Breadcrumb

February 16, 1973

Introduction

This almanac page for Friday, February 16, 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, February 15, 1973

Next Date: Saturday, February 17, 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.

Archival Holdings

  • 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.

  • 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.

    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. XVIII, China, 1973-1976

    Kissinger's Visits to Beijing and the Establishment of the Liaison Offices, January 1973-May 1973

    • 9. Memorandum of Conversation, Beijing, February 16, 1973, 2:15-6:00 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 98, Country Files, Far East, HAK China Trip, Memcons & Reports (originals), February 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The meeting was held at Villa 3. All brackets are in the original.

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    March 16, 1972-March 6, 1973

    • 165. Paper Prepared by the National Security Council Staff, Washington, February 16, 1973

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 137, Country Files, Middle East, Iran–Oil, 5 Feb 1973–7 Sep 1974. Secret. Transmitted to Scowcroft under a February 16 covering memorandum from Saunders.

    Vol. E-8, Documents on South Asia, 1973-1976

    Afghanistan

    • 2. Telegram 1121 From the Embassy in Afghanistan to the Department of State, Kabul, February 16, 1973, 0740Z

      The Embassy reported on Afghanistan’s approach to Afghan-Pakistani relations, especially Pakistan’s policies in Baluchistan and the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) and the related issue of “Pushtunistan.” The Embassy noted the threat these issues posed to Prime Minister Shafiq’s “reform” government, which hoped the United States would help “keep the situation in hand.”

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL AFG–PAK. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. It was drafted by Neumann and repeated to Islamabad, Tehran, New Delhi, Moscow, Lahore, and Karachi. In telegram 1118 from Kabul, February 15, the Embassy summarized the Ambassador’s discussion with Shafiq regarding developments in Baluchistan and the NWFP. Shafiq asked that the United States use its influence to contain the Pakistani crisis because the “course of action now being followed by Bhutto might lead to events which would not be confined to the borders of Pakistan.” (Ibid.)

    India-Pakistan 1

    • 108. Telegram 1389 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State, Islamabad, February 16, 1973, 1139Z

      The Embassy reported that Prime Minister Bhutto apparently had used the Iraqi arms smuggling controversy as an opportunity to purge opposition governments in Baluchistan and on the frontier through constitutional means; however, the Embassy also speculated that the move may signal the “end of his government’s experiment with democracy.”

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, Political & Defense, POL 23–8 PAK. Confidential; Priority. It was repeated pPriority to Kabul, Karachi, and Lahore, and to New Delhi and Tehran. On February 14, Bhutto sent a letter to Nixon requesting U.S. aid to combat what he believed to be Soviet attempts to subvert Pakistan. (Ibid., POL PAK–US)

  • 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

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

    Cabinet Room

    Oval Office

  • 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-E0265 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0265-, President Nixon meeting in the Oval office with Sir Christopher Soames, Flanigan, and Helmut Sonnenfeldt. 2/16/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Sir Christopher Soames, Helmut Sonenfeldt, Flanigan.

    Roll WHPO-E0266 Photographer: Parish | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0266-, Stan Scott with Miss Teenager of D.C. September Swann, and mother. Gaylord Tissueboo. 2/16/1973, Washington, D.C. unknown. Stan Scott, September Swann & her mother, Gaylord Tissueboo.

    Roll WHPO-E0276 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0276-, President Nixon saying farewell to Major William Shaw, retiring co-pilot of Presidential helicopter Army One. 2/16/1973, Key Biscayne, Florida Key Biscayne Compound helipad. President Nixon, William Shaw.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0276-09, President Nixon saying farewell to Major William Shaw, retiring co-pilot of Presidential helicopter Army One. 2/16/1973, Key Biscayne, Florida Key Biscayne Compound helipad. President Nixon, William Shaw.

