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February 27, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, February 27, 1969, 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: Wednesday, February 26, 1969

Next Date: Friday, February 28, 1969

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 Bonn, Germany

  • 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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    • Supersonic Transport Program (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 329, February 27, 1969)
      Announcement of Establishment of Interdepartmental Committee To Review the Program.
    • General Services Administration (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 330, February 27, 1969)
      Announcement of the Nomination of Robert L. Kunzig as Administrator, With Excerpts From the Letters of the President and Lawson B. Knott, Jr., on Mr. Knott's Retirement.

    European Trip

    • West Berlin (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 325, February 27, 1969)
      Remarks of President Nixon and Mayor Klaus Schuetz Upon the President's Arrival at Tempelhof Air Force Base.
    • West Berlin (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 326, February 27, 1969)
      Remarks of the President and Mayor Klaus Schuetz at the Signing of the Golden Book at the Charlottenburg Palace.
    • West Berlin (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 327, February 27, 1969)
      The President's Remarks at the Siemens Factory.
    • West Berlin (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 328, February 27, 1969)
      The President's Remarks at Tegel Airport Upon His Departure From Germany.
    • Rome, Italy (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 328, February 27, 1969)
      Remarks of President Nixon and President Giuseppe Saragat Upon President Nixon's Arrival at Ciampino Military Airport.
    • West Berlin (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 342, February 27, 1969)
      Prepared Remarks of the President for the Signing of the Golden Book at the Charlottenburg Palace.
    • West Berlin (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 342, February 27, 1969)
      Prepared Remarks of the President Upon Departure From West Berlin.
    • Dinner With President Saragat (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 342, February 27, 1969)
      Exchange of Toasts Between President Nixon and President Giuseppe Saragat at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.

    Letters, Memorandums, Etc.

    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.

    • The President's remarks upon arrival at Bonn, Germany (advance text).
    • Remarks of the President upon arrival at West Berlin (advance text).
    • The President's remarks at the Siemens Factory (advance text).
    • Remarks of the President upon arrival at Rome, Italy (advance text).

  • Each Public Papers of the Presidents volume contains the papers and speeches of the President of the United States that were issued by the White House Office of the Press Secretary during the time period specified by the volume. The material is presented in chronological order, and the dates shown in the headings are the dates of the documents or events. In instances when the release date differs from the date of the document itself, that fact is shown in the text note.

    To ensure accuracy, remarks have been checked against audio recordings (when available) and signed documents have been checked against the original, unless otherwise noted. Editors have provided text notes and cross references for purposes of identification or clarity.

  • The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other Presidential documents.

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

  • Argued

Archival Holdings

  • 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 at the White House with Herbert G. Klein, February 27, 1969, 11:30 A.M. EST. 4 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 (February 27) (PDF)
      Thursday, February 27.

      Berlin

      An unforgettable day! Arrived on time at Templehof - first landing there of a 707. U.S. military honors. President addressed troops - longer review than usual and then also reviewed tanks, etc., from car. As we got into town, people were lined solidly along the sidewalks - freezing cold, drizzling half rain, half snow. Stopped briefly at the Airlift Memorial to lay a wreath.

      We rode in a wonderful seventeen passenger VIP bus, one seat on each side that swiveled like a club car. Had a television set in the front, and the whole day was carried live, so we could watch the actual and the picture.

      Went to the Wall - hard to see much. East Germans in tower peering at us and taking pictures. President went up on platform and looked over. Symbolic, but that's about all. Strange to drive along the Wall. Saw Checkpoint Charlie, lots of big new buildings. Still a lot of bomb damage, especially on Russian side.

      Motorcade was almost unbelievable. Miles and miles of people massed on the streets. Very friendly and very enthusiastic. All ages. Lots of workers and they too were very friendly - openly so. Many waved white handkerchiefs, many had American flags, some homemade. Some signs, almost all friendly.

      The anti demonstrations never materialized. Perhaps because of the huge numbers of police. There was one group of Maoists (we were told) with anti-war signs, and somewhere someone threw a brick that hit Dan Rather. But this was really insignificant against the overall day.

