May 8, 1970

The Daily Diary files represent a consolidated record of the President's activities. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

• Original typewritten diary (PDF)

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.

News Conferences

• The President's News Conference of May 8, 1970 (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 616, May 8, 1970)
  Friday, May 8 (No. 10).

Statements by the President

• Special Adviser on the Academic Community and the Young (6 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 616, May 8, 1970)
  Statement by the President Announcing His Appointment of G. Alexander Heard.

Checklist of White House Press Releases

The releases listed below, made public by the Office of the White House Press Secretary during the period covered by this issue, are not included in the issue.

• Press conference of Dr. Hubert Heffner, Deputy Director of the Office of Science and Technology, on the report of the President's Task Force on Science Policy.

Digest of Other White House Announcements

Following is a listing of items of general interest which were announced in the press but not made public as formal White House press releases during the period covered by this issue. Appointments requiring Senate approval are not included since they appear in the list of nominations submitted to the Senate, below.

• The report of the President's Task Force on Science Policy, entitled "Science and Technology: Tools for Progress" (Government Printing Office, 48 pp.), was presented to the President.

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.

• Statement Announcing the Appointment of a Special Adviser on the Academic Community and the Young
• The President's News Conference

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.

• Federal Register of Friday, May 8, 1970

Among Pat Buchanan’s duties was the compilation and coordination of background briefing materials for Presidential and a few Vice Presidential press conferences. The briefings—for both the larger, announced press conferences and the smaller, informal ones held in the Oval Office—related to a widespread number of topics and were in the form of probable questions which the White House staff members anticipated news reporters would address to the President. Along with the questions, were answers recommended by Buchanan, other members of the White House staff, and the heads of major departments of the government.

The briefing books are primarily in the form of potential questions and suggested answers (often with heavy annotation by President Nixon), along with associated memos. A listing of briefing books is below, with indication of whether President Nixon annotated the book or not. Each book has an index to the potential questions with direct links to the National Archives Catalog. You should consult the full digital folder for suggested responses, President Nixon's annotations, and other documents and topics not covered by the index.

[FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK, May 8, 1970]

