August 16, 1972

The Daily Diary files represent a consolidated record of the President's activities. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

• Original typewritten diary (PDF)

The President's day began at Camp David, Maryland

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.

• Statement on Signing a Disaster Recovery Bill.
• Message to the Congress Requesting Emergency Legislation for Continuation of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program.
• Veto of the Departments of Labor, and Health, Education, and Welfare Appropriation Act, 1973.
• Executive Order 11678—Providing for the Repair and Restoration of Nonprofit Private Educational Institutions Damaged by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Agnes

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.

• Federal Register of Wednesday, August 16, 1972

The Congressional Record is the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress.

• House of Representatives: August 16, 1972
• Senate: August 16, 1972
• Extensions of Remarks: August 16, 1972

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.

• Transcript of diary entry (PDF)
• Original audio recording (MP3)

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

• Text search for August 16, 1972
• Date search for August 16, 1972

All National Archives Units

• Text search for August 16, 1972
• Date search for August 16, 1972

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.

• President's Daily Brief of 16 August 1972

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. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

The Intelligence Community and the White House

• 281. Memorandum for the Record, Washington, August 16, 1972

  Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DDO Files, Job 80–00037, Subject Files, Box 8, Folder 7, U.S.–6, NSC, 1972. Secret; Eyes Only.

Vol. VIII, Vietnam, January-October 1972

The Parties Move Toward Agreement, July 19-October 7, 1972

• 241. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, August 16, 1972

  Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 5, Chronological File, Mar–Aug 1972. Top Secret. Sent for information. Haig signed for Kissinger. Although the memorandum is on White House stationery, Kissinger was at this time in Saigon. President Nixon wrote at the top of the first page: “Haig—Be sure we use air power in Battle area to maximum extent possible until Nov. 7. Push hard on this.”

Vol. XV, Soviet Union, June 1972-August 1974

Post-Moscow Summit Discussions and Issues, June-August 1972

• 26. Letter From Soviet General Secretary Brezhnev to President Nixon, Moscow, August 16, 1972

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 495, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/Kissinger, Vol. 13. Top Secret. A handwritten notation at the top of the letter reads: “Handed to General Haig by Amb. Dobrynin at 12:30 pm on 8/17/72.” The text of the letter was forwarded to Kissinger in Saigon on August 17 in message Tohak 72. (Ibid.) Kissinger was on a secret trip to Paris, Switzerland, Saigon, and Tokyo. He visited Saigon from August 17 to 19.

Vol. E-2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969-1972

Chemical and Biological Warfare; Geneva Protocol; Biological Weapons Convention

• 267. Memorandum From Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Moorer) to Secretary of Defense Laird, Washington, August 16, 1972

  Moorer presented the views of the JCS on the NSSM 157 study, concluding that a treaty limiting stockpiles and prohibiting the transfer of chemical weapons would not adversely affect U.S. national security.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–66, SRG Meeting, NSSM 157, 3/5/73. Top Secret. Laird forwarded the memorandum to Kissinger under cover of an August 18 memorandum in which he noted that the JCS position was essentially that described in his August 15 memorandum (Document 265). (Ibid.)

Vol. E-10, Documents on American Republics, 1969-1972

Jamaica

• 430. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 16, 1972., Washington, August 16, 1972

  Secretary of State Rogers met with outgoing Jamaican Ambassador Richardson, who indicated that the new Jamaican Government was under pressure from radical elements. Richardson voiced the concern that as the new government sought to take actions to narrow economic disparities, those actions might be misinterpreted as a move to the left.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL JAM–US. Confidential. It was drafted by Burke (ARA/CAR). In telegram 3104 from Kingston, November 1, the Embassy reported that the Jamaican Government had launched a “massive campaign” to refute claims that it was leading the nation to the far left. (Ibid., POL 12 JAM)

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.

