Introduction
This almanac page for Tuesday, February 20, 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: Monday, February 19, 1973
Next Date: Wednesday, February 21, 1973
Schedule and Public Documents
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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 Key Biscayne, Florida
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Congressional Record is the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress.
Archival Holdings
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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 43, Feb. 19-27, 1973 [2 of 6] [Note: Due to the way News Summary products were compiled, you should also consult nearby days for potentially relevant materials.]
- News Summary, February 20, 1973, (Nets, wires, mags)
- Special Report, Newspaper Coverage of RN's Visit to AFL-CIO Meeting (Tuesday, February 20, 1973 papers)
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
- News Summaries, Annotated News Summaries, Box 43, Feb. 19-27, 1973 [2 of 6] [Note: Due to the way News Summary products were compiled, you should also consult nearby days for potentially relevant materials.]
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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.
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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
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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.
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The Foreign Relations of the United States series presents the official documentary historical record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and significant diplomatic activity. Visit the State Department website for more information.
Vol. X, Vietnam, January 1973-July 1975
Neither War nor Peace, January 27-June 15, 1973
20. Backchannel Message From the Ambassador to Laos (Godley) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) in Beijing, Vientiane, February 20, 1973, 1000Z
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 411, Backchannel Messages, Southeast Asia, 1973. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only; Flash. Sent to the White House for transmittal to Kissinger. Repeated Flash to Ambassador Green.
21. Message From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft), Beijing, February 20, 1973, 1020Z
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 29, HAK
22. Telephone Conversation Between President Nixon and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 20, 1973
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Conversation No. 43–127. No classification marking. According to the President’s Daily Diary, Kissinger spoke with Nixon on the telephone from 7:30 to 7:41 p.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files) The editor transcribed the portion of the tape recording printed here specifically for this volume.
Vol. XV, Soviet Union, June 1972-August 1974
Summit Preparations; Jackson-Vanik Amendment; Non-Use of Nuclear Weapons, December 1972-April 1973
77. Note From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 20, 1973
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 67, Country Files—Europe—USSR, Map Room, Aug. 1972–May 31, 1973 [1 of 3]. Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only.
Vol. XXXVIII, Part 2, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy; Public Diplomacy, 1973-1976
The Intelligence Community: Investigation and Reorganization
1. Memorandum From the Chairman of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (Anderson) to President Nixon, Washington, February 20, 1973
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Schlesinger Papers, Box 15, PFIAB. Top Secret; Sensitive. An attached cover sheet, hand-dated February 20, reads “DCI/Eyes Only.”
Vol. XXXIX, European Security
Opening Negotiations, December 1972-July 1973
128. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, February 20, 1973
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 214, Geopolitical Files, Soviet Union, Dobrynin, Anatoliy, Background Papers (“Talkers”). Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Urgent; sent for information.
Vol. E-14, Part 1, Documents on the United Nations, 1973-1976
United Nations Affairs
6. Memorandum of Conversation, New York, February 20, 1973., New York, February 20, 1973
Waldheim and Scali discussed issues of importance to the U.S. relationship with the United Nations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, USUN Files, Lot 84–83–0001, UN 10–4 Contributions Assessed, 1973. Confidential. Ambassador Christopher Phillips, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was also present. Only the first two pages of the four-page memorandum are published.
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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
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Visit the White House Tapes finding aid to learn about the taping system's operation and archival processing.
Old Executive Office Building
- 411-1; Unknown between 3:01 p.m. & 3:12 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 411-2; Unknown between 3:01 p.m. & 3:12 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 411-3; 3:12 p.m. - 3:13 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Bull, Stephen B.
- 411-4; 3:14 p.m. - 3:17 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Ziegler, Ronald L.
- 411-5; 3:17 p.m. - 3:17 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 411-6; 3:18 p.m. - 3:22 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Brennan, Peter J.
- 411-7; Unknown between 3:22 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Bull, Stephen B.
- 411-8; Unknown between 3:22 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Sanchez, Manolo
- 411-9; 4:15 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.; White House photographer; White House operator; Timmons, William E.; [Unknown person(s)]; Sanchez, Manolo; Ormandy, Eugene
- 411-20; Unknown between 3:22 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); [Unknown person(s)]
- 411-21; Unknown between 6:10 p.m. & 11:59 p.m.; [Unknown person(s)]
White House Telephone
- 43-115; Unknown between 3:01 p.m. & 3:12 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-116; Unknown between 3:01 p.m. & 3:12 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-117; 3:12 p.m. - 3:13 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Bull, Stephen B.
- 43-118; 3:14 p.m. - 3:17 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Ziegler, Ronald L.
- 43-119; 3:18 p.m. - 3:18 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-120; 3:18 p.m. - 3:22 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Brennan, Peter J.
- 43-121; Unknown between 3:22 p.m. & 4:17 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-122; 4:17 p.m. - 4:18 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Timmons, William E.
- 43-123; Unknown between 4:18 p.m. & 4:46 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-124; 4:46 p.m. - 4:51 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Ormandy, Eugene; Kissinger, Henry A.
