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December 4, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, December 4, 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: Wednesday, December 3, 1969

Next Date: Friday, December 5, 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.

    Addresses and Remarks

    • Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr. (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1698, December 4, 1969)
      Remarks of the President and Judge Haynsworth Announcing Judge Haynsworth's Decision To Continue as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.

    Appointments and Nominations

    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 Senator Hugh Scott and Representative Gerald R. Ford following Republican leadership meeting.

  • 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)
      Thursday, December 4.

      GOP leadership, and President really rocked them. He started out pretty mad, due to Haynsworth and the current anti-White House bitching on the Hill. Charged in and told them Congress was totally irresponsible. That he understood why they individually had to take certain stands but that he as President had to be responsible, and do what is right. When Rhodes said President might have to call a special session later, President said it will start December 27 - took them all completely by surprise. When Griffin objected, President said it will start December 26. Was really tough and they realized it. Both McCormack and Mansfield later responded favorably, and got right to pushing for action. This probably cancels the California sojourn.

      Then President saw Haynsworth, and took him out to press to announce that he will stay on circuit court.

      Had long session with Perot and Borman regarding Ross's ideas on outside support operations. While he wants to remain independent, and has a lot of project ideas, especially for TV, he's fully willing to support our need of a highly professional PR operation, and agreed to fund it. Went through his other ideas and President generally agreed, so we will have Borman go ahead and set it all up with Perot. Can really be productive if it gets on track.

      Then a late afternoon political session in EOB office with Ehrlichman, Dent, Harlow and Rumsfeld and President. Mainly to review Senate candidate potentials. President outlined his plans for intensive campaigning, and wants to shoot for minimum of an additional four Senators and another ten Congressmen. Thinks we can get at least that. Will make appearances, plus films for all key candidates, etc. Wants to use Cabinet and VP intensively also. Was obvious from the way he cranked into this that he itches to get back into the battle. Hope he can hold off until next September.
    • 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. XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969-1972; Jordan, September 1970

    The Two Yemens

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    February 20, 1969-February 19, 1970

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

    Western Europe Region and NATO

    • 27. National Intelligence Estimate , Washington, December 4, 1969

      Source: National Archives, RG 263, CIA Files, National Intelligence Estimates, 1950–1985. Secret; ControlledDissem. The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, and the NSA participated in the preparation of this estimate. The Director of CIA submitted this estimate with the concurrence of all members of the USIB except the representative of the FBI who abstained on the grounds that it was outside of his jurisdiction. Distributed to the White House, National Security Council, Department of State, Department of Defense, Atomic Energy Commission, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The title page and table of contents are not printed. Superseded by NIE 12–71, “The Changing Scene in Europe,” August 19, 1971. (Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Council, Job 79R01012A: Intelligence Publications Files (1950–1975), Box 413, Folder 1: (NIE 12–71) Changing Scene in Europe)

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

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 143. Memorandum From the Acting Secretary of State (Richardson) to President Nixon, Washington, December 4, 1969

      Richardson outlined four basic courses of action on relief and indicated that the Department of State planned to proceed with the fourth one: increase U.S. support for humanitarian organizations that had existing airlift programs capable of ensuring a more adequate flow of supplies.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 742, Country Files, Africa, Nigeria, Vol. I. Secret. In a December 23 note to Morris regarding Richardsonʼs memorandum, Jeanne Davis, Director of the NSC Secretariat, stated, “I agree, of course, that this was OBE as of the week following its receipt. However, since we received it on December 5, several days before it became OBE, we are in the embarrassing position of having interdicted a memo from the Acting Secretary of State to the President on an important item. If there was any follow-up action, or if there are mitigating circumstances, could you please do a small memo for the record as a fig leaf to cover our nakedness.” Morris responded in an undated, handwritten note, “This was OBE as a matter of policy substance in State before it arrived, let alone events in Africa being anticipated here. Those who know the substance of the problem, therefore, are quite clothed.”

  • 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-2544 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2544-, Judy Agnew hosting a Blair House press party with unidentified press reporters. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. Blair House. Judy Agnew, members of the press, reporters.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2544-05A, Judy Agnew speaking with a group of female reporters during her Blair House press party. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. Blair House. Judy Agnew, members of the press, reporters.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2544-15A, Vice President Agnew playing the piano while female reporters gather behind him, many taking notes, during a Blair House press party hosted by Judy Agnew. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. Blair House. Spiro Agnew, Judy Agnew, members of the press, reporters.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2544-29A, Judy Agnew standing in front of a large portrait hanging over a fireplace, while talking with an unidentified female reporter during the Blair House press party she hosted. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. Blair House. Judy Agnew, member of the press, unidentified reporter.

