September 21, 1972

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, September 21, 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: Wednesday, September 20, 1972

Next Date: Friday, September 22, 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.
- Original typewritten diary (PDF)
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.
- Federal Register of Thursday, September 21, 1972
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.
- Transcript of diary entry (PDF)
- Original audio recording (MP3)
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 21, 1972
- Date search for September 21, 1972
All National Archives Units
- Text search for September 21, 1972
- Date search for September 21, 1972

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.
- President's Daily Brief of 21 September 1972
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
- 264. Memorandum From John D. Negroponte of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, September 21, 1972
  Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 27, Chronological File, 20–23 September 1972. Secret; Sensitive; Outside the System. Sent for information.
Vol. XV, Soviet Union, June 1972-August 1974
Economic Normalization and Soviet Jewish Emigration, September-December 1972
- 51. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, September 21, 1972
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 495, President’s Trip Files, Dobrynin/Kissinger, Vol. 13. Top Secret; Nodis; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only.
Vol. XX, Southeast Asia, 1969-1972
Philippines
- 257. Airgram From the Embassy in the Philippines to the Department of State, Manila, September 21, 1972
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23 PHIL. Confidential. Drafted by Political Counselor John D. Forbes on September 20, cleared by Political Officer George T. Kalaris, and approved by Maestrone. Also sent to Djakarta, Taipei, Tokyo, Hong Kong, CINCPAC for POLAD, and CINCPACREPPHIL.
- 258. Telegram From the Embassy in the Philippines to the Department of State, Manila, September 21, 1972, 1011Z
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 557, Country Files, Far East, Philippines, Vol. IV. Top Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Received at 7:14 a.m.
Vol. XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969-1972; Jordan, September 1970
Persian Gulf States
- 122. Intelligence Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, September 21, 1972
  Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Current Intelligence Files, Job 79–T00832A. Top Secret; [codeword not declassified]. Prepared in the Office of Current Intelligence in the Directorate of Intelligence and coordinated within CIA.
Vol. E-1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969-1972
U.S. Policy Towards Terrorism, Hijacking of Aircraft, and Attacks on Civil Aviation: The Olympic Attack and the Anti-Terrorism Initiatives, September−December 1972
- 103. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon, Washington, September 21, 1972
  Rogers informed the President of international measures taken to combat terrorism.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 23-8. Confidential. Drafted by Donelan on September 20.
- 104. Information Memorandum From Assistant Secretary of State, International Organization Affairs (De Palma) and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Sisco) to Secretary of State Rogers, Washington, September 21, 1972
  De Palma and Sisco briefed Rogers on the Department’s scenario for handling the terrorism item at the UN General Assembly.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 23-8. Confidential. Drafted by Armitage and cleared by Fessenden, L, Ross, EA, Atherton, and ARA. Tabs A and B are attached but not published.
Vol. E-5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969-1972
Uganda
- 256. Conversation Between President Nixon and the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, September 21, 1972, 7:42-7:43 p.m.
  Nixon wanted stronger action taken in Uganda, such as the evacuation of all Americans, and the recall of Ambassador Melady.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, 7:42–7:43 PM, White House Telephone, Conversation No. 30–17. This transcript was prepared in the Office of the Historian specifically for this volume. No classification marking.
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.
Cabinet Room
- 105-6; 12:00 p.m. - 12:06 p.m.; Nixon, Richard M. (President); Beall, George; Thurmond, Strom; Price, Melvin; Fisher, O. Clark; Bennett, Charles E.; Stratton, Samuel S.; Pike, Otis G.; Ichord, Richard H.; Hagan, G. Elliott; Wilson, Charles H.; Hicks, Louise Day; White, Richard C.; Nichols, William F. ("Bob"); Brinkley, Jack T.; Daniel, Wilbur C. ("Dan"); Montgomery, Gillespie V. ("Sonny"); Runnels, Harold L.; Arends, Leslie C.; Bray, William G.; Wilson, Robert C. ("Bob"); Gubser, Charles S.; Hall, Durward G.; Clancy, Donald D.; King, Carleton J.; Dickinson, William L.; Hunt, John E.; Whitehurst, G. William; Spence, Floyd D.; Young, C. W. ("Bill"); Powell, Walter E.; Conover, William; Aspin, Leslie ("Les"), Jr.; Laird, Melvin R.; Slatinshek, Frank M.; Sanson, Joseph N.; Nickerson, Herman, Jr. (Lt. Gen.); Morris, Thomas E.; Carr, Patrick E.; Nolan, Robert W.; Ostrow, Martin M.; Matthews, Joseph J.; Beave, [First name unknown]; Nidecker, John E.; White House photographer
Old Executive Office Building
Oval Office
White House Telephone
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-D0428 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0428-, President Nixon standing with Senator J. Glenn Beall, Jr., Congressmen Charles Gubser, Otis Pike, and Robert Nolan of the Fleet Reserve Association. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, J. Glenn Beall, Jr., Charles Gubser, Otis Pike, Robert Nolan.
Roll WHPO-D0429 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0429-, President Nixon signing the bill H.R. 10670, for retired military survivor benefits, while Melvin Laird and others look on. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Melvin Laird, unidentified Congressman and Senators.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0429-09, President Nixon signing the bill H.R. 10670, for retired military survivor benefits, while Melvin Laird and others look on. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Cabinet Room. President Nixon, Melvin Laird, unidentified Congressman and Senators.
Roll WHPO-D0430 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0430-, President Nixon shaking hands with Congressman William Chappell, Jr. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, William Chappell, Jr.
