February 17, 1969

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 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.

Statements by the President

• The Urban Coalition (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 276, February 17, 1969)
  Statement by the President Following the Attendance of Chairman John Gardner and Other Urban Coalition Officers at a Meeting of the Council for Urban Affairs.
• Presidential Mission to Latin America (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 276, February 17, 1969)
  Statement by the President Announcing a Series of Visits to Latin American Nations by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller

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 John Gardner, Chairman, Urban Coalition, and Daniel P. Moynihan, Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs.
• Announcement of nominations of Vice Adm. Andrew McB. Jackson, Jr., USN, for appointment to the grade of vice admiral on the retired list and Vice Adm. John M. Lee, USN, for appointment as a Senior Member of the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations, and of assignment of Maj. Gen. Charles A. Corcoran, USA, as Commanding General, I Field Force, United States Army, Vietnam, and appointment to the grade of lieutenant general.

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.

• Ambassador Anatoly F. Dobrynin of the Soviet Union met with the President at the White House.
• George Allen, coach of the Los Angeles Rams football team, visited with the President.
• John F. Thomas, Director of the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration met with the President at the White House.

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.

• EDWIN S. COHEN, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
• JEROME M. Rosow, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor.
• CREED C. BLACK, of Illinois, to be an Assistant Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
• JAMES M. BEGS, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Transportation.
• JAMES D. BRAMAN, of Washington, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation.
• PAUL W. CHERINGTON, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation.
• JOHN A. HANNAH, of Michigan, to be Administrator of the Agency for International Development.
• JAMES D. O'CONNELL, of California, to be an Assistant Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness.

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.

• Statement on the Urban Coalition.
• Statement Announcing Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller's Mission to Latin America

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.

No Federal Register published on this date

The Congressional Record is the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress.

• House of Representatives: February 17, 1969
• Senate: February 17, 1969
• Extensions of Remarks: February 17, 1969

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 Handwriting, Box 1, President's Handwriting, February 1969
  • Memo; Leonard Garment to Jim Keogh re: Media treatment of the President. February 17, 1969. 4 pgs.
  • Notes;  Urban Affairs Council meeting. February 17, 1969. 1 pg.
  • Schedule;  The President's Schedule, Monday, February 17, 1969. 1 pg.
  • Memo; H. R. Haldeman to Mr. Klein re: "Game plan" for the period the President will be in Europe. February 17, 1969. 1 pg.
• President's Meetings File, Box 73, Memoranda for the President--Beginning February 16, 1969
  • Memo; Alexander P. Butterfield to The President's File re: Mid-morning meeting in the Cabinet Room with the Urban Affairs Council (10:00 - 11:10), incl. attachment. February 17, 1969. 9 pgs.
  • Memo; John R. Price re: Minutes, Meeting of the Council for Urban Affairs, February 17, 1969 - 10:00 a.m. 13 pgs.
  • Memo; Daniel P. Moynihan to The President re: Summary of the Council for Urban Affairs Meeting with the Urban Coalition, Monday, February 17, 1969. 5 pgs.

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.

• Memoranda from the President, Box 1, Memos--February 1969
  • Memo; The President to Ray Price re: Tom Wicker's column in the February 16 New York Times. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to John Ehrlichman re: False statements in the press. 2 pgs.
  • Memo; The President to Henry Kissinger re: Complete history of how the bombing pause came about. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to Bob Haldeman re: Oval Office decoration. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to Bob Haldeman re: Documentation of Presidential meetings. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to John Ehrlichman re: Memo from Bob Murphy of January 17. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to John Ehrlichman re: Next worship service. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to John Ehrlichman re: Backgrounder for some conservative columnists. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to RMW re: Miss Burum and Mrs. Dargatz. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to RMW re: Silver Parker Pen. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to RMW re: Dinner for Richard Rodgers. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to RMW re: Congratulatory note to Billy Casper. 1 pg.
  • Memo; The President to RMW re: Call Eisenhower. 1 pg.
• President's Speech File, Box 46
  • February 17, 1969, Ladies Press Luncheon
  • February 17, 1969, American Cross TV Message

