September 13, 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.

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 White House released the interim report of the President's Commission for the Observance of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (13 pp., processed).

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

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.

• Annotated News Summaries, Box 29, News Summaries - September 1970 [During this period, the Staff Secretary only removed pages from the News Summaries which contained President Nixon's handwriting, often leaving the document with no date. Although there are no specific documents with this date, you should also consult the full folder for the month.]
• President's Daily Schedule, Box 100, [President's Daily Schedule, Sept.-Oct. 1970] [1 of 3]
  • The President's Schedule, Sunday - September 13, 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.

DOMESTIC POLICY BRIEFING BOOK September 13, 1970 (Annotated)

Citation: DOMESTIC POLICY BRIEFING BOOK September 13, 1970; box 2; 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 folder for other briefing materials not in the form of prepared questions and answers.

• THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • There have been reports of strains between you and the Vice President -- stemming from wire reports and also from your comment that it is "too early" to say if the Vice President will be on the ticket in 1972. Any comment on this?
• POLITICAL ATTACKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
  • Do you generally approve of the Vice President's political attacks on the "Radical Liberals" of both parties? Do you think this is consistent with your counsel to "lower our voices" and your commitment to "bring us together."
• VICE PRESIDENT'S CAMPAIGN TRAVEL COSTS
  • Is the Republican National Committee paying the costs of the Vice President's campaign travels? Are the White House aides traveling with the Vice President still on the Federal payroll?
• THE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE MEDIA
  • Do you feel the Vice President has intimidated the media as has been charged, repeatedly, by Senator McGovern, among others?
• MOOD OF VOTERS
  • How would you judge the mood of the voters this fall -- in light of the reports of apathy, and how do you think Republicans will do?
• ELECTION PREDICTIONS
  • Any predictions on the outcome of the Congressional elections?
• GOODELL
  • Does the Administration endorse the candidacy of Charles Goodell, the Republican candidate for Senate from New York?
• REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE IN VIRGINIA
  • Are you going to endorse or work for the Republican candidate in Virginia?
• JUDGE CARSWELL
  • Does Judge Carswell's defeat in the Florida primary reflect poorly on his nomination to the Court?
• SHIFT OF DEMOCRATS
  • Do you have any thoughts on the sudden shift by the Democrats to a strong "law and order" position?
• SCAMMON-WATTENBURG
  • Have you read the Scammon-Wattenburg book? Are you following the strategy outlined?
• CIVIL RIGHTS RECORD
  • Whitney Young has termed your Administration's civil rights record as "indecisive" and "flabby" and "like jello." Mr. Spottswood of the NAACP called the Administration "anti-black." Do you have any comment on this?
• WHITE ACADEMIES
  • Private, all-white academies are springing up all over the South and only a handful have lost their tax exemptions; is there any plan for firmer action?
• BLACK SUBURBS
  • Does the Administration plan to pursue Secretary Romney's program to open the suburbs up to blacks?
• THE COURT
  • In its forthcoming decision on bussing and de facto segregation, do you think the Court will rule along the lines you suggested last March?
• "IF I WERE BLACK…"
  • Several weeks ago you were quoted by a columnist to the effect that if you were a black, you would be a revolutionary. Is that quote accurate?
• ECONOMY
  • The Administration has trumpeted about the improving economy -- but there are still problems of unemployment, inflation and consumer pessimism.
• SIZE OF DEFICIT
  • Do you have any report on the projected size of the deficit?
• "BIG SPENDERS"
  • When Republicans joined Democrats in overriding your vetoes, how can you call the Democrats "big spenders." Hasn't that campaign argument lost credibility?
• HEW AND HUD VETOES VS. SST
  • How do you square your HUD and HEW vetoes with support of the SST? Also, how does the latter square with your concern for the environment?
• CRIME
  • One of the most outspoken pledges of your campaign in 1968 was to clean up crime -- and yet the rate continues to go up. Do you have any comment on this?
• BOMBINGS
  • When can the Federal Government do about the current rash of bombings plaguing the country?
• CAMPUS
  • The Attorney General says he expects a relatively quiet campus this fall. Do you share his optimism?
• COMMISSION ON STUDENT UNREST
  • What is your view of Senator Allott's attack on the student unrest commission?
• PORNOGRAPHY IN DENMARK
  • There have been reports from Denmark that legalization of pornography has led to a reduction in sex crimes committed there. In light of that, are there not strong arguments for doing away with all our strictures against pornography?
• ORGANIZED LABOR
  • Do you think the GOP can make inroad into organized labor. And do you agree with the Meany assessment that "extremists" are taking over the Democratic Party?
• AUTO STRIKE
  • Does the Administration anticipate an auto strike -- or plan any intervention if it occurs?
• QUOTA ROUTE
  • Can you tell us why you selected the quota route as opposed to the tariff route recommended by the Shultz Commission?
• FAMILY ASSISTANCE PLAN
  • Are you willing to compromise, abandon specifics of the Family Assistance Plan, to gain an approval of it by Congress?
• REVENUE SHARING
  • Has Revenue Sharing got any chance this year -- in light of Congressman Byrnes' objections?
• WOMEN'S RIGHTS AMENDMENT
  • How do you stand on the Women's Rights Amendment?
• CENSUS
  • Have you any plans for a recheck by the Census Bureau on their figures on large cities considering the loud complaints from the Mayors.
• SENATOR TYDINGS
  • Was the White House involved in the investigation of Senator Tydings?
• SENATOR GOLDWATER
  • Senator Goldwater seems to have successfully blocked the appointment of Arthur Olsen over at State -- and he has been critical of many of your appointments. Do you have any comment on this?
• PRESIDENT JOHNSON
  • Did you reverse yourself on the question of Federal aid for a nursing home run by friends of President Johnson -- because of President Johnson's support on Vietnam -- or his personal request?
• COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
  • When will a replacement for Commissioner Allen be named; and is Sidney Marland in line for the job?
• PUBLIC APPEARANCES
  • Considering the risks involved in mixing with crowds today, and the current wave of personal violence, do you think your own public appearances are worth the risk they involve?

