February 10, 1972

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 Camp David, Maryland

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.

• Message to the Congress Transmitting Annual Report of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.
• Executive Order 11647—Federal Regional Councils
• The President's News Conference
• Remarks at the First Annual Awards Dinner of the National Center for Voluntary Action

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 Thursday, February 10, 1972

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, Annotated News Summaries, Box 33, [Feb. 8-10, 1972] [2 of 2] [Note: Due to the way News Summary products were compiled, you should also consult nearby days for potentially relevant materials.]
  • News Summary, February 10, 1972, (Wednesday nets and wires)

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.

• President's Speech File
  • Box 72, Thursday, February 10, 1972, NCVA [National Center for Voluntary Action] Awards Dinner

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, February 10.
  
  In our staff meeting this morning, Shultz raised his concern about the economy. He feels that it really isn't looking good; that December retail sales were poor, the January preliminary figures are also poor, and that retail sales are the ultimate key to the economy, that Arthur Burns is back on his familiar cycle, and that we've got a real problem.
  
  Ehrlichman has concern about the busing question and says he may suggest the President meeting with the Congressional sponsors of the busing constitutional amendments, with the idea that he could then get on record as having been involved in the whole thing, although not approving any action at this time, but at least get his hand into it before he leaves for China, in case there is some action taken, so he's not left out in the cold.
  
  In getting into his final preparation for the press conference, the President got into a fairly extensive media analysis, and Buchanan's wrap-up on it, his concern that we haven't gotten across our role in the dock strike, and the fact that Congress acted at our insistence. Also, he was observing that the networks are going to put all the Democratic candidates on in opposition to anything that we say, so all of them get a chance to answer, and we, therefore, get outnumbered seven or eight to one on any major story. He feels we've got to maintain our Vietnam attack, keep hammering Muskie, saying that Nixon-- his line of saying Nixon criticized Vietnam so he's going to is 180 degrees off, because Nixon criticized how we got into the war, and criticized the conduct of the war, where Muskie is criticizing our efforts to get out of the war, and that we can't let him get away with the "everybody does this" line. It's unprecedented for a government to make a peace proposal and be undercut by a Presidential candidate.
  
  President feels that our whole Haldeman flap gave the "State of the World" some visibility and that that was probably a good thing. He got back onto the subject tonight on the plane going down to Key Biscayne, and made the point that it's imperative that everyone follow the line that he took in the press conference today, which was really very good in that he made it clear he wasn't questioning the patriotism or sincerity of any of the candidates, but that he was a vigorous critic of the policies that got us into Vietnam, and the actions that contributed to the assassination of Diem, and of the conduct of the war. But once he became a candidate and the peace talks began, he said that as a man seeking the Presidency, he would say nothing that would in any way jeopardize the peace talks, and that's the position he feels a candidate should take.
  
  Press conference overall went very well. It was an in-office deal, and the press was more than usually surly, partly because it's been so long since they've had a press conference. Jim Deacon, even after the "Thank you, Mr. President," asked if they could have some more questions and came in with a couple of snarling ones: the transcript on the press conference is fairly interesting.
  
  Rogers was very concerned this morning before the press conference because President Thieu had attacked him on the basis that he'd said he'd be-- that we'd be flexible on the question of when Thieu should step down before a Vietnamese election, and Rogers obviously did have a blooper there, but wanted the President to stand behind him. Actually the President couldn't strongly stand behind him, but he did handle the question in such a way that Rogers could have no dissatisfaction. As a result of that, the President felt out of the press conference we came out in very good shape on Vietnam and on Thieu. He also hit busing very well at the press conference and should have his position pretty well established on that now, too.
  
  End of February 10.
• Original audio recording (MP3)

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 February 10, 1972
• Date search for February 10, 1972

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• Text search for February 10, 1972
• Date search for February 10, 1972

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 10 February 1972

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

Foreign Assistance Policy, 1969-1972

• 84. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State (Irwin) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 10, 1972

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Subject Files, Foreign Aid, Volume II 1972. Confidential. Attached to a February 16 summary memorandum from Kennedy to Kissinger recommending that Kissinger and Shultz approve Irwin’s recommendations, which Kennedy characterized as a “reasonable division of the limited funds we can anticipate will be appropriated.” Also attached is a February 17 memorandum from Kissinger to Irwin noting that Irwin’s recommendations were a sound basis for implementing programming actions. Kissinger understood the $385 million of supporting assistance for Vietnam was part of a total support plan of $680 million and that supplementary actions to fulfill the Vietnam program would be addressed shortly. He cautioned that other supporting assistance allocations should be a guide for actions but only urgent obligations should be made until the appropriations bills were completed.