Selective document listing

White House Press Office

The White House Press Office during the Presidency of Richard Nixon was responsible for daily communication with the White House press corps. Ronald L. Ziegler was the Press Secretary to the President for Nixon's entire term in office from January 1969 to August 1974 and Gerald Warren served as the Deputy Press Secretary. The office held daily briefings for the press and produced the White House’s press releases. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

• White House Press Conferences, Box 56
  • News Conference #51 at the White House with Ron Ziegler, February 17, 1969, 11:18 A.M. EST. 5 pgs.
  • News Conference #52 at the White House with Ron Ziegler, February 17, 1969, 5:08 P.M. EST. 6 pgs.

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)
  Monday, February 17.
  
  Finch is the big issue today. First he's blamed for appointing a Mexican-American woman who was an ardent Humphrey supporter. (Turns out she was already appointed when we came in, but Finch gets blamed). Then there's a big problem regarding his Assistant Secretary for Health. He wants a guy who is ardently opposed by the AMA. Can't take this on top of the heat regarding his Education guy, who is known as “Mr. Busing” in the South. President spends a lot of time lining up tactics for Finch to get AMA support - via Deluccia and Mac Todd.
  
  Wants Mitchell to rein Finch in, wants Pat Gray to read the riot act, use his influence on Bob to get the left wingers off his staff. Wants Bob to hit a Northern school district regarding integration - instead of always the South. Wants him to appoint someone from Midwest, has a load of Californian's plus Farmer and Allen from New York.
  
  President feels HEW can't go down the line all the way with people who were against us.
  
  Ehrlichman moving on trip plans - plus having to get back in on a few domestic things, i.e., Bliss. Harlow is now to handle letter exchange to lock up his departure President still pushing for DC crime action - Harlow resisting letters to Chairman Mahon - feels it's using 16 inch gun to shoot a sparrow.
  
  Lot of talk about demonstrations on the trip. President wants Ehrlichman to hold backgrounder - and explain we expect them - but are determined not to let a few dissidents get in the way of the imperative need to communicate. Debate regarding use of bullet-proof cars. John argues for, President feels image is terrible. Settled on using our cars because of communication facilities - but not the bullet-proof jobs. Secret Service will be very unhappy.
  
  I flew to LA in the evening. Henry Loomis rode out to airport to discuss Roy Ash project. He's opposed, because it cuts into bureaucratic prerogatives. Will be a problem to work out. George Allen, Rams' coach, on plane, was in to see President earlier in day, great booster!
  
  In LA for anniversary - WSAAA (Western States Advertising Agency Association) Award, and site inspection of summer White House possibility - through Thursday.
• 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.

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• Text search for February 17, 1969
• Date search for February 17, 1969

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• Text search for February 17, 1969
• Date search for February 17, 1969

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 17 February 1969 (Morning) [consult link for visuals and extent of redactions]
  The President's Daily Brief
  
  17 February 1969
  (Morning)
  19
  Top Secret
  
  I. MAJOR PROBLEMS
  
  MIDDLE EAST
  Soviet diplomats are making it clear that Moscow wants substantive discussions of a political settlement early in the four-power talks. At the UN, Malik has suggested to Ambassador Yost that the four powers work up "guidelines" for carrying out the Security Council resolution of 1967. He said Jarring needed specific guidance more than a general statement of support for his mission. The Soviets' unfolding strategy seems to be to push for a four-power peace plan, which either Jarring or the Security Council would present to the Arabs and Israelis.
  
  At the same time, as Dobrynin has indicated to Secretary Rogers, the Soviets seem anxious to search for the ingredients of a settlement in bilateral talks with the US. They have repeatedly told the Arabs that only a Soviet--US agreement could break the deadlock in the Middle East.
  
