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Presidential News Summaries, 1973-1975 (1)
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Presidential News Summaries, 1973-1975 (1)
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The original documents are located in Box 19, folder "Presidential News Summaries, 1973-
1975 (1)" of the Stanley Scott Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Bettye L. Scott donated to the
United States of America her copyrights in all of her husband's unpublished writings in National
Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official
duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or
organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed
in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
NEWS SUMMARY
September 20, 1973
(Wed. wires, nets)
Question of whether VP would resign led ABC (#2 on NBC,
#4 CBS) w/ABC saying there's "still no firm denial" from
either VP or WH and "still signs of continuing rift. Jarriel
cited "social snub" when VP was omitted from dignitaries
photo at Bhutto session. NBC, in light of Warren's statements,
saw situation as still "somewhat unclear" tho "changed some-
what" in declaring no one in WH out to get VP. But Nessen
said speculation is "still very much alive, 11 noting neither VP
himself nor spokesman has specifically denied rumors. CBS
noted rumors show no sign of abating; report included clip of
Goldwater saying if VP were indicted he'd expect him to resign.
--
In report on status of WH/Cox compromise, Chancellor said
RN filed "another hardline brief" w/appeals court, noting WH
position "to tear down office of Presidency is too high a price
even for W'gate. " Allnets noted RN personally has not met
w/Cox tho Buzhardt has done so twice. Chancellor said WH
position suggests to him WH will reject Court suggestion of
sharing tapes w/Cox, but Stern reported Cox "might be willing
to accept something less, " such as certified transcript of
portions. ABC called WH position an "unwavering" public stance,
but said WH appears attempting to find compromise.
-- All nets reported Colson denied immunity by Sen. W'gate
Comm. and thus, in 2-hour private session, took 5th amendment
since he believes he may be indicted by Ellsberg grand jury.
NBC. described Colson as one who'd "wanted very badly to be
heard;" CBS said he'd been one of RN's "most vocal backers, "
and ABC called him an "ardent" backer. Schorr said pleading
5th followed "strenuous effort" to be excused. Each net had
different Ervin/Baker clips: Ervin said Colson took 5th w/out
conceding any wrongdoing and that Comm. would very much
like to have heard from him, as they've reason to believe he
has relevant information; Baker said they're indications
grand jury action against Colson is "imminent, " but people
should accept his reasons for taking 5th as it stands w/out
reading more in. Schorr said it's now open to question
whether Colson's 50-page opening statement in support of
RN will ever be heard.
RALD GE A. FORD JBRART
2
--
CBS led w/Admin Housing proposal (ABC #6, NBC #5),
Cronkite said it comes under conditions of "skyrocketing"
real estate prices and almost non-existent mortgage money.
All nets noted both short and long-range provisions, w/input
of $5 1/2B to S&L's for short-term, and proposal for direct
cash supports in lieu of federal guarantees in long term aim
to end Uncle Sam being "biggest slumlord in history" (noted
by all). NBC noted observer called the $5.5B a "drop in
ocean, since Calif. alone lends-out $10B per year and
nationally the figure is $220B. CBS reported Dems generally
reacted w/"too little, too late, 11 but S&L League's VP
welcomes the increase. ABC/NBC reports focused on D.C.
slums, and CBS cited St. Louis and Detroit.
-- ABC/NBC noted RN meeting w/Love and governors, after
which Love said governors were almost unanimously in favor
of mandatory allocation of fuel oils. Both nets w/features on
impact of fuel crisis: ABC focused on farmers in Idaho,
while NBC featured Pacific Northwest region, where 90%
of area's power is based on water, but very dry summer
threatens to create crisis by mid-March '74.
-- NBC led (#7 on ABC, #11 CBS) w/"another considerable victory"
for RN in failure by 23 votes to override veto of min. wage bill.
All nets noted this was 6th straight sustension of RN veto.
-- D-J closed up 19 at 910 w/25M vol
After 2 days of sharp
drops, ABC noted bargain hunters pushed IBM up more than
11 pts.
RN/BHUTTO
AP leads: "Bhutto delighted WH state dinner audience when he
humorously disclosed 'inner truth' of 1st day's talks w/RN. 11 He
said that, perhaps because of HAK, military and cultural matters
became intertwined w/Jill St. John going to USSR, Raquel Welch
"earmarked" for PRC, Tallulah for "our old friend" Pakistan.
Said Bhutto, "we're old friends, but not in that sense, " adding
that Pakistan's interested not in "obsolete spare parts, but in red
hot weapons."
RALD A. FORD UBRART BRAR
30
3
Bhutto said W'gate's damaged internat'l effectiveness of US and
is "counterproductive" w/"world outside" very concerned w/"terrible,
frightening vacuum" created by W'gate. US should "of course" be
concerned about it, but he feels the "present trivialities will be
brushed aside and a more glorious people dedicated to cause of
eternal peace will emerge. 11 In that "struggle" and "quest" he
saw RN as "the leader of the free world
the leader of Western
,
civilization and as a man of peace. "
Chancellor noted Bhutto visit wrapped up w/promise of econ.
aid, but no new military help.
OTHER FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ABC noted scores of trucks and minibuses filled w/supplies
rolled up from seacoast to PP for 1st time in 25 days after Hiway
4 was cleared
ABC noted fighting continues outside Kompong
Cham, tho routes into town are clear. Film noted Cambodia's
"already swollen" w/refugees who are dependent on internat'l
agencies and volunteers for help. US Col's wife on film said
refugees are better off in inadequate camps w/volunteers' help,
than on the roads. She added there's a major effort to help young
and old. ABC said no stix are available, but hospitals are bursting.
Many die before reaching operating room. Dr. on film expects
situation to get worse. ABC noted all this is new problem to
Cambodians. Unidentified US diplomat was quoted as saying
when Cambodians learn how to use money properly, then US will
provide.
Thai PM Kittikachorn predicted "intensified" Communist
insurgency plus increased infiltration in NE provinces. Thais
will have to rely on their own and less and less on US, he added
Japan and NVN to establish relations Fri.
Art historian, Barabanov said KGB have threatened to jail him
for "anti-USSR activity" because he smuggled out poems by
Pasternak and others govt wouldn't allow published
CBS noted
Sakharov's open letter to Hill in Post.
FORD & BRAR RALD 1 30
4
Brezhnev said internat'l relations "should be based on new
principles and an honest approach by all participants. 11 He warned
against reviving principles of the cold war. He said "peace and
European security is not necessary only to Soviet Union. All
nations need it and profit from it. It will be a grave mistake if
present chances are missed;" UPI says this was reference to CESC.
Noting USSR-Occidental agreement, CBS AM's Rudd said it'd
be fairly easy to swap back and forth in scientific/technical fields,
but he wonders about the business area. For 1 thing, there are
hardly any businessmen in USSR -- except for farmers who carry
strawberries to the cities to sell them. And the one org. that's
supposed to sell to foreigners was shocked when Rudd wanted to
make a purchase when he was there. Hardly like Sears. Also,
Rudd questioned Soviet Chamber of Commerce, whose function was
described to him as collecting samples of foreign goods and making
copies.
Monitor says Pompi's PRC visit was "suffused w/a public show
of cordiality but largely bereft of sort of concrete agreements
French had hoped to secure to support claim to special relation-
ship w/PRC. " The few commitments made were "overshadowed
by wide gulf" separating the 2 on "sensitive issue of Eur. detente,"
and communique "made clear efforts to find common ground on
issue had foundered on differing attitudes toward USSR. " Prevailing
impression among observers, Monitor adds, is PRC will "look
elsewhere than France for the political will to resist Soviet
blandishments in Europe."
Suggesting DOD was involved in coup, USSR paper said "despite
worsening of relations between US and Chile, there was 1 definite
field which continued flourishing. US continued to train Chilean
officers.
"
NBC/CBS noted new Chilean gov't said any person
who shoots weapon at new gov't will be shot
NBC's Streithorst
reported new gov't picking self up out of rubble of coup. It's a
deeply changed country, Streithorst said: political graffiti is
coming off walls; where there once were dozens of newspapers
there are now only 2 civilians are going back to work, at govt's
directions. Military is clearly in control The concluded, but just
what it's intentions are is not clear.
FORD & LIBRARY RALE 30
5
Pinochet said "there're many places where they 're forming
guerrilla units. They're preparing places, but beware because
declaration of internal war's possible. 11 He added military code
provides "most severe penalities" and if necessary would be applied
"w/out fear. 11 Junta to issue "white paper" exposing "incredible"
corruption under Allende.
CBS noted 6 Americans are believed
being held by new gov't.
Censorship of dispatches by foreign correspondents was lifted
and military sources acknowledge they "made a mistake" by
censoring. Newsmen were warned they were "responsible" for
content of dispatches and shouldn't be "misleading."
CBS noted Saudi Arabia petrol min. Yamani on CBS AM clip
said country hasn't changed policy toward oil production but
might if it can't solve its economic problems or if peaceful atmos-
phere isn't obtained. "If you want us to produce more, you'll have
to help" toward solution in Mideast.
ABC/CBS noted hundreds of Palestinians were freed from prison
under amnesty linked w/Hussein's campaign to end Jordan's isolation
from other leading Arab states. Relatives danced and sang outside
prison gates while awaiting their release.
Syria reportedly arrested 16 Al Fatah and restricted guerrilla
movements in Syria.
RALD OF R. FORD UBRART
AP leads: "representatives of US, Soviet Union and nearly all of
Europe began work today on proposals to outlaw the use of force. "
NBC's Utley reported CESC resumed work, w/the 35 nations
doing so mostly at insistence of USSR. Utley said essence of Soviet
position is that it wants others to recognize status quo, which he said
means Soviet dominance of E. Europe. He concluded that Soviet
message is simple: if you want detente, then it'll be on Soviet terms --
at least, he said, as far as individual liberties are concerned.
Heath tried to dampen new political crisis in N. Ireland by backing
off earlier warning that Britain would strip province of autonomy if
its pols can't get together.
Sweden's new King may be forced to dissolve Parliament and call
new elections in perhaps his 1st and last act before legisl strips him
of remaining powers and establishes totally symbolic monarchy.
NBC noted he took office, but was not "crowned, " since Sweden doesn't
do that.
6
Eritrean Liberation Front claimed Selassie's grandson held
the emperor at gunpoint aboard jet returning from W. Germ. visit
last week and tried to force him to abdicate.
AP leads: "Flags of West and East Germany were hoisted side
by side at UN as country after country congratulated 2 Germanys on
their entry into world org.
11
CBS' Hottelet gave "mood" piece on
UN, calling it cross-section of human race and closest man's come
to a universal gov't. Once looked to for guarantees of peace, disso-
lusion over its ineffectiveness is as high as low as hopes for it once
were high. Hottelet noted it's the non-aligned nations that appear to
benefit most from UN's many programs of aid, and who often bog
it down in wrangling. It's an assembly, he emphasized, not a fairy
godmother.
Internatl pilots group called UN air safety meeting "dismal
failure" and warned again of pilot boycott if hijackings go unchecked.
State's Newsom urged maintaining US aid for Africa. "I simply
cannot stand before the peoples of Africa unless we can share some
of our resources with them, 11 Newsom said.
DEFENSE
RN expressed hope Fitzgerald case would be settled "w/out
necessity of appeal. 11 In response to Civil Service request for opinion,
RN's statement continued "case is concrete demonstration of effective
operation of procedure by which rights of fed. employees are pro-
tected. 11
Educational Testing Service of Princeton said educational
benefits being paid Vets lag behind WWII levels and are insufficient
to meet students' living expenses. But Vet's Johnson said "it must
be stressed that GI bills were never designed to provide all of a
Vet's living expenses and educational expenses. 11
GERALD RALD a FORD LIBRARY
30
7
ECONOMY/PH 4
ABC/NBC noted CLC refused to consider new Chrysler proposal
to increase prices on '74 models. Dunlop said Chrysler's action
resembled "series of bites
not in accordance w/our policy and
we're stopping it. 11
ABC noted Dunlop added "we envision a
further round of auto price increases when labor negotiations are
ended and other costs are determined. "
Rejection was 1st
time CLC has flatly refused proposed price increase by major during
month-old Ph 4
Chrysler defended request and repeated intention
to seek still another hike based on tentative agreement w/UAW.
UAW/Chrysler reached agreement on contract covering white
collar workers, bringing all 127, 000 Chrysler workers under tenta-
tive agreements.
Woodcock on Today cited "breakthrus" in
contract and said he's optimistic rank and file will accept pact and
possibly return to work Mon. Note made of different atmosphere in
negotiations, w/Woodcock saying recriminations don't get people
anywhere.
Gulf announced 9¢/gal. wholesale price increase effective
immediately. Gulf regretted Ph. 4 forbade dealer to pass on
increase to consumer
CBS AM film on Mass. gas dealers who
closed for 3 days in protest noted some were losing so much money,
they were forced to shut down. Mass. AG got temporary restraining
order to force stations to open because of shortages.
Scott and
13 other GOP joined Mansfield and 19 Dems in asking CLC to permit
fuel retailers to pass cost increases to consumers.
60 DC gas
stations to close 1 week starting Mon. unless controls are lifted.
Internat'l Wheat Council said shortage apparently has been
reduced w/over-all supply taking turn for better
Disputing pre-
dictions of UN FAO official, Butz said grain supplies were large
enough to prevent world hunger this year and situation would improve
in '74. Butz also noted US "has made strongest effort of any wheat
support nation to maximize its export availability
despite a sub-
stantial increase for domestic consumers. 11
All nets noted key measure of BOP -- balance on current account
and long-term capital -- narrowed between April and June to smallest
deficit in 2-1/2 yrs.
FORD & BRARY GERALD RALD 30
8
Ways and Means tentatively approved mandate for US
negotiators to seek reciprocal lowering of trade barriers on
product-by-product basis. Karth (D-Minn) said it'd put US
mfg's. on equal footing in trade talks w/agricultural products
which were lumped as 1 product.
Britain's Chancellor of Exchequer reportedly said there's long
way to go before agreement is reached on monetary reform.
ABC film noted "rarely" has so much attention been focused
on cow. Question is what're tenderloins worth? Beef prices have
been "inching down, 11 even while other prices "soared. " Now
supply's up, but demand isn't. ABC noted on Chic. Commodity
Mkt. bidding last month was better than 60¢ a pound, now its down
to 42¢. Trying to sell from these stix, broker on film said prices
are just beginning to go down. He expects lower prices that'll be
stable for months. But ABC said unpredictable force like bad
weather could change futures and remind city-slickers beef doesn't
grow in meat lockers.
CBS noted Cost of Living stix for Aug., to come Fri., were
said by Dunn to reflect a "very substantial" rise in retail food
prices. Dunn, according to Cronkite, said stix will be "one very
bad set of numbers. "
MANDATORY ALLOCATION/ENERGY
ABC noted RN would decide "very quickly" whether to go ahead
w/stand-by allocation plan proposed by Admin last month.
