Systematic review and Mandatory Declassification Review Opening
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum has opened to the public recently declassified National Security Council (NSC) records. In addition to 800 documents processed in response to mandatory declassification review requests, the opening includes systematic review done for files from the National Security Council (NSC) Files, Country Files - Europe, Name Files, ABM/MIRV, VIP Visits, SALT, China/Vietnam Negotiations, Haig Chronological Files, and Haig Special Files.
This release includes 25 boxes of newly declassified materials from the presidential years, 1969-1974.
This opening follows the Library's other recent systematic review opening on October 10, 2024, which included NSC Country Files for the Far East, Europe, and Africa, as well as Presidential Correspondence.
About the Files
The National Security Act of 1947 (PL 235-61 Stat. 496; 50 U.S.C. 402) established the National Security Council (NSC) and formalized foreign and defense policy coordination among federal agencies. This legislation also created the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Resources Board, a National Military Establishment, and a Secretary of Defense.
President Nixon relied heavily on both his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger, and the NSC for guidance on foreign policy decisions.
During the Nixon administration, the members of the NSC included:
President
Richard M. Nixon (1969 - 1974)
Vice President
Spiro T. Agnew (1969 - October 1973)
Gerald R. Ford (October 1973 - 1974)
Secretary of State
William P. Rogers (1969 - September 1974)
Henry A. Kissinger (September 1973 - 1974)
Secretary of Defense
Melvin R. Laird (1969 - 1973)
James R. Schlesinger (1973 - 1974)
Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness (Office abolished by Reorganization Plan I of 1973.)
George A. Lincoln (1969 - 1973)
NSC Officials
During the Nixon Administration, the officials of the NSC were:
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Henry A. Kissinger (1969 - 1974)
Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. (1969 - January 1973)
Brent Scowcroft (April 1973 - 1974)
Staff Secretary
Richard M. Moose (1969 - 1970)
William Watts (1971 - 1972)
Jeanne W. Davis (1972 - 1974)
Accessing the Series
Original documents in the collection are available to researchers at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California. Reference assistance is available at the Research Room by appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federally observed holidays. For more information on how to research this collection, contact nixonreference@nara.gov.
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FAQ’s
Q. How can I view these records?
A. These records are available at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum’s Research Room, which is open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., excluding federal holidays. An appointment is required and can be made by emailing the Archives Staff at nixonreference@nara.gov.
Q. Is there a box list for this record series?
A. For information on box lists, catalogs, and any other research-based questions, please contact nixonreference@nara.gov.