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December 23, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, December 23, 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 22, 1969

Next Date: Wednesday, December 24, 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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    Awards and Citations

    • Presidential Unit Citation (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1783, December 23, 1969)
      Announcement of Award to U.S.S. "Harnett County" (LST-821).

    Executive Orders

    Statements by the President

    • The Philadelphia Plan (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1781, December 23, 1969)
      Statement by the President Following Congressional Action.

    Acts Approved by the President

    • S. 2577 -- Public Law 91-151
      An Act to lower interest rates and fight inflation; to help housing, small business, and employment; to increase the availability of mortgage credit; and for other purposes.

    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.

    • Miss Kate Lapides, who is retiring on December 27 after more than 50 years of government service, met with the President at the White House. She was accompanied by Robert E. Hampton, Chairman of the United States Civil Service Commission.
    • The President lunched with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill to mark the final day of the session.

    Nominations Submitted to the Senate

    Does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of Foreign Service Officers.

    • LYLE S. GARLOCK, of Virginia, to be a member of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States for a term of 3 years from October 22, 1969, vice Leonard v. B. Sutton, term expired.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

    Trade and Commerce, 1969-1972

    • 221. Memorandum From the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations (Gilbert) to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, December 23, 1969

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, S/S Files: Lot 80 D 212, NSSM 46. Confidential. Sent through Trezise, who forwarded it to the Secretary under cover of a December 31 memorandum that expressed the hope that consideration of policy toward Spain could be deferred until the administration had adopted a position on EC preferential trading relationships. A copy of Gilbert’s memorandum was sent to Kissinger.

    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. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China, 1969

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Thailand

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

    The Rogers Plan

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

    Middle East Region

    Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa

    Regional Issues

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    Chemical and Biological Warfare, Safeguard Phase II, the Draft

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

    Italy

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

    International Cooperation in Space, 1969-1972

    • 234. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, December 23, 1969

      Kissinger summarized the highlights of NASA Administrator Paine’s European trip to promote international space cooperation in post-Apollo programs.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 249, Agency Files, NASA Vol. I. No classification marking. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Nixon wrote on the first page: “Good report.” Kissinger wrote: “Tell Paine in a note from me.” In a January 12, 1970, memorandum to Paine, Kissinger stated that the President had reviewed Paine’s letter of November 7 and “he endorses your approach and is pleased with results you have reported so far. (Ibid.) Attached but not published was Tab A. It is printed as Document I-15 in Exploring the Unknown, Vol. II, External Relations. For a report of Paine’s trip to Australia and Japan, see ibid., Document I-16.

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

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 150. Transcript of Telephone Conversation , Washington, December 23, 1969, 4:45 p.m.

      Under Secretary of State Elliot Richardson and Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Henry Kissinger discussed National Security Council staff member Roger Morrisʼs proposal for a Christmas truce. Richardson indicated that the Department of State had sought to determine if there was any basis for joining other countries in an appeal and had received little support. He noted that the Federal Military Government (FMG) was engaged in a broad offensive and would believe that unilateral action on the part of the United States would suggest involvement.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 361, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File. No classification marking.

    Vol. E-5, Part 2, Documents on North Africa, 1969-1972

    Libya

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

    • 2. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, December 23, 1969 , Washington, December 23, 1969

      Following Pakistani Ambassador Hilaly and President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger’s December 19 meeting, Hilaly received a letter from Pakistani President Yayha Khan. Yayha wanted Hilaly to convey to President Nixon that the Pakistanis believed the Chinese were interested in resuming talks at Warsaw “without insisting on preconditions” and were concerned about “Japanese militarism.”

      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. The conversation was held in Kissinger’s office. There is no indication as to the time of the meeting. Tab A is a letter from President Nixon to Pakistani President Yayha reiterating Nixon’s desire to stay in communication with Yayha. Tab B is a second letter from Yayha thanking Nixon for helping to meet Pakistan’s food needs. Both are attached but 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 of many of these transcripts can be found on the Yale University Library website.

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-2691 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2691-01-03,07-09, President Nixon with Rep. Laurence Burton and. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Laurence Burton.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2691-04-06, President Nixon standing with Dick Richards. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Dick Richards.

    Roll WHPO-2692 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2692-, President Nixon with USIA Director Frank Shakespeare, Henry Loomis, and Henry Kissinger. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Frank Shakespeare, Henry Loomis.

    Roll WHPO-2693 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2693-03A/04-17A/18, President Nixon with Civil Service Commission Chairman Robert Hampton, John Sullivan, and Kate Lapides, who has 50 years of government service. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Robert Hampton, John Sullivan, Kate Lapides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2693-18A/19-36A, President Nixon with Congressional leaders after attending a luncheon with them. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. Capitol Building corridor. President Nixon, Mike Mansfield, Hugh Scott, John McCormack, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2693-22, President Nixon shakes hands with Congressional leaders Mike Mansfield and Hugh Scott, at the same time, in the Capitol Building corridor after attending a luncheon with them. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. Capitol Building corridor. President Nixon, Mike Mansfield, Hugh Scott, unidentified aides.

    Roll WHPO-2694 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2694-04-24, Pat Nixon attending a performance and reception for Diplomatic Children. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, Diplomatic Children, performers, aides, clowns.

    Roll WHPO-2695 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2695-, Pat Nixon attending a performance and reception for Diplomatic Children. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, Diplomatic Children, performers, aides.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2695-23, Pat Nixon, holding a young girl, while attending a performance and reception for Diplomatic Children. 12/23/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, Diplomatic Children, performers, aides.

  • 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.

    C - First Lady

    • WHCA-SR-C-020
      Remarks by Pat Nixon at a reception for Diplomatic Corps children. (12/23/1969, East Room, White House)

      Runtime: 1:19

      Production credits: No feed information listed; No WHCA engineer initials listed

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

    F - Secretary of State Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-F-007
      Press conference by Sec. Rogers. (12/23/1969, Studio 79, "E.O.B.")

      Runtime: 35:00:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by State Department; Recorded by JLS (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-3583
      Weekly News Summary. Richard Nixon, Pierpont, Kaplow, Jarriel.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:33:00

      2. Cronkite/Pierpoint: President Nixon and Congress relations good, Nixon upset pet programs not enacted, more money spent while less collected. Time Code Start: 00:38. Keywords: Presidents, House of Representatives, taxes, legislation,. Network: CBS.

      3. Brinkley: 92st Congress adjourns until January 19, President Nixon meets with Congressional leaders, Senator Mike Mansfield calls record respectable and responsible, Republican leader felt it was do-little Congress,. Time Code Start: 02:36. Keywords: Presidents, meetings, House of Representatives, leaders. Network: NBC.

      4. Smith/Clark: 91st Congress adjourns, President Nixon meets with congressional leadership, Republican critics cite failures to enact more Nixon programs. Time Code Start: 03:37. Keywords: Presidents, meetings, House of Representatives, leaders. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)