Vol. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

Special Meetings of the Security Council

• 124. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, February 10, 1972

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 303, Agency Files, USUN, Vol. X. Confidential. An attached memorandum from Kissinger to Nixon, dated February 15, summarized Secretary Rogers’ report and added: “It is also worth mentioning that there was rather widespread American press criticism of the cost of holding the meeting in Addis at a time when the UN is nearly bankrupt.” The memorandum is stamped “The President has seen” and bears a marginal note reading “I agree—Don’t press for any more.” On February 22 Marshall Wright of the NSC Staff sent a memo to Haig that read: “I think the President’s feeling on this subject should be conveyed to State as guidance.” On February 24 Haig sent a memorandum to the Acting Secretary of State that informed him that the President had seen Secretary Rogers’ report on the Security Council meeting in Africa and had taken note of Rogers’ concerns and of public criticism of the cost of the meeting. “He therefore instructs that we attempt to avoid further such meetings.” (Ibid.)

Vol. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

UN Finances and Reduction of the U.S. Assessment

• 176. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State, New York, February 10, 1972, 2253Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 10. Confidential. Repeated to Kinshasa for Ambassador Bush who was there February 11–13 during a visit to eight African countries after a meeting of the UN Security Council in Addis Ababa.

Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

Cyprus

• 393. Memorandum From Harold Saunders and Rosemary Neaher of the National Security Council Staff to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 10, 1972

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 594, Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. III Jan 72–Oct 73. Secret. Sent for information. Sent through Haig who initialed it. Kissinger wrote the following notes on the first page: “Excellent paper” and “I want to be told before GOG is given any more advice. I am afraid our meddling will land us squarely in situation?”

Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

Cyprus

• 394. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State, Athens, February 10, 1972, 2321Z

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 594, Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. III Jan 72–Oct 73. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to Nicosia and Ankara. Another copy is ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 19–6 CZECH–CYP.

Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

The Defense Budget and U.S. National Security Policy

• 206. Minutes of Defense Program Review Committee Meeting, Washington, February 10, 1972, 3:08-3:57 p.m.

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–118, DPRC Minutes, Originals, 1969–73 [2 of 3]. Secret. The meeting was held in the Situation Room of the White House. In a February 9 memorandum, Odeen informed Kissinger that the meeting was to address three issues: the inconsistency between Presidential decisions and Defense Department strategic guidance, the overall level of defense spending needed to support the Five Year Defense Plan for FY 1974–1978, and the relationship between planned defense spending and the Nixon administration’s long-term economic and budgetary goals. (Ibid., Box H–105, DPRC Meeting, DOD Five Year Program, 2/10/72)

Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

• 339. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 10, 1972

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 686, Country Files, Europe, Germany (Bonn), Vol. XI. Secret; Eyes Only; (Outside System.) Sent for information. Haig and Kissinger both initialed the memorandum, indicating that they had seen it.

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

U.S. Policy Towards International Production and Trafficking in Illegal Drugs

• 218. Letter From President Nixon to Pakistani President Bhutto, Washington, February 10, 1972

  At the Department of State’s suggestion, Nixon sent Bhutto a letter asking for cooperation on narcotic problems and introducing Nelson Gross, the Department of State Coordinator for International Narcotic Matters, who was to visit Pakistan and South Asia.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. No classification marking. Rogers sent the President a draft of this letter under cover of a February 5 memorandum. (Ibid.)

Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

U.S. Relations with India and Pakistan, 1972

• 224. Telegram 1770 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, New Delhi, February 10, 1972, 1500Z

  Ambassador Keating reported that he and Indian Foreign Secretary Kaul had discussed steps that could be taken to improve relations between the United States and India.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL INDIA–US. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Sent by Keating with an instruction to deliver to Sisco at the opening of business on February 10.

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.

Visit the White House Tapes finding aid to learn about the taping system's operation and archival processing.

Old Executive Office Building

• 320-30; Unknown between 4:00 p.m. & 4:55 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Sanchez, Manolo; Bull, Stephen B.
• 320-31; 4:55 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Woods, Rose Mary; Kissinger, Henry A.; Sanchez, Manolo; Haldeman, H. R. ("Bob"); [Unknown person(s)]; Ziegler, Ronald L.; Butterfield, Alexander P.

Oval Office

• 669-1; 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President)

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-8404 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8404-, Sen. Hugh Scott, Rep. Gerald Ford, and others presenting an economic statement to the press. 2/10/1972, Washington, D.C. Press Room, White House. Hugh Scott, Gerald Ford, officials.

Roll WHPO-8405 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8405-, Mike Farrell with a group. 2/10/1972, Washington, D.C. Diplomatic Reception Room, White House. Mike Farrell, group members.

Roll WHPO-8406 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8406-, Ron Ziegler with Diane Sawyer. 2/10/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown. Ronald Ziegler, Diane Sawyer.

Roll WHPO-8407 Photographer: Schumaker, Byron | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8407-, Ron Ziegler with Diane Sawyer. 2/10/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown. Ronald Ziegler, Diane Sawyer.

Roll WHPO-8408 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8408-, President Nixon speaking and handing out plaques at the National Center for Voluntary Action Awards Ceremony. NCVA Director Edwin Etherington and President Nixon at the podium, along with recipients James J. Galleghar, Joseph Reina, and "Arnette" Giles. 2/10/1972, Washington, D.C. Banquet Room, Kennedy Center. President Nixon, Edwin Etherington, "Annette" Giles, officials, guests.

