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May 1, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, May 1, 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, April 30, 1974

Next Date: Thursday, May 2, 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.

  • 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. XXVI, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1974-1976

    Syrian-Israeli Disengagement Agreement, January-May 1974

    Vol. XXVII, Iran; Iraq, 1973-1976

    Iraq, January 1973-December 1974

    Vol. XXXV, National Security Policy, 1973-1976

    National Security Policy

    • 38. Response to National Security Study Memorandum 196, Washington, May 1, 1974

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–203, Study Memorandums, NSSM 196 [1 of 2]. Secret. The study was prepared by an interagency NSC Ad Hoc group under the chairmanship of the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Plans, and NSC Affairs, OASD/ISA, according to a May 25 covering memorandum under which Wickham forwarded the study to Scowcroft. Davis forwarded the study, under a June 7 covering memorandum, to Clements, Sisco, Ash, Colby, and Moorer for review. (Ibid., [2 of 2])

    Vol. XXXVI, Energy Crisis, 1969-1974

    March 29-August 3, 1974

    • 352. Briefing Paper Prepared in the Department of State, Washington, May 1, 1974

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 937, VIP Visits, Visit of Prince Fahd. Confidential. This paper was part of the briefing material for Prince Fahd’s visit to the United States June 6–7.

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

    Jamaica, The Bahamas, and the Eastern Caribbean

    • 444. Telegram 88820/Tosec 91 From the Department of State to Secretary of State Kissinger in Alexandria, Washington, May 1, 1974, 0007Z

      Summary: After informing Kissinger and Maw of separate discussions with Jamaican Government officials and aluminum company representatives regarding the state of negotiations on the future of the bauxite industry in Jamaica, Eagleburger suggested that the parties’ future contacts with the Department should be shifted away from the Secretary’s office so that Kissinger would not become “embroiled in the details of the negotiations.”

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740103–0572. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Adams; cleared by Rush, Enders, and Feldman; and approved by Eagleburger. Kissinger was in Egypt engaging in shuttle diplomacy between Egypt and Israel. In telegram 78/Secto 145 from Alexandria, May 4, Kissinger approved the approach suggested by Eagleburger. (Ibid., D740113–0944) In telegram 92365/Tosec 252 to Kingston and Jerusalem, May 4, Eagleburger reported that he had informed the Jamaicans and the aluminum companies that Kissinger did not wish to become directly involved in negotiations but that he hoped both parties would keep Maw and Enders informed of developments. (Ibid., D740108–0435) In telegram 1557 from Kingston, May 3, the Embassy reported that the Jamaican Government and the aluminum companies had suspended their negotiations. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files—Latin America, Box 786, Jamaica, Vol. I)

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

    Japan

    • 188. Key Judgments from Research Study OPR-4 Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, May 1974., Washington, May 1, 1974

      A CIA study predicted continuity in Japanese policy during the next few years, but anticipated that more dramatic changes would be possible during the 1980s.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 539, Country Files, Far East, Japan, Vol. 11, 1 January 1974–. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. A notation on the correspondence profile, August 14, reads, “No further action necessary—will be incorporated into Japan trip briefing papers for Pres.” (Ibid.) In a letter to the President, dated May 17, Colby wrote that the study was a response to Nixon’s desire for a “look ahead” into the future of Japanese policy. ( Central Intelligence Agency, OPI 10, Job 80M01048A, Box 4, Fold. 1 )

  • 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-E2687 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2687-, President Nixon reading a many-foot-long unrolled petitions of support scroll document from the Citizens Presidential Support Groups. 5/1/1974, Washington D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, S. Bruce Herschensohn, Deputy Special Assistant, Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Woody, Elizabeth Umstattd, Peggy Sandborn, unidentified persons.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2687-19, President Nixon reading a many-foot-long unrolled scroll document containing petitions of support from the Citizens Presidential Support Groups. 5/1/1974, Washington D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, S. Bruce Herschensohn, Deputy Special Assistant, Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Woody, Elizabeth Umstattd, Peggy Sandborn, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-E2688 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2688-, President Nixon greets Candace Curtis, Strawberry Queen. 5/1/1974, Washington D.C. White House, Oval Office.

    Roll WHPO-E2689 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2689-04-15, President Nixon with Citizens Support Group. 5/1/1974, Washington D.C. White House.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2689-17-18, President Nixon with congressman Staggers and Candace Curtis, Strawberry Queen. 5/1/1974, Washington D.C. White House.

