2 September 1997
Source: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html

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[Federal Register: September 2, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 169)]
[Notices]
[Page 46380]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02se97-100]

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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]
BILLING CODE 7515-01-M