  The French and the British are also telling Yost that they think Jarring should be given some substantive guidance by the four powers. For the French, this is yet another example of the similar views Paris and Moscow have on handling the Arab-Israeli issue. The Soviets have always taken a more hopeful line with France than with others on the chances for a settlement. They recently claimed to a French official that they were willing to press the Arabs to accept all aspects of a settlement even before an Israeli withdrawal began.
  
  EUROPE
  Debre's threat to leave the Western European Union (WEU) is the latest sign that the French think Britain and its allies have gotten in some shrewd blows recently. Paris clearly is worried that unless a quick halt is called to the consultations between Britain and the Five, a disturbing precedent will have been established. There has not yet been time for much reaction to Debre's blast, but the British doubtless were somewhat encouraged by recent West German assurances that Bonn would go along with London's efforts as long as the rules of the WEU were strictly followed. (Our reading of the treaty is that the relevant passages are vague enough to permit any of several interpretations. Presumably this could give the Germans a way to back out on the British if they wanted one.)
  
  There is certain to be more pushing and hauling on the issue in the next few weeks. The subject is sure to get heavy treatment both during President Nixon's visit to Europe and during the semiannual Franco-German summit in March.
  
  * * *
  
  Last week's consultations in London are not likely to have too much effect on the four-power meetings on the Middle East. The British probably would carry a bit more weight if they were able to say they had a "Western European" brief. It is still not clear, however, whether they feel bound by what the Five told them in London.
  
  * * *
  
  At Annex today we discuss the situation in Britain.
  
  SOVIET AFFAIRS
  [redacted]
  
  VIETNAM
  Thieu, in a conversation with Ambassador Bunker Friday, showed considerable nervousness about the impending consultations between President Nixon and De Gaulle. The South Vietnamese are naturally suspicious of French motivations where Vietnam is concerned. This suspicion has recently been reinforced by the rumormongering of lower level French officials, apparently hoping to undermine US-Saigon relations. [readacted] The hospitality shown the Communist delegations in Paris cannot, however, have escaped the notice of the South Vietnamese. Saigon probably really £ears that De Gaulle will use his talks with the President to put Communist demands in their most attractive form.
  
  * * *
  
  Military activity was light over the weekend as the Communists generally observed their Tet cease-fire. The enemy remains in a position, however, to launch widespread attacks at any time.
  
  II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS
  
  PERU-CHILE
  [redacted]
  
  NIGERIA
  Nigeria has bought 30 million rounds (about $2.3 million worth) of small arms ammunition from the USSR. [redacted] the ammunition will be shipped by sea. Five million rounds may be ready for shipment before 1 March. The Nigerians are also going to take a look at some Soviet antiaircraft guns which are for sale.
  
  * * *
  
  The federal government's attempts to interdict Biafra's one operating airstrip are causing relief organizations increased concern. In one raid last week two relief aircraft were slightly damaged. Even if these raids do not close the airstrip, they could discourage pilots from making nightly
  arms and relief flights.
  
  ANNEX
  
  INTERNAL PRESSURES ON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT
  SIGNIFICANCE: The severe economic problems which have bedeviled Wilson's Labor Government since it took office in 1964 have forced Britain to abandon many of its commitments throughout the world. With the battle to solve the balance of payments problem still not won and with massive international debts to repay, Britain will for many years have to tailor its foreign and defense policies to avoid large new expenditures. These policies will also become increasingly aimed at promoting cooperation with Europe, a goal which will probably begin to push Britain away from the close relationship that it has had with the US.
  
  * * *
  
  Britain's economic troubles bid fair to bring the electoral defeat of the ruling Labor Party. In numerous by-elections for Parliament and in local elections during the past two years, the party has been badly beaten. The public opinion polls during that period have recorded the lowest standing for a prime minister and a governing party in the 30-year history of the polls. Many Britons, who once admired Wilson's mastery of the political arts, now consider him a political opportunist. At the same time, the polls have been very erratic and strongly influenced by specific developments. The political recovery of the Labor Party cannot, therefore, be ruled out. An election is not required until March 1971, leaving barely time enough for the Wilson government to demonstrate convincingly that it can manage the economy.
  
