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April 5, 1973

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, April 5, 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: Wednesday, April 4, 1973

Next Date: Friday, April 6, 1973

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 San Clemente, California

  • 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

  • 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 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. XXV, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973

    Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973

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

    The Intelligence Community: Investigation and Reorganization

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

    Indian Ocean Region

    • 55. Telegram 871 From the Embassy in Sri Lanka to the Department of State, Colombo, April 5, 1973, 1815Z

      The country summary for Sri Lanka details the state of the country in 1973, touching on the decaying coalition of Prime Minister Bandaranaike’s United Front and detailing the problems with the Sri Lankan economy, particularly the falling value of PL–480 aid. The summary also points to the steady improvement of U.S.-Sri Lankan relations following the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, United States’ aid to Sri Lanka during the 1971 insurgency, and in view of U.S. economic assistance and frequent naval visits.

      Source: National Archives, RG 84, Colombo Embassy Files: Lot 77 F 54, Political Affairs and Relations, 1973. Limdis, Immediate. It was drafted on April 5 by Herbert Wing (POL/ECON) and Chester Polley (Admin); cleared by Van Hollen; and approved by DCM Patricia Byrne. It was repeated to Canberra, Dhaka, Islamabad, Kabul, Katmandu, London, New Delhi, Rangoon, Tehran, USUN, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, and Karachi.

    India-Pakistan 1

    • 123. Telegram 2770 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, Islamabad, April 5, 1973, 0926Z

      The Embassy prepared a summary of Pakistan’s foreign and domestic situation as requested by the Department of State.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL PAK. Confidential; Immediate. It was drafted by Sober and repeated to Colombo, Dhaka, Kabul, Katmandu, New Delhi, Tehran, Amman, Ankara, Athens, Beirut, Jidda, Karachi, Kuwait, Lahore, Nicosia, Sanaa, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, Manama, and Muscat.

    Vol. E-9, Documents on North Africa, 1973-1976

    Libya, 1973-1976

    • 9. Letter From the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Clements) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, April 5, 1973

      Summary: Clements provided Kissinger with four options in response to the March 21 Libyan attack on a U.S. C–130 aircraft.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 739, Country Files, Africa, Libya. Top Secret; Sensitive. The letter was sent to Scowcroft, April 6, under a covering memorandum from Dick Kennedy. Scowcroft wrote on the memorandum: “Action taken.”

    • 10. Telegram 62911 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Libya, Washington, April 5, 1973, 1529Z

      Summary: The Embassy was instructed to deliver a note to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mansur Kikhyan, explaining the U.S. position regarding the distinction between “restricted area” and “danger area” in international law. The Embassy was also instructed to share the results of the U.S. investigation into the March 21 incident.

      Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–780002, Box 6, Libya 452. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Drafted by James J. Blake in AF/N on April 3; cleared by Miller in S/S, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs David D. Newsom, in substance by Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Joseph Sisco, and in substance by the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research Ray S. Cline; and approved by the Under Secretary for Political Affairs William J. Porter. A notation on the document reads: “Deputy Secretary has seen.” In telegram 449 from Tripoli, April 10, the Embassy informed the Department that the note was delivered that morning. (Ibid.)

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

    Kuwait and the Gulf States

    • 33. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 5, 1973, 10:45-11:30 a.m.

      Summary: Kuwaiti Ambassador Salim al-Sabah met with Deputy Secretary of Defense Clements to discuss military supply, the recent Iraqi incursion into northern Kuwait, and possible U.S. support for Kuwait.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–73, Box 2432, POL Kuwait, 1/1/1970. Secret. Drafted by James H. Timberlake (OASD/ISA/NESA); approved by Eagleburger on April 18.

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

    • 5. Telegram 62848 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom, Washington, April 5, 1973, 0131Z

      Summary: The Department summarized an April 2 meeting between British Assistant Under Secretary for Defense and International Security Rose and Assistant Director of ACDA’s International Relations Bureau Leonard, during which they and other UK and U.S. officials discussed the advantages and disadvantages of various chemical weapons control measures.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27–10. Secret. Drafted by Neidle on April 4; cleared by Mark S. Ramee (PM/DCA); approved by Leonard. Repeated to the Mission in Geneva and the Mission to NATO.

