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From Dean to Haldeman RE: potential disruptions at the Republican National Convention. 3 pgs. [Subject: Campaign] [Memo], 2/7/1972
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From Dean to Haldeman RE: potential disruptions at the Republican National Convention. 3 pgs. [Subject: Campaign] [Memo], 2/7/1972
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
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5
2
2/7/1972
Campaign
Memo
Memo from Dean to Haldeman RE: potential
disruptions at the Republican National
Convention. 3 pgs.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Page 1 of 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 7, 1972
MEMORANDUM FOR:
H.R. HALDEMAN
FROM:
JOHN DEAN
to
SUBJECT:
Potential Disruptions at the
Republican National Convention
In response to my memorandum of January 31, 1972 summarizing
present intelligence regarding the potential for disruptions at the
GOP Convention in San Diego, you have requested information
regarding the "positive things that are planned. 11
At the outset, I might say that I find that the present intelligence
information does have some positive elements. First, it indicates
that the "anti" groups are disorganized, that there is more talk
than action, and that there is friction between the national organi-
zations and the local San Diego organizations. Rest assured that
nothing is being done to change this situation and, in fact, every-
thing possible is being done to preserve it as long as possible.
Second, I find virtually no serious discussion among the "anti"
groups regarding use of confrontation techniques (a la May Day
variety) at the San Diego Convention. Their goal is numbers
large numbers. In fact, such old warriors as Hayden, Rubin,
Hoffman and Dellinger have privately confided that they feel that
they will only succeed if they have a mass demonstration, without
incident!
By way of planning, there is little that can be done to affect the
"anti" groups until they get down to serious planning themselves.
At this time, we are doing what is possible to keep their plans
from developing in a manner that will cause difficulty in holding the
convention.
-2-
I also find a very positive situation in the preparedness planning
by the city and state officials for any type of demonstration.
From the Governor's office to the Mayor's office to the Sheriff's
and Police Chief's offices, detailed plans are being made. When
I first began focusing on the San Diego demonstration potential
I was alarmed at the lack of understanding and appreciation of
the demonstration potential by the responsible officials. In the
ensuing months, however, I have found them taking every step
necessary to deal with and control any demonstration. The city
has some 20 different task forces working on this one problem.
The task forces are composed -- depending on the focus of
study -- of city, state and federal officials. While many of the
task forces are primarily studying the law enforcement and
related problems, others are reviewing such matters as rock
festivals, surfing contests, etc.
Your memorandum to me (via Strachan) specifically raises the
matter of "football games, surfing contests, and rock concerts
11
as things we should be planning for. While I agree that some such
activity is appropriate, I also feel that such planning is not an
answer to the potential problems. Activities of this nature might
serve two purposes: divert the kids from the convention and/or
keep them busy while there. I seriously question the diversionary
tactic. It has been tried on several occasions and has failed. As
an observer of every major demonstration in the United States in
the last three years, I know of it only partially succeeding once,
i. e., Portland, Oregon, American Legion Convention. If such
activities are employed as a means of giving the kids something
to do to keep them out of trouble, I agree it has some potential;
but we should keep in mind the fact that such activities can also
attract, as well as divert and I don't think we should do anything
to attract more kids to California during August of 1972.
Mayor Wilson has promised to send me copies of the reports of all
the task forces, which should give us the details of all the planning
activities.
In brief, the picture is not that horrible. Yes, there may be a
large number of long haired freaks roaming around San Diego
during our convention, but the plans have been made to control
them -- should that be necessary. I have no hesitation in offering
this prediction:
-3-
-- there will be somewhere between 250, 000 -
450, 000 (maximum) demonstrators --
-- the great majority will be orderly -- and --
-- there will be ample law enforcement people
trained and able to deal with any situation
which may arise.
There is also this very positive thought -- the demonstrations
could very well completely fizzle. As you know, the leaders are
calling for no less than a million kids. However, if the national
climate is calm, they might have trouble getting 100, 000 interested
in San Diego. How's that for a pollyanna?
I will keep you posted on the positive as well as negative sides of
this situation as they develop.