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September 4, 1969

Introduction

This almanac page for Thursday, September 4, 1969, 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 3, 1969

Next Date: Friday, September 5, 1969

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 Western White House, San Clemente, California

  • 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.

    Appointments and Nominations

    Statements by the President

    • The Construction Industry (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1224, September 4, 1969)
      Statement by the President Upon Directing a Reduction in Government Construction and Other Actions Affecting the Industry.

    Checklist of White House Press Releases

    The releases listed below, made public by the Office of the White House Press Secretary during the period covered by this issue, are not included in the issue.

    • Press conference of Dr. Arthur F. Burns, Counsellor to the President, on the President's statement on the construction industry.

    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 President has accepted the retirement from regular active service of the following judges: Harry E. Kalodner, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3d Circuit, in Philadelphia, effective September 4, 1969; W.llace S. Gourley, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the western district of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh; and Sherrill Halbert, U.S. District Judge for the eastern district of California, Sacramento.

    Nominations Submitted to the Senate

    Does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of Foreign Service Officers.

    • HENRY J. TASCA, of Pennsylvania, a Foreign Service Officer of the Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Greece.

  • 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. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972

    The NSC System

    • 71. National Security Decision Memorandum 4 (Revised) , Washington, September 4, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 363, Subject Files, National Security Decision Memoranda, Nos. 1–50. Secret. A copy was sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. NSDM 4 was first issued on January 20; see Document 13.

    Vol. IV, Foreign Assistance, International Development, Trade Policies, 1969-1972

    Trade and Commerce, 1969-1972

    Vol. VI, Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vietnam, January 1969-July 1970

    Vol. XII, Soviet Union, January 1969-October 1970

    Establishment of the Kissinger-Dobrynin Channel; Dialogue on the Middle East; and the Sino-Soviet Dispute, April 23-December 10, 1969

    Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

    China, 1969

    • 29. Memorandum for the Record of the Washington Special Actions Group Meeting , San Clemente, California, September 4, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–071, WSAG Meeting, 9/4/69, Sino–Soviet. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. Holdridge prepared talking points for Kissinger. (Memorandum from Holdridge to Kissinger, September 3; ibid.)

    Vol. XXXIV, National Security Policy, 1969-1972

    The Joint Chiefs of Staff Readiness Test

    • 64. Memorandum for the Record of the Washington Special Actions Group Meeting , San Clemente, September 4, 1969

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–71, Washington Special Actions Group Meeting, September 4, 1969. Top Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. The meeting was held at the Western White House in San Clemente, where Nixon vacationed from August 18 to September 8. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary) For the full text, see Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XVII, China, 1969–1972, Document 29.

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

    International Cooperation in Space, 1969-1972

    • 230. National Security Study Memorandum 72 , Washington, September 4, 1969

      President Nixon specified the creation of an ad hoc group on international space cooperation with friendly countries and the Soviet Union.

      Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H-162, NSSM Files, NSSM 72. Confidential. Copies were sent to Laird and Flanigan.

    Vol. E-2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969-1972

    Chemical and Biological Warfare; Geneva Protocol; Biological Weapons Convention

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

    Nigerian Civil War

    • 114. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, September 4, 1969

      Kissinger informed the President that Major General Gowon, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria, had agreed to a 3-week period of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) daylight relief flights to Biafra. A reliable source reported that he made the decision in the face of almost unanimous cabinet opposition.

      Source: National Archives, Nixonʼs Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 10, Presidentʼs Daily Briefs. Top Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Tab A is not published.

    Vol. E-5, Part 2, Documents on North Africa, 1969-1972

    Libya

    • 38. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Newsom) to the Acting Secretary of State (Richardson) , Washington, September 4, 1969

      Newsom summarized an African Inter-Departmental Group working paper on U.S. options in Libya. He recommended that Washington maintain diplomatic relations with the new regime and coordinate the timing of recognition with the British.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 23–9 Libya. Secret. Sent for action. Drafted by Robert Allen, Jr. (AF/N); cleared by Root and John Stevenson (L). The tabs are attached but not printed. Richardson approved the recommendation and wrote: “These steps should be simultaneous, I think. ELR.” On a September 5 memorandum from Newsom to Richardson, conveying word of London’s intention to recognize the Libyan regime on September 6, Richardson approved a recommendation to follow suit. (Ibid.)

