[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 2, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 46380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-23291]


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NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION


Nixon Presidential Historical Materials; Opening of Materials

AGENCY: National Archives and Records Administration.

ACTION: Notice of opening of materials.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the opening of additional Nixon 
presidential historical materials. Notice is hereby given that, in 
accordance with section 104 of Title I of the Presidential Recordings 
and Materials Preservation Act (``PRMPA'', 44 USC 2111 note) and 
1275.42(b) of the PRMPA Regulations implementing the Act (36 CFR Part 
1275), the agency has identified, inventoried, and prepared for public 
access Cabinet Room conversations of Nixon White House tapes among the 
Nixon Presidential historical materials.

DATES: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) intends 
to make conversations tape recorded in the Nixon White House Cabinet 
Room described in this notice available to the public beginning October 
16, 1997. In accordance with 36 CFR 1275.44, any person who believes it 
necessary to file a claim of legal right or privilege concerning access 
to these materials should notify the Archivist of the United States in 
writing of the claimed right, privilege, or defense before October 3, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: The materials will be made available to the public at the 
National Archives at College Park research room, located at 8601 
Adelphia Road, College Park, Maryland.
    Petitions asserting a legal or constitutional right or privilege 
which would prevent or limit access must be sent to the Archivist of 
the United States, National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi 
Road, College Park, Maryland 20740-6001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karl Weissenbach, Acting Director, Nixon Presidential Materials Staff, 
301-713-6950.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NARA is proposing to open approximately 436 
conversations which were recorded in the Cabinet Room at the Nixon 
White House from February 1971 through July 1973. These segments total 
approximately 154 hours of listening time.

    The first opening of Nixon White House tapes on May 28, 1980, 
included 12 and \1/2\ hours of conversations used as evidence in 
Watergate trials. The second opening, on June 4, 1991, included 47 and 
\1/2\ additional hours of conversations obtained by the Watergate 
Special Prosecution Force but not played in court. The third opening, 
on May 17, 1993, included approximately 3 additional hours of abuse of 
governmental power segments for the months of May and June 1972. The 
fourth opening, on November 18, 1996, included approximately 201 hours 
of abuse of governmental power segments from February 1971-April 1972 
and July 1972-July 1973.
    There are nine transcripts for portions of conversations from these 
tapes, which were prepared previously by NARA as required for judicial 
proceedings. The transcripts are as accurate as possible given the 
condition of the original tape recordings, but NARA cannot certify as 
to their accuracy. Tape logs, also prepared by NARA, are offered for 
public access as a finding aid to the tape conversations and a guide 
for the listener. Each tape log entry includes the names of 
participants; date, time, and location of the conversations; and an 
outline of the intent of the conversation.
    The tape recordings will be made available to the general public in 
the research room at 8601 Adelphia Road, College Park, Maryland, Monday 
through Friday between 8:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Researchers must have a 
NARA researcher card, which they may obtain when they arrive at the 
facility. Listening stations will be available for public use on a 
first come, first served basis. NARA reserves the right to limit 
listening time in response to heavy demand. No copies of the tape 
recordings will be sold or otherwise provided at this time. No sound 
recording devices will be allowed in the listening area. Researchers 
may take notes. Copies of the tape log and transcripts will be 
available for a fee in accordance with 36 CFR 1258.12.

    Dated: August 26, 1997.
John W. Carlin,
Archivist of the United States
[FR Doc. 97-23291 Filed 8-29-97; 8:45 am]
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