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September 20, 1973

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, September 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: Wednesday, September 19, 1973

Next Date: Friday, September 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 Eisenhower Residence, Bethesda, 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

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.

  • 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. X, Vietnam, January 1973-July 1975

    Congressional Restrictions, General Warfare, June 19, 1973-February 25, 1975

    • 107. Minutes of Washington Special Actions Group Meeting, Washington, September 20, 1973, 3:51-4:16 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H–Files), Box H–116, WSAG Meeting Minutes, Originals, 1973. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held in the White House Situation Room.

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

    Arab-Israeli Crisis and War, 1973

    • 89. Paper by Harold H. Saunders and William B. Quandt of the National Security Council Staff, Washington, September 20, 1973

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1296, Harold H. Saunders Files, Jordan, 9/1/73–12/31/73. Secret; Nodis. Submitted for inclusion in the President’s September 21 briefing.

    • 90. Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, September 20, 1973, 6:50 p.m.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1027, Presidential/HAK Memcons, Memcons, April–Nov. 1973, HAK & Presidential [3 of 5]. No classification marking. The meeting took place at the White House. All brackets except those that indicate omitted material are in the original.

    Vol. E-9, Part 2, Documents on the Middle East Region, 1973-1976

    Middle East Region

    Vol. E-9, Part 2, Documents on the Middle East Region, 1973-1976

    Saudi Arabia

    • 93. Telegram From the Embassy in Saudi Arabia to the Department of State, Jidda, September 20, 1973, 0850Z

      Summary: The Embassy reported on meetings between James Noyes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Prince Sultan regarding increased costs for SNEP.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Secret; Immediate. Also sent to the Department of Defense. Repeated Immediate to CNO, USCINCEUR, and CHUSMTM. Telegram 3614 from Jidda, August 22, is ibid. Defense Attaché Lt. Col. William Fifer previously informed the Department of Defense of Saudi concerns about increased costs in telegram 288 from Jidda, August 26. (Washington National Records Center, OASD Files: FRC 330–78–0002, Saudi Arabia 092 (15 November 1973)) Sultan announced the budgeting of $850 million for SNEP on March 15, 1974, according to telegram 1318 from Jidda, March 18. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]) For material on SNEP, see Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969–1972; Jordan, September 1970, Documents 131 and 138.

    Vol. E-11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973-1976

    Guatemala and Belize

    • 172. Telegram 187069 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Guatemala, Washington, September 20, 1973, 1442Z

      Summary: During a meeting to discuss the Belize issue, Director of the Office of Central American Affairs David Lazar asked British Embassy officials if they were aware that Governor Posnett had encouraged Premier Price to raise the issue of Belizean independence at the United Nations General Assembly.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. Repeated to Belize City, London, Kingston, and USUN New York. Drafted by Pezzullo and approved by Bowdler. Telegram 525 from Belize City, September 15, is ibid. In telegram 537 from Belize City, September 20, 2150Z, the Consulate reported that Posnett told Wollam that his remarks on Belizean independence, which had come back to him through Washington, had been misunderstood, and that British policy still discouraged raising Belize’s independence at the UN. (Ibid.)

    Vol. E-14, Part 2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1973-1976

    • 15. Memorandum From the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (Iklé) to the Director of the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs (Weiss), Washington, September 20, 1973

      Summary: Iklé offered his comments regarding the Department’s proposed position on NSSM 157, underscoring that a “high degree of compatibility” existed between the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency’s views of NSSM 157 and the Department’s approach.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27–10. Secret. Attached as Tab A to Document 23. An unknown hand underlined several sentences in the first and second paragraphs of the memorandum. Iklé signed “Fred Iklé” above his typed signature. The reference to the September 17 memorandum is presumably to Document 14.

