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March 15, 1972

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, March 15, 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: Tuesday, March 14, 1972

Next Date: Thursday, March 16, 1972

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 Camp David, Maryland

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    The Intelligence Community and the White House

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

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

    • 60. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to the White House Chief of Staff (Haldeman), Washington, March 15, 1972

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 992, Haig Chronological Files, March 7–15, 1972. Secret. Drafted by Haig. The memorandum is unsigned. In his March 7 diary entry, Haldeman wrote that Nixon “had me sit in the Rogers meeting this afternoon, and Bill made a pitch for the need to solve the problem of his apparent downgrading and the press coverage thereof. His solution was for the P[resident] to announce that Rogers was in charge of the planning for the Russian trip. The P finessed that, as he should have, and made it pretty clear and directly to Rogers that he wasn’t about to be put in charge of the trip.” (The Haldeman Diaries: Multimedia Edition)

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    Narrowing the Issues, October 19, 1971-April 18, 1972

    Vol. E-1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969-1972

    Oceans Policy

    • 425. Letter From Spanish Chief of State Franco to President Nixon, Madrid, March 15, 1972

      Franco communicated Spanish objections to a section concerning free passage through straits in Nixon’s February 9, 1972, foreign policy report to Congress.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL SP-US. No classification indicated. Published from a copy that bears Franco’s typed signature. The letter was received in the Department of State and forwarded to Kissinger for the President by Eliot under a March 24 covering memorandum. (Ibid.) Nixon’s Report to Congress, “U.S. Foreign Policy for the 1970’s: The Emerging Structure of Peace” is published in the Department of State Bulletin, pp. 314-418. See pp. 409-411 for the section that refers to ocean policy.

  • 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-8713 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8713-02A-11A, Mike Farrell with members of the USSR Track Team. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. North Portico steps, White House. Mike Farrell, USSR track team members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-8713-12A-13A, Unidentified men shaking hands as others watch. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. North Portico, White House. unidentified men.

    Roll WHPO-8714 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8714-, Pat Nixon holding a large Panda stuffed animal gift toy, presented to her by the East Wing Staff. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. East Sitting Hall, White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-8715 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8715-02-05, Pat Nixon standing with representatives from the National Center for Voluntary Action. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. library, Green Room, White House. Pat Nixon, unidentified men and women.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-8715-06-20, Pat Nixon standing in group photos and individually with recipients of the Federal Women's Awards. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. library, Green Room, White House. Pat Nixon, unidentified men and women.

    Roll WHPO-8716 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8716-, Pat Nixon holding a large Panda stuffed animal gift toy, presented to her by the East Wing Staff. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. East Sitting Hall, White House. Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-8717 Photographer: Parish | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8717-, Surrogate Speaker Dolf Droge stands in front of a map of southeast Asia. 3/15/1972, unknown unknown. Dolf Droge, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Map.

    Roll WHPO-8718 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8718-, Pat Nixon showing White House memorabilia to visitors. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, visitors.

    Roll WHPO-8719 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8719-, Pat Nixon showing White House memorabilia, including President Madison's medicine chest, to visitors. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, visitors.

    Roll WHPO-8720 Photographer: Grove, Andrew | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8720-, Pat Nixon showing White House memorabilia, including President Madison's medicine chest, to visitors. 3/15/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, visitors.

    Roll WHPO-8721 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8721-, Vice President Agnew seated on a stage with an unidentified man, in front of an audience. Vice President Agnew in a room with unidentified persons. 3/15/1972, Des Moines, Iowa auditorium, room, Drake University. Spiro Agnew, unidentified persons, audience.

    Roll WHPO-8722 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-8722-, Vice President Agnew seated on a stage with an unidentified man, in front of an audience. 3/15/1972, Des Moines, Iowa auditorium, Drake University. Spiro Agnew, unidentified person, audience.

  • 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.