Roll WHPO-D0431 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0431-, President Nixon signing the bill H.R.2, establishing the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, as Frank Slatinshek, Richard Wilbur, F. Edward Hebert, Charles Bennett, Melvin Laird, Leslie Arends, Durward Gorham Hall, Dr. Louis Rousselot, officials and Congressmen look on. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Frank Slatinshek, Richard Wilbur, F. Edward Hebert, Charles Bennett, Melvin Laird, Leslie Arends, Durward Gorham Hall, Dr. Louis Rousselot.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0431-03A, President Nixon signing the bill H.R.2, establishing the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, as Frank Slatinshek, Richard Wilbur, F. Edward Hebert, Charles Bennett, Melvin Laird, Leslie Arends, Durward Gorham Hall, Dr. Louis Rousselot, o. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Frank Slatinshek, Richard Wilbur, F. Edward Hebert, Charles Bennett, Melvin Laird, Leslie Arends, Durward Gorham Hall, Dr. Louis Rousselot.
Roll WHPO-D0432 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0432-, President Nixon standing with author Frank van der Linden. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Frank van der Linden.
Roll WHPO-D0455 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0455-, President Nixon standing with Rep. Casey. 9/21/1972, Washington, D.C. White House, Oval Office. President Nixon, Robert Casey.
Roll WHPO-D0464 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0464-, Pat Nixon greeting individuals in a receiving line at an American Cancer Society function. 9/21/1972, Los Angeles, California unknown. Pat Nixon, American Cancer Society awardees, officials, guests.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0464-19A, Pat Nixon presenting an award to a recipient while actor Gene Kelly looks on at an American Cancer Society function. 9/21/1972, Los Angeles, California unknown. Pat Nixon, Gene Kelly, American Cancer Society awardee.
Roll WHPO-D0465 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0465-, Pat Nixon at a campaign rally. 9/21/1972, Riverside, California outdoor area, Rose Garden Village. Pat Nixon, unidentified men, women, and children.
Roll WHPO-D0466 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0466-, Pat Nixon greeting residents at various sites. 9/21/1972, Riverside, California living areas, Rose Garden Village. Pat Nixon, unidentified men and women.
Roll WHPO-D0467 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0467-, Pat Nixon greeting women inside and on a dais, unveiling a plaque, outside. 9/21/1972, Riverside, California unidentified room, outside area, Rose Garden Village. Pat Nixon, unidentified men and women.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0467-14, Pat Nixon, outside, unveiling a memorial plaque in honor of Hannah M. Nixon with the assistance of two unidentified people. 9/21/1972, Riverside, California unidentified room, outside area, Rose Garden Village. Pat Nixon, unidentified man and woman.
Roll WHPO-D0469 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0469-04A-08A, Pat Nixon speaking at a podium during an American Cancer Society function. 9/21/1972, Los Angeles, California unknown. Pat Nixon, American Cancer Society officials, guests.
Roll WHPO-D0491 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0491-03-20, Julie Eisenhower at the North Dakota United Indian Trade School (American Indian). 9/21/1972, Bismarck, North Dakota United Indian Trade School rooms. Julie Eisenhower, unidentified children and adults.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0491-21-36, Julie Eisenhower at the President Nixon campaign headquarters in Bismarck, ND. 9/21/1972, Bismarck, North Dakota lobby, outside, headquarters. Julie Eisenhower.
Roll WHPO-D0492 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0492-, Julie Eisenhower speaking at an outdoor assembly and visiting classrooms. 9/21/1972, Bismarck, North Dakota outside, classrooms, United Indian Trade School. Julie Eisenhower, unidentified adults and children.
Roll WHPO-D0493 Photographer: Knudsen, Robert L. | Color or B&W: Color
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0493-01-12, Julie Nixon Eisenhower visits the United Indian Trade School in Bismarck (American Indian). 9/21/1972, Bismarck, North Dakota United Indian Trade School, headquarters, airport. Julie Eisenhower, unidentified adults and children.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0493-13-16, Julie Nixon Eisenhower visits President Nixon's Bismarck, North Dakota campaign headquarters. 9/21/1972, Bismarck, North Dakota United Indian Trade School, headquarters, airport. Julie Eisenhower, unidentified adults and children.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0493-17-19, Julie Nixon Eisenhower greeting people as she prepares to depart from the Bismarck, North Dakota airport. 9/21/1972, Bismarck, North Dakota United Indian Trade School, headquarters, airport. Julie Eisenhower, unidentified adults and children.
Roll WHPO-D0506 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0506-00-05, Vice President Agnew addressing an assembly in Nashville during a campaign trip. 9/21/1972, Nashville, Tennessee convention-type hall. Spiro Agnew, officials, guests, unidentified men.
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0506-08-18, Vice President Agnew and an an unidentified staff member seated on his plane Air Force Two (AF2) during a campaign trip. 9/21/1972, enroute Air Force Two (AF2), interior. Spiro Agnew, unidentified men.
Roll WHPO-D0508 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0508-, Vice President Agnew greeting crowds, addressing a large assembly, meeting around a conference table, and shaking individuals' hands during a campaign trip. 9/21/1972, Nashville, Tennessee unknown. Agnew, crowd, guests, unidentified men.
Roll WHPO-D0509 Photographer: Schumacher, Karl | Color or B&W: B&W
- Frame(s): WHPO-D0509-, Vice President Agnew arriving at the airport, speaking to an assembly, seated on a platform with an unidentified man, and leaving by airplane during a campaign trip. 9/21/1972, Nashville, Tennessee airport, unidentified sites. Spiro Agnew, officials, guests, unidentified man.
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.
G - Cabinet Officer Briefings
- WHCA-SR-G-189
  Press Briefing by Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton, Barbara Franklin, and Professor Whitman, with Ronald Ziegler. (9/21/1972, White House Press Lobby)
  