  [redacted]
  
  Despite Labor's misfortunes, no permanent realignment of voter sentiment in favor of the Conservatives appears to have taken place. As an individual, Conservative leader Ted Heath has seldom topped Wilson's poor showing in the public opinion polls. [redacted]
  
  Economic Problems
  The political fortunes of the Labor Party are tied to the success of the devaluation of sterling ($2.80 to $2.40), which took place in November 1967. The underlying weakness of the pound stems from the UK's recurring balance-of-payments deficits and large international debts. In order to secure the maximum benefits to international payments and debt reduction from the devaluation, constraints have been placed on wage increases and credit. These constraints are intended to help protect the gains from the devaluation in price competitiveness and profits and to hold down demand for imports. The authority for certain of these measures lapses in late 1969. In the meantime, failure to achieve marked improvements in the balance of payments would only make public acceptance of a continuation of the present controls more difficult to obtain. [redacted]
  
  London has focused its economic policy almost exclusively on correcting its international payments situation. Sustained improvement is vitally necessary to retire some $7 billion in debt accumulated in defense of sterling. The government had hoped that devaluation and related economic measures would cut the UK's balance of payments deficit sharply in 196 8. Instead, it rose to about $1.3 billion, compared with about $900 million in 1967, The major factor in this setback was the continuation of a sizeable imbalance in Britain's foreign trade. Strong consumer demand brought an unexpectedly high level of imports which offset the gains from a rapid growth in exports. More measures were taken late in the year to stem the flow of imports.
  
  In 1969 the British may achieve a surplus in international payments ranging from $240 million to $600 million. The December trade deficit was unexpectedly large, but the January trade deficit was the smallest since devaluation. This improvement should be maintained in early 1969 by the impact of the restrictions applied in November on credit for imports. The measures taken in 1968 to redirect production and investment toward the export industries will also continue to have an effect.
  
  A number of developments, however, could alter this optimistic outlook. For example, a significant slowdown in the growth of world trade or the devaluation of the French franc would hinder British exports, but these external pressures are not likely to be felt within the first quarter of 1969.
  
  Another crucial factor will be the government's ability to restrain excessive increases in wages, while avoiding the kinds of strikes that have been so damaging to the British economy in recent years. In 1968, the government was forced by strike threats to allow exceptions to its 3 1/2% ceiling on wage increases. These breaches were justified by reference to high productivity or the long interval since the previous increases, but they have encouraged other unions to press exorbitant demands.
  
  There were no strikes last year with the economic impact of the seamen's strike of 1966 or the dockworker's walkout of 1967, but British industry was nevertheless plagued by innumerable work stoppages, mostly wildcat strikes. In an effort to control labor disputes the government has proposed major reforms in British labor relations, including a 28-day cooling off period for wildcat strikes. These proposals may not be enacted into legislation until 1970.
  
  The effort to improve the UK's balance of payments remains very much a race against time. Sterling is weak and extremely vulnerable to any upset in the international monetary system.
• President's Daily Brief of 17 February 1969 (Afternoon) [consult link for visuals and extent of redactions]
  The President's Daily Brief
  
  17 February 1969
  (Afternoon)
  19
  Top Secret
  
  18 February 1969
  
  LATE NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF OF
  17 FEBRUARY 1969
  
  I. MAJOR PROBLEMS
  
  MIDDLE EAST
  [redacted]
  
  EUROPE
  The French, in a correction of Monday's press statement, have made it clear that they will not interfere with the meeting of the Assembly of the Western European Union on Thursday and Friday. They are adamant in their refusal to have anything to do with the WEU Council under present circumstances, however. An official at the Elysee told a US Embassy officer that Paris did not want to see the crisis worsen, but he left no doubt that the French thought Britain had to be put back in its place. [redacted]
  
  SOVIET AFFAIRS
  There is nothing of significance to report.
  