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

Camp David Hard Wire

• 202-14; Unknown between 8:15 a.m. & 8:21 a.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 202-15; 8:21 a.m. - 8:29 a.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haig, Alexander M., Jr.; [Unknown person(s)]
• 202-16; Unknown between 8:29 a.m. & 2:11 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 202-17; 2:11 p.m. - 2:19 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")
• 202-18; Unknown between 2:19 p.m. & 3:45 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President)
• 202-19; Unknown between 2:19 p.m. & 3:45 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Sanchez, Manolo
• 202-20; 3:45 p.m. - 3:56 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator; Eisenhower, Julie Nixon
• 202-21; Unknown between 3:56 p.m. & 3:58 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 202-22; 3:58 p.m. - 4:11 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")
• 202-23; Unknown between 4:11 p.m. & 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 202-24; Unknown between 4:11 p.m. & 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")
• 202-25; Unknown between 4:11 p.m. & 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Sanchez, Manolo
• 202-26; Unknown between 4:11 p.m. & 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Sanchez, Manolo
• 202-27; Unknown between 4:11 p.m. & 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Sanchez, Manolo
• 203-1; 9:06 p.m. - 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 203-2; Unknown between 9:06 p.m. & 9:20 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 203-3; Unknown between 9:20 p.m., 8/16 & 9:01 a.m., 6/9; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Sanchez, Manolo

Camp David Study Table

• 140-4; Unknown between 8:15 a.m. & 8:21 a.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 140-5; 8:21 a.m. - 8:29 a.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haig, Alexander M., Jr.
• 140-6; Unknown between 8:29 a.m. & 2:11 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 140-7; 2:11 p.m. - 2:19 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")
• 140-8; 3:45 p.m. - 3:56 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator; Eisenhower, Julie Nixon
• 140-9; Unknown between 3:56 p.m. & 3:58 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 140-10; 3:58 p.m. - 4:11 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")
• 140-11; Unknown between 4:11 p.m. & 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 140-12; Unknown between 4:11 p.m. & 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob")
• 140-13; 9:06 p.m. - 9:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator
• 140-14; Unknown between 9:06 p.m. & 9:20 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Camp David Operator

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-9812 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-9812-, Judy Agnew sitting for a formal portrait as the unidentified artist paints her. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown. Judy Agnew, unidentified artist.

Roll WHPO-9813 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-9813-, Judy Agnew sitting for a formal portrait as the unidentified artist paints her. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown. Judy Agnew, unidentified artist.

Roll WHPO-9814 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-9814-07-12, Terry Moore with a White House intern. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown room, Vice Presidential Office, Executive Office Building (EOB). Terry Moore, White House intern.
• Frame(s): WHPO-9814-13-22, Terry Moore with a White House intern and with Vice President Agnew. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown room, Vice Presidential Office, Executive Office Building (EOB). Terry Moore, Spiro Agnew, White House intern.

Roll WHPO-9815 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-9815-, Deputy Special Assistant John E. Nidecker receiving a gift on behalf of President Nixon. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown. Nidecker, unidentified man.

Roll WHPO-9816 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-9816-04-09, Julie Eisenhower taping a United Way message. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. Map Room, White House, Library. Julie Eisenhower, Charles Peter McColough, Mr. DeLorenzo.
• Frame(s): WHPO-9816-10-16, Julie Eisenhower with United Way officials, Charles Peter McColough and a Mr. DeLorenzo. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. Map Room, White House, Library. Julie Eisenhower, Charles Peter McColough, Mr. DeLorenzo.

Roll WHPO-9817 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-9817-, Julie Eisenhower with 1972 Epilepsy Post Child Diana Lynn Nielsen, Maryland Senators J. Glenn Beall, Jr., and Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., Nielsen family members, and an unidentified man. 8/16/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Julie Eisenhower, J. Glenn Beall, Jr., Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., Diana Lynn Nielsen, Nielsen family members, unidentified man.

