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April 4, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, April 4, 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: Wednesday, April 3, 1974

Next Date: Friday, April 5, 1974

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.

    Digitized versions can be found at HathiTrust.

  • 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

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.

    President's Personal File

    The President's Personal File is essentially a President's secretary's file, kept by Rose Mary Woods, personal secretary to the President, for two purposes: (1) preserving for posterity a collection of documents particularly close to the President, whether because he dictated or annotated them, or because of the importance of the correspondent or the event concerned and (2) giving appropriate attention–letters of gratitude, invitations to White House social events, and the like–to members and important friends and supporters of the Nixon administration. This generalization does not describe all the varied materials of a file group which is essentially a miscellany, but it does identify the reason for the existence of the file group's core. 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. XXX, Greece; Cyprus; Turkey, 1973-1976

    Cyprus

    Vol. E-8, Documents on South Asia, 1973-1976

    India-Pakistan 1

    • 159. Telegram 67803 From the Department of State to the Embassy in India, Washington, April 4, 1974, 0154Z

      Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth Rush reported on his April 2 meeting with Indian Ambassador Kaul to discuss the establishment of an Indo-U.S. Joint Commission to improve bilateral relations by promoting greater cooperation in educational and cultural exchange, trade and investment, and science and technology.

      Source: National Archives, RG 84, Islamabad Embassy Files: Lot 77 F 114, Decentralized Subject Files 1973–1974, Pak/India January–June 1974. Limited Official Use. It was repeated to Islamabad, London, and Tehran. Moynihan describes the Joint Commission as an Indian initiative he first discussed in May 1973 with Ambassador Jha. (Telegram 4558 from New Delhi, April 4; ibid., New Delhi Embassy Files: Lot 78 F 45, Subject Files 1974, POL AFF U.S.-India 1974 Joint Commission)

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

    Costa Rica

    • 121. Telegram 1313 From the Embassy in Costa Rica to the Department of State, San José, April 4, 1974, 1547Z

      Summary: The Embassy reported that Facio told Lane that the new extradition law “was not intended to protect Vesco,” an assertion which the Embassy found “hard to swallow.”

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 779, Latin America, Costa Rica. Confidential; Exdis. In telegram 1285 from San José, April 2, the Embassy noted student protests against the new extradition law and reported on allegations in the Costa Rican legislature that the United States had been involved in fomenting the demonstrations. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740073–0859) In telegram 1300 from San José, April 3, Lane reported he had assured Facio the Embassy had played no role in supporting protests and that Facio had stated his intention to downplay the matter. (Ibid., D740074–1059) In telegram 1006 from San José, March 13, the Embassy transmitted the Legal Advisor’s views on the proposed bill. (Ibid., P740145–1003) For telegram 58359 to San José, see footnote 1 to Document 120.

  • 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-E2558 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2558-02-09, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Senator Cook, Tom Dunn, Administratior of the Federal Disaster Administration, Secretary Lynn, Kenneth Cole, and Senator Taft and other officials on Midwest tornado disaster relief. 4/4/1974, Washington, D. C. White House, Oval Office. President nixon, L-R, seated around the President's desk: Senator Cook, Tom Dunn, Administratior of the Federal Disaster Administration, Secretary Lynn, Kenneth Cole, and Senator Taft. In the background: Fred Webber, White House Congressional Liaison, George Yenowine, Assistant to Senator Cook.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2558-09A, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Senator Cook, Tom Dunn, Administratior of the Federal Disaster Administration, Secretary Lynn, Kenneth Cole, and Senator Taft and other officials on Midwest tornado disaster relief. 4/4/1974, Washington, D. C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, L-R, seated around the President's desk: Senator Cook, Tom Dunn, Administratior of the Federal Disaster Administration, Secretary Lynn, Kenneth Cole, and Senator Taft.

  • 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.

    B - Vice-Presidential (Agnew and Ford)

    • WHCA-SR-B-266
      Remarks in a briefing to the Columbia University Fellowship-Rm. 450, O.E.O.B. (4/4/1974)

      Runtime: 30:00:00

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

    K - Informal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-K-167
      Photo opportunity/Remarks to Domestic Council on Veterans Services-Cabinet Rm. (4/4/1974)

      Runtime: 0:30

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-740403
      Remarks by President Nixon in toast to members of Congress. (4/4/1974)

      Runtime: 95:00:00

      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-542
      Prayer and Bible study for the White House staff. (4/4/1974, Family Theater)

      Runtime: 40:00:00

      Keywords: Church service, worship service, prayer service, religion

      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.
    • WHCA-SR-S-543
      Briefing of the U.S. Military Academy Debate Council and forum by Col. Stuko. (4/4/1974, Family Theater)

