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December 10, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, December 10, 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, December 9, 1969

Next Date: Thursday, December 11, 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 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.

    Congress, Communications to

    • Expressing the American Spirit (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1730, December 10, 1969)
      The President's Message to the Congress on the Funding and Authorization of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities.

    Checklist of White House Press Releases

    The releases listed below, made public by the Office of the White House Press Secretary during the period covered by this issue, are not included in the issue.

    • Press conference of Nancy Hanks, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts, on message to Congress on the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities.

    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 announced the appointment of the following to be members of the American Battle Monuments Commission: Gen. Mark Wayne Clark (USA, ret.), Gerhard V. Bleickan, William C. Garrison, Rear Adm. Leslie E. Gehres (USN, ret.), Harold A. Horn, and Richard J. VanderPlatt.

  • 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.

  • Argued

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.

  • 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, December 10.

      NSC - on the Middle East. Ran way over time. Then President spent the afternoon at EOB. Had Mills and Byrnes come down to discuss tax bill plans for Conference. President was going to tell them he'd veto any bill that had an increase in personal exemption, but Arthur Burns called me and said he now felt President could permit an increase because other factors would counterbalance the revenue loss. I told him to get memo to President, which he did, and as a result President didn't take an unfavorable position, much to Harlow's horror. Real problem is to determine how far President can go in permitting amendments, or whether he'll have to veto bill and get no reform, and kill social security increase.

      Kissinger all excited because has word that Chinese are ready to meet with us in Warsaw. They sent emissaries to our embassy – and because of blizzard had to come in side door. Asked why they couldn’t use front door to leave (obviously they wanted to be seen there). On top of that Kissinger has message from Romanian ambassador that their secret emissary is coming with message for Kissinger from Ceausescu. Somethings breaking. Kissinger feels real probability that Russia will attack China before April 15.

      Harlow had the key White House staff up to the Hill for lunch with the GOP liberal dissident Senators. Incredibly bad show - Case's office, crammed in, no plan for meeting, thirteen Senators pontificated, all for show (and release to papers). Hardly gave us a chance to get even a word in. Really a pretty despicable group. Javits, Percy, Goodell, Hatfield, Schweiker, Saxbe especially bad. Case just plain dumb and confused. Scott, Brooke, Griffin, Boggs not so bad. Made point that they're worried mainly regarding "Southern strategy" and that we have to be concerned with the big states and big cities, where the people are. Also want to have advance consultation before we launch programs, etc. (so they can leak to the press). Mac Mathias and Marlow Cook really pretty decent, and Cook stood up strongly for the White House (because he saw it as a good maneuver - gain more that way while the rest were jumping on us).

      President not too pleased we went - feels useless to try to placate them. I agree.
    • 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

    Foreign Assistance Policy, 1969-1972

    • 17. Memorandum From Acting Secretary of the Treasury Walker to President Nixon, Washington, December 10, 1969

      Source: Washington National Records Center, Department of the Treasury, Secretary’s Memos/Correspondence: FRC 56 74 A 7, Memo to the President 9-12/69. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Petty on December 9. In a December 9 memorandum to Walker, Petty recommended he sign the memorandum and indicated that Kennedy and Volcker asked that the President be informed of the pending replenishment. (Ibid.)

    Vol. XXIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1969-1972

    The Rogers Plan

    • 74. Minutes of a National Security Council Meeting , Washington, December 10, 1969, 10 a.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–109, NSC Meeting Minutes, NSC Minutes Originals 1969. Top Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Saunders. All brackets are in the original.

    Vol. E-1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969-1972

    International Environmental Policy

    • 289. Letter From Under Secretary Richardson to Under Secretary of the Interior (Train) , Washington, December 10, 1969

      Richardson assured Train that the Department of State was giving the UN Conference on the Human Environment, slated for Stockholm, Sweden, its fullest support.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, SCI 61-3. No classification marking. Drafted by Guy Ferri (IO/OES), cleared by Thomas Kellermann (SCI), and redrafted by Melvin Levitsky on December 8.

    Vol. E-4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969-1972

    Iraq 1969-1971

    • 264. Telegram 204979 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon, Washington, December 10, 1969, 1615Z

      The Department insisted that the US government was unable to become involved in plots against the current Iraq regime, but would be prepared to consider resumption of relations with a new, moderate government.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 23–9 IRAQ. Secret. Repeated to Tehran. Drafted by Baas. Approved by Sisco.

