September 8, 1969

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.

Addresses and Remarks

• Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1242, September 8, 1969)
  The President's Remarks Upon Departure From Texas.
• Inspection of Hurricane Damage (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1243, September 8, 1969)
  The President's Remarks at Gulfport, Mississippi, Following an Aerial Inspection of Damage Resulting From Hurricane Camille.

Executive Orders

• Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1244, September 8, 1969)
  Executive Order 11479. Dated September 8, 1969. Released September 9, 1969.

Meetings With Foreign Leaders

• Amistad Dam (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1238, September 8, 1969)
  Remarks of the President and President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz of Mexico at the Dedication of the Dam on the Rio Grande.
• Luncheon With President Diaz Ordaz of Mexico (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1241, September 8, 1969)
  Exchange of Toasts Between President Nixon and President Diaz Ordaz at El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico.
• El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico (5 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1242, September 8, 1969)
  The President's Remarks Upon Departure From Mexico.

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.

• Remarks at the Dedication of the Amistad Dam on the Rio Grande.
• Remarks on Departure From Mexico.
• Remarks on Departure From Texas.
• Remarks Following Aerial Inspection of Damage Caused by Hurricane Camille in Mississippi.
• Executive Order 11479—The Honorable Everett McKinley Dirksen
• Toasts of the President and President Diaz Ordaz at a Luncheon in Mexico

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

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

• House of Representatives: September 8, 1969
• Senate: September 8, 1969
• Extensions of Remarks: September 8, 1969

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 28, News Summaries - August 1969 [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. In addition to the individual document(s) listed below, you should also consult the full folder for the month.]
  • News Summary, September 8, 1969
  • Television Report, September 8, 1969
• Annotated News Summaries, Box 28, News Summaries - September 1969

President's Personal File

The President's Personal File is essentially a President's secretary's file, kept by Rose Mary Woods, personal secretary to the President, for two purposes: (1) preserving for posterity a collection of documents particularly close to the President, whether because he dictated or annotated them, or because of the importance of the correspondent or the event concerned and (2) giving appropriate attention–letters of gratitude, invitations to White House social events, and the like–to members and important friends and supporters of the Nixon administration. This generalization does not describe all the varied materials of a file group which is essentially a miscellany, but it does identify the reason for the existence of the file group's core. Visit the finding aid to learn more.

• President's Speech File
  • Box 51, September 8, 1969, Amistad Dam Dedication
  • Box 51, September 8, 1969, Gulfport, Mississippi

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)
  Monday, September 8.
  
  Back to work. A busy day, early take off for Del Rio, Texas, and joint bridge dedication with President of Mexico. Hot as Hades - all went well. Will never forget the Mexican band's rendition of their national anthem - unbelievably horrible! Luncheon after - with sensational entertainment. Mariachis, dancers, rope spinners, etc. Then on to fly over Louisiana and Mississippi flood and hurricane damage. Landed at Gulfport, great crowd. President really fired up - great enthusiasm, about forty thousand, waited for hours, only one road in.
  
  Several sessions on the plane en route. Urged us to make the tough staff moves now. Doing some thinking about the Dirksen eulogy - which reminded him to worry about the relationship with Ogilvie.
  
  Arrived at DC - went to White House to see the new office designs, late at night. President's office is really bright blue and yellow. Most dislike it immensely. I kind of like it for what it is - with the exception of some of the furnishings. Too bad, though, that we lost out on the Williamsburg deal because it could have been really great -it is at least colorful and controversial now and certainly can't be called dull. My office is great, but still a lot to do. Desk turned out very well.
  
  So the San Clemente era closes for the year. It was a good idea and worked out well. Did all of us good to have the changes, especially the President. And now it's back to the DC operation - but with my family here. The house looks great, and I do think we'll all greatly enjoy it. The kids are enthusiastic and so is Jo.
  
  We have a lot of re-vamping to do now, and I hope the HEHK operation will work out. It should be our best approach.
• 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 8, 1969
• Date search for September 8, 1969

All National Archives Units

• Text search for September 8, 1969
• Date search for September 8, 1969

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 08 September 1969

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. III, Foreign Economic Policy; International Monetary Policy, 1969-1972

International Monetary Policy, 1969-1972

• 137. Memorandum From the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (McCracken) to President Nixon, Washington, September 8, 1969

  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Agency Files, Box 215, Council of Economic Advisers. Confidential. This memorandum was sent to the Treasury Department under cover of a September 9 memorandum from Ken Cole. It is attached to a copy of Secretary Kennedy’s September 19 memorandum to the President (Document 138). A September 8 draft, which forms Tab D to Document 139, is identical to the text printed here but without the final paragraph. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Agency Files, Box 215, Council of Economic Advisers)