      Stopped at Charlottenberg Palace to sign the book, etc. Routine formalities. Then on to Siemens factory where six thousand workers in huge packing shed gave President a tremendous reception. They were really fired up, as were the crowds along the way. Took lots of movies of crowd’s faces, hope they come out. President gave good speech at the factory and scored again.

      Departure from the French base - Teigel. They actually were flying American flags. Reviewed the multinational troops, and we were off for Rome.
    • Handwritten diary entry (February 27) (JPG)
    • Transcript of diary entry (February 27-February 28) (PDF)
      Thursday, February 27 and Friday, February 28.

      Rome

      Arrived late afternoon - 45 minutes late because of delays in Berlin. Very impressive arrival ceremonies. They had a red velvet tent and stand on the field and lots of troops.

      Drive into city was great. We came along the Appian Way - very picturesque countryside, roads lined all the way with people. Very impressive motorcycle escort using the huge palace guards. Went by Caracalla, the Coliseum, the Forum, etc., with lots and lots of people. Not as enthusiastic as Berlin, but they were there.

      At Quirinale Palace another impressive ceremony in the courtyard with national anthems, etc. Then President to private talks with Saragat and leaders. Basic staff is staying at the palace and it is really something! Beautiful floors, gold and white walls and molding. Tapestries everywhere, murals on walls and ceilings. Everyone in huge suites, lavish bathrooms, etc., except me. I have the scullery maid's room in the President's suite and it's pretty bad; but the surroundings are magnificent. Wish I could get pictures inside. Palace guards all along the corridors. All seven feet tall, carrying swords. Salute every time we walk by.

      We went to Saragat's dinner in the palace, about a hundred at U-shape table. I sat next to Director of Christian Democrat Party. Neither he nor the man on the other side spoke English.

      Dinner was seven courses - vegetable soup, fish, veal with vegetables, asparagus with sauce (as separate course), great pastry with raspberry whipped cream, fruit and sweets and candies. Very dietetic. Toasts were long and stereotyped. No great response. Dinner also long, President now meeting with citizens groups, and it's midnight.

      Guess there's been some demonstrating - Juanich is at hotel by Embassy and not anxious to go out. Reports are about three hundred students, 4 blocks from Palace.

      Friday morning Rose and I went to St. Peter's, still as impressive as before. Toured the whole main floor and the tomb, bought some rosaries at the store to be blessed on Sunday.

      In each of our rooms is a big silver tray with a bowl of candied almonds, a plate of fresh fruit, an ice bucket with a large carafe of fresh orange juice and a bottle of water, a bowl of ice, glasses, bottles of scotch, vodka, Grand Marnier and Strega, a bowl of sugar and a beautiful porcelain bowl of bonbons (even in my hovel). Also a beautiful art book on the Quirinale Palace, and an assortment of cigars and cigarettes.

      One nice feature at the dinner was full orchestra in the balcony playing a program alternating between American and Italian composers.

      Italians near me at dinner emphasized the imperative need for European unity, and said Germany held the key. That we (United States) must find a way to guarantee Germany's territorial integrity - without this, no hope of unity. Also felt Britain must enter the common market - and will - but it will take three to four years (until "after de Gaulle").
    • Handwritten diary entry (February 27-February 28) (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.

    Nixon Library Holdings

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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.

    • President's Daily Brief of 27 February 1969 [consult link for visuals and extent of redactions]
      The President's Daily Brief

      27 February 1969
      19
      Top Secret

      I. MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS

      MIDDLE EAST
      Eshkol's death removes a balance wheel from the complicated machinery of government in Tel Aviv. Basic Israeli policy will probably not be much affected, but with Eshkol no longer on the scene there may follow a period of divided counsels and more erratic performance. In any event a struggle for succession within the ruling Labor Party can be expected.