  VIETNAM
  No significant ground action has been reported since the end of the allies' 24-hour cease-fire. The Communists initiated more than 200 incidents, most of them small scale, during the truce period itself. [redacted\
  
  II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS
  
  INDONESIA
  [redacted]
  
  COMMUNIST CHINA
  The Chinese told the US Embassy in Warsaw this morning that in the wake of the defection of Peking's charge in the Netherlands, it was "obviously most unsuitable" to go ahead with Thursday's ambassadorial meeting. They said the press would be informed of the meeting's cancellation. [redacted]
  
  III. LATE ITEM
  
  EUROPE
  UPI reports this morning that the East Germans have closed the main checkpoint for westbound traffic out of West Berlin. We have no amplification. [redacted]
  
  I. MAJOR PROBLEMS
  
  MIDDLE EAST
  
  EUROPE
  There is nothing significant to report.
  
  SOVIET AFFAIRS
  The Soviets appear to be preparing for one or two major space events within the next few weeks. One of the events probably will be a circumlunar attempt or a try at a moon landing. Either would be unmanned.
  
  If the Soviets use their largest operational booster--the SL-12--they could soft land several hundred pounds of scientific equipment on the moon's surface. With a payload of that size, a small rocket could return a package of samples to earth or a mobile scientific laboratory could be landed to photograph and analyze the lunar surface.
  
  The other event will probably be a Mars probe. Moscow has missed only one favorable launch opportunity since beginning a Mars program in 1960. Of six previous attempts, none reached the planet in operating condition.
  
  The United States is scheduled to launch a photographic probe toward Mars on 24 February so that the Soviets will have to launch near the beginning of the window which opens about 20 February if they are to reach the planet first.
  
  VIETNAM
  The "serious thoughts" passed to Ambassador Vance on Saturday by Soviet Embassy officer Oberemko strike us as a tentative effort by the Communists to move the new Paris talks into substantive discussions. The origins of Soviet initiatives often are obscure, but in this instance it looks as though Oberemko was conveying a message inspired by the North Vietnamese. He implied as much by noting that he had just talked to Ha Van Lau the day before.
  
  We believe Oberemko's statement that Hanoi is ready for serious talks can be taken pretty much at face value. The North Vietnamese came to Paris in the full expectation of being able eventually to work out a compromise settlement of the war. They probably believe they have little to gain from the current stalemate in Paris. They also appear to be increasingly uneasy over the prospect that the US may decide to sit tight in Paris for a while and to plan for a gradual disengagement of US forces timed to improvements in South Vietnamese capabilities. There is no reason to believe, however, that the Communists are about to cave in on what they regard as essential elements of a settlement.
  
  Oberemko's assertion that "unconditional" Communist demands in the plenary sessions are offered only as openers, and his remark that it is not useful to discuss substantive matters in these sessions, amount to a tentative bid by the Communists to resume private talks. The Communists evidently plan to see what develops on the US side as a result of President Nixon's European trip before they move further. If no US effort is made to open private talks after this visit, we suspect the Communists will continue to fish for them via the Soviets and eventually, if necessary, through a direct bid themselves.
  
  Oberemko's version of the three essentials of future Vietnam agreements (withdrawal of "external forces," a political settlement, and guarantees) underscores that the North Vietnamese are prepared to discuss "mutual" troop withdrawals, at least in private; that the Communists insist on a political formula as part of the package; and they they will not oppose some form of control and inspection of whatever agreements are concluded.
  
  * * *
  
  President Thieu plans to give Interior Minister General Khiem such extensive supervisory responsibilities that Khiem seems likely to emerge as a power at least equal to Prime Minister Huong. Thieu has told Ambassador Bunker that as the new deputy prime minister, Khiem will supervise the ministries of Interior, Defense, Revolutionary Development, Information and Open Arms, and Land Reform and Agriculture. This list of Khiem's new responsibilities is more extensive than previously indicated, and includes virtually all the ministries regarded by Thieu as most critical for 1969. Presumably Thieu is looking ahead to political competition with the Communists.
  
