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November 21, 1972

Introduction

This almanac page for Tuesday, November 21, 1972, 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: Monday, November 20, 1972

Next Date: Wednesday, November 22, 1972

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 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.

    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.

Archival Holdings

  • 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.

  • 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. V, United Nations, 1969-1972

    UN Finances and Reduction of the U.S. Assessment

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Indonesia

    Vol. XXIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1969-1972

    Proximity Talks and the Backchannel: Separate Department of State and White House Negotiating Tricks

    Vol. XLII, Vietnam: The Kissinger-Le Duc Tho Negotiations

    Breakdown of Negotiations, November 1972-December 1972

    • 27. Memorandum of Conversation, Paris, November 21, 1972, 3:02-7:26 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 858, For the President’s Files (Winston Lord)—China Trip/Vietnam Negotiations, Sensitive, Camp David, Vol. XXI, Minutes of Meetings. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The meeting took place at 108 Avenue du Général Leclerc in Gif-sur-Yvette. All brackets are in the original. The tabs are attached but not printed.

      Le Duc Tho made the following report to the Politburo:

      “We criticized Kissinger’s suggested changes to the Agreement and raised four matters of principle:

      “+The Agreement must include the name of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam along with the names of the other governments participating in the agreement.

      “+The areas controlled by the two sides must be clearly delineated.

      “+No withdrawal of North Vietnamese troops.

      “+Article IV must mention the South Vietnamese people’s right to determine their own future.” (Message from Le Duc Tho and Xuan Thuy to the Politburo, 21 November 1972, in Doan Duc, et al., compilers, Major Events: The Diplomatic Struggle and International Activities during the Resistance War Against the Americans to Save the Nation, 1954–1975, volume 4, p. 350)

      On November 22, Kissinger reported to the President, describing the North Vietnamese response to the 69 proposed changes as follows:

      “—They accepted a few changes which were slanted primarily in the direction of preserving U.S. prestige or adopting technical improvements.

      “—They demonstrated absolutely no substantive give and in fact drastically hardened their position on the political conditions, the problem of political prisoners, and the presence of U.S. civilian personnel in South Vietnam following the 60-day withdrawal period.

      “—In several important areas they returned to former (pre-October 8) negotiating positions.”

      Kissinger continued:

      “It is patently clear that in typical Communist fashion they have hardened their position in order to neutralize the many changes we have asked of them. It is now apparent that we have some very difficult negotiations ahead of us which will probably keep us here for the remainder of the week.” He continued: “During tomorrow’s session we will attempt to reduce the now-serious areas of difference and focus more clearly on the more crucial changes which we must have. The task ahead is a considerable one but it is still obvious that the North Vietnamese do want a settlement. One of the main difficulties now will be to convince Saigon of the urgent necessity of dropping their petty demands and the need to focus on the few really critical issues.” (Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. IX, Vietnam, October 1972–January 1973, Document 116)

    Vol. E-4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969-1972

    Iran 1972

    Vol. E-13, Documents on China, 1969-1972

    • 66. Memorandum for the Record, Washington, November 21, 1971, Washington, November 21, 1972

      NSC staff member Winston Lord recounted that President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger had instructed him to telephone Chinese Ambassador Huang Hua in order to communicate a message from Kissinger. Lord also indicated that NSC staff member Commander Jonathan Howe would directly communicate the message on November 22.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 849, President’s File-China Trip, China Exchanges, Oct 20, 1971-Dec 31, 1971. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Drafted by Lord on November 22. Huang Hua was staying at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York.

  • 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

  • Visit the White House Tapes finding aid to learn about the taping system's operation and archival processing.

    Camp David Hard Wire

    Camp David Study Desk

    Camp David Study Table

  • 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-D1004 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1004-, Copy of a cartoon depicting President Nixon in a baseball uniform. 11/21/1972, Washington, D.C. unknown.

    Roll WHPO-D1005 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1005-, Deputy Special Assistant John Nidecker receiving the live Thanksgiving turkey and two frozen turkeys from an unidentified group. 11/21/1972, Washington, D.C. Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, White House. John E. Nidecker, unidentified men and woman.

