Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan testifying about statements made about potentially illegal political activities. He says he would not perjure himself to protect a colleague and that testimony given by former White House Counsel John Dean is incorrect, that Mr. Dean did not have a grasp of the discussion's context. U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) regrets not having more time to ask questions, but has to adjourn for a vote taking place. The panel will re-convene when the chairman returns.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Correspondent Robert MacNeill in television studio, announcing the pause in playback and allowing for station identification.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Correspondent Robert MacNeill in television, reconvening hearings coverage. Chairman of the Committee Senator Sam Ervin (D-NC) recounting and confirming a series of events involving former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan, Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, and Director of Committee to Re-Elect the President and former Attorney General John Mitchell regarding a "sophisticated intelligence operation."
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Chairman of the Committee U.S. Senator Sam Ervin (D-NC) continuing to recount the series of events involving former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan, Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, and Director of Committee to Re-Elect the President and former Attorney General John Mitchell regarding a "sophisticated intelligence operation." The events reveal a paper trail, or "talking paper", on the "sophisticated intelligence operation" which were subsequently destroyed after the Watergate break-in was made known. H.R. Haldeman told Strachan to "make sure the files are clean." Senator Ervin asks if that meant Strachan was then supposed to destroy the files. Strachan confirms and he did in fact do so. Senator Ervin asks, when on Air Force One with Haldeman and the President, where Strachan confirmed shredding the paper trail, if Haldeman told Strachan that he had shredded the wrong papers. Strachan replies that Haldeman had not. Senator Ervin briefly hands questioning over to Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI).
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan if the documents were shredded because they showed criminal activity. Strachan replies the documents were not shredded for that reason, but because he was instructed to do so and they would be political embarrassing if made public. Senator Inouye asks if Strachan was aware of the paper's contents discussing intelligence operations and, in his opinion, was there anything referring to criminal activity in them. Strachan knows the contents of the papers, but denies there being anything criminal in content; only politically embarrassing. Sen. Inouye sends the questioning to U.S. Senator Edward Gurney (D-NC).
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan if he had ever been instructed to shred files before Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman asked him to do so. Strachan says no, that that was the first time. However, he had shredded files or copies of files before, in maintaining order relating to campaign matters. Senator Gurney asks Strachan to reiterate if he attended any meetings discussing any possibility of a cover-up or if he knew of any meetings taking place on that matter. Strachan denies being at any meetings or knowledge of any meetings that discussed cover-up. Senator Gurney asks for more information about intelligence meetings held by Haldeman. Strachan gives names and dates of meetings.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan if there was any wiretapping or bugging discussed at the meetings. Strachan says no. Senator Gurney wants to know what was discussed and how political intelligence was being obtained. Strachan says nothing was decided at the meetings, there were only discussions. The only specifics he could recall was hearing former FBI agent G. Gordon Liddy's name for the first time. Senator Gurney remarks that there surely must have been discussions on the ways and means to obtain political intelligence and asks for details on those discussions. Strachan can only recall, specifically, the discussion of surveillance on U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. Senator Gurney asks how that would have been done. Strachan says, based upon his discussion with former Counsel to the President John Dean, that placing a 24-hour "tail" on Senator Kennedy was an option. However, Dean later scaled back then abandoned the idea. Senator Gurney asks where this meeting took place. Strachan says it was conducted in the Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman's office. Strachan says no further political intelligence matters were discussed at the meeting.