    Vol. E-15, Part 2, Documents on Western Europe, 1973-1976, Second, Revised Edition

    Federal Republic of Germany, 1973-1976

    • 269. Memorandum From Philip Odeen and Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, September 20, 1973

      Summary: Odeen and Sonnenfeldt briefed Kissinger on the status of the U.S.–FRG bilateral offset and NATO multilateral offset negotiations.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 688, Country Files, Europe, Germany (Bonn), February–December 31, 1973. Confidential. Sent for information. Copies were sent to Charles Cooper of the NSC staff and Eagleburger. All brackets were printed as footnotes in the original. Attached but not published is Tab A. Kissinger wrote at the top of the memorandum, “What need I do now?” In a September 23 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt discussed the first round of U.S.–FRG negotiations. (Ibid., NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–239, Policy Papers, NSDM–214) Memoranda of conversation on the first round are ibid., NSC Files, Box 687, Country Files, Europe, Germany (Bonn) Vol. XIII, Jan–Sep 73 (2 of 3).

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

    "That Chilean Guy May Have Some Problems": The Downfall of Salvador Allende, January-September 1973

    • 150. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) and Senator Frank Church, Washington, September 20, 1973, 10:23 a.m.

      Summary: During this telephone conversation with Kissinger, Church expressed concern for the plight of Chilean citizens and foreigners—including U.S. citizens—caught in Santiago in the immediate aftermath of the military coup. Church suggested that the Organization of American States should intervene to facilitate offering political asylum elsewhere in Latin America. Kissinger agreed to raise the issue during a meeting of the Washington Special Actions Group that afternoon.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Kissinger Telephone Conversation Transcripts, Box 22, Chronological File. No classification marking. Church was chairman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs, Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 16–1 on September 18 to recommend confirmation of Kissinger’s appointment as Secretary of State.

    • 151. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between Frank Mankiewicz and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, September 20, 1973, 2:42 p.m.

      Summary: Following up on Church’s telephone call that morning, Frank Mankiewicz called Kissinger to discuss in more detail what was happening in Chile—in particular, regarding the emerging human rights crisis—and what the United States might do to improve the situation.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Kissinger Telephone Conversation Transcripts, Box 22, Chronological File. No classification marking. All blank underscores are omissions in the original. Mankiewicz had been Latin America Regional Director of the Peace Corps (1964–1966) and, more recently, National Political Director of the McGovern for President Campaign (1972). The Washington Special Actions Group met in the White House Situation Room on September 20, 3:05–3:49 p.m. For the minutes of the meeting see Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XXI, Chile, 1969–1973, Document 361.

    • 152. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Chile, Washington, September 20, 1973, 2055Z

      Summary: After the daily news briefing on September 20, the Department instructed the Embassy to redouble its efforts to contact any U.S. citizens detained by the military junta in Chile.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, [no film number]. Confidential; Niact; Immediate. Drafted and approved by Bell in ARA/PAF; cleared by Karkashian in ARA/BC, Shlaudeman (in substance), and King in S/PRS (information).

  • 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-E1500 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1500-, Max Friedersdorf presentation. 9/20/1973, unknown unknown.

    Roll WHPO-E1501 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1501-03-07, President Nixon standing with Jaycees Prexy and Rick Clayton Jr. 9/20/1973, Washington, D.C. White House. President Nixon, Jaycees Prexy, Rick Clayton Jr.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1501-06, Vice President Agnew standing with two unidentified men, laughing while looking at a poster depicting a cat hanging from a pole. The poster reads, "Hang In There, Baby". Vice President Agnew holds a large paper with what appears to be an index in his hands. 9/20/1973, Washington, D.C. White House. Spiro Agnew, unidentified men.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1501-08-09, President Nixon's valet Manolo Sanchez and Don Kendall in the Cabinet room. 9/20/1973, Washington, D.C. White House. Don Kendall, Manolo Sanchez.

    Roll WHPO-E1502 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1502-, Presentation to Vice President Agnew. 9/20/1973, Washington DC White House.

    Roll WHPO-E1503 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1503-03-05, President Nixon with Don Kendall. 9/20/1973, Washington DC White House.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1503-07-30, Senator Barry Goldwater standing with the 1971 and 1972 Harmon International Aviation Trophy winners. 9/20/1973, Washington DC White House. Barry Goldwater, Harmon Aviation Trophy winners.

