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NEWS SUMMARY March 28, 1973 (Tuesday nets, wires) -- All nets led w/ film reports of 27 GIs, 5 civilians released by VC in Hanoi. CBS called it beginning of "final stage of US disengagement from its longest war. 11 All nets had film of highest-ranking Army POW Purcell who on ABC/CBS said "man's most precious possession, 2nd only to life itself, is freedom. Today 32 of us have regained our freedom and a chance to start again our life. 11 ABC film continued w/ Purcell adding: "In the years our faith in our country, in our way of life and in our Pres has been unwavering. 11 He closed thanking RN and US "for keeping faith w/ us. 11 -- All nets noted, NBC/CBS w/ film of resumed w/drawals so that by Sat. both POW's and troops will be out of VN marking end of US' 12-year commitment. CBS noted next few days will be "busy. 11 -- CBS/ABC had reports from Laos, Cronkite w/ interview w/ Phouma which made him optimistic for info on MIAs there, ABC's Brady w/ Swedish film of Pathet Lao. All nets noted RN's veto of vocational rehabilitation bill. CBS noted JDE's earlier calling spending bills "Trojan horses" that had to be stopped and said 1st reached WH. Pierpoint noted price tag was RN's principal objection to bill. HK Smith said RN "had economy in mind. 11 On ABC/CBS film Ash said "if this bill is not vetoed, we're saying to the US people [and] the world we can't or won't stop fed'l spending at a level that can be balanced" and US would be "letting the dike down¹ breaking into a new level of expenditures and an inflationary "spree. 11 Chancellor noted RN said there might be more/if vetoes Hill continued spending spree. ABC's Jarriel noted Weinberger said Admin has identified 115 fed'l programs that can be "terminated, streamlined, or redirected" but Tom noted "he didn't say where gov't would strike next in performing its radical surgery on the burocracy. CBS noted Weinberger "joined the WH campaign" against spending, as he stated w/ tax bills due, taxpayers understand what the budget battle is all about. He said "the choice before the public is clear: RN's budget w/ present taxes or the special interests spenders' plan w/ higher taxes. 11