Love
indicated he'd dropped some objections to a mandatory program.
Commerce comm. agreed 22-7 to broaden reach of bill that'd force
allocation of fuels, despite Eckhardt's complaint that bill would make
RN "czar" of oil industry.
Hearst says Alaska pipeline opponents won't give up easily,
not even if it were made of plastic and milk run thru it. He said
environmentalists' battle has "been a yery good influence in making
the oil companies toe the line and do a lot more in the direction of
environmental protection than they might have ordinarily."
FORD
& RALD 30
LIBRARY
9
In what UPI called his strongest statement since taking over
EPA, Train accused industry of waging well-organized fear
campaign to discredit environmentalists and weaken anti-pollution
laws. He said public should recognize campaign for what it is --
"simply an effort to slow down or avoid getting on w/job of clearing
up pollution.
Butz said he sees nothing to support fears of widespread farm
"energy crisis" at harvest time this year. "We think we'll have
adequate fuel to get through the fall. There isn't a tractor that
didn't run for lack of fuel last spring, " he said. However, he said,
propane gas for drying crops "is going to be a close thing."
ABC film noted Idaho had almost perfect farm yr, w/bumper
crops of corn and grain expected, but situation turned "sour" as
machines used last gallons of fuel. No more fuel til Oct, and
enough won't be available. Distributors are sorry but they' ve
already provided 100% of what they did last yr. 1 farmer remarked
he'd use horses if he had them. Butz on film said agricultural fuel
needs were at very top of priority list. But, ABC said farmers
don't understand why there's enough fuel for pleasure boats in other
parts of US and why DC isn't doing more to correct situation.
NBC's Oliver said Pacific Northwest uses huge amounts of water
for power. But it's experienced hottest, driest summer in years.
Water supply is "way down, 11 and if it continues to drop there's "no
way" it will be able to meet needs, despite vigorous efforts to
conserve electricity. Gov. Evans (on film) said if there isn't a
substantial reduction in usage and only average rainfall, they' 11
have critical shortage by mid-March. Despite broad powers
legislature gave Evans, Oliver concluded, general public is not
convinced of pending problem.
RN/HOUSING
UPI leads: "RN took action to provide $5.5B for money-starved
homebuyers beginning next week and asked Hill to put thousands
more Americans, especially the young, in their own homes. 11 RN
also unveiled cash allowance program aimed at helping elderly poor
to buy or rent in neighborhoods of their choice
AP leads: "RN,
arguing that present programs have made Uncle Sam 'the biggest
slumlord in history, I proposed to Hill experimental payments of
RALD FORD VIBRARY
13 A.
10
cash housing allowances to needy. 11 UPI leads: "RN asked Hill
to enact a series of measures to pump more money into tight
mortgage market. He proposed eventually replacing current
system of fed housing subsidies for poor w/cash payments. "
Star banner: "RN Frees Cash for Homes" beneath kicker,
"Wants FHA, VA Ceilings Lifted"
Early Post, w/3-column
lead: "RN Defers Cash Grants Housing Plan. 11
CBS' Rather said, in urging end to huge federal payments
RN's not asking that all existing HUD complexes be leveled such
as Pruitt-Igloe in St. Louis, but he "doesn't want any more built. "
Ones not demolished, he continued (over Detroit film), are
decaying and marring scenery, w/problem aggravated by real
estate speculators. In addition w/experiment of direct cash
allowance, Rather continued, Lynn cited other features as 3.5%
tax credit to lenders to pump mortgage money to mid-income
group, release of more federal bank money, increase of FHA/VA
maximums, and urged states to eliminate existing ceilings on
interest rates. Sparkman (on film) said even if they went into the
new program -- which he said he doubts they will -- it'd be "Jul.
'75" before it got going. Prox (on film) said suggestions will have
"disastrous" affect for those earning less than $12 or $13,000 per
year. Prox said RN's indicated there will be no program for next
2-1/2 years to help those w/modest incomes since program couldn't
be effected til '76. Rather concluded outcome turns on philosophical
difference that appears certain to be argued thru '74 elections.
NBC used report on DC's Victoria Apartments which Clare
Crawford had prepared for local TV. She said renewal intended
for this complex never really got started. Over matching film,
she said plaster is falling, toxic paint's on walls, fire inspector
called it a "death trap, " and rats (on film) are present, as are
cockroaches. She said this mother (on film) puts corners of sheets
in her children's ears so cockroaches won't crawl into them. She
closed on note that urban renewal programs have "history of being
slow and ineffective. II
ABC w/film of federall-funded building
project "sliding into decay" noted Admin doesn't want projects like
this to happen again.
FORD & LIBRARY RALD 30
11
Star's Kempster leads: "RN ordered series of administrative
actions designed to pump billions into credit-starved housing market
and urged Hill to eliminate interest ceiling from FHA-VA mortgages. 11
ABC noted Admin urged mortgage money be provided for new
housing at interest rates slightly below market level to help young
and/or middle-income homebuyers.
Lynn said the cash allowance proposal, which preliminary
estimates indicate could cost as much as $11B/year, needed more
study before going to Hill.
Lynn on ABC said building new housing
wasn't right approach. Admin. believes main approach should be
direct cash assistance.
CBS noted Nat'l Assoc. of Homebuilders
called proposal "not fully responsive" to needs
Prexy said message
proposes permanent end for many of subsidy programs, but "indicates
no basic proposals yet ready to replace them. Burden of this'
continue to fall w/particular weight on those whose housing needs
are most urgent and difficult to meet. "
Proxmire called message "great disappointment. 11 He said effect
was to continue present housing moratorium til '76 and "merely bid up
price of existing housing
Hill and public will be most reluctant to
support such a costly and potentially ineffective program, " Prox
added.
Chancellor said there were no comments from homebuilders
assoc. on the more technical points of the proposal.
NBC noted
Nat'l Housing Assoc. believes RN's program is intended to avoid a
"housing recession" in '74.
Reuss said Admin labors had
"brought forth not a mouse but promise of a mouse by '75. For low-
and moderate-income Americans already hopelessly priced out of
housing market, this is cruel news. "
Chrmn of Housing subcomm Barrett (D-Pa) said proposals were
"again based on premise of local autonomy" and any such program
should have strict guidelines and Fed. oversight.
Moorhead (D-
Pa) criticized RN for failing to release impounded funds for present
housing construction programs.
Chancellor said record high interest rates and tight credit rules
were causing housing nightmares.
August housing starts dropped
to lowest level in nearly 2 years. Building permits continued to
nosedive.
FORD & BRARY RALD
30
12
OTHER DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
UPI leads: "RN won 6th consecutive veto fight of yr. w/Hill
as House failed to override rejection of bill to increase minimum
11
wage.
WH said RN gratified. "It's now up to Hill to replace
vetoed bill this yr. w/new bill which'll bring min. wage in line
w/increased COL while doing so in way that helps to check inflation
and protects jobs
11
GAO's Staats says OMB's impoundment of funds for Natl Industrial
Equipment Reserve and its directive to dismantle the reserve are
illegal.
Admin said Hill it'd spend $540M more on elementary and high
school education next fall in return for some form of education R-S
which consolidates categorical grants for needy, handicapped and
other children. Marland said promise was a WH guarantee to spend
the money and wouldn't be w/drawn either because of veto of HEW
money bill or by impoundment as Admin did w/$700M in school aid
last year. But Admin will oppose legisl of House Education subcomm
which would force Admin to spend full impacted aid appropriated by
Hill.
CBS noted Marland's resignation. Cronkite said he'd had
differences in past w/Admin but reason/was he, leaving was "personal."
Dem Study Group said RN's charges of Hill inaction are unsupported
by facts and are "blatant effort to distract attention from major policy
failures and corruption that characterize Admin. 11 Group said more
than half of 50 measures in SOTU have already been passed by at least
1 house. All but 10 have seen some legislative action. "What RN's
really doing w/so-called SOTU is calling on Hill tc do what it's already
in process of doing. 11 Commenting on charge of Hill "budget busting,"
DSG said Hill adopted ceilings below Admin, and any deficit for present
FY "would be result of insistence of Admin on $5B DOD increase. 11
AP leads: "Butz says he's being prevented by Hill itself from
spending more than $25M to give children extra portion of milk,
RALD GE R. FORD JBRART
even tho Admin wanted cutback in 1st place. "
Senate Agriculture approved bill authorizing additional $129M in
subsidies for school lunches. Admin-opposed measure, is similar to
bill which recently passed House. Senate aides predicted efforts will
be made on Senate floor to boost subsidy above level approved already,
from 8¢ to 10¢.
UPI leads: "Senate unanimously approved bill to insure working
people receive retirement benefits they have earned under pension plans even
13
if they don't spend all their working life w/same employer. " Bill
also offers tax advantages to induce uncovered workers and self-
employed to invest some of their earnings toward retirement.
House approved (305-108) $224. 1M authorization for USIA.
The measure is $16M less than Admin requested. Brock urged
Ervin to get quick action on budget reform proposal in Ervin's
Gov't Operations Comm.
ABC noted Elliott Roosevelt demanded public apology from
Jackson for allowing Mastriana's testimony, accusing subcomm
of smearing him in world press w/out trying to check on testimony
of the witness. Roosevelt called story "cock and bull" and said
Mastriani had embezzled $10, 000 from him and an associate.
CBS w/film of Philip Wilson, former leader insurance CO. that
became leader in multimillion-dollar network of fraudulent banks
and insurance companies and who's now under conviction for mail
fraud, testified he cheated whole nations -- including PRC and USSR
in fraudulent securities and insurance schemes. He said he periodically
passed on certain "economic info" he obtained from his dealings w/
local CIA office.
To amusement of audience, Wilson told how he
lost money in Poland because 2 aircraft crash into same mountain,
to his insurance liability.
NBC/CBS noted "Buddy" Martin, 1 of triggermen convicted in
Yablonski murders, was sentenced to die in electric chair even tho
FORD
Pa. outlawed capital punishment.
the judge thinks it'll hold
up, said Chancellor; and, if it doesn't Cronkite said judge will issue
life sentence w/out pardon or parole.
of
LIBRARY
ADMIN
AP's Lewine leads: "RN plans to concentrate on domestic problems
'til Hill recesses, and aides say date of any European trip is now
uncertain" WH adviser said "uncertain's very perceptive word. "
Lewine noted "as sign of how active RN has been, WH produced some
stix on schedule since May 1: visits w/ll heads of state and 8 other
foreign officials; 9 Cabinet meetings; 38 meetings w/individual Cabinet
members, and as well as some 50 congressional meetings, and a
number of trips, including summit w/Pompi and "brief" appearances
in Norfolk, Orlando, Pekin, KC, and New Orleans. But no trips
scheduled for rest ofSept.
Star's sports section bannered w/story of RN letter to NL in support
of Padres transfer to DC.
14
Julie said family was irritated by "completely unfair and
untrue stories" that WWH-KB improvements enhanced value of
properties. She said family "could care less if we have a gazebo
or a spotlight on the flagpole. 11 Julie also said David flunked as
a journalist because he couldn't pass the test of "sneers and jeers. 11
She said US wants to put W'gate''in perspective" and US mood is that
"people want to move forward and concentrate on other issues, such
as energy and SALT. 11 UPI noted audience "frequently applauded"
her remarks.
HAK, receiving congrats on Foreign Relations approval, joked
he was "lucky. Only 10 witnesses testified against me. I thought
my whole staff would. "
VICE PRESIDENT
UPI leads: "Warren denied RN or anybody in WH was trying to
pressure VP into resigning. " Warren said reporters suggesting
WH was attempting to force VP to leave "are false. There's no
disposition on part of WH or people in WH to force VP to resign. 11
All nets reported Warren said "because matter ofVP is under inves-
tigation, we feel it's inappropriate for WH to comment" "or accept
questions the answers to which would pass judgement on situation --
while it's still being considered by AG. "
ABC said w/this as justi-
fication, no statements were made on VP's future in WH.
Jarriel said RN sent spokesman to deny WH was trying to force
a.
FORD
or pressure VP to resign. Nor was WH leaking damaging news to
press. Jarriel said Warren said this w/out explaining how he could
RALO
make such broad categorical denials and never answered direct
GF
question: does RN want VP to resign? W/film of VP, Jarriel said
"social snub" came just when everyone was watching. Tho WH denies
"snub, 11 Jarriel said actionmy 've come just when VP was looking
hardest for sign of support. Incident suggested WH "coolness" towards
VP, Jarriel concluded.
NBC's Brokaw said WH position makes clear VP is "standing on
his own"
Nessen said VP office found WH words "most welcome and
reassuring, 11 but added VP's not waiting around for support; rather
he intends to fight this alone. Noting VP's office reported strong public
support (500+ telegrams all but 2 supportive), speculation remains
alive. Duke, from Capitol, said Hill gave welcome support as GOP
Senators "of all shades" rose to VP's defense. Dole (on film) said
while he doesn't know facts behind rumors, VP's made it rather
clear" he's no intention of resigning this may be time for him
to restate it to scotch rumors. Curtis (on film) vehemently declared
the rumors were damaging, not only to VP but the nation. Javits
15
said (on film) he hopes people and Hill will let law take its course
if he's indicted, but if he's not he shouldn't be "bedeviled. 11 Duke
concluded that as GOP Senators see it, "VP should not resign so
long as he proclaims his innocence and so long as he's not indicted."
In Thurs Post, Kilpatrick-Cannon write that even as WH state-
ments were being issued, "there was a fresh report that a principal
WH official has predicted (VP's) resignation in 'next few weeks. 111
Article says report came from an "Eastern GOP who said he was
told by the official w/in past few days that (VP's) departure would
give RN "an opportunity to set a whole new tone for Admin. 111
VP att'y Topkis said "VP's said he's not resigning and that's
it.
Beckman and Kelly in Trib say VP's received a number of
options from attys, including resignation, but that's very low on
list, if not at the bottom.
Gold blames "WH staff at the highest level, Haig and Laird"
for reports. He said they "operate the staff and know who says what.
When an anonymous WH source is quoted they show no damned interest
at all in finding out who said it. " Gold called RN "the #1 member
of the JBC claque" who does nothing to stop talk about JBC
JBC refused comment on"what may or may not be going on" in
reported attempts to replace VP. He said "I don't know of a
Connally claque. 11 Connally said "I'm sure I won't run for the
presidency in '76."
