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April 24, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, April 24, 1974, 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, April 23, 1974

Next Date: Thursday, April 25, 1974

Schedule and Public Documents

Archival Holdings

Any selection of archival documents will necessarily be partial. You should use the documents and folders identified below as a starting place, but consult the linked collection finding aids and folder title lists and the collections themselves for context. Many documents to be found this way do not lend themselves to association with specific dates, but are essential to a complete understanding of the material.

  • 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.

  • 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

    Political Turmoil in the United States, June 1973-September 1974

    • 79. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 24, 1974

      Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–53, NSDM 261, Nuclear Sales to the PRC. Secret. Sent for action. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates Nixon saw it. According to an attached, undated draft of this memorandum, Scowcroft and McFarlane revised it on March 26. McFarlane further revised the recommendation section on April 24. Solomon and David Elliot sent this memorandum to Kissinger under a March 22 covering memorandum summarizing it.

    Vol. XXXVIII, Part 1, Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1973-1976

    Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1973-1976

    • 33. Memorandum of Conversation, San Clemente, California, April 24, 1974

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1028, Presidential/HAK MemCons, MemCons 1 Mar 1974–8 May 1974 HAK & Presidential [1 of 4]. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held in the Cabinet Room. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the meeting took place from 8:38 to 9:50 a.m. In addition to Nixon, Ford, Kissinger, and Scowcroft, Senators Mike Mansfield, Robert Griffin, George Aiken, John Stennis, Strom Thurmond, Daniel Inouye, Edward Brooke, and John Sparkman; Representatives Tip O’Neill, John Rhodes, Carl Albert, John McFall, Leslie Arends, Peter Frelinghuysen, William Bray, George Mahon, Elford Cederberg, Otto Passman, Garner Shriver, Clement Zablocki, and William Broomfield; and Armstrong, Ash, Haig, Flanigan, Dean Burch, Gerald Warren, William Timmons, Thomas Korologos, Daniel Parker, Linwood Holton, and Max Friedersdorf attended the meeting. (Ibid., White House Central Files)

    Vol. XXXVIII, Part 2, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy; Public Diplomacy, 1973-1976

    The Intelligence Community: Investigation and Reorganization

    • 13. National Security Decision Memorandum 253, Washington, April 24, 1974

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–246, Policy Papers, 1969–74, National Security Decision Memoranda, NSDM 253. Secret.

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

    Horn of Africa

    • 108. Minutes of Meeting of the Washington Special Actions Group, Washington, April 24, 1974, 3:13-3:51 p.m.

      Members of the WSAG discussed the uncertain situation in Ethiopia and whether and how to provide additional military assistance to the current government.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 81, National Security Council, Committees and Panels, Washington Special Actions Group. Top Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room. Colby’s briefing is not published. (Ibid., CL 310, National Security Council, Committees and Panels, Washington Special Actions Group)

    Vol. E-9, Part 2, Documents on the Middle East Region, 1973-1976

    Saudi Arabia

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

    Bolivia

    • 67. Telegram 2581 From the Embassy in Bolivia to the Department of State, La Paz, April 24, 1974, 1705Z

      Summary: President Banzer, Country Director Karkashian, and Ambassador Stedman discussed economic and military assistance to Bolivia.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740096–0755. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to USCINCSO. Nixon’s letter to Banzer has not been found. The Departments of State and Defense allocated the $4 million FMS credit on April 12, and Banzer accepted the terms on April 24. (Telegram 2604 from La Paz, April 24; ibid., D740096–1013) According to telegram 3098 from La Paz, May 14, Banzer expressed pleasure to Stedman on May 13 that the U.S. Government had begun shipping the MAP equipment. Banzer also informed Stedman of Bolivia’s desire for continued economic development assistance. (Ibid., D740118–0978)

    Colombia

    • 262. Telegram 3504 From the Embassy in Colombia to the Department of State, Bogota, April 24, 1974, 2306Z

      Summary: In reporting López’s victory in the presidential election, the Embassy commented on the high abstention rate, the low conservative vote, and the Liberals’ control of both Houses of Congress.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740096–1180. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to Cali, Medellín, and USCINCSO. On July 14, Vaky reported on the Electoral Court’s official vote tally for the presidential election. Out of a total of 5,174,224 votes cast, López received 2,911,292; Gómez received 136,736; Rojas de Moreno received 490,530; Echeverri received 136, 736; and Duarte received 5,657. (Telegram 6256 from Bogotá, July 16; ibid.) In an August 5 memorandum, the CIA concluded that while López would probably be more aggressive than his predecessors in reaching out to Communist countries, and while he might criticize some aspects of U.S. policy, the new Colombian President saw his criticism as constructive and therefore it would not damage bilateral ties. (Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Support Services (DI), Job 79T00863A: Intel Pub Files, Box 34, Folder 1: Colombia Under A New President, No. 1035/74)

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

    Philippines

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

    Population Policy

    • 113. National Security Study Memorandum 200, Washington, April 24, 1974., Washington, April 24, 1974

      The President directed a study of the implications of worldwide population growth on U.S. security and overseas interests.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–204, National Security Study Memoranda, NSSM 200 [2 of 2]. Confidential. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    Food Policy

    • 140. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 24, 1974, noon., Washington, April 24, 1974, noon

      Kissinger and Martin discussed a variety of international food and agriculture issues with Senator Humphrey.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1028, Subject Files, Presidential/HAK MemCons, March 1–May 8, 1974. Confidential; Nodis. Drafted by Boeker on April 25. The meeting was held in Kissinger’s office. Kissinger’s address to the Sixth Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on April 15 is published in Department of State Bulletin, May 6, 1974, pp. 477–482. For Humphrey’s May 9 speech, see The New York Times, May 10, 1974, p. 7.

