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August 20, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, August 20, 1969, 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, August 19, 1969

Next Date: Thursday, August 21, 1969

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 Western White House, 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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    Acts Approved by the President

    Digest of Other White House Announcements

    Following is a listing of items of general interest which were announced in the press but not made public as formal White House press releases during the period covered by this issue. Appointments requiring Senate approval are not included since they appear in the list of nominations submitted to the Senate, below.

    • The President met with members of the President's Advisory Council on Executive Organization.

  • 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.

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.

    • Annotated News Summaries, Box 28, News Summaries - August 1969 [During this period, the Staff Secretary only removed pages from the News Summaries which contained President Nixon's handwriting, often leaving the document with no date. In addition to the individual document(s) listed below, you should also consult the full folder for the month.]
      • Editorial / Column Analysis, President's Welfare Proposals, August 20, 1969

    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.

    • Transcript of diary entry (PDF)
      Wednesday, August 20.

      Meeting with Ash's reorganization group. Very good session regarding their basic approach to Executive Office of President. President was quite interested and responsive, and seemed to buy his ideas. Did launch into a half hour side bar on the whole foreign policy problem of State versus Defense versus Kissinger. Called Kissinger in to cover this. Hard to figure exactly why - except as filibuster - and to dazzle them with a little taste of the "big stuff" as they wallowed around in petty problems. President does seem to recognize, though, the need for a new organizational approach and buys the idea of a Domestic Policy Council and an Office of Executive Management. Now have to figure out how to implement the whole thing. Will break a
      lot of china - especially at Bureau of Budget because really cuts across their lines of responsibility. Must be done. President took group on tour of Residence after meeting. Darn good session overall.

      President spent afternoon at the beach with Julie. Had his meeting with Drowns this evening. No report on that yet – but he was really dreading it.
    • Handwritten diary entry (JPG)

  • 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. IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969-1972

    Coordinating Committee on Export Controls, 1969-1972

    Vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969-1972

    Canada

    • 98. Memorandum of Conversation , San Clemente, August 20, 1969, 11:10 a.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 670, Country Files—Europe, Canada, Vol. I. Secret. The meeting took place in the President’s office in the Western White House. An attached August 26 note indicates Haig was the drafting officer.

    Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

    India and Pakistan: Pre-Crisis, January 1969-February 1971

    • 34. Telegram 140939 From the Department of State to the White House, Washington, August 20, 1969, 2348Z

      The Department assessed Indian Prime Minister Gandhi’s victory over her rivals in the Congress Party and concluded that it would improve prospects for political stability in India.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 14 INDIA. Confidential. Drafted by Schaffer, cleared by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Stuart W. Rockwell, and approved by Schneider. Sent with an instruction to pass to San Francisco for Rogers and to San Clemente for Kissinger.

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

    Mexico

    • 435. Telegram 140240 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Mexico, August 20, 1969, 1858Z. , August 20, 1969, 1858Z

      The Department of State provided information on the President’s Marihuana and Dangerous Drug Task Force, which included documentation on “Operation Intercept,” a U.S. effort to interdict narcotics at the border with Mexico. The Department requested the Embassy’s views on Mexican sensitivities.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 787, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. I, January 1969–December 31, 1969. Secret; Exdis; Eyes Only Ambassador. Drafted by Michael Yohn (ARA/MEX); cleared by U; and approved by Meyer. In telegram 4658 from Mexico City, August 25, McBride recommended that the U.S. inform Mexico’s President, Foreign Secretary, and Secretary of the Interior about “Operation Intercept.” (Ibid.) In telegram 147028 to Mexico City, August 29, the Department of State authorized McBride to inform Carrillo Flores of the task force, emphasizing that it was U.S. policy to give full advance information. (Ibid.)

    Peru

    • 608. Memorandum of Conversation, San Clemente, August 20, 1969, 11:10 a.m. , San Clemente, August 20, 1969, 11:10 a.m.