    Roll WHPO-2545 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2545-, Judy Agnew hosting a Blair House press party with unidentified press reporters. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. Blair House. Judy Agnew, members of the press.

    Roll WHPO-2546 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2546-, Bryce Harlow addressing a group of students. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Bryce N. Harlow, students.

    Roll WHPO-2549 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2549-, Herb Klein standing with an unidentified student. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Herb Klein, student.

    Roll WHPO-2550 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2550-05-16, President Nixon and Judge Clement Haynsworth at a press conference after the judge's rejection for a Supreme Court position. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Roosevelt Room. President Nixon, Clement Haynsworth.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2550-13, President Nixon and Judge Clement Haynsworth at a press conference after the judge's rejection for a Supreme Court position. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Roosevelt Room. President Nixon, Clement Haynsworth.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2550-19-30, Connie Stuart and Penny Adams at a press briefing. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Connie Stuart, Penny Adams.

    Roll WHPO-2551 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2551-04-13, President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with Judge Clement Haynsworth and John Ehrlichman. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Clement Haynsworth, Ehrlichman, press corps members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2551-07, President Nixon seated informally in the Oval Office during a meeting with Judge Clement Haynsworth and John Ehrlichman. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Judge Clement Haynsworth, John Ehrlichman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2551-14-17, President Nixon and Judge Clement Haynsworth at a press conference. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Clement Haynsworth, Ehrlichman, press corps members.

    Roll WHPO-2552 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2552-, Pat Nixon with Lane Bryant Volunteer Award winners. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Library. Pat Nixon, volunteer award winners.

    Roll WHPO-2553 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2553-, Connie Stuart and Penny Adams at a press briefing. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. unknown. Connie Stuart, Penny Adams.

    Roll WHPO-2554 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2554-, Vice President Agnew and Judy Agnew being interviewed outside of Blair House at the time of their party for the press. 12/4/1969, Washington, D.C. Blair House entrance. Spiro Agnew, Judy Agnew, members of the press.

  • 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.

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-691207
      Remarks by President Nixon announcing Judge Clement Haynsworth's continuation on Circuit Court. (12/4/1969, Roosevelt Room, White House)

      Runtime: 0:03:16

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by ABC; Recorded by ADS (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-691208
      Remarks by President Nixon in two Christmas messages to members of the military service, one to members of the armed forces in general and one to hospitalized veterans. (12/4/1969, Retiring Room, White House)

      Runtime: 0:04:51

      Production credits: No feed information listed; Recorded by ADS (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-691209
      Remarks by President Nixon in a Christmas message to hospitalized veterans. (12/4/1969, Retiring Room, White House)

      Runtime: 0:01:16

      Production credits: No feed information listed; 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-3545
      "The President's Men" with Attorney Gen. Mitchell. Attorney General John Mitchell.
      Undetermined
      Runtime: 00:30:25
    • WHCA-3546
      "Here's Barbara" with Tat's Gen. Mitchell. Joe McGinnis, author of "The Selling of the President: 1968".
      Southern Educational Communications Association
      Runtime: 00:21:22
    • WHCA-3547
      "Firing Line".
      NET (National Educational Television, PBS)
      Runtime: 00:52:12
    • WHCA-3548
      "Hunger - A National Disgrace", Pt. II. Includes White House Conference on Hunger (Food, Nutrition and Health) followed by an interview with Jean Mayer and Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:58:54
    • WHCA-3550
      Weekly News Summary.
      All networks
      Runtime: 00:31:27

      8. President Nixon and Judge Clement Haynsworth. Time Code Start: 14:43. Keywords: judges, Supreme Court nominees, reports. Network: CBS.

      9. Congressman Gerald Ford and Hugh Scott on the Congress and appropriations bills, crime bill. Time Code Start: 17:39. Keywords: House of Representatives, Congressmen, leaders, appropriations bill. Network: NBC.

      10. President Nixon and Supreme Court nominee Clement Haynsworth. Time Code Start: 19:22. Keywords: law officials, judges, justices, courts, trials, investigations, nominees, defeats. Network: NBC.

      11. Report on the Texas VS Arkansas college football game President Nixon attending with Governor Winthrop Rockefeller (see attachment). Time Code Start: 24:10. Keywords: Presidents, Governors, travel, Nixon trips, domestic, sports, football, games, universities, colleges, coaches, Darrell Royal. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)