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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY May 8, 1973 (Monday nets, wires) The major stories of the day: Topping all nets was WH statement, apparently prompted by Newsweek and Time stories that Dean is prepared to say RN knew of cover-up last Sept., denying RN was aware of Watergate, participated in cover-up or authorized clemency for anyone. ABC said the "carefully worded denial' was "sharp departure" from previous no comments, w/Jarriel adding it was "firm, flat, but not quite unequivocal" since knowledge of cover-up wasn't denied. Similarly, Chancellor said it was "short, almost totally comprehensive. strongest denial" ever issued, but Kiker commented it didn't quite go all the way. In like vein, Cronkite said denial appeared "at 1st glance" to be sweeping, but on 2nd look "still left questions open, 11 w/Pierpoint characterizing it as "so carefully written¹ lawyer may have done it tho RN himself was "only lawyer at KB NBC only net to note Warren, asked why knowledge of cover-up wasn't mentioned, said RN dealt w/that in TV speech. All nets noted in affidavit released by Judge Byrne, Krogh said before he authorized break-in of Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office he met w/RN/JDE and RN "personally" (CBS) urged him to move w/urgency to plug leaks of Pentagon Papers. In testimony before grand jury, also released by Byrne, Hunt stated Colson ordered him to "improve" "in other words, fake" said ABC cables to show JFK Admin had ordered Diem's assassination. Noted by all nets. NBC/CBS noted Colson denied that, w/NBC saying Colson said Hunt may have misunder- stood him. Cronkite said Watergate/Ellsberg developments have practically brought Ellsberg trial to "standstill. " -- Noting Senate would vote Wed. on resolution to that effect, ABC w/#2 story said Richardson "took the initiative and got a jump" on Hill w/announcement he'll, if confirmed, appoint a special Watergate prosecutor who'll undergo confirmation by Senate