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August 6, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, August 6, 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: Monday, August 5, 1974

Next Date: Wednesday, August 7, 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. XXXI, Foreign Economic Policy, 1973-1976

    Negotiating the New Rules, May 1973-June 1975

    Vol. E-6, Documents on Africa, 1973-1976

    Horn of Africa

    • 110. Telegram 171544 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia, Washington, August 6, 1974, 2245Z

      The Department reported that Under Secretary of State Sisco informed Ethiopian Ambassador Kifle of U.S. approval of Ethiopia’s request to purchase an additional $28 million of U.S. arms.

      Source: Department of State, Addis Ababa Embassy Files: Lot 77 F 121, MAP Level 1974. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Mogadiscio, Nairobi, and Jidda.

    Vol. E-14, Part 1, Documents on the United Nations, 1973-1976

    Issues of Representation in International Organizations

    • 64. Telegram 171606 From the Department of State to the Embassy in South Vietnam, August 6, 1974, 2300Z., August 6, 1974, 2300Z

      The Department identified the most likely avenues the Provisional Revolutionary Government and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam would use to enhance their international status at the expense of the Republic of Vietnam.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Finney; cleared in draft by Bettauer, Goott, Schaller, Rives, Wenzel, and Schiff, and in EUR/NE, NEA/INS, ARA/LA/USOAS, USIA, AF/RA, EA/ANP, and EA/IMS; and approved by Hummel. Repeated to all diplomatic posts and USUN.

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

    • 68. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, August 6, 1974

      Summary: Kissinger summarized interagency views concerning restraints on environmental modification for warfare purposes. He noted that at the Moscow summit Nixon had agreed to begin discussions with the Soviets in order to “explore the problem and what steps might be taken to bring about effective restraints.” Kissinger recommended that Nixon approve a draft National Security Decision Memorandum instructing the National Security Council Under Secretaries Committee to prepare a “scenario and approach” for discussions with the Soviets, to begin in October.

      Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Program Analysis Staff Files, Convenience Files, Box 23, Environmental Warfare (2) 1974. Secret. Sent for action. Nixon resigned the Presidency on August 9, and Ford became President. The NSDM as approved is Document 94. The May NSC Under Secretaries Committee report, prepared pursuant to Kissinger’s request, was not found, but is summarized in Document 74.

    • 69. Telegram 171545 From the Department of State to All Diplomatic Posts, Washington, August 6, 1974, 2248Z

      Summary: The Department of State provided guidance to all posts regarding the recently signed Threshold Test Ban Treaty.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740215–0424. Limited Official Use. Drafted by P.S. Corden (ACDA/NWT/AT); cleared by Buchheim, David Brown (EA/J), S. Thompson (AEC), Charles Flowerree (PM/DCA), Huberman, John Marcum (INR), Miller, Sonnenfeldt, Jon Gibney (NEA/INS), Kahan, S/S, Scott George (EUR/CE), and in substance by T. George (OSD), C. Wilmot (JCS), and CIA; approved by Iklé. Telegram 8974 from New Delhi, July 6; telegram 9170 from Tokyo, July 11; and telegram 10705 from Bonn, July 5 are ibid., D740179–1140, D740185–0056, and D740179–0284. Martin’s July 16 statement to the CCD is printed in Documents on Disarmament, 1974, pp. 348–352.

  • 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-E3349 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E3349-, President Nixon speaking during a cabinet meeting to inform them he will not resign. He plans to follow constitutional methods to remain President. (panoramic or wide lux photo). 8/6/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Meeting Room. President Nixon, Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State. William E. Simon, Secretary of the Treasury. James R. Schlesinger, Secretary of Defense. William B. Saxbe, Attorney General. Rogers C. B. Morton, Secretary of the Interior. Earl L. Butz, Secretary of Agriculture. Frederick B. Dent, Secretary of Commerce. Peter J. Brennan, Secretary of Labor. Caspar W. Weinberger, Secretary of HEW James T. Lynn, Secretary of HUD. Claude S. Brinegar, Secretary of Transportation. Roy L. Ash, Director of OMB, John A. Scali, Ambassador from the U.S. to the United Nations. Dean Burch, Counsellor. Kenneth Rush, Counsellor. George Bush, Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Assistant. Ronald L. Ziegler, Assistant.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E3349-15, President Nixon speaking during a cabinet meeting to inform them he will not resign. He plans to follow constitutional methods to remain President. (panoramic or wide lux photo). 8/6/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Meeting Room. President Nixon, Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State. William E. Simon, Secretary of the Treasury. James R. Schlesinger, Secretary of Defense. William B. Saxbe, Attorney General. Rogers C. B. Morton, Secretary of the Interior. Earl L. Butz, Secretary of Agriculture. Frederick B. Dent, Secretary of Commerce. Peter J. Brennan, Secretary of Labor. Caspar W. Weinberger, Secretary of HEW James T. Lynn, Secretary of HUD. Claude S. Brinegar, Secretary of Transportation. Roy L. Ash, Director of OMB John A. Scali, Ambassador from the U.S. to the United Nations. Dean Burch, Counsellor. Kenneth Rush, Counsellor. George Bush, Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Assistant. Ronald L. Ziegler, Assistant.