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan to recall other meetings where political intelligence was discussed. Strachan says he created a talking paper for a December 17th, 1971 meeting for Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman and Director of Committee to Re-Elect the President and former Attorney General John Mitchell, which he did not personally attend. Senator Gurney asks if he remembers hearing anything about the meeting's discussions. Strachan only recalls the questions posed on the talking paper, one of which was: Should John Dean become the control point rather than merely the White House contact for political intelligence? Haldeman's answer was that Dean should continue to be the White House contact. The other question that went unanswered: Should G. Gordon Liddy be the one responsible for political intelligence? Senator Gurney asks if Strachan knew of any wiretapping or bugging discussed at that meeting. Strachan says those subjects were not on the talking paper and he has no way of knowing if it was discussed. Senator Gurney asks if Strachan recalls any other meetings where political intelligence was discussed. Strachan says no. Senator Gurney recalls morning testimony where Strachan stated he monitored a phone between Haldeman and Mitchell after the Key Biscayne meeting and asks how often he monitored phone calls for Mr. Haldeman. Strachan says he kept a file and made a note of each phone call monitored. There are about about 40-50 pieces of paper in that file. Senator Gurney asks if Strachan monitored any calls about Watergate. Strachan says no. Senator Gurney asks if he monitored any calls to do with gathering political intelligence. Strachan only recalls a phone call after a June 30 meeting in which Mr. Haldeman and Mr. Mitchell discussed the Daniel Ellsberg matter at length, but there was no reference at that time to political intelligence.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan about the substance of the phone conversation he monitored after the June 30th meeting between Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman and Director of Committee to Re-Elect the President and former Attorney General John Mitchell. Senator Gurney asks about the political memos Strachan prepared and how they were prepared. Strachan says the memoranda would summarize the information he had accumulated from the politically-active people on the White House staff and from the Committee to Re-Elect the President. Senator Gurney asks Strachan who was his contact at C.R.E.E.P. Strachan gives a list of senior advisers who he contacted and for what reason. Senator Gurney asks if deputy campaign director Jeb Magruder was one of the people he contacted and how often. Strachan says he would contact him daily.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan to go into detail on his contact with deputy campaign director Jeb Magruder at the Committee to Re-Elect the President. Strachan says that most memoranda submitted to John Mitchell had to go through Magruder, his signature affixed to the documents. Senator Gurney asks how often Strachan received memoranda from Magruder. Strachan says daily and that the shared testimony is correct in that there was no mention of wire-tapping, bugging, or surveillance mentioned in those memoranda. Senator Gurney asks for an explanation as to why $350,000 was picked up by Strachan, who gave to a Mr. Lilly (middle man) before reaching its intended target/use. Strachan says the money was intended to pay pollsters and neither he or White House aide Alexander Butterfield could physically travel far from the White House. Senator Gurney asks why a friend of Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Lilly, is entrusted with that sum of money. Strachan replies it was because of his ability to travel and pay the pollsters. Senator Gurney, upon hearing that Mr. Lilly is not a White House official, asks how many people are officially White House staffers. Strachan puts out an estimation of 400 people. Senator Gurney asks if would be possible to find one of the 400 people who could be entrusted with money and task. Strachan says yes and that it was one of the alternatives posed to Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman in a memoradum. Senator Gurney asks why the money was not given to someone connected to the White House.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan explains why Mr. Lilly, a friend of White House aide Alexander Butterfield, was entrusted with the money and its purpose, but Senator Edward Gurney (R-FL) continues to question how Mr. Lilly was chosen over (approximately) 400 official White House staffers to perform the task of delivering $350,000 in campaign funds. Senator Gurney asks if Mr. Lilly was usually entrusted with custody of holding large sums of money for other people. Strachan does not know and has never met the man. Senator Gurney recounts that Strachan had left the White House when the $350,000 was returned and asks why Strachan had returned the money and not someone who still worked at the White House. Strachan states that it was simply one of the last matters he agreed to tend to before he left and had not done so until after he had officially left. It was a matter of wrapping up all obligations. Sen. Gurney states he has no further questions.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Howard Baker does not have many questions to ask former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan since most topics have been covered, but one area he does wish to delve into is the Committee to Re-Elect the President budget of $300,000. All previous testimony has indicated a budget of $200,000, which Strachan is aware of, so the origins of the $300,000 amount is curious to Senator Baker as he asks Strachan to explain the difference. Strachan has no explanation for it, only that $300,000 is the amount he wrote down in his notes per instruction from deputy director Jeb Magruder.