Introduction
This almanac page for Friday, December 7, 1973, 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 6, 1973
Next Date: Saturday, December 8, 1973
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.
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.
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.
- News Summaries, Unmarked News Summaries, Box 64, News Summaries - December 1973 [5 of 16] [Note: Due to the way News Summary products were compiled, you should also consult nearby days for potentially relevant materials.]
- News Top, December 7, 1973
- News Summary, December 7, 1973, (Thurs. nets, wires)
- Digest of Recent Comment, December 7, 1973
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. X, Vietnam, January 1973-July 1975
Congressional Restrictions, General Warfare, June 19, 1973-February 25, 1975
117. Backchannel Message From the Ambassador to Vietnam (Martin) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Saigon, December 7, 1973, 0942Z
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 416, Backchannel Messages, Martin, Saigon, July 19–December 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only; Immediate.
118. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, December 7, 1973
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1027, Presidential/HAK Memcons, December 1973. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Wenzel.
Vol. XXV, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973
Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973
375. Memorandum for the Record, Washington, December 7, 1973, 10-10:50 a.m.
[Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 136, Country Files, Middle East, Folder 3. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. 6 pages not declassified.]
376. Memorandum From Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Washington, December 7, 1973
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 611, Country Files, Middle East, Israel, Vol. 13, Nov. 73–Dec. 73. Secret; Nodis. Sent for action.
377. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Kissinger and United Nations Secretary General Waldhein, December 7, 1973, 4:19 p.m.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Kissinger Telephone Conversations, Transcripts (Telcons), Chronological File, Box 24. No classification marking. Blank underscores indicate omissions in the original. Kissinger was in Washington; Waldheim was in New York.
Vol. XXXVIII, Part 2, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy; Public Diplomacy, 1973-1976
Organizing for Defense, Economic, and Global Issues
168. Briefing Memorandum From the Inspector General of the Foreign Service (Sutterlin) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, December 7, 1973
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 11–5. Sensitive. Drafted by Deputy Inspector General Perkins C. Pedrick (S/IG) on December 7.
Vol. E-3, Documents on Global Issues, 1973-1976
Space and Telecommunications
90. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Pickering) to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Washington, December 7, 1973
The Department of State recommended retaining civilian control over the management and operation of weather satellites.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, Box 2960, SP 12–3. Confidential. Drafted by Chapin. Deputy Executive Secretary Samuel R. Gammon signed above Pickering’s typeset signature.
Drug Control, 1973-1976
152. Briefing Memorandum From the Office of the Inspector General of the Foreign Service (Sutterlin) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, December 7, 1973
Sutterlin recommended managerial and organizational enhancements to improve Department of State leadership of the International Narcotics Control Program.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 11–5. Sensitive. Drafted by Deputy Inspector General Perkins C. Pedrick. For the Ash’s February 1 memorandum see Document 144.
Human Rights
232. Letter From the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations, Department of State (Wright) to the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on International Organizations and Movements (Fraser), Washington, December 7, 1973
The letter answered follow-up questions posed by Fraser after testimony by Popper before the Subcommittee.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, Box 3041, SOC 14 UN, 1–1–73. No classification marking. Drafted by Hewitt; cleared in draft in IO/UNP, AF/C, NEA/PAB; and cleared in IO and H. Above Marshall Wright’s typeset signature “KF/KJ/GW” is written. The letter is a copy with an indication that Wright signed the original. John Peter Humphrey of Canada was Director of the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1947–1966.
Vol. E-8, Documents on South Asia, 1973-1976
India-Pakistan 1
152. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, December 7, 1973
Secretary of State Kissinger and Indian Ambassador Kaul met to discuss various topics of mutual concern, including China’s relations with Bangladesh, recent statements by the Pakistani Government regarding Kashmir, the relationships of India to the United States and the Soviet Union, and U.S. naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA–US. Confidential. It was drafted by Kux; cleared by Laingen; and approved in S on January 4, 1974.
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-E1929 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-E1929-02-05, President Nixon during a meeting with the Quadriad: Secretary George Shultz, Arthur Burns, Herb Stein, . John Dunlop and Roy Ash. 12/7/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. George P. Shultz, Secretary of the Treasury. Arthur F. Burns, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Herbert Stein, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). John T. Dunlop, Director of the Cost of Living Council. Roy L. Ash, Director of the OMB.
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-125
Photo opportunity with Gerald Ford - Oval Office. (12/7/1973)
Runtime: 2:00
Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
P - Formal Presidential Remarks
- WHCA-SR-P-731209
Annual Christmas statement for the Armed Forces. (12/7/1973)
Runtime: 1:10
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-402
Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (12/7/1973, White House Press Lobby)
Runtime: 43:00:00
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. - WHCA-SR-S-403
Press pool report on photo opportunity with the President and Vice President Gerald Ford. (12/7/1973, White House Press Lobby)
Runtime: 2:00
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. - WHCA-SR-S-404
Press Q & A with Ronald Ziegler, Kenneth Gimmel, and Arthur Bleck on the President's finances. (12/7/1973, Roosevelt Room)
Runtime: 7:30:00
Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary
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-6691
"Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition". FTN: Reps. Owens and Cohen; "MTP": Sen. Brooke and Rep. Michel; "I&A": Ambassador George Bush.