Roll WHPO-D0012 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-D0012-, Scenes inside and outside the Fontainebleau Hotel, including Senator Jacob Javits during an interview, various persons at a podium, and demonstrators on the sidewalk. 8/16/1972, Miami Beach, Florida inside, outside, Fontainebleau Hotel. Jacob Javits, unidentified persons, demonstrators.

Roll WHPO-D0013 Photographer: Moore, Robert (Supervisor/Director, WHPO Photographic Laboratory) | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-D0013-, Various persons, including Richardson, at a podium, standing, and at a panel discussion session. 8/16/1972, Miami Beach, Florida room, Fontainebleau Hotel; unknown. Richardson, unidentified men and women.

Roll WHPO-D0014 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-D0014-, Outside and inside views of the stadium. 8/16/1972, Miami Beach, Florida stadium Marine Stadium.

Roll WHPO-D0015 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-D0015-, Unidentified persons in various locations. 8/16/1972, Miami Beach, Florida unknown. unidentified persons, young campaign workers.

Roll WHPO-D0016 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-D0016-, Persons checking in at a reservation desk. Bob Dole with unidentified persons. 8/16/1972, Miami Beach, Florida unknown. Bob Dole, unidentified persons.

Roll WHPO-D0017 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-D0017-, Unidentified man at a podium, women at desks. Scenes at the platform hearings. 8/16/1972, Miami Beach, Florida unknown. unidentified persons.

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.

D - First Family

• WHCA-SR-D-035
  Remarks by Julie Nixon Eisenhower in a film message for the 1972-73 United Way campaign. (8/16/1972, Map Room, The White House)
  
  Runtime: 2:37
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by NBC; Recorded by CBW (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

H - White House Staff Member Recordings

• WHCA-SR-H-641
  Briefing of summer interns by Earl Mazo. (8/16/1972, Room 444, Executive Office Building)
  
  Runtime: 1:15:45
  
  Keywords: Briefings, private briefings
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by JMM (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

L - White House Press Office Briefings

• WHCA-SR-L-003
  Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler. (8/16/1972, White House Press Lobby)
  
  Runtime: 33:12:00
  
  Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-L-004
  Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler. (8/16/1972, White House Press Lobby)
  
  Runtime: 30:00:00
  
  Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary
  
  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-5653
  "A Public Affair: Election '72" AND "Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition". FTN: U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton (D-MO); "MTP": Jean Westwood & Patterson; "I&A": Herbert Stein.
  CBS, NBC, ABC
  Runtime: 1:00
• WHCA-5656
  Weekly News Summary, Tape III.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 1:30
  
  1. Smith/Reynolds: Former President Johnson (LBJ) endorses George McGovern; George McGovern campaigning in Midwest, did McGovern send Salinger to mediate for him?. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Presidents, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, primaries, candidates, endorsements. Network: ABC.
  
  2. Smith/Reasoner: Ehrlichman tells why President Nixon vetoed Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) and Labor bill, comments on the Watergate incident. Time Code Start: 03:13. Keywords: Presidents, vetoes, bills, laws, health care, health insurance, Family Assistance Programs, government agencies, financial aid, counseling, benefits, Watergate, Senate, committees, investigations, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: ABC.
  
  3. Reasoner/Kaplow: Some of the action from the Platform committee. Time Code Start: 07:15. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting, conventions, political parties. Network: ABC.
  
  4. Sherwood: Senator Javitts comments on delegate strength irregularities. Time Code Start: 08:38. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting, conventions, delegations, delegates. Network: ABC.
  
  5. Smith/Donaldson: Henry Kissinger in Saigon, Vietnam; Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho in Hanoi; Vietnam war; Clark before Senate subcommittee. Time Code Start: 10:48. Keywords: Vietnam War, officials, travel, trips, meetings, Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.
  
  6. Peterson: Friedham says Clark is a dumb-dumb and U.S. does not use anti-personel bombs against civilians. Time Code Start: 14:12. Keywords: Vietnam War, bombings. Network: ABC.
  
