December 17, 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 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.

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.

• Statement About Signing the United Nations Environment Program Participation Act of 1973
• Statement About a Bill Conferring Jurisdiction Upon the United States District Court in Civil Actions Brought by the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities
• Executive Order 11752—Prevention, Control, and Abatement of Environmental Pollution at Federal Facilities

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, December 17, 1973

The Congressional Record is the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress.

• Senate: December 17, 1973
• House of Representatives: December 17, 1973

Decided

• Bonelli Cattle Company v. Arizona
• National Labor Relations Board v. Savair Manufacturing Company
• Zahn v. International Paper Company

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 December 17, 1973
• Date search for December 17, 1973

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• Text search for December 17, 1973
• Date search for December 17, 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 17 December 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. XXV, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973

Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973

• 400. Telegram From Secretary of State Kissinger to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Jerusalem, December 17, 1973, 0221Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, Kissinger Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mideast, HAKTO 1–88, Dec. 8–22, 1973. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only; Flash.

• 401. Memorandum of Conversation, Jerusalem, December 17, 1973, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Henry Kissinger, 1973–1977, Box 2, NODIS Action Memos 1973–1976. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Drafted by Rodman. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s office. Brackets are in the original.

• 402. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon, Washington, December 17, 1973

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, Kissinger Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mideast, State Cables, Memos & Misc. Dec. 8–22, 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only.

• 403. Telegram From Secretary of State Kissinger to the U.S. Interests Section in Cairo, En route, December 17, 1973, 1740Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 639, Country Files, Middle East, Arab Republic of Egypt, Vol. X, Nov.–Dec. 31, 1973. Secret; Nodis; Cherokee. Repeated to the Department of State, Beirut, and Lisbon.

• 404. Telegram From Secretary of State Kissinger to the Embassy in Jordan, Lisbon, December 17, 1973, 2215Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1179, Harold H. Saunders Files, Middle East Negotiations Files, Middle East—1973 Peace Negotiations, December 13, 1973 thru Dec. 17, 1973 [1 of 3]. Secret; Immediate; Nodis; Cherokee. Repeated Immediate to the Department of State.

Vol. E-8, Documents on South Asia, 1973-1976

India-Pakistan 1

• 154. Memorandum From Secretary of State Kissinger to President Nixon, Washington, December 17, 1973

  Secretary of State Kissinger presented a memo for President Nixon’s approval of the rupee settlement negotiated by Ambassador Moynihan with the Indian Government. Nixon assented, agreeing to send the proposed settlement to Congress for final approval.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 755, Presidential Correspondence 1969–1974, India. Sent for action. A stamped notation at the top of the first page indicates the President saw it. Nixon approved the first recommendation. Attached but not printed at Tab A are letters to Prime Minister Gandhi and Ambassador Moynihan.

Vol. E-15, Part 2, Documents on Western Europe, 1973-1976, Second, Revised Edition

Portugal, 1973-1976

• 130. Memorandum of Conversation, Lisbon, December 17, 1973, 11:20-11:35 p.m.

  Summary: Kissinger and Patricio discussed U.S.-Portuguese relations.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1027, Presidential/HAK Memoranda of Conversation, Memcons—December 1973, HAK + Presidential (1 of 2). Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. All brackets are in the original. The meeting took place in the Palacio das Necessidades. Attached but not published is Tab A, an undated Portuguese memorandum on “The Açores Agreement” that states Portugal’s military requests as ground-to-air missiles (HAWKs and Redeyes), anti-tank systems, C 130 and Orion planes, and sea-to-air missiles; a notation at the top of the memorandum reads, “Given to HAK by Rui Patricio, Lisbon, 17 December 1973.” Memoranda of conversation recording Kissinger’s second meeting with Patricio and a December 18 meeting with Portuguese President Admiral Americo Deus Rodrigues Thomaz and Patricio are ibid.

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-E1990 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1990-, The White House exterior after a winter snow. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1990-18, The White House exterior after a winter snow. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House.

Roll WHPO-E1991 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1991-, President Nixon in the Oval Office greeting senior Department of Labor officials, Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan, Under Secretary of Labor Richard F. Schubert. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Peter J. Brennan, Richard F. Schubert.