    Roll WHPO-E3350 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E3350-, Mike Farrell Group. 8/6/1974, Washington, D.C. White House. Unknown individuals with Mike Farrell.

    Roll WHPO-E3351 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E3351-, White House Mess Presentation. 8/6/1974, Washington, D.C. White House. Unknown.

  • 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-705
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (8/6/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 28:16:00

      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-706
      Press pool report of the President's photo opportunity with the Cabinet. (8/6/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      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.

  • 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-7116
      ABC/NBC Special with Rep. John Rhodes. John D. Ehrlichman, former chief domestic advisor to the President.
      ABC
      Runtime: 00:15:56
    • WHCA-7117
      "Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition". Panel discussion with foreign correspondents John D. Ehrlichman, former chief domestic advisor to the President.
      ABC
      Runtime: 00:29:29
    • WHCA-7118
      ABC Special on Impeachment AND NBC Special - "The Republicans Tonight". John D. Ehrlichman, former chief domestic advisor to the President.
      ABC, NBC
      Runtime: 1:30
    • WHCA-7144
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:32:10

      19. Reasoner/Donaldson: Commentary on House Republican leader John Rhodes announcing he'll vote for impeachment, doesn't favor granting President immunity from criminal prosecution. Time Code Start: 40:55. Keywords: Congressman, House of Representatives, voting, Watergate, resignations, impeachment. Network: ABC.

      20. Reasoner/Bell: Cabinet meeting with William Simon, Brennen and Kissinger. Time Code Start: 43:29. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, meetings. Network: ABC.

      21. Reasoner/Clark: Senator John Tower states Senators favor President Nixon's resignation; Senators Percy and Aiken make statements. Time Code Start: 46:12. Keywords: Presidents, resignations, Watergate, resignations, impeachment, voting, Senate, public opinions, polls. Network: ABC.

      22. Reasoner/Geer: Judiciary Republicans comment on confession with Sandman, Lott, Dennis, Maraziti and Smith. Time Code Start: 48:05. Keywords: U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Congress. Network: ABC.

      23. Reasoner: Carl Albert believes proceeding will speed up. Time Code Start: 50:38. Keywords: Presidents, resignations, last day, Congressmen, Speaker. Network: ABC.

      24. Reasoner/Kash: Wiggins' constitutes comment on his change of vote. Time Code Start: 51:16. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting, registrations,. Network: ABC.

      25. Reasoner: Commentary on amnesty for President Nixon. Time Code Start: 53:55. Keywords: Presidents, House of Representatives, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment, political offenses, pardons. Network: ABC.

      26. Chancellor/Quinn: President Nixon not to resign with Rhodes and Albert. Time Code Start: 55:43. Keywords: Watergate, Senate Committee hearings, investigations, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: NBC.

      27. Chancellor/Brokaw: Erosion of support and cabinet meeting with William Simon, Brennen, Kissinger. Time Code Start: 58:02. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, meetings. Network: NBC.

      28. Chancellor/Scherer: Republicans meet on impeachment with Tower, Aiken. Time Code Start: 60:56. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment, political parties, meetings. Network: NBC.

      29. Chancellor/Mackin: Former supporters now will vote for impeachment with Sandman, Trent, Dennis, Lutta, Maraziti. Time Code Start: 63:15. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment, political parties, meetings. Network: NBC.

      30. Chancellor: Senator Curtis' statement from the Today Show. Time Code Start: 65:39. Keywords: Senators, interviews, television shows,. Network: NBC.

      31. Chancellor/Nessen: Vice President Gerald Ford's day. Time Code Start: 66:53. Keywords: Vice Presidents, meetings, activities. Network: NBC.

      32. Chancellor: President Nixon's attorney St. Clair's threatens to resign. Time Code Start: 68:56. Keywords: Presidents, law officials, attorneys, lawyers, Watergate, Senate Committee hearings, investigations, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: NBC.

      33. Chancellor/Stern: More on the new transcripts. Time Code Start: 70:12. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      34. Mudd/Pierpoint: Cabinet meeting with Kissinger, William Simon, Brennen. Time Code Start: 72:10. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, meetings. Network: CBS.

      35. Mudd/Morton: Republicans vote for impeachment with Lott, Latta, Dennis, Sandman, Rhodes, Albert. Time Code Start: 74:38. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment, political parties, meetings, voting. Network: CBS.

      36. Mudd/Herman: Senate view on impeachment with Tower, Scott, Aiken. Time Code Start: 77:17. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: CBS.

      37. Mudd/Rather: Commentary on President Nixon's possible resignation. Time Code Start: 79:33. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, law officials, Senate Committee hearings, investigations, officials, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: CBS.

      38. Mudd/Graham: Variances in transcripts and statements. Time Code Start: 81:51. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      39. Mudd/Kalb: Secretary of State Kissinger cleared of charges with Fulbright. Time Code Start: 85:26. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, hearings, vindications. Network: CBS.

      40. Mudd/Drinkwater: Representative Charles Wiggins switches sides. Time Code Start: 87:07. Keywords: Presidents, support, Congressmen. Network: CBS.

      41. Mudd/Plante: Views on impeachment in Iowa. Time Code Start: 89:39. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment, public opinions, polls, approval ratings, Gallup poll, Harris poll. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)