- 43-125; 7:21 p.m. - 7:22 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Bull, Stephen B.
- 43-126; Unknown between 7:22 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-127; 7:30 p.m. - 7:41 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.
- 43-128; Unknown between 7:41 p.m. & 7:43 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-129; 7:43 p.m. - 7:44 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Kissinger, Henry A.
- 43-130; Unknown between 7:44 p.m. & 7:54 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-131; Unknown between 7:54 p.m. & 8:21 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
- 43-133; Unknown between 8:21 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); White House operator
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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-E0267 Photographer: Parish | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0267-, Pat Nixon on a dais receiving the Molly Pitcher award and speaking during the Women's Forum on National Security. Pat Nixon shaking hands with guests. 2/20/1973, Washington, D.C. ballroom, room, Hilton Hotel. Pat Nixon, Women's Forum officials, guests.
Roll WHPO-E0268 Photographer: Parish | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0268-, Pat Nixon shaking hands with National Women's Forum on National Security members. 2/20/1973, Washington, D.C. room, Hilton Hotel. Pat Nixon, Women's Forum members.
Roll WHPO-E0269 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0269-, Henry Kissinger seated with former Japanese Prime Minister Sato. 2/20/1973, Tokyo, Japan unknown room. Henry Kissinger, Sato.
Roll WHPO-E0270 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0270-02-08, Kissinger seated at table amisdt a meeting with U.S. Embassy staff. 2/20/1973, Tokyo, Japan unidentified rooms, street. Kissinger, Sato, U.S. Embassay staff, unidentified men.
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0270-09-16, Kissinger exiting a building and walking down a street. 2/20/1973, Tokyo, Japan unidentified rooms, street. Kissinger, Sato, U.S. Embassay staff, unidentified men.
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0270-17-34, Kissinger shaking hands, examining a vase, and seated with former Japanese Prime Minister Sato. 2/20/1973, Tokyo, Japan unidentified rooms, street. Kissinger, Sato, U.S. Embassay staff, unidentified men.
Roll WHPO-E0271 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0271-, Kissinger speaking with officials prior to departure. 2/20/1973, Tokyo, Japan tarmac, Haneda Airport. Kissinger, officials.
Roll WHPO-E0277 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0277-, President Nixon addressing a joint-session of the South Carolina General Assembly on the Vietnam peace settlement. 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina House Chamber, State Capitol. President Nixon, Governor John West, Lt. Gov. Earle Morris, House Speaker Solomon Blatt, officials.
Roll WHPO-E0278 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0278-, President Nixon addressing a joint-session of the South Carolina General Assembly on the Vietnam peace settlement. 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina House Chamber, State Capitol. President Nixon, officials.
Roll WHPO-E0279 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0279-02-13, President Nixon arriving at the airport and receiving a plaque from Mrs. Robert Bagley, wife of a returning Vietnam POW (Vietnam Prisoner of War). 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina tarmac, Columbia Metropolitan Airport; House Chamber, Capitol Building. President Nixon, Mrs. Robert Bagley, Gov. & Mrs. John West, officials, aides.
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0279-14-22, President Nixon addressing a joint-session of the South Carolina General Assembly. 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina tarmac, Columbia Metropolitan Airport; House Chamber, Capitol Building. President Nixon, Mrs. Robert Bagley, Gov. & Mrs. John West, officials, aides.
Roll WHPO-E0280 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0280-, President Nixon greeting South Carolina Republican State Chairman Ken Powell, Committeewoman Dr. Inez Eddings, and Committeeman Hal Byrd prior to departure. 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina tarmac, Columbia Metropolitan Airport. President Nixon, Ken Powell, Inez Eddings, Hal Byrd, Harry Dent.
Roll WHPO-E0281 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0281-, President Nixon greeting the crowd from a limousine. President Nixon on the Capitol steps with Governor John West. President Nixon receiving a silver tray from Governor John West and wife. President Nixon addressing the joint-session. President Nixon greeting Mrs. James Brynes. President Nixon signing a guest book. President Nixon leaving the Capitol. 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina streets, State Capitol steps, Governor's office, House Chamber, street. President Nixon, Gov. & Mrs. John West, Carolyn Frederick, Ziegler, Mrs. James Brynes, Thomas Marchant, officials, crowd.
Roll WHPO-E0301 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0301-, Far East Tour. President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussing Kissinger's recent trip. 2/20/1973, Washington, D.C. Presidential Office, Executive Office Building (EOB). President Nixon, Henry Kissinger.
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0301-07A, Far East Tour. President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussing Kissinger's recent trip. 2/20/1973, Washington, D.C. Presidential Office, Executive Office Building (EOB). President Nixon, Henry Kissinger.
Roll WHPO-E0334 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0334-06-09, President Nixon signing the State Capitol guest book. 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina State Capitol, street, Columbia Metropolitan Airport. President Nixon, Gov. John West, state legislators, crowds.
