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March 10, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Monday, March 10, 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: Sunday, March 9, 1969

Next Date: Tuesday, March 11, 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 Key Biscayne, Florida

  • 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.

    Nominations Submitted to the Senate

    Does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of Foreign Service Officers.

    • The following-named persons to be members of the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation: RICHARD E. LYNG, of California; DON PAARLBERG, of Indiana.
    • CHARLES A. MEYER, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of State.

  • 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.

    No Federal Register published on this date

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

  • Decided

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 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)
      Monday, March 10.

      Still in Key Biscayne. Kissinger came down this morning to meet with President. Arrived about 1:00 - President decided to see him on trip back, leaving at 3:00. Wanted to meet with Ehrlichman and me on domestic matters at his house at 2:15, which we did. President had long lists of odds and ends.

      Kissinger and I had talk first. He is still very upset about the Rogers/Dobrynin meeting because he feels Rogers, in reversing our policy regarding private talks with North Vietnam regarding political matters as well as military - has seriously jeopardized our negotiating ability and our chance to end the war. Especially bad because it follows right on their shelling of Saigon, and at a time when Soviets are in trouble with China at the border.

      I suggested he try to turn this to advantage by a maneuver designed to totally confuse the Soviets, and he thinks this may be possible.

      Kissinger agreed not to raise with President the question of his leaving. The matter at hand has to be settled on its merits - then if he loses he's got that one additional move. Real problem is his conviction that Rogers' self-interest is so paramount that he can't adequately serve the President. Kissinger suggests only solution is to put Rogers in as Chief Justice. Too bad this situation exists. I feel Kissinger is basically right - and don't know how he'll handle it to his own satisfaction - but there must be a way.

      Ehrlichman and I tried to discuss the new plan for him to coordinate domestic matters with President, but he didn't give us much of a chance.

      President really anxious to move on California property - and Bebe agrees - urging that he buy the whole thing, which is a real possibility. Will try to work out a trip to inspect it in next couple of weeks. 

      Lots piled up on return. President spent only a few minutes in the office, then to the Residence for the evening. Helene has gone – apparently Don Hughes worked it out – se he can relax again. The stories of her incredible behavior regarding staff, florist, pens in rooms, light bulbs, etc. Are pretty bad. I think I've thought through my staff set-up and it will work well. Dinner with Alex and Cole to discuss. First big staff meeting tomorrow.
    • Handwritten diary entry (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

    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.

    • President's Daily Brief of 10 March 1969 (Morning) [consult link for visuals and extent of redactions]
      The President's Daily Brief

      10 March 1969
      (Morning)
      19
      Top Secret

      I. MAJOR PROBLEMS

      MIDDLE EAST
      The exchange of artillery fire across the Suez Canal over the weekend--the heaviest since last fall--increases the prospect of additional Israeli action. One possibility is a strong airstrike against Egyptian artillery positions along the Canal. [redacted]

      In the recent artillery duel, damage to the Egyptian oil refinery at Port Suez apparently was confined to several storage tanks. Cairo Radio reports, however, that General Riad, UAR Chief of Staff, was killed by Israeli artillery along the Canal on 9 March. Since the war of June 1967, there have been
      reports that Riad was not the most loyal supporter of Nasir.

      * * *

      [redacted]

      EUROPE
      All three French labor organizations--Communist, Socialist, and Catholic-oriented--are now supporting Tuesday's general strike, and union leaders claim that in some industries it might extend beyond the 24-hour limit. Communist and non-Communist student organizations have also declared their support of the strike, although labor continues to stress the economic issues behind the strike and is cool to cooperation with the student aims.

      SOVIET AFFAIRS
      There is nothing significant to report.

      VIETNAM
      The pace of Communist-initiated military action increased in III Corps during the past forty-eight hours. Heaviest fighting occurred in Tay Ninh Province, where several stiff clashes were reported. An intercepted enemy message suggests that the upsurge in Communist activity was timed to coincide with Secretary Laird's visit.

      The increased action noted in III Corps is expected to continue. There are indications that the Communists may attempt to raise the level of combat in I and IV corps as well, possibly beginning within the next day or two.

      * * *

      [redacted]

      * * *

      Thus far in the Communists' current offensive, little effort appears to have been made by the enemy against the government's pacification program. Pacification has been brought to a halt in perhaps three provinces and has received a setback in three others. In the rest of the country, the program is proceeding on a business-as-usual basis. We think it probable, however, that before the current campaign runs its course the Communists will exercise their option to strike heavier blows against the government's pacification efforts.