      General Allen's selection as Acting Prime Minister is clearly a stop-gap measure, although he may be able to use the office to recoup his recently declining political fortunes. Allon, a leader in the 1948 war, had been named deputy prime minister last June by Eshkol as a counter to Defense Minister Dayan. In the past few months, Allon had not been in the good graces of the Labor Party old guard, and Eshkol had been grooming Secretary-General Pinas Sapir as his heir apparent.

      Sapir is a tough, hard-working member of the old guard, but is rather colorless. Another strike against him is his reputation for being relatively soft on the peace settlement issue. The old guard would probably like to stay with Sapir, but it may find itself compelled- to turn to a younger, more popular man to lead the party to victory this fall.

      This could be Allon, if he can work his passage back, but it would more likely be Dayan, who is unquestionably the most popular man in Israel today. He is probably the only figure who could lead Israel into a compromise settlement without a major political upheaval.

      * * *

      [redacted]

      EUROPE
      The embassy in Rome reports that the Italians are strongly behind the British in the current imbroglio with the French. Alone of the Five, they do not think London is pushing the issue too hard. They even take the position that WEU can take decisions if the French are not present, and they expect that an opportunity to do so will come up before long.

      SOVIET AFFAIRS
      According to the West Berlin representative who attended the meeting in East Berlin with the East Germans yesterday, no specific progress was made but the atmosphere was friendly and both sides expressed an interest in remaining in touch.

      The West Berliners plan to suggest a continuation of the talks in West Berlin this afternoon. In essence the feeling in West Berlin is that this meeting was "a good beginning." Yesterday's meeting opened with the East Germans asking for a statement that the West German presidential election
      would not be held in Berlin. This, of course, the West Berliners were not prepared to give. It was apparent that the East German negotiator had no leeway to go beyond this initial assertion, and, last night he implied that unless this precondition is met he will not discuss matters with the West Berliners further. The West Berlin negotiator, however, apparently expects a more acceptable offer will eventually be forthcoming from the East Germans, after which Mayor Schuetz would inform Chancellor Kiesinger.

      VIETNAM
      Communist forces continued to press their offensive throughout South Vietnam on 26 February, with the major focus once again shifting to the III Corps provinces ringing Saigon. Economy-of-force tactics continued to dominate enemy actions as local force, guerrilla, and sapper units carried the burden of combat, while main force units for the most part remained uncommitted.

      No enemy actions were reported in Saigon, Hue, or Da Nang. Some clue as to the planned duration of the current offensive has been provided by a document captured on 24 February in Long An Province, southwest of Saigon. The document--a letter dated 23 February--called for countrywide attacks to commence on 22-23 February and continue for some 34 days.

      The Communists continued to maintain strong pressure against major allied military bases and some urban centers in the outlying provinces of III Corps. Allied forces at the Bien Hoa - Long Binh military complex northeast of Saigon and at Song Be, the capital of Phuoc Long Province, continued to be the most seriously threatened, as growing enemy troop concentrations were reported within easy striking distance of these objectives. In I Corps, sharp ground fighting continued on the approaches to the province capitals of Tam Ky and Quang Ngai City; however, pressure against allied strongpoints along the Demilitarized Zone eased considerably. No significant ground actions occurred in II Corps, although enemy forces continued to shell allied special forces camps in the highlands and sabotage lines of communication along the coast. Viet Cong forces in the Delta shelled a large number of targets, including at least four provincial capitals; the situation around Chau Doc City--where more than 150 enemy were killed in heavy fighting on 25 February--is being closely watched.

      * * *

      We see nothing new on the Communist side concerning the talks, but it is increasingly clear that Hanoi is putting many chips on the current offensive. The enemy obviously wants to redress the appearance of Communist passivity during the last few months, when allied programs have gained momentum. The Communists also want to demonstrate that they remain militarily strong and that only a political solution to the war offers prospects for reducing the US commitment.

