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October 20, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Monday, October 20, 1969, 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, October 19, 1969

Next Date: Tuesday, October 21, 1969

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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    News Conferences

    • Judge Haynsworth's Nomination to the Supreme Court (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1442, October 20, 1969)
      The President's Remarks at an Informal Meeting With Members of the White House Press Corps, on the Nomination of Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr., as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

    Proclamations

    Acts Approved by the President

    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.

    • Dr. Kofi A. Busia, Prime Minister of Ghana, met with the President at the White House.
    • The President met with Republican State Chairmen in the Blue Room at the White House.

    Nominations Submitted to the Senate

    Does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of Foreign Service Officers.

    • WESLEY L. HJORNEVIK, of Texas, to be Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity.
    • The following-named officer under the provisions of title 10, United States Code, section 3066, to be assigned to a position of importance and responsibility designated by the President under subsection (a) of section 3066, in grade as follows: To be General: LT. GEN. LEWIS BLAINE HERSHEY, 579-52-4352, Army of the United States.

  • 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.

    No Federal Register published on this date

  • The Congressional Record is the official daily record of the debates and proceedings of the U.S. Congress.

  • Argued

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.

    President's Personal File

    The President's Personal File is essentially a President's secretary's file, kept by Rose Mary Woods, personal secretary to the President, for two purposes: (1) preserving for posterity a collection of documents particularly close to the President, whether because he dictated or annotated them, or because of the importance of the correspondent or the event concerned and (2) giving appropriate attention–letters of gratitude, invitations to White House social events, and the like–to members and important friends and supporters of the Nixon administration. This generalization does not describe all the varied materials of a file group which is essentially a miscellany, but it does identify the reason for the existence of the file group's core. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

  • 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)
      Monday, October 20.

      Haynsworth press meeting. President stayed at Residence till late, then had all the press into Oval Office for briefing on Haynsworth. Ehrlichman says it went very well. President had, as always, really done his homework, and was on the offensive all the way.

      Then had Prime Minister of Ghana, the GOP State Chairmen, and some odds and ends. Then a session with Ehrlichman and me regarding schedule for next few weeks. Pushing for plenty of time to work on speeches - wants afternoons and weekends clear, and will try to come in late in the mornings, although he's got meetings Wednesday and Thursday. Decided to do two night political rallies in Virginia and New Jersey, and OK'd basically normal routine in mornings - looking at our game plan for news development.

      Met Dobrynin for about an hour this afternoon. Kissinger said afterwards he had the guts of a riverboat gambler. Had played it very cold with Dobrynin – giving him one back for each he dished out. Said he could understand Soviet view on Vietnam and Middle East – that they could gain by waiting us out – but they must also understand our view – and especially the fact that he will be President for three more years no matter what. Kissinger felt Dobrynin was really impressed, took copious notes – but Kissinger was, I think, disappointed that Dobrynin had not come in with something specific. Kissinger had had his hopes way up regarding real possibilities of a breakthrough. He still hopes – but less optimistically.

      Another long end of the day session with President. He reviewed the Haynsworth situation, the Moratorium, campaign plan, and the new plan to stay out of PR detail. Clear that he believes we really dropped the ball and lost momentum after moon landing, Asia, Bucharest, etc. Partly due to California stay, but more just to lack of staff follow through. He is basically right. This has motivated his super overreaction to all phases of PR for last month and a half. Says now he'll lay off and leave it to us. Hope he does. But the shot in the arm was needed, and has been productive in terms of good solid planning and follow through.
    • 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

    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. I, Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    Vol. IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969-1972

    Coordinating Committee on Export Controls, 1969-1972

    Vol. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vol. XII, Soviet Union, January 1969-October 1970

    Establishment of the Kissinger-Dobrynin Channel; Dialogue on the Middle East; and the Sino-Soviet Dispute, April 23-December 10, 1969

    • 93. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, October 20, 1969, 3:30 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/Kissinger, 1969, Part 1. Top Secret; Sensitive; Nodis. The conversation was held in the Oval Office of the White House. On October 17, at 4:40 p.m., Dobrynin called Kissinger to arrange a meeting to deliver to Nixon a message from Moscow regarding SALT and U.S.-Soviet relations. According to a transcript of their conversation, “K asked if Dobrynin had requested this [meeting] through the State Department. D said no, he has spoken only to K. K said then he would keep it that way.” (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 360, Telephone Records, 1969–1972, Chronological File) On October 18, Kissinger sent Nixon summary talking points in which he stressed that “Your basic purpose will be to keep the Soviets concerned about what we might do around November 1. You should also make clear that, whether or not they agree to SALT, unless there is real progress in Vietnam, US-Soviet relations will continue to be adversely affected.” The summary talking points and longer attached briefing paper are in the National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/Kissinger, 1969, Part 1.