      * * *

      President Thieu plans to name Dr. Phan Quang Dan as Minister of Agriculture. Thieu believes Dr. Dan will bring considerable energy and dynamism to that post, something which will be needed in implementing land reform policies. Dr. Dan has already told the US Embassy that he hoped to get back into the cabinet and that he particularly hoped for the Agriculture Ministry.

      Opposition to Dr. Dan from the National Assembly probably has abated since last year when he was summarily removed from the cabinet because of his suggestion that the South Vietnamese Government talk with the Liberation Front. Since that time both Vice President Ky and Prime Minister Huong have made similar statements, and the National Assembly, as well as public opinion, have probably moved far enough now to make Dr. Dan's appointment acceptable. Moreover, Dr. Dan is a proven vote getter, and his inclusion in the cabinet should help broaden popular support for the government. His enthusiasm on the subject of land reform should make him an excellent choice for the Agriculture Ministry.

      II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

      LAOS
      [redacted]

      PANAMA
      [redacted]
    • President's Daily Brief of 10 March 1969 (Afternoon) [consult link for visuals and extent of redactions]
      The President's Daily Brief

      10 March 1969
      (Afternoon)
      19
      Top Secret

      I. MAJOR PROBLEMS

      VIETNAM
      Hanoi has probably drawn encouragement from the lack of a US military response to the shellings of Saigon and to the movement of large units through the DMZ. The Communists probably regard this as a good sign that the US wants to explore the possibilities of a negotiated settlement and to avoid renewed escalation of the war.

      It seems unlikely that diplomatic protests to the North Vietnamese in. Paris will have any real effect on Communist military activities. The Communists clearly want to tie any curbs on military activities to progress in the negotiations and specifically to progress toward a political settlement. In order to get movement started, there is a good possibility that the North Vietnamese will. attempt to get private talks under way by trying to channel our protests about Communist shellings toward political discussions. It seems quite clear that one of the main political objectives of the current Communist military effort is to get private quadrilateral talks started which include the National Liberation Front. We believe the Communists are ready for such talks and that they expect a beginning before long.

      * * *

      [redacted]

      The Communists fired five rockets into Hue today, the first such incident there during the current campaign.

      Allied military positions in northwestern III Corps and in the western highlands of II Corps continued to bear the brunt of Communist pressure on 10 March, with little enemy action of significance reported in the DMZ area, the northern provinces, or the delta. Saigon and Da Nang were also generally quiet.

      Most of the III Corps action was again centered in Tay Ninh Province where, in one engagement, an ARVN airborne battalion and a North Vietnamese battalion clashed. The ARVN lost 44 killed and 148 wounded; 68 Communist troops were killed. Although no major enemy troop deployments were detected in III Corps on 10 March, Communist forces are in position along the Saigon River corridor
      to conduct heavy attacks i,n Tay Ninh and Binh Duong provinces, while those deployed in Viet Cong Subregion 3 just south of Saigon could move against the capital with little if any warning.

      MIDDLE EAST
      In their recent talks with Ambassador Lodge and others in Paris, Egyptian spokesmen Fawzi and Riad once again made it clear that the Egyptians would very much like to resume diplomatic relations with the us. Both of them seem to have tried to scotch the idea that Cairo would set conditions on the restoration of ties, but Riad insisted that domestic politics limited Nasir's freedom of action. The two officials left a strong impression that the Egyptians are determined to move as quickly as possible on the problem.

      EUROPE
      It is expected that tomorrow's general strike will cause a fairly extensive tie-up of France's economic life, particularly transportation. There will be a complete shutdown of electricity for industrial users and daytime cuts for private consumers.

      De Gaulle is to speak at 8:00 pm local (2100 pm EST) on the reforms which are to be submitted to referendum next month. His speech will evidently be carried on radio and TV despite the strike. Press comments on the speech will be delayed, however, as newspapers will not publish tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning.

      Even the labor leaders cannot say whether the walkouts will be extended beyond 24 hours, as this will be up to the rank and file of individual unions. The leaders are clearly determined, nonetheless, to prevent a repetition of the situation last May, when the striking workers were more militant than the union leadership.

      Indications that students may be planning to join strikers in massive street demonstrations have led the government to put riot troops arid police on alert.