    Roll WHPO-E0282 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0282-04, The Nixons are greeted upon arrival at Mayport Naval Air Station. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida tarmac, USS Albany, apartment balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Eisenhower, David Eisenhower, Capt. J.D. Elliot, Ziegler, Adm. Frederick H. Michaelis, Commander of Naval Air Forces, Atlantic Fleet. Capt. Paul Anderson, Commander of the Mayport NAS, military personnel, policemen, officials, crowds.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0282-05-09, The Nixons and Eisenhowers on the USS Albany. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida tarmac, USS Albany, apartment balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Eisenhower, David Eisenhower, Capt. J.D. Elliot, Ziegler, military personnel, policemen, officials,, Adm. Frederick H. Michaelis, Commander of Naval Air Forces, Atlantic Fleet. Capt. Paul Anderson, Commander of the Mayport NAS.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0282-06, President Nixon waves while walking aboard the USS Albany ship with Navy officials. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida tarmac, USS Albany, apartment balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Adm. Frederick H. Michaelis, Commander of Naval Air Forces, Atlantic Fleet. Capt. Paul Anderson, Commander of the Mayport NAS.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0282-10-12, 18, President Nixon greeting people in the crowd waiting at Mayport Naval Air Station, Florida. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida tarmac, USS Albany, apartment balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Eisenhower, David Eisenhower, Capt. J.D. Elliot, Ron Ziegler, military personnel, policemen, officials, crowds.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0282-13-17, The Nixons and Eisenhowers on the balcony of the Eisenhower's apartment. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida tarmac, USS Albany, apartment balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Eisenhower, David Eisenhower, Capt. J.D. Elliot, Ziegler, military personnel, policemen, officials, crowds.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0282-19-22, President Nixon shaking hands before departure. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida tarmac, USS Albany, apartment balcony. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Eisenhower, David Eisenhower, Capt. J.D. Elliot, Ziegler, military personnel, policemen, officials, crowds.

    Roll WHPO-E0283 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0283-03-27, President Nixon and the presidential party touring the USS Albany with Capt. Elliot. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida USS Albany. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Eisenhower, David Eisenhower, Capt. J.D. Elliot, military personnel, Dr. & Mrs. David Cheshire & children, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0283-24A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and David Eisenhower descend the gangplank stairway departing from the USS Albany. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Jacksonville Beach, Florida USS Albany. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, David Eisenhower, military personnel.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0283-28-37, The Nixons and Eisenhowers at the Eisenhower's apartment. The Chesire family is present. 2/16/1973, Jacksonville Beach, Florida apartment house exterior. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Eisenhower, David Eisenhower, Capt. J.D. Elliot, military personnel, Dr. & Mrs. David Cheshire & children, crowd.

    Roll WHPO-E0284 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0284-03-05, President Nixon seated near Labor Secretary Brennan aboard the "Spirit of '76.". 2/16/1973, enroute "Spirit of '76," interior. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Peter Brennan, Ronald Ziegler, Julie Eisenhower, Capt. & Mrs. Paul Anderson, Admiral Frederick Michaelis, Mrs. Frederick Wright, Mayor Hans Tanzler, Jr., Bull, crowd, unidentified men.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0284-06-07, Ron Ziegler aboard the "Spirit of '76.". 2/16/1973, enroute "Spirit of '76," interior. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Peter Brennan, Ziegler, Julie Eisenhower, Capt. & Mrs. Paul Anderson, Adm. Frederick Michaelis, Mrs. Frederick Wright, Mayor Hans Tanzler, Jr., Bull, crowd, unidentified men.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0284-08-17, President Nixon and Pat Nixon are greeted by supporters in the crowd upon arrival at Mayport Naval Air Station, Florida. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Florida tarmac. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Peter Brennan, Ziegler, Julie Eisenhower, Capt. & Mrs. Paul Anderson, Adm. Frederick Michaelis, Mrs. Frederick Wright, Mayor Hans Tanzler, Jr., Bull, crowd, unidentified men.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0284-18-30, President Nixon greeting people in the crowd waiting at Mayport Naval Air Station, Florida. 2/16/1973, Mayport NAS, Florida tarmac. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Peter Brennan, Ziegler, Julie Eisenhower, Capt. & Mrs. Paul Anderson, Adm. Frederick Michaelis, Mrs. Frederick Wright, Mayor Hans Tanzler, Jr., Bull, crowd, unidentified men.

    Roll WHPO-E0285 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0285-04A, Nixon, Pat Nixon, and Secretary Peter Brennan leaving their plane. 2/16/1973, Homestead AFB, Florida tarmac. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Peter Brennan.

    Roll WHPO-E0292 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0292-, Far East Tour. Kissinger and Chinese officials visiting the Museum of Arts. 2/16/1973, Peking, China rooms, Museum of Art. Kissinger, Chinese officials.

    Roll WHPO-E0293 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0293-, Far East Tour. Kissinger at a dinner, shaking hands with Premier Chou En-Lai, toasting him and other officials, giving a speech, and leaving. 2/16/1973, Peking, China unidentified room, Hall of the People. Kissinger, Chou En-Lai, Chinese and American officials.