      One of the best indicators that Hanoi intends to keep up its offensive over a fairly long period is the continued high rate of infiltration from the North. Preliminary reports say that more than 18,000 new infiltrators have been spotted on the move so far in February, more already than last month. Since early December the total number of infiltrators detected in communications is in excess of 65,000. No matter how Communist loss rates in the South are manipulated, it is clear that the enemy's manpower input in recent months exceeds his losses. This almost certainly means that Hanoi anticipates a high level of violence in the coming months. Moreover, present trends indicate the Communists will have enough men in place to sustain a level of fighting generally comparable to the first half of last year. Even if they take heavy casualties in the current offensive, the Communists will apparently be back up to present strength levels by early summer.

      It is not clear to what degree the DRV is prepared to risk resumption of US bombing as a result of the offensive. Newly available intercepts show that North Vietnam took at least some limited steps both before and after the offensive began to guard against the chance of renewed US air attacks. We believe, however, that the North Vietnamese do not expect a large-scale or prolonged period of bombing and that they have proceeded with the offensive on the assumption that they can get away with some bending of the "understanding" on the bombing halt. The light rocket attacks on Saigon of 23 February have not been repeated. At this point we do not believe they were meant as a real test on this issue.

      [redacted]

      * * *

      [redacted]

      * * *

      [redacted]

      * * *

      [redacted]

      II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

      CAMBODIA
      There has been relatively mild reaction among Cambodia's neighbors to President Nixon's overture to Sihanouk and the possibility that the US will declare its recognition of Cambodia's borders. The toughest line was taken by Thai Foreign Minister Thanat, who was skeptical that a rapprochement would help solve the problem of Vietnamese Communist use of Cambodian territory. In Vientiane, the Lao are themselves moving to reach a border agreement with Cambodia.

      Reaction in Saigon, which has a number of border disputes with Phnom Penh still outstanding, was surprisingly low-keyed. The South Vietnamese response may have been tempered, however, by preoccupation with other problems. [redacted]

      ITALY - COMMUNIST CHINA

      [redacted] the Italians were hoping for some reaction to Nenni's announcement last month that Italy was interested in establishing relations. It would not be surprising if the Chinese made their usual demands, [redacted] that Peking be recognized as the "sole and lawful government of the Chinese people," that relations be broken with Taiwan, and that Peking be restored to its "rightful place" in the UN. The Italians would not be particularly fazed by such a reaction, however, and we believe they would continue to edge in the direction of recognition.

      PERU
      [redacted]

      DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
      [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. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    The Intelligence Community and the White House

    Vol. XII, Soviet Union, January 1969-October 1970

    Initial Contacts, January-April 22, 1969

    • 21. National Intelligence Estimate , Washington, February 27, 1969

      Source: Central Intelligence Agency, NIC Files, Job 79–R1012A, NIEs and SNIEs. Secret. Controlled Dissem. A note on a cover sheet indicates that the Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense and the National Security Agency participated in the preparation of this estimate. The Director of CIA submitted this estimate with the concurrence of all members of the USIB, except the Assistant General Manager of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who abstained because the subject was outside their jurisdiction.

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China, 1969

    • 7. National Intelligence Estimate , Washington, February 27, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H–Files), Box H–037, SRG Meeting, China NPG [Part 1], 5/15/69. Top Secret; Controlled Dissem. Another copy is in Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–R1012, NIE and SNIE Files. According to a note on the covering sheet, the CIA and intelligence organizations of the Departments of State and Defense, the AEC, and the NSA participated in the preparation of this estimate. All members of the USIB concurred with the estimate on February 27 except for the representative from the FBI, who abstained on the grounds that the subject was outside his jurisdiction. This estimate was included with the materials for the May 15 SRG meeting of the NSC. The updated version of this estimate—NIE 13–8/1–69—is printed as Document 42. For the full text of this NIE, see Tracking the Dragon, p. 578.

    Vol. XXIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1969-1972

    The Rogers Plan

    Vol. XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969-1972; Jordan, September 1970

    The Two Yemens

    Vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969-1972

    Italy

    • 179. Memorandum of Conversation , Rome, February 27, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 694, Country Files—Europe, Italy, Vol. I. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. The meeting took place at the Quirinale Palace. Although the memorandum of conversation, prepared by Walters, is dated February 28, the President’s Daily Diary indicates that the meeting took place on February 27 beginning at 5:26 p.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files) The President visited Rome February 27–28 as part of a six-nation European tour (February 25–March 2). For text of his public statements, see Public Papers: Nixon, 1969, pp. 159–166.

