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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY September 8, 1973 (Friday nets, wires, papers) The major stories of the day: Largest wholesale price jump in almost 3 decades, began Cronkite as all nets led w/6-7 minutes on the 5. 8% Aug. increase (ABC used 6. 2% figure) focusing on the "staggering," "whopping" 23% jump in farm products. That's highest since records began in 1913. Shultz on film on all nets saying worst is over and that prices peaked while index was being taken. On ABC film, and noted by CBS/NBC, the Secy. admitted US got "burned" on Russ grain deal. NBC film took negative look at 70% hike in grain prices noted by CBS. CBS film of pleased farmers and equally indignant consumers over the unique year in farm prices. Also noted were CLC actions taken almost simultaneously w/WPI news: 1) End to beef freeze 3 days early noted by all nets. (ABC film looked at how supplies are available and even sometimes at below ceiling prices as situation disproves the dire predictions a few weeks back from meat industry. NBC closed w/3 minutes on how to compensate for beef shortage if you're in Calif fix the ubiquitous garden snails for gourmet escargots.) 2) Cut in '74 auto price requests of 10-30%, noted by all; 3) Call on Exxon to justify wholesale price hike noted by ABC/CBS. ABC/NBC noted Rehnquist refused retailers plea to get out of controls so, said Chancellor some gas may be cheaper. A brighter spot in economy, said NBC, was hardly any change in unemployment, up slightly to 4. 8% w/no increase in employment either, thus indicating possible cooling of economy. Also noted by ABC where Kaplow added there was certainly no cooling of inflation. On film on all nets following economic news (also after JDE plea of innocence on CBS), HAK defended taps as necessary tho painful and the Cambodian raids. Possible hold on confirmation unless Comm gets FBI file on taps. HAK returns for more "grilling" Mon and AG to meet w/Comm Mon. am re: tap info. CBS included film of HAK on "traumatic events' which have cast "lengthening shadow¹ over US in world. Whereas we once may have acted as tho we were too good for world, now we may be worrying we're not good enough. And HAK pointed out loss of confidence at home will inevitably be mirrored in US affairs abroad.