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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY July 20, 1973 (Thurs. nets, wires, columns) The major stories of the day: - Tape hoax led all shows w/4-5 minute reports beginning w/Ervin announcing tapes would be available, Baker's praise of RN on ABC -- and then clips on all of Ervin announcing hoax. Reasoner said hearings have had share of surprises but call may have "topped" all. Similarly Mudd said there've been many strange goings-on investigated, but 1 of strangest occurred right in hearing room ABC said all were pleased as this meant tapes would "surely" support RN and Schorr noted Ervin claim he partly believed call because it was such a "rational" move. But then came "stupifying" announcement of hoax, noted ABC. Victory was not in Ervin grasp, noted NBC Baker on ABC film, "upset, distressed, and embarrassed, 11 but said no "damage" has occurred. Valeriani said 1st call left WH "stunned, mystified, 11 w/aides in footrace to Haig office, said Jarriel. All nets noted RN to review Ervin request at CD and draft reply. RZ on ABC film said no decision has been made and said while WH atty's were not reviewing tapes, he's not in position to rule out possibility no one has Jarriel w/exclusive said WH is considering release of some of tapes, possibly thru neutral individuals such as ex-Sens. Cooper and John Williams. And ABC noted Scott wants WH to make selective tapes public but not thru Ervin Comm. RN leaving hospital for WH Fri. am and then to CD having been pronounced fully recovered, CBS/NBC noted w/full schedule to resume Mon. Reasoner said Ervin has provided some memorable moments during the hearings w/homespun wit and philosophizing. In Ervin clip of 2 minutes w/applause followed: "Evidence thus far presented tends to show that men upon whom fortune had smiled undertook to nullify the laws of man and God. 11 This latest Ervin "se rmon¹ also on CBS film. Mardian on NBC film only as he implicated RN via Liddy in Ellsberg break-in and hustling Dita Beard out of town. And, said Schorr, Mitchell was/implicated indirectly in dirty tricks/ Another party, budget, plan. another conflicting story, 11 said Schorr, noting Ervin view that it's as tough reconciling evidence as it is obtaining it.