This Day In 1970's History: Saturday December 26, 1970
- President Nixon was reliably reported to be preparing to announce the establishment of a White House organization on foreign economic policy similar to those now existing for national security and domestic affairs. Foreign economic policy matters, which dominate relations with many countries, are currently handled by different departments with little coordination. [New York Times]
- Mr. Nixon signed legislation expanding federal birth control programs and population research. At the same time, the President in effect vetoed a bill designed to induce medical schools to train more family doctors because the measure "is unnecessary and represents the wrong approach" to health problems. [New York Times]
- Observers in Washington said the dispute between those who believe that government surveillance of millions of Americans linked to computerized data banks seriously threatens constitutionally protected liberties and those who believe such data collection is justified by the need to prevent civil disorders and protect public officials portends a deep and bitter struggle. [New York Times]
- Doctors were reported to have found that human violence arises from specific areas inside the brain. Brain surgery and anti-convulsant drugs were found to keep violent behavior in some persons to a minimum, and in some cases doctors have even turned violent behavior on and off by activating electrodes planted in patients' brains. Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine said they had isolated the chemical in the brain that induces fear of the dark. [New York Times]
- Researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif., were said to be finding abnormally high amounts of lead in fish caught in coastal waters near cities. The researchers believe the lead comes from automobile exhausts, and they add that fish caught farther out in the sea have much smaller amounts. [New York Times]
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