    Vol. E-5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969-1972

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 146. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, December 10, 1969

      Kissinger wrote the memorandum in reaction to an article in the Washington Post on December 10 stating that the Agency for International Development (AID) was building a road which was of potential military value to the Federal forces surrounding Biafra. Kissinger told the President that the road was good for relief, but had no military value to the Federals; he thought there was reason to suspend construction and was reviewing the matter further with State and AID.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 742, Country Files, Africa, Nigeria, Vol. I. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. There are three handwritten notes on page one: Nixon wrote, “K—I think we need another review of our policy here—We are satisfying no one—& accomplishing nothing”; Kissinger wrote, “Roger—crank up another review after talking to me. K”; and a third note states “OBE” per MR 1/16/70.” The article at Tab A and the map at Tab B are not published.

  • 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-2586 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2586-[not entered - check], President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with Nancy Hanks and Leonard Garment. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Oval Room, White House.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2586-06-07, Carved bust. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. John Davies, unidentified couple.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2586-08-13, John Davies accepting a carved statuette gift t from an unidentified couple. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. John Davies, unidentified couple.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2586-18-28, President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with Nancy Hanks and Leonard Garment. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Oval Room, White House. President Nixon, Nancy Hanks, Leonard Garment.

    Roll WHPO-2587 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2587-05-08, John Davies accepting Washington State food gifts from an unidentified group. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. John Davies, group members.

    Roll WHPO-2589 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2589-, White House dogs, Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe, dressed for Christmas, seated near a miniature Christmas tree. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe.

    Roll WHPO-2590 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2590-02-35, White House dogs, Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe, dressed for Christmas, seated near a miniature Christmas tree. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe, unidentified man.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2590-07A, The Nixon family dogs, Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe, dressed for Christmas, seated near a miniature Christmas tree. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Vicki, Pasha,King Timahoe.

    Roll WHPO-2591 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2591-02-12, Presidential dog handler Traphes Bryant with the Presidential dogs, Vicki the poodle, Pashathe Yorkshire terrier and Irish Setter King Timahoe. Dogs are dressed for Christmas with bows and seated near a miniature Christmas tree. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe, dog handler Traphes Bryant.

    Roll WHPO-2592 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2592-00-25, A closeup portrait study of Lucy Winchester. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Lucy Winchester.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2592-09, Portrait study of social secretary Lucy Winchester. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Lucy Winchester.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2592-26-37, A standing portrait study of Lucy Winchester. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Lucy Winchester.

    Roll WHPO-2593 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2593-00A-27A, White House dogs Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe,dressed for Christmas, around a miniature Christmas tree. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Vicki, Pasha and King Timahoe.

    Roll WHPO-2594 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2594-05-06, Tricia Nixon in an audience. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Walter Reed Army Hospital. Tricia Nixon, military personnel, civilians, patients.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2594-07-12, Tricia Nixon in the audience, on a stage, and visiting with patients. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Walter Reed Army Hospital. Tricia Nixon, military personnel, civilians, patients.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2594-13-15, Tricia Nixon in the audience, on a stage, and visiting with patients. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Walter Reed Army Hospital. Tricia Nixon, military personnel, civilians, patients.

    Roll WHPO-2595 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2595-02-06, Tricia Nixon in an audience. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Walter Reed Army Hospital. Tricia Nixon, military personnel, civilians, patients, Grandpa Jones.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2595-07, Grandpa Jones performing on a stage. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Walter Reed Army Hospital. Tricia Nixon, military personnel, civilians, patients, Grandpa Jones.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2595-08-09, Tricia Nixon on a stage. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Walter Reed Army Hospital. Tricia Nixon, military personnel, civilians, patients Grandpa Jones.

    Roll WHPO-2596 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2596-03-09, Vice President Agnew sitting at his disk with Lena Wiener, Mrs. H. Stein, Mr. Olden, and an unidentified man. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Vice Presidential Office, Executive Office Building. Spiro Agnew, Lena Wiener, Mrs. H. Stein, Mr. Olden, unidentified man.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2596-10-16, Vice President Agnew standing with Lena Wiener, Mrs. H. Stein, Mr. Olden, and an unidentified man. 12/10/1969, Washington, D.C. Vice Presidential Office, Executive Office Building. Spiro Agnew, Lena Wiener, Mrs. H. Stein, Mr. Olden, unidentified man.

  • 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.

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-107
      Statement on the arts and humanities by Nancy Hanks and Ronald Ziegler. (12/10/1969, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 9:46

      Keywords: Briefings, public briefings, statements to the press (see also Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media)

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

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

Context (External Sources)