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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY May 2, 1974 (Wed. nets, wires) 11-16 minutes on all shows re: transcripts. St. Clair in 7- minute CBS interview, Burch briefly on ABC/NBC, RN supporters on ABC and leading off CBS special and mildly hopeful HKS com- mentary brought some reprieve from the highly negative coverage on Tues. nets and in Wed. papers. The major stories: -- Rodino won't listen to tapes w/out Comm. lawyers present. On CBS film, JSC expressed hope the 2 MCs would listen 1st and perhaps something further could be worked out if they felt it necessary Doar says some of transcripts are inaccurate. "I'm not suggesting any intentional distortions. 11 He offered no judgment on possibility they were other than accidental. But he said Comm. had better equipment to listen than that used by WH. Moreover, Doar said staff has been able to decipher some of the "inaudibles" or "unintelligibles. 11 All nets in advance of meeting expected Judiciary to send letter saying RN hadn't fulfilled subpoena. But GOP holding out against declaration of noncompliance. NBC/CBS noted continuing desire to avoid party vote, but ABC said Rodino feels strong stand is needed and he was willing to risk such a partisan split. Only NBC noted Judiciary to give JSC a role in hearings. CBS led w/Judiciary story that was #2 on others Late Wed. , Comm. voted 20-18 that RN "failed to comply. 11 Cohen only GOP to vote yes. WH has initiated a legal confrontation w/Jaworski said ABC on story leading NBC where Chancellor said RN sent his lawyers out to fight the 2nd subpoena due this week. JSC asked Sirica to quash it on grounds of Exec. privilege and because Jaworski has enough to prosecute already. On CBS, JSC said he'd recommend going to Sup. Ct. if necessary. NBC noted this move follows decision not to obey Hill subpoena also. NBC called it a "new hard line" and noted as did ABC JSC's view that Judiciary should limit probe to W'gate and forget ITT, milk deal, etc. As for W'gate, the transcripts disclose everything