Watergate Hearings - Testimony of John J Caulfield May 22, 1973
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of John J Caulfield May 22, 1973
Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, May 22, 1973 - Testimony of John J. Caulfield. He reads his statement to the Committee. Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington DC
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of John J Caulfield May 22, 1973
Mr. John CAULFIELD. (continues reading opening statement) I told him that there was absolutely no hope, in my opinion of the White House ever doing anything about the wire-tap situation and asked him when he thought he might make a statement. He said that he had not decided that yet, but that he had spoken to his wife and family and that he felt free to make a statement whenever he thought the time was right. I again asked if there was anything I could do for him. He said one thing that I could do was to see whether the bail money could be raised for him pending an appeal in his case. I said I would check into this. Toward the end of our conversation, realizing that he had definitely was going to make a statement on the Watergate burglary at a time of his choosing, and that such a statement would in all probability involve allegations against people in the White House and other high administration officials, I gave him what I considered to be a small piece of friendly advice. I said words to the effect, "Jim, I have worked with these people and I know them to be as tough minded as you and I. When you make your statement, don't underestimate them. If I were in your shoes, I would probably do the same thing." I later called Mr. Dean and advised him of Mr. McCord s request for bail funding, and he said words to the effect, "Maybe we can handle that through Alch." Sometime later, Mr. Dean called me and asked me to tell McCord that the bail money presented too many problems and that maybe consideration could be given to paying premiums. I later called McCord and reported this. His reaction was, "I am negotiating with a new attorney and maybe he can get it handled." This is the last conversation I have had to date with James McCord.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of John J Caulfield May 22, 1973
Mr. CAULFIELD. Although this is a lengthy statement, I wish to make two further points. At no time in any conversations with Mr. McCord did I advise, pressure or threaten him in an attempt to make him accept the offer of executive clemency. I viewed my role simply as one of a messenger, now while I tried to give both Mr. Dean and Mr. McCord the full flavor of what was going on at both ends of this message transacting process, I actively refrained from injecting myself into the process at either end. I realized at the time of my first conversation in January that I was involved in questionable activity, but I felt that it was important for me to carry this message for the good of the President. I have previously testified before the grand jury and I've spoken on two other occasions with the United States Attorney's office and have spoken on two occasions as well with Senate investigators. Although I have discussed the matter of whether any of my actions could be viewed as violations of the criminal law with my attorney and have been advised of the availability of privileges and possible attempts of securing immunity from prosecution, at no time have I refused to answer any question in regard to my conduct and I have felt that it is more important that I be able to speak freely about my involvement in actions herein then to have whatever protection might be rightfully mine under my constitutional and executive privileges. I hope that what I have to say here today will assist the committee in it's investigations and if upon a hearing of all the facts it is thought that I am guilty of some wrong doing, I will still feel that the truth is my best defense.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of John J Caulfield May 22, 1973
Senator Howard BAKER (R-TN). Mr. Caulfield thank you very much for your lengthy but very useful statement. It's now 4:10 PM in the afternoon. The chairman has been called to the floor of the Senate to participate in a debate on a matter now pending on which we will shortly vote. Before he left the committee he suggested that we conclude your prepared statement today, on the condition that you and your attorney are agreeable to return again in the morning at ten o'clock so the committee and staff can proceed with the interrogation. Is that satisfactory to you? Mr. CAULFIELD. Absolutely senator. Senator BAKER. Then the committee will stand in recess until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning (hits gavel). (Press and committee members get up from seats, John Caulfield seen smiling while talking with unknown blonde woman)