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

    Nuclear Test Ban Issues; Peaceful Nuclear Explosions

    • 284. Telegram 30638 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union, Washington, February 27, 1969

      The Department reported that on February 26 an aide-mémoire was given to Soviet Embassy Counselor Vorontsov in response to the Soviets’ January 21 aide-mémoire on the December 8, 1968 Schooner explosion.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–1969, AE 6 US. Secret. It was repeated to Ottawa. Drafted by MacCracken (EUR/SOV); cleared by Dubs (EUR/SOV) and Scott (EUR/CAN) and in substance in J/PM and ACDA; and approved by Toon. Secret.

    Vol. E-4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969-1972

    Iraq 1969-1971

    Vol. E-10, Documents on American Republics, 1969-1972

    Brazil

    • 118. Memorandum From Arnold Nachmanoff of the National Security Council Staff to the Senior Military Advisor, National Security Council Staff (Haig), Washington, February 27, 1969. , Washington, February 27, 1969

      National Security Council staff member Nachmanoff related the decision of the NSC Inter-Agency Group (NSC–IG) for Latin America to consider aid to Brazil, and raised questions about the ramifications of delaying arms sales.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional (H-Files), Box H–249, Under-Secretaries Memorandum Files, Under-Secretaries Study Memoranda, U/SM 1–9. Secret. On February 27, the Under Secretaries Committee, chaired by Richardson agreed to the $75 million tranche, and went ahead with negotiations (“stretched out as much as possible”) on the nine outstanding U.S. AID project loans, totaling $113 million. Action on the DEs and A–4 aircraft was deferred. (ibid., NSC Undersecretaries Files: Lot 83 D 276, NSC–U/DM 3)

    Costa Rica

Audiovisual Holdings

  • The White House Photo Office collection consists of photographic coverage of President Richard Nixon meeting with prominent social, political, and cultural personalities; speaking engagements and news conferences of the President and various high-ranking members of the White House staff and Cabinet; Presidential domestic and foreign travel, including Presidential vacations; social events and entertainment involving the First Family, including entertainers present; official portraits of the President, First Family, and high-ranking members of the Nixon administration; the 1969 and 1973 Inaugurals; the President’s 1972 Presidential election campaign appearances (including speeches) and other official activities of the White House staff and the President’s Cabinet from January 20, 1969 until August 9, 1974 at the White House and the Old Executive Office Building; other locations in Washington, DC, such as The Mall; and the Presidential retreats in Camp David, Maryland, Key Biscayne, Florida, and San Clemente, California. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    Roll WHPO-0353 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0353-04A-08A, Vice President Agnew attending a meeting of the Urban Affairs Council. 2/27/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. Spiro Agnew, Robert Finch, George Shultz, Robert Mayo, John Mitchell, Arthur Burns, John Volpe, Robert Finch, Spiro Agnew, Clifford Hardin, George Romney, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Maurice Stans.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0353-09A, Vice President Agnew and Urban Affairs council members walk out the door, after a meeting. 2/27/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. Spiro Agnew, Robert Finch, George Shultz, Robert Mayo, John Mitchell, Arthur Burns, John Volpe, Robert Finch, Spiro Agnew, Clifford Hardin, George Romney, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Maurice Stans.

    Roll WHPO-0365 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0365-07-09, President Nixon at the Plotderhof heliport, preparing to leave by helicoper for Bonn, Germany. A military band stands on the tarmac nearby. 2/27/1969, Bonn, West Germany Plotderhof heliport. President Nixon, German Chancellor Kurt Kiesinger, other German and American officials.