  • 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-E0559 Photographer: ROYER | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0559-, President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu standing with General Haig, Deputy Director Walters, General Dun. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. Vietnamese embassy. President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu, General Alexander Haig, Deputy Director of Central Intelligence Vernon A. Walters, Major General John M. Dunn.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0559-05A-11A, Vice President Agnew meeting with President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. Blair House. Spiro Agnew, President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0559-12A-13A, Vice President Agnew providing an interview for a reporter. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown street. Spiro Agnew, unidentified reporter.

    Roll WHPO-E0560 Photographer: ROYER | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0560-, President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu presenting medals to U.S. military men. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. Vietnamese Embassy. President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu, unidentified U.S. military men, unidentified guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0560-04A-08A, Vice President Agnew arriving at Blair House. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. Blair House exterior. Spiro Agnew, unidentified attendees.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0560-09A-13A, Mrs. Thieu meeting POW wives. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. Blair House. Mrs. Thieu, unidentified POW wives.

    Roll WHPO-E0561 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0561-, Mike Farrell receiving plaque from the J.C.s. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. Michael Farrell, unidentified men.

    Roll WHPO-E0562 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0562-, Julie Eisenhower presenting awards at Fifth Annual Awards Ceremony Honoring the Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employee of the Year. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. Auditorium, Department of Commerce. Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Commissioner L. J. Andolsek, unidentified award recipients.

    Roll WHPO-E0563 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0563-, Julie Eisenhower speaking at Fifth Annual Awards Ceremony Honoring the Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employee of the Year. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. Auditorium, Department of Commerce. Julie Nixon Eisenhower.

    Roll WHPO-E0564 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0564-, State Dinner honoring the Republic of Vietnam President Nguyen Van Thieu. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. Spiro Agnew, Mrs. Agnew, President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu, Mrs. Thieu, unidentified guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0564-16, Vice President Agnew, Judy Agnew, Republic of Vietnam President Nguyen Van Thieu, and Madame Nguyen Van Thieu pose for a photograph on the State dinner evening in Washington. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. Spiro Agnew, Judy Agnew, President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu, Mrs. Thieu.

    Roll WHPO-E0565 Photographer: ROYER | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0565-, Vice President Agnew and Republic of Vietnam President Nguyen Van Thieu attending House and Senate receptions. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. Spiro Agnew, President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu, Gerald Ford, unidentified elected officials.

    Roll WHPO-E0566 Photographer: ROYER | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0566-, Judy Agnew and Mrs. Thieu (Republic of Vietnam's First Lady) attending a luncheon. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. Judy Agnew, Mrs. Thieu, guests.

    Roll WHPO-E0567 Photographer: ROYER | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0567-04-14, Judy Agnew and Mrs. Thieu (Republic of Vietnam's First Lady) attending a luncheon. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. Judy Agnew, Mrs. Thieu, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0567-15-28, Republic of Vietnam President Nguyen Van Thieu attending House of Representatives reception. 4/5/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. President of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu, Gerald Ford, guests.

    Roll WHPO-E0568 Photographer: ROYER | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0568-, Russian Horizont camera that takes panoramic wide angle photos. 4/5/1973, unknown unknown.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0568-13, Russian Horizont camera that takes panoramic wide angle photos. 4/5/1973, unknown unknown.

    Roll WHPO-E0569 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0569-, President Nixon seated outside on a patio at the Western White House, during a meeting discussing Alaska pipeline with Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton. 4/5/1973, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Secretary of the Interior Rogers C. B. Morton, press corp members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0569-10, President Nixon seated outside on a patio at the Western White House, during a meeting discussing Alaska pipeline with Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton. 4/5/1973, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Secretary of the Interior Rogers C. B. Morton.

  • 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-047
      Press briefing by Roy Ash. (4/5/1973, 4 Ambassadors Press Center)

      Runtime: 33:00:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by GSA; Recorded by Earl Doss (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-S-052
      Press briefing by Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton and Ronald Ziegler. (4/5/1973, San Clemente Inn, P.C., California)

      Runtime: 57:40:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded byGET (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-6221
      Weekly News Summary, Tape IV.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:00:10

      10. Smith/Geer/Kaplow: Wholesale prices up with Shultz. Time Code Start: 30:32. Keywords: wage and price controls, freezes, prices, costs, increases, decreases, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, cabinet, advisors, speeches. Network: ABC.

