1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Almanac

May 6, 1974

Introduction

This almanac page for Monday, May 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: Sunday, May 5, 1974

Next Date: Tuesday, May 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.

  • 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

    • 44. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon, Washington, May 6, 1974

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 136, Country Files, Middle East, Dinitz, January 1–July 1, 1974. Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent for information. Nixon wrote at the bottom of the first page, “Personal Message to H from RN—‛You are doing a superb job against great odds—regardless of the outcome. But let us hope and work for the best.’”

    • 45. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon, Washington, May 6, 1974

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 136, Country Files, Middle East, Dinitz, January 1–July 1, 1974. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent for information. A handwritten notation at the top of the page reads, “The President has seen.”

    • 46. Memorandum of Conversation, Jerusalem, May 6, 1974, 5:55-6:40 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Henry Kissinger, 1973–77, Box 7, Nodis Memcons, March 1974, Folder 5. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem. A meeting with the rest of the Israeli negotiating team followed this one from 6:45 to 9:10 p.m. (Memorandum of conversation; ibid., Folder 4) Brackets are in the original.

    Vol. XXX, Greece; Cyprus; Turkey, 1973-1976

    Cyprus

    • 75. Study Prepared by the Interdepartmental Group for Near East and South Asia, Washington, May 6, 1974

      Source: National Archives, S/S–I Files: Lot 83 D 411, Box 3418, NSC Contingency Plans: Cyprus. Secret. The paper was drafted by Thomas Boyatt and Richard Erdman of the Cyprus Desk, reviewed by the Contingency Planning Working Group, and transmitted to the Washington Special Actions Group on May 6 by Brandon Grove, Jr., Alternate Chairman.

    Vol. XXXIX, European Security

    U.S.-Soviet Bilaterals, September 1973-May 1974

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

    Guatemala and Belize

    • 184. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Bowdler) to the Director of the Office of Security Assistance and Sales, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs (Ladd), Washington, May 6, 1974

      Summary: While agreeing that events in Guatemala were troubling, Bowdler observed that congressional limitations on the disbursement of military assistance were not applicable and that the curtailment of planned military sales might undermine bilateral relations and weaken U.S. influence.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, ARA/CEN Files, Lot 77D59, Guatemala 1974 Military Assistance (MILGP, MAP). Confidential. Drafted May 6 by Clare in ARA/CEN and cleared by LTC J. Williams in ARA/PLC and Lazar in ARA/CEN. The memorandum is an unsigned copy. Bowdler’s memorandum was in response to Document 181. In a May 6 memorandum to Williams, through Lazar, Clare noted that the U.S. Government sought to discourage “unrealistic and unnecessary arms purchases” by Guatemala, control the transfer of weapons designed for clandestine operations, and minimize Guatemala’s ability to invade Belize. (National Archives, RG 59, ARA/CEN Files, Lot 77D59, Guatemala 1974 Military Assistance (MILGP, MAP)) In telegram 2678 from Guatemala City to Belize, May 15, the Embassy noted that Laugerud would “be at least as ready as Arana has been to invade Belize, if it should move toward independence without reaching an accommodation with Guatemala.” (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D740119–0384)

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

    Venezuela

    • 378. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to the President’s Assistant for International Economic Affairs (Flanigan), Washington, May 6, 1974

      Summary: After Pérez announced a broad policy to nationalize foreign investment, Scowcroft informed Flanigan that the Department of State would tell the Venezuelan Ambassador that while the U.S. Government recognized the sovereign right of expropriation, it expected prompt, adequate, and effective compensation to be paid.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 797, Latin America, Venezuela, Vol. 2, 1972–. Confidential. Scowcroft wrote on the memorandum: “Peter—as we discussed this morning, I think this is getting straightened out. B[rent].” In telegram 90161 to Caracas, May 2, the Department instructed the Embassy to refrain from comment on Pérez’s April 29 statement on nationalization and noted that it intended to discuss the matter with a Venezuelan Embassy representative. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740105–0537) In a May 3 memorandum, Flanigan informed Scowcroft that the Department’s response was “extraordinarily inadequate.” (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 797, Latin America, Venezuela, Vol. 2, 1972–) In a May 3 memorandum to Scowcroft, Low agreed that “State’s reaction to the Venezuelan statement was slow and their outgoing instruction was indeed weak,” and he transmitted a draft reply to Flanigan. (Ibid.)