Gold on CBS AM said resignation talk is "latest in sustaining
a
FORD
campaign by WH" to undermine VP's position. Noting Laird said
his comments to John Anderson were misinterpreted, Gold said
this "misinterpretation" has gone for quite a while, and in case
GERALD
RA
GE
LIBRARY
of WH "no comments, that was "quite deliberate. " Gold added,
tho, that the rumors were a "common denominator" of whatever
staff there was at WH. It occurred w/HRH/JDE, and "I suppose
if you had Sonny and Cher we'd get the same thing. Also, he scoffed
at RN's support of VP only from day Agnew became Veep and pointed
out Dem Mandel asserted he believes in VP's innocence. He added
the "pros" certainly know what it all means. Gold further emphasized
that VP matter has diverted attention from W'gate.
Gold would be "shocked, amazed and stunned" if VP resigns,
noting he's Constn'lly elected. And he doesn't think VP will be
"shoved" or "intimidated" out by WH. Unless we have a "Chilean
govt. 11 now, VP will stay, he asserted, jokingly saying of course
they could "surround EOB w/troops. " RN "can't force him out,
16
he said; how can you force a person w/great strength of character
out? Have Haig send him notes, or as Herblock suggested, cut off
heat in Veep's offices? Gold admitted VP may have thought of
resigning, but not seriously, and compared that to Julie's statement
re: RN. Someone "w/less guts" may be forced out, but VP will
fight; he's not chased away by dirty looks and no comments. When
note was made VP may hurt GOP in '74, Gold said RN may be in that
position to. When Serafin wondered why VP hadn't denied rumors,
Gold noted VP's stand on not responding to unattributed rumors and
emphasized VP had publicly said he wouldn't resign.
Noting every VP undergoes "Chinese water torture" -- it's
like "hating freshmen in college" -- Gold said it's hoped someday
that a Pres and staff would treat a VP w/deference. But WH staff
acts as if they were ones elected. This lack of respect has gone on
for years, and RN knows about it -- or should, added Gold, com-
menting, of course, we've heard that before. Asserting he doesn't
know anyone who could do better job than VP, Gold also suggested
those starting such rumors have their ideas about who should replace
VP. The "JBC claque" is definitely involved, and Laird maybe has
some ambitions, too, he said.
Nessen w/Today Byline noted many VP friends insist VP's a
victim. of WH plot to discredit him and force resignation. They also
see it as diversion from W'gate, and some feel AG/Laird are in on
plot for own ambitions. VP supporters suspected plot last month
when VP was informed of investigation, and this suspicion "deepened"
w/leaks. WH/RN haven't "done much" to discourage speculation,
added Nessen, noting RN's support, described as "half-hearted,
and WH's "no comments." But Nessen noted there's another theory --
i. e., RN knows evidence against VP will lead tc his indictment and/
or impeachment and wants VP to quit now to avoid further embarrassment
to Admin. Whatever theory you believe, concluded Nessen, it all adds
up to fact VP's been hurt by investigation and is being pressured to
resign.
Laird on CBS AM clip said he had no info re: VP resignation;
he'd talked to VP but not about that. Asked about WH "no comments,"
he noted RN's stated his respect and admiration for VP, who can
speak for himself as well. Laird said VP's handled himself well and
is willing to face press and answer questions.
FORD A. LIBRARY RALD 30
17
CBS AM's Serafin noted it "remains unclear" if VP will resign.
Observers looked for "signals" at Bhutto dinner, and Agnews didn't
precede RN/PN and Bhuttos for official photos as usual (foyer was
too crowded was official explanation), but Serafin noted signals can
be "deceptive. 11
Bhutto found VP laughing and in a "fine mood"
but said he had nothing to disclose re: resignation reports.
Goldwater on ABC film doesn't detect efforttoease VP out.
But BG added "if I wanted to write scenario involving way to get
any man in public life
I think present scenario would lend self
to that.
"
Goldwater said he thought Connally would be a "fine"
candidate to replace VP if he were out of the picture, but that he
preferred Reagan.
RALD A. FORD <> BRART
1-3
18
"Sees WH Axing Spiro" is p. 1 NY News banner, w/p. 2 head,
"Barry Charges RN Is Trying to Get Agnew. 11 Volz/Wieghart
identify a Goldwater spokesman as person accusing WH of putting
out story BG was source for Broder report, and they add, "Clash
between pro-VP forces, led by BG, and Admin faction which
reportedly wants to dump VP broke into open for 1st time. VP
was known to believe WH was behind reports JBC was RN's choice
to replace him. 11
Again denying he was Broder source, BG
asked: "Has anyone ever heard me say '99-1/2' of anything? I
go 100% or not at all. " Citing his age BG ruled self out and said
any choice should be a likely WH candidate in '76.
Noting
Morton was "hurriedly called" to WH Mon. , NY News says a "WH
source speculated Morton might well've been" Broder's source.
Monitor's Hey quotes a conservative source as saying, "Some-
thing seems to be up, but what it is I don't know; pressure on VP
"must be enormous. 11 And Hey says 1 point "on which there seemed
considerable agreement was there's growing rift between RN and
VP. "
NBC noted Rodino denied Pasadena Star-News report that
Judiciary has discussed possible VP impeachment w/Justice.
Spokesman said subject did come up in regular meeting of Rodino
w/subcomm. chmn. but only as something that might have to be
dealt w/in future. Justice also denied report.
Some members
have discussed VP case among selves, but not w/Justice.
W/possibility VP could be indicted and W'gate cloud hanging
above, ABC said tho not likely, impeachment isn't "unthinkable."
Noting debates would begin in House Judiciary Comm., ABC had
Rodino on film saying Comm. members are supposed to know
answers to rather complex questions. Thus, Comm. has been
doing "very indepth" study consulting experts on questions re:
impeachment, indictment. ABC noted no one really anticipates
moves, but Comm's "gearing up" just in case.
Among those MCs meeting to discuss possible impeachment,
following comments were made: Conyers said, "there's a curtain
around me. When the time comes, I'll be glad to talk about it."
Mezvinsky said "All the issues coming out of W'gate as well as
controversy over VP were explored in a general way. There was
no consensus of what action, if any, should be taken and none
RALD OF A. FORD JBRARY
19
was sought;" Abzug said "something will come out of this (meeting).
We're going to do something and you'll know about it when the time
comes. "
Prexy of Mayor's Conf. didn't mean to indicate VP no longer
would be welcome spksmn for cities. Norfolk's Martin had said "in
his position I don't think we'll see VP participating very heavily
in any new endeavors" In telegram to VP, he said "my remarks
concerning you have been misinterpreted. I've always had highest
regard for you. 11 Martin hoped VP'll "continue to provide voice for
urban US in DC and that this role can be more formalized for
remainder of Admin. 11
Brinkley commented that "seldom in modern times have we
seen a VP in the news so much. " After citing minor, but
memorable vignettes for which Dawes, Marshall, Garner, HST,
LBJ, HHH and RN were remembered as VPs, Brinkley observed
VP Agnew has twice made himself center of attention: 1st when he
attacked press and made himself a hero ("among those who already
hated it"), and now, amidst charges of crime. David declared
there's been "very little support" from WH, which has treated VP
"like a family embarrassment. " Even before current troubles,
observed David, "it was known" RN's backing was "less than great. "
Brinkley concluded that regardless of outcome of current contro-
versy, "it's almost certain" VP's hopes in '76 are "almost dead. "
If so, he'll return to Baltimore as "modern history's most famous
VP. "
TAPES
AP leads: "RN filed hard-line response in tapes case that
hinted broadly that he'll not accept compromise proposed by
Appeals.
"
UPI leads: "WH attys, indicating they'd reject out-of-
court compromise
,
told Appeals it'd tear down Presidency if RN
were forced to surrender tapes. " UPI said "hard-line stand" appeared
to be a forerunner of rejection of Court's suggestion and was con-
sistent w/previous WH contentions.
Another UPI lead: "WH and
Cox, working up to court-imposed deadline, were reported still far
apart on attempts to compromise out of court.
"
RALD FORD BRART
A.
20
WH/Cox "flatly" refuse to comment, ABC said prior to
confirmations of having met. "Legal summit conf" included
Cox, Buzhardt, and Garment according to ABC which, along
w/NBC/CBS, said they' 11 meet 1 more time before final dead-
line. ABC noted WH source who said WH is not "much more
flexible" in private
NBC's Stern said RN hasn't budged, but
there are "small signs" he might. Noting possibility of Cox
accepting transcript of portions, Stern quoted WH aide as saying
tapes are "not like Montevani, 11 where you have to hear every
note
In noting the Cox/Buzhardt meetings, Cronkite observed
"no break thru yet. "
The brief argued, "To allow a court, which has no jurisdic-
tion to indict or try an incumbent Pres. , to conclude a Pres. has
committed a crime, merely as an incident to an evidentiary ruling,
would be wholly intolerable. Pres. would stand condemned in
eyes of US w/out any of safeguards that even humblest citizen
enjoys. "
Lawyers said RN, recognizing unique character of
W'gate, appointed Cox and gave him broad powers.
ABC noted
"but he hasn't delegated to Cox, and won't abrogate, his constn'l
duties and prerogatives. That would move beyond accommodation
to irresponsibility. 11
Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports Tom Clark asserts WH state-
ments it can't release tapes to Cox even on Supreme Court order is
"contrary to our whole concept of law and order. 11 He added "a court
can indeed order a Pres. to produce evidence, " and quoted English
judge, Lord Coke: "No man is above the law, even the king. 11
OTHER W'GATE
Ervin on ABC film stressed Colson expressed hope it'd be possible
to testify. voluntarily later. That thought notw/standing, ABC said
Comm's "now more than ever" firming up list of those who'll testify
in public hearings.
FORD A LIBRARY RALD
30
21
NBC said Comm. "didn't hear much" from Colson.
McCormick
reported Colson was once considered "so important" they alloted 4
to 5 days for his testimony, but now it's said that while they still
want to hear from him, his information is really neither new enough
or useful enough.
Schorr for CBS observed that taking 5th amend-
ment was "last resort" for Colson and, until he became target of
grand jury, had been "demanding" to appear.
AP leads: "Counterbugging expert Ragan.
worked simultaneously
for GOP and ITT. " He worked at RNC as consultant from '69 til Sept.
'71 and early in '71 was sent to Chile by ITT. ITT spokesman denied
that mission was linked to GOP NY News quotes informed sources
as saying Comm identified Ragan as "wireman" who tapped Don Nixon's
phone. He's also expected to testify about how he allegedly tapped
phones of Kraft, officials and other newsmen, reportedly on orders
from Plumbers.
Sevareid commented that "now and then the spiritual smog lifts, "
as in 2 recent events. Fitzgerald was reinstated -- he was guy who
"blew whistle" on C5A cost overruns and it was suggested in memo to
HRH that he be allowed to "bleed for awhile. " The other event, Shultz-
Laird rift on taxes, is best illustration of difference in DC spirit from
HRH/JDE days. In pre-W' gate exposure days, you "could get fired for
that, 11 said Eric, or be left to bleed, or left to twist slowly, slowly in
the wind. But Shultz said he's glad he said it and Laird's laughing.
Somewhere along line, "an atmospheric inversion occurred. 11 While
Admin is not as open as RN once talked of it, it's more open than it
was. All this means, Eric concluded, that there's a chance of a relaxed
spirit of confidence returning and it's important to note that next to
power w/out knowledge, the "worst thing is power w/out humor. 11
Weicker said 4 Cubans have spent too long in jail and have been
treated as scapegoats. He added "if anybody thinks jailing of 4 is
correct punishment and corrects situation, I think they' re very much
mistaken. "
Nets to continue live coverage of hearings on rotating basis starting
Monday, NBC/CBS noted.
FORD A LIBRARY RALD 30
22
LATE NEWS/MISCELLANY
JBC said US has reached point where "we can't pay our debts.' "
AP's Chadwick said hearings indicate "slow going for bills pro-
viding use of tax funds to finance campaigns. Reiterating his
position of past, HKS said public financing's " clearly" an idea whose
time has come. Smith asserted Hill doesn't need more facts. Hill
should simply forbid all private financing.
Hebert blasted Aspin for criticizing DOD projects. "It's about
time for Aspin to put up or shut-up. From now on I'll challenge every
erroneous, misleading and distorted statement he makes, " Hebert said.
"Critics of DOD programs who obtain publicity by being negative and
offer no constructive criticism or alternatives are doing disservice"
to US.
All nets noted 3 of 5 remaining sextuplets are stricken w/same
lung disease that killed sister.
CBS w/lengthy report.on woman who trains eagles and hawks to
survive.
# # # # #
GE LIBRARY RALD P FORD
DOONESBURY
By Garry Trudeau
UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 1973 o. B. O.B. Trudees
Post September 19, 1973
FORD A LIBRARY RALE 30
NEWS SUMMARY
August 22, 1974
(Nets, wires, papers, edits)
The Major Stories:
-- All nets led w/JtH announcement GF's decided he'll "probably"
run in '76. "If any GOP or Dem had doubts," said CBS, GF
erased them, and "only cataclysm" could now prevent it.
All nets w/film as GF told press NR stated it well yester-
day, declining to express it himself, and wanting "you to
worry about that." Brinkley said GF/NR would be hard to
defeat, while Sevareid saw it as move by GF to implement
power he needs now, w/everyone figuring they 11 have to
deal w/GF for years to come
ABC/NBC w/film of NR/Happy
sailing near Me. coast.
--- ABC said GF was "anywhere and everywhere" Wed., and
Chancellor said "all over Washington" All nets
w/film
as GF signed Educ. Bill and dropped in on Hill and presided
at Andrews reception for Davies body. CBS said GF dropped
in on Hill for "no particular reason," tho all noted GF's
inauguration of Penn. Ave. as 2-way street. ABC said GF
was greeting old friends, courting old enemies whose
critical support he needs. Clark said if all warm hand-
shakes mean anything, Dems/GOPs alike will help GF avoid
fate of last man --- LBJ -- who tried to make Penn. Ave.
2-way street.
--- After nearly 3 years, Black Caucus met w/GF. All nets w/
film. Pierpoint said among 16 members only one (Young) had
voted for GF's confirmation as VP, but all were "clearly
pleased" at their quick access. Jordan/Rangel on all nets
w/positive reaction, Burke similarly on ABC, but Conyers
"not so impressed" on CBS, saying he saw/heard "absolutely
nothing" to indicate GF will be any different toward black
issues than he was as MC
NBC/CBS also w/clips of GF w/
Chappie James, "an old friend, " said Pierpoint, en route
to new assignment.
-- UPI lead: "Increase in retail prices (.8%) not as great in
July as in previous 2 mo's," all nets noting, w/CBS saying
almost everything went up, save some food costs, and "not
good news" for consumers
Nets also noted GM modest roll-
back -- $54.00 -- "not very far" (CBS), "really a gesture"
(NBC).
GE RALD
a FORD VIBRART
2
-- Victory for GF as House cut Mass Transit bill down to
$11B, but in development all nets noted, Ways-Means efforts
to reach health bill compromise collapsed.