CBS, NBC, ABC
Runtime: 00:35:00 - WHCA-6696
Weekly News Summary, Tape III.
ALL NETWORKS
Runtime: 1:30
1. Reasoner/Young: Truck blockade in Pennsylvania. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: strikes, petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, laws, protests, speed limitations, trucks, truckers, truck drivers, cargo transportation, hauling, costs, transportation. Network: ABC.
2. Smith/Geer: Truckers meet with officials in Washington, D.C.. Time Code Start: 02:25. Keywords: meetings, strikes, petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, laws, protests, speed limitations, trucks, truckers, truck drivers, cargo transportation, hauling, costs, transportation. Network: ABC.
3. Reasoner: Umemployment. Time Code Start: 04:25. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, statistics. Network: ABC.
4. Reasoner: House approves President Nixon's energy bill. Time Code Start: 04:45. Keywords: Presidents, bills, laws, Congress, House of Representatives. Network: ABC.
5. Smith/Clark: Vice President Gerald Ford's first day. Time Code Start: 05:05. Keywords: Vice Presidents, appointments, investigations, swearing in. Network: ABC.
6. Donaldson: John Rhodes elected by House as minority leader. Time Code Start: 07:15. Keywords: House of Representatives, Congress, leaders, elections. Network: ABC.
7. Smith/Schoumacher: Dwight Chapin arraigned. Time Code Start: 08:35. Keywords: Dirty Tricks, political sabotage, trials, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, Presidential elections, campaigns. Network: ABC.
8. Smith/Kaplow: Israel's Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan meets with meeting in Washington, D.C. with Secretary of State Kissinger. Time Code Start: 10:10. Keywords: Mideast, Middle East, Israeli, war, cabinet, advisors, military, leaders, meetings. Network: ABC.
9. Smith: Commentary on what the U.S. should do toward Middle East Peace. Time Code Start: 11:50. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, Israeli, Egyptian, Israeli, Arabs, war, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.
10. Chancellor/Levine/Paxton: Unemployment due to energy crisis, the truckers plight to fight price hikes. Time Code Start: 13:26. Keywords: strikes, petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, laws, protests, speed limitations, trucks, truckers, truck drivers, cargo transportation, hauling, costs, transportation. Network: NBC.
11. Chancellor/Nessen: Gerald Ford's first day as Vice President. Time Code Start: 17:30. Keywords: Vice Presidents, appointments, investigations, swearing in. Network: NBC.
12. Chancellor/Duke: Congressional opinions on President Nixon's impeachment. Time Code Start: 19:45. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: NBC.
13. Chancellor: Chapin pleads not guilty; Mitchell pleads guilty on one charge and turns state evidence against Haldeman and Ehrlichamn. Time Code Start: 21:44. Keywords: Dirty Tricks, political sabotage, advisors, counsels, attorneys, lawyers, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.
14. Chancellor/Stern: FBI response to news reporter Carl Stern's story about COINTELPRO on December 6, 1973. Time Code Start: 22:35. Keywords: Federal Bureau of Investigations, COINTELPRO, domestic surveillance, spying, activists, left-wing, civil rights, anti-war movement, environmental movement, domestic surveillance. Network: NBC.
15. Chancellor/Delaney: Senator Gurney denies knowledge of graft in Florida. Time Code Start: 24:24. Keywords: politics, frauds, crime, investigations. Network: NBC.
16. Chancellor/Valeriani: Israel's Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan meeting in Washington, D.C. with Secretary of State Kissinger. Time Code Start: 26:40. Keywords: Mideast, Middle East, Israeli, war, cabinet, advisors, military, leaders, meetings. Network: NBC.
17. Mudd/Morton: Vice President Gerald Ford's first day as Vice President; Congressional opinions on President Nixon's impeachment. Time Code Start: 28:20. Keywords: Vice Presidents, appointments, swearing in ceremony, Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: CBS.
18. Mudd/Jones: Audit of President Nixon's finances to be made public December 8th. Time Code Start: 31:00. Keywords: Presidents, Internal Revenue Service, taxes, audits, investigations. Network: CBS.
19. Mudd/Walker: The truckers meeting with officials in Washington, D.C.. Time Code Start: 36:53. Keywords: meetings, strikes, petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, laws, protests, speed limitations, trucks, truckers, truck drivers, cargo transportation, hauling, costs, transportation. Network: CBS.
20. Mudd/Schakne: Federal government request to cut gasoline production by 15% to increase heating oil production. Time Code Start: 38:55. Keywords: energy, petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, oil supply, oil supplies, imports, shortages, sales, costs, increases, rationing, natural resources. Network: CBS.
21. Mudd/Kalb: Secretary of State Kissinger's meeting with Israel's Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan. Time Code Start: 41:00. Keywords: Mideast, Middle East, Israeli, war, cabinet, advisors, military, leaders, meetings. Network: CBS.
22. Severaid: Commentary on Vice President Gerald Ford. Time Code Start: 42:40. Keywords: Vice Presidents, appointments, investigations, swearing in. Network: CBS.
Context (External Sources)
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.
Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.