    • 379. Telegram 93175 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Venezuela, Washington, May 6, 1974, 2335Z

      Summary: Shlaudeman informed Aguilar that the U.S. Government expected prompt, adequate, and effective compensation for the expropriation of U.S. assets in Venezuela. Aguilar assured Shlaudeman that Venezuela would implement any nationalization in accordance with its constitution.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Devine; cleared by Forester, Brookins, and Ganz; approved by Shlaudeman. Telegram 90161 is discussed in the source note to Document 378. Telegram 3961 from the Embassy in Venezuela, May 6, reported on Venezuela’s new economic nationalism measures. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy FIle, D740108–1006)

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

    Italy, 1973-1976

    • 346. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, May 6, 1974

      Summary: Kissinger discussed the upcoming Italian divorce referendum.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 696, Country Files, Europe, Italy, Vol. V, Jan 74–. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Scowcroft initialed the memorandum on Kissinger’s behalf. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. On May 12, a majority of Italians voted to maintain the divorce law. On May 27, Leone told Volpe “that he had wanted to avoid the referendum and that it had not turned out the way he wanted it. He stressed to me the need for DC party unity. This is no time for squabbling and the party cannot afford internal battles. It was clear however that the economic situation is the problem he finds most worrying.” (Telegram 7280 from Rome, May 28; ibid.)

  • 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-E2725 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2725-, President seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan to discuss unemployment insurance legislation, pension reform, and the implementation of the manpower training programs. 5/6/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Peter Brennan.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2725-04A, President seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan to discuss unemployment insurance legislation, pension reform, and implementation of the manpower training programs. 5/6/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Peter Brennan, unidentified men, possibly staff members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E2725-12A, President seated at his Oval Office desk during a meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan to discuss unemployment insurance legislation, pension reform, and implementation of the manpower training programs. 5/6/1974, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Peter Brennan.

  • 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.

    S - White House Press Office Briefings (continuation of the L-series)

    • WHCA-SR-S-577
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler. (5/6/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 47:55:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary

      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-578
      Press briefing by Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan. (5/6/1974, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 27:00:00

      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.

  • 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-6937
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:30

      1. Smith/Koppel: Secretary of State Kissinger's trip to Middle East. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips, truces, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      2. Smith/Schoumacher: Transcripts are suspect with President Nixon's attorney St. Clair and Watergate case Special Prosecutor Jaworski. Time Code Start: 02:20. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals, law officials, attorneys, lawyers. Network: ABC.

      3. Smith/Jarriel: Harris poll on President Nixon's speech. Time Code Start: 04:35. Keywords: public opinions, polls, approval ratings, Gallup poll, Harris poll, Presidents, speeches, resignations, impeachment. Network: ABC.

      4. Smith/Reynolds: Primary election in Alabama. Time Code Start: 06:42. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, primaries, voting. Network: ABC.

      5. Smith: Commentary on optimisim in this country. Time Code Start: 11:08. Keywords: American, public opinions, psychology. Network: ABC.

      6. Chancellor/Stern: Latest on subpoenaed tapes with Watergate case Special Prosecutor Jaworski and President Nixon's attorney St. Clair. Time Code Start: 12:53. 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.

      7. Chancellor/Goralski: Difference between White dealings with Special Prosecutor and House Judiciary Committee. Time Code Start: 15:27. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, appointments, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: NBC.

      8. Chancellor/Valeriani: Secretary of State Kissinger's tour of Middle East with Kissinger. Time Code Start: 16:51. Keywords: Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips, truces, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.

      9. Chancellor: United Nations (U.N.) Ambassador Gromyko, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs following Secretary of State Kissinger around the Middle East. Time Code Start: 19:15. Keywords: Russia, Soviet Union, USSR, Cold War, Ambassadors, organization of nations, intergovernmental alliance, meetings, travels, travel, trips, Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, truces, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: NBC.

      10. Bronkley's Journal: Allocation of money to Vietnam. Time Code Start: 20:00. Keywords: Vietnam War, funding. Network: NBC.

      11. Cronkite/Morton: Explanation of more tapes transcripts. Time Code Start: 21:40. Keywords: documents, transcriptions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      12. Cronkite/Graham: Watergate case Special Prosecutor Jaworski meets with Judge Sirica about tapes with President Nixon's attorney St. Clair (Watergate). Time Code Start: 23:30. 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.

      13. Cronkite/Schorr: Milk producers were directly involved with former President Johnson (LBJ). Time Code Start: 24:52. Keywords: Presidents, food, organizations, officials. Network: CBS.

      14. Cronkite/Kalb: Secretary of State Kissinger in the Middle East to meet with United Nations (U.N.) Ambassador Gromyko, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs tommorow. Time Code Start: 26:20. Keywords: Russia, Soviet Union, USSR, Cold War, Ambassadors, organization of nations, intergovernmental alliance, meetings, travels, travel, trips, Middle East, Mideast, war, cabinet, advisors, truces, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: CBS.

      15. Sevareid: Analysis of tape transcripts. Time Code Start: 28:07. 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)