    Roll WHPO-0388 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-01-02, The Berlin Airlift Memorial in Mehringplatz. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Mehringplatz.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-03-06, 09, Motorcade enroute to Moritzplatz. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and city streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, unidentified officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-07-08, President Nixon and others inspecting new graves of people who failed in their escape over the Berlin Wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and city streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, Berlin Wall, unidentified officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-10, 34, Crowd scene in West Germany. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and city streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, unidentified officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-11-18, President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, and unidentified officials wave while viewing East Berlin from a viewing stand at the Berlin Wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and city streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, unidentified officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-13A, President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, and unidentified officials wave while viewing East Berlin from a viewing stand at the Berlin Wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and city streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, unidentified officials, crowd, press corps members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-19-24, President Nixon leaving Berlin Wall area viewing stand. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and city streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, unidentified officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0388-25-33, Motorcade in the streets of Berlin. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and city streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Willy Brandt, unidentified officials, crowd.

    Roll WHPO-0389 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0389-00-02, President Nixon and others standing up in car as motorcade proceeds. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Grounds near the Berlin Wall. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, unidentified official, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0389-02, President Nixon viewing the Berlin Wall and East Berlin from a stand with Klaus Shuetz, Mayor of West Berlin, and Kurt George Kiesinger. A crows of citizens surrounds them. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Grounds near the Berlin Wall. President Nixon, Klaus Shuetz, Kurt Kiesinger, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0389-03-04, Berliners waving from their balcony. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, unidentified official, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0389-05-10, Motorcade along Berlin streets. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, unidentified official, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0389-11-12, President Nixon walking with unidentified military person and shaking unknown official's hand. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tegel Airport. President Nixon, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-0390 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0390-00, President Nixon standing at base of Berlin Airlift Memorial after having laid a wreath. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Mehring Platz. President Nixon, honor guard.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0390-01-05, President Nixon's motorcade traveling to the Berlin Wall. President Nixon standing and waving from his car. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0390-06-07, President Nixon's motorcade traveling to the Berlin Wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0390-09, President Nixon on a platform viewing East Berlin. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0390-10-11, President Nixon viewing the Berlin wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0390-12-35, President Nixon leaving in motorcade, standing and waving at the crowds. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0390-16, President Nixon standing on a platform and waving to the surrounding crowds. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz and surrounding streets. President Nixon, crowd, German officials.

    Roll WHPO-0391 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-00-02, Crowd on the streets wave to President Nixon. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Charlottenburg Palace and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Klaus Schuetz, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-03, Motorcade to Charlottenburg Palace. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Charlottenburg Palace and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Klaus Schuetz, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-03A, President Nixon greeting unidentified young people in Charlottenburg Palace. Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz stands nearby. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Charlottenburg Palace. President Nixon, Klaus Schuetz, unidentified officials, unidentified young people.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-04-09, President Nixon signing a Golden Book at the palace, with Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz in attendance, among other officials. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Charlottenburg Palace and surrounding streets. President Nixon, Klaus Schuetz, unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-07A, President Nixon applauding with unidentified young people in Charlottenburg Palace with Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz in attendance, among other officials. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Charlottenburg Palace. President Nixon, Klaus Schuetz, unidentified officials, unidentified young people.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-10-12, President Nixon at the airport with John Hicks (African-American), a United States Information Service diplomat. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tegel Airport. President Nixon, John Hicks.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-10-15, President Nixon at the airport, shaking bystanders' hands and officials' hands. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tegel Airport. President Nixon, Klaus Schuetz, unidentified officials, bystanders, honor guard.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0391-16-18, President Nixon walking past an honor guard and boarding Air Force One. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tegel Airport. President Nixon, Klaus Schuetz, unidentified officials, bystanders, honor guard.

    Roll WHPO-0392 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0392-01-14, Street scenes of a Berlin crowd and motorcade. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany unidentified persons.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0392-15-16, Siemens Factory employees awaiting remarks from President Nixon. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Siemens Factory. unidentified persons.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0392-17, Honor guard and officials on tarmac before President Nixon's departure. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tegel Airport. unidentified military and civilian officials.

