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March 6, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, March 6, 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, March 5, 1974

Next Date: Thursday, March 7, 1974

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. XXXI, Foreign Economic Policy, 1973-1976

    Negotiating the New Rules, May 1973-June 1975

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    October 6, 1973-March 22, 1974

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

    Zaire

    Vol. E-9, Part 2, Documents on the Middle East Region, 1973-1976

    Saudi Arabia

    • 104. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Washington, March 6, 1974, 2128Z

      Summary: Kissinger provided instructions to Ambassador Akins for the rapid formation of U.S.-Saudi joint commissions.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 631, Country Files, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Volume V, January 1–April 1974. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Saunders; cleared by Atherton, Sisco, Schlesinger, and Springsteen; approved by Kissinger. For the record of Kissinger’s talks with King Faisal and Prince Fahd, see Documents 102 and 103.

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

    Brazil

    • 96. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Kubisch) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, March 6, 1974

      Summary: Because the Department of the Treasury was scheduled to announce a countervailing duty proceeding on Brazilian shoes, and the duty contradicted an understanding between Kissinger and Foreign Minister Gibson Barboza, Kubisch had a letter drafted to explain the Treasury’s decision.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850150–1169. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Kubisch. Attached is the draft of a telegram to Gibson Barboza, not published. A handwritten note indicates it was sent on March 7. Telegram 45677 to Brasília, March 7, transmitted a letter from Kissinger to Gibson Barboza informing the Foreign Minister that Shultz would make the announcement March 8. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) On March 7, Ambassador Crimmins delivered Kissinger’s letter. Gibson Barboza informed Crimmins of his displeasure regarding the decision and the short notice given Brazil, and he questioned whether the United States and Brazil shared a “special relationship.” Crimmins responded that the U.S. Government had been requesting countervailing duty discussions since September 1973, but the Brazilians had not agreed. (Telegram 1572 from Brasília, March 7; ibid., P740141–0350)

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

    Western Europe Regional, 1973-1976

    • 51. Telegram 44480 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany, Washington, March 6, 1974, 0052Z

      Summary: The Department forwarded a letter from Nixon on the EC-Arab initiative for delivery to Brandt.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 754, Presidential Correspondence, Germany, Willy Brandt 1972 (1 of 3). Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information to Bangkok. Drafted by Hartman; cleared by Sonnenfeldt, Kissinger for the White House, and Gammon in S/S; and approved by Kissinger. Brandt’s reply, sent to Nixon under cover of a March 9 letter from Chargé d’Affaires Hans Noebel, regretted the U.S. decision to postpone the EC declaration discussions. Brandt expressed surprise at the U.S. reaction to the EC-Arab initiative, which he characterized “as a supporting and by no means competitive undertaking to” U.S. efforts to achieve Middle East peace and the international energy talks; Brandt noted that the EC démarche to Arab countries accounted for “American misgivings about a conference of Foreign Ministers.” Citing EC agreement on “the need for timely, full and mutual information,” Brandt concluded by pledging to work within the EC to develop means “for the timely co-ordination of important matters of mutual interest.” (Ibid., NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 61, Country Files, Europe, General, German Exchange (1 of 3))

    France, 1973-1976

    • 320. Memorandum From the Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic and Space Systems, Department of Defense (Walsh) to Secretary of Defense Schlesinger, Washington, March 6, 1974

      Summary: Walsh discussed the status of U.S.-French nuclear cooperation and potential U.S. actions in light of France’s posture during the Washington Energy Conference.

      Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0010, France 471.94 6 Mar 74. Top Secret; Sensitive. Prepared by George Barse and Bartholomew. A stamped notation on the memorandum reads, “Sec Def Has Seen.” Wickham wrote at the end of the memorandum, “I opt for (a). Firm, clear message. Also, as the paper indicates, French political authorities do not regard the on-going program of safety and warhead handling as particularly valuable.” Schlesinger did not indicate his preferences with respect to either recommendation. For Kissinger’s March 9, 1973 memorandum to Richardson, see Document 305. In a March 13 memorandum to Schlesinger, Bartholomew discussed the DOD plan “to implement the guidance to hold off new initiatives with France and freeze/slow down current efforts in the missile assistance and nuclear safety programs.” (Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0010, France 471.61 13 Mar 74)

  • 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-E2328 Photographer: unknown | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2328-, Portrait of Alexander Haig. 3/6/1974, unknown unknown. Alexander Haig.

    Roll WHPO-E2331 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2331-, Anne Armstrong with delegation from New Orleans Bi-Centenial Commission. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. White House.

    Roll WHPO-E2332 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2332-, Pat Nixon greets poster children for the National Association for Retarded Children. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. White House.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2332-10, Pat Nixon sits with poster children for the National Association for Retarded Children. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. White House. Pat Nixon, poster children.

    Roll WHPO-E2333 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2333-, Pat Nixon poses with poster children for the National Association for Retarded Children. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. White House.

