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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY July 17, 1973 (Mon. nets, wires; Mags separate) The major stories of the day: Butterfield's "startling" "stunning" testimony that RN had all his WH phone conversations and meetings since mid-'70 taped led all nets w/6-10 minutes. Done "avowedly" for "historical purposes, 11 said Schorr. Super-sensitive listening devices (film of them concluded NBC show) could pick up even whispers in Oval Office, EOB office, Residence, and at CD, tho when visitors stayed there, bug was removed. Comm. 's expected to ask on Wed for tapes of specific dates on which important meetings of Watergate principals w/RN occurred. All nets emphasized potential import of tapes in resolving question of RN involvement-- and the inferences that may be drawn if tapes aren't provided were noted by ABC/CBS On ABC/CBS film Butterfield said that RN's visitors and callers were given no warning they were being recorded. And clips on all shows as Butterfield "assumed" tapes would be used in RN's Watergate "defense" and thought he was just corroborating HRH-Higby who'd previously appeared for pre-testimony interviews Poin Pointing out LBJ employed same practice, WH "immediately confirmed'taps. Rather noted Califano said it's "absolute lie" that LBJ had such extensive taping but LBJ people concede he did do some of it. Hill reaction to Butterfield testimony was angry on ABC/NBC film w/Brooke calling it an unethical, immoral "invasion of privacy, 11 that "reeks of totalitarianism. 11 Packwood said it offends his sense of fairness that RN didn't let persons know in advance that what they'd assume to be confidential conversa- tions weren't. Mansfield said he wasn't surprised. Dole on ABC regretted not being told but otherwise expressed little concern over tapings. Kalmbach said he raised funds to pay defendents but denied prior knowledge of break-in or cover-up. Citing a "moral obligation" to help men caught bugging DNC Kalmbach added it was "absolutely incomprehensible" that this was improper since #2 and #3 men at WH issued his orders. On clips of 2-5 minutes he said he'd looked straight into JDE's eyes and asked him if Dean had authority to