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December 19, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Friday, December 19, 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: Thursday, December 18, 1969

Next Date: Saturday, December 20, 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

    Statements by the President

    • The Philadelphia Plan (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1762, December 19, 1969)
      Statement by the President Urging Senate and House Conferees To Permit Continued Implementation.

    Acts Approved by the President

    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.

    • Remarks of the Vice President at the end-ofthe- year Cabinet meeting.

    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 today announced the appointments of James E. Holshouser, Jr., of Boone, N.C., and Thomas W. Moore, of Darien, Conn., as members of the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
    • The President today allocated to Alaska $150,000 from the disaster fund to provide emergency power to the city of Ketchikan where landslides late in November wiped out a principal powerplant.

  • 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.

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)
      Friday, December 19.

      Full morning, with a long staff session first. Had a bunch of little things to clear up before I left. Long lecture about political uselessness of our playing up to Negroes, will get no votes, etc. All based on new Kevin Phillips analysis that shows New Jersey Governorship was won by big inroads into blue collar Catholics, not by any black or Jewish support. Ehrlichman made his pitch for necessity of keeping them at least neutralized, even though no hope for support. President made his point that we are not polarizing youth, rebels, etc., they are already polarized, and we can't give in or back down to them.

      Then a pitch regarding budget - need to cut, especially he's determined to reduce stockpiles - Mayo gave him a lot of great horror tales the other day, regarding we have already many years' supply of helium, and we are producing more than a year's supply each year, but have to keep it up because of contracts. Also the unbelievable quantity of feathers stored, etc.

      Wants a meeting tomorrow with Ehrlichman and Arthur Burns to lay down the line to Arthur - that when he takes over the Fed he's got to change it. Said Martin had done everything at the wrong time, and he's determined not to let the Fed put us into a recession while trying to stop inflation. Says he'll take almost any level of inflation next year if necessary to increase GOP position in Congress. Current battles prove there's no hope for us as long as Democrats control spending increases and tax cuts are pouring in - and will be disastrous. And have now found that in most cases President cannot impound funds to slow federal spending.

      Set up a Congressional GOP leaders breakfast for Tuesday with wives and asked whole Congress to White House Monday to see decorations. Getting mellow as session closes, even with the fights.

      Lynda Bird Robb came into my office with Christmas gift from LBJ for President, with orders to have pictures put in the little silver frame - really thoughtful.

      Cabinet/Sub Cabinet briefing and reception. Really dull! But President was excellent, using the "Spirit of America" that started way back and is gradually developing into "the" speech, and will, I'm sure, become the State of the Union. Very effective. Nice party after for wives and kids.
    • 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. XII, Soviet Union, January 1969-October 1970

    Expansion of the Kissinger-Dobrynin Channel and Further Discussions on the Middle East, December 11, 1969-July 28, 1970

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

    The Rogers Plan

    • 78. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel , Washington, December 19, 1969, 2013Z

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 650, Country Files, Middle East, Middle East Negotiations. Secret; Priority; Nodis. Drafted by Atherton, cleared in U, and approved by Sisco. Repeated to Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Jidda, Kuwait, London, Moscow, Paris, and USUN.

    Vol. XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969-1972; Jordan, September 1970

    The Two Yemens

    Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa

    Regional Issues

    Vol. XXIX, Eastern Europe, 1969-1972

    Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty

    Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

    Greece

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

    Chemical and Biological Warfare; Geneva Protocol; Biological Weapons Convention

    Vol. E-13, Documents on China, 1969-1972

    • 1. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, December 19, 1969, Washington, December 19, 1969

      Pakistani Ambassador Agha Hilaly and President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Henry Kissinger discussed the role of the Pakistani Government as a backchannel between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Kissinger indicated that the Pakistanis could inform the Chinese that the United States appreciated this type of communication. National Security Council staff member Harold Saunders also attended the meeting.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1031, Files for the President-China Material, Exchanges Leading up to HAK Trip to China, December 1969-July 1971. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Saunders. All brackets in the source text. The conversation was held in Kissinger’s office at the White House. There is no indication as of the time of the meeting.

  • 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-2665 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2665-01-10, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with John Ehrlichman and H.R. Haldeman. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2665-04, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk with his feet up during a meeting with John Ehrlichman and H.R. Haldeman. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2665-08, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk with his feet up during a meeting with John Ehrlichman and H.R. Haldeman (not pictured). 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, John Ehrlichman.

    Roll WHPO-2667 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2667-, President Nixon seated with Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members, listening to their year-end reports. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members.

    Roll WHPO-2668 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2668-01-02, President Nixon standing with U.S. Ambassador to Germany Kenneth Rush. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Kenneth Rush.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2668-05-08, President Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers, Cabinet members and sub-Cabinet members seated while listening to Vice President Agnew speak from a podium. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Melvin Laird, Clifford Hardin, William Rogers, John Mitchell, David Kennedy, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members and their families.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2668-06, President Nixon, Secretary of State William Rogers, Cabinet members and sub-Cabinet members seated while listening to Vice President Agnew speak from a podium. (not seen in picture). 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Melvin Laird, Clifford Hardin, William Rogers, John Mitchell, David Kennedy, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2668-09-18, Reception for Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members and their families. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Melvin Laird, Clifford Hardin, William Rogers, John Mitchell, David Kennedy, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members and their families.

    Roll WHPO-2669 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2669-, President Nixon and Cabinet members listening to Vice President Agnew speaking. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Melvin Laird, William Rogers.

    Roll WHPO-2670 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2670-03-21, President Nixon seated with Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members, listening to Vice President Agnew speak. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. East Room, White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet member and their families.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2670-19, President Nixon seated with Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members, listening to Vice President Spiro Agnew speak. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. East Room, White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2670-22-36, Reception for Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members and their families. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. East Room, White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet member and their families.

    Roll WHPO-2671 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2671-04-06, President Nixon sitting with Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members, listening to Vice President Agnew speak. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet member and their families.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2671-08-19, Reception for Cabinet and sub-Cabinet members and their families. 12/19/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Cabinet and sub-Cabinet member and their families.

    Roll WHPO-2681 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2681-, View of the ocean from San Clemente home. 12/19/1969, San Clemente, California ocean view.

  • 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.

    B - Vice-Presidential (Agnew and Ford)

    • WHCA-SR-B-027
      Remarks at year end cabinet briefing for government officials-East Rm. (two tapes). (12/19/1969)

      Runtime: 2:20

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-691228
      Remarks by President Nixon in conclusion of year-end Cabinet briefing. (12/19/1969)

      Runtime: 12:25

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-691229
      Remarks by President Nixon at Christmas program by Kendall School for the Deaf. (12/19/1969, White House East Room)

      Runtime: 0:11:08

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by ADS (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-3576
      "Panorama". Richard Nixon, Vice President Agnew, Bob Hope.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:42:48
    • WHCA-3577
      Weekly News Summary. Richard Nixon, Vice President Agnew, Bob Hope.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:32:00

      10. Huntley/Chancellor/Valeriani: Congress agrees on compromise tax reform bill, includes 15% Social Security increase, gradual increases in personal tax exemptions. Time Code Start: 27:28. Keywords: bills, laws, taxes, taxation, revenue, reforms, retierement, financial aid, increases, exemptions. Network: NBC.

      11. Vice President Agnew on first year of Administration. Time Code Start: 28:40. Keywords: Vice Presidents, statements, activities, reports. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)