      11. Reasoner/Jarriel: Meat boycott; inflation. Time Code Start: 34:15. Keywords: food, meats, animal products, markets, retail stores, prices, costs, increases, shortages, boycotts, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages. Network: ABC.

      12. Reasoner/Koppel: Cambodia; South Vietnam's President Thieu in Washington, D.C.. Time Code Start: 36:30. Keywords: Cambodia, Vietnam War, South Vietnam, Presidents, travel, trips. Network: ABC.

      13. Smith/Clark: L. Patrick Gray wants President Nixon to withdraw his nomination. Time Code Start: 40:00. Keywords: Federal Bureau of Investigations, leaders, nominations, nominees, law officials. Network: ABC.

      14. Smith/Donaldson: Watergate; McCord to talk some more. Time Code Start: 42:04. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: ABC.

      15. Reasoner: Commentary on Los Angeles, California. Time Code Start: 44:08. Keywords: American, cities,. Network: ABC.

      16. Chancellor/Levine: Wholesale prices up; inflation. Time Code Start: 46:03. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, wages, costs, unemployment, prices. Network: NBC.

      17. Chancellor: Meat boycott. Time Code Start: 48:08. Keywords: food, meats, animal products, markets, retail stores, prices, costs, increases, shortages, protests, boycotts. Network: NBC.

      18. Chancellor/Duke: L. Patrick Gray will not head FBI. Time Code Start: 48:55. Keywords: Federal Bureau of Investigations, leaders, nominees. Network: NBC.

      19. Chancellor: John Dean may have to testify on Watergate; McCord to tell story to public. Time Code Start: 50:50. Keywords: advisors, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.

      20. Chancellor/Brinkley: Some POWs to be charged with misconduct; aid to Hanoi; comment by David on aid to Hanoi. Time Code Start: 52:14. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, crimes. Network: NBC.

      21. Chancellor/Rosenfeld: South Vietnam's President Thieu in Washington; the Vietnam war goes on. Time Code Start: 56:16. Keywords: South Vietnam, Presidents, travel, trips, Washington, D. C., Vietnam War. Network: NBC.

      22. Chancellor: President Nixon vetoes another bill. Time Code Start: 58:43. Keywords: Presidents, vetoes, bills, laws. Network: NBC.

      23. Chancellor: L. Patrick Gray withdraws from consideration for FBI post. Time Code Start: 59:16. Keywords: Federal Bureau of Investigations, leaders, death, replacements. Network: NBC.
    • WHCA-6222
      Weekly News Summary, Tape V.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:00

      1. Cronkite/Kelly: Boycott on meat. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: food, meats, animal products, markets, retail stores, prices, costs, increases, shortages, protests, boycotts. Network: CBS.

      2. Cronkite/Threlkeld: Wholesale prices up; lumber prices up. Time Code Start: 02:00. Keywords: wage and price controls, freezes, prices, costs, increases, decreases, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money. Network: CBS.

      3. Cronkite/Kalb: Aid to Hanoi out; South Vietnam's President Thieu in Washington; Vietnam war goes on. Time Code Start: 04:31. Keywords: South Vietnam, Presidents, travel, trips, Washington, D. C., Vietnam War. Network: CBS.

      4. Cronkite/Mudd: L. Patrick Gray withdraws from FBI race; McCord wants to make Watergate public; Senator Weiker on Watergate. Time Code Start: 07:31. Keywords: Watergate, Federal Bureau of Investigations, organizations, crime, espionage, spying, nominees, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: CBS.

      5. Sevareid: Commentary on Watergate. Time Code Start: 11:50. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: CBS.

      6. Cronkite: President Nixon vetoes another bill; wants Alaskan oil pipeline. Time Code Start: 14:04. Keywords: petroleum, gasoline, oil crisis, energy crisis, transportation, shortages, investigations, Presidents, bills, laws, vetoes. Network: CBS.

      7. Cronkite/Morton: The Vietnam veterans and G.I. Bill. Time Code Start: 14:57. Keywords: Vietnam War, bills, laws, signings, military, troops, veterans, benefits, education, financial aid. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)