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December 16, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, December 16, 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: Monday, December 15, 1969

Next Date: Wednesday, December 17, 1969

Schedule and Public 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.

    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)
      Tuesday, December 16.

      Christmas Tree Day. First breakfast with the bad guy Senators, regarding ABM vote due today. But the vote came yesterday instead - and we won handily in spite of Harlow's grave predictions. So President covered the fiscal problems, etc., instead. Then a session with Rog Morton, to talk him into staying as RNC Chairman, instead of running for Senate. Several other meetings filled the morning.

      Then this afternoon, later, President lighted the National Christmas Tree. Not very anxious to do it. Cold as the dickens, and windy. Fairly large group of peace demonstrators in the crowd with Viet Cong flags, etc. Started shouting when President started to speak - he plowed right ahead, ignoring them, but it was pretty bad. Called me in as soon as we got back - felt strongly we shouldn't have gone, will either do it by remote, or not at all, in future years. Feels, and rightly, that President of United States should not be subjected to this kind of indignity. Problem is there's really no way to control it - and you can't just stay locked in the office. Actually he took it pretty well in stride, but it obviously rankled.

      General reaction to speech last night has been very good, but not too many people saw it because of the early hour. Seems that President has pretty thoroughly gotten into the position of calming down the war opposition, killing the mobilizations and assuring the people that he has a plan and that it's working. Can probably keep it that way for a while. Problem will be if VietCong mounts a big offensive, or some other turn-around. Surprising thing is that My Lai has not had a greater adverse effect, even with enormous television emphasis that goes on and on. They won't let it die, but public seems to have taken it pretty well in stride and then become bored.

      Kissinger is still cranking on his meetings with the Communists. Tomorrow is the Romanian emissary, still no clue as to what they, the North Vietnamese and the Chinese are up to, but it still looks as if there's some pattern.

      Big problem persists on oil import quotas. Have to make some decision, and can't win. If we do what we should - and what the task force recommends - we'd apparently end up losing at least a couple of Senate seats, including George Bush in Texas. Trying to figure out a way to duck the whole thing and shift it to Congress.
    • 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. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa

    Regional Issues

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    February 20, 1969-February 19, 1970

    Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

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

    Italy

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

    Chemical and Biological Warfare; Geneva Protocol; Biological Weapons Convention

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

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 147. Telegram 208132 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Nigeria, Washington, December 16, 1969, 2115Z

      The Department transmitted a message for Nigerian Federal Commissioner for External Affairs Arikpo from under Secretary of Sate Richardson. The prospect of Addis talks under the supervision of His Imperial Majesty was encouraging, but while Biafran representatives were en-route, Federal Military Government (FMG) participation was in doubt. Richardson sought to convince Arikpo that FMG attendance was essential, if only for positive public relations.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 Biafra-Nigeria. Secret; Immediate. Repeated to Addis Ababa, London, Paris, and USUN. Drafted by Brubeck (AF/SN); cleared by Moore AF, Newsom, and Eliot; and approved by Richardson.

  • 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-2639 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2639-00A-11A, President Nixon seated at his desk during a meeting with GOP National Chairman Congressman Rogers Morton. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Rogers Morton.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2639-09A, President Nixon seated at his desk in the Oval Office during a meeting with GOP National Chairman Congressman Rogers Morton. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Rogers Morton.

    Roll WHPO-2640 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2640-01A-12A, President Nixon shaking hands with Henry Kearns, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Kearns.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2640-13A-18A, President Nixon standing, shaking hands and seated at his desk with Henry Kearns, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Kearns.

    Roll WHPO-2641 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2641-03A-05A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel and others sit in front of the Chatanooga Boys Choir from Tennessee, performing a song on stage during the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, chorus, guests, military band.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2641-06A-10A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel and others on stage at the Ellipse for the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the Chatanooga Boys Choir in the background, lit Christmas Tree seen in distance. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, chorus, guests, military band.

