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February 4, 1972

Introduction

This almanac page for Friday, February 4, 1972, pulls together various records created by the federal government and links to additional resources which can provide context about the events of the day.

Previous Date: Thursday, February 3, 1972

Next Date: Saturday, February 5, 1972

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.

    • Annotated and Unmarked News Summaries [Note: Although there was no News Summary on this date, due to the way News Summary products were compiled, you should also consult nearby days for potentially relevant materials.]

  • 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)
      Friday, February 4.

      President called this morning before I left to discuss the possibility of bringing a secretary down or having Colson come down since he was dictating a lot of stuff on politics, and he decided no, to leave it the way it was. He said he had been doing a lot of thinking about the Efron book, and the situation there. Thinks we have a real opportunity on this, and the real answer is to go after the credibility of TV, and the effective way to do that is through the newspapers, because they like to take on television. Said he wants Buchanan to write a piece to newspaper editors, saying that whatever we may think about all of this. Irving Kristol points out that the networks are biased, as Efron has reported, and that we have a clear example here in that the networks covered everything in the Ervin testimony on the Hill that was on their side. There was only one witness on the other side, Edith Efron, and they gave her absolutely no mention at all, and the letter should then point out that no self-respecting newspaper would do this.

      President then got into talking about the fact that in 1968 campaign we weren't really aware of how the networks were killing us. It's obvious that he's been doing a lot of thinking about politics and the campaign and so on, and was anxious to get to talking about it. So I assume he'll have lots of stuff stacked up when I meet with him down there tomorrow.

      Talked to Colson after I got to Key Biscayne just to get a report on the day's activities. He says Rogers needed a lot of propping up, that he was really shook by the Scotty Reston column today, which took Rogers on as being "un-Secretary-of-Statesmanlike". They're working the columnists, Stewart Alsop's going to bomb Muskie in Newsweek. Muskie apparently called Stewart from Wisconsin and talked for an hour, justifying his position, and Chuck thinks we now have Muskie on the run, that we're putting out another full media mailing today regarding the responsibility of Presidential candidates, and enclosing the Nixon quote from '68, which is being picked up. Brock's doing a tough speech on Monday, Scott kicked Muskie hard on the floor today. Jackson took him on. Things look pretty good.

      End of February 4.
    • Original audio recording (MP3)

  • 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. III, Foreign Economic Policy; International Monetary Policy, 1969-1972

    International Monetary Policy, 1969-1972

    • 223. Letter From President Pompidou to President Nixon, Paris, February 4, 1972

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Agency Files, Box 290, Treasury, Volume III. No classification marking. The French text of Pompidou’s letter was sent telegraphically. (Ibid., Subject Files, Box 356, Monetary Matters) This translation is attached to an undated memorandum from Haig to Kissinger, which indicates that the translation, made by Sonnenfeldt, is a “slightly sanitized” version of Pompidou’s message, which Kissinger could give to Secretary Connally. Haig reminded Kissinger that an interim response had been sent to Pompidou indicating his message would be given “careful and serious consideration” when Connally returned from Texas. The interim response was not found. Additional documentation concerning this letter, including a memorandum from Kissinger transmitting this “hot line” letter to Connally, drafts of President Nixon’s response, and Sonnenfeldt’s comments on the drafts are ibid.

    Vol. VIII, Vietnam, January-October 1972

    Before the Easter Offensive, January 20-March 29, 1972

    • 15. National Security Decision Memorandum 149, Washington, February 4, 1972

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–230, National Security Council Decision Memoranda, NSDM 149. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    Vol. XIV, Soviet Union, October 1971-May 1972

    Preparing for Moscow and Nixon's Trip to China, January 1-March 29, 1972

    • 45. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, February 4, 1972

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL US—USSR. Secret; Nodis. Transmitted to the President under cover of an attached February 7 memorandum from Rogers. The Department transmitted summaries of the conversation in telegrams 21094 and 21101 to Moscow, both February 5. (Ibid.)

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Indonesia

    Vol. XXIX, Eastern Mediterranean, 1969-1972

    Cyprus

    • 389. Intelligence Information Cable, Washington, February 4, 1972

      Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Records of the Directorate of Intelligence, Intelligence Information Cables. Secret; Priority; No Foreign Dissem; Controlled Dissem. Prepared in the CIA and sent to members of the Intelligence Community.

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

    Canada

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

    Ireland

    • 171. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ireland, Washington, February 4, 1972, 0050Z

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23–9 UK. Confidential. Drafted by Scott George (EUR/BMI) on February 3, cleared by Hillenbrand and Miller (S/S), and approved by Rogers. Repeated to USUN and all NATO capitals.

    Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

    U.S. Relations with India and Pakistan, 1972

    • 222. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Nutter) to Secretary of Defense Laird, Washington, February 4, 1972

      In the light of reports indicating that India might test a nuclear weapon in the near future, Nutter pointed up the dangerous implications of such a development.

      Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 77–0094, India 471.61, 1972. Secret; Sensitive. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates that Laird saw it on February 5. A handwritten note in an unknown hand, beneath Nutter’s signature, reads: “L&N–We might pressure USSR to control Indian nuclear ventures.”

    Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

    Bangladesh, December 1971-December 1972

  • 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-8383 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8383-, Nidecker with Mardi Gras Queens. 2/4/1972, Washington, D.C. outside stairs. Nidecker, Mardi Gras Queens.

    Roll WHPO-8384 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8384-, Vice President Agnew standing with Baltimore Colts football player John Mackey. 2/4/1972, Washington, D.C. Vice-Presidential Office, Executive Office Building. Spiro Agnew, John Mackey.

    Roll WHPO-8385 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8385-04A-11A, Vice President Agnew standing with unidentified men. 2/4/1972, Washington, D.C. Executive Office Building, Vice-Presidential Office. Spiro Agnew, unidentified men.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-8385-12A-13A, Unidentified man at a desk. 2/4/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown room. unidentified men.

    Roll WHPO-8386 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8386-, Faint pictures of the seal in the Oval Office. One shot of the sofas and chairs near the fireplace. 2/4/1972, Washington, D.C. Oval Office.

  • 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.

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-511
      Press briefing by Neil Ball, Egil Krogh, and Walter Washington. (2/4/1972, Press Center, White House)

      Runtime: 33:00:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by RSM (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-512
      Briefing by Herb Stein. (2/4/1972, Room 314, Executive Office Building)

      Runtime: 20:00

      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 GLG (initials of WHCA engineer)

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

    T - China Advance Team

    • WHCA-SR-T-001
      Walker, Chapin, start 0819. (2/4/1972)

      Runtime: 36:00:00

      Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips

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

    T - China Advance Team

    • WHCA-SR-T-002
      Walker, Chapin, Elbourne, Swift, start 1046. (2/4/1972)

      Runtime: 20:00

      Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips

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

    T - China Advance Team

    • WHCA-SR-T-003
      Walker, Chapin, start 1905. (2/4/1972)

      Runtime: 40:00:00

      Keywords: People's Republic of China, trips

      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-5031
      "Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition".
      NBC
      Runtime: 00:29:32
    • WHCA-5048
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:30

      1. Reasoner/Donaldson: Herbert Stein comments on stable unemployment rate. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, statistics. Network: ABC.

      2. Reasoner/Clark : Dock strike (bridges). Time Code Start: 02:03. Keywords: harbors, Stevedores, dock workers, longshoremen, strikes, recession, inflation, wages, unemployment, trade, negotiations, trade, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      3. Reasoner/Tuckner: Vietnam war. Time Code Start: 04:27. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: ABC.

      4. Reasoner/Gill: Bangladesh. Time Code Start: 07:46. Keywords: South Asian, Bangladesh Liberation War, Pakistani Army, genocidal war, rape, mass murder, violence, death squads. Network: ABC.

      5. Reasoner/Bell: Reactions to Senator Muskie's comments on Peace Proposols; divisions in the third party. Time Code Start: 09:21. Keywords: Senators, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      6. Reasoner: Commentary on Senator Muskie's comments couldn't really have jeopardized President Nixon's peace attempts. Time Code Start: 12:48. Keywords: Senators, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      7. Chancellor: Dock strike issue before Congress. Time Code Start: 14:45. Keywords: harbors, Stevedores, dock workers, longshoremen, strikes, recession, inflation, wages, unemployment, trade, negotiations, trade, negotiations. Network: NBC.

      8. Chancellor/Levine: Unemployment with Senator Proxmire. Time Code Start: 17:39. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, statistics. Network: NBC.

      9. Chancellor/Burrington: SALT talks near end [Strategic Arms Limitation Talks]. Time Code Start: 20:56. Keywords: SALT, S.A.L.T., Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, Russia, Soviet Union, USSR, Cold War, détente. Network: NBC.

      10. Chancellor/Brinkley: Runaways. Time Code Start: 23:00. Keywords: children, poverty, missing persons. Network: NBC.

      11. Cronkite: Unemployment. Time Code Start: 28:38. Keywords: jobs, unemployment, statistics. Network: CBS.

      12. Cronkite/Culhane: Meat prices up, no controls. Time Code Start: 29:45. Keywords: food, meats, animal products, markets, retail stores, prices, costs, increases, shortages. Network: CBS.

      13. Cronkite/Simon: South Vietnam prepares for war escalation. Time Code Start: 34:00. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: CBS.

      14. Cronkite: Campaign 1972; Senator Muskie attack on President Nixon; Senator McGovern attack on Muskie; Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, Senator Jackson, and Governor George Wallace attack on the administration; Mayor John Lindsay on gun control. Time Code Start: 37:06. Keywords: Senators, Governors, Presidential elections, campaigns, candidates. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)