Extracted text

OCR Page 1 of 33
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN NEWS SUMMARY August 14, 1973 (Tues nets, wires) The major stories of the day: Cox reply requesting court order RN release tapes led ABC/CBS (#3 NBC). Brief holds that under Constitutional tradition no man is above the law and that there's no exception for a Pres. from principle that public has a right to every man's evidence. "Unlike a monarch, Pres is not the sovereign" and therefore is responsible to courts. All nets noted what ABC called Cox's opening of "2nd front" -- grand jury empaneled to probe dirty tricks, illegal campaign contributions and other Watergate- related matters. ABC's Schoumacher noted 1st day testimony left him w/impression "somehow we ve passed this way before. Film of JDE interview on NBC/CBS as he said his mail's been terribly critical of Comm. members and conduct of hearings. His mail is "the tip of the iceberg. 11 He thinks "circus atmosphere" of hearings has been detrimental and that people "rather broadly perceive this. 11 ABC/NBC noted RN's speech expected this week. Goralski on NBC noted RN's been working on it, consulting w/legal and political advisers. RN's expected to strike a hard-hitting note and make it more than just a simple defense. Also noted was feeling of some aides that RN's lack of visibility has hurt him, a condition he's expected to start correcting w/speech to VFW in New Orleans and possibly WWH news conference. Exclusive ABC report on RN-VP meeting at which RN "argued emotionally" w/VP not to hold press conference or at least not to take questions or else VP would be "on his own'' w/no help from RN. RN asked Justice Fri. for full review of charges and evidence if any. 1 WH aide termed RN's asking for VP's resigna- tion in event of indictment "a strong possibility. 11 ABC/CBS noted Star-News report 4 contractors paid VP in hope of favorable treatment. It's not known whether they received special considera- tion or whether payoffs were direct or in form of campaign contribution. NBC/CBS film emphasized 1st indication of Treasury's involvement in case -- 3 agents sorting thru 100