Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, June 26, 1973
Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, June 26, 1973
[00.39.20] Mr. DEAN. There would be an effort to discredit the committee, by painting it as very partisan through a behind-the- scenes media effort. That there was also discussion of how to make sure that there were raised also the problems that the Democratic Party might have been engaged in but at that point there was nothing specific to raise, We were hoping to find things. In fact at one, point, in the conversation it was suggested we hire private investigators, Mr. Haldeman suggested this. I raised the fact this is more political surveillance and that is the last thing in the world we need. Then, I think, I tried to recount most of this in my testimony and I will be happy to do it all again for you if you would like me to. Senator MONTOYA. Do you know whether Or not since the, Watergate, entry, do you know whether or not the CRP. the White House or anyone else under the auspices of the CRP was hired to conduct a gathering of more intelligence or to engage in the invasion of the right of privacy of individuals? Mr. DEAN. I only know of the fact that that has been done with; regard to me and I don't believe it has been done by those entities. It might be indirectly but I have no firsthand knowledge of that. Senator MONTOYA. Do you know -whether or not there were any other buggings other than the ones that you have mentioned or any, eavesdropping through electronic devices? Mr. DEAN. No, sir, I think I have mentioned those that, I am aware of. Senator MONTOYA. In what respects did you discuss the possible blocking or impeding of the Senate investigation at the White House at any time? Mr. DEAN. Well, as I say, as a result of the La Costa meetings there were set in motion a host of follow-up activities. I think some of the agenda that you see in my submissions for meetings indicate the thrust of things that were developing at the La, Costa meeting. I think in particular some of those agenda are self-explanatory as to the tactics and the thoughts as to how to deal with the situation. Senator MONTOYA. When you informed Liddy to get Hunt our of the country, who had instructed you to do this? Mr. DEAN. This Was--- Senator MONTOYA. And what conversation actually took place Prior to your informing Mr. Liddy to get Hunt out of the country? [00.42.28] Mr. DEAN. This occurred on Monday the 19th of June in 1972. It was a late afternoon meeting In Mr. Ehrlichman's office with Mr. Colson. The first question before the meeting got down to any substance was raised by Mr. Ehrlichman as to where Mr. Hunt was. He asked me and I said I had no idea. He asked Mr. Colson and Mr. Colson made a similar comment. I was then asked by Mr. Ehrlichman to call Mr. Liddy and tell Mr. Liddy to tell Mr. Hunt to get out of the country. I did that. It was a short time thereafter that I began to think about the wisdom of having made that call and re-raised it. There was a brief discussion between Ehrlichman and myself and finally Mr. Colson entered the discussion and he said he also thought it was a very unwise idea. Ehrlichman concurred. This all took place within about, oh, 15, 20 minute span and I was asked to call Mr. Liddy back and retract the instruction. I did that. Liddy said to me that he didn't know if it was possible because the message had already been passed and I have no further knowledge of whether in fact, Hunt did leave the country or not as a result of that. Senator MONTOYA. When was the first real meeting to organize the coverup and who was present at that first meeting? Mr. DEAN. I think that the coverup is somewhat similar to the planning of this whole thing, that just sort of happened. I know that when I Came, back from out of the country there had already been Significant events, which had occurred, The coverup was already--it had begun and was in fact In place and was going. [00.44.21]