    Vol. E-7, Documents on South Asia, 1969-1972

    Afghanistan, 1969-1972

    • 330. Telegram 4515 From the Embassy in Afghanistan to the Department of State, Kabul, September 4, 1969, 0835Z

      Ambassador Neumann reported that, as instructed, he had met with Afghani Deputy Foreign Minister Farhadi and raised the issue of the purchase of the SU–7s and the possible impact on U.S economic assistance to Afghanistan. Neumann asked for details concerning the purchase.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 19–6 USSR–AFG. Secret. Repeated to DIA.

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

    Brazil

    • 121. Telegram 7183 From the Embassy in Brazil to the Department of State, September 4, 1969, 2002Z. , September 4, 1969, 2002Z

      The Embassy reported on the kidnapping of Ambassador Elbrick.

      Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 23–9 BRAZ. Secret; Flash. Repeated to Sao Paulo, Brasilia, and USCINCSO. In Rio de Janeiro 7181, received 1820Z, September 4, DCM Belton reported: “Ambassador Elbrick’s chauffeur has just phoned embassy to say Ambassador has been kidnapped from his limousine. We will furnish further information as soon as possible.” (Ibid.) Despite his abduction, all of the telegrams from Embassy Rio de Janeiro continued to bear his name during the period of the kidnapping.

  • 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 of many of these transcripts can be found on the Yale University Library website.

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-1917 Photographer: Kightlinger, Jack | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1917-04-12, White House Housekeeper Peggy Carey arranging flowers and seated with several women at the Western White House. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica. Peggy Carey, unidentified women.

    Roll WHPO-1919 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1919-04-24, President Nixon receiving a mounted rifle from representatives of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica lawn. President Nixon, Wade Lower, Mayor of San Clemente. Supervisors: Paul Presley, Cliff Murry, Stan Matchete, Ron Dalrymple, Mike Raischel, Christian Galartis, William H. Herstein, Alton Allen.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1919-09, President Nixon receiving an oil painting of the ocean from representatives of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica lawn. President Nixon, unidentified persons.

    Roll WHPO-1920 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1920-02, President Nixon walking on the Western White House grounds with Cabinet members. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California grounds, Western White House. President Nixon, Cabinet members.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1920-03-18, President Nixon and Vice President Agnew during a Cabinet meeting in a Western White House conference room. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California Conference Room, Western White House. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, William P. Rogers, Secretary of State. Melvin R. Laird, Secretary of Defense. Winton N. Blount, Postmaster General. Maurice H. Stans, Secretary of Commerce. Geo rge P. Shultz, Secretary of Labor. Robert H. Finch, Secretary of HEW. Geo rge W. Romney, Secretary of HUD. John A. Volpe, Secretary of Transportation. Charles W. Yost, Deputy U. S. Representative to the United Nations. Paul A. Volcker, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Monetary Affairs. Arthur F. Burns, Counsellor. Bryce N. Harlow, Assistant. Henry A. Kissinger, Assistant for NSA.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1920-14, President Nixon and Vice President Agnew during a Cabinet meeting in a Western White House conference room. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California Conference Room, Western White House. President Nixon, Spiro Agnew, William P. Rogers, Secretary of State. Melvin R. Laird, Secretary of Defense. Winton N. Blount, Postmaster General. Maurice H. Stans, Secretary of Commerce. Geo rge P. Shultz, Secretary of Labor. Robert H. Finch, Secretary of HEW. Geo rge W. Romney, Secretary of HUD. John A. Volpe, Secretary of Transportation. Charles W. Yost, Deputy U. S. Representative to the United Nations. Paul A. Volcker, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Monetary Affairs. Arthur F. Burns, Counsellor. Bryce N. Harlow, Assistant. Henry A. Kissinger, Assistant for NSA.

    Roll WHPO-1921 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: Color

    • Frame(s): WHPO-1921-01-09, 12-13, Western White House exterior. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica complex. unidentified men.
    • Frame(s): WHPO-1921-10-11, Western White House interior. 9/4/1969, San Clemente, California Western White House, La Casa Pacifica complex. unidentified men.

  • 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.

    H - White House Staff Member Recordings

    • WHCA-SR-H-071
      Press briefing by Ronald Ziegler and Arthur Burns. (9/4/1969, San Clemente Inn, San Clemente, California)

      Runtime: [N/A]

      Keywords: Press conferences, news conferences, interviews, media, press secretary

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

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

Context (External Sources)