Citation: [FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK, May 8, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 2] and [2 of 2]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• CAMBODIAN COST TO NATIONAL UNION
  • You justified our Cambodian involvement on the groups of military need -- do you think that today it can be justified on the cost to national union here at home?
• NIXON/JOHNSON COMPARISON
  • In the past few days comparisons have been drawn between your decision and actions -- even the rhetoric involved -- and those of President Johnson. Can you tell us what your reaction to this is?
• CAMBODIA/CONGRESS
  • Can you tell us why the Congress was kept in the dark about your plans to go into Cambodia -- so much that some of your strongest supporters were caught flatfooted?
• CAMBODIA
  • From your speech, is it your view that the success or failure of your Presidency depends on the outcome of this mission?
• CAMBODIA: NATURE OF THREAT
  • What has made you suddenly decide that these bases and sanctuaries represent such a serious threat that we have to invade a neutral nation? After all, on April 20 you did not allude to the situation in terms which would have suggested such a serious concern.
• FULBRIGHT/CAMBODIA
  • The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has charged that you are conducting a "constitutionally unauthorized war in Southeast Asia." Do you agree with this characterization of your recent actions in Cambodia?
• CAMBODIA - USSR - SALT
  • Premier Kosygin implied the SALT talks might fail because of our action in Cambodia. Will our position in the Vienna talks be different from now on?
• CAMBODIA: BURNING OF VILLAGES
  • Press reports indicate that U.S. troops are burning villages in the Fishhook area of Cambodia to deny their use to the enemy. What kinds of villages are these? Will there be any sort of restitution to the villagers? What are we doing about refugees?
• BOMBING OF NORTH VIETNAMESE SAM SITES
  • What was the purpose of the bombing raids over the weekend on North Vietnamese SAM and SAM/supply sites? Will they continue?
• CAMBODIA: FUTURE PLANS AND AID
  • Will there be other operations of this kind and will you send more aid to the Cambodian government?
• CAMBODIA: EFFECTIVENESS OF OPERATION
  • The press reports indicate that the operations in Cambodia have thus far failed to capture large quantities of supplies or inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. We have not located COSVN headquarters. In your speech you said the major objective of these operations is to destroy the enemy's ability to use these base areas as a base for attacks on South Vietnam. In view of the results so far, how will these operations achieve that objective? What have we destroyed which cannot easily be replaced?
• WHY NOT VIETNAMESE?
  • If Vietnamization was so successful, what is the reason that American troops were used in the COSVN operation?
• CONGRESSIONAL REACTION
  • How do you feel about Congressional reaction so far to your speech?
• CAMBODIA: NORTH VIETNAMESE REACTION
  • What reactions do you expect by the North Vietnamese and their allies to U.S. operations in Cambodia and the SAM site bombings? What would be your response if the North Vietnamese significantly escalated the fighting in Laos or South Vietnam, attacked Phnom Penh, or called for and received increased Chinese and Russian assistance?
• ROGERS ON THE TWENTY-THIRD
  • On April 23, Secretary Rogers said that we would consult with Congress to the fullest extent possible before committing troops to Cambodia; also, that our Vietnamization policy would fail if we escalated and got involved in Cambodia with our troops. How do these statements square with our current policy?
• TROOPS IN EUROPE
  • Do you give Chancellor Brandt assurances about our troops in Europe? Did you ask him to provide greater financial support for our forces in Germany?
• US - SOVIET RELATIONS
  • In view of Premier Kosygin's press conference on the effect of Cambodia on US-Soviet relations and the general international situation, do you see a serious deterioration of relations with Moscow?
• MILITARY AID TO GREECE
  • In light of recent trials in Athens, and the recent moves of the Greek Government toward implementation of the Constitution, what is American policy toward full resumption of military aid to Greece?
• ARAB-ISRAELI PROBLEM
  • How has the introduction of the Soviet missile system and Soviet combat pilots in the UAR affected the Arab-Israeli balance or the prospects for a peace settlement, and do you now see any reason to review your decision on aircraft for Israel on either count?
• POSITION ON SALT TALKS
  • Can you tell us what our position is in the SALT talks. Will we offer to suspend MIRV deployment and the Safeguard program?
• CHINA'S SATELLITE/ABM
  • What is your analysis of the Chinese missile capability since the launching of their satellites -- how does it relate to ABM?
• STATE OF THE NATION
  • With the stock market plummeting, the economy moving downward, the war seeming to escalate and the violence now bringing fatalities to the campus -- can you give us your brief view of the state of the nation?
• GNP
  • Does the fact that the real GNP has now declined for two consecutive quarters and corporate profits are falling dramatically mean we are in a recession?
• DEBT CEILING
  • A few weeks ago, the national debt came within $67 million of the public debt limit. Are you seeking legislation to increase the public debt limit?
• BUDGET SURPLUS
  • Are you still anticipating a Budget surplus for Fiscal 1970?
• RN, VEEP STATEMENTS/CAMPUS VIOLENCE
  • Do you think your statement and the recent statements of the Vice President have helped or hindered the cause of a peaceful resolution of the current campus violence.
• ADVICE FOR COLLEGE PRESIDENTS
  • What advice would you give a college President confronted with the kind of disorders taking place today on some of our college campuses?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Can you tell us if you agree with the Vice President that Yale Trustees should fire the President of their university, and with his other comments about how to contain student violence?
• KENT
  • In light of what happened, isn't it time that everyone lowered his voice?
• NATIONAL GUARD
  • Your statement on Monday, following the Kent State tragedy, was interpreted as placing the blame for the violence on the demonstrators. Do you feel the National Guard was blameless, and do you believe that the Federal Government should impose regulations
• STOCK MARKET
  • Do you have any comment on the stock market?
• RESISTANCE TO INTEGRATION
  • The charge is being made that with your statement on school desegregation, you have in effect given encouragement to those who want segregation forever -- and resistance seems mounting to any kind of integration in some sections of the South. Can you comment?
• FINCH'S GOAL
  • Is your Administration committed to Secretary Finch's goal of doubling the number of black children in white schools in the South by next fall?
• DR. ALLEN/DESEGREGATION
  • You say the Departments are clear on your policy on desegregation -- yet, just this week Dr. Allen, the Commissioner of Education, said that he would press for an end to school segregation -- regardless of cause.
• DOMESTIC PROGRAM
  • Do you feel that rising division in the country and the Cambodian decision, with its impact on the Congress, will jeopardize your domestic program?
• WELFARE
  • Your welfare bill has been sent back to HEW for re-drafting. Can you tell us if you think its chances have been hurt?
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE
  • Would you veto a welfare package that includes family assistance over your ceilings of $1600?
• POLITICS OF REPRESSION
  • There has been a good deal of talk recently about the so-called "politics of repression." Democrats -- referring to such diverse actions as the crackdown on the Panthers, the Chicago Trial, the opening of foreign mail, preventive detention, the no-knock p
• THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
  • In light of some recent calls for the resignation of the Attorney General, can you tell us if you are completely satisfied with his investigations in the cases of Judges Haynsworth and Carswell; whether he still has your confidence, and whether or not he
• CONGRESSMAN FORD/JUSTICE DOUGLAS
  • Some of us find it difficult to believe that your House leader, Gerald Ford, would move to impeach Justice Douglas if he did not have your blessing or at least your acquiescence. Do you approve of the moves to impeach the Justice? Has Congressman Ford con
• TEDDY KENNEDY
  • Can you tell us how you think the Judge's report on the Kennedy Inquest will affect the political fortunes of Senator Kennedy?
• ABORTION
  • Senator Packwood has come out for a nationwide abortion law; Dr. Egeberg has stated his approval of state laws allowing abortion on the consent of the woman. Can you tell us your position?
• MANNED SPACE EXPLORATION
  • Will manned exploration of space be cut because of the problems with the Apollo?
• CHANGE IN SOVIET LEADERSHIP
  • Do you have any comment on the reported change in Soviet leadership that seems to be taking place?

DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK II SECONDARY QUESTIONS [May 8, 1970] (Annotated)

Citation: DOMESTIC BRIEFING BOOK II SECONDARY QUESTIONS [May 8, 1970]; box 1; White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Patrick J. Buchanan; Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA

Consult the full digital folders ([1 of 3], [2 of 3], and [3 of 3]) for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• DESEGREGATION STATEMENT
  • Do you feel your statement on desegregation has completely cleared up the confusion on the issue; and can you give us your views on Governor Kirk's actions and statements -- since he said he was only following the philosophy expressed in that statement.
• DESEGREGATION STATEMENT/CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
  • Again, considering the comments of the Civil Rights Commission, do you think the confusion has been completely cleared away.
• DESEGREGATION STATEMENT/FUNDS
  • Can you tell us how you intend to spend that $1. 5 billion you requested in your statement on desegregation? And where it is coming from?
• HOUSE BILLS/DESEGREGATION
  • The bill which passed the House includes a number of provisions affecting school desegregation. What is your view of these?
• VICE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE
  • Can you tell us what the purpose of the Vice President's school desegregation committee is?
• CIVIL RIGHTS
  • Do you believe the Federal government should give tax exemptions to private, segregated white academies in the South?
• IMPACT AID
  • Bellevue, Nebraska and Grand Forks, North Dakota have threatened to stop educating children of armed service personnel unless they pay tuition. This is because their impact aid funds were cut. In view of the strong dependence of many school districts on impact aid funds, do you think your proposed reform of the whole impact aid program is s:ill wise policy?
• EDUCATION BUDGET
  • The House, last week, added $320 million to your education budget. A re you prepared to accept an increase of this size, or do you foresee another conflict over education appropriations?
• CARSWELL
  • Do you think your attack on the Senate has jeopardized your legislative program?
• STATEMENT ON CARSWELL DEFEAT
  • Can you tell us how you would square your statement on Judge Carswell's defeat with your theme of "bring us together."
• CRITERIA FOR SUPREME COURT
  • Some time ago I believe you stated that you did not believe any group was entitled to a seat on the Supreme Court, or that geography should be a prime criteria in selecting candidates. With your effort to get a Southerner on the Court, you seem to have moved away from that philosophy. Can you enlighten us on this?
• JUDGE BLACKMUN/NAACP
  • Judge Blackmun seems to have won the endorsement or at least the neutrality of the NAACP -- and some conservatives feel that he is a judicial activist. Can you comment on this?
• POSTAL REORGANIZATION
  • Does the postal reorganization proposal mean that you are now advocating establishment of a union shop for postal employees?
• REFORM BILL/POSTAL INCREASE
  • If Congress sends you the reform bill without the postal rate increase, would you sign it?
• SUCCESS OF POSTAL STRIKE
  • Do you think that the fact that the postal workers strike met with success, in the form of a six percent overall retroactive pay increase -- and later on 8 percent additional increase -- will serve as an example to other government employees?
• MR. BLOUNT
  • In the postal strike aftermath, whom does Mr. Blount intend to punish?
• PUNISHMENT FOR POSTAL STRIKE LEADERS
  • From his interview in U.S. News, it appears that the Postmaster General intends to punish the postal leaders responsible for the strike. Can you indicate to us what the nature of that punishment will be?
• PRESS SUBPOENAS
  • Do you think that Justice Department subpoenas issued for reporters' notebooks showing confidential sources violates freedom of the press and will it continue?
• DEMONSTRATION RESTRICTIONS
  • Do you favor the imposition of new restrictions on demonstrators in front of the White House? Are two week notices and long detailed forms really necessary?
• EXPLORATION OF CAMPUS VIOLENCE
  • There are charges made that the Vice President, like Governor Reagan, is exploiting campus violence for political purposes. Can you comment on that?
• FALL ELECTIONS
  • A week ago, the New York Times had a story about your direct involvement in the selection of Republican senatorial candidates. Do you plan to campaign personally this fall for Republican Senatorial Candidates; or against any particular Democratic Senators, for example, Gore or Yarborough?
• DIRECT POPULAR ELECTIONS
  • Do you still adhere to your support of the Bayh Amendment for direct popular elections?
• EQUAL TIME
