Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, June 29, 1973 (2/2)
Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, June 29, 1973 (2/2)
[01.13.41-DEAN tries to make a closing statement] Mr. Chairman, just to close, and I will be very brief, I have sought to provide this committee---- Senator ERVIN. One question on this. Mr. DEAN. Certainly. Senator ERVIN. -You stated that there, was an attempt at the White House and the, Committee To Re-Elect the, President, to prevent, the Patman committee from investigating that? Mr. DEAN. That, is correct, Mr. Chairman. Senator ERVIN. And the Patman committee did, at least a majority of them did refuse to investigate it? Mr. DEAN. That, is correct. Senator ERVIN. So regardless of motives, it had the same effect as what the White House and the committee were trying to do? Mr. DEAN. That is correct. Senator ERVIN. But of course a Congressman has got a, perfect right to vote his convictions . That is his function. Mr. DEAN. I have sought to provide this information with all the facts and information that I know regarding this matter, to answer all of the questions that have been asked of me, and to hide nothing of my own involvement, in this matter, and Provide the truth as I know it. [01.14.55] This has been most difficult for me because I have had to speak against the President of the United States, some of my friends, and some Of my former colleagues, I attempted to end this coverup initially working within the White House, and when that didn't work, I took it, upon myself to work from without, and I earnestly pray that this committee reaches the truth in this entire matter and reaches it as quickly as possible because I think there is a terrible Cloud over this Government that must be removed so that so that we can have effective government. I thank the committee for the many courtesies that they have provided me in assisting me to get to and from the hearing room and Me available space during the breaks and the recesses and thoughtfulness Of the staff in that regard. Senator ERVIN. Without expressing any opinion about your testimony or the way of your testimony, I do think that you do deserve the thanks of the committee for the patience which you have exhibited. It, has been quite a trial, a trying time to you and also on the, committee because I think this is our fifth day on your testimony, and it and it is a very long time. Are there any other comments? Senator BAKER. Mr. Chairman, I would only associate myself with your remarks and express. I believe, the appreciation of the committee for Mr. Dean's patience and rather prolonged testimony. It's obviously not an easy task to testify on matters of this importance and delicacy, and I think Mr. Dean has provided us with a great deal of information and will-which will serve as a basis for the ongoing inquiry of this committee and we thank him for it. [00.17.00] Senator ERVIN. It might be at some later stage of the investigation the committee may want to recall you. Mr. DEAN. I understand, Mr. Chairman. Senator ERVIN. I understand you will be willing to return on proper notice under the same subpena. Mr. McCANDLESS. Mr. Chairman, a matter of procedure that perhaps you could give us some help with. In the last 2 or 3 hours we have had many requests from the media who have been so patient and who have been sitting through this, to have an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Dean as they leave here. You understand, of course, that we cannot provide those interviews for some legal reasons, and for the basic reason, 5 days, that they are exhausted. We ask their leave and their understanding and yours that we are going to leave the building immediately after this. Senator ERVIN. I would think, since Mr. Dean has testified under an order of immunity, and testified involuntarily, I would think that his counsel would be wise to give him the same advice that I used to give my clients and that is to keep his mouth shut [Laughter.] The committee will stand in adjournment until Tuesday, July 10, at 10 o'clock.