Jaworski joined WG defendant attys in US Court of Appeals
for trial delay.
*
DAVIES/CYPRUS
AP leads: "In solemn and moving ceremonies led by GF,
Davies came home from war torn Cyprus where he was slain
while working for peace
"
On all nets GF said Davies was
a "professional in the fullest sense. He lived and worked
for peace
II
HAK said "a professional foreign service
officer has come home. He returns not to joy but to sadness,
not to parades but to solemn ceremony 11 HAK conferred
secretary's plaque, highest state dept award possible.
On all nets, GF kissed Davies' daughter and shook son's
hand, presenting US Flag. Kalb on CBS said GF/HAK were
waiting when jet bearing Davies body arrived, thus paying
him "highest tribute possible. " Kalb concluded it was
"very sad, very moving tribute, and reminder that any
crisis in world can touch US
ABC's Koppel said of
presenting flag to Davies daughter GF was "more fatherly"
than Pres'l, showing that his death would set tone, not
for inflaming nat'l passions, but of symbol of US quest for
peace.
3 men arrested in Cyprus in connection w/Davies death.
2 released later on. Ceasefire continues. All nets noted.
CBS noted Turks ordered UN troops out of port of
Famagusta, but UN ignored the order and patrolled the
deserted streets, saying request for clarification had
gone unanswered.
Ecevit said Turks are ready to negotiate reasonable
changes in demarcation line and he's optimistic negotiations
can start again. NBC/CBS noted He also said there's
absolute need for separate areas for Greek and Turk Cypriots.
GERALD RALD A. FORD VERART
3
Karamanlis appears to be unmoved by HAK's attempts to
get Greece and Turkey back to negotiating, says UPI. Greece
reportedly refused to resume talks til Turks pull back to
lines held before last wk's offensive.
"Jubilant over their recent military achievement, Turks
feel they're finally achieving their long sought goal of a
separate and autonomous Turk admin in an ind't federal
Cyprus,' leads Monitor's Cohen noting observers believe
Turks have won battlefield what they sought at conf. table
and Greece will have to accept it.
OTHER FOREIGN
Sun's Parks reports from Moscow that "US is scrapping
the conceptual agreement it had worked out w/USSR as basis
for new limits on strategic arms, to take a "broader,
probably tougher approach when negotiations resume next
month. II New stance probably will seek to preserve the USA's
qualitative advantage. And Parks sees it more akin to
Schlesinger view than to HAK
Soviets said keeping HAK
offers, in principle, prospect of continuing detente.
But they fear HAK's wings may be clipped under GF, says UPI.
Russia and its allies are afraid GF-NR team will slow down
detente or change its direction, says UPI. They're uncertain
and suspect GF's less eager for detente than RN. Sooner
Moscow gets clarification on policy under GF, the better,
says UPI.
Tho GF has emphasized foreign affairs continuity, Harvard's
Bowie in Monitor expects some modifications re: putting
detente in better perspective by cutting thru the hyperbole w/
more realism and specificity. Bowie also emphasizes "demands
of interdependence must have much higher priority
Greatest
failing of RN Admin was its virtual neglect of this task. "
Bowie feels GF's "method and approach" of openness and concern
for economic issues bode well for "organized cooperation w/others."
Egyptian forces fired missile at Israeli warplane in
one of severest violations along front.
Khaddam arrived in Washington Wed. for conf. on ME w/HAK
and other officials.
GRRALO RALD Buy A. FORD VIBRART
4
Panama is restoring relations w/Cuba
US expressed regret
and reaffirmed US will change its policy only thru OAS. UPI
noted while US officially maintains hard line, there've
been some signs of easing that position.
Senate narrowly defeated (47-44) attempt to cut $150M
from military aid to SVN
All nets noted
It was
Goldwater maneuver. He argued US should either live up to
its agreement to provide aid or eliminate it completely.
ABC noted
DOD budget pared down $5B from $87B Admin
request. McClellen said of money to go to Saigon, "It's
cheap, because of inflation, we're not giving them as much
as we did last year. " Senate was expected to fight further
reductions, but Eagleton introduced bill making an $81B
ceiling requiring a further cut of $1B. ABC noted.
ABC'w/film of water rising in Bangladesh -- worst in
history -- hardly a village or house not under water.
Food is wheat provided by US, and more requests are in.
Cholera is also spreading, w/total of 20M people affected,
said reporter.
All nets noted Abrams in "serious" condition w/ciot:in>right leg.
AMNESTY/VETS
EMK called VFW's rejection "narrow
it was wrong to put
him down w/out even chance to hear his proposal. " EMK also
said GF's performance in other areas since assuming presidency
have been excellent and said "He hasn't missed a beat.
11
EMK on ABC/CBS told VFW he believes they were wrong in
turning down man who carries "enormous task of reconcilation. "
He asked Vets if they were lenient enough to reconsider
position, to which they responded w/resounding "NO!" CBS'
reporter Simpson said after meeting, Soden said he was
surprised at EMK's remarks, but also sure Vets won't reconsider.
Simpson concluded on note that Soden said in case of
amnesty, " 'law must apply equally --- whether on bugging in,
or bugging out. I "
From Am. Legion conv. in Miami, CBS AM said GF's decision
on amnesty has "VFW up in arms" and that most of Legion agrees
w/one leader that "they should be brought back in jail where
they belong."
FORD & BRARY RALO 10
5
AG said it is doubtful deserters/dodgers will be asked to
join Armed Forces, Peace Corps or Vista as condition for
amnesty. Possibly GF could ask only for request for
repatriation as requirement. Alternatives being considered
according to AG are, "from asking for repatriation to
requiring what was required of conscientious objectors."
"DOD did an about-face from opposing any kind of amnesty
to studying ways of carrying out policy of leniency toward
deserters and evaders as prescribed by GF," reports Sun's
Corddry. "All early indications, however, were the Dept.
would resist making unwilling military service one of the
requirements for offenders.
High praise from Monitor for GF's amnesty remarks that
took "a middle way where feelings of most Amers. probably
now lie.
11
Sun also feels "GF deserves credit for putting
the issue
on a new plane of public debate and even greater
credit for choosing the forum he did." But paper wonders if
more leniency won't be required.
"Eloquent" words, says LAT, also praising the "rising
spirit of nat'l reconciliation" held out by GF, in a speech
of "deep conviction and courage
GF's every act since
becoming Pres. attests to open and generous spirit."
As in choosing NR, WSJ commends GF for putting aside
emotion and clarifying the central issue on amnesty. "Surely
a magnanimous nation would offer some way for refugees
to return after a divisive war. Just as surely, a nation
that someday might have to fight another war would insist
on some recognition of its right to decide which wars are
just
It's only impt that society stays in the driver's
seat. It shows good judgment that GF recognizes this, and
"a dash of courage" in announcing it before VFW.
Senate passed and returned to House compromise increasing
monthly benefits to vets attending school by 23%. Tuition
grant plan dropped.
ECONOMY/RELATED
COL up nearly 12% in past yr, w/modest dose of good news
in another report which. showed real earnings up 0.2%. However,
that's still down 5.3% since '73.
RALD A. FORD JBRART
6
W/trim of $54 from planned auto hikes, GM's '75 models
still will be up nearly $450 CBS called it "small anti-
inflation move, = w/one result being big boost in sales of
'74 models. Report from NYC indicated 1 dealer w/sales
double '73. Report noted GM's argument that costs required
to compensate for govt-req'd ecology/safety devices, w/dealer
(on film) saying he thinks govt has "over reacted" to ecological
demands
GF by mat called GM rollback "one of many examples of
restraints /and labor" can take in fight against inflation.
ABC/CBS noted
UPI noted JtH said GM acted "independently"
and "voluntarily. " But Rush has been on phone almost daily
w/auto ldrs to urge restraint, said AP
Rush said he was
"very encouraged." He declined to characterize rollback as
either adequate or inadequate.
Burns said if Hill cut budget $10B, Fed would "of course
take that into account" in deciding whether to ease tight
money policy. Burns told new Sen. budget panel that cut would
be single most impt. step to curb inflation. Cut would have
tremendous psychological effect in convincing country Hill's
serious, Burns said. But Heller said there should not be any
net budget cut, and said measures should include tax cuts for
low-income as well as more spending for unemployment
and housing subsidies.
CBS noted Buckley called for imposing spending ceiling
to hold budget to $295B for current FY. Measure would permit
GF to cut budgets by 15%, but not allow him to cut where
Hill reduced appropriation request by at least 5%. Harry Byrd
termed measure "practical and realistic.
"
Byrd also said
to get budget balanced, GF would have to get new OMB head,
or change Ash's thinking. Prox. said Buckley's bill "would
take govt. out of borrowing market and make more money
available for housing, and Curtis said it'd move budget
away "from hit-and-miss, meat axe" approach to reduced
spending.
McFall/Conable to represent House on steering comm.
planning economy summit. Comm to meet Thurs. at WH.
EMK said "GF has isolated key issue ---- economy and
he 11 be held accountable for it.
11
CBS noted he 11 be
tough to beat in '76 if he can solve problem.
FORD & LIBRARY RALD 30
7
Heavy, oft-prominent print coverage to GF's Tues.
remarks on controls: "GF Reiterates He Won't Seek Pay,
Price Curbs/Statement's Aim Is to Assure Labor/Business,
Head Off Inflationary Demands" tops p. 3 WSJ story noting
it was "another extraordinarily busy day for the new Pres."
"GF Vows No Return to Controls" is p. 1 Sun.
Also
p. 1 in LAT: "Pres. Won't Seek Any Price or Pay Controls/
Hopes to Prevent Hikes From Being Made Hastily in Expectation
of Curbs"
Also p. 1 Post: "GF Won't Seek Controls."
"GF Sees No Lid on Pay and Prices" also p. 1 NYT.
"GF Lets Air Out of Controls Rumors" inside NY News. Story
also inside Inquirer while topping inside Star page: "GF
Rules Out Economy Curbs".
"GF's expected to make economy the next arena for a bold,
dramatic move underscoring the contrast between his Admin and
RN's," reports Cahill in NY News. "Insiders predict a sub-
stantially larger govt role than the 'do-nothingism" of RN's
final days.
It's "good news" to finally have a Pres. talking of in-
flation battle as if he means it, says Royster in WSJ. And
perhaps Hill will finally listen given public concerns. Still,
"the tide of battle doesn't go well." Besides widely varying
views of Admin economists, Royster notes NR wasn't a frugal
gov. and Dems haven't ever done much cutting. GF himself has
a policy, but not a program. Thus the veteran WSJ reporter
"detects a faint air of defeatism" re: inflation. Being
tested is whether GF and Hill have the "political courage to
take the necessary measures" and whether public is determined
to win the war.
Ph. 2 Price Comm. chrm. Jackson Grayson in WSJ feature
sees little value in the new wage-price agency - "it'll in-
crease (falsely) expectations that inflation solution's closer.
It'll do little to stop inflation. It'll increase some wages/
prices and prevent decreases. It'll increase odds of future
mandatory controls. It's not going to be just a passive
monitoring agency, Grayson warns. "Action will be forced
because the agency exists." But conceding it's going to exist,
Grayson recommends no more powers be given it, that heavy
reliance on it be avoided and keep it out of WH, making it
quasi-ind't. If it's tied to GF, he can only lose w/the agency
only tackling cases it can win or requiring new mandatory
authority.
AP leads: "Butz brought to closed meeting of Senate Agric.
essentially same message a top aide brought last week: don't
panic over current crop conditions." Butz reminded Senators wheat
crop is still a record and corn crop is 4th largest tho lowest
in 4 yrs.
GE LIBRARY RALD R. FOR
8
OTHER DOMESTIC
All nets w/brief film as GF signed $25.4B education bill
imposing new limits on busing and guaranteeing privacy rights
to students and parents. Bill includes provision that student
cannot be bused beyond next closest school district which
also
may
not
be.
Anti-busing provision strongest yet passed
but many feel it didn't go far enough, AP notes. Jarriel
on ABC called signing "symbolic" of GF's effort to "walk middle
ground. = Outside, Jarriel noted, GF mingled w/children (on
film) who'll be directly affected by bill.
NBC's Brokaw
said GF signed bill in new "spirit of compromise. On film,
GF said while it's not perfect bill, it's good law and will
be more effective and provide equitable distribution of funds
to improve educ.
CBS' Jones said GF was "having good time"
signing bill, quipping that it's hard to use so many pens
w/short name.
AP leads: "Ways-Means efforts to reach compromise on
Nat'l Health bill collapsed w/panel hopelessly torn over tax
and revenue issues. II Mills said issue would be put aside be-
cause "there's no majority consensus now" on panel
But
Mills said "it wasn't a dead issue" and "it's entirely possible"
Comm. can do something before Hill adjourns.
Martha Griffiths
reminded Comm. "GF asked for a bill. I'm for giving him a
bill."
Percy/Ribicoff confident of getting remaining votes
needed to cut-off filibuster on CPA.
Nader, never welcomed at WH during RN/LBJ admins, wants
appt. to see GF.
CBS AM's Strauser reported Ron Walker and Park Reserva-
tion, Inc. are being investigated by Metzenbaum committee
because of what might be "contract favoritism." Both deny
any favoritism. Morton also has ordered audit of contract
issued thru Walker. Strauser also noted Walker's name before
WG Comm. in connection w/rally in N.C.
Ex-dir. advance sales for Seattle Expo says fair may
lose $3M and be forced to close early, but spokesman denied it.
Group of House GOPs chaired by BG, Jr. recommended sweep-
ing guidelines to safeguard personal privacy, including re-
striction on use of Social Security number as form of
universal identification.
Auto crash death of org. crimefighting-Tenn. sheriff
Buford Pusser noted by all nets, w/CBS report noting close
GE LIBRARY RALD R. FORD
9
friend maintains broken tie-rod appeared cut to him, thus
doubts crash accidental. State police believe impact broke
tie rod, tho investigation not closed. Pusser's life had
been basis of movie "Walking Tall," and he'd just signed
$2M contract for sequel. Also noted were 7 attempts on his
life, since becoming Sheriff at age 24.
LA FBI office said "alphabet bomber" was apparently
acting alone. NBC/CBS film of suspect's booking, w/CBS
reporting man's employer of 2 years said he's "mute," thus
doubting he ever made tape. But neighbor claimed she's
talked w/him often. The conflicting information "plunged
it into mystery," said CBS, and both nets noted LAPD satisfied
they've got right man, given voice-print match, and other
evidence.
NBC/CBS w/film reports from Amarillo where 2 prisoners
held hostages above county courthouse for 36 hours. W/no
explanation of how it began, sheriff's deputies began shooting
(at men armed only w/knives, said NBC). 1 killed. Hostages
were unhurt and released.