  • Do you favor repeal of section 315 of the Communications Act which requires television and radio stations to give equal time to all qualified candidates for President and Vice President. As you know, this section prevents debates between the major Presidential candidates such as you and Senator Kennedy had in 1960.
• TV SPENDING
  • The Senate has passed legislation that would repeal the requirement that networks give equal time to all qualified candidates for President and Vice President and would limit the amount of money candidates could spend on television and radio during campaigns. What is your position on this legislation?
• 18-YEAR-OLD VOTE
  • What is your opinion of the effect on American politics of the 18-year-old vote; and do you favor it?
• ALABAMA AND OHIO CONTESTS
  • Does the White House have any preference or any predictions in the Rhodes-Taft race, or the Wallace-Brewer contest in Alabama.
• WHITE HOUSE BUDGET
  • In a time of budget-cutting and inflation, it has been reported that the White House is requesting almost $200,000 this year, above last year; and much of it last year went for entertainment.
• WHITE HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT TAB
  • Can you tell us if it is true that the Republican National Committee is picking up part of the tab for White House entertainment?
• PRESIDENTIAL STAFF
  • You campaigned on the issue of "economy in government," yet, you have the largest presidential staff in history costing the most money. Will you comment on that?
• GOVERNOR MOORE
  • Is it true that the Internal Revenue Service recommended a tax prosecution against Governor Moore of West Virginia but that the Department of Justice is sitting on the case?
• MRS. MITCHELL
  • Can you tell us how you feel about Mrs. Mitchell's phone calls in the wake of the Carswell defeat and whether or not -- as she was quoted -- you counseled her to "Give 1em hell, Martha" when she came through a receiving line.
• MR. HUTSCHNECKER'S PROPOSAL
  • Can you give us your opinion on Dr. Hutschnecker's proposal for the testing of six-year-olds for criminal tendencies?
• GOVERNOR KIRK/ ATTORNEY GENERAL MITCHELL
  • Governor Kirk said that his telephone conversation with Attorney General Mitchell, in the wake of his violation of a court order, was a "love feast." Do you share that assessment of your Administration's contacts with the Governor during the problems in the Florida School District?
• MR. WOESTENDIEK
  • Do you have any comment on the firing of the husband of Mrs. Mitchell's press secretary from his job at WETA?
• SENATOR MUSKIE
  • Has the RNC and the White House generally conceded Senator Muskie to be the Number 1 political target; and is it true that the word has gone forth to Republican Faithful in the country?
• SENATOR LONG
  • It has been reported that the U. S. Attorney in Baltimore has recommended the prosecution of Senator Long and that the Justice Department is sitting on the case?
• CANADIAN OIL
  • Isn't the action of placing a quota on Canadian oil a move in the direction of keeping oil prices higher in the U.S. ?
• JAWBONING
  • Whether we plan jaw-boning to fight inflation.
• EARTH DAY
  • Can you tell us why there was no White House involvement in the Earth Day activities?
• WOMEN'S RIGHTS TASK FORCE
  • Can you tell us whether the women's rights task force report is going to be released, and whether it will form the basis of legislation?
• VOLUNTARY ACTION PROGRAM
  • One of your major campaign pledges was to establish a national voluntary action program. There has been to date it seems very little action. Can you give us your appraisal of that program at this time?
• DICK BLUMENTHAL
  • Does the departure of Mr. Blumenthal for his six-month tour of duty in the Marine Corps mean he is now out of the running for the job as head of VISTA?
• FLANIGAN CONFLICT OF INTEREST
  • Do you think there is a conflict of interest in the first ship getting a waiver to ply the coastal waters of the U.S. being one formerly owned by Peter Flanigan?
• OFFSHORE OIL LANDS
  • Can you tell us your opinion of the idea broached in the UN that all countries turn their offshore oil lands over to the UN and that the proceeds be divided according to need.
• IRS/LEAKED TAX RETURNS
  • Both a Life Magazine story and a columnist say that IRS officials have leaked tax returns -- the one on Mafia figures in Louisiana and the other on the Wallace Brothers in Alabama. Is this true?
• RUMORS OF TAX EVASION
  • The Wall Street Journal reports increasing numbers of people are failing to file income tax returns, perhaps partly because of anti-war sentiment. Would you comment?
• AIR CONTROLLERS
  • Will the controllers who participated in the "sick out" be punished?
• "HANDS-OFF POLICY"/LABOR DISPUTES
  • Will there be any change in this Administration's "hands-off policy" in labor disputes?
• COLLEGE STUDENT AID
  • Your Higher Education message is addressed to helping all qualified American youth gain a post-high school education. However, the American Council on Education, among others, has taken the position that the plan discriminates against middle-income families, who often have grave financial problems in financing education for their children. Will you comment?