    Roll WHPO-E2690 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2690-03-12, President Nixo with Citizens Support Group and petition. 5/1/1974, Washington D.C. White House, Oval Office.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2690-14-24, President Nixon with congressman Staggers and Candace Curtis, Strawberry Queen. 5/1/1974, Washington D.C. White House, Oval Office.

    Roll WHPO-E2691 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2691-, Pat Nixon at the new headquarters of the American Horticulture Society. 5/1/1974, Alexandria, Virginia River Farm. Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2691-20, Pat Nixon waving as she rides in a horse-drawn carriage while on a visit to the new headquarters of the American Horticultural Society at River Farm. 5/1/1974, Alexandria, Virginia River Farm. Pat Nixon, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-E2692 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2692-, Pat Nixon at the new headquarters of the American Horticulture Society. 5/1/1974, Virginia Mount Vernon.

  • 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.

    C - First Lady

    • WHCA-SR-C-161
      Remarks by Pat Nixon at dedication of the national headquarters of the American Horticultural Society at George Washington River Park Farm in Alexandria, Virginia. (5/1/1974, Alexandria, Virginia)

      Runtime: 2:00

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by SLYE Elect.; Recorded by DB (initials of WHCA engineer)

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

    P - Formal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-P-740501
      Photo opportunity with Citizens Support group. (5/1/1974)

      Runtime: 1:45

      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-571
      White House prayer and Bible study. (5/1/1974, Family Theater)

      Keywords: Church service, worship service, prayer service, religion

      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.
    • WHCA-SR-S-572
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (5/1/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 30:13:00

      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.
    • WHCA-SR-S-573
      White House Conference on the New Federalism. (5/1/1974, EOB Conference Room (450))

      Runtime: 2:06:00

      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-6914
      "Watergate: The White House Transcripts".
      CBS
      Runtime: 00:58:35
    • WHCA-6923
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:35:26

      4. Smith/Donaldson: Judiciary committee meet tonight. Time Code Start: 08:15. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: ABC.

      5. Smith/Jarriel: White House fight against Watergate case Special Prosecutor Jaworski's subpoena. Time Code Start: 10:25. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, appointments, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: ABC.

      6. Reasoner/Geer/Schoumacher: Transcripts a best seller; excerpts from the transcripts. Time Code Start: 12:27. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: ABC.

      7. Smith: Commentary on White House transcripts and President Nixon's appearance on TV. Time Code Start: 16:03. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: ABC.

      8. Chancellor/Brokaw: Subpoenaed tapes with attorney St. Clair and Burch. Time Code Start: 17:39. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      9. Chancellor/Scherer: Holding the judiciary committee together wuth Drinan. Time Code Start: 20:20. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: NBC.

      10. Chancellor: Haldeman and Ehrlichman requests for inspecting tapes. Time Code Start: 22:34. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      11. Chancellor/Stern: National security explanation with President Nixon. Time Code Start: 23:28. Keywords: Presidents, speeches, civil defense, counterintelligence services, secret police, anti-terrorism. Network: NBC.

      12. Chancellor/Goralski: Difficulty interpreting transcripts. Time Code Start: 26:00. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      13. Chancellor/Valeriani: Secretary of State Kissinger and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat meeting. Time Code Start: 27:42. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Middle East, Mideast, meetings, cabinet, advisors. Network: NBC.

      14. Chancellor/Levine: Wage and price controls lifted. Time Code Start: 29:18. Keywords: food, wage and price controls, freezes, prices, costs, increases, decreases, economy, economics, budgets, finances, recession, inflation, money. Network: NBC.

      15. Chancellor/Brinkle: Commentary on transcripts being best seller. Time Code Start: 31:35. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      16. Cronkite: Subpoenaed tapes with President Nixon's attorney St. Clair interview. Time Code Start: 33:20. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      17. Cronkite: Haldeman, Watergate case Special Prosecutor Jaworski and Colson stories. Time Code Start: 41:22. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: CBS.

      18. Cronkite/Morton: Judiciary committee reviews White House compliance with Conyers and Kastenmeirer. Time Code Start: 41:41. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: CBS.

      19. Cronkite: Silbert and McCord statements. Time Code Start: 43:17. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: CBS.

      20. Cronkite/Mudd: Transcripts are best sellers. Time Code Start: 44:00. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      21. Cronkite/Sevareid: Commentary on transcripts. Time Code Start: 46:45. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)