      * * *

      European integrationists are redoubling their efforts to demonstrate that there is still some potential in the European community movement. [redacted]

      Jean Monnet's Committee for the United States of Europe will meet in London this week, the first session since the three British parties acceded to it last fall. The meeting is expected to result in the setting up of a group to examine the specific problems involved in Britain's joining the Common Market. Former EEC Commission President Hallstein and the Governor of the Bank of Italy have agreed to undertake this assignment.

      SOVIET AFFAIRS
      There is nothing significant to report.

      II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

      SOVIET UNION - PAKISTAN
      [redacted]

      LATE NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF OF
      10 MARCH 1969

      [redacted]

      11 March 1969

      LATE NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT'S DAILY BRIEF OF
      10 MARCH 1969

      I. MAJOR PROBLEMS

      MIDDLE EAST
      Fighting broke out again today at 10:30 AM local time (3:30 AM EST) at three points on the Suez Canal. An Israeli spokesman claimed Egyptian forces opened fire first. As of 5:30 EST, sporadic firing was still continuing. (Press)

      * * *

      In his discussions with De Gaulle and Foreign Minister Debrf, Egyptian spokesman Fawzi did his best to encourage the French in their view that four-power agreement is the best way to a Middle East solution. The major conclusion of the talks was that Egypt really desires a rapid, peaceful settlement and would probably be willing to accept any reasonable terms provided they could be presented as forced on Nasir by four-power and UN Security Council endorsement. Fawzi also told the French that time was of the essence because terrorist groups are so strong in Egypt, the present government can last no more than "several months" unless progress is made toward a settlement. The French are convinced that Egypt is willing to settle its own problems with Israel, leaving aside those involving Jordan and Syria--a direct contradiction of Nasir's protestations to King Husayn's representatives recently. [redacted]

      At an airport meeting with Israel's Foreign Minister Eban before he left for the US yesterday, Ambassador Barbcur learned that Israel found no trouble with the questions put to it by UN mediator Jarring. Eban was also shown questions put to Egypt and commented that if Cairo responds positively to the question of peace with Israel, this would bring a "fundamental change for the better." [redacted]

      EUROPE
      As of 0700 EST, the strike in France was on, but there have been no reports of demonstrations or a need for force. (Press)

      * * *

      Yesterday's outburst by Socialist (SPD) President-elect Gustav Heinemann, in which he reiterated his opposition to the postwar rearming of West Germany and support for reunification even if it meant the dissolution of West Germany itself, was a manifestation of the fundamental differences between him and the Christian Democrats (CDU). Bad blood has existed in their relations since Heinemann bolted the CDU in 1950 in opposition to rearmament, and he has opposed the basic elements of Bonn's foreign and military policy ever since. His statement, in an interview with a correspondent for Die Welt, was obviously embarrassing, not only to the Kiesinger government, but also to the SPD. Heinemann is a political maverick, however, who has frequently expressed views at variance with his own party's policy, and he will probably continue to do so after taking over as president in July. While the incident puts an added strain on CDU-SPD relations, we do not expect a premature rupture of the grand coalition. (Press and Analysis)

      SOVIET AFFAIRS
      There is nothing significant to report.

      VIETNAM
      There is nothing significant to report.

      II. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

      NORTH KOREA - US

      US soldiers manning an outpost five miles south of Panmunjom were fired on by North Koreans at 11:15 and 11:35 EST last night. No US casualties or damage were reported. This is the first incident involving North Korean and US military forces since last November, which was before the Pueblo crew was released. [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. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    • 35. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, March 10, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/HAK 1969 [Part 2]. Top Secret. The memorandum is not initialed. Kissinger elaborates on his concerns about Rogers’ initiative and Nixon’s “philosophical” reaction to it in White House Years, pp. 263–264. Haldeman also recounts Kissinger’s distress. (Haldeman Diary, Multimedia Edition, March 9, 1969)

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    Parity, Safeguard, and the SS-9 Controversy

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

    Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee; Seabed Arms Control Treaty

    • 70. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, March 10, 1969, 4 p.m.

      Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin and Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Director Smith discussed the upcoming ENDC meeting and signing of the NPT.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–1969, DEF 18–3. Secret. Drafted on March 11 by Gleysteen. The meeting was held in Smith’s office at ACDA.

  • 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.

Context (External Sources)