    Roll WHPO-0393 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0393-02-04, Unidentified photographer. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tempelhof Airport. Unidentified photographer.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0393-05-08, President Nixon deplaning, with officials waiting on the tarmac. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tempelhof Airport. Unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0393-09-23, President Nixon arriving in Berlin. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tempelhof Airport. Unidentified officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0393-27-33, President Nixon and officials ascending and descending viewing platform at the Berlin Wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritz Platz. President Nixon, Willy Brandt, West Berlin Mayor Klaus Schuetz, Chancellor George Kiesinger, other officials.

    Roll WHPO-0394 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0394-02A-06A, Crowd waiting at airport. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tempelhof Airport. crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0394-07A-16A, Berlin Wall, with crowd attending Nixon's visit there. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz. unidentified crowd and officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0394-17A-30A, Officials addressing Siemen factory employees. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Siemens factory. unidentified employees.

    Roll WHPO-0395 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0395-02A-03A, The Berlin Wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0395-04A-22A, President Nixon on the dais addressing Siemen Factory employees. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Siemens Factory. President Nixon, Kurt Kiesinger, Klaus Schuetz, Willy Brandt, other officials, factory employees.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0395-23A-36A, President Nixon and officials walking past honor guard upon arrival. Rearview close-ups of guards. 2/27/1969, Rome, Italy Ciampino Military Airport. President Nixon, military guard, unidentified officials.

    Roll WHPO-0396 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0396-02A-05A, Crowd of well wishers waiting for President Nixon's arrival. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Tempelhof Airport. unidentified persons.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0396-06A-20A, Government officials ascending and descending a scaffolding viewing platform at the Berlin Wall. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Moritzplatz. Officials and crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0396-21A-29A, President Nixon visiting the Siemens Factory in Berlin and speaking to an audience. 2/27/1969, Berlin, West Germany Siemens Factory. unidentified officials, audience.

    Roll WHPO-0397 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0397-, Guard at arrival at airport. Motorcade to Quirinale Palace. Inside of a room at the palace. 2/27/1969, Rome, Italy En route to and inside Quirinal Palace. Honor guard and motorcycle escort.

    Roll WHPO-0398 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0398-01-06, President Nixon addressing officials and military personnel upon arrival. Podium shots with President Giuseppe Saragat. 2/27/1969, Rome, Italy Ciampino Military Airport. President Nixon, Giuseppe Saragat, military band and honor guard, other officials.

    Roll WHPO-0399 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-0399-00/00A-08/08A, President Nixon at podium upon arrival. 2/27/1969, Rome, Italy Ciampino Military Airport. President Nixon, William Rogers, military and civilian officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-0399-09A-19A, Guests entering black tie dinner. Formal and informal standing shots of President Nixon and Giuseppe Saragat. 2/27/1969, Rome, Italy Quirinal Palace. President Nixon, Giuseppe Saragat, William Rogers, other officials.

  • The White House Communications Agency Sound Recordings Collection contains public statements that took place between 1969 and 1974. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-690234
      Remarks by President Nixon on Arrival at Tempelhof Airport in West Berlin , with Chancellor Kiesinger, Mayor Klaus Schuetz. (2/27/1969, Tempelhof Airport, West Berlin)

      Runtime: 6:45

      Keywords: 1969 trip to Europe

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-690235
      Remarks by President Nixon on signing Golden Book in Berlin, with Mayor Klaus Schuctz, Willy Brandt. (2/27/1969)

      Runtime: 3:10

      Keywords: 1969 trip to Europe

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-690238
      Remarks by President Nixon on arrival in Rome, with President Giuseppe Saragat. (2/27/1969)

      Runtime: 4:45

      Keywords: 1969 trip to Europe

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-690239
      Exchange of toasts by President Nixon and President Saragat in Quirinale Palace, Rome. (2/27/1969, Quirinale Palace, Rome)

      Runtime: 8:15

      Keywords: 1969 trip to Europe

      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-3232
      President's Departure From West Berlin AND The President's Arrival in Rome.
      CBS
      Runtime: 1:00
    • WHCA-3234
      President Nixon In Europe.
      NBC
      Runtime: 1:00

Context (External Sources)