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan whether he knows the "Liddy Plan" (plots to embarrass the Democratic opposition) was funded at $250,000 or $300,000, or if he ever handled any of the money, or had any accounting of Gordon Liddy's expenditures. Strachan answers 'no" or "not to my knowledge." Senator Baker asks how the budget disparity can then be reconciled, which Strachan does not know. Senator Baker turns his focus to another dollar amount: $350,000 delivered from the Committee to Re-Elect the President to the White House for polling costs. Senator Baker asks who it was delivered to. Strachan says he delivered the money to Alexander Butterfield; it was counted (all cash, denominations of 20s, 50s, and 100s). Senator Baker asks if Strachan was aware of the contention that those funds were to be used for polling. Strachan says he was aware and it had been discussed the money was needed for separate, individual polling. Senator Baker asks if it was discussed why polling agencies would be paid in cash. Strachan says that was not discussed, other than the fact that the White House didn't want C.R.E.E.P. to know it was doing its own polling. Senator Baker asks why that occurred; Strachan explains the White House's desire to conduct its own polling to double check C.R.E.E.P.'s work. Additionally, the White House polling asked personal questions with nothing to do with the re-election campaign.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) continues his line of questioning regarding the payment of private polling and asks if a bank account would have been a better for that purpose. Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan says, "I imagine that's correct." Senator Baker asks if $350,000 was used to pay the polling company. Strachan says the funds were not used for polling and that, over the course of the campaign, the Nixon Re-Election campaign incurred around "$100,000 or $110,000" in private polling expenses. Then-chief fundraiser Maurice H. Stans and the committee had substantial assets in the end, and Counsel to the President John Dean arranged with Stans to pay incurred expenses via ordinary campaign funds and not use any part of the $350,000. Senator Baker: "So if I understand the picture, the Committee to Re-Elect the President was doing polling, maybe the National Republican Committee was doing polling, and [Chief of Staff H.R.] Haldeman was doing polling...and that the $350,000, initially, was for Haldeman's private purposes, that is, to be kept secret from the Committee to Re-Elect the President or the Republican National Committee". Strachan confirms, adds that the secrecy extended to almost all members of the White House staff. Senator Baker asks if the President's assistant and adviser, John Ehrlichman, knew about this. Strachan: "Not to my knowledge." Senator Baker asks if C.R.E.E.P. director and former AG John Mitchell knew about this. Strachan can only give conjecture that Mitchell knew that Haldeman wanted the money for private polling. Senator Baker asks if the President knew about this. Strachan says the President knew that extensive private polling was conducted, but cannot speak to whether he concerned himself with how it was paid. Senator Baker asks if the President knew or did not know about the $350,000 in cash that was in White House aide Alexander Butterfield's possession. Strachan says he has no information about that. Baker contends it is Strachan's best impression that President Nixon did know that private polling was taking place, separate and aside from C.R.E.P. and the Republican National Committee. Strachan agrees, states that many times he walked into the Oval Office with polling results and handed them to Haldeman. Senator Baker still doesn't understand why separate polling needs to be done.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan explains why independent polling is done and the its benefits of confidentiality. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) explains his reasoning behind persistent questioning on the topic of the White House doing its own private polling separate from the Republican Party, that the action conveys secrecy and distrust. He asks if Strachan can say anything to confirm or contradict that idea. Strachan confirms there was distrust and it centered around the idea that the more people with access to polling information, the greater the chances of the information leaking to the public. Senator Baker states that it seems the White House was running its own race separate from the Republican Party itself. Strachan agrees.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) asks for confirmation that the $350,000 was never paid to any polling organization employed by Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman. Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan confirms. Senator Baker: "In fact, it was paid in a more routine and ordinary way. When other funds were used, were those funds paid by check as distinguished from cash?" Strachan: "It's my understanding. I know John Dean arranged it with [then-Chief Fundraiser] Maurice Stans, and I believe it was paid, as were many bills, at the conclusion of the campaign as polling expenses incurred during the campaign." Senator Baker reasons that the need for secrecy abated at some point given the expenses being paid by means other than cash. Senator Baker states, according to given information, that $350,000 was used, in part, for newspaper advertisement. Strachan confirms that part of the $350,000 was used for newspaper advertisement. Senator Baker notes that $328,000 was left over and that Strachan cannot remember whether the newspaper ad cost $7,000 and $15,000 was returned or the ad cost $15,000 and $7,000 was returned. Strachan says he cannot recall and that the money was in an envelope and the two figures were mentioned orally in meeting between Mr. Dean, former CIA operative E. Howard Hunt Jr., and himself. Strachan said the prosecutors mentioned to him that he should not talk with Mr. Howard to try to reconstruct any aspect of the handling of the money, and he has not done so, or spoken to Mr. Dean either. Senator Baker asks if Strachan testified before the grand jury about this particular amount of money. Strachan says he did testify about the $350,000, but when Senator Baker asks about the $328,000 figure, Strachan says he did not testify about that figure. The question was never posed to him.