Vol. XVII, China, 1969-1972

China, 1969

• 30. Memorandum Prepared for the 303 Committee , Washington, September 8, 1969

  Source: National Security Council, Nixon Intelligence Files, 303/40 Committee Files, China. Secret; Eyes Only. No drafting information appears on the memorandum. A handwritten notation on the first page indicates the 303 Committee approved the memorandum at the October 16 meeting. According to the minutes of that meeting, attended by Kissinger, Mitchell, Packard, U. Alexis Johnson, and Helms: “The consensus was that this is a worthwhile program and its continuation was approved.” (Memorandum for the record by Frank Chapin; ibid., 303 Committee, 1969 Minutes) The 303 Committee became the 40 Committee after President Nixon signed NSDM 40 on February 17, 1970, thus updating NSC 5412/2.

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

Colombia

• 156. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, September 8, 1969. , Washington, September 8, 1969

  President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs Kissinger informed President Nixon of the status on the sale of jet aircraft for Colombia. Nixon agreed to have the U.S. Ambassador in Colombia tell President Lleras Restrepo that the Administration wanted to license a modest number of F–5 or A–4 aircraft.
  
  Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 779, Country Files, Colombia, Vol. 1. Secret. Sent for information. The President initialed his approval on September 15. Haig wrote on the front of the memorandum, “to Vaky for Guidance.” Attached but not published at Tab A is an August 13 memorandum from Richardson to the President. Tab B is attached and printed as Document 155.

Mexico

• 436. Memoranda of Meetings, El Mirador, Mexico (Amistad Dam), September 8, 1969. , El Mirador, September 8, 1969

  During the dedication of the Amistad Dam, Presidents Nixon and Díaz Ordaz discussed bilateral relations and regional affairs. Topics included narcotics, trade issues, and Mexico’s assistance in securing the release of Ambassador Elbrick, who had been kidnapped by Brazilian terrorists.
  
  Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 33–1 MEX–US. Secret; Exdis. The memoranda of meetings consist of six parts.

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-1935 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-1935-09-22, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Dian Ordaz of Mexico and his wife at the Rio Grande River Amistad Dam dedication ceremony. 9/8/1969, Rio Grande border, El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Diaz Ordaz, Mrs. Ordaz, unidentified guests.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1935-10A, President Nixon shaking hands with President Dian Ordaz of Mexico at the Rio Grande River Amistad Dam dedication ceremony. Pat Nixon and Mrs. Ordaz stand near their husabnds. 9/8/1969, Rio Grande border, El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Diaz Ordaz, Mrs. Ordaz, unidentified guests and officials.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1935-16A, President Nixon and President Dian Ordaz of Mexico embrace during the Rio Grande River Amistad Dam dedication ceremony. Pat Nixon and Mrs. Ordaz stand nearby, clapping. 9/8/1969, Rio Grande border, El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Diaz Ordaz, Mrs. Ordaz, unidentified guests and officials.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1935-23-27, President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Dian Ordaz of Mexico and his wife at the Rio Grande River Amistad Dam dedication ceremony luncheon. 9/8/1969, Rio Grande border, El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President Diaz Ordaz, Mrs. Ordaz, unidentified guests.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1935-28-34, President Nixon and Pat Nixon leaving Mexico and arriving at Laughlin Air Force Base. 9/8/1969, Mexico, Del Rio, Texas Amistad Dam heliport, Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB). President Nixon, Pat Nixon, aides, military personnel.

Roll WHPO-1936 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-1936-00-04, President Nixon and Pat Nixon participating in dedication ceremonies at the Amistad Dam. 9/8/1969, Rio Grande Border Amistad Dam. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President and Mrs. Diaz Ordaz, crowd, dignitaries.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1936-05-10, President Nixon meeting with officials about damage from Hurricane Camille. 9/8/1969, Air Force One Municipal Airport, Gulfport, Mississippi. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, John Bell Williams, James Eastland, William Colmer, Charles Griffin, G. V. Montgomery, John Mitchell, Bryce N. Harlow, John Stennis, Ehrlichman.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1936-07, President Nixon meeting with officials on AF1 about damage from Hurricane Camille. 9/8/1969, Air Force One Municipal Airport, Gulfport, Mississippi. President Nixon, John Bell Williams, James Eastland, William Colmer, Charles Griffin, G. V. Montgomery, John Mitchell, Bryce Harlow, John Stennis.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1936-10, President Nixon meeting with officials on AF1 about damage from Hurricane Camille. 9/8/1969, Air Force One Municipal Airport, Gulfport, Mississippi. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, John Bell Williams, James Eastland, William Colmer, Charles Griffin, G. V. Montgomery, John Mitchell, Bryce N. Harlow, John Stennis.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1936-11-17, President Nixon and Pat Nixon waving goodbye prior to departure. 9/8/1969, Air Force One Municipal Airport, Gulfport, Mississippi. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, John Bell Williams, James Eastland, William Colmer, Charles Griffin, G. V. Montgomery, John Mitchell, Bryce Harlow, John Stennis, Ehrlichman.

