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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY August 8, 1973 (Tues. nets, wires) - VP investigation led all nets. CBS detailed Knight papers report that VP received $1000/week from contractors as Md. official and $50, 000 lump sum payment when he became VP. NBC/CBS also noted that VP's tax returns back to '67 are being examined suggest- ing he may have put campaign funds to personal use. Chancellor said DC was stunned by the news; ABC/CBS mted VP's remained totally unscathed thruout Watergate. But, said NBC's Nessen, now VP's "reputation is facing its most severe test. 11 NBC/CBS also noted WH response that it had been informed in advance of VP's statement, but would have no comment on investigation. Both noted VP had supported RN over Watergate but Warren wouldn't comment on RN's supporting VP. Rather said response didn't appear to be a case so much of letting VP twist slowly in the wind as it was a case of WH not knowing the facts and wanting to be very careful. Rather did note RN lawyers are reportedly doing all they can to prevent VP's being indicted. - WH response to Sirica's "show cause" order said release of tapes would cause "severe and irreparable" damage to the Presidency. Cox will reply Mon, w/"historic" (ABC) debate set for Aug. 22. Brief also argues that Pres. isn't answerable to courts; that RN didn't waive exec privilege by allowing HRH to hear tapes; that it'd be impossible for WH to function w/out privacy of communication between Pres-staff; and that other evidence will be sufficient to convict wrongdoers -- if that contention is wrong, then public must yield its interest in convictions to interest in preserving Presidency. ABC/NBC noted Buzhardt would only comment to say he's confident WH position will be upheld and that Cox's comment will come in court. NBC's Stern said WH argument of confidentiality boils down to: impossibility of separating criminal from non-criminal on tapes; even if crimes were discussed, RN discussed them in performance of his duty to investigate them; and that if thought is that RN did something criminal, he must be impeached before being subject to judicial order.