Roll WHPO-8409 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-8409-, President Nixon speaking and handing out plaques at the National Center for Voluntary Action Awards Ceremony. NCVA Director Edwin Etherington and President Nixon at the podium, along with recipients James J. Galleghar, Joseph Reina, and "Arnette" Giles. 2/10/1972, Washington, D.C. Banquet Room, Kennedy Center. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Edwin Etherington, James Galleghar, Joseph Reina, Arnette Giles, officials, guests.
• Frame(s): WHPO-8409-14, President Nixon presents Arnette Giles with a National Center for Voluntary Action Award. NCVA Director Edwin Etherington stands at the podium. 2/10/1972, Washington, D.C. Banquet Room, Kennedy Center. President Nixon, Edwin Etherington, James Galleghar, Joseph Reina, Arnette Giles, officials, guests.

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-720208
  Remarks by President Nixon in a press conference regarding trip to the People's Republic of China. (2/10/1972)
  
  Runtime: 45:00:00
  
  Keywords: Presidential press conferences, presidential news conferences, interviews, media, People's Republic of China, Trips
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

T - China Advance Team

• WHCA-SR-T-012
  Walker, Chapin, Elbourne, Swift, Redman, start 0844 [cont'd T/013]. (2/10/1972)
  
  Runtime: 68:00:00
  
  Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-T-013
  Walker, Chapin, Elbourne, Swift, Redman [cont'd from T/012; cont'd T/014]. (2/10/1972)
  
  Runtime: 32:00:00
  
  Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-T-014
  Walker, Chapin, Elbourne, Swift, Redman [cont'd from T/013]. (2/10/1972)
  
  Runtime: 16:00
  
  Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-T-015
  Walker, Chapin, start 1840. (2/10/1972)
  
  Runtime: 32:00:00
  
  Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-T-016
  Walker, Chapin, start 2325. (2/10/1972)
  
  Runtime: 16:00
  
  Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips
  
  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-5045
  "McCaffrey at Large".
  Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc.
  Runtime: 00:29:47
• WHCA-5046
  "Face to Face". FTN: George Shultz; "MTP": Maurice Stans; "I&A": Melvin Laird.
  CBS, NBC, ABC
  Runtime: 00:32:20
• WHCA-5047
  AMVETS.
  NBC
  Runtime: 00:02:12
• WHCA-5049
  Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 1:30
  
  23. Smith/Jarriel: Presidential news conference, future plans; President Nixon says he'll not move without South Vietnam's President Thieu's knowledge; Koppel: State Department on Thieu's reaction to Secretary of State Roger's U.S. peace proposal comments. Time Code Start: 67:18. Keywords: South Vietnam, Presidents, speeches, statements, cabinet, advisors, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews, Vietnam War. Network: ABC.
  
  24. Geer: Demonstrators protest against Judge Marshall's ruling for busing to integrate; Bell: Newton, Georgia controversy over school board's power to promote a private school to avoid integration for their own children. Time Code Start: 72:42. Keywords: courts, officials, bills, laws, legislation, segretation, racism, African Americans, schools, students, transportation, reports, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters. Network: ABC.
  
  25. Smith: Commentary on taxes. Time Code Start: 77:22. Keywords: taxes, taxation, revenue. Network: ABC.
  
  26. Chancellor/Kaplow: President Nixon's press conference. Time Code Start: 78:51. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, statements, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: NBC.
  
  27. Chancellor/Goralski: another American build-up in Vietnam. Time Code Start: 81:28. Keywords: Vietnam War, troops, increases. Network: NBC.
  
  28. Chancellor/Levine: Phase II; privately owned utilities now frozen. Time Code Start: 87:10. Keywords: wage and price controls, freezes, prices, costs, increases, decreases, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money. Network: NBC.
  
  29. Chancellor/Kiker: First primary election for president to be held in 4 weeks in New Hampshire, First primary election for president to be held in 4 weeks in New Hampshire, factory towns, known for startling outcomes. Time Code Start: 89:35. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting. Network: NBC.
• WHCA-5050
  Weekly News Summary, Tape III.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 0:30
  
  1. Cronkite/Rather: President Nixon press conference. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, statements, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: CBS.
  
  2. Cronkite/Simon: Vietnam War report. Time Code Start: 01:36. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: CBS.
  
  3. Cronkite/Schorr: John Finlator, Former Deputy Director of Federal Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Bureau opposed laws against marijuana use (with Robert Ingersoll). Time Code Start: 04:26. Keywords: advisors, laws, legalization, drugs, drug abuse, cannabis, marijuana, pot smoking, addicts, addiction, prevention programs. Network: CBS.
  
  4. Sevareid: Commentary on President Nixon's "State of the World" Message. Time Code Start: 07:10. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, foreign policy, foreign relations. Network: CBS.

• New York Times of February 10, 1972

• AP Images photos from February 10, 1972
• Getty Images photos from February 10, 1972

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.

• February 1972 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• February 10, 1972