      Runtime: 55:00:00

      Keywords: Briefings, private briefings

      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.
    • WHCA-SR-S-544
      Press briefing by Administrator Donald Johnson of the Veteran's Administration. (4/4/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 30:00:00

      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.
    • WHCA-SR-S-545
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (4/4/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 57:00:00

      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.
    • WHCA-SR-S-546
      Press briefing by Secretary of Housing and Urban Development James T. Lynn on tornado disaster relief. (4/4/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 16:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, 1974 Super Tornado, 1974 Super Outbreak, weather, disasters

      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-6865
      "Panorama" with Martha Mitchell. Topics include: Martha Mitchell's claim of being political prisoner, her relationship with the press
      NBC
      Runtime: 01:04:33
    • WHCA-6866
      "The Advocates" with a discussion of military spending in Vietnam. A discussion of military spending in Vietnam
      ABC
      Runtime: 01:05:51
    • WHCA-6867
      "The Loyal Opposition". Democrats discuss the future of the party
      NPACT
      Runtime: 01:00:12
    • WHCA-6868
      Black Journal. Congressional Black Caucus
      NPACT
      Runtime: 01:00:21
    • WHCA-6869
      "Panorama".
      NBC
      Runtime: 01:32:55
    • WHCA-6875
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS

      7. Smith/Clark: Latest on President Nixon's taxes with Representative Mills and Long. Time Code Start: 17:33. Keywords: Presidents, Internal Revenue Service, taxes, taxation, revenue, audits, investigations, state taxes. Network: ABC.

      8. Smith/Donaldson: Impeachment inquiry with attorney John Doar and Representatives Hutchinson and Rodino. Time Code Start: 19:49. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: ABC.

      9. Reasoner: Commentary on President Nixon's taxes. Time Code Start: 21:32. Keywords: Presidents, Internal Revenue Service, taxes, taxation, revenue, audits, investigations, state taxes. Network: ABC.

      10. Chancellor/Jones/Jamieson/Briggs/Lewis: Tornadoes hit midwest. Time Code Start: 23:32. Keywords: weather, natural disasters, storms, tornado, 1974 Super Tornado, 1974 Super Outbreak, damages. Network: NBC.

      11. Chancellor/Christian: FBI statement on the Patty Hearst kidnapping. Time Code Start: 29:08. Keywords: Symbionese Liberation Army, SLA, militants, organizations, plots, conspiracy, conspiracies, kidnappings, terrorism, victims, crime, crimes, offences, infractions, criminals, criminality, law breaking, law and order. Network: NBC.

      12. Chancellor/Paxton: Kent State National Guardsmen arraigned. Time Code Start: 32:20. Keywords: National Guard, shootings, students, deaths, colleges, universities, investigations, demonstrations, rally, protests, protesters, demonstrators, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war, lawsuits, hearings, trials. Network: NBC.

      13. Chancellor/Stern: Chapin trial goes to jury. Time Code Start: 34:46. Keywords: Dirty Tricks, political sabotage, trials, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, Presidential elections, campaigns. Network: NBC.

      14. Chancellor/Scherrer: Representative Rodino threatens subpoena. Time Code Start: 36:40. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: NBC.

      15. Chancellor: Mitchell-Stans conspiracy trial. Time Code Start: 38:23. 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.

      16. Chancellor/Levine/Brokaw: President Nixon's taxes with Alexander Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Time Code Start: 38:43. Keywords: Presidents, Internal Revenue Service, income taxes, taxation, revenue, audits, investigations. Network: NBC.

      17. Chancellor: Aaron ties Babe's record with Vice President Gerald Ford. Time Code Start: 41:38. Keywords: sports, games, records, history, Vice Presidents, speeches, statements. Network: NBC.

      18. Cronkite/Shaw/Rather: President Nixon's taxes with Long. Representative Mills, and Bennent. Time Code Start: 43:45. Keywords: Presidents, Internal Revenue Service, taxes, taxation, revenue, audits, investigations, state taxes. Network: CBS.

      19. Cronkite/Sevareid: Commentary on President Nixon's personal taxes. Time Code Start: 46:47. Keywords: Presidents, Internal Revenue Service, taxes, taxation, revenue, audits, investigations, state taxes. Network: CBS.

      20. Cronkite/Morton: Representative Rodino threatens subpoena for tapes. Time Code Start: 49:54. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      21. Late edit: Smith's comment from April 3, 1974 on Springtime. Time Code Start: 51:28. Keywords: weather, seasons. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)