• EVERS HEALTH GRANT
  • Mayor Charles Evers' request for a health grant has reportedly been turned down by HEW. Can you tell us if this was a result of a letter of opposition sent by Mr. Clark Reed?
• CHURCH-COOPER AMENDMENT
  • Do you have any position on the Church-Cooper Amendment to the Military Sales Act, which would in effect deny any funds for operations of U.S. forces into Cambodia?
• CAMBODIA
  • What are these Cambodian operations achieving?
  • Do you have any comment about President Thieu's statement that there is no time limit on South Vietnamese operations in Cambodia and that South Vietnamese forces might go back in again?
  • Does this apply to U.S. advisers and air and logistics support?
  • What is the scope of the operation on the Mekong River and is it consistent with your thirty kilometer limit on operations?
• RECESSION/INFLATION
  • Does the recently announced decline in "real" GNP of 1.6% in the first quarter indicate the economy may be entering a serious recession now that declines have occurred in two successive quarters?
• INFLATION-RECESSION
  • Do recent monetary and fiscal moves mean that the Government has abandoned the fight against inflation and is now fighting recession?
• BUDGET - 1971
  • Do you expect the 1971 budget to be balanced?
• HOUSING
  • Is there any optimism about the housing industry outlook?
• REORGANIZATION PLAN
  • The House Committee on Government Operations has introduced a Resolution which will defeat your plan to reorganize the Executive Office by creating a new Office of Management and Budget and a Domestic Council. What is your reaction?
• BUDGET
  • Do you expect the FY 1971 budget to be balanced?
• KENT STATE
  • What about the Kent State deaths?
• FOOD PRICES
  • What are the prospects for lower food prices in the coming months?
• STOCK MARKET
  • Do you have any comment on the stock market?
• HICKEL LETTER
  • What is your reaction to Secretary Hickel's letter?
• STUDENT DEATHS
  • What was your personal reaction to the death of the four students at Kent State?
• RESIGNATION OF YOUTH LEADER
  • What was your reaction to the resignation of Anthony (Toby) Moffett, head of the Office of Students and Youth?
• CLOSING OF SCHOOLS
  • How do you feel about the closing of colleges, and the action taken in that regard by Governor Reagan?
• REACTION TO PROTEST
  • How long can you afford to withstand this level of protest on campus and in the Senate without modifying your policies?
• SATURDAY DEMONSTRATION
  • How do you feel about the demonstration in Washington tomorrow?
• PROTEST REMARKS
  • Do you regret the "bums" remark?
• UNEMPLOYMENT
  • Figures released today show unemployment has now risen to 4.8%. Are you worried about this, and how much higher it is likely to go?
• 1970 BUDGET DEFICIT
  • Are we going to have a deficit in 1970?
• 1970 BUDGET DEFICIT
  • How large a deficit would that be?
• New York Clash Between Workers and Students
  • A group of construction workers in New York City today attacked a group of student demonstrators, broke some windows at City Hall and called for the ouster of Mayor Lindsay because he had ordered the flags flown at half mast in memory of the Kent State students. What is your comment on this incident?
• DRAFT
  • Will the draft be used as a punitive measure against demonstrators from the colleges?
• DRAFT
  • What will be the draft policy toward seniors in colleges who were scheduled to graduate this spring but are now unable to do so because their schools have been shut down for the rest of the school year?
  • How will other students in these colleges be treated by the draft? How will they be able to prove they are marking satisfactory progress toward their degree so that they may retain their II-S deferments?
  • Is it true that the lottery draft system has run into considerable difficulty and that there have been shortfalls in meeting the monthly draft calls?
• COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
  • Are you going to make a commencement speech this year?
• JULIE'S GRADUATION
  • Will you attend Julie's graduation?
• UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS
  • A group of university presidents asked you yesterday to stop "hostile comments by members of the Administration about campus events and persons." Obviously they meant the Vice President -- will you restrain him?
• SURVEILLANCE
  • Sam Ervin has criticized the surveillance of anti-war protests by Army intelligence. Have you directed this to be stopped? Or what is your view?
• RECESSION
  • Does the recently announced decline in "real" GNP of 1.6% in the first quarter indicate the economy may be entering a serious recession now that declines have occurred in two successive quarters?
• 1970 BUDGET DEFICIT
  • Are we going to have a deficit in 1970?
  • How large a deficit would that be?

