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October 20, 1973

Introduction

This almanac page for Saturday, October 20, 1973, 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: Friday, October 19, 1973

Next Date: Sunday, October 21, 1973

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.

    No Federal Register published on this date

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 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. XV, Soviet Union, June 1972-August 1974

    The October Arab-Israeli War and Kissinger's Trip to Moscow, July 1973-January 1974

    • 142. Memorandum of Conversation, Moscow, October 20, 1973, 9:15-11:30 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 76, Country Files—Europe—USSR, Kissinger Trip to Moscow, Tel Aviv, & London, October 20–22, 1973. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The meeting was held in Brezhnev’s office in the Kremlin. Brezhnev requested that the President send Kissinger to Moscow “in an urgent manner” in a note to Nixon that Dobrynin read to Kissinger on the telephone on October 19. Nixon agreed later that day. See Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XXV, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973, Documents 209 and 210.

    Vol. XXV, Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973

    Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973

    Vol. E-6, Documents on Africa, 1973-1976

    Uganda

    • 248. Telegram 208637 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Uganda, Washington, October 20, 1973, 1838Z

      The Department reviewed AF/E Director Wendell Coote’s meeting with Ugandan officials in New York. Coote said that he could not dismiss General Amin’s recent threats to U.S. citizens, and although the United States did not intend to break relations with Uganda, it did plan to reduce Embassy staff in Kampala.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Policy Files, 1973. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Dar Es Salaam, Kinshasa, London, and USUN. Drafted and approved by Coote.

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

    Indian Ocean Region

    • 63. Telegram 208625 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Sri Lanka, Washington, October 20, 1973, 1804Z

      The Department of State informed Ambassador Kanakaratne of a 20,000 ton PL–480 wheat flour allocation for Sri Lanka. The Department emphasized that the aid resulted from the “high premium” the United States placed on friendly relations with Sri Lanka.

      Source: National Archives, RG 84, Colombo Embassy Files: Lot 77 F 54, Aid 1973. Confidential; Niact; Immediate

    Vol. E-14, Part 1, Documents on the United Nations, 1973-1976

    Population Policy

    • 109. Telegram 12233 From the Embassy in India to the Department of State, October 20, 1973, 0705Z., October 20, 1973, 0705Z

      Moynihan offered observations about population policy in India, population control more generally, and détente with the Soviet Union.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Dacca, Islamabad, and Colombo. Telegram 209070 to London forwarded this message to Claxton, who was attending a meeting in London. Telegram 12555 from London forwarded this message to key NSC and Department of State officials (both 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-E1685 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1685-, Pat Nixon at Beutification Awards. 10/20/1973, Washington DC White House, East Room.

    Roll WHPO-E1686 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1686-04A-13A, Pat Nixon leading a group of young people and children on a White House grounds and garden tour past a photo exhibit set up on the lawn. 10/20/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. Pat Nixon, unidentified youth tour group.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1686-09A, Pat Nixon hugs two young children while standing near a photo exhibit set up on the lawn after leading a group of young people on a tour of the White House grounds and garden. 10/20/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. Pat Nixon, unidentified youth tour group.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1686-14A-17A, Pat Nixon leading a group of young people and children on a White House grounds and garden tour. 10/20/1973, Washington, D.C. White House, Rose Garden. Pat Nixon, unidentified youth tour group.

    Roll WHPO-E1687 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1687-03A-37A, Pat Nixon and Mayor Walter E. Washington of Washington, D. C., presenting the Washington Beautification Awards. 10/20/1973, Washington D.C. White House, East Room. Pat Nixon, Walter E. Washington, unidentified award recipients adults and children.

    Roll WHPO-E1688 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1688-, Pat Nixon at Beautification Awards. 10/20/1973, Washington DC White House, East Room.

  • 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.

    C - First Lady

    • WHCA-SR-C-150
      First Lady photo opportunity at an Autumnal Garden Tour of White House grounds. (10/20/1973, Rose Garden, The White House)

      Runtime: none listed

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by CBW (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
    • WHCA-SR-C-151
      First Lady pesentation of the Washington D.C. Beautification Awards, in the East Room with Mayor Walter Washington and Amanda MacKenzie. (10/20/1973, East Room, The White House)

      Runtime: 1:45

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by RES (initials of WHCA engineer)

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

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

    • WHCA-SR-S-343
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler. (10/20/1973, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 0:07:16

      Keywords: Press conference, news conferences, interviews, media, statements, press secretary, briefings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals, Saturday Night Massacre, law

      Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by RMM (initials of WHCA engineer)

      Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original. Technical notes: 1 hour, 31 minutes and 16 seconds of silence at end of recording removed from access copies.