    I - Various Administration Events

    • WHCA-SR-I-110
      Awards ceremony with General Redman. (3/15/1972)

      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-5199
      "Today" Show excerpts.
      NBC
      Runtime: 1:00
    • WHCA-5200
      "Return to Des Moines".
      ABC
      Runtime: 00:59:21
    • WHCA-5201
      Various Ads and Ad for Roudebush. Advertisements and promotions
      CBS
      Runtime: 00:07:38
    • WHCA-5202
      "A Public Affair: Election '72" AND "This Week". evangelist, The Reverend Billy Graham, Pat Boone, America.
      Daphne Productions and Roland & Jaffee Productions
      Runtime: 1:00
    • WHCA-5203
      "Martin Agronsky: Evening Edition". Richard Scammon, Edward T. Colie, and U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD).
      NBC
      Runtime: 00:29:22
    • WHCA-5207
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:33:20

      32. Smith: Florida: Bell-Governor George Wallace, Reynolds-Muskie, Donaldson-Humphrey, Zimmerman-Jackson, Jackson-Lindsay, -McGovern. Time Code Start: 83:29. Keywords: Senators, Governors, Presidential elections, campaigns, primaries, candidates. Network: ABC.
    • WHCA-5208
      Weekly News Summary, Tape III.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:14:51

      1. Smith/Kincaide: Busing; Pontiac, Michigan housewives march to Washington, D.C.. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: bills, laws, legislation, desegregation, racism, racial discrimination, African Americans, schools, students, transportation, reports. Network: ABC.

      2. Smith/Jennings: Jordan's King Hussein. Time Code Start: 02:50. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Jordanian, royalty, Kings. Network: ABC.

      3. Smith/Tominson: Mitchell testifies. Time Code Start: 05:31. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, law officials,. Network: ABC.

      4. Smith: Commentary on top issues in Presidential election candidates campaigns; Most Americans content with Nixon policy of graduated Vietnam War withdrawal; social issues more important. Time Code Start: 08:04. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      5. Chancellor/Hunt/Burrington: Hussein splits Jordan. Time Code Start: 09:52. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Jordanian, royalty, Kings, Palestinian, PLO. Network: NBC.

      6. Chancellor/Mackin/Kiker/Perkins: Presidential primary results, Republican race, Nixon had 87%, Governor George Wallace 42%, Muskie tries to pick up pieces from Florida loss,. Time Code Start: 15:12. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting. Network: NBC.

      7. Chancellor/Utley: Wisconsin. Time Code Start: 20:48. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: NBC.

      8. Chancellor/Kaplow: White House may ask for busing moratorium. Time Code Start: 24:02. Keywords: bills, laws, legislation, desegregation, racism, racial discrimination, African Americans, schools, students, transportation, reports. Network: NBC.

      9. Chancellor/Duke: Mitchell winds up his testimony in International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT Corporation) investigation. Time Code Start: 27:17. Keywords: International Telephone & Telegraph, communications, world, corporations, conglomerates, campaign funding, investigations. Network: NBC.

      10. Rather/Morton: Florida (Muskie, Governor George Wallace, Hubert Humphrey, Jackson). Time Code Start: 30:24. Keywords: Senators, Governors, Presidential elections, campaigns, primaries, candidates. Network: CBS.

      11. Rather/McGlocklin: Hussein wants a split Jordan. Time Code Start: 36:26. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Jordanian, royalty, Kings, Palestinian, PLO. Network: CBS.

      12. Kalb: Commentary on the Hussein plan to split Jordan. Time Code Start: 39:12. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, Jordanian, royalty, Kings, Palestinian, PLO. Network: CBS.

      13. Rather/Strawser: International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT Corporation) (Senator Tunney, Mitchell). Time Code Start: 40:02. Keywords: International Telephone & Telegraph, communications, world, corporations, conglomerates, campaign funding, investigations. Network: CBS.

      14. Rather/Hall: Vice President Agnew at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. Time Code Start: 45:18. Keywords: Vice Presidents, travel, trips, colleges, universities, schools, statements, speeches. Network: CBS.

      15. Sevareid: What did Florida mean?. Time Code Start: 47:03. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, primaries, candidates, speeches. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)