    Vol. E-14, Part 2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1973-1976

    • 43. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, April 24, 1974

      Summary: Kissinger recommended that Nixon approve the National Security Council Under Secretaries Committee’s recommendations concerning a bilateral nuclear export agreement with the People’s Republic of China. Kissinger indicated that upon approval, he would sign the implementing directive.

      Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Program Analysis Staff Files, Convenience Files, Box 32, Nuclear Export Controls (1). Secret. Sent for action. Also printed in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XVIII, China, 1973–1976, Document 79. A stamped notation indicates that Nixon saw the memorandum. Notations in the upper right-hand corner of the memorandum in an unknown hand read: “Lodal FYI” and “BH [Ben Huberman] for your files?” Nixon initialed his approval of the recommendation. Tab B, not attached, is in the Ford Library, National Security Council, Institutional Files—NSDMs, Box 53, NSDM 261, Nuclear Sales to the PRC. Tab A, NSDM 261, July 22, is printed in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XVIII, China, 1973–1976, Document 83.

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

    Western Europe Regional, 1973-1976

    • 57. Memorandum From the Counselor (Sonnenfeldt) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, April 24, 1974

      Summary: Sonnenfeldt requested Kissinger’s approval of a position on European unity.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 4, HS Chron—Officials, Jan–Apr 1974. Confidential. Kissinger initialed his approval of the contingency line on April 24. All brackets are in the original. On Hartman’s April 22 memorandum, Kissinger initialed his approval of the recommendation on April 24, writing in the margin, “as amended by Sonnenfeldt.” Attached to Hartman’s April 22 memorandum, but not published, is Tab A, undated. On Tab B, Kissinger crossed out point 1 of the recommendation and wrote at the bottom of the page: “Delete 1st point. I don’t want us to push unity but we should not oppose it either.” Kissinger discussed the UK entry into the EC, European unity, and the United States with his senior staff members at an April 23 staff meeting. (Ibid., Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, 1973–1977, Entry 5177, Box 3, Secretary’s Staff Conference, April 23, 1974)

  • 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

  • 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-E2660 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2660-, President Nixon meets with bipartisan Congressional leaders regarding foreign aid legislation to Egypt and other nations. 4/24/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room.

    Roll WHPO-E2661 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2661-02-15, Pat Nixon makes "Brighten the Night" awards. 4/24/1974, unknown unknown.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2661-16-30, Pat Nixon a reception for National Volunteer Awards Finalists. 4/24/1974, unknown unknown.

  • 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-740418
      Private taping of tribute to Dean Burch. (4/24/1974)

      Runtime: 1:00

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

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

    • WHCA-SR-S-566
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (4/24/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 1:05:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by __ (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-6893
      The American Parade Presents: "Power and the Presidency". Rodino, Hutchinson, Donahue, McClory, Brooks, Smith, Kastenmeyer.
      ABC
      Runtime: 1:00
    • WHCA-6905
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS

      36. Smith/Clark: inflation; tax cut; wage controls; Simo. Time Code Start: 71:18. Keywords: taxes, labor, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices, reports. Network: ABC.

      37. Smith/Donaldson: impeachment inquiry. Time Code Start: 74:20. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: ABC.

      38. Smith/Jarriel: foreign aid. Time Code Start: 76:42. Keywords: financial aid, funding. Network: ABC.

      39. Reasoner/Jackson: Mitchell-Stans conspiracy trial. Time Code Start: 78:49. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, trials, obstruction of justice, perjury, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: ABC.

      40. Smith: Commentary on oil profits. Time Code Start: 80:01. Keywords: energy, petroleum, drilling, oil supply, oil supplies, imports, shortages, sales, costs, increases. Network: ABC.

      41. Chancellor/Levine: inflation and wage controls with Humphrey and William Simon. Time Code Start: 82:44. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: NBC.

      42. Chancellor/Scherrer/Brokaw: impeachment inquiry with Hutchinson and Rhodes. Time Code Start: 85:24. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: NBC.

      43. Chancellor/Hager: Mitchell-Stans conspiracy trial. Time Code Start: 88:40. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, trials, obstruction of justice, perjury, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.

      44. Chancellor/Valeriani: foreign aid with Mahon and Fulbright statements. Time Code Start: 90:50. Keywords: bills, laws, voting, Senators, financial aid, funding. Network: NBC.
    • WHCA-6906
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS

      1. Chancellor/Brinkley: Commentary on foreign aid; will improve U.S. relations with Middle East and Soviets. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, USSR, Soviet Union, Russiafinancial aid, funding. Network: NBC.

      2. Chancellor/Mackin: Health care. Time Code Start: 01:27. Keywords: health care, health insurance, insurance, benefits, medicine, medical care, hospitals, costs, financial aid, debates [possibly related to: American Indians, Native Americans, tribes]. Network: NBC.

      3. Cronkite/Morton: Impeachment inquiry with Cohen. Time Code Start: 04:50. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: CBS.

      4. Cronkite/Herman: Economy with William Simon and Senator Proxmire. Time Code Start: 06:48. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: CBS.

      5. Cronkite/Schorr/Duvall: Health care with Weinberger. Time Code Start: 09:33. Keywords: health care, health insurance, cabinet, advisors, insurance, benefits, medicine, medical care, hospitals, costs, financial aid, debates [possibly related to: American Indians, Native Americans, tribes]. Network: CBS.

      6. Cronkite/Schnake: Mitchell-Stans conspiracy trial. Time Code Start: 13:10. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, trials, obstruction of justice, perjury, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: CBS.

      7. Cronkite/Sevareid: Commentary on foreign aid. Time Code Start: 14:55. Keywords: financial aid, funding, Suez Canal, Middle East (possibly includes Sevareid on possible televised impeachment hearings). Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)