  7. Smith/Jarriel: Four major auto makers say they cannot cut new price increase demands (L. Woodcock (United Automobile Workers (UAW)), Consumer Activist Ralph Nader). Time Code Start: 15:15. Keywords: leaders, labor, unions, United Auto Workers, activists, consumer advocates, environmentalists, consumer advocates, environmentalists, investigations, reports, statements. Network: ABC.
  
  8. Smith: Commentary on the hassel the minority groups are getting in Platform and Rules hearing. Time Code Start: 17:34. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, committees, minorities, hearings. Network: ABC.
  
  9. Chancellor/Goralski: Clark tells of trip to North Vietnam and Defense Department pictures. Time Code Start: 19:25. Keywords: Vietnam War, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips. Network: NBC.
  
  10. Chancellor/Lord: Kissinger in Saigon, Vietnam and the Vietnam war (LaiKl [cut off]. Time Code Start: 24:37. Keywords: Vietnam War, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips. Network: NBC.
  
  11. Chancellor: Shriver, Rusk, Harriman, Wree peace signals given in 1968. Time Code Start: 26:48. Keywords: Vice Presidents, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: NBC.
  
  12. Chancellor/Pettit: Republican delegate selection plan hearings. Time Code Start: 30:56. Keywords: political parties, Republicans, GOP, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting, conventions, delegations, delegates. Network: NBC.
  
  13. Chancellor/Mackin/Kiker: More on Republican Platform hearings with Senator Dole. Time Code Start: 34:10. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, political parties, Republicans, GOP. Network: NBC.
  
  14. Chancellor: Representative McCloskey's finest moment at the hearings (bicycle pads). Time Code Start: 37:44. Keywords: Congressmen, anti-war, Vietnam War, protest. Network: NBC.
  
  15. Collingwood: President Nixon vetoes bill for Health, Education and Welfare (HEW). Time Code Start: 38:37. Keywords: health care, health insurance, bills, laws, Family Assistance Programs, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance, financial aid, Presidents, vetoes. Network: CBS.
  
  16. Collingwood: Henry Kissinger in Saigon, Vietnam. Time Code Start: 39:30. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: CBS.
  
  17. Collingwood: McGovern did send word to Vietnam for peace. Time Code Start: 40:28. Keywords: Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, primaries, candidates, statements. Network: CBS.
  
  18. Cronkite/Dean: Republican platform hearings. Time Code Start: 42:20. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, political parties, Republicans, GOP. Network: CBS.
  
  19. Cronkite/Schieffer: McCloskey to reform platform. Time Code Start: 43:50. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, political parties, Republicans, GOP. Network: CBS.
  
  20. Cronkite/Clark: Women's Caucus. Time Code Start: 47:10. Keywords: special interest groups, organizations, debates, Feminism, Feminist movement, women's rights, Womens Liberation, equality, equal rights, gender, civil rights, activists, women. Network: CBS.
  
  21. Cronkite/Plant: Former President Johnson (LBJ) supports George McGovern ticket; George McGovern "down on the farm". Time Code Start: 51:10. Keywords: Presidents, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, primaries, candidates, endorsements. Network: CBS.
  
  22. Collingwood/Kalb: The Vietnam war; Clark attacks bombing. Time Code Start: 54:15. Keywords: Vietnam War, bombings. Network: CBS.
  
  23. Sevareid: Commentary on review of Republican campaign. Time Code Start: 57:31. Keywords: political parties, Republicans, GOP, Presidential elections, candidates, campaigns, campaigning. Network: CBS.

• New York Times of August 16, 1972

• AP Images photos from August 16, 1972
• Getty Images photos from August 16, 1972

The Vanderbilt Television News Archive is the world's most extensive and complete archive of television news. They have been recording, preserving and providing access to television news broadcasts of the national networks since August 5, 1968.

• August 1972 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• August 16, 1972