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October 4, 1972

Introduction

This almanac page for Wednesday, October 4, 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: Tuesday, October 3, 1972

Next Date: Thursday, October 5, 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.

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

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. VIII, Vietnam, January-October 1972

    The Parties Move Toward Agreement, July 19-October 7, 1972

    • 277. Memorandum of Conversation, Saigon, October 4, 1972, 9 a.m.-12:50 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1018, Alexander M. Haig Special File, Additional Material Vietnam Trip, September 29–October 4, 1972 [1 of 4]. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace. All brackets are in the original.

    • 279. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between President Nixon and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), October 4, 1972, 10:20 a.m.

      Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 253, Geopolitical File, Vietnam, Trips, Haig, Alexander M., October 1972. No classification marking. According to the President’s Daily Diary, Nixon was at Camp David when he placed the call, and Kissinger was in Washington. The call began at 10:21 and ended at 11:05 a.m. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Central Files)

    Vol. XV, Soviet Union, June 1972-August 1974

    Economic Normalization and Soviet Jewish Emigration, September-December 1972

    • 58. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, October 4, 1972

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1026, Presidential/HAK Memcons. Confidential. The meeting took place at the Senate Office Building.

    Vol. XXXII, SALT I, 1969-1972

    The Summit and Congressional Approval of the SALT Agreements, May 19-October 4, 1972

    • 343. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, October 4, 1972

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1026, Presidential/HAK MemCons, MemCon—Kissinger, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, October 4, 1972. Confidential. The conversation took place in a meeting room in a Senate office building.

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

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

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

    The Horn

    • 332. National Intelligence Estimate 75/76–72, Washington, October 4, 1972

      The estimate concluded that the situation in The Horn, an area of chronic tensions and instability, was more favorable than it had been for many years, but much of that was transitory. The stability of governments and policies depended greatly on the quality and strength of rulers, and there was certain to be some turmoil over succession in Ethiopia, the most important country in the Horn

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 361, Subject Files, NIE, Part 3. Secret.

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

    Mexico

    • 484. Briefing Memorandum From Francesco J. Alberti, International Relations Officer, Office of Mexican Affairs, Bureau of Inter-American Affairs to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Crimmins), Washington, October 4, 1972., Washington, October 4, 1972

      International Relations Officer Alberti updated Deputy Assistant Secretary Crimmins on United States-Mexican relations. Among other issues, he highlighted regular Task Force meetings dealing with the Colorado River salinity issue, the first meeting of an Inter-Departmental Special Study Group on Illegal Immigrants From Mexico, Narcotics Developments, economic and labor issues, and an incident involving body search of Foreign Secretary Rabasa’s niece by U.S. Customs officials.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL MEX–US. Limited Official Use. In telegram 3731 from USUN, October 6, the Mission reported that Rabasa had criticized the U.S. border check program for unduly humiliating and treating Mexicans like animals, and asserted that eliminating demand for narcotics was just as important as eliminating the supply. (Ibid., POL 7 MEX) In telegram 3848 from USUN, October 12, the Mission reported that in an October 6 meeting with Rabasa, Rogers “expressed apologies for unwarranted customs examination of Fonsec Rabasa’s niece.” (Ibid.)

    Vol. E-16, Documents on Chile, 1969-1973

    Cool and Correct: The U.S. Response to the Allende Administration, November 5, 1970-December 31, 1972

    • 119. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, October 4, 1972

      Summary: Officers of the Departments of State and Treasury, and the Kennecott Copper Corporation discussed how to obtain compensation for expropriated investments. Government officials noted that the different U.S. agencies were coordinating efforts to press for indemnification and that communication between the companies and the U.S. Government was critical to succeeding in this endeavor.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, INCO–COPPER CHILE. Confidential. Drafted by Karkashian. A copy was sent to Meyer, Feldman, Winder (E/IFD/ODF), Hunt (OPIC), Van Batenburg (Treasury), and Santiago.

  • 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 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-D0603 Photographer: unknown | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0603-, Posed portrait copy photo of President Nixon and Pat Nixon standing in the West Wing Colonnade. 10/4/1972, Washington, D.C. West Wing Colonnade. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0603-[DASH], Posed portrait copy photo of President Nixon and Pat Nixon standing in the West Wing Colonnade. 10/4/1972, Washington, D.C. West Wing Colonnade. President Nixon, Pat Nixon.

