News stories from Wednesday June 27, 1973

In response to a question from Gurney, Dean admitted that he did not discuss a CIA cover-up plan or Jeb Magruder's testimony with President Nixon at their September 15 meeting. Gurney questioned Dean's testimony regarding the President's statement to Dean, "Bob tells me what a good job you've been doing." Gurney said that it was only Dean's interpretation of that statement which indicated that President Nixon knew about the Watergate cover-up, and he called Dean on the carpet for requoting the conversation and phrasing it as if it were the President's actual words. Dean said that his mind is not a tape recorder, but he recalls his impressions of conversation well, and the impression he got was that President was admitting that H.R. Haldeman had reported to him about Dean's activities. Gurney noted that Dean's entire testimony regarding President Nixon's first-hand knowledge of the cover-up was nothing but impressions, and there was not a single bit of evidence to substantiate Dean's thesis.

Senator Daniel Inouye asked questions which were sent by the White House when it became apparent that other senators weren't going to. Those "questions" were sent by special White House counsel Fred Buzhardt, and turned out to be accusations. Inouye read a statement that accused Dean of being the principal actor in the Watergate cover-up. Dean said that it was not possible for him to conceive, plan, and implement the cover-up as the White House is trying to suggest. Dean also denied demanding immunity before testifying to the grand jury.

Senator Joseph Montoya and other committee members discussed the possibility of President Nixon appearing before the Senate committee in person. Montoya said that the committee wouldn't subpoena the President, but would be "receptive" to his appearance. He added that witnesses who follow Dean will substantiate Dean's testimony, and the President may then feel it necessary to appear before the committee to defend himself. [CBS]

Congress will not back down on getting the bombing stopped, however. Senate Democratic leader Mike Mansfield threatened that the amendment will be attached to every bill going to the President. He must allow bills to pass if he doesn't want the government to stop functioning. The House has added the bombing amendment to a bill that funds the entire federal government through September. The conflict between Congress and the President may soon reach crisis proportions. [CBS]

Minnie, 14, and her retarded sister Mary Alice, 12, were both sterilized when their illiterate mother signed a paper, thinking only that shots were to be given to her children. Attorney Morris Dees said that neither the girls nor their parents comprehended the implications of sterilization. Minnie said that she wants to be able to have children, and would feel bad if she couldn't. One of the defendants, agency director Joseph Conklin, stated that the mother was briefed regarding sterilization. Another clinic director locked the door to her office when a CBS reporter approached to interview her. [CBS]

There is little help for drug addicts who want to quit, however. Floyd McClung, a minister, opened Dilaram House to help youths with drug problems. McClung lamented that kids can't escape their problems with dope; it's as if they have a subconscious suicidal wish. The government is determined to end the drug trade. Many kids come to Kabul, get hooked on drugs and die from overdoses. [CBS]