News stories from Sunday June 17, 1973
Summaries of the stories the major media outlets considered to be of particular importance on this date:
- President Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev have already reached agreement on some pacts to be signed during Brezhnev's visit. These include export-import bank loans for Russians and shared information on oceanography, transportation and agriculture. The President is looking to other long-range expectations. He hopes that these private talks will smooth the way for establishing limitations on offensive nuclear arms, but emphasized that Americans should not expect great breakthroughs. Henry Kissinger said that whatever breakthroughs occur will be lasting, but not necessarily spectacular. President Nixon hopes to engage the Russians in common enterprises including political, economic, and diplomatic agreements. [NBC]
- A sore point between Nixon and Brezhnev is Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union. Brezhnev told American reporters in Moscow that Jews are free to emigrate when national security is not at stake. But demonstrators want President Nixon to hold back trade agreements until freedom of emigration is assured. 10,000 demonstrators in Washington intend to add public pressure to congressional pressure to add an amendment to the federal trade bill. That amendment would stipulate that Russia will receive preferential trade status only if she freely permits the emigration of Soviet Jews. [NBC]
- Brezhnev and Nixon will not talk about fishing rights off the New England coast, where American fishermen are being forced out of business by Soviet competition. Capt. Nelson Bourret noted that American boats had their own way until Russian fishing fleets moved in like the Navy; Americans can't compete with large boats traveling in numbers. Regulations exist, but they are not enough. Russian agriculture is underdeveloped so they have a greater need for fish, but American fishermen say that our own fish are being sold back to us by the Russians.
New England fishermen will keep complaining until the government takes action. They say that President Nixon promised to help the fishermen if he was re-elected.
[NBC] - Postmaster General Elmer Klassen announced that the cost of a first class postage stamp will increase next year to 10 cents. The increase is necessary to meet rising labor costs. The Post Office is thinking of discontinuing air mail and special delivery service. [NBC]
- Two helicopters of the international peace keeping commission were fired on over Vietnam; there were no injuries. Cease-fire violations continue. [NBC]
- A research submarine with four scientists aboard is trapped on the ocean floor off Key West, Florida. The scientists are in no immediate danger. [NBC]
- Skylab astronauts received Father's Day greetings from President Nixon. The astronauts are continuing experiments and preparing for their trip home. On Monday, they will set the record for longest amount of time spent in space. Splashdown will occur on Friday. [NBC]
- Food prices in England will go down, except for meat and gin. [NBC]
- One year ago the Watergate burglary story was carried on NBC and appeared the next day in the New York Times. All news organizations underplayed the Watergate story at the time. This week, Leonid Brezhnev's visit to the United States will be overshadowed by John Dean's testimony before the Senate Watergate committee. [NBC]
- President Nixon is preparing for talks with Soviet party leader Leonid Brezhnev; he spoke with foreign policy adviser Henry Kissinger in Key Biscayne today. After the meeting Kissinger went to Camp David, Maryland, to welcome Brezhnev. [NBC]
- American cameramen were not allowed on Andrews Air Force Base for Brezhnev's arrival. Some pictures were taken, however, by a Russian cameraman. American newsmen are not allowed inside Camp David. Most Russian journalists have remained in Washington, DC to familiarize themselves with the city and methods for reporting on Brezhnev's trip. [NBC]
- Americans tend to look at the Brezhnev-Nixon talks from the American side, but the Russian view is interesting. In 1971, Brezhnev met with French President Georges Pompidou to discuss ways to double trade between their nations within five years. Last month's meeting with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt led to an exchange of raw materials between the two countries. There is speculation about what Brezhnev will ask for at the meeting with President Nixon.
Brezhnev wants the international eye off of Russian industry and arms. He hopes to improve relations with the West in order to benefit the Soviet consumer and economy. Problems stem from agricultural failings. From these summit talks, Brezhnev hopes to get technical assistance, more trade and credit to improve the Russian domestic situation. Undeveloped resources in Siberia are an incentive for the West to give the help the Soviets need.
[NBC]