    Roll WHPO-E0294 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0294-, Far East Tour. Kissinger being greeted upon arrival and viewing exhibits, accompanied by officials. 2/16/1973, Peking, China Art Museum. Kissinger, Chinese officials, American officials.

    Roll WHPO-E0295 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0295-, Far East Tour. Premier Chou En-Lai greeting American officials, greeting Kissinger, and eating dinner with him and other officials. 2/16/1973, Peking, China inidentified room, Hall of the People. Kissinger, Chou En-Lai, Chinese & American officials.

    Roll WHPO-E0296 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0296-, Far East Tour. Misc. 2/16/1973, Peking, China Summer Palace. Chinese soldiers, citizens.

    Roll WHPO-E0297 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0297-, Far East Tour. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and Premier Chou En-Lai seated with officials around a conference table. 2/16/1973, Peking, China unknown. Henry Kissinger, Chou En-Lai, Chinese & American officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0297-06, Far East Tour. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and his staff seated at a conference table across from People's Republic of China Premier Zhou Enlai, his interpreter and staff officials. 2/16/1973, Peking, China Conference table. Henry Kissinger, Zhou Enlai, Chinese & American officials, Winston Lord.

    Roll WHPO-E0316 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E0316-02A-03A, President Nixon seen at a distance, walking to the AF1 helicopter parked on the White House Lawn. The Washington Monument is visible in the background. 2/16/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, helipad. President Nixon, military personnel.
  • 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-037
      Julie Eisenhower house-Jacksonville, FL. (2/16/1973)

      Runtime: 7:34

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

    L - White House Press Office Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-L-136
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler. (2/16/1973, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 4:30

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-730218
      Remarks by President Nixon on arrival at Mayport, Fla. NAS and aboard the USS Albany. (2/16/1973)

      Runtime: 2:04

      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-6136
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:00

      1. Reasoner/Peterson/Sherwood: POWs; POW wives against President Nixon. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, releases, families, reactions. Network: ABC.

      2. Smith/Snell: Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) disbanded. Time Code Start: 05:03. Keywords: Office of Economic Opportunity, war on poverty, VISTA, Job Corps, Community Action Program, Head Start , welfare, closings. Network: ABC.

      3. Reasoner/Bell: President Nixon goes to Key Biscayne, Florida. Time Code Start: 08:43. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, residences, homes. Network: ABC.

      4. Smith: The U.S. dollar. Time Code Start: 11:30. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, currency, monetary values, exchange rates, decreases, wages, costs, increases. Network: ABC.

      5. Chancellor/Anderson: President Nixon visits Naval base in Florida. Time Code Start: 13:14. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, Armed Forces, military, air bases, airfields, airports, Navy. Network: NBC.

      6. Chancellor/Nessen: Helicopter shot down in South Vietnam; camera shy Viet Cong officials. Time Code Start: 15:30. Keywords: Vietnam War, aircraft, crashes, People's Liberation Armed Forces (PLAF), National Liberation Front (NLF), VC. Network: NBC.

      7. Chancellor/Biondi: More POWs at Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield, California. Time Code Start: 18:00. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, releases, arrivals, Armed Forces, military, air bases, airfields, airports, hospitals. Network: NBC.

      8. Chancellor/Bell: Vietnam veteran watching POW returns. Time Code Start: 20:05. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, releases, military air bases, airports. Network: NBC.

      9. Chancellor/Stern: L. Patrick Gray nominated as Director of FBI. Time Code Start: 23:00. Keywords: Federal Bureau of Investigations, leaders, nominees. Network: NBC.

      10. Brinkley: Reduction in size and weight and automobiles. Time Code Start: 25:05. Keywords: automobiles, cars, manufacturing, sizes, decreases. Network: NBC.

      11. Cronkite/Drinkwater: POWs at Travis Air Force Base. Time Code Start: 27:34. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, releases, arrivals, Armed Forces, military, air bases, airfields, airports, hospitals. Network: CBS.

      12. Cronkite: President Nixon at Naval base in Florida. Time Code Start: 29:25. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, Armed Forces, military, air bases, airfields, airports, Navy. Network: CBS.

      13. Cronkite: Hanoi film of POWs. Time Code Start: 32:23. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War. Network: CBS.

      14. Cronkite/Morton: Calley conviction upheld by Court of Appeals (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 34:24. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: CBS.

      15. Cronkite: American helicopter shot down in South Vietnam. Time Code Start: 37:25. Keywords: Vietnam War, aircraft, crashes. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)