CBS w/lengthy report from Harlan, Ky., where "striking"
UMW plans demonstration related to union's "memorial". Report-
er said contract talks stalemated, w/no prospect for agreement,
amidst increasing bitterness, as economy continues to deteriorate.
Emphasis on 2 families, 1 paying $10.00/mo for 4 rooms, other
same amount for 3 rooms, and disappearance of their income
as strike continues.
ADMINISTRATION
JtH said "there's no precise agreement" on NR in '76,
but this shouldn't be taken as indication GF planned to drop
him.
CBS noted JtH said he "definitely" wants to keep word
'probably' in statement. AP says "barring unforeseen develop-
ments, GOP nomination is GF's virtually for the asking."
ABC's Bell reported GF had promised BF 2 years ago he'd
retire in '76 and reaffirmed that (NBC/CBS note) at VP con-
firmation hearing. But NR hinted GF had changed his mind,
and plan to run in '76 is "already in advanced stages. " JtH
(on film) said GF's position changed after he became Pres.
He said GF feels it's his duty to bind up nation's wounds,
following many months travail, agony for many, which may take
longer than this term. Bell concluded on note that GF/NR
team, tho not definite, has not been put together for short
term.
AP called it "unusual" for such news to be announced
B.
FORD
RALD
GE
LIBRARY
10
at news briefing.
NBC's Chancellor said it was only 2 days ago GF moved
into WH, now probably to run in '76 for full term, and
Brokaw reported "in a sense, 11 GF hasn't stopped running since
day he took office. "
Mudd on CBS said it appeared to most
GOPs that GF/NR in '76 is settled.
UPI leads: "In spirit of friendship and reconciliation,
GF met w/Black Caucus to discuss legislation on housing and
unemployment. " Atmosphere was "jovial."
On CBS, Jordan said "all we can do" is react to "what we
know at this point in time, and, w/GF in office less than
2 weeks, he invited us, a step that took more than year w/RN
(also
on NBC) On ABC, Jordan said she's encouraged w/open
door/sensitive Admin, but added it "remains to be seen" if
that openness "can be translated into substance. 11
Burke
on ABC said "important thing is not that they rec'd any commit-
ment, but that there's now means of negotiation. 11
Rangel on CBS said they were leaving w/"full confidence"
GF will have someone appointed to give them access to him
"before any major decision's made" that'd affect quality of
life
of
poor
Young on CBS said "very fact he asked us" for
meeting indicates lines open and that they're going to have
Pres. "we can work with.
"
Nessen noted Chappie James,
"VN hero," consulted on black problems in armed forces, while
Pierpoint said his advice was sought on such problems for
blacks both in/out of military. Nessen concluded that fact
GF held meeting early in days of his Admin gave impression
he's trying to establish communication w/US blacks.
Hawkins said GF said he was sensitive and aware of large
black unemployment, but w/out making a specific commitment,
GF said "We should apply the medicine where the problems exist."
Jordan said GF's response to the public service jobs pro-
posal was "a little short of direct personal commitment. 11
She quoted GF as saying "There are strong advocates w/in
Admin, " w/out naming himself among them. She said GF was con-
cerned such funds not go to locations where unemployment isn't
the greatest.
Rangel said GF "made it clear" he's considering
some kind of public service employment. GF said US needs
strong defense posture but DOD budget isn't sacrosanct. (CBS
note). GF assured them, said Rangel, "that not only is his
door open but each one of us can call him.' Jordan said,
"Character of meeting was more, let's talk to each other and
that we did. =
Conyers said "GF has made it clear he's going
to be cutting back in domestic areas using inflation as an
excuse.
11
Agronsky interview w/Stan Scott and Conyers follow-
ing WH meeting was recorded and is available FORD for viewing via
a
RALD
13/o
LIBRARY
11
VTR (4125).
AP leads: "GF paid informal courtesy calls on Senate
and House to demonstrate 'the official inauguration of Pa.
Avenue as a 2-way street.
Clark on ABC said, Hill has
been home to GF for 25 yrs, where he oft led outnumbered
minority into battle. Hill drop-in visit was a greeting of
old friends and Clark noted speeches to both houses asked for
cooperation to help restore faith of people in their govt.
Received standing ovation and laugh when he said he was there
to inaugurate 2-way St., said Clark.
CBS' Jones said visit
to Hill "totally disrupted" legislative branch. Moving from
Senate to House, GF was "making it clear he likes it down at
the WH. "
Brokaw on NBC said GF praised Senate for cooperation
on CLC, and was intro'd on House Floor as distinguished and
beloved former member. He shook hands w/Albert and spoke w/
those who once called him "Jerry," but now calling him "Mr.
Pres.' --a title he likes, said Brokaw and one Rocky thinks
GF'll like thru '80. Brokaw concluded that less than year
ago, GF was leader of "embattled minority" unable to reach
his life's dream --- Speaker of House. Now he's ready for
election to full term as Pres.
AP saw GF "Moving to cement his relations w/Hill."
ABC's Smith commented that Presidents seem to depart
w/unhappy endings. Always leaving drained, hoping history
will make it up. Pres. must learn how to make his bank
account work for him by stretching it. GF has learned to
use alienating forces, such as attack on GM, amnesty state-
ment, to "stretch" that bank account. He has a certain
blandness and right choice of language. GF said when he came
in that he wanted to be good Pres. and he certainly has started
right.
Amnesty and NR decisions "weren't compromises for sake of
compromise but recognition that mvt. was in fact needed,' says
WSJ edit. The moves "added a sense of mvt. to the new
presidency, a feeling that GF's starting to roll." WSJ re-
gards them as not only right, but they "speak well of the
man making them.' "
From Paris, Reston says "GF's made excellent impression
there by his candor, his defense of a strong US military and
by willingness to appoint experienced men like NR."
Childs warns against instant stereotyping of a new Pres.
After all, besides his simple, straightforward talk, "GF's the
only Pres. in this century to earn an advanced degree from an
Ivy League school.' Childs says GF's greatest hazard in
FORD A. RALD LIBRARY EF
12
stereotype area is being boxed in by his Hill record when
he needs flexibility, especially re: defense policy on which
he's been so "hard-line."
UPI's Helen Thomas, in lengthy Sun. advance, leads:
"AH has played historic role in selection of 2 VS VPs. When
RN selected GF to be his VP last fall, AH made momentous
telephone call. When GF wanted to summon NR to Washington
it was AH who made the call."
"Jeans and Jeeps ---- Plus One King-Sized Bed" tops 4th in
positive NY News series on the 1st Family noting "togetherness
is a family style. 11 Ann Wood's full page account leads w/
Julie's tribute to BF --, "if anybody had to take my mother's
place, I'm so grateful it's you, " -- which overwhelmed the new
1st Lady as it was "genuine, straight from the heart."
"Cheerful and Candid 1st Lady" is People's favorable
cover story on the "frank and refreshing" BF who "grins and
shares the toughest job in the world" and "she accepted it w/
a cool show of courage.
11
Story is followed by 2 pages
of profiles of GF's friends in Grand Rapids
Mag also
w/interview on the WH itself w/ ex-usher JB West, profiles
of GF's top advisers: Hartmann, Laird, Goodell, Seidman,
Marsh, Byrne, and Mildred Leonard.
Also a review of the
Nixons -- "the anguish may not be over. "
RALD EE R. FORD JBRARY
13
NR/CONFIRMATION
AP says hearings won't begin for several weeks and could
last rest of yr. AP says "compared to accounting of NR's
holdings, investigating GF's was as simple as counting up
contents of piggy bank. " Rangel doesn't think confirmation
can be completed by Nov. and Wiggins hopes for completion
by Jan
But Mansfield/Albert said every effort will be
made to confirm NR before Oct. recess. "I don't want any
collateral issues, ie, election, involved," Albert said
Bruce Morton on CBS AM said there seems no chance for
confirmation before elections.
Rodino on Today called NR "greatly respected" adding
confirmation should go thru easily, tho he'd not say how
he'll vote
Rodino/Cannon said major question re:
confirmation is how long it'll take to investigate NR's
holdings
Rangel sees "great difficulty in how Comm. is
even going to start investigating his financial statement. "
Rudd on CBS AM noted NR's net worth being in range of $200-
600M, w/large amount of foreign interests which might be
problem.
Wires notes NR only carries good luck silver dollar given
him by his grandfather, and at ritual trips to NY State fair
while Gov. he always had to borrow quarter from newsman or
bodyguard to buy hot dog.
Rodino said "whether it's going to take 8 or 10 weeks,
whatever time it's going to take Comm will do it as quickly
as possible. But Hutchinson said if NR's confirmation
takes longer than GF's, "somebody's going to be guilty of
foot dragging.
"
Tho no Dems would say so openly, Volz
of NY News notes some feel a stall would be to restrict
NR's campaigning this fall for GOP.
EMK expects NR to be quickly and easily confirmed.
ABC's Zimmerman said "NR may have gained job but lost
vacation. " Note of influx of USSS and press at home in
Seal Harbor. NR saw David R. and the Douglas Dillons
had short sail around harbor w/wife. On film NR more
reminiscent of Kennedys than GFs. Informality not natural
however, seems planned. Possibly wealth may hurt or slow
down confirmation hearings. NR said he will put all in trust
RALD of R. FORD JBRARY
14
if confirmed and if needed, noted ABC
W/press and photogs
crowded around, NBC called it 1st time for Happy to get taste
of being "2nd Lady. " Rollin noted they ve often gone sailing
(on film) but never before w/boat of USSS alongside. The
long vacation's over w/commuting ahead now.
WED. HEADS OF NOTE ON NR CHOICE
"GF Selects NR as 'Good Partner for Me, US/Confirmation
Seems Certain" leads in LAT "NR Apparently Acceptable to
Hill/GOP Right Wing Also Favors Nominees" leads in Monitor w/
Sperling beginning: "For 2nd day in row, GF moved somewhat
to his left-toward the center. "
"Typical GOP Reaction: 'It's a Helluva Good Choice
1
Many See Move as Bolstering Party in Coming Elections;
Reagan Aide and BG Express Conservative Dissent. II
"Hill
Welcomes NR"
"Libs, Moderates on Hill Welcome Choice. If
"Choice Widely Hailed by Hill Leaders. II "Choice Wins
Praise in Both Parties/Some Dissenters. 11
"Rodino and BG
Take Stony Stance on Rock.
H
"Provides GF Strong Link
to Libs in GOP/Conservatives May Be Irked. 11
"Business Cheers Decision by GF/Nod Called 'Sensational'
as Source of Balance.
II
"Selection Puts New Life in Mkt.
=
"NR Good News to S. Amers. =
"GF Sought Consensus. =
"GF Wanted NR From Start. 11
"Relaxed Nominee Fits Mood Sought by GF
II
"NR Considered
Perfect Complement to GF/GF's Style, Strength Seen
Augmented
II
"A Good Balance. =
"NR Eager to 'Help Run US'/A Durable Pol as 'Standby.
=
"Pragmatist Above All. II "NR Expected to Be Heavyweight. =
"NR, Born to Power, Wanted Presidency From Early Age. II
"Turn of GOP's Tide/Nomination Completes Quick Reversal
of '76 Outlook.
"
"Leaders Believe Union Drives Will Be
Hurt/Labor Officials See NR Choice Blunting '74 Campaign
to Elect Libs. II
GERALD GE R. FORD JBRARY
15
REACTION/COMMENT ON NR
Knight's Friedman reports NR was "1st and only real GF
choice" from the beginning. But he wanted both consensus
and assurances there was no derogatory info that could hurt
NR.
Morton Dean of CBS AM said NR took job due to "age"
and "no where to go. He'd describe self as "pragmatist"
and "began career as lib but moved to right as US moved to
center. He's been a "good soldier" and rarely criticized
RN, VN, and has said little on WG. He said NR will be
"relatively quiet, for NR," and he'll make a "rather docile
VP."
Top NR aide said he wants Dr. Wm. Ronan as chief of staff.
tho it's not definite.
Scranton feels NR should be given some of GF's duties to free
him from the isolation of the Presidency, reports Nelson in
LAT. "Why couldn't the VP formulate domestic policy? Why
couldn't he take care of regular contacts w/Cabinet except for
secys. of state, defense, treasury and AG," said Scranton.
"We must have mechanisms for releasing GF from some of the
work so he can be open and see the people. How'll he know
what man in st. thinks if he's so isolated. He may know what
Meany and David Rockefeller are thinking, but he'll have a
hard time knowing what average person's thinking."
AP leads: "GOP is fielding strong new GF/NR leadership team
at same time old Dem divisions have burst into open.' AP
notes. GOP confidence is reflected in smiles of GOP lawmakers
and officials. Strauss hasn't succeeded completely in main-
taining an uneasy peace, as evidenced by Dem. blow-up in K.C.
Sun. in which regulars tried to delete reform rules. AP also
notes 60% of Dems favor 1 of 2 highly divisive figures: EMK
or Wallace.
Brinkley said just as GOP's putting on one of its best
shows, Dems were putting on one of their worst. Fight in K.C.
last week was same fight they had in Miami in '72. One black
who walked out, Calif's Willie Brown, said all this does is
send "good vibes" to GOPs. And Brinkley said GOPs "are feeling
the good vibea and aren't concealing their pleasure. GF/NR
ticket will be difficult to beat. Brinkley, noting economy
problems, and some fears of recession/depression, said problems
of US have "lately become destroyers of Presidents." Not since
Ike has one left "in reasonable serenity," said Brinkley. Thus,
no one can predict anything. In 2 short weeks, when Dems had
pretty good '76 prospects, "it's all been turned around."
RALD OF A. FORD JBRARY
16
Sevareid said GF's "no longer the relucant dragon"
about '76, and for now he's favored horse. Not only was
announcement expression of his private intentions, but im-
plementation of "his official need." He'll be more effective,
said Eric, if all concerned -- his own party, Dems, Govs,
foreign nations ---- know they're likely to have to deal w/him
for years to come. Tho DC seems "a bit groggy" from "outbreak
of sanity" of late, most 2nd guessing now has to do w/political
assets NR will bring. It's open question either way, what
he'll do to VP office, or what VP will do to him. And it's
sign of GF's "self-confidence" that he brought in man w/wider
experience and bigger reputation than his own -- last time
being when JFK picked LBJ, said Sevareid. But no VP can really
outshadow forceful Pres, as all the power is w/Pres. Only
damage he could do to GF would be "minor" and "temporary,"
w/mixed-up signals resulting from his impulsive nature. But
he can be of substantial value, not only to GF, but also HAK.
NR probably knows "the exotic mysteries" of world monetary
system better than either, same for Latin America. "Words
and music directed southward have always been important,"
Sevareid cont'd, and "NR has them down pat.' It'll also be
"fascinating" to critics on aisle to see what his presence
does to "uneasy balance of power" between HAK and Schlesinger.