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) asks if Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman made any statement to the grand jury, that former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan is aware of, about the sums of money or even whether Mr. Haldeman discussed either sum of money with Strachan. Senator Baker wants to know what was told to the grand jury about the amount of money involved and whether or not there was $22,000 returned to this fund. He sees too many discrepancies in the amount spent or returned. Senator Baker asks Strachan whether or not he can state with certainty that the money was returned. Strachan says he cannot. Baker asks if Strachan told Haldeman and the grand jury the same thing. Strachan states he did. Senator Baker asks if Strachan has any information of anyone skimming. Strachan says he knows he did not get any money, nor does he know if anyone else did. Senator Baker asks Strachan to clarify. Strachan: "The answer is I don't know whether anybody got any money or not." Senator Baker asks if Strachan had any suspicion that someone did receive illegal money. Strachan says there is confusion about the figures, which indicates some suspicion, but he has no direct knowledge. Senator Baker asks if Strachan can provide any leads for the panel to pursue on the topic of skimming. Strachan has no ideas other than the people mentioned in connection with the money. Senator Baker, noticing another vote signal on the clock, asks whether or not Strachan would be agreeable to talk about this matter at a later date. Strachan agrees.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) speaks with U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker Jr. (R-CT) about how to proceed with the hearing with a vote in progress. Upon realizing that vote sequences are ten minutes long, Senator Baker puts the committee into recess until after the vote.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Herman E. Talmadge (D-GA): "Mr. Strachan, in so far I know, there's nothing in the record to date as to the time the President of the United States first had knowledge of break-in of the psychiatrist for Mr. Daniel Ellsberg. Do you know?" Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan: "No, sir, I do not." Senator Talmadge states there has been a good deal of speculation and testimony that Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman and Assistant to the President John Ehrlichman ran a "tight ship" at the White House. Given the closeness Strachan had with those two men, would he agree with that statement? Strachan agrees. Senator Talmadge: "They were the President's closest advisers and confidantes, were they not?" Strachan: 'On domestic matters, yes." Senator Talmadge asks which of the two knew more about political matters. Strachan thought Ehrlichman from an issues standpoint, Haldeman from a polling or personality standpoint. Talmadge asks which made decisions on political matters. Strachan says he cannot speak to what decisions Ehrlichman made and he is aware only of the decisions Haldeman made on political matters. Talmadge asks in matters important to the campaign, such as memoranda sent from the Director of the Committee to Re-Elect the President and former Attorney General John Mitchell, were those then brought to President Nixon? Strachan says he cannot remember ever seeing a memorandum from Mr. Mitchell to Mr. Haldeman. Primary communication was done in meetings. There were maybe a half dozen memoranda from Haldeman to Mitchell that he saw. Senator Talmadge asks if Haldeman brought matters he considered important to the President's attention. Strachan can only assume that he did. Senator Talmadge: "Would it be a reasonable assumption on your part that as soon as Mr. Haldeman had knowledge of the Watergate break-in he'd bring it to the attention of the President?" Strachan: "You're asking for my opinion?" Senator Talmadge: "Yes." Strachan: "That would be my opinion. Yes, sir."
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Herman E. Talmadge (D-GA) mentions previous testimony from former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan that referred to his knowledge on the Donald H. Segretti matter. He asks what did Strachan know and when did he know it? Strachan says in June or July 1971, he and Deputy Assistant to the President Dwight Chapin began discussing the possible campaign need for a "Dick Tuck" type of capability. One mentioned the possibility of Segretti, who was someone they knew in college. Senator Talmadge asks what "Dick Tuck type of capability" refers to. Strachan describes someone who is a prankster or political jokester. Strachan notes that a late August 1971 meeting between Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, Deputy finance chairman and personal attorney to the President Herbert W. Kalmbach, and himself, in which Haldeman authorized Kalmbach to pay the salary and expenses of Segretti. Senator Talmadge asks why. Strachan replies it was to engage in "Dick Tuck type of activities." Strachan gives examples of Segretti going to a Ed Muskie rally and having a sign say, "This is Humphrey territory." Senator Talmadge asks if that was the worst of it. Laughter in the chamber. Strachan says more activities were planned, but none illegal. Mr. Tuck had reputation for being an ingenious individual and it was believed that Segretti possessed similar talents and skills. Senator Talmadge quips that to attend a rally of that type and claim it was someone else's territory with a sign seems like a waste of money. Strachan says the reason behind covering Segretti's expenses was for the purpose of having more than one sign at the rally.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Herman E. Talmadge (D-GