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February 27, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, February 27, 1974, 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: Tuesday, February 26, 1974

Next Date: Thursday, February 28, 1974

Schedule and Public Documents

Archival Holdings

Any selection of archival documents will necessarily be partial. You should use the documents and folders identified below as a starting place, but consult the linked collection finding aids and folder title lists and the collections themselves for context. Many documents to be found this way do not lend themselves to association with specific dates, but are essential to a complete understanding of the material.

  • Selective document listing

    President's Office Files

    The President's Office Files consists of materials drawn together by the Special Files Unit from several administrative subdivisions within the White House Office. It is the handwriting and sensitive papers sent to the Staff Secretary that now comprise much of the President's Office Files. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

  • The National Archives Catalog is the online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records. It is the main way of describing our holdings and also provides access to electronic records and digitized versions of our holdings. 

    The Catalog searches across multiple National Archives resources at once, including archival descriptions, digitized and electronic records, authority records, and web pages from Archives.gov and the Presidential Libraries. The Catalog also allows users to contribute to digitized historical records through tagging and transcription.

    Nixon Library Holdings

    All National Archives Units

National Security Documents

  • The President's Daily Brief is the primary vehicle for summarizing the day-to-day sensitive intelligence and analysis, as well as late-breaking reports, for the White House on current and future national security issues. Read "The President's Daily Brief: Delivering Intelligence to Nixon and Ford" to learn more.

  • The Foreign Relations of the United States series presents the official documentary historical record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and significant diplomatic activity. Visit the State Department website for more information.

    Vol. XXVI, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1974-1976

    Syrian-Israeli Disengagement Agreement, January-May 1974

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    October 6, 1973-March 22, 1974

    Vol. E-3, Documents on Global Issues, 1973-1976

    Human Rights

    Vol. E-6, Documents on Africa, 1973-1976

    Horn of Africa

    • 102. Intelligence Note RAAN–9 Prepared by the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Washington, February 27, 1974

      INR provided initial intelligence on the mutinies within the Ethiopian armed forces and its implications both for the Government of Ethiopia and for U.S.-Ethiopian relations.

      Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Box 14, Ethiopia 1974–79. Secret; No Foreign Dissem; Controlled Dissem; No Dissem abroad. Drafted by Reid

    Vol. E-11, Part 2, Documents on South America, 1973-1976

    Brazil

    • 95. Draft Telegram From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, February 27, 1974

      Summary: In light of Shultz’s preparations to announce a countervailing duty investigation regarding Brazilian footwear, Scowcroft presented to Kissinger options for minimizing damage to bilateral ties between the United States and Brazil.

      Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Scowcroft Daily Work Files, Box 6, 2/19–28/74. Secret; Sensitive. Kissinger was in Jerusalem February 27–28. On February 20, Kissinger, in a conversation with Gibson Barboza in Mexico City, stated that he would do the best he could to delay the application of countervailing duties on Brazilian footwear. (Telegram 1556 from Mexico, February 22; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number])

    Chile

    • 159. Telegram 38951 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Chile, Washington, February 27, 1974, 1517Z

      Summary: During a February 22 discussion at a Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Mexico City, Huerta and Kissinger discussed Chilean economic problems and Chile’s request for military assistance. Kissinger assured the Foreign Minister of U.S. support.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 777, Latin America, Chile, Vol. 8, 1 January 1973–31 March 1974. Confidential; Nodis. Drafted by Low on February 22; cleared by Bloomfield. According to telegram 40006 to Santiago, February 28, the penultimate sentence in paragraph 2 should read, “the GOC, he said, had applied for $190 million in food credits which the U.S. had said it would consider after July 1.” (Ibid.) In his appearance before a congressional symposium on February 28, Swedish Ambassador Edelstam made no criticism of U.S. policy towards Chile. (Telegram 40733 to Stockholm, February 28; ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) Telegram 661 from Santiago, February 10, reported on Kubisch’s February 10 meeting with Huerta during the Assistant Secretary’s visit to Chile. (Ibid.)

    • 160. Telegram 942 From the Embassy in Chile to the Department of State, Santiago, February 27, 1974, 1545Z

      Summary: Popper recommended that the Department agree to support a proposal for covert assistance to the PDC.

      Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Box 16, Santiago, 1963–1979. Secret. Roger Channel. In telegram 332 from Santiago, January 22, the Embassy reported that Ministry of Interior Decree 1899, which clamped down on all political activity, seemed to be “particularly aimed at Christian Democratic Party.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) On March 2, Flannery sent the March 1 CIA proposal to Gardner, and on March 4, Gardner sent a copy of the proposal and telegram 942 to Shlaudeman. (Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Box 16, Santiago, 1963–1979.) On March 19, Phillips sent a memorandum to Gardner which maintained that continued PDC subsidies would liquidate obligations for which the PDC thought the U.S. Government responsible and maintain an important source of information, while termination of the funding might cause bitterness towards the U.S. Government. (Ibid.)

  • 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

  • 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-E2298 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2298-09A-11A, President Nixon seated at the dining table during a breakfast meeting with GOP political and Congressional leaders. 2/27/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, dining room. President Nixon, Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott (R-Pennsylvania), Senator Robert P. Griffin (R-Michigan),House Minority Leader John J. Rhodes (R-Arizona), Congressman Leslie C. Arends (R-Illinois), George H.W. Bush, Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RN), Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Assistant. Bryce N. Harlow, Counsellor. William E. Timmons, Assistant.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2298-10A, President Nixon seated at the dining table during a breakfast meeting with GOP political and Congressional leaders. 2/27/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, dining room. President Nixon, Vice President Gerald R. Ford, Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott (R-Pennsylvania), Senator Robert P. Griffin (R-Michigan),House Minority Leader John J. Rhodes (R-Arizona), Congressman Leslie C. Arends (R-Illinois), George H.W. Bush, Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RN), Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Assistant. Bryce N. Harlow, Counsellor. William E. Timmons, Assistant.

    Roll WHPO-E2299 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2299-02-06, Polish Olympic Team pose for a group photo while standing in front of the White House. 2/27/1974, Washington, D.C. South Lawn. Unidentified Olympian athletes.

    Roll WHPO-E2300 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2300-02-08, 1974 Walt Disney World Ambassador Christi Lee Ziesler and 1974 Disneyland Ambassador Carol DeKeyser in their Disney dress uniforms, pose outside with an unidentified man wearing a large cowboy hat, on the lawn in front of the White House. 2/27/1974, Washington, D.C. South Lawn. Christi Lee Ziesler, Carol DeKeyser, unidentified man.

  • 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-740225
      Photo opportunity with Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan. (2/27/1974)

      Runtime: 1:35

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

    S - White House Press Office Briefings (continuation of the L-series)

    • WHCA-SR-S-505
      Briefing by Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan. (2/27/1974, [not listed])

      Runtime: 23:00

      Keywords: Briefings, public briefings, statements to the press (see also Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media)

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by __ (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-S-506
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (2/27/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 15:30

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by __ (initials of WHCA engineer)

      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-6819
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS

      10. Reasoner/Koppel: Secretary of State Kissinger in the Middle East with film. Time Code Start: 22:14. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips, truces, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      11. Smith/Seamans: Report from Golan Heights. Time Code Start: 24:30. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, wars, Syrian, Palestine, Palestinian, Israeli. Network: ABC.

      12. Smith/Donaldson: Emergency energy bill with Stagger. Time Code Start: 26:43. Keywords: fuel, shortages, rationing, natural resources, bills, laws, legislation. Network: ABC.

      13. Smith/Schoumacher: Report on Watergate indictments. Time Code Start: 28:55. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: ABC.

      14. Smith/Kaplow: Civil rights and busing. Time Code Start: 30:40. Keywords: bills, laws, legislation, African Americans, desegregation, racism, racial discrimination, schools, students, transportation, reports. Network: ABC.

      15. Chancellor/Valeriani: Secretary of State Kissinger in the Middle East with film. Time Code Start: 33:06. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips, truces, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.

      16. Chancellor/Mackin: Emergency energy bill passed in Congress. Time Code Start: 35:41. Keywords: House of Representatives, oil crisis, bills, laws, voting, regulations, legislation. Network: NBC.

      17. Chancellor/Levine: Sawhill of Federal Energy Office (FEO) at Senate committee on energy. Time Code Start: 37:27. Keywords: Senate Committee hearings, cabinet, advisors, energy crisis, oil crisis, petroleum, oil supply, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, allocations. Network: NBC.

      18. Chancellor/Hagger: A talk with oil companies president. Time Code Start: 39:14. Keywords: energy, petroleum, drilling, oil supply, oil supplies, imports, shortages, sales, costs, increases. Network: NBC.

      19. Chancellor/Daves: Coal miners not reporting to work miners say they can't get gas. Time Code Start: 40:27. Keywords: energy, petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, natural resources, mines, mining, miners. Network: NBC.

      20. Cronkite/Hall: Calley released (Lt. Calley and My Lai Massacre trial). Time Code Start: 42:13. Keywords: Vietnam War, Lt. Calley, My Lai Massacre, military trials, massacres, war crimes, atrocities, mass murders, civilians deaths, shootings. Network: CBS.

      21. Cronkite/Hottelet: Secretary of State Kissinger's trip to the Middle East with film. Time Code Start: 44:01. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips, truces, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: CBS.

      22. Cronkite/Schorr: Watergate trials. Time Code Start: 45:48. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: CBS.

      23. Cronkite/Strawser: Byck hijacking helicopter. Time Code Start: 47:32. Keywords: hijackings, skyjackings, kidnappings, terrorism, aircraft, airlines. Network: CBS.

      24. Cronkite/Collingwood/Laurence: Britain's upcoming elections. Time Code Start: 49:08. Keywords: United Kingdom, England, elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)