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)
  Sunday, September 13.
  
  At Camp David. President left first thing for White House Church. We stayed all day - home after dinner. Not a word from President.
• 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 September 13, 1970
• Date search for September 13, 1970

All National Archives Units

• Text search for September 13, 1970
• Date search for September 13, 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.

• No President's Daily Brief delivered on this date

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. XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969-1972; Jordan, September 1970

Jordan, September 1970

• 234. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan, Washington, September 13, 1970, 0053Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AV 12 US. Secret; Priority. Drafted on September 12 by Scotes; cleared by Seelye; and approved by Sisco. It was repeated to Beirut, Bern, Bonn, Jerusalem, London, Tel Aviv, and USUN.

• 235. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, September 13, 1970, 10:30 a.m.

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 330, Subject Files, Hijackings. Secret. Sent for information. Haig initialed the memorandum for Kissinger.

• 236. Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Posts, Washington, September 13, 1970, 1808Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AV 12. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Sisco and Beaudry (EUR), and approved by Sisco. It was also sent to Bern, Bonn, London, Geneva, Amman, Beirut, and Tel Aviv.

• 237. Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Posts, Washington, September 13, 1970, 1855Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AV 12 US. Secret; Immediate. Drafted and approved by Seelye, and cleared by Davies and Beaudry (EUR/AIS). It was sent to Amman, Beirut, Bern, Bonn, London, and Tel Aviv, and repeated to Geneva.

• 238. Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Posts, Washington, September 13, 1970, 2220Z

  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, AV 12 US. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Davies and Beaudry, and approved by Davies. It was sent to Amman, Bern, Bonn, Beirut, London, Tel Aviv, and Geneva.

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

U.S. Policy Towards Terrorism, Hijacking of Aircraft, and Attacks on Civil Aviation: U.S. Response to Hijackings by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Additional Anti-Hijacking Measures, September 1970-June 1972

• 65. Telegram 149944 From the Department of State to the Embassies in Switzerland, the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel, and the Consulate in Geneva, Washington, September 13, 1970, 1908Z

  The Department encouraged stocktaking of the hijacking situation and provided advice to all recipient posts to continue the “cool, prudent approach” in maintaining the unity of the group negotiating with the PFLP.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, AV 12. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Sisco and Beaudry, and approved by Sisco.

• 66. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Council (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, September 13, 1970

  Kissinger reported to the President that 350 passengers had been removed from Jordan, but that more than 50 hostages, mostly Americans, remained in PFLP hands.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Subject Files, Box 330, Hijackings. Secret. Sent for information.

• 67. Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Council (Kissinger), Washington, September 13, 1970

  Saunders reported that the NSC was expecting new information on the hijacking situation since an ICRC representative would soon be meeting with the Bern Group.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Subject Files, Box 330, Hijackings. 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 can be found in the National Archives Catalog.

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-4390 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-4390-02A-05A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon attending worship services presided by Dr. Walter Judd and the Honorable Brook Hays. 9/13/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, East Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Walter Judd, Brook Hays, Philadelphia Boys Choir, guests.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4390-06A-07A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon with Dr. & Mrs. Walter Judd, Congressman & Mrs. Brooks Hays in the Grand Hall. 9/13/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Hall. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Dr. & Mrs. Walter Judd, Congressman & Marian Prather Hays.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4390-08A-11A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon with the Philadelphia Boys Choir in the Grand Hall. 9/13/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, Grand Hall. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, Dr. & Mrs. Walter Judd, Congressman & Marian Prather Hays.
• Frame(s): WHPO-4390-12A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon receiving guests in the State Dining Room. 9/13/1970, Washington, D.C. White House, State Dining Room. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, David and Julie Eisenhower, guests.

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.

I - Various Administration Events

• WHCA-SR-I-046
  Sunday worship service, with Dr. Judd and Brooks Hays [see P-700905]. (9/13/1970, East Room, White House)
  
  Runtime: 43:00:00
  
  Keywords: Church service, worship service, prayer service, religion
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by KAP (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-700905
  Remarks by President Nixon at White House worship service with Brooks Hays, Dr. Judd [see I-46]. (9/13/1970)
  
  Runtime: 1:44
  
  Keywords: Church service, worship service, prayer service, religion
  
  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-3843
  "Checkpoint: The Issues in Vietnam" with Dolf Droge.
  ABC
  Runtime: 01:03:31
• WHCA-3844
  Congressman Ben Riefel & Dolf Droge.
  All networks
  Runtime: 1:00
• WHCA-3845
  "Face the Nation" with Dr. Daniel Moynihan AND "Meet the Press" with Sen. Smith & Candidate Stevenson. Dolf Droge.
  Undetermined
  Runtime: 1:00
• WHCA-3846
  "Issues and Answers" with Sen. Proxmire & William Magruder.
  Undetermined
  Runtime: 0:30
• WHCA-3847
  Panorama. Daniel P. Moynihan.
  CBS, NBC
  Runtime: 1:00

• New York Times of September 13, 1970

• AP Images photos from September 13, 1970
• Getty Images photos from September 13, 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.

• September 1970 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• September 13, 1970