Inevitably the 2 offices encroach on each other, unable to
separate foreign policy from DOD policy. Both men differ
on Russia and detente, for one. Normally VP would not count,
but NR will also sit on NSC, and to picture him sitting silently
"insults" the imagination, Sevareid concluded.
UPI says Reagan, once "the fastest rising GOP star of
the west" has virtually no chance now of running for Pres or
VP, close associates said. One said "It appears there's
very little chance, unless something very unexpected happened.'
Another said "possibilities are very remote.'
"An effective campaigner," said Dem Study Group director
Conlon of NR. "He can go anywhere in US and be effective."
Shogan of LAT says the nod "added to sense of unease that's
overtaken Dems since GF replaced RN and dimmed their prospects
of landslide this fall." And noting Dem disinterest in rush-
ing NR thru, Shogan again quotes DSG's Conlon: "GOP's asking
Dem Hill to approve the club they'l beat us with."
Bush on CBS AM said he thinks "divisions of past will
fade" and that NR will do "first class job."
Strauss on CBS AM said "GF made strong nomination" and
NR has "good deal of background and experience GF doesn't
have. Strauss said Dems' "job is tougher now, w/new Admin.
RALD GE R. FORD UBRART
17
Harlow polled conservatives and found them "surprisingly"
pro-NR, reports Monitor.
BG said he doesn't "know of a soul who'll oppose NR."
But BG also accused NR of "ducking out on at least 2 pres'l
races" - '64 and '68.
"4 or 5 yrs ago he was a bad word in South," said Miss
GOP chrm. Clarke Reed. "It's not any more. 11
Loeb said
"he's now a staid old married man. 11
Cranston opponent H. L. Richardson said appt. was "lousy"
and amounted to "throwing an NR wrench" into Calif GOP.
"I don't think GF could ve picked somebody as far from rank
and file GOP."
"We've now fielded our 1st team at home and abroad," said
Javits. "It puts forth our very best in govt. =
LA Mayor Bradley called NR "a good choice as liaison w/
cities."
"W/one stroke," says new Sun reporter Trewhitt, "GF
committed himself to a surprisingly activist presidency,
underscored his own self-confidence and created enormous grief
for Dems
To assume NR might now subside would be to defy
credulity. And GF/NR ticket in '76 is a "formidably attrac-
tive one even if Admin's moderately successful" while Dems
are "still divided and bickering. "
"The one candidate most able to step into WH at any
instant" was NR's main qualification, reports Greene in NY
News from
Hartmann briefing.
"GF has placed a
premium on experience thruout the federal system, says
Goldman of LAT
"Few have brought to V-P such a diverse
talent and broad background," says Sun's Nordlinger.
"Whatever happens in '76, GF can count himself lucky to
have NR's expertise on his side," says NY state reporter
O'Neill in NY News. "He's a recognized expert in foreign
affairs w/deep roots in business community. He's a proven
campaigner w/a paradoxical human touch that can be enlisted
to help GOP thruout US
"
NR's idea of a coordinator "is a man who can keep all
the balls in the air w/out losing his own," said Henry Wallace
to FDR in '42, recalls Donovan of LAT who feels NR has shown
such dexterity ever since. 11 "An enlightened man
His energy
and usefulness are unbelievable" and Donovan can see him as a
candidate in '80.
RALD GE A. FORD JBRARI
18
Trewhitt finds "an element of daring" in the choice,
"a mark of GF's self-confidence. " Further, says the Sun
man, "it's a mark of GF's courage that he's willing to have
both NR and HAK looking over his shoulder at the same time. "
In article emphasizing NR's "unique assets,' WSJ's Otten
also finds GF demonstrating "surprising self-confidence, his
freedom from fears expressed by some associates that the
supercharged NR might in time come to dominate Admin." And
announcement itself "also typified the easy, relaxed operating
style GF's followed so far."
Carter of NY News features excerpts from Kalbs' book on
HAK detailing the Secy's close ties to NR, his hostility to RN
in ' 68 and his subsequent development of "total respect" for
RN. Carter sees HAK as central in both RN's decision to resign
and GF's selection of NR.
WSJ edit calls GF's week "off to a good start" w/NR and
amnesty - both "evidence of a deft touch on GF's part. "
NR was "the obvious choice
Clearly a man of nat'l stature
It's reassuring to US to have a known quantity as VP and
doubly reassuring to learn a less known Pres. makes his selection
on the grounds the selection bespeaks."
NY News "most fervently and heartily endorses [NR]
A
1st magnitude star in a galaxy of lesser lights." The NR
choice was "an act of statesmanship" by GF, says NY News.
"It speaks volumes for his personal character as well as his
devotion to the nat'l interest." Instead of picking "a gray
semi-nonentity,
he chose the strongest and most vigorous
individual in sight. " Urging confirmation "w/all possible
dispatch, " NY News says "GF/NR can provide firm, positive
leadership" needed to end the uncertainty "and the sooner they
get the green light to proceed in tandem the better it'll be
for all of us."
"Responsible and encouraging," says NYT "A tribute to
GF and NR that one was big enough to make the offer and the other
big enough to accept.
NR's a hard worker who knows how to
get things done. GF strengthened Admin. and US confidence in
his own capacity for disinterested ldrshp, "NYT concluded.
Similarly, Sun edit says "GF showed the inner self-assurance
to pick NR. a qualified man at possible expense of a shiny-
bright ticket in '76
By opting so dramatically for the
GOP 'mainstream,' GF once again showed his instincts for
healing and for overcoming the divisiveness that's marred
US public life for so long
He's shown a potential for growth
and expansion of his outlook that augurs well
Nowhere
is
this more evident thankin nod to NR. =
RALD GF R. FORD ABRART
19
"Excellent Good news indeed" says LAT. NR's "a moderate
w/a zest for meeting big problems head on
He'll raise VP
office to stature that recent events have taught US it must
have.
"
"A truly pres' choice," said Post of this "quality"
choice reflecting "a nat'l perspective and concern for nat'l
interests that transcend a narrow Hill or party outlook
It suggests [more than any of GF's other moves] that he's made
remarkably swift and sure transition from Hill leader to Chief
Exec.
He showed himself unafraid to bring to high office
and close proximity a man of enormous ind't stature, political
accomplishment and ambition," says Post.
"Much to recommend it," says Star, but a pro forma confirma-
tion's still not in order." The most searching inquiry into
NR's financial affairs" is needed given WG and US economic
problems.
In "admirable" fashion, GF met his standard of choosing
a person who'd 1st and foremost be a good Pres, says very
favorable Inquirer edit: "The Pres Does Well in Picking NR."
"More than customary qualifications for VP candidates,"
says Monitor of NR and it confirms GF's assertions the choice
would be primarily based on qualifications for stepping into
WH itself. And "it signals respect for the 2nd office which
it needs but has often been denied W/inflation designated
domestic enemy #1, there's feeling of reassurance in having
a Rockefeller near the top w/all the name's echoes of financial
acumen plus enlightened regard for human need."
"Candor and humor of NR, after tensions of last few
months, was refreshing" says NY News TV critic Gardella on
the news conf and GF press room's "informal atmosphere"
where "everything is buddy-buddy."
Jones on CBS AM said
in press conf, NR had different attitude than GF, calling it
"more of a snippy attitude."
LAT feature profile on the "very private Happy Rockefeller"
who hoped NR would be named, but she's zealous about her time
alone w/their 2 kids and her declining interviews isn't seen
as out of character at all by close family friend Mrs. Tom
Braden who also sharply rebuts rumors of any Rockefeller
marital problems. "Absolutely, totally untrue. 11
"Happy:
At Home Pouring Tea or in the Country" leads Inquirer over
wire profile.
"Happy Tends to Shun the Spotlite" tops
Star profile.
CBS to rebroadcast a special 1-hr. version of "The Rocke-
fellers" Sun nite at 8.
Correction: In Wed. AM summary, Reasoner said both NR and many
others believe he could've had ' 60 not and won - sted of couldn've.
FORD & LIBRARY HALD 30
20
WGATE-RELATED
JDE said GF hasn't allowed him to review his papers at
WH in preparation for cover-up trial. ABC noted.
Sirica completed exam of 64 subpoenaed conversations
and order 9 more dating from 2/7/73 to 4/25/73 to be turned
over to GJ. RN made no claim of exec. priv. or objection,
tho Sirica sustained such claim on 3/21/73 conversation in
Oval from 9:15 - 10:12 a.m.
Stahl on CBS AM said RZ's proposed subpoena be given
to him and he'll give it to RN. Stahl said JDE's subpoena
appears to be 1st of several in RN's future for RN, as
Rothblatts suing RN, and should case be dismissed because of
faulty serving of summons, attys. say they' 11 serve summons
again this time on private citizen.
Noting Gallup Poll w/55% opposing prosecution of RN,
Nat'l Review publisher Bill Rusher in his syndicated column
says this "inclination to go easy on him's rooted in sound
perception that his own role in cover-up wasn't all that
awful anyway and that his forced resignation is entirely
adequate punishment. If Rusher cautions that "anti - RN
zealots will ignore this sentiment at their peril They
should be 1st to understand it doesn't pay, in long run,
to defy public's settled good judgement."
RN may sell KB and renegotiate mortgage on San Clemente
to ease personal budget problems. Big money may lie ahead
if RN chooses to write book. Present feeling among RN
aides is to let RN rest and not expect him to make any big
decisions soon. Experts in publishing industry say that
paying RN advance on book would be highly speculative.
Impossible to tell how book would sell in 2 yrs. minimum
time allowed for getting it out.
O'Neill accused Bauman of a "cheap, sneaky, sly" move in
connection w/filing/printing of Judiciary report. Tip, in
"unusual burst of temper," verbally attacked Bauman who
demanded and succeeded in getting O'Neill's remarks stricken
from Record. O'Neill had noted Bauman got unanimous con-
sent to file his own remarks in Record when most MCs had
left the floor.
Rep. Brooks proposed bill that'd limit installation
of permanent protective facilities to only 1 private resi-
dence for presidents and would require owner to reimburse
govt. for any increase in fair market value of property
resulting from govt. installations. Horton endorsed bill
and said he found no opposition at WH.
RALD
GE
LIBRARY
21
Sev'l prominent attys, including Wash State AG Gorton,
testified in Krosh's behalf in face of possibility of his
disbarment. AG said he'd offered a job to Krogh because he
was impressed w/the way he'd differentiated himself from
many others involved in WG by admitting serious error in
judgment.
LATE NEWS/MISC.
Army now admits its CID recommended sending criminal
misconduct evidence by sr. DOD officials to Justice.
UPI's Thomas reports transition team recommend that
Chief of Staff post be eliminated.
CBS w/report from Muir Nat'l Monument -- nationalization
to be effective this fall, where young school children are
caring for 200 yr-old redwood, roots of which seriously
threatened from erosion. Children from nearby school
regularly hike to area to fill-in soil around exposed
roots, as govt can't do anything 'til nationalization
effective. Reporter said there's something enthralling"
about seeing children scarcely beyond toddler stage labor-
ing at the base of huge redwood they call "Little Brother."
CORRECTION
The Weekend News Review was wrongly dated 8/20/74. It
should have the Aug. 19 date on it. No Summary is dis-
tributed Sunday, thus Sat/Sun. news is compiled in Weekend
Review available Mon. am. Thus the 17th (Sat) and the
19th (Mon) are consecutive Summaries.
NOTE TO RECIPIENTS
Because of wide readership by the WH staff, the Post,
Star-News and NYT will not be included in the News Summary
or the Weekend Review except for some use of headlines and
edits on major developments. Similarly, owing to wide
readership, Time, Newsweek and US News will not be included
in the Summary.
If you wish the complete text of any wires or articles
that are excerpted in Summary, please call 2709. If you
wish to see the complete report of a story on a network
show, call 4125 (VTR) and - they will run the spot for you.
And if there's an area or a development of particular interest
about which you would wish the relevant clippings, please
call 2709.
#
#
#
#
RALD GE R. FORD (1BRART
"I like him he seems $0 down-to-earth!"
Conrad is on vacation.
L.A. Times, 8/21/74
LIBRARY RALD A. FORD
GE
Quick Recovery!
By JIM PALMER
Dallas News Staff Cartoonist
BEFORE FORD:
HII
Dallas Morning News, 8/74
GE GERALD
FORD is LIBRARY RALD
ENGELHARDT
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 8/14/74
RALD FORD MBRART
13 R.
11,
Houston
Bin
811
SAYLOR
The free balloon ride is over
Houston Post, 8/14/74
GE LIBRARY HALD GERALD A FORD
DIGEST OF RECENT COMMENT/CARTOONS
August 27, 1974
AMNESTY/FOR. AFFAIRS
"An appropriate way to launch an Admin dedicated to nat'l
reconciliation," says New Republic of GF's VFW speech. But he
ought to "convey more respect for the concientious positions
of many of the resisters,' or his efforts will fail. In fact,
an amnesty leader feels no more than 20% of exiles would come
back if conditions are placed on them.
In "largely lib-Dem town of Pittsfield, Mass," Nat'l
Observer's Edwin Roberts says GF's amnesty stand was "greeted
as one more indication that he's a man of unexpected sensibil-
ities. They care far less about it as an issue than they do
GF's compassionate approach" and Roberts quotes a representative
observer: "I've never thought much about amnesty, but GF's
major purpose is to bring US together. He seems like a very
good man." An overwhelming number either favored GF's amnesty
ideas on their own or simply because they trust him and are
"content to go along w/the new Pres."
"One of the most impt books of the century," says Malcolm
Muggeridge in Esquire re: Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago.
It's both history and high literature; "it's infinitely moving
w/beautiful sincerity and eloquence
a
notable triumph of art
over lies
It's welded together w/great skill and artistry to
provide a living picture of one of the cruelest and bloodiest
tyrannies." And Solz makes clear the horrors stem directly from
Marxism itself. "There can be no question," says Muggeridge,
"of waiting for Soviet regime to be liberalized. It can't be
[or] it'd cease to exist."
Oft-humorous, interesting excerpts in Esquire from Bill
Buckley's new book on his experience as UN delegate and his
frequent run-ins w/Saudi rep. Baroody, "the UN's most con-
spicuous figure."
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
London Economist says GF is looking to summit "not for
some brilliant idea not previously thought of, but as opportu-
nity to extract from the most influential men moral commitments
to at least a renewed attempt at wage and price restraint
The big stick's not for him, but, for some time to come, his
moral authority's going to be large."
FORD & LIBRARY RALE 30
2
"How cheap it is to live in US by comparison w/Europe"
declares correspondent Ray Vicker in Nat'l Observer after 14
years abroad. Moderate hotel rooms in Bonn are up to $40;
concert tickets in Geneva at $13 compared to $6 a few yrs ago;
hamburger at $3/1b. in some cities; roll and coffee for $3.55
in "middle-class" Rome hotel; 50¢ for coke in Paris; a dinky
Fiat in Italy costs as much as full-sized Chevy or Ford;
$2.25/gallon gasoline in Portugal. "Prices are soaring in
US," Vicker concludes, but "they're not zooming at anywhere
near what they are in many places in Europe."