    Roll WHPO-2642 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2642-03-04, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and Tricia Nixon walking to a stage on the Ellipse. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, choir director Stephen Ortlip, choir, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2642-05, 07-11, President Nixon speaking at a podium after the Chattanooga Boys Choir from Tennessee, performed a song. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, choir director Stephen Ortlip, choir, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2642-06, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon and Walter Hickel after the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the Chattanooga Boys Choir from Tennessee, performing a song on stage in the background. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, choir director Stephen Ortlip, choir, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2642-12, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon and Walter Hickel after the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The lit tree is visible in the background. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-2643 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2643-02-04, Washington, D.C. Mayor Walter Washington speaking during the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, Walter Washington, Celia Bassich, Michael Pyle, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2643-05-08, 15, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and Tricia Nixon seated with officials during the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, Walter Washington, Celia Bassich, Michael Pyle, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2643-09-11, Pat Nixon receiving a bouquet from Campfire Girl Celia Bassich during the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, Walter Washington, Celia Bassich, Michael Pyle, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2643-12, President Nixon with Boy Scout Michael Pyle during the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, Walter Washington, Celia Bassich, Michael Pyle, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2643-13-14, 16-19, President Nixon speaking during the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, Walter Washington, Celia Bassich, Michael Pyle, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2643-20-25, President Nixon and Pat Nixon standing during the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Walter Hickel, officials, Walter Washington, Celia Bassich, Michael Pyle, guests.

    Roll WHPO-2644 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2644-02-04, 07-09, 12-14, 16-17, 19-25, 27-29, 31, Christmas décor on display in various rooms througout the White House. Wreaths, swags, wall and stairway decortations were produced under the direction of White House floral designer Elmer RUSTY Young. FTD designer's floral arrangements are on display in various rooms, such as the Library, State Dining Room, Diplomatic Reception Room and East Room. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Various rooms, halls, East Room, Diplomatic Reception room, State Dining room,.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2644-05, 10, 18, 20, Fireplace and mantle area sconce decorated with bows, swags and pine sprigs greenery. Christmas décor on display in various rooms througout the White House. Wreaths, swags, wall and stairway decortations were produced under the direction of White House floral designer Elmer RUSTY Young. FTD designer's floral arrangements are on display in various rooms, such as the Library, State Dining Room, Diplomatic Reception Room and East Room. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Various rooms, halls, East Room, Diplomatic Reception room, State Dining room,.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2644-06, Christmas Creche Nativity Scene in the East Room. Christmas décor on display in various rooms througout the White House. Wreaths, swags, wall and stairway decortations were produced under the direction of White House floral designer Elmer RUSTY Young. FTD designer's floral arrangements are on display in various rooms, such as the Library, State Dining Room, Diplomatic Reception Room and East Room. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Various rooms, halls, East Room, Diplomatic Reception room, State Dining room,.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2644-11, 12, Candle holder wall sconces near a State Dining room fireplace mantle decorated with bow and pine sprigs greenery. Christmas décor on display in various rooms througout the White House. Wreaths, swags, wall and stairway decortations were produced under the direction of White House floral designer Elmer RUSTY Young. FTD designer's floral arrangements are on display in various rooms, such as the Library, State Dining Room, Diplomatic Reception Room and East Room. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Various rooms, halls, East Room, Diplomatic Reception room, State Dining room,.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2644-15, 30, 32, Christmas tree display area. Christmas décor on display in various rooms througout the White House. Wreaths, swags, wall and stairway decortations were produced under the direction of White House floral designer Elmer RUSTY Young. FTD designer's floral arrangements are on display in various rooms, such as the Library, State Dining Room, Diplomatic Reception Room and East Room. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Various rooms, halls, East Room, Diplomatic Reception room, State Dining room,.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2644-26, 33, Grand Hall decorated pillars and Christmas tree display area. Christmas décor on display in various rooms througout the White House. Wreaths, swags, wall and stairway decortations were produced under the direction of White House floral designer Elmer RUSTY Young. FTD designer's floral arrangements are on display in various rooms, such as the Library, State Dining Room, Diplomatic Reception Room and East Room. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Various rooms, halls, East Room, Diplomatic Reception room, State Dining room,.

    Roll WHPO-2645 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2645-02-15, Members of the General Advisory Committee on Arms Control and Disarmament. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, committee members.

    Roll WHPO-2646 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2646-05, President Nixon walking into the East Room with Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, David Packard, aides, guests.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2646-06-08, President Nixon signing a proclamation during Reserve Recognition Day ceremonies. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, David Packard, aides, guests.

    Roll WHPO-2647 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2647-02A-12A, President Nixon and David Packard during Reserve Recognition Day ceremonies. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, David Packard, aide.

    Roll WHPO-2648 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2648-, National Christmas tree decorated with lights at night, with White House visible in the background. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2648-04, Night view of the National Christmas tree standing with smaller lit Christmas trees lining the sidewalk of the Ellipse. The White House visible in the background, and two reindeer are visible in the foreground in a pen. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse.