Roll WHPO-E1992 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1992-, President Nixon meeting with Peter J. Brennan and Kenneth R. Cole Jr. to discuss manpower revenue-sharing legislation. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. Oval Office (doorway shots). Peter J. Brennan, Secretary of Labor, and Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., Executive Director of the Domestic Council.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1992-, President Nixon receiving the final report of the Inaugural Committee during a meeting with J. Willard Marriott, Chairman of the Inaugural Committee. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon and J. Willard Marriott, Chairman of the 1973 Inaugural Committee and President of the Marriott Corporation.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1992-, President Nixon participated in a ceremony promoting Lawrence E. Adams (Commanding Officer of White House Communications Agency) to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. Oval Office. President Nixon, Brigadier General Lawrence E. Adams, Mrs. Adams, Suzie Adams.

Roll WHPO-E1993 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1993-04A-10A, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan to discuss manpower revenue sharing legislation. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1993-07, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan to discuss manpower revenue sharing legislation. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan.

Roll WHPO-E1994 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1994-04-09, President Nixon participating in a ceremony promoting Lawrence E. Adams, Commanding Officer of White House Communications Agency (WHCA), to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Brigadier General Lawrence E. Adams, Mrs. Adams, Suzie Adams.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1994-11-12, President Nixon standing in the Oval Office greeting J. Willard Marriott, Chairman of the 1973 Inaugural Committee and President of the Marriott Corporation, who holds the final report of the Inaugural Committee. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, J. Willard Marriott, Chairman of the 1973 Inaugural Committee and President of the Marriott Corporation.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1994-13-16, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with J. Willard Marriott, Chairman of the 1973 Inaugural Committee and President of the Marriott Corporation, who presented the final report of the Inaugural Committee. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, J. Willard Marriott, Chairman of the 1973 Inaugural Committee and President of the Marriott Corporation.

Roll WHPO-E1995 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1995-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon view a snowman built by White House staff members on the lawn. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Terry Ivey, Assistant to the First Lady's Press Secretary, Patti Matson, Deputy Press Secretary to the First Lady, and Snowman.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1995-08A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon stand outside in the snow viewing a snowman built by White House staff members on the lawn. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.

Roll WHPO-E1996 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1996-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon stand outside in the snow viewing a snowman built by White House staff members on the lawn. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and Snowman.

Roll WHPO-E1997 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1997-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon pose near the White House Snowman with Terry Ivey, Assistant to the First Lady's Press Secretary and Patti Matson, Deputy Press Secretary to the First Lady. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Terry Ivey, Patti Matson.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1997-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon view a snowman on the White House lawn, built by White House Staff members. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1997-16, President Nixon and Pat Nixon stand outside in the snow viewing a snowman built by White House staff members on the lawn. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.

Roll WHPO-E1998 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1998-, The White House exterior after a winter snow. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House.

Roll WHPO-E1999 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E1999-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon pose with a snowman, built by White House Staff members. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, White House photographers.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1999-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon with White House photographers viewing a snowman built by White House Staff. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, White House photographers.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1999-11A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon stand outside in the snow viewing a snowman built by White House staff members on the lawn. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E1999-12A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon stand outside in the snow viewing a snowman built by White House staff members on the lawn. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Grounds. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.

Roll WHPO-E2000 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-E2000-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon pose with the White House snowman, built by White House Staff. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. South Grounds of White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Terry Ivey, Assistant to the First Lady's Press Secretary, Patti Matson, Deputy Press Secretary to the First Lady and Snowman.

Roll WHPO-E2001 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E2001-, The 389 children from 64 countries, and clowns from the Almas Temple, enjoying punch and cookies. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. State Dining Room. Pat Nixon, children, clowns.
• Frame(s): WHPO-E2001-, Pat Nixon hosting the Diplomatic Children's Christmas Party. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. State Dining Room. Pat Nixon, children, clowns.

Roll WHPO-E2002 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E2002-, Pat Nixon welcoming guests and introducing the "Disney on Parade" entertainment. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. East Room. Pat Nixon, Disney on Parade entertainers including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Santa Claus (Sanford Fox).
• Frame(s): WHPO-E2002-, Pat Nixon hosting the Diplomatic Children's Christmas Party. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. East Room. Pat Nixon, 389 children from 64 countries, performers from Disney on Parade including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Santa Claus (Sanford Fox).

Roll WHPO-E2003 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E2003-, Pat Nixon hosting the Diplomatic Children's Christmas Party. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. State Dining Room. Pat Nixon, clowns from Almas temple, Disney on Parade entertainers including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Santa Claus (Sanford Fox).
• Frame(s): WHPO-E2003-, Pat Nixon hosting the Diplomatic Children's Christmas Party. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. East Room. Pat Nixon, Disney on Parade entertainers including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Santa Claus (Sanford Fox).
• Frame(s): WHPO-E2003-, Pat Nixon hosting the Diplomatic Children's Christmas Party. Marine Brass Choir plays as guests enter. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. Grand Hall. Marine Brass Choir and invited guests.

