Breadcrumb

July 31, 1973

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, July 31, 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, July 30, 1973

Next Date: Wednesday, August 1, 1973

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 The White House - Washington, D. C.

  • The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents made available transcripts of the President's news conferences; messages to Congress; public speeches, remarks, and statements; and other Presidential materials released by the White House.

    Digitized versions can be found at HathiTrust.

  • 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.

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.

    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.

  • 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. E-11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973-1976

    Haiti

    Vol. E-12, Documents on East and Southeast Asia, 1973-1976

    Australia, New Zealand, ANZUS, Papua New Guinea

    • 39. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, July 31, 1973., Washington, July 31, 1973

      Rogers and Whitlam discussed the international relations of East Asia.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, POL 7 AUSTL. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Moser; cleared by Sneider and Green.

    Japan

    • 179. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, July 31, 1973, 11 a.m.., Washington, July 31, 1973, 11 a.m.

      Nixon and Tanaka talked about an exchange of state visits, U.S.-Japan trade, nuclear capabilities, educational exchanges, Sino-Soviet relations, the Soviet-American summit, superpower security relations, the New Atlantic Charter, and press guidance.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 927, VIP Visits, Japan PM Tanaka’s Visit, July 31, 1973 [1 of 3]. Secret; Sensitive. During dinner conversation on July 31, Nixon and Tanaka briefly discussed the likelihood of an Imperial visit to Washington, U.S.-Japanese joint development of Siberia, Tanaka’s planned visit to Western Europe and the Soviet Union, and the prospects for getting the Japanese government’s legislative program through the current session of the Diet. (Memorandum of Conversation, July 31, 1973, 8 p.m.; ibid.) Nixon’s talking points for his meetings with Tanaka are ibid., [2 of 3].

    Vol. E-15, Part 2, Documents on Western Europe, 1973-1976, Second, Revised Edition

    Western Europe Regional, 1973-1976

    • 28. Message From President Nixon to West German Chancellor Brandt, Washington, July 31, 1973, 0247Z

      Summary: Nixon expressed his disappointment in the EC response to the Year of Europe.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 754, Presidential Correspondence, Germany, Willy Brandt 1972 (1 of 3). Secret; Immediate. A subsequent message to Brandt, WH31880, July 31, corrected the first line of Nixon’s message to read, “I appreciated having your message of July 27 with your.” (Ibid.) In backchannel message WH31856 to Brandt, July 18, Nixon discussed Scheel’s July 12 visit to Washington, the Year of Europe, recent press stories about U.S.–USSR and U.S.-West European relations, and the importance of Western solidarity. (Ibid., Box 424, Backchannel Messages, Europe, 1973) In a July 27 message to Nixon, Brandt asserted that the EC Foreign Ministers meeting represented “an encouraging step forward” in the process of defining “the relationship between the United States and uniting Western Europe;” he noted, however, that this definition could not “be completed until Europe has assumed its final form.” (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-E1257 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1257-02A-03A, The Nixon family Yorkshire terrier dog Pasha sitting next to a large meat bone on a plate sitting next to her. 7/31/1973, Washington. D. C. White House. Pasha.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1257-03A, Nixon family dog Yorkshire terrier Pasha sitting on a table next to a large meat bone in a plate. 7/31/1973, Washington. D. C. White House. Pasha.

    Roll WHPO-E1290 Photographer: Moore, Robert (Supervisor/Director, WHPO Photographic Laboratory) | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1290-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1290-16, President Nixon shaking hands at the revivew platform podium with Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan during Tanaka's arrival ceremony while officials stand nearby. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials.

    Roll WHPO-E1291 Photographer: Moore, Robert (Supervisor/Director, WHPO Photographic Laboratory) | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1291-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials.

    Roll WHPO-E1292 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1292-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials, officials, military troops.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1292-07A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. President Nixon and Prime Minister Tanaka stand on the reviewing stand facing the troops. Public audience on lawn visible. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials, officials, military troops.

    Roll WHPO-E1293 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1293-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials, officials, military troops.

    Roll WHPO-E1294 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1294-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials, officials, military troops.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1294-08, President Nixon shaking hands at the revivew platform podium with Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan during Tanaka's arrival ceremony. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka.

    Roll WHPO-E1295 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1295-, President Nixon, Pat Nixon and officials take part in the arrival ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials, officials, military troops.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1295-17A, President Nixon and Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan bow toward the honor guard while reviewing the troops during Tanaka's arrival ceremony at the White House. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka troops at attendion.

    Roll WHPO-E1296 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1296-, Arrival ceremony of the Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, Wiliam Rogers, officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1296-17, President Nixon and Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan stand on the podium, holding hands over their hearts at attention while the national anthems are played. (Executive Office Building (EOB) visible in background). 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, officials, crowd.

    Roll WHPO-E1297 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1297-, Arrival ceremony of the Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, Wiliam Rogers, officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1297-03, President Nixon and Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan stand on the review stand at attention while the national anthems are played during Tanaka's arrival ceremony. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Secretary of State William Rogers, Mrs. Adele Rogers, officials.

    Roll WHPO-E1298 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1298-, Arrival ceremony of the Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, Wiliam Rogers, officials, crowd.

    Roll WHPO-E1299 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1299-, Arrival ceremony of the Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, Mrs. Tanaka, Pat Nixon, Foreign Affairs Minister Masayoshi Ohira, Wiliam Rogers, officials, crowd.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1299-15, President Nixon and Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan stand on the review stand visible above the hats of the troops at attention, while the national anthems are played during Tanaka's arrival ceremony. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, South Lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, troops.

