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May 23, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, May 23, 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: Wednesday, May 22, 1974

Next Date: Friday, May 24, 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.

  • 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. X, Vietnam, January 1973-July 1975

    Congressional Restrictions, General Warfare, June 19, 1973-February 25, 1975

    • 128. National Intelligence Estimate, Washington, May 23, 1974

      Source: Central Intelligence Agency, NIC Files, Job 79–R01012A, Box 469, National Intelligence Estimates, Folder 3, NIE 53/14.3–1–74. Secret; No Foreign Dissem; Controlled Dissem. The Central Intelligence Agency and the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury and the National Security Agency participated in the preparation of this estimate. The Director of Central Intelligence submitted the estimate with the concurrence of all members of the USIB except the FBI representative, who abstained on the ground that it was outside FBI jurisdiction. For the full text of the estimate, see National Intelligence Council, Estimative Products on Vietnam, 1948–1975 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2005), pp. 619–630.

    Vol. XV, Soviet Union, June 1972-August 1974

    Summit Preparations, April-May 1974

    • 181. National Intelligence Analytical Memorandum, Washington, May 23, 1974

      Source: Central Intelligence Agency, NIC Files, Job 79–R01012A. Secret; Controlled Dissem. A note on the original indicates the paper was prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency, the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury, and the National Security Agency and was concurred in by the U.S. Intelligence Board, except as noted in notes in the text.

    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

    The Hughes Glomar Explorer's Secret Mission to Recover a Sunken Soviet Submarine

    Vol. XXXVIII, Part 2, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy; Public Diplomacy, 1973-1976

    Organizing for Defense, Economic, and Global Issues

    Vol. XXXIX, European Security

    Basket III, May-December 1974

    Vol. E-8, Documents on South Asia, 1973-1976

    India-Pakistan 2

    • 164. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, May 23, 1974, 10:30 a.m.

      President Nixon met with Pakistan Minister of State for Defense and Foreign Affairs Ahmed to discuss the Indian nuclear test and other issues.

      Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser Files, Memoranda of Conversations, Box 4, May 23, 1974. Secret. The meeting took place in the Oval Office of the White House. Tab A is not printed.

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

    Middle East Region

    • 20. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, May 23, 1974

      Summary: Department officials met with British Embassy officials to discuss strategy and current policy in the Gulf region.

      Source: National Archives, RG 84, Doha Embassy Files: Lot 79F187, POL 1–2, Gulf. Secret. Drafted by Dickman, G. Quincy Lumsden, and Stephen Buck (NEA/ARP).

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

    Thailand and Burma

    Vol. E-14, Part 2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1973-1976

    • 50. National Security Study Memorandum 202, Washington, May 23, 1974

      Summary: President Nixon directed the National Security Council Under Secretaries Committee to review U.S. policy concerning the Nonproliferation Treaty.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Institutional Files, National Security Study Memoranda, Box H–205, NSSM 202. Secret. Scowcroft signed for Kissinger above Kissinger’s typed signature. Copies were sent to Rush and Moorer. Scowcroft underlined the date in the last paragraph of the memorandum and placed a vertical line in the left-hand margin next to that sentence. NSSM 13 is published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume E–2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969–1972, as Document 9. The study prepared in response to NSSM 13 is ibid., Document 13. NSSM 195 is Document 30 in this volume. NSSM 156 is published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972, as Document 275. A draft of the report detailing the study’s findings study is Document 57 in this volume.

  • 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-E2821 Photographer: | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2821-01A-03A, President Nixon seated at the dining table during a breakfast meeting with Senators Wallace Bennett, Russell Long, Assistant William Timmons and Peter Flanigan ( Council on Economic Policy Director) with Deputy Assistant Major General Scowcroft. 5/23/1974, Washington D.C. White House, first floor family dining room. President Nixon, Senator Wallace F. Bennett (R-Utah), Senator Russell B. Long (D-Louisiana). William E. Timmons, Assistant. Peter M. Flanigan, Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy (CIEP). Maj. Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft, Deputy Assistant.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2821-03A, President Nixon seated at the dining table during a breakfast meeting with Senators Wallace Bennett and Russell Long, Assistant William Timmons, and Peter Flanigan (Council on Economic Policy Director) with Deputy Assistant Major General Scowcroft. 5/23/1974, Washington D.C. White House, first floor family dining room. President Nixon, Senator Wallace F. Bennett (R-Utah), Senator Russell B. Long (D-Louisiana). William E. Timmons, Assistant. Peter M. Flanigan, Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy (CIEP). Maj. Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft, Deputy Assistant.

