August 20, 1973

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 Key Biscayne, Florida

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.

• Remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana.

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 Monday, August 20, 1973

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.

• News Summaries, Unmarked News Summaries, Box 59, News Summaries - August 1973 [10 of 14] [Note: Due to the way News Summary products were compiled, you should also consult nearby days for potentially relevant materials.]
  • Magazine Review, Week of August 20, 1973

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.

• President's Speech File
  • Box 88, Monday, August 20, 1973, VFW Convention--New Orleans

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 20, 1973
• Date search for August 20, 1973

All National Archives Units

• Text search for August 20, 1973
• Date search for August 20, 1973

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 20 August 1973

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. XXVII, Iran; Iraq, 1973-1976

Iran, January-August 1973

• 33. Backchannel Message From the Ambassador to Iran (Helms) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Tehran, August 20, 1973, 0558Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 425, Backchannel Files, 1973, Middle East/Africa. Secret; Eyes Only.

• 34. Telegram From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State, Tehran, August 20, 1973, 1141Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 603, Country Files—Middle East, Iran, Vol. V, May 1973–December 1973. Confidential. Repeated to USDA.

Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

March 8-October 5, 1973

• 196. Memorandum by Philip A. Odeen of the National Security Council Staff, Washington, August 20, 1973

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 251, Agency Files, National Energy Office, Vol. III. Confidential. Attached was the August 15 memorandum from Odeen and Sonnenfeldt to Kissinger; see footnote 15, Document 193.

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.

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-E1365 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1365-, Pesident Nixon meeting in the Oval Office with Cancer panel members to discuss Cancer programs: Chairman Benno Schmidt, Dr. R. Lee Clark, Dr. Raymond Owen and Dr. Frank Rauscher, Director of the National Cancer Institute. 8/20/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. Benno C. Schmidt, Chairman, President's Cancer panel; Dr. R. Lee Clark, Member, Dr. Raymond Owen, Member-Designate; and Dr. Frank Rauscher, Director, National Cancer Institute. Thomas H. Hart, Staff Assistant.

Roll WHPO-E1368 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1368-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon departing on the Spirit of 76 (Air Force One AF!) to Homestead AFB in Florida, from Andrews Air Force Base. 8/20/1973, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base (AFB).

Roll WHPO-E1369 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1369-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall. President Nixon, crowd, unidentified persons.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1369-14, President Nixon, standing with his arms raised, accepting applause after addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention. The convention was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall. President Nixon, crowd, unidentified persons.

Roll WHPO-E1370 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1370-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1371 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1371-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1372 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1372-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1372-23, President Nixon holding an award plaque while standing next to an unidentified woman at the podium during the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention, which was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall. President Nixon, unidentified women, unidentified VFW officials.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1372-26, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. Pat Nixon sits nearby holding the hand of an unidentified woman seated next to her. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, unidentified VFW officials.

Roll WHPO-E1373 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1373-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1374 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1374-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1375 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1375-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1375-28, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Ronald Ziegler, unidentified officials and aides.

Roll WHPO-E1376 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1376-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1377 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1377-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1378 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1378-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1379 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1379-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1380 Photographer: Moore, Robert (Supervisor/Director, WHPO Photographic Laboratory) | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1380-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1381 Photographer: Moore, Robert (Supervisor/Director, WHPO Photographic Laboratory) | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1381-, President Nixon addressing the 74th Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention that was broadcast live over local radio and television stations. 8/20/1973, New Orleans, Louisiana Rivergate Convention Hall.

Roll WHPO-E1382 Photographer: WILCOXEN | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1382-, President Nixon arriving at La Casa Pacifica. 8/20/1973, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Bebe Charles Rebozo.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1382-25A, President Nixon drives a golf cart away from the presidential helicopter, carrying passengers Pat Nxon and Bebe Rebozo after their arriving at La Casa Pacifica. 8/20/1973, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Bebe Charles Rebozo.

Roll WHPO-E1383 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1383-, Staff members aboard Air Force One, (AF1) Boeing 26000. 8/20/1973, unknown unknown.

Roll WHPO-E1405 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1405-, President Nixon arriving in San Clemente on the Presidential helicopter. 8/20/1973, San Clemente, California Western White House.

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-730804
  Remarks by President Nixon to VFW Convention at Rivergate Convention Center in New Orleans with Commander-in-Chief of the VFW Carr, the Nat'l President of the VFW, Lola Reed. (8/20/1973)
  
  Runtime: 32:34:00
  
  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-6503
  "President Nixon's Rivergate Speech". This is the event where Nixon "shoved" Press Secretary Ron Ziegler
  NBC
  Runtime: 00:59:00
• WHCA-6510
  Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 01:34:02
  
  28. Smith/Snell/Jarriel: Plot to kill President Nixon, includes footage of President Nixon "pushing" Ron Ziegler. Time Code Start: 64:22. Keywords: Presidents, assassinations, investigations, plots. Network: ABC.
  
  29. Smith/Kappel: Secretary of State Rogers press conference. Time Code Start: 69:34. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: ABC.
  
  30. Smith: Congressmen receive calls not to back Vice President Agnew. Time Code Start: 71:49. Keywords: Vice Presidents, taxes, investments, investigations, Congress, public opinions, reactions. Network: ABC.
  
  31. Smith/Gill: Watergate committee broadens its investigation. Time Code Start: 73:23. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: ABC.
  
  32. Smith: Commentary on the the last word on President Nixon's Watergate speech. Time Code Start: 74:78. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: ABC.
  
  33. Utley/Goralski: President Nixon in New Orleans, Louisiana, includes footage of President Nixon "pushing" Ron Ziegler (shot is partially obscured). Time Code Start: 76:23. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domesic. Network: NBC.
  
  34. Utley/Schiff: Possible attempt on President Nixon's life. Time Code Start: 79:30. Keywords: Presidents, assassinations, investigations, plots. Network: NBC.
  
  35. Utley: Vice President Agnew inquiry; Secretary of Defense Laird warns Republican Congressmen not to uphold Vice President Agnew until all information is in. Time Code Start: 81:19. Keywords: Vice Presidents, taxes, investments, investigations, hearings, political parties, Republicans, GOP, Cambodia, Vietnam War, speeches, statements. Network: NBC.
  
  36. Utley/Schorr: Secretary of State Rogers' press conference. Time Code Start: 83:03. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: NBC.
  
  37. Cronkite/Henderson: Possible attempt on President Nixon's life; President Nixon's speech in New Orleans, Louisiana. Time Code Start: 85:03. Keywords: Presidents, speeches. Network: CBS.
  
  38. Cronkite/Rather: Secretary of Defense Laird. Time Code Start: 87:19. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, military, Cambodia, Vietnam War, speeches, statements. Network: CBS.
  
  39. Cronkite/Kalb: President Nixon pushes Ziegler; more on speech. Time Code Start: 90:00. Keywords: Presidents, speeches. Network: CBS.

• TIME magazine of August 20, 1973

• New York Times of August 20, 1973

• AP Images photos from August 20, 1973
• Getty Images photos from August 20, 1973

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 1973 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• August 20, 1973