"Planting Seeds for Volunteers" tops favorable Nat'l
Observer piece on new ACTION program whereby effort's being
made in 17 pilot cities to imbue entire communities w/spirit
of voluntarism and perhaps show there's another way to alle-
viate social/econ. programs than by spending billions. Report
focuses on Great Falls, Mont., where there's high enthusiasm for
the approach and hundreds of volunteers at work. However
Romney contends the provision of any tax revenues undercuts
true voluntarism. But ACTION's Balzano responds that the
agency's mandated by Hill to get voluntarism going -- and
once that's done, programs can be carried out far cheaply
than via DC. "Only because of WG and impchmnt," says
Washingtonian article by Charlie McCollum, "has abortion not
become the chief focus of nat'l concern" akin to civil rights
in '50s and crime in '60s. A lib N-E MC moans that "it's going
to explode and casualties are going to be heavy." And Phil
Hart came out of a meeting w/anti-abortionists to say: "This
is going to make busing look easy." Nearly every MC and Sen.
refuses to discuss abortion publicly and a number who privately
favor the Sup. Ct. decision still are voting for anti-abortion
legislation. "They're very afraid of the grassroots power of
the Right-to-Life groups," says Washingtonian.
"The Back-to-Normal Pres" tops London Economist edit on
GF whose "common touch is genuine." And given his warm Hill
reception after 25 yrs, "chances are all those words he's been
using [as Pres] express how he is: Square in both the old and
new sense, candid when practicable, easy in communication, open
to compromise and accommodation, preferring truth as a matter
of habit."
Nonetheless, GF will have to take "gritty decisions" in
which respect and spirit of accommodation may not be adequate
to resolve, says Economist. It looks to GF to restore US instns.
by "briskly demolishing the imperial seclusion" that's grown at
WH since HST and by persisting in cooperative endeavors w/Hill
and Courts.
RALD GE A. FORD JBRART
3
"GF shows encouraging signs of diminishing parochialism
and increasing liberalism," writes TRB in New Republic, but
he retains "a monolithic crew of Wall St. types" as econ.
advisers "and there's no signal as to what he'll do re:
growing racial isolation. TRB devotes column to self-generating
polarization as reported by Comm. on Civil Rights its critique
on exclusionary zoning and housing laws and a Justice Dept.
that's not enforcing the law. "Residential deseg. may be GF's
test.'
"The obvious right choice," says New Republic's cover edit
of
NR. He provides "ballast is the polar opposite of RN's
Calif. plumbers and fixers
may be the new amb
w/unius."
But both right and left, have reasons to distrust him, points
out New Republic, noting the "grimmest example of the new
Rocky" was Attica. But confirmation's expected -- once he
completes "a tough initiation rite" that'll invade his privacy
"w/out mercy, and probably more than's necessary." Finally,
New Republic says "one of GF's most difficult tasks will be
to define the VP's role in such a way that'll employ his talents
w/out making this a Rockefeller admin."
New York's Richard Reeves, along w/Ripon's Pres Cairns
and Pincus of New Republic, Agronsky show discussed NR. Reeves
said NR's "arrogant, cynical, and pragmatic" w/out any particular
ideology. But he has "very great" capacity. Reeves said NR
used to take weekly polls, to which NR's position would conform.
He's "awesome" and "frightening", said Reeves, who reported
DNC's Patterson -- once NY State Sen. -- used to be afraid to
be w/NR alone, as he'd "immobilize people," asking them "what
do you want?" i.e., "really want. Reeves said NR either
"destroyed or bought" anyone who got in his way.
Cairns believes NR will bring diversity to GOP that'll
lend "certain balance" to party and revitalize competitive
politics. Cairns further believes many GOP who dropped party
over past 2 years are coming back, and NR will help w/that
Pincus said it'll be interesting to see if NR takes over "mean"
political speeches. Reeves said he'd reported GF as VP making
"smallest, meanest, partisan speeches," but last 2 weeks have
been "glorious." Reeves believes NR offers avenues to univs,
foreign gov'ts, financial community. While GF's "limited
man," said Reeves, NR is "world citizen."
Pincus said GF's strength comes from "candor," which
Pincus doesn't think NR knows. Test of NR will be to see if
he really appreciates new mood about candor. Pincus, further
praising GF, said he's opened up to point not seen in DC "in
years."
&
RALD
BRARY
GE
4
Agronsky said qualities of each compliment each other.
Trick will be to see if each is big enough to accommodate the
other, said Agronsky. Reeves said GF's recognized his own
limits, and "that's about as big as man can get." But Reeves
believes next phase will be power struggle involving HAK and
Schlesinger and NR will have a role in that.
GF/NR team shows no Dem has a nat'l constituency, said
Ripon's Cairns. But Reeves said EMK does, and GF/NR means
he'll make '76 decision later, w/prospects depending on
economy. Reeves believes Dems will win in '76 because
economy's "going to hell." Reeves doesn't believe press
can keep Chappy "alive" as it did W'gate, w/no trials, indict-
ments, etc. But New Republic's Pincus doesn't believe EMK can
win, given GF's "present rate." Cairns further sees tough
time for EMK on subject of his ability, and said EMK will
suffer w/rest of Hill on "lack of results."
"When Mel Laird (ML) Whispers, the Pres Listens" is
New York's cover story on the "Man of the Ear" written by
Evans-Novak who feel ML, "one of most pragmatic and far-
reaching men" in DC, will "enormously strengthen Admin. But
his outspokenness and disregard for diplomatic niceties will
bring problems. Still, E-N feel ML's strengths as "a thoro-
going pro" outweigh his flaws as a person. They note his
unprecedented instrumental role in picking both the Pres.
and VP after his experience w/RN -- despite 25 yrs assn, they
had no friendship or trust and RN's said to have "particularly
feared ML." GF too is "a bit wary" of ML, given his rep of
constantly conniving at some game of his own. Similarly
there's a fear and leeriness by GF's inexperienced, insecure
staff towards ML's "pervasive influence" -- and he once told
GF they weren't up to the task. But that power may not last
if ML holds to part-time, informal role.
E-N call ML the most qualified adviser in the US for a
Pres across the board. "He's the political Renaissance man,"
but he's also often obstreperous or obnoxious. E-N emphasize
ML's behind-the-scenes work on a number of fronts since he
left WH, recall his subtle conduct on Hill and term his
"orchestration of the VN pullout probably one of his greatest
achievements and his most audacious exercise of power." His
conduct on Hill and DOD, however, has earned him thoro dis-
taste of both Wed Group libs and the Old Guard. And such
actions as releasing the file on his disagreement w/RN on
amnesty and pushing NR from the beginning as GF's choice are
type of things that concern GF's advisers, if not GF himself.
But the Pres. has displayed no coolness and his advice con-
tinues, tho it's not known whether it'll be peeded, eg: "Clean
RALD GE
LIBRARY
5
sweep of all Nixonites," even HAK; economic innovations such
as WH tax powers. "He won't change his style to keep his
membership in the kitchen cabinet," but if GF decides the
price of ML is too high, both he and US will lose.
Atlanta Constn calls GF's request of Stan Scott to stay
"encouraging. He's competent man of high integrity who simply
had nothing to do w/WG."
"Consumed by thoughts of what might've been, Tom Whitehead's
leaving OTP as one of WG's walking wounded," reports Broad-
casting. "He's depressed by the scandal that brought down RN
whom he served to the last." He's going to Harvard's Institute
of Politics, will write a book on interrelationship of gov't,
media and public and possibly do a column along w/some TV
commentary.
"I'll Die for My Pres." is title of Washingtonian feature
profiling "the Tense, Watchful, Unsmiling Life of the USSS
Agent,' written by ex-HHH press secy Norman Sherman who the
mag refers to as "scarred by an excess of political zeal," ie,
his guilty plea in illegal milk money. While expressing
respect for the selfless dedication of the agents, Sherman
voices concern over the extent of their domestic intelligence
operations, the size of their budget -- $70M, the adequacy of
protection and the degree of personal services provided
presidents and their families in guise of protection. Sherman
says USSS shouldn't have been doing the RN tapings for one
thing -- several Service sources, incidentally, say none ever
ran out -- and the KB/WWH work clearly went too far.
WG-RELATED
New Republic calls for reopening of For. Relations con-
sideration's of Ruth Farkas in light of Kalmbach testimony
re: $250,000 for Costa Rica." If latter holds up, her
expected pro forma resignation to GF should be accepted.
Muggeridge in Esquire feels Magruder's book provides an
adequate explanation for WG and the WH under which the event
occurred: Its isolation from the country and the staff's
isolation from the Pres, akin to the reigning Moghul of India
"theoretically exercising despotic power, surrounded by
sycophants whose sole purpose was to carry out his wishes
even before he gave expression to them, and an ever-widening
gap between the ruler and the ruled.'
FORD LIBRAR . 07411
GE
6
As for "the moral fury and burgeoning self-righteousness
of the WG avengers, " Muggeridge doubts whether they 11 cut
much of a heroic historical figure. "If the dragon becomes
a mouse, St. George is correspondingly reduced in stature.
Thinking of Solz' Gulag, WG seems a mouse
" Muggeridge
feels it'll be appropriate for the WG avengers to have EMK
become their lily-white boy, given his Harvard cheating and
Chappy situations that have barely been publicly questioned.
"WG conspirators, as they languish in prison, may reflect
enviously upon so quiet and assured an immunity."
POLITICS/MISCELLANY
Writing in New Republic, Arthur Schlesinger rebuts those
"romantically" looking to a parliamentary system, eg, HKSmith
and TRB, especially in light of WG. 1st of all, Schlesinger
notes w/US parties relatively weak, this is hardly the time
to expect them to be more commanding and cohesive. But,
more impt, he notes the loss of a vote of confidence hasn't
directly overthrown a British gov't in 50 yrs. And the
power of dissolution would play into role of exec w/only
MCs having to face the electorate. Further, why should
policy disagreements allow removal of Presidents.
Schlesinger says while a WG might have forced out a
British PM long ago, the public probably wouldn't have
known what was going on. He also demonstrates Hill's powers
now are far more than Parliament's where the exec and its
cabinet clearly dominate.
Washingtonian w/another feature on Sex, Power and
Politics -- a follow-up to its widely discussed article 2
yrs ago. Writer discussing the heavy dose of sex on the
Hill given the "sexy" nature accruing to those who are
powerful. Some anecdotes: Schroeder (D-Col) on losing an
amendment 25-1 said the defeat was only because she had a
vagina. To which Hebert said: "If you'd been using it
instead of your mouth, maybe you'd have gotten more votes."
The 1st sex story from WH recently emerged when a top RN
aide was having an "in-House" affair w/"one of the prettier
young WH assts" w/the relationship discovered by media types
who lived near her in Geo'town and noted the aide's surrepti-
tious comings and goings. The duo went to WWH on separate
planes and one nite the girl's room was called at 4 a.m. by
press imitating USSS and demanding to talk to the aide. She
reluctantly did so and the reporter asked, w/lots of laughter
FORD A HALD LIBRAR 70
7
in the background: "What's the schedule tomorrow?" Writer
Lee also feels RN WH had an "abiding, prurient interest in
sex" given the '72 dirty tricks and Clawson's alleged efforts
to leak info on Maureen Dean. And he tells of an "angry and
vindictive [and well-known] NY divorcee" who talked so much
about her relationship w/a famous Sen. who's already "vulner-
able enough to this sort of thing" that he publicly denied
and then terminated the affair whereupon she told everybody
how bad he was in bed -- an assessment not given much
credence, "especially by numerous others who'd also been in
bed w/the famous Sen."
Hoover's "private life" is Esquire's lead story. Nothing
surprising tho author does focus on Clint Murchison/Sid
Richardson connections which Jack Anderson has discussed in
past. Interviews w/Hoover relatives, waiters and old Ike
confidante George V. Allen who are all generally straight to
positive on Hoover, tho some idiosyncrasies crop up.
Nwswk wants Moyers to take over Stewart Alsop's back
page column, reports New York mag.
#
#
#
FORD A. LIBRARY RALD
1m
Detroit Free Press August 12, 1974
GERALO RALD 13 A. FORD TBRAHI
Baldy
'
.A Few Folks Wanta Check Out Your Credentials, Rocky."
Atlanta Journal August 21, 1974
RALD A. A. FORD UBRART
GE
"It may be a Jerry-built rig, but it moves.
by golly ... it moves ...!"
Louisiana Courier Journal August 20, 1974
FORD & LIBRARY RALE 3.
Kansas City Star August 19, 1974
GEPALO RALO GE A. FORD VIBRARY
SPECIAL NEWS SUMMARY
Thursday, Oct. 17, 1974
PRESIDENT FORD'S TESTIMONY BEFORE
THE HOUSE JUDICIARY SUBCOMMITTEE
NBC
As President Ford walked out of the judiciary hearing
room, John Chancellor commented on Ford's handshake with
Rep. Elizabeth Holzman (D., N.Y.), "his sharpest questioner."
"Mr. Ford spent 25 years in the House, doing a lot of
handshaking, " Chancellor said. "He's quite at home in a
situation of this kind. II Chancellor presented a 10-minute
recapitulation and cited these points:
-- The President's reason for pardoning President Nixon
was not so much Nixon's welfare as to try to get the United
States focusing on serious problems."
"Mr. Ford said he was convinced at the time of the
pardon, and he is convinced now, that if there were no pardon,
the attention of the people would have been diverted from the
problems facing the country."
-- "He also said heatedly there was no deal, no deal,
period, with Mr. Nixon. He said that he felt that the shame
and disgrace of resignation was enough "
-- The President said he had talked about pardon in a
general way as one of a series of options presented to him
by Gen Alexander Haig, before Nixon's resignation Chancellor
said. That it was one of five options offered. That he heard
about it and made no recommendations about it. Ford said he
had made no deals and had said nothing about it in advance of
the resignation.
Ray Scherer and Tom Brokaw interviewed Rep. Don Edwards
(D., Calif.). Asked what he would have asked, given more
time, Edwards said, "We had scores of more questions as to
the exact details of communications at the White House before
and after the pardon. Whether or not there were communications
with the Nixon family."
GE RALD
8. FORD VIBRARY
2
Edwards said he was generally satisfied with Ford's
performance, and that he was satisfied Ford did not engage
in any kind of deal or legal activity in granting the pardon.
"I think he made an honest case. I learned a couple of
things that I hadn't known before, that there indeed were
discussions of a pardon, but that it was a general discussion,
before Mr. Nixon resigned," he said.
