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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN k. NEWS SUMMARY May 23, 1974 (Wed. nets, wires. Also non-W'gate material from Wed. papers) The major stories: RN sternly turned down Judiciary on 3 significant issues, led ABC. It's one of strongest challenges by any Pres. ever to Congress, led NBC RN has refused to honor Judiciary sub- poena, led CBS In "firm" language noted by all shows: RN said Comm's "constantly escalating requests would constitute such a massive invasion into confidentiality that institution of presidency would be fatally compromised Comm has the full story of W'gate, 11 insofar as it relates to his knowledge and action, he added. Add'l material "would merely prolong the inquiry w/out yielding significant additional evidence. 11 On film on all shows, JSC said on ABC that RN mustn't allow his office to be rendered subservient to any other branch; on NBC/CBS he couldn't see how any one could say RN's hiding info given that his disclosures so far have exceeded any other Pres. And on CBS, JSC noted RN's strong case that there's a stream of unending requests and nothing new can be added by RN to Tho there was strong reaction, none of Judiciary appeared surprised by WH refusal, said NBC. Reactions characterized by nets as "disturbed, 11 "unhappy, 11 "disappt'd, 11 upset, 11 "angry. 11 All nets noted, CBS w/clip, Rodino said RN 's response was "a very grave matter. 11 On film on all shows, Don Edwards (D-Calif) accused WH of "delaying, obstructing and trying to make our job as difficult as possible. 11 Eilberg's distaste also covered by all shows Hogan on all saying RN hurt his cause in this mistaken turndown of a reason- able request Also on all nets was Ham Fish saying Comm would have to again let RN know he wasn't in compliance and he feels RN may have misjudged Comm Sevareid rebutted RN letter and said tapes are needed. UPI leads: "RN's support on Judiciary has been jarred by playing of 3/21 tape in which he discussed Hunt's demand for blackmail payments. 11 NBC's Stern said reaction of Judiciary's unpre- dictables -- Lott, Wiggins and Flowers -- "jarred" the Hill and while it's hard to know when scales are tipped, it seems that moment occurred in Judiciary in perhaps most impt. development so far.