Roll WHPO-E2004 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-E2004-, Pat Nixon hosting the Diplomatic Children's Christmas Party. 12/17/1973, Washington, D.C. East Room. Pat Nixon, 389 children from 64 countries, performers from Disney on Parade including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Santa Claus (Sanford Fox), and Alice in Wonderland.

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.

K - Informal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-K-131
  Photo opportunity with Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan and Dr. James Cavanaugh in the Oval Office. (12/17/1973)
  
  Runtime: 1:00
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

S - White House Press Office Briefings (continuation of the L-series)

• WHCA-SR-S-417
  Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (12/17/1973, White House Press Lobby)
  
  Runtime: 28:47:00
  
  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.

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-6710
  Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 1:30
  
  1. Reasoner/Kaplow: Middle East peace talks with Secretary of State Kissinger. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, peace, truce, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.
  
  2. Smith/Jarriel: Snow storm hits east coast. Time Code Start: 02:46. Keywords: weather, snowing, disasters. Network: ABC.
  
  3. Reasoner/Kaestner: Energy crisis. Time Code Start: 04:38. Keywords: petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, natural resources. Network: ABC.
  
  4. Smith/Dunsmore: Iranian oil still being shipped. Time Code Start: 06:36. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, Iranian, royalty, leaders. Network: ABC.
  
  5. Smith: Commentary on class action (environment). Time Code Start: 09:10. Keywords: lawsuits, representative action, environmentalism movement. Network: ABC.
  
  6. Chancellor/Valeriani: Secretary of State Kissinger and Gromyko to be Co-Chairmen of Middle East Peace Conference. Time Code Start: 10:44. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews, Middle East, Mideast, war, peace, truce, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.
  
  7. Chancellor/Dobbins: Secretary of State Kissinger and Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho to meet in Paris. Time Code Start: 12:00. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, awards, medals, diplomats, diplomacy, meetings, Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.
  
  8. Chancellor/Troute: Ken Duc fought over in South Vietnam. Time Code Start: 13:10. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: NBC.
  
  9. Chancellor/Cochran: Senator Barry Goldwater says President Nixon hasn't said enough about Watergate. Time Code Start: 16:03. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: NBC.
  
  10. Cronkite/Quint: Arab terrorists hit airlines in Rome, Italy. Time Code Start: 16:34. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, Arabs, terrorism, hijackings, aviation industry, commercial airlines, aircraft, planes, jets, airliners, Italian airports. Network: CBS.
  
  11. Cronkite/Kalb: Secretary of State Kissinger in Israel. Time Code Start: 20:42. Keywords: Mideast, Middle East, Israeli, war, cabinet, advisors, military, leaders, meetings. Network: CBS.
  
  12. Cronkite/Trout: Vietnamese negotiator Le Duc Tho and Secretary of State Kissinger meet in Paris. Time Code Start: 22:10. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, awards, medals, diplomats, diplomacy, meetings, Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: CBS.
  
  13. Cronkite/Herman: William Simon says farmers to get all fuel needed; drugs to be in short supply. Time Code Start: 23:53. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, energy crisis, oil crisis, petroleum, oil supply, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, allocations, energy, agriculture, aid, farms, funds, drugs, medicines, pharmaceuticals, pharmacies, supplies. Network: CBS.
  
  14. Cronkite/Schorr: Senate Watergate Committee; Senator Barry Goldwater criticizes President Nixon on Watergate. Time Code Start: 25:55. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: CBS.
  
  15. Cronkite/Mudd: Former Vice President Agnew still getting expenses from Federal Government. Time Code Start: 27:34. Keywords: Vice Presidents, resignations, terminations, taxes, investments, investigations, hearings, careers, jobs, unemployment, salaries, payments, financial aid. Network: CBS.
  
  16. Cronkite/Bahr/Walker: Snow storm hits east coast. Time Code Start: 29:40. Keywords: weather, snowing, disasters. Network: CBS.
  
  17. Sevareid: Analysis on the effect of the east coast snow storm. Time Code Start: 32:09. Keywords: weather, snowing, disasters. Network: CBS.

• TIME magazine of December 17, 1973

• New York Times of December 17, 1973

• AP Images photos from December 17, 1973
• Getty Images photos from December 17, 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.

• December 1973 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• December 17, 1973