Dissolve baking soda in water and sprinkle over chopped dates in small bowl. Let stand white creaming softened butter and sugar together. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in date mixture, coconut and nuts. Add salt and flour and blend well in softened dough. Drop cookie mixture in walnut-sized teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400° for 5 to 7 minutes, or until delicately browned. 5 dozen.