  Runtime: 62:52:00
  
  Production credits: Audio feed supplied by WHCA; Recorded by JMM (initials of WHCA engineer)
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
P - Formal Presidential Remarks
- WHCA-SR-P-720913
  Remarks by President Nixon at bill signing ceremony with ML. (9/21/1972)
  
  Runtime: 3:01
  
  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-5784
  Weekly News Summary, Tape III.
  ALL NETWORKS
  Runtime: 1:00
  
  1. Reasoner: Vietnam war casualty list shows no U.S. troop deaths for week, 1st time since March, 1965; South Vietnam, President Thieu completes tour of northern fronts,. Time Code Start: 00:00. Keywords: Vietnam War, killed in action, KIA, fatalities, casualties, Presidents, travel, trips. Network: ABC.
  
  2. Reynolds: McGovern campaigning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Time Code Start: 00:45. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: ABC.
  
  3. Reasoner/Gill: Vice President Agnew on the wheat deal. Time Code Start: 03:58. Keywords: Vice Presidents, statements, speeches, media, press conferences, news conferences, interviews, American, Soviet Union, USSR, Russia, food, grains, sales. Network: ABC.
  
  4. Sherwood: First Lady Pat Nixon campaigning. Time Code Start: 06:40. Keywords: Presidents, families, wife, Presidential elections, campaigns. Network: ABC.
  
  5. Reasoner: Commentary on verities; changes that really didn't occur after 1960s new thinking, marriage counselor swamped with marriage problems of the unwed-but-living-together, co-habitation sans wedlock, marijuana,. Time Code Start: 09:18. Keywords: lifestyles, criticisms, psychology, drugs, smoking, permissiveness, disappointments. Network: ABC.
  
  6. Chancellor/Jones: Death toll in Vietnam; Quang Tri. Time Code Start: 11:03. Keywords: Vietnam War, Killed in Action, KIA, troops, death tolls, fatalities, casualties. Network: NBC.
  
  7. Chancellor/Valeriani: McGovern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York. Time Code Start: 15:09. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: NBC.
  
  8. Kiker: First Lady Pat Nixon campaigning. Time Code Start: 17:47. Keywords: Presidents, families, wife, Presidential elections, campaigns. Network: NBC.
  
  9. Cronkite/Dunning/Dick: Killed in Action (KIA), Saigon, Vietnam, POWs. Time Code Start: 20:18. Keywords: Vietnam War, Vietnam Prisoner of War, Killed in Action, troops, death, fatalities, casualties, POWs, Vietnam War. Network: CBS.
  
  10. Cronkite/Kalb: McGovern on defense. Time Code Start: 26:03. Keywords: Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning, candidates. Network: CBS.
  
  11. Cronkite/Schorr: Watergate bugging trial won't be aired in court before election, Criminal case in recess, Civil trial halted; Justice Department and Nixon admininistration criticized. Time Code Start: 29:25. Keywords: Watergate, Senate committee hearings, trials, recesses, scandals, Presidential elections, campaigns, headquarters, bugging, bugs, wiretapping, wire taps, surveillance, spying, investigations, recordings. Network: CBS.
  
  12. Cronkite/McLaughlin: First Lady Pat Nixon campaigning in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; Old Faithful geyser filmed, Idaho Falls, Idaho) Rally held at Nixon campaign headquarters. Time Code Start: 31:46. Keywords: Presidents, families, wife, travel, trips, First Lady trips, domestic, Presidential elections, campaigns, National Parks,. Network: CBS.
  
  13. Chase: Mrs. McGovern in Iowa. Time Code Start: 33:26. Keywords: Senators, families, wife, travel, Presidential elections, campaigns, campaigning. Network: CBS.

Context (External Sources)

- New York Times of September 21, 1972
- AP Images photos from September 21, 1972
- Getty Images photos from September 21, 1972
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 1972 Broadcast Index
Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.
- September 21, 1972

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