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Nsfile THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN def. NEWS SUMMARY December 21, 1973 (Thurs. nets, wires.) The Major Stories of the Day: - Simon's request that all drivers voluntarily limit gas purchases to 10 gals/wk led all nets. Cronkite noted Simon indicated rationing's the likely alternative if voluntary compliance isn't sufficient. On ABC/CBS Simon termed it "a fact and a half" that if US holds to 10- gallon average -- and he recognizes that there'. 11 be those needing more and hopefully those using less -- that rationing can be avoided. NBC's Levine said the stage is now set for announcement next week when Admin's Hill critics will be "safely out of town" said Irving -- that Admin's decided against rationing and instead will gear up standby rationing program using transferrable coupons, may ask Hill for increased gas tax and may seek price increase of 3¢/gal. for station owners, many of whom face "imminent bankruptcy. Initial man-in- the-street reaction was negative from Chicago (ABC film) and LA (NBC/CBS film), particularly in latter where long commuting distances and lack of mass transit make the average driver deeply concerned But Sevareid, noting Gallup stix that US approves restrictive measures adopted so far and that 40% would approve more restrictive measures, is encouraged that there will be voluntary compliance w/Simon request. VP on ABC/NBC (CBS noted) said he'll do all'he can to prevent impeach- ment, including lobbying Hill. He wants Judiciary to get on w/inquiry and report to House by mid-April. Unless inquiry produces more evidence than exists now, he doubts House could vote impeachment "US won't stand for it. 11 On ABC/NBC film he said if mail's an indicator, there's been a "tremendous falling off" in mail to his office and shift to support of RN Over silent film of RN w/Mrs. Clinkscales ABC's Clark noted RN called her 10, 000-name petition of support "a very nice Xmas present. 11 All nets noted Rodino selected John Doar to be impeachment counsel. But CBS' Morton says GOP minority's not satisfied w/his nonpartisanship and will appoint their own. CBS closed w / 6 more minutes of Cronkite-Rebozo interview w/Bebe's last line being that while he hates to see RN continue to endure what he's going thru, he's convinced RN won't quit and in practical and sensible terms doesn't think he can. But if RN's critics would get off his back, they'd find a Pres "back in the saddle, doing the great job