On the question of Ford's motives Edwards said, "I'm
afraid that it will continue, because it really wasn't done
very well. It was done prematurely. So no matter what
President Ford does and how honest he might be about it, and
I'm sure he is, the fact that it was done prematurely, before
indictment, will always cause some problems. It will be a
political judgment, and a historical judgment, too. Because
the process was intercepted, it wasn't allowed to proceed.
And that is never very good in a governmental system such
as we enjoy here. "
Asked whether he sympathized with Rep. Holtzman's position
that the committee questioning format was inadequate Edwards
said:
"Here on Capitol Hill and in government, you have to be
satisfied with the best that you can get. We had over an hour
to question the President of the United States and I think that
is a large step forward. It's an indication that there will be
more cooperation between the different branches of government.
I think it's just fine," Edwards said.
Rep. David Dennis (R., Ind.) said the President "made
a compelling case. "
"I thought it was a. very frankful, comprehensive
statement, which indeed left very few questions which needed
to be asked, and answered the reasonable questions of any
reasonable person, Dennis said. "He certainly ought to be
ahead in public opinion. You can disagree with the President
about whether a pardon ought to be issued or not. I happen
to agree with him. But he's the President. He's got the
prerogative to make that decision judgment, which he did, on
what seems to me to be sufficient grounds.'
Dennis said the President's appearance will help
Republican candidates for election in November who have been
hurt by the pardon. "Certainly. Absolutely. I think it will
917 RALD R FORD
3
help those problems
It's caused some problems. It's caused
me some problems. "
Dennis said he did not believe the President's appear-
ance should be called a precedent, since Ford appeared
voluntarily and "he was careful to point out that he was
not going to make it a precedent in this case. "There is
nothing about this situation which would require any other
President or this President to do this again unless he saw
fit to do so. It there's anything that really needs to be
looked into, I'm not against it. But I think that, prima
facie, it's a pretty closed case -- I think you have to
remember that the Democrats
sort of hate to lose an issue."
Asked about the continuing controversy of the tapes,
Dennis said:
"There is controversy on that, but I don't think the
controversy is on the important points. Everyone's agreed
the tapes are going to be kept for the courts to use if
they're needed at any of these trials. The law is reasonably
clear that, as of now, this is private property, these tapes
which belong to Mr. Nixon. Perhaps we should legislate in
regards to future documents. But if we decide to make these
tapes public property, I think personally we'd have to condemn
them and pay compensation under the Constitution."
RALD GE R. FORD JBRAPY
4
"The President did not answer some of the questions
put to him today, largely by Elizabeth Holzman, Chancellor
said. He listed them as follows:
--- "Why didn't the pardon specify crimes in terms of
Mr. Nixon's activities? The President didn't really
deal with that. He agreed with the contention that
the acceptance of the pardon was tantamount to an
admission of a crime, but there was no specific crime
mentioned.
-- "He did not respond to her question about why the
Attorney General was not consulted in terms of the
pardon, why the special prosecutor was not consulted
before there was an agreement on the tapes, and why the
whole thing was done in haste and secrecy. That was
really not dealt with here today.
-- "On the other hand, the President did make what many
Committee members, I'm sure, will believe was an effective
presentation of the arguments and he did, in fact, answer
most of the questions that were put to him.
--- "On the whole, I think it was a successful presenta-
tion of his case in E. completely unprecedented, historical
situation,' Chancellor concluded.
ABC
Howard K. Smith opened six-and-one-half minutes of com-
mentary by saying, "President Ford has just made history for
the past two hours. 11
Smith said that if he were forced to select a headline
for the appearance it would be:
"There was no deal according to the President - no deal
ever made. "
Smith said Ford revealed some new facts, however, about
the possibility of a deal
Ford's first disclosure to the sub-committee, Smith said,
was that when he was advised by former White House Chief
RALD GE FORD JBRARE
5
Staff, Gen. Alexander Haig, that Nixon might resign. Haig
presented a series of options to Ford including the possibility
of a pardon for Nixon. Ford told the Hungate sub-committee
that he told Haig he would say nothing because of his "sensi-
tive position" as a Vice President about to accede to the
Presidency.
Ford's second revelation to the sub-committee, Smith
reported, was the President's announcement that "the tapes
are there and he would give the Special Prosecutor any tapes
he wanted."
Smith reported that when the President was reminded of
the criticism concerning the haste of the pardon announcement,
he told the committee that on reconsideration he thought he
would take the same action again.
Steve Bell said the President approached the opportunity
to testify before Congress as a gamble because he was very
cognizant of the effect the pardon had on his own credibility
and on the Republican's chances in the November elections.
"I think he will be quite happy with the way he came
across today," Bell continued. "I don't think he feels it is
going to reverse anything completely, but I think the President
will feel that he stayed within the guidelines he had set, not
to expand it into precedents he did not want, and he was able
to make the point - - the central issue as far as he is con-
cerned ---- that if he had not taken the pardon action when he
did that the country would have been much worse off in not
being able to go on to other issues while the process of
bringing former President Nixon to trial was taking place. "
Smith reported that the President had emphasized in his
opening statement that his appearance was not to be interpreted
as a precedent. Smith said the President said his testimony
was "a rare case and not Likely to happen again."
There were three omissions in the questioning, Smith
said.
"One is did he consider the effect of this on the other
Watergate defendants who are now on trial?" Smith said.
Smith questioned whether a court would now rule that
those same defendants are guilty for having obeyed a President
who is now safe from prosecution.
RALD GE R. FORD JBRARY
6
Secondly, Smith said no committee member questioned
Ford "very seriously" on his failure to send the Attorney
General -- "the official law officer of the President --
to confer with the former President.
The third matter which was not fully developed, Smith
said, was what caused Ford to change his mind after he had
said at his first press conference that he would withhold
action on the Nixon case until the judicial process was
followed.
Bell said that this third underdeveloped line of
questioning was "the thing that surprised me most about the
session just completed."
"At no point did someone say, 'Mr. President after that
news conference you suddenly changed your mind about when a
pardon should be considered', " Bell reported.
Smith in concluding remarks said that enough questions
were not asked. Smith cited the drop in Ford's popularity
polls and Republican candidates had called the pardon "a
great blow. II Smith said part of the reason for Ford's appear-
ance was to rectify that, "to give Republicans a better chance
in the November elections."
RALD GE R. FORD BRA.91
7
CBS
Walter Cronkite, prior to the questioning, said the
appearance of the President would take place in Room 2141
in the Rayburn House Office Building, the same room in
which the House Judiciary Committee voted to impeach
Richard Nixon. Cronkite said the purpose was to reply
to 14 questions aimed at determining if there was any
kind of a deal behind the pardon of Nixon.
Following the President's appearance, Cronkite presented
a one-minute recapitualtion in which Cronkite said the
President gave a 43-minute statement, followed by almost an
hour of questioning.
"President Ford emphatically said again and again that
there were no deals made, said Cronkite.
Ford also said there had been no discussions with
former President Nixon regarding a pardon, and there had
been no request for the pardon prior to its issuance.
Cronkite reported the President said his appearance
was not to establish a precedent. The President's position
"was in no way shaken, he siad, although Rep. Elizabeth
Holtzman (D. N.Y.) complained the Committee proceeding
did not permit the full inquiry to allay what she called
"the suspicion" that, in fact, there was a deal, said
Cronkite.
WIRE SERVICE COVERAGE
Both wire services kebt running stories going throughout
the testimony. Here are their early leads:
Washington (UPI) -- President Ford, the first Chief
Executive ever to submit to formal questioning by a Congressional
Committee, appeared on Capitol Hill today to explain why he
pardoned his predecessor, Richard M. Nixon.
Seated at a witness table before some of the House
Judiciary Committee members who voted nearly three months
ago to impeach Nixon, Ford began two hours of televised
testimony with a statement. Each of the members then were
GE LIBRARY RALD R. FOR
allowed five minutes to question him.
Upon arriving in the Hearing Room, Ford sat alone at the
long witness table and poured a glass of water from a silver
8
pitcher while a dozen or so photographers took his picture.
It was the same hearing room where Ford underwent questioning
for confirmation as Vice President late last year.
Ford, whose pardon of the former President cost him some
of the strong public support he received when he took office,
has maintained that it did not develop out of any deal made
prior to Nixon's resignation Aug. 9.
Ford volunteered to testify, expecting that it would
put an end to the questioning and criticism of the pardon on
Capitol Hill and throughout the Nation.
Rep. William Hungate, D-MO., the Subcommittee Chairman,
lauded Ford for offering to appear but said, "We are not here
because of friendship, but because of responsibility our
governmental systme of checks and balances and separation
of pwoers places upon us.
"I hope the American people as well as the Congress
appreciate the importance of President Ford's appearance,
as well as the need to resolve once and for all, all of
the questions relating to the pardon of former President
Nixon.
"I am convinced tha the issue of the pardon will not
be behind us until the record of the pardon is complete."
Ford pardoned Nixon Sept. 8 amid reports that the former
President was deeply depressed and severely ill following
his resignation. Nixon, named as an unindicted co-con-
spirator in the Watergate Cover-up and still under subpoena
as a witness in that trial, thus was freed from the
prospects of being tried himself for crimes in office.
Rep. Henry Smith of New York, ranking Subcommitte
Republican, told Ford in his opening statement that he.
hoped the appearance before the Committee would not establish
a precedent.
"But, on the other hand, it is an example of a splendid
cooperation between the Executive and Legislative Branches
of our Government, which I trust may be followed many times
in the future by those who may come after you as President
of the United States of America -- the world's toughest job. "
Rep. Peter Rodino, D-N.J., Chairman of the Full Judiciary
Committee, and Rep. Edward Hutchinson of Michigan, its
ranking Republican, confined their opening remarks to
a.
FORD
welcoming Ford.
GERALD
LIBRAR
9
Washington (UPI) - President Ford said today that
even after he learned that Richard Nixon's Presidency pro-
bably would be doomed by the impending release of a crucial
tape, he continued to state publicly his belief Nixon was
innocent of involvement in Watergate.
"In the previous eight months, I had repeatedly stated
my opinion that the President would not be found guilty of
an impeachable offense," he told a House Judiciary Sub-
committee.
"Any change from my stated views, or even refusal to
comment further, I feared, would lead in the press to con-
clusions that I now wanted to see the President resign "
Ford said he had appearances scheduled in two southern
states over the weekend of Aug. 3-5, and in them he continued
to insist on his "belief in the President's innocence of an
impeachable offense" even though he had learned from Alexander
Haig of the damaging June 23 tapes which would soon be made
public.
Nixon resigned Aug. 9, three days after the transcript
of the damaging tapes had been made public.
Gaylord Shaw, AP -- President Ford, in an historic personal
appearance before a congressional panel, said today he discussed
the possibility of pardoning Richard Nixon if he resigned as
President but declared, "There was no deal, period, under no
circumstances."
Responding to questions after reading a lengthy statement
at a nationally broadcast house Judiciary Subcommittee hearing,
Ford said he remains convinced he acted in the right way at the
right time in granting Nixon a full pardon.
"I assure you that there never was at any time any
agreement whatsoever concerning a pardon to Mr. Nixon if he
R.
FORD
were to resign and I were to become President, Ford said
a lengthy opening statement.
GERAL
Then, after Rep Elizabeth Holtzman, D-N.Y., spoke of
LIBRARY
"very dark suspicions" and made what another member called an
accusatory speech, " Ford was blunter in his answer."
"I want to assure you, the members of Congress and the
American people there was no deal, period, under no circumstances."
9a
Answering questions on whether he now thought he acted
too hastily in granting the pardon, Ford acknowledged that
the timing has been crit cized but said, "I am convinced after
reflection that the timing of the pardon was done at the
right time."
When he was asked, "Don't you feel that acceptance of a
pardon is tantamont to an admission of guilt?" Ford's
response was quick: "I CO, sir."
RALD GE R. FORD (IBRART
10
Nixon Files Suit on Documents
Nixon asked the court to order Presidential Counsel
Philip Buchen and two other government officials not to
produce or disclose any presidential materials to anyone
other than himself.
In the complaint Nixon said that he had entered into an
agreement with the Ford Alministration to house his presidential
materials and personal records in California but that the
White House has not honored the agreement.
"The relief requested is merely to preserve the status
quo; that is, to maintain the existing confidentiality of
the presidential materials and to preserve (Nixon's) right
to control access thereto," the former President's complaint
said.
The application for a temporary restraining order was
filed against Buchen, Arthur F. Sampson, the head of the
General Services Administration and Secret Service Director
H. Stuart Knight, individually and in their official
capacities.
The aim of the suit is to give Nixon, rather than the
White House, the right to decide who gets access to the
documents.
On September 6 Nixon and Sampson signed an agreement in
which theformer President agreed to house all his presidential
materials with the GSA in a facility near Nixon's San Clemente
home in California.
The agreement provided thatNixon, as custodian of the
materials, would get one key and the government another.
It also said that Nixon's tape recordings would remain on
deposit until September 1979 and that Nixon thereafter had
the right to destroy any recordings before returning the
remainder to the government.
Nixon noted that he is subject to subpoenas demanding
production of the materials but that he cannot answer them
because the documents are not in his custody.
On September 9 the Watergate Special Prosecutor agreed
with the WhiteHouse that none of the materials could be moved
from their depository in Washington without the Prosecutor's
approval.
LIBRARY GERALD R. FOR
11
"The effect of this agreement was to interfere with the
contractual rights of forner President Nixon" and to inhibit his
ability to assert presidential privilege, the complaint stated.
The complaint noted that Nixon's lawyers had discussed the
September 6 agreement but "these negotiations have not resulted
in even a limited implementation of the depository agreement."
The complaint also noted that Watergate prosecutors have
said they intended to subpoena Buchen demanding that Nixon's
papers be turned over to them and that there have been at least
six other requests for access.
President Ford spent two hours before investigating Congress-
men today and declared "there was no deal, period, under no
circumstances" behind his pardon of Richard M. Nixon.
Ford acknowledged there was discussion of a pardon before
Nixon resigned the Presidency on Aug. 9, but said it was only
that --- discussion, with no commitments, agreements or recom-
mendations on his part.
He told a nationally broadcast house Judiciary Subcommittee
hearing that despite the uproar over the pardon, he remains
convinced that he did theright thing at the right time when
he spared Nixon possible indictment and trial in the Watergate
cover-up.
But the President said he acted in what he deemed the
national interest, not for the sake of his resigned predecessor
when he pardoned Nixon on September 8.
"The reason I gave the pardon was not as to Mr. Nixon
himself,' Ford said, ther, thumping the witness table, he
added: "I repeat and I repeat with emphasis, the purpose of the
pardon was to try to get the United States, the Congress and
the American people focusing on the serious problems we have
=
(Washington - AP)
RALD GE R. FORD UBRARA