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0334-10, President Nixon waving to the crowd from his limousine en route to the airport. 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina State Capitol, street, Columbia Metropolitan Airport. President Nixon, Gov. John West, state legislators, crowds.
- Frame(s): WHPO-E0334-12, President Nixon waving to the crowd from the steps of the "Spirit of '76.". 2/20/1973, Columbia, South Carolina State Capitol, street, Columbia Metropolitan Airport. President Nixon, Gov. John West, state legislators, crowds.
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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-141
Remarks by Pat Nixon on receiving Molly Pitcher Award from the American Legion Women's Auxiliary at the Washington Hilton. (2/20/1973, Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington, D.C.)
Runtime: 1:41
Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by JMC (initials of WHCA engineer)
Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
K - Informal Presidential Remarks
- WHCA-SR-K-040
Airport arrival-Columbia, SC. (2/20/1973)
Runtime: 2:10
Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original. - WHCA-SR-K-041
Crowd at Capitol Building-Columbia, SC. (2/20/1973)
Runtime: 2:05
Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
P - Formal Presidential Remarks
- WHCA-SR-P-730222
Remarks by President Nixon to SC House of Representatives in Columbia, SC with Governor John West, Tarlton Cave. (2/20/1973)
Runtime: 24:04:00
Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
- WHCA-SR-C-141
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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-6137
Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
ALL NETWORKS
Runtime: 01:04:31
18. Smith/Tucker: food prices up for Japan. Time Code Start: 52:48. Keywords: food, meat, agriculture, animal products, dairy products, prices, costs, increases, shortages. Network: ABC.
19. Reasoner/Jarriel: Laos ceasefire; POWs return; President Nixon in South Carolina. Time Code Start: 55:02. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, Laos, Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, ceasefires, truces, treaty, treaties. Network: ABC.
20. Smith/Matney: Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) funds protest. Time Code Start: 58:35. Keywords: Office of Economic Opportunity, war on poverty, VISTA, Job Corps, Community Action Program, Head Start , welfare. Network: ABC.
21. Smith/Donaldson: Senator Pastore and Clay Whitehead discuss objectivity of TV press coverage. Time Code Start: 60:51. Keywords: media, newspapers, magazines, publications, television, TV, debates. Network: ABC. - WHCA-6138
Weekly News Summary, Tape III.
ALL NETWORKS
Runtime: 01:06:13
1. Reasoner/Kaplow: Strauss visits AFL-CIO. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: labor, unions, American Federation of Labor, Congress of Industrial Organizations. Network: ABC.
2. Reasoner: Commentary on dollar devaluation. Time Code Start: 02:15. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, currency, monetary values, exchange rates, decreases, wages, costs, increases. Network: ABC.
3. Chancellor/Cochran: Laos peace agreement; President Nixon in South Carolina. Time Code Start: 04:06. Keywords: Laos, Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations, Presidents, travel, trips. Network: NBC.
4. Chancellor/Graham: Poor people protest against poverty cuts. Time Code Start: 08:43. Keywords: anti-poverty, destitution, welfare, financial aid, funding, decreases, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators. Network: NBC.
5. Chancellor/Rollin: More on poverty cuts and education. Time Code Start: 12:10. Keywords: anti-poverty, destitution, lifestyles. Network: NBC.
6. Chancellor/Kiker: Freedom of the press; the media with Whitehead. Time Code Start: 14:00. Keywords: media, newspapers, magazines, publications, television, TV, civil rights, constitutional rights, First Amendment. Network: NBC.
7. Chancellor/Levine: Strauss meets with AFL-CIO President George Meany. Time Code Start: 19:19. Keywords: leaders, labor, unions, American Federation of Labor, Congress of Industrial Organizations. Network: NBC.
8. Cronkite: Laos ceasefire. Time Code Start: 21:42. Keywords: Laos, Vietnam War, truces, treaty, treaties, peace, ceasefires. Network: CBS.
9. Cronkite/Rather: President Nixon in Columbia, South Carolina. Time Code Start: 22:24. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic. Network: CBS.
10. Cronkite: POWs; ceasefire violations. Time Code Start: 25:20. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, ceasefires. Network: CBS.
11. Cronkite/Rable: Strauss visits with AFL-CIO President George Meany. Time Code Start: 25:54. Keywords: leaders, labor, unions, American Federation of Labor, Congress of Industrial Organizations. Network: CBS.
12. Cronkite/Walker: Poor people protest against poverty cuts. Time Code Start: 28:24. Keywords: anti-poverty, destitution, welfare, financial aid, funding, decreases, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators. Network: CBS.
13. Cronkite/Herman/Morton: Whitehead at Senate Committee; freedom of the press and protection. Time Code Start: 30:28. Keywords: media, newspapers, magazines, publications, civil rights, constitutional rights, First Amendment. Network: CBS.
14. Cronkite/Sevareid: College campuses and peace. Time Code Start: 35:20. Keywords: Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations, colleges, universities, students, reactions, public opinions, protests, demonstrations, anti-war. Network: CBS.
- WHCA-6137
Context (External Sources)
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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.
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Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.