  [redacted]
  
  * * *
  
  Thieu believes a major enemy attack will come right after Tet and that the Communists show every sign of being willing to incur heavy losses in order to make a political and psychological effect on the Paris talks and on American public opinion.
  
  Thieu asserted, in a recent conversation with Ambassador Bunker, that the enemy has replaced those battalion and company commanders who in the past employed "hit and run" tactics with men who have shown they will hold their positions even at the cost of heavy losses. Communist commanders who received awards after last year's Tet offensive were not those who had inflicted the heaviest casualties on allied forces, according to Thieu, but those who held their positions longest--for instance, those who holed up in Cholon, even at great cost. Current replacement policy, according to Thieu, suggests that the enemy intends to stay around and in the cities as long as he can to "prove" his strength. Ky seconded Thieu's remarks, saying that "it is the real tigers" who are being given command of enemy units.
  
  II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS
  
  [redacted]
  
  * * *
  
  [redacted]

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. XII, Soviet Union, January 1969-October 1970

Initial Contacts, January-April 22, 1969

• 14. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, February 17, 1969, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 1 US–USSR. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Toon. The conversation was held in the Oval Office at the White House.

• 15. Note From Soviet Leaders to President Nixon, Moscow, February 17, 1969

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 340, Subject Files, USSR Memcons Dobrynin/President 2/17/69. No classification marking. On January 31, Sedov told Kissinger that the Soviets were “considering putting out ‘something’ to indicate they will not use the NPT as an excuse for intervening in the domestic affairs of others” and that they “are also putting together a ‘package’ on their views re political settlement. Dobrynin may bring this back with him about February 15.” (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 1 USSR) This note was the “package” promised Kissinger and given him by Dobrynin on February 17. The date is handwritten on the note.

Vol. XIX, Part 2, Japan, 1969-1972

January-November 1969: The Decision for Okinawa Reversion

• 3. National Intelligence Estimate , Washington, February 17, 1969

  Source: Central Intelligence Agency, ODDI Registry of NIEs and SNIEs, Job 79-R01012A. Secret. The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Atomic Energy Commission, and the National Security Agency participated in the preparation this estimate. The Director of the CIA submitted this estimate with the concurrence of all members of the USIB with the exception of the representative of the FBI who abstained on the grounds that it was outside of his jurisdiction.

Vol. XXVIII, Southern Africa

Regional Issues

• 2. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Cape Town, Washington, February 17, 1969, 2112Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 15–2 S AFR. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Crosby on February 14, cleared in IO/UNP and L/AF, and approved by Palmer. Repeated to Pretoria, London, Paris, USUN, Maseru, Gaborone, Mbabane, Durban, Johannesburg, Stockholm, Tokyo, Bonn, Helsinki, Madrid, Lusaka, Taipei, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, and Monrovia.

Vol. E-2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969-1972

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Implementation of Safeguard System

• 10. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, February 17, 1969, 11:45-12:45 a.m.

  In this conversation, Soviet Ambassador to the United States Dobrynin and President Nixon discussed the ratification of the NPT and the corresponding situation developing in Berlin. The ensuing discussion outlined the mutual desire to work together to bring about an “era of negotiations, not confrontation,” and illuminated multiple domestic and international outcomes for the NPT.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files POL 1 US–USSR. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Malcom Toon. The conversation was held in the Oval Office. The memorandum of conversation is published in its entirety as Document 14 in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XII, Soviet Union, January 1969–October 1970.

Nuclear Test Ban Issues; Peaceful Nuclear Explosions

• 282. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, February 17, 1969

  Citing Senate interest in nuclear excavation, Kissinger proposed the preparation of an options paper on the relationship of the Australian excavation project to the Limited Test Ban Treaty. He then attached an issues paper, titled Cape Keraudren Nuclear Excavation Project in Australia and the Limited Test Ban Treaty, outlining possible objectives.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 200, Agency Files, Nuclear Testing, Joint Nuclear Tests. Secret. The attachments at Tabs A and B are published. The NSSM at Tab C is Document 283. Written in hand at the top of the memorandum is, “copy sent Ellsworth as attachment to top memo,” a reference to the copy of the February 17 memorandum from Kissinger to Ellsworth to which Kissinger’s memorandum to the President is attached.

