaders, officials. Network: NBC.

      17. Chancellor/Valeriani/Stern/Brinkley: Watergate. Time Code Start: 44:09. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.

      18. Cronkite/Kalb: Ceasefire problems. Time Code Start: 49:47. Keywords: Vietnam War, ceasefires. Network: CBS.

      19. Cronkite/Schorr/Henderson: Watergate, Mitchell and Vesco. Time Code Start: 52:28. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals, financiers, banking, investments, securities, frauds, stocks, bonds, sales, Presidential elections, donations, contributions, gifts, money, funding. Network: CBS.

      20. Severeid: Comment on foreign economy. Time Code Start: 58:42. Keywords: World, national, reports, officials, economy, economics, debt, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)