    Roll WHPO-2649 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2649-01A-35A, National Christmas tree decorated with lights at night, with White House visible in the background. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Ellipse.

    Roll WHPO-2650 Photographer: unknown | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2650-, Photo of a plaque given to the University of Texas for its Number One winning football team. 12/16/1969, unknown unknown.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2650-[none], Photo of a plaque given to the University of Texas for its Number One winning football team. 12/16/1969, unknown unknown.

    Roll WHPO-2651 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2651-04-11, Before the formal dinner in honor of the birthday of Elmer Bobst. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Grand Hall, Dining Room, White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Judy Agnew, Elmer H. Bobst, Mrs. Bobst, Mamie Eisenhower, guests, staff.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2651-06A, President Nixon walking with Pat Nixon and former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, followed by Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Bobst, in the Grand Hallway on their way to a formal birthday dinner honoring Elmer Bobst. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Grand Hall, Dining Room, White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Elmer H. Bobst, Mrs. Bobst, Mamie Eisenhower.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2651-07A, President Nixon joins guests in applauding Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Bobst standing at the State Dining room doorway with Pat Nixon and former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, before the formal dinner in honor of the birthday of Elmer Bobst. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Dining Room doorway, White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Elmer H. Bobst, Mrs. Bobst, Mamie Eisenhower.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2651-12-26, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower host a formal birthday dinner honoring Elmer Bobst. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Grand Hall, Dining Room, White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Judy Agnew, Elmer H. Bobst, Mrs. Bobst, Mamie Eisenhower, guests, staff.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2651-26A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and Tricia Nixon and Mrs. Bobst stand by the decorated 5 layered birthday cake during a formal birthday dinner honoring Elmer Bobst while Mr. Bobst prepares to cut the first slice of cake. 12/16/1969, Washington, D.C. Grand Hall, Dining Room, White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Elmer H. Bobst, Mrs. Bobst, unidentified man, possibly a butler.

  • 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.

    E - Secretary of Defense Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-E-011
      Press conference by Sec. Def. Melvin Laird at the Pentagon. (12/16/1969, Pentagon)

      Runtime: 50:00:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by OPI; Recorded by FMO (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-109
      Background briefing by Ronald Ziegler, Bryce Harlow, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and John D. Ehrlichman; "OFF THE RECORD - NOT FOR RELEASE". (12/16/1969, Family Theater, White House)

      Runtime: 2:00:00

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

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by "WHCA only"; Recorded by RHD (initials of WHCA engineer)

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-691222
      Remarks by President Nixon on the decision by Representative Rogers C. B. Morton Chairman, Republican National Committee not to run for the Senate. (12/16/1969)

      Runtime: 14:00

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-691223
      Remarks by President Nixon on Signing a Proclamation Honoring Reserve Components of the Armed Forces. (12/16/1969)

      Runtime: 3:06

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-691224
      Christmas Tree lighting with Michael Pyle, ER Carr, Mayor of the District of Columbia Walter E. Washington, John Dalton, Congressman Carleton J. King of New York, Secretary of the Interior Waiter J. Hickel, Rev. Demetrios, G. Kalaris, Chattanooga Boys' C. (12/16/1969)

      Runtime: 7:07

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-691225
      Remarks by President Nixon in toast to Elmer Bobst with Al Driscoll, William Cahill, Vice President Agnew, Dodo Bobst, George Champion, Arnold Palmer, Bobst, Secretary Rogers. (12/16/1969)

      Runtime: 17:25

      Keywords: Sports, golf

      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-3572
      "The Pageant of Peace" & Nixon Christmas message. Herbert Klein, White House Communications Director.
      Metromedia
      Runtime: 00:27:15
    • WHCA-3577
      Weekly News Summary. Richard Nixon, Vice President Agnew, Bob Hope.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:32:00

      5. President Nixon and the Pageant of Peace lighting of the National Christmas tree. Time Code Start: 17:00. Keywords: holidays, Christmas, Christmas trees, National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, celebrations, shows. Network: CBS.

      6. President Nixon and the Pageant of Peace lighting of the National Christmas tree. Time Code Start: 19:00. Keywords: holidays, Christmas, Christmas trees, National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, celebrations, shows. Network: NBC.

      7. President Nixon and the Pageant of Peace lighting of the National Christmas tree. Time Code Start: 21:06. Keywords: holidays, Christmas, Christmas trees, National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, celebrations, shows. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)