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.

• Transcript of diary entry (PDF)
• Handwritten diary entry (JPG)

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

• Text search for May 8, 1970
• Date search for May 8, 1970

All National Archives Units

• Text search for May 8, 1970
• Date search for May 8, 1970

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.

• President's Daily Brief of 08 May 1970

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. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

• 283. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Rogers and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) , Washington, May 8, 1970, 12:55 p.m.

  Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 363, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File. No classification marking.

• 284. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, May 8, 1970, 11:45 a.m.

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–114, WSAG Minutes, Originals, 1969–1970. Secret; Sensitive. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room.

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

Oceans Policy

• 373. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, May 8, 1970

  Kissinger outlined policy alternatives the United States might adopt in international negotiations to determine the extent of national jurisdiction over the continental shelf and the nature of the regime governing seabed use beyond that boundary. Kissinger recommended adopting either the Department of Defense position or the position proposed by Under Secretary of State Richardson.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 382, Subject Files, Seabeds, Volume II, March 1970-December 1970, (2 of 2). Secret. Sent for action. The President initialed his approval of the Richardson position on May 20

Vol. E-10, Documents on American Republics, 1969-1972

Dominican Republic

• 282. Notes From Weekly Meeting of Inter-American Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency, and the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, May 8, 1970. 

  [1 page not declassified]
  
  Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Dominican Republic, 1969–1972. Secret.

Guatemala

• 337. Memorandum for the Record, Washington, May 8, 1970. , Washington, May 8, 1970

  During its regular weekly meeting with the Department of State, CIA indicated concerns over the possibility of U.S. Government help to President-elect Arana to deal with internal security problems, fearing that the new government would indulge in counter-terror.
  
  Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Latin America General, 1969–70. Secret.

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 of many of these transcripts can be found on the Yale University Library website.