    Roll WHPO-E2334 Photographer: 2 NG IN BW 4 PROOFS | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2334-, portraits of unidentified individual. 3/6/1974, unknown unknown.

    Roll WHPO-E2335 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2335-, Pat Nixon views the Boucher exhibit. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. National Gallery of Art.

    Roll WHPO-E2336 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2336-, President Nixon speaking at his 37th press conference. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. White House, East Room.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2336-26A, President Nixon speaking at his 37th press conference. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. White House, East Room.

    Roll WHPO-E2337 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2337-, President Nixon speaking at his 37th press conference. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C White House, East Room.

    Roll WHPO-E2338 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2338-, President Nixon speaking during a televised press conference. 3/6/1974, Washington D.C. White House.

  • 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-740302
      Remarks by President Nixon in a televised press conference. (3/6/1974, White House East Room)

      Runtime: 0:37:49

      Keywords: Presidential press conferences, presidential news conferences, interviews, media, Watergate, Impeachment

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

      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-511
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (3/6/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 5:30

      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-6822
      President Nixon's Press Conference.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:05:40
    • WHCA-6829
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS

      14. Reasoner/Schoumacher/Donaldson: Grand Jury with St.Clair. Time Code Start: 26:10. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: ABC.

      15. Reasoner/Reynolds: Ohio goes democratic in the special elections. Time Code Start: 31:59. Keywords: political parties, Democrats, Democratic Party. Network: ABC.

      16. Smith/Kahiwahara: Special elections in California. Time Code Start: 35:17. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      17. Smith/Zimmerman: Governor's conference in Washington, D.C. and reactions to elections. Time Code Start: 37:25. Keywords: Governors, conferences, meetings. Network: ABC.

      18. Reasoner/Bergman: Oil embargo may end and it backfired for Arabs. Time Code Start: 39:23. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, meetings, Arabian, Arabs, Middle East, Mideast, energy, petroleum, drilling, oil supply, oil supplies, imports, embargoes. Network: ABC.

      19. Smith: Commentary on public opinion on house representatives and impeachment. Time Code Start: 41:12. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: ABC.

      20. Chancellor/Stern: Grand Hury report with St. Clair. Time Code Start: 42:44. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, officials, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: NBC.

      21. Chancellor/Scherer: Impeachment inquiry with Waldine, Hutchinson etc. Time Code Start: 46:23. Keywords: Presidents, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, impeachment. Network: NBC.

      22. Chancellor/Brokaw: Watergate case Special Prosecutor Jaworski statement. Time Code Start: 48:25. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, appointments, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.

      23. Chancellor/Paxton/Neal: Special elections; Ohio and California with Luken and Lagomarsino. Time Code Start: 50:09. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, voting. Network: NBC.

      24. Chancellor/Kiker: Republican and Democratic reaction to special elections with Senator Barry Goldwater, Godwin and Vice President Gerald Ford spot at end. Time Code Start: 53:34. Keywords: Vice Presidents, House of Representatives, elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, reactions, interviews. Network: NBC.

      25. Chancellor/Brady: North Vietnam returns some dead U.S. servicemen. Time Code Start: 55:44. Keywords: Vietnam War, killed in action, KIA, fatalities. Network: NBC.

      26. Chancellor/Brinkley: Commentary; North Vietnam begins returning bodies of American servicemen who died in captivity, 12 bodies to be identified at Utapao, AFB, Thailand, After all American losses, nothing settled. Time Code Start: 57:50. Keywords: Vietnam War, Killed in Action, KIA, death tolls, fatalities, casualties, returns, burials, funerals. Network: NBC.

      27. Chancellor/Hager: Mitchell and Stans conspiracy trial. Time Code Start: 59:07. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, trials, obstruction of justice, perjury, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.
    • WHCA-6830
      Weekly News Summary, Tape III.
      ALL NETWORKS

      1. Cronkite/Graham: Grand Jury report with President Nixon's attorney St. Clair. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: CBS.

      2. Cronkite/Morton: Committee reaction to President Nixon's attorney St. Clair offer with Representatives Waldie, Railsback, Brooks, et. Al. Time Code Start: 01:55. Keywords: Presidents, lawyers, Senate committee hearings, Watergate, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: CBS.

      3. Cronkite/Rather: Speculation on President Nixon's news conference. Time Code Start: 04:27. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, statements, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: CBS.

      4. Cronkite: Haldeman and President Nixon's situation. Time Code Start: 05:35. Keywords: Presidents, advisors, counsels, attorneys, lawyers, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: CBS.

      5. Cronkite/Pappas/Drinkwater: Special elections in Ohio and California. Time Code Start: 06:14. Keywords: elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, voting. Network: CBS.

      6. Cronkite/Mudd: Analysis of special elections with Vice President Gerald Ford. Time Code Start: 09:58. Keywords: Vice Presidents, House of Representatives, elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, reactions, interviews. Network: CBS.

      7. Cronkite/Schakne: Mitchell and Stans conspiracy trial. Time Code Start: 11:55. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, trials, obstruction of justice, perjury, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)