    Roll WHPO-D0604 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0604-, Pat Nixon campaigning at various sites. 10/4/1972, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania unidentified indoor and outdoor sites. Pat Nixon, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-D0605 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0605-, Pat Nixon with Mamie Eisenhower at an Arthritis Foundation event. 10/4/1972, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania unidentified building. Pat Nixon, Mamie Eisenhower, unidentified persons.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0605-14, Pat Nixon with former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower at an Arthritis Foundation event. 10/4/1972, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania unidentified building. Pat Nixon, Mamie Eisenhower.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0605-31, Pat Nixon at an Arthritis Foundation event holding two unidentified girls. 10/4/1972, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania unidentified building. Pat Nixon, children, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-D0606 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0606-, Pat Nixon on the dais at the Irish Historical Assn. dinner, receiving a medal. 10/4/1972, New York City, New York unidentified location. Pat Nixon, officials.

    Roll WHPO-D0607 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-D0607-, Pat Nixon in a receiving line and on the dais at the Irish Historical Assn. dinner. 10/4/1972, New York City, New York unidentified location. Pat Nixon, officials.

  • 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-5803
      "The Lou Gordon Show".
      NBC
      Runtime: 00:31:50
    • WHCA-5804
      "A Public Affair: Election '72". "The Jewish Vote"
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 0:30
    • WHCA-5807
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:26:00

      19. Smith/Clark: Welfare reform bill defeated (Secretary Richardson). Time Code Start: 47:59. Keywords: bills, laws, Family Assistance Programs, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance, financial aid, Presidents, vetoes, cabinet, advisors. Network: ABC.

      20. Reasoner/Zimmerman: (Shriver) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Time Code Start: 50:43. Keywords: Vice Presidents, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      21. Reasoner/Gill: Vice President Agnew in South Dakota. Time Code Start: 52:47. Keywords: Vice Presidents, travel, trips, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      22. Smith/Jarriel: President Nixon at Camp David; President Nixon advantage. Time Code Start: 54:52. Keywords: Presidents, travel, trips, Nixon trips, domestic, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.

      23. Smith: Commentary on Lorton Reformatory at Laurel Hill, Virginia. Time Code Start: 57:34. Keywords: prisons, Occoquan Workhouse. Network: ABC.

      24. Chancellor/Duke: Congress and President Nixon argue about welfare. Time Code Start: 59:37. Keywords: Presidents, House of Representatives, arguments, bills, laws, Family Assistance Programs, government aid, financial aid, welfare, financial aid. Network: NBC.

      25. Brinkley: Commentary on welfare. Time Code Start: 62:08. Keywords: bills, laws, Family Assistance Programs, government aid, financial aid, health and welfare assistance, financial aid. Network: NBC.

      26. Chancellor/Jones: (Major Elias), POW comments on his release. Time Code Start: 64:26. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, releases, arrivals, interviews. Network: NBC.

      27. Dancy/Mackin: George McGovern and Vice President Agnew campaigning. Time Code Start: 66:47. Keywords: Vice Presidents, travel, trips, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: NBC.

      28. Oliver: Voter registration in California. Time Code Start: 71:27. Keywords: Vote, voters, voting, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates, primaries, voting, registrations. Network: NBC.

      29. Cronkite: President Nixon commenting on our poverty, Schorr. Time Code Start: 73:32. Keywords: anti-poverty, destitution, lifestyles. Network: CBS.

      30. Serafin: Vice President Agnew commenting on the Vietnam war, campaigning in South Dakota. Time Code Start: 77:00. Keywords: Vietnam War, ceasefires, endings, Vice Presidents, speeches, statements. Network: CBS.

      31. Sevareid: Commentary on subversive activities of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in India. Time Code Start: 79:47. Keywords: national security, intelligence gathering, covert activities, spying, espionage, East India, Asia. Network: CBS.

      32. Cronkite/Schieffer: McGovern in Niagra, New York; some of his comments. Time Code Start: 82:21. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)