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-3482 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-3482-2A-36A, President Nixon holding 10th televised Presidential News Conference. [Also see 306-PSD-70-1342 (&1345) - sunrise at Lincoln Memorial w/related dup. negs.]. 5/8/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon.

Roll WHPO-3483 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-3483-02-29, President Nixon holding 10th televised Presidential News Conference. [Also see 306-PSD-70-1342 (&1345) - sunrise at Lincoln Memorial w/related dup. negs.]. 5/8/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, reporters, unidentified persons.
• Frame(s): WHPO-3483-13, President Nixon clinching his fists as he speaks at the microhone during the 10th televised Presidential News Conference. Reporters stand nearby. 5/8/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, reporters, unidentified persons.
• Frame(s): WHPO-3483-20, President Nixon holding his 10th televised Presidential News Conference. 5/8/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, reporters, unidentified persons.

Roll WHPO-3484 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-3484-03A-26A, President Nixon holding 10th televised Presidential News Conference. [Also see 306-PSD-70-1342 (&1345) - sunrise at Lincoln Memorial w/related dup. negs.]. 5/8/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon.

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-167
  Remarks at Brigham Young University-Provo, Utah. (5/8/1970)
  
  Runtime: 59:00:00
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

H - White House Staff Member Recordings

• WHCA-SR-H-175
  Press briefing by William Watts, Staff Secretary of the National Security Council. (5/8/1970, Family Theater, White House)
  
  Runtime: 30:00:00
  
  Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by KJM (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-H-176
  Press briefing by Gerald Warren and Dr. Hubert Heffner. (5/8/1970, Press Center, White House)
  
  Runtime: 18:00
  
  Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by KLM (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-700503
  Remarks by President Nixon in a press conference. (5/8/1970)
  
  Runtime: 32:05:00
  
  Keywords: Presidential press conferences, presidential news conferences, interviews, media
  
  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-3709
  "Perspective - 'To Live So Long'". Herbert Klein, Director of White House Communications; John Kerry, spokesman for Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Dean Jones, Dr. Christiaan Barnard.
  Daphne Productions and Roland & Jaffee Productions
  Runtime: 00:32:00
• WHCA-3710
  The President's Press Conference & Commentary AND NBC Commentary. Herbert Klein, Director of White House Communications; John Kerry, spokesman for Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Dean Jones, Dr. Christiaan Barnard.
  Daphne Productions and Roland & Jaffee Productions
  Runtime: 0:45
• WHCA-3711
  President Nixon Press Conference & network commentary.
  NBC
  Runtime: 00:59:45
• WHCA-3712
  Weekly News Summary.
  All networks
  Runtime: 00:58:32
  
  12. President Nixon at the Pentagon. Time Code Start: 27:20. Keywords: Presidents, travel, Nixon trips, domestic, United States Department of Defense headquarters, Armed Forces. Network: ABC.
  
  14. President Nixon at the Pentagon. Time Code Start: 29:04. Keywords: Presidents, travel, Nixon trips, domestic, United States Department of Defense headquarters, Armed Forces. Network: ABC.
  
  17. Rather: Commentary on President Nixon's press conference tonight, Vanderbilt University Chancellor Alexander Heard appointed as special campus adviser; President Nixon may meet with protesters tomorrow. Time Code Start: 32:15. Keywords: Presidents, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews, campus unrest, demonstrations, rallys, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war. Network: CBS.
  
  18. Vice President Agnew on the David Frost Show. Time Code Start: 33:26. Keywords: Vice Presidents, television, shows, celebrities, interviews. Network: CBS.
  
  19. Demonstrations and Press Conference. Time Code Start: 34:47. Keywords: demonstrations, rally, protests, protesters, demonstraters, demonstrators, Vietnam War, anti-war, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews. Network: NBC.
  
  20. Vice President Agnew on the David Frost Show. Time Code Start: 36:57. Keywords: Vice Presidents, television, shows, celebrities, interviews. Network: ABC.

• LIFE magazine of May 8, 1970

• New York Times of May 8, 1970

• AP Images photos from May 8, 1970
• Getty Images photos from May 8, 1970

The Vanderbilt Television News Archive is the world's most extensive and complete archive of television news. They have been recording, preserving and providing access to television news broadcasts of the national networks since August 5, 1968.

• May 1970 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• May 8, 1970