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

Morocco

• 97. Airgram A–34 From the Embassy in Morocco to the Department of State, Rabat, February 17, 1969

  The report assessed the impact on U.S. interests of the recent increase of Soviet influence in Morocco. The influx of Soviet arms and technicians into Algeria were of prime concern to Morocco’s national security and economic well-being at the same time the Arab-Israeli dispute placed pressure on King Hassan to align Morocco with Arab extremists. This report goes on to outline the strategic importance of Morocco and to analyze U.S. policies and conditioning factors toward the GOM.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL MOR-US. Secret. Drafted by Earle Russell, Jr.; cleared by Edward Dow, Jr., Gordon Schraeder, Phillip Birnbaum, and Col. Gahl; and approved by Dwight Dickinson. Repeated to Algiers, Amman, Bonn, Beirut, Brussels, Dakar, Jidda, Khartoum, Kuwait, London, Madrid, Moscow, Paris, Rome, Tripoli, Tunis, USCINCEUR, USAFE, USNATO, Casablanca, and Tangier.

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.

Folder February 12-22, 1969

• 12:55 PM, Joseph Sisco; Mr. Kissinger
• 1:05 PM, David Rockefeller (from Amsterdam); Mr. Kissinger
• 1:40 PM, Secy Laird; Mr. Kissinger
• 6:50 PM, Secy Rogers; Mr. Kissinger
• 7:35 PM, Senator Javits; Mr. Kissinger
• 8:00 PM, Senator Javits; Mr. Kissinger

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-0299 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-0299-01A-10A, President Nixon working at his Oval Office desk, after his return from Camp David. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0299-03A, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk, working after his return from Camp David. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0299-08A, President Nixon seated at his Oval Office desk, working after his return from Camp David. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

Roll WHPO-0300 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-0300-02A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Julie Nixon, Charles G. Bebe Rebozo at the Camp David heliport before their departure back to Washington, D. C. 2/17/1969, Maryland Camp David. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Tricia Nixon, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Charles Bebe Rebozo.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0300-04A, President Nixon working at his Oval Office desk, after his return from Camp David. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

Roll WHPO-0302 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-0302-02A-05A, President Nixon holding a Los Angeles Rams team autographed football, while standing with team coach George Allen and Mrs. Allen in the Oval Office. Signatures are visible on film. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George Allen, Mrs. George Allen.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0302-06A-19A, President Nixon addressing guests at a luncheon for ladies of the Press Corps (reporters and newscasters) and the Cabinet wives. Male White House serving staff in tuxedos, standing nearby. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, unidentified women of the Press Corps, reporters and newscasters, Cabinet member's wives.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0302-20A-24A, Unidentified staff member in his office, playing a homemade one string bass musical instrument, made from a canister and string or long rubber band. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. unidentified staff member.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0302-25A-30A, Pat Nixon addressing guests at a luncheon for ladies of the Press Corps (reporters and newscasters) and the Cabinet wives. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. Pat Nixon, unidentified women, Press Corps reporters and newscasters, Cabinet member's wives.

Roll WHPO-0303 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-0303-02A-14A, President Nixon addressing guests at a luncheon for ladies of the Press Corps (reporters and newscasters) and the Cabinet wives. Male White House serving staff in tuxedos, standing nearby. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, unidentified women of the Press Corps, reporters and newscasters, Cabinet member's wives.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0303-15A-20A, Pat Nixon addressing guests at a luncheon for ladies of the Press Corps (reporters and newscasters) and the Cabinet wives. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. Pat Nixon, unidentified women of the Press Corps, reporters and newscasters, Cabinet member's wives.

Roll WHPO-0304 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-0304-02, President Nixon holding a Los Angeles Rams players autographed football. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0304-03-04, Closeups of President Nixon talking with George Allen, team coach of the Los Angeles Rams. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George Allen.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0304-05, President Nixon holding a Los Angeles Rams team autographed football, while standing with team coach George Allen and Mrs. Allen in the Oval Office. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George Allen, Mrs. George Allen.

Roll WHPO-0305 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-0305-03-07, President Nixon holding a Los Angeles Rams team autographed football, while standing with team coach George Allen and Mrs. Allen in the Oval Office. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George Allen, Mrs. George Allen.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0305-08-09, Photographers with their cameras taking photos of President Nixon holding a Los Angeles Rams team autographed football, while standing with team coach George Allen and Mrs. Allen in the Oval Office. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, George Allen, Mrs. George Allen, unidentified Press Corps photographers.

Roll WHPO-0306 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-0306-00A-11A, President Nixon seated on the Oval Office sofa with John F. Thomas of the State Department and Saigon, Vietnam's envoy Graham A. Martin during a meeting including Henry Kissinger seated nearby. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, John F. Thomas, Graham A. Martin.

Roll WHPO-0307 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-0307-03A-10A, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing near the Presidential Seal painted on the exterior of Air Force One, a Boeing 707/VC137 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0307-11A-16A, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie seated in the cockpit of Air Force One, a Boeing 707/VC137 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0307-17A-21A, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing at the top of the stairway ramp in the entrance door of Air Force One, a Boeing 707/VC137 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0307-23A-26A, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing near the Presidential Seal on the entrance door stairway ramp to the official small Presidential personal private jet. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.

Roll WHPO-0308 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-0308-05-07, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing near the Presidential Seal painted on the exterior of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 SAM 27000 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0308-08-13, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing directly underneath center of the Presidential Seal painted on the exterior of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 SAM 27000 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0308-14-16, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie's head looking out of the cockpit's open side window of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 SAM 27000 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0308-18-26, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie seated in the cockpit of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 SAM 27000 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0308-27-34, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing at the top of the entrance door stairway ramp of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 SAM 27000 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0308-35-37, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing near the Presidential Seal on the entrance door stairway ramp to the official small Presidential personal private jet. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.

Roll WHPO-0309 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-0309-02A-09A, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie's head looking out of the cockpit's open side window of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 SAM 27000 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.
• Frame(s): WHPO-0309-10A-12A, Presidential pilot, Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie standing at the top of the entrance door stairway ramp of Air Force One, a Boeing 707 SAM 27000 aircraft. 2/17/1969, Maryland Andrews Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Ralph Albertazzie.

Roll WHPO-0754 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-0754-, President Nixon seated at his desk, looking very serious as he lifts up a binder. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

Roll WHPO-0758 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-0758-, President Nixon seated at his desk, lifting a binder. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

Roll WHPO-1369 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

• Frame(s): WHPO-1369-, Copy of a photograph of President Nixon at his desk, looking at documents. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon.

Roll WHPO-2735 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-2735-, President Nixon at his desk. 2/17/1969, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon.

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-001
  Remarks by Pat Nixon at a luncheon for the ladies of the press in the State Dining Room. (2/17/1969, State Dining Room, The White House, Washington D.C.)
  
  Runtime: 3:41
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by JFB (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

H - White House Staff Member Recordings

• WHCA-SR-H-006
  Remarks of John Gardner, Chairman of the Urban Coalition, and Daniel Patrick Moynihan to the press. (2/17/1969, Press Lobby Entrance, White House)
  
  Runtime: 8:00
  
  Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by ABC; Recorded by JLS (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-690219
  Remarks by President Nixon at lunch for press women. (2/17/1969)
  
  Runtime: 6:44
  
  Keywords: Feminism, Feminist movement, women's rights, Womens Liberation, equality, equal rights, gender, civil rights, activists, women
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

• New York Times of February 17, 1969

• AP Images photos from February 17, 1969
• Getty Images photos from February 17, 1969

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 1969 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• February 17, 1969