      President Nixon declared to the Ambassadors to Australia, Barbados, Canada, Iceland, Peru, and Romania, as well as Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Haig that it was important that other Latin American nations not replicate Velasco’s “Nassarist” model. Nixon also hinted that there were “signs” Velasco was beginning to realize that a confrontation with the United States would not be in the best interest of Peru.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 792, Country Files, Latin America, Peru, Vol. 1, Through June 1970. Secret. An attached August 26 note indicated Haig dictated the memorandum and Kissinger saw it before it was filed. The meeting took place in the President’s Office at the Western White House in San Clemente. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the meeting took place on August 19, from 11:58 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary)

  • 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-1852 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1852-00A-20A, Western White House, La Casa Pacifica exteriors, including swimming pool area and garden. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica, exterior.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1852-10, Director's chairs labeled The President, Mrs. Nixon and Tricia sitting on the desk at the Western White House, La Casa Pacifica swimming pool. Two inflatable pool floats topped with a croquet mallet sit across Mrs. Nixon's chair. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica, exterior. none.

    Roll WHPO-1853 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1853-01-19, President Nixon walking and standing with members of the Advisory Council on Executive Organization (Ash Council), Roy Ash, Dean Baker, John Connally, Frederick Kappel, Richard Paget, Walter Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew Rouse, Roger Golde and Richard McCormack, outside the Western White House, La Casa Pacifica, in San Clemente. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica grounds. President Nixon, John Connally, council members: Roy L. Ash, Dean G. Baker, John B. Connally, Frederick R. Kappel, Richard M. Paget, Walter N. Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew M. Rouse, Roger Golde, Richard McCormack.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1853-03, President Nixon walking and standing with members of the Advisory Council on Executive Organization (Ash Council), Roy Ash, Dean Baker, John Connally, Frederick Kappel, Richard Paget, Walter Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew Rouse, Roger Golde and Richard McCormack, at the swimming pool patio near the Western White House, La Casa Pacifica, in San Clemente. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica swimming pool patio. President Nixon, John Connally, council members: Roy L. Ash, Dean G. Baker, John B. Connally, Frederick R. Kappel, Richard M. Paget, Walter N. Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew M. Rouse, Roger Golde, Richard McCormack.

    Roll WHPO-1854 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1854-02A-08A, President Nixon sitting at a Western White House conference table during a meeting with his Advisory Council on Executive Organization (Ash Council). Members are Roy Ash, Dean Baker, John Connally, Frederick Kappel, Richard Paget, Walter Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew Rouse, Roger Golde and Richard McCormack. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, Conference Room. President Nixon, John Connally, council members: Roy L. Ash, Dean G. Baker, John B. Connally, Frederick R. Kappel, Richard M. Paget, Walter N. Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew M. Rouse, Roger Golde, Richard McCormack.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1854-03, President Nixon sitting at a Western White House conference table during a meeting with his Advisory Council on Executive Organization (Ash Council). Members are Roy Ash, Dean Baker, John Connally, Frederick Kappel, Richard Paget, Walter Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew Rouse, Roger Golde and Richard McCormack. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, Conference Room, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, John Connally, council members: Roy L. Ash, Dean G. Baker, John B. Connally, Frederick R. Kappel, Richard M. Paget, Walter N. Thayer, Murray Comarow, Andrew M. Rouse, Roger Golde, Richard McCormack.

    Roll WHPO-1855 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1855-03A-12A, President Nixon greeting the Western White House barber's family. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California outside the Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, wife and two sons of the barber.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1855-06A, President Nixon shaking hands with a young son of the Western White House barber. 8/20/1969, San Clemente, California outside the Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, wife and two sons of the barber.

  • 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.

    F - Secretary of State Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-F-005
      Press conference by Sec. Rogers. (8/20/1969, State Department)

      Runtime: 30:00:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by State Department; No WHCA engineer initials listed

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

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-066
      Remarks of Steve Hess to foreign visitors. (8/20/1969, Indian Treaty Room, Executive Office Building)

      Runtime: 38:00:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by "WHCA only"; Recorded by MEC (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-3417
      News with White House Interns.
      ABC
      Runtime: 0:10

Context (External Sources)