    Roll WHPO-D1006 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1006-, Deputy Special Assistant John Nidecker receiving the live Thanksgiving turkey and two frozen turkeys from an unidentified group. 11/21/1972, Washington, D.C. Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, White House. John E. Nidecker, unidentified men and woman.

    Roll WHPO-D1007 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1007-03-11, Unidentified Presidential staff members indoors and outside of cabin lodges at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland unidentified rooms, grounds. unidentified staff members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1007-12-14, Herb Stein seated alone at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den, unidentified room, grounds. Herb Stein.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1007-14-18, Herb Stein seated at a Camp David conference table during a meeting with George Shultz and John Ehrlichman. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den, unidentified room, grounds. President Nixon, Herb Stein, Shultz, Ehrlichman, Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1007-20-21, H.R. Haldeman riding in a golf cart on the grounds of Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den, unidentified room, grounds. Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1007-21-25, George Shultz and Herb Stein entering Aspen Lodge at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den, unidentified room, grounds. President Nixon, Herb Stein, Shultz, Ehrlichman, Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1007-26-28, George Shultz and Herb Stein with President Nixon at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den, unidentified room, grounds. President Nixon, Herb Stein, Shultz.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1007-29-32, President Nixon with H.R. Haldeman at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den, unidentified room, grounds. President Nixon, Haldeman.

    Roll WHPO-D1008 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-03-04, H.R. Haldeman talking on the telephone while seated in a plaid upholstered chair at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. H.R. Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-05-06, Unidentified man (possibly Dwight Chapin) working on paperwork at Camp David while sitting alone at a desk. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. Possibly Dwight Chapin.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-07-08, Herb Stein seated alone on a couch looking at paperwork laid out on a coffee table at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. Herb Stein.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-09, John Ehrlichman and Herb Stein seated at a conference table during a meeting at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland conference room, Aspen Lodge. Herb Stein, John Ehrlichman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-10-13, 15, John Ehrlichman, Herb Stein and George Shultz seated at a conference table during a meeting at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland conference room, Aspen Lodge. Herb Stein, George Shultz, John Ehrlichman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-14, Herb Stein and George Shultz seated at a conference table during a meeting at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland conference room, Aspen Lodge Den. Herb Stein, George Shultz.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-16, Herb Stein seated at a conference table during a meeting at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland conference room, Aspen Lodge. Herb Stein.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-17-18, Unidentified man (possibly Dwight Chapin or President Nixon) seen in silhouette standing in a dark messy kitchen area, while speaking on a telephone. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Kitchen, Aspen Lodge. unidentified man.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-19-21, President Nixon and Herb Klein seated in a living room area, while H.R. Haldeman stands by the window at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland living room, Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, Herb Klein.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-22-24, President Nixon seated in a living room area upholstered chair at Camp David, seen from behind. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland living room, Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-25, 28, President Nixon, John Ehrlichman and Governor Nelson Rockefeller seated in a living room area at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland living room, Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, Nelson Rockefeller.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1008-26-27, President Nixon and Governor Nelson Rockefeller seated in a living room area at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland living room, Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Nelson Rockefeller.

    Roll WHPO-D1009 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1009-03-12, President Nixon at Camp David standing in the living room speaking with HR Haldeman, Herb Klein, Gov. Rockefeller Ehrlichman. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Herb Klein, H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Nelson Rockefeller.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1009-12, H.R. Haldeman standing while speaking to President Nixon, seated in the living room and seen from behind, while holding a brief conference between reorganization meetings. Scene is viewed from outside a window looking in. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1009-12A, H.R. Haldeman standing while speaking to President Nixon, seated in the living room and seen from behind, while holding a brief conference between reorganization meetings. Scene is viewed from outside a window looking in. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1009-18A, John Ehrlichman standing to speak with Governor Nelson Rockefeller in a living room area at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. John Ehrlichman, Nelson Rockefeller.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1009-22A, President Nixon standing to speak with Governor Nelson Rockefeller and John Ehrlichman in the Aspen Lodge living room at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, Gov. Nelson Rockefeller.