Roll WHPO-1937 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-1937-00A-09A, Dedication ceremonies for the Amistad Dam. 9/8/1969, Rio Grand border, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp at El Mirador, Coahuila. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President and Mrs. Diaz Ordaz, dignitaries.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1937-09, President Nixon standing at a lecturn during dedication ceremonies for the Amistad Dam. Pat Nixon sits nearby. 9/8/1969, Rio Grand border, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp at El Mirador, Coahuila. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President and Mrs. Diaz Ordaz, unidentified dignitaries and guests.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1937-10A-13A, Luncheon at the dedication of the Amistad Dam; tables laden with melons and other fruit. 9/8/1969, Rio Grand border, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp at El Mirador, Coahuila. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President and Mrs. Diaz Ordaz, dignitaries.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1937-14A-17A, President Nixon greeting crowd after dedication of Amistad Dam. 9/8/1969, Rio Grand border, Mexico Amistad Dam, Construction Camp at El Mirador, Coahuila. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, President and Mrs. Diaz Ordaz, dignitaries.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1937-18A-27A, Remarks upon arriving at Laughlin Air Force Base and waving prior to departure. 9/8/1969, Del Rio, Texas Laughlin Air Force Base. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, honor guard, guests.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1937-28A-31A, President Nixon waving prior to departure. 9/8/1969, Del Rio, Texas Laughlin Air Force Base. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, honor guard, guests.

Roll WHPO-1938 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-1938-01-11, President Nixon on Air Force One viewing Hurricane Camille damage. 9/8/1969, air, Gulfport, Mississippi Air Force One, interior. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, crowd.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1938-02, President Nixon looking out the window of AF1 at damage from Hurricane Camille. 9/8/1969, air, Gulfport, Mississippi Air Force One, interior. President Nixon.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1938-12-17, President Nixon and Pat Nixon leaving the airport at Gulfport, Mississippi. 9/8/1969, air, Gulfport, Mississippi Air Force One, Gulfport Municipal Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, crowd.

Roll WHPO-1939 Photographer: Atkins, Oliver | Color or B&W: B&W

• Frame(s): WHPO-1939-00A-15A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon deplaning Air Force One. 9/8/1969, Gulfport, Mississippi Municipal Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, dignitaries, crowd.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1939-16A-19A, President Nixon and Pat Nixon walking with others at Gulfport. 9/8/1969, Gulfport, Mississippi Municipal Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, dignitaries, crowd.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1939-20A-29A, President Nixon making remarks to the crowd after a meeting held on Air Force One. 9/8/1969, Gulfport, Mississippi Municipal Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, dignitaries, crowd.
• Frame(s): WHPO-1939-20A-32A, Crowd at airport. 9/8/1969, Gulfport, Mississippi Municipal Airport. President Nixon, Pat Nixon, dignitaries, crowd.

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.

P - Formal Presidential Remarks

• WHCA-SR-P-690906
  Dedication of Amistad Dam in Del Rio, Mexico with President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz. (9/8/1969)
  
  Runtime: 4:14
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-P-690907
  Exchange of toasts by President Nixon and President Diaz Ordaz at a Luncheon in Mexico. (9/8/1969, Banquet Room at El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico)
  
  Runtime: 4:48
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-P-690908
  Remarks by President Nixon on departure from Mexican Camp at Amistad Dam, with President Diaz Ordaz. (9/8/1969, El Mirador, Coahuila, Mexico)
  
  Runtime: 1:01
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-P-690909
  Remarks by President Nixon on departure from Laughlin AFB, Texas. (9/8/1969, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas)
  
  Runtime: 2:47
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.
• WHCA-SR-P-690910
  Remarks by President Nixon on arrival in Gulfport, Mississippi, with Governor John Bell Williams. (9/8/1969, Gulfport Municipal Airport in Gulfport, Miss)
  
  Runtime: 7:16
  
  Original Format: 1/4-inch reel-to-reel audiotape. Original source type: Original.

• New York Times of September 8, 1969

• AP Images photos from September 8, 1969
• Getty Images photos from September 8, 1969

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 1969 Broadcast Index

Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

• September 8, 1969