    • 94. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between President Nixon and his Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) , Washington, October 20, 1969, 08:25 p.m.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 360, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File. No classification marking.

    Vol. XIX, Part 2, Japan, 1969-1972

    January-November 1969: The Decision for Okinawa Reversion

    Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972

    Thailand

    Philippines

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    Preparations for SALT, January 27-November 12, 1969

    • 35. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, October 20, 1969, 3:30 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/Kissinger, 1969 [Part 1]. Top Secret; Sensitive;Nodis. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. On October 17 at 4:40 p.m. Dobrynin called Kissinger to arrange a meeting to deliver a message to Nixon from the Soviet leadership regarding SALT and U.S.-Soviet relations. According to a transcript of their conversation, “K[issinger] asked if Dobrynin had requested this [meeting] through the State Department. D[obrynin] said no, he has spoken only to K.K said then he would keep it that way.” (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 360, Telephone Conversations, Chronological File) The full text of this conversation and the attached message from the Soviet leadership are printed in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XII, Soviet Union, January 1969–October 1970, Document 93.

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    The Joint Chiefs of Staff Readiness Test

    • 85. Memorandum of Conversation , Washington, October 20, 1969, 3:30 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 489, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin–Kissinger, 1969 [Part 1]. Top Secret; Sensitive; Nodis. Drafted by Kissinger. The meeting took place in the Oval Office. The full memorandum of conversation is published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XII, Soviet Union, January 1969–October 1970, Document 93. See also ibid., volume VI, Vietnam, January 1969–July 1970, Document 139.

    • 87. Memorandum From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Wheeler) to Secretary of Defense Laird, Washington, October 20, 1969

      Source: National Archives, RG 218, Records of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Records of the Chairman, General Wheeler, Box 111, 381, World-Wide Increased Readiness Posture (Oct. 69). Top Secret.

    Vol. XL, Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Germany and Berlin, 1969-1972

    Vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969-1972

    France

    • 132. Response to National Security Study Memorandum 47 , Washington, October 20, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–147, National Security Study Memoranda, NSSM 47. Secret. NSSM 47 is Document 123.

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

    U.S. Policy Towards International Production and Trafficking in Illegal Drugs

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

    Iran 1969

    Vol. E-5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969-1972

    The Horn

    • 278. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, October 20, 1969

      Kissinger informed the President that, according to intelligence, an army takeover in Somalia was not likely but there might be some tribal fighting. All leading candidates to succeed assassinated Somali President Shermarke were pro-Western.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box TS 64, Memoranda to the President, October 1969. Top Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information.

    Vol. E-5, Part 2, Documents on North Africa, 1969-1972

    Algeria

    • 17. Memorandum of Conversation , New York, October 20, 1969

      U.S. representatives met with the Head of the Algerian Delegation to the UN to discuss a rapprochement between Washington and Algiers. Specifically, the group discussed the three key impediments to the U.S.-Algerian relationship—the U.S. war in Vietnam, Algeria’s role in the Maghreb, and the protection of the Palestinians in the Middle East.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–1969, POL ALG-US. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Bray. The conversation took place in New York City. In telegram 2288 from Algiers, December 29, the Interests Section recorded a similar conversation with an advisor to President Boumediene, who noted that Algeria “needs ‘opportune moment’ for renewal [of relations.] Although US is on right track in Vietnam, progress is too slow to provide right occasion. Some step on Middle East issue would be more appropriate.” (Ibid.)

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

    American Republics Regional

    • 16. National Security Decision Memorandum 28, Washington, October 20, 1969. , Washington, October 20, 1969

      The President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs, Henry Kissinger, informed Secretary of State William Rogers and AID Administrator Hannah that the President had decided to untie all AID procurement loans to Latin America.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–211, NSDM Files, NSDM 28. Confidential. A copy was sent to the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce, and the Director of the Bureau of the Budget. For the text of Nixon’s October 31 speech see Public Papers: Nixon, 1969, pp. 893–901. The October 15 NSC meeting is published as Document 14. In an October 17 memorandum to the President, Hannah advocated Nixon only untie U.S. assistance used to acquire local currencies for financing local costs of development programs in Latin America. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 193, Agency Files, AID, January 1969–December 1969, Vol. 1)

  • The Kissinger telephone conversation transcripts consist of approximately 20,000 pages of transcripts of Kissinger’s telephone conversations during his tenure as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (1969-1974) and Secretary of State (1973-1974) during the administration of President Richard Nixon. Visit the finding aid for more information.

    Digitized versions can be found in the National Archives Catalog.

Audiovisual Holdings

  • The White House Photo Office collection consists of photographic coverage of President Richard Nixon meeting with prominent social, political, and cultural personalities; speaking engagements and news conferences of the President and various high-ranking members of the White House staff and Cabinet; Presidential domestic and foreign travel, including Presidential vacations; social events and entertainment involving the First Family, including entertainers present; official portraits of the President, First Family, and high-ranking members of the Nixon administration; the 1969 and 1973 Inaugurals; the President’s 1972 Presidential election campaign appearances (including speeches) and other official activities of the White House staff and the President’s Cabinet from January 20, 1969 until August 9, 1974 at the White House and the Old Executive Office Building; other locations in Washington, DC, such as The Mall; and the Presidential retreats in Camp David, Maryland, Key Biscayne, Florida, and San Clemente, California. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

    Roll WHPO-2205 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2205-01-33, President Nixon, with Rogers Morton and James Allison, greeting individually the Republican State Chairmen. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Rogers Morton, James Allison, Republican State Chairmen.

    Roll WHPO-2206 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2206-03-08, President Nixon and the Republican State Chairmen. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Republican State Chairmen.

    Roll WHPO-2207 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2207-01A-28A, President Nixon, Rogers Morton, James Allison, and Republican State Chairmen individually and in a group setting. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Rogers Morton, James Allison, Republican State Chairmen.

    Roll WHPO-2208 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2208-02A-08A, President Nixon sitting informally during a meeting with Kofi A. Busia, Prime Minister of Ghana, and Ghanaian officials. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Kofi A. Busia, Ghanaian officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2208-07A, President Nixon sitting informally during a meeting with Kofi A. Busia, Prime Minister of Ghana, and Ghanaian officials. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Kofi A. Busia, Ghanaian officials.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2208-09A-32A, President Nixon with Rogers Morton and James Allison. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Rogers Morton, James Allison.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2208-17A-21A, No negatives - contact sheet only., President Nixon with Rogers Morton and James Allison. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Rogers Morton, James Allison.

    Roll WHPO-2209 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2209-04-10, President Nixon sitting informally with Kofi A. Busia, Prime Minister of Ghana. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Kofi A. Busia, Ghanaian official.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2209-11-12, President Nixon standing with Rogers Morton, James Allison, and a Republican State Chairman. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Rogers Morton, James Allison, unidentified men.

    Roll WHPO-2210 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2210-01A-26A, Judy Agnew visiting the Japanese Embassy. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. Embassy of Japan. Judy Agnew, unidentified women.

    Roll WHPO-2211 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2211-02A-03A, 10A-11A, President Nixon and Graham Martin, Ambassador to Italy, walking in the Rose Garden. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, Graham Martin.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2211-04A-09A, President Nixon and Graham Martin, Ambassador to Italy, sitting in the Rose Garden. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, Graham Martin.

    Roll WHPO-2212 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-2212-02A-04A, President Nixon and Graham Martin, Ambassador to Italy, walking in the Rose Garden. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, Graham Martin.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-2212-05A-12A, President Nixon and Graham Martin, Ambassador to Italy, sitting in the Rose Garden. 10/20/1969, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. President Nixon, Graham Martin.

  • 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-3474
      Weekly News Summary.
      All networks
      Runtime: 0:30

      1. Vice President Agnew on Moratorium (Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 00:40. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      2. Cronkite/Rather: Supreme Court nominee Clement Haynsworth; President Nixon says won't take him off list, vicious character assassination and guilty by association of worst kind. President praises Judge. Time Code Start: 00:62. Keywords: law officials, judges, justices, courts, trials, investigations, nominees, Presidents, speeches, rebuttals. Network: CBS.

      3. Vice President Agnew on Moratorium (Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 00:93. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: CBS.

      4. Vice President Agnew on Moratorium (Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam). Time Code Start: 01:05. Keywords: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam, Vietnam War, demonstrations, rally, protesters, demonstraters, students, anti-war. Network: NBC.

      5. Jarriel: Supreme Court nominee Clement Haynsworth; President Nixon says won't take him off list, vicious character assassination and guilty by association of worst kind. President praises Judge. Time Code Start: 01:47. Keywords: law officials, judges, justices, courts, trials, investigations, nominees. Network: ABC.

Context (External Sources)