    Roll WHPO-D1010 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1010-02, Unidentified man seated at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland kitchenette. unidentified man.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1010-04-06, President Nixon seated informally at Camp David during a meeting with Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton and John Ehrlichman. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Rogers Morton, Ehrlichman.

    Roll WHPO-D1011 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1011-04, President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman and James Schlesinger seated informally during a meeting in the Aspen Lodge living room at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, James Schlesinger.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1011-05, President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman and James Schlesinger seated informally during a meeting in the Aspen Lodge living room at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, James Schlesinger.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1011-06-07, President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and James Schlesinger standing in a living room area and talking at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, James Schlesinger.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1011-08-10, President Nixon and William Casey seated during a meeting in a living room area at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, William Casey.

    Roll WHPO-D1012 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1012-03, H.R. Haldeman and Rogers Morton standing in the Aspen Lodge at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. H. R. Haldeman, Rogers Morton, Maj. John V. Brennan (AKA) Jack Brennan.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1012-04-09, President Nixon greeting and seated with Deputy Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rush. President Nixon informs Kenneth Rush that he will soon replace William Rogers as Secretary of State. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Kenneth Rush, Maj. John V. Brennan (AKA) Jack Brennan.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1012-10-11, President Nixon visits with Comedian Bob Hope, both seen standing to look out the window from the Aspen Lodge living room at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Bob Hope.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1012-10A, President Nixon and Bob Hope, both seen standing to look out the window from the Aspen Lodge living room at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Bob Hope.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1012-12-14, President Nixon visits with Comedian Bob Hope in the Aspen Lodge living room at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Bob Hope.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D1012-13A, President Nixon seated informall during a visit with Bob Hope in the Aspen Lodge living room at Camp David. 11/21/1972, Camp David, Maryland Aspen Lodge Den. President Nixon, Bob Hope.

  • 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.

    L - White House Press Office Briefings

    • WHCA-SR-L-065
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler. (11/21/1972, Camp David)

      Runtime: 27:00:00

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

      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-5931
      Weekly News Summary, Tape I.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 1:30

      19. Rolfson: Kissinger and the peace talks. Time Code Start: 58:04. Keywords: Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: ABC.

      20. Reasoner/Farmer: SALT talks are on again [Strategic Arms Limitation Talks]. Time Code Start: 60:12. Keywords: SALT, S.A.L.T., Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, Russia, Soviet Union, USSR, Cold War, détente. Network: ABC.

      21. Reasoner: Commentary on establishing new high speed commuter trains. Time Code Start: 63:19. Keywords: mass transportation, railways, railroads, commuter trains, railroads, trains, rail travel, mass transit, transportation, commuters, commuting. Network: ABC.

      22. Chancellor/Dobyns: Kissinger in Paris. Time Code Start: 65:22. Keywords: Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations, government, officials, travel, trips. Network: NBC.

      23. Nessen: More on the aftermath of the invasion in Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Time Code Start: 69:22. Keywords: American Indians, Native Americans, tribes, American Indian Movement, occupations, government agencies. Network: NBC.

      24. Chancellor/Paxton: SALT talks [Strategic Arms Limitation Talks]. Time Code Start: 71:32. Keywords: SALT, S.A.L.T., Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, Russia, Soviet Union, USSR, Cold War, détente. Network: NBC.

      25. Chancellor: Senator Proxmire running around his state. Time Code Start: 73:40. Keywords: Senators, travel, trips. Network: NBC.

      26. Mudd/Kalisher: Peace talks in Paris. Time Code Start: 76:25. Keywords: Paris Peace Talks, Vietnam War, treaty, treaties, negotiations. Network: CBS.

      27. Mudd/Kalb: State department comment on Vietnam. Time Code Start: 78:12. Keywords: Vietnam War. Network: CBS.

      28. Sevareid: Commentary on world peace. Time Code Start: 79:23. Keywords: wars, truces, treaty, treaties, ceasefires. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)