    Roll WHPO-E1504 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1504-, Pat Nixon attending a park dedication in Glen Burnie, MD. 9/20/1973, Glen Burnie, Maryland unknown. Pat Nixon, crowd, children.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1504-27A, Pat Nixon greeting a crowd of young children and teenagers, who are reaching their hands out to her, while attending a park dedication in Glen Burnie, MD. 9/20/1973, Glen Burnie, Maryland unknown. Pat Nixon, crowd, children.

    Roll WHPO-E1505 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1505-, Pat Nixon dedicates a park in Glen Burnie, Maryland. 9/20/1973, Glen Burnie, Maryland unknown.

    Roll WHPO-E1506 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1506-, Winners of the 1971 and 1972 Harmon International Aviation Trophies. 9/20/1973, Washington DC White House.

    Roll WHPO-E1507 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-E1507-, Winners of the 1971 and 1972 Harmon International Aviation Trophies. 9/20/1973, Washington DC White House.

  • 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.

    K - Informal Presidential Remarks

    • WHCA-SR-K-092
      Photo opportunity with Harmon Trophy Winners-Oval Office. (9/20/1973)

      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-301
      Press briefing by Gerald Warren. (9/20/1973, White House Press Lobby)

      Runtime: 24:00:00

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media

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

      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-6558
      Weekly News Summary, Tape II.
      ALL NETWORKS
      Runtime: 01:31:56

      20. Smith/Schomaucher: White House tapes. Time Code Start: 44:54. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: ABC.

      21. Smith: George Gordon Liddy (G. Gordon Liddy); Vice President Agnew inquiry. Time Code Start: 46:57. Keywords: Vice Presidents, resignations, terminations, taxes, investments, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, break-in, burglary, theft, plumbers, scandals. Network: ABC.

      22. Reasoner/Donaldson: Chilean coup. Time Code Start: 47:11. Keywords: South American, coup d’etat, putsch, military takeovers, military junta, civil wars, General Augusto Pinochet. Network: ABC.

      23. Chancellor/Stern/Mackin: White House tapes. Time Code Start: 49:29. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: NBC.

      24. Chancellor: Vice President Agnew inquiry, Senator Mike Mansfield. Time Code Start: 53:31. Keywords: Vice Presidents, resignations, terminations, taxes, investments, investigations, hearings. Network: NBC.

      25. Chancellor/Oliver: Energy crisis. Time Code Start: 54:09. Keywords: petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, natural resources. Network: NBC.

      26. Chancellor/Kiker: Democratic party structural problem. Time Code Start: 56:46. Keywords: political parties, Democrats, Democratic Party. Network: NBC.

      27. Chancellor/Brinkley: Political conventions. Time Code Start: 59:00. Keywords: conventions, Presidential elections, campaigns, primaries, voting. Network: NBC.

      28. Cronkite/Graham/Wagner: White House tapes. Time Code Start: 60:27. Keywords: bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, recordings, Watergate, Senate committee hearings, investigations, testimony, testify, cover-ups, scandals. Network: CBS.

      29. Cronkite/Rather: Vice President Agnew inquiry. Time Code Start: 63:35. Keywords: Vice Presidents, resignations, terminations, taxes, investments, investigations, hearings. Network: CBS.

      30. Cronkite: Democratic party reforms, McGovern. Time Code Start: 65:09. Keywords: political parties, Democrats, Democratic Party. Network: CBS.

      31. Cronkite/Drinkwater: Energy crisis. Time Code Start: 69:46. Keywords: petroleum, oil, gasoline, fuel, shortages, rationing, natural resources. Network: CBS.

      32. Cronkite/Severaid: Commentary on Vice President Agnew case. Time Code Start: 72:22. Keywords: Vice Presidents, resignations, terminations, taxes, investments, investigations, hearings. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)