    Roll WHPO-E1303 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1303-, President Nixon and officials escort Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan to his limousine upon his departure from the White House. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1303-05, President Nixon and officials escort Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan to his limousine upon his departure from the White House. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, lawn. President Nixon, Kakuei Tanaka, officials.

    Roll WHPO-E1307 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1307-, President Nixon and Pat Nixon host the Head of State dinner honoring Kakuei Tanaka, Prime Minister of Japan. Formal portraits of couples taken in front of White House staircase. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Mamie Eisenhower, Kakuei Tanaka, Roberta Peters, Bertram Fields (husband of Roberta Peters).
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1307-16A, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka of Japan, Mamie Eisenhower, Opera Singer Roberta Peters, and an unidentified man, possibly Ms. Peters' accompanist, pose for a group portrait after Ms. Peters' state dinner performance. 7/31/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Mamie Eisenhower, Kakuei Tanaka, Roberta Peters.
  • 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-730713
      State arrival ceremony for Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, with Prime Minister Tanaka. (7/31/1973)

      Runtime: 6:29

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-730714
      Remarks by President Nixon in toast to Prime Minister Tanaka, with Prime Minister Tanaka. (7/31/1973)

      Runtime: 13:10

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-P-730715
      Remarks by President Nixon prior to entertainment for Prime Minister Tanaka. (7/31/1973)

      Runtime: 1:10

      Keywords: Musician, musicians, music, celebrities, performance

      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-236
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (7/31/1973, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 49:00:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by MAN (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-6472
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:31:02

      3. Smith/Donaldson: Watergate with Haldeman; comment on impeachment. Time Code Start: 04:49. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: ABC.

      4. Reasoner/Kaplow: Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka's visit. Time Code Start: 11:41. Keywords: Presidents, Prime Ministers, Japanese, leaders, officials, meetings, travel, trips. Network: ABC.

      5. Reasoner/O'Donnell: Beef shortages. Time Code Start: 13:55. Keywords: food, animal products, meat, sales, costs, prices, supply, shortages, freezes. Network: ABC.

      6. Smith/Jackson: Veterans against the war. Time Code Start: 16:11. Keywords: Vietnam War, military, troops, veterans, organizations, demonstrations, rally, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, anti-war. Network: ABC.

      7. Reasoner: Commentary on devaluation overseas. Time Code Start: 20:25. Keywords: economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money, currency, monetary values, exchange rates, decreases, wages, costs, increases. Network: ABC.

      8. Chancellor: Senator Weicker comments on Haldeman's refusal to answer questions about President Nixon's tapes. Time Code Start: 22:31. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, advisors, counsels, attorneys, lawyers, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.

      9. Chancellor/Valeriani: More on who can listen to the tapes. Time Code Start: 27:05. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      10. Chancellor: Possible impeachment proceedings against President Nixon. Time Code Start: 28:21. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: NBC.

      11. Chancellor: Haldeman denies several points of corroborating witnesses before him. Time Code Start: 28:52. Keywords: advisors, counsels, attorneys, lawyers, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.

      12. Chancellor/Rosenfeld: Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka meets with President Nixon; rising beef prices. Time Code Start: 32:07. Keywords: Presidents, Prime Ministers, Japanese, leaders, officials, meetings, animal, products, food, prices, costs, increases. Network: NBC.

      13. Chancellor/Nessen: Campaign spending bills; what are computers doing to privacy with Elliot Richardson. Time Code Start: 36:14. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, reforms, legislation, bills, laws, funding, finances, donations, contributions. Network: NBC.

      14. Mudd/Schorr: Haldeman's testimony before Senate Watergate Committee. Time Code Start: 39:12. Keywords: advisors, counsels, attorneys, lawyers, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: CBS.

      15. Rather: White House comment on tapes. Time Code Start: 46:00. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      16. Mudd/McGlickin: Possible impeachment proceedings. Time Code Start: 47:30. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: CBS.

      17. Mudd/Morton: Government money used in President Nixon's private residences with Senator Brookes. Time Code Start: 49:33. Keywords: Presidents,. Network: CBS.

      18. Mudd: How President Nixon purchased the San Clemente, California property. Time Code Start: 51:00. Keywords: Western White House, La Casa Pacifica, investigations, real estate purchases. Network: CBS.

      19. Mudd/Kalb: Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka visits President Nixon. Time Code Start: 55:06. Keywords: Presidents, Prime Ministers, Japanese, leaders, officials, meetings. Network: CBS.

      20. Mudd/Pierpoint: Goldstein refuses to sell White House any meat until President Nixon does something about the beef situation. Time Code Start: 56:25. Keywords: food, meats, animal products, markets, retail stores, prices, costs, increases, shortages, protests, boycotts, Presidents, diet. Network: CBS.
    • WHCA-W-238
      Proceedings of the Senate Watergate Committee Hearings. Testimony of H.R. Haldeman
      NBC
      Runtime: 1:30
    • WHCA-W-239
      Proceedings of the Senate Watergate Committee Hearings. Testimony of H.R. Haldeman
      Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc.
      Runtime: 01:35:42
    • WHCA-W-240
      Proceedings of the Senate Watergate Committee Hearings. Testimony of H.R. Haldeman FTN: Sen. Charles McC. Mathias; "MTP": W. Levy; "I&A": S. Cort.
      CBS, NBC, ABC
      Runtime: 01:36:24
    • WHCA-W-241
      Proceedings of the Senate Watergate Committee Hearings. Testimony of H.R. Haldeman Richard Nixon.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:35:42
    • WHCA-W-242
      Proceedings of the Senate Watergate Committee Hearings. Testimony of H.R. Haldeman
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:06:03

Context (External Sources)