    Roll WHPO-E2823 Photographer: FITZPATRICK | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2823-03A-28A, President Nixon meeting with Ambassador Dobrynin and Soviet Parliamentary Delegation. Members of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. 5/23/1974, Washington, D. C. White House, Cabinet Room. Anatoly F. Dobrynin, Russian officials: Boris N. Ponomarev, Georgiy A. Zhokov, political observer for Pravda. Leonid M. Zarnyatin, Director General of Tass. Aleksandr B. Chakovskiy, Chief Editor of the Literaturnaya Gazeta. Boris I. Stukalin, Chairman of the State Committee for Publishing Houses, Printing Plants and Book Trade. Lev N. Tolkunov, Chief Editor of Izvestiya. Vasiliy M. Kavun, Chairman of the Vinnitsa Oblast' Soviet Executive Committee in the Ukrainian Republic. Zoya P. Pukhova, Director of the Weaving Factory and member of the Presidium, U.S.S.R. Supreme Soviet.

    Roll WHPO-E2824 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2824-04A-14A, President Nixon meeting with Ambassador Dobrynin and Soviet Parliamentary Delegation. Members of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. 5/23/1974, Washington, D. C. White House, Cabinet Room. Anatoly F. Dobrynin, Russian officials: Boris N. Ponomarev, Georgiy A. Zhokov, political observer for Pravda. Leonid M. Zarnyatin, Director General of Tass. Aleksandr B. Chakovskiy, Chief Editor of the Literaturnaya Gazeta. Boris I. Stukalin, Chairman of the State Committee for Publishing Houses, Printing Plants and Book Trade. Lev N. Tolkunov, Chief Editor of Izvestiya. Vasiliy M. Kavun, Chairman of the Vinnitsa Oblast' Soviet Executive Committee in the Ukrainian Republic. Zoya P. Pukhova, Director of the Weaving Factory and member of the Presidium, U.S.S.R. Supreme Soviet.

  • 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.

    B - Vice-Presidential (Agnew and Ford)

    • WHCA-SR-B-269
      Remarks at VP staff conference-Rm. 450, O.E.O.B. (three tapes). (5/23/1974)

      Runtime: 3:09

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

    K - Informal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-K-190
      Photo opportunity with Anatoliy Dobrynin-Oval Office. (5/23/1974)

      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-606
      Briefing for presidential spokesmen by Alexander Haig. (5/23/1974, EOB Conference Room (450))

      Runtime: 39:00:00

      Keywords: Briefings, private briefings

      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-607
      Press pool report on the President's photo opportunity with Ambassador Dobrynin. (5/23/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 3:00

      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-608
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (5/23/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 36:38:00

      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-609
      Briefing of White House Fellows alumni by Alexander Haig. (5/23/1974, Family Theater)

      Runtime: 57:48:00

      Keywords: Briefings, private briefings

      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-610
      Briefing of TV news crews by Ronald Ziegler. (5/23/1974, North Lawn)

      Runtime: 10:00

      Keywords: Briefings, public briefings, statements to the press (see also 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-612
      Interview by James St. Clair. (5/23/1974, North Lawn)

      Runtime: 8:43

      Keywords: 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-6963
      "Weekly News Summary", Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:30

      38. Smith/Donaldson: Attorney John Doar comments on transcripts with Representative Peter Rodino. Time Code Start: 84:41. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: ABC.

      39. Smith/Jarriel: President Nixon's attorney St. Clair on Judiciary Committee with President Nixon. Time Code Start: 86:57. Keywords: Watergate, law officials, Senate committee hearings, investigations, officials, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: ABC.

      40. Smith: Commentary on Congress. Time Code Start: 88:47. Keywords: House of Representatives. Network: ABC.

      41. Chancellor/Scherer: Representative Rodino trying to get White House tapes. Time Code Start: 91:21. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      42. Chancellor/Brokaw: President Nixon's attorney St. Clair reply to Committee. Time Code Start: 94:09. Keywords: Watergate, law officials, Senate committee hearings, investigations, officials, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, impeachment, resignations. Network: NBC.
    • WHCA-6964
      "Weekly News Summary", Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 00:54:51

      1. Cronkite/Morton: Representative Rodino and committee still want White House tapes. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      2. Cronkite/Rather: President Nixon's attorney St. Clair's reply to Representative Rodino. Time Code Start: 03:01. Keywords: Presidents,. Network: CBS.

      3. Cronkite: McLaughlin and Clawson. Time Code Start: 04:43. Keywords: media, television, TV, journalists, reporters, foreign correspondents, awards, interviews, world leaders, wars. Network: CBS.

      4. Cronkite/Sevareid: Commentary on India's nuclear power and atomic bombs. Time Code Start: 05:21. Keywords: Asian, East Indian, nuclear power, nuclear weapons, atomic bombs, populations, poverty, starvation. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)