  • 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-6597
      Report: President Nixon agrees to release the Watergate tapes; Report: The firing of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox. The "Saturday Night Massacre".
      Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc.
      Runtime: 00:02:43
    • WHCA-6598
      Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox News Conference. The "Saturday Night Massacre". FTN: Senator Clark; "MTP": General Moshe Dayan.
      CBS, NBC
      Runtime: 01:05:56
    • WHCA-6599
      Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox News Conference, Tape I. The "Saturday Night Massacre".
      CBS
      Runtime: 01:06:04
    • WHCA-6600
      Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox News Conference, Tape II. The "Saturday Night Massacre".
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 00:35:11
    • WHCA-6601
      "Agronsky & Company" H. Sidey, E. Drew, George Will, Carl Rowan, Peter Lisagor. Senate Watergate Committee, possible dismissal of Archibald Cox, possible resignation of Elliot Richardson, Watergate Tapes, President Nixon's plan to provide "summaries" of White House Tapes audio recordings with Hugh Sidey (Time Magazine), Elizabeth Dre
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:06:05
    • WHCA-6602
      Special on the firing of Special Prosecutor Archibal Cox. "The Saturday Night Massacre".
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:29:54
    • WHCA-6603
      Firing of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox and "The Saturday Night Massacre". "The Saturday Night Massacre"
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 00:29:06
    • WHCA-6604
      "The David Susskind Show" with Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy. Chappaquiddick and Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy Martha Mitchell (guest host); Helen Gahagan Douglas, Richard Balzer (photographer), Jack R. Coleman (author), Ron Kovic (American Veteran Movement), Karl Wallenda (high wire artist).
      Metromedia
      Runtime: 01:31:35
    • WHCA-6611
      Weekly News Summary, Tape IV.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 00:59:23

      1. Brokaw/Stern: White House tapes and Archibald Cox news conference (Richardson) White House statement. Time Code Start: 01:30. Keywords: law officials, attorneys, lawyers, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      2. Brokaw/McCormick: White House tapes and Senator Stennis has been chosen to listen to them. Time Code Start: 08:20. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      3. Brokaw/Goralski: Watergate committees and reaction to tapes compromise; Senator Ervin interview. Time Code Start: 11:15. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      4. Brokaw/Montgomery/Valeriani: Secretary of State Kissinger in Moscow for meeting on the Middle East war. Time Code Start: 13:15. Keywords: Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War, October War, 1973 Arab–Israeli War, Egypt, Syria, Israel, Middle East, Mideast, cabinet, advisors, travel, trips, Russia, Soviet Union, USSR. Network: NBC.

      5. Rather/Graham: White House tapes with Archibald Cox. Time Code Start: 15:54. 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.

      6. Rather/Schorr: Elliot Richardson, Senators Ervin, Stennis and Weicker's reaction to President Nixon's plan for the tapes. Time Code Start: 22:10. 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.

      7. Rather/Fromson/Kalb: Secretary of State Kissinger travels to Moscow. Time Code Start: 26:39. Keywords: cabinet, advisors, travel trips, Russia, Soviet Union, USSR. Network: CBS.

      8. Rather/Quint/Sheham/Kalischer: Middle East battle reports. Time Code Start: 28:52. Keywords: Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War, October War, 1973 Arab–Israeli War, Egypt, Syria, Israel, Middle East, Mideast. Network: CBS.

      9. Rather: Saudi Arabia cuts oil exports to U.S. as long as Israeli aid continues. Time Code Start: 35:15. Keywords: Saudi Arabian, Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War, October War, 1973 Arab–Israeli War, Egypt, Syria, Israel, Middle East, Mideast, weapons, aid, embargo, petroleum, drilling, oil supply, oil supplies, imports, exports. Network: CBS.

      10. Rather: President Nixon rumors he may discharge Archibald Cox. Time Code Start: 35:51. Keywords: law officials, firings, courts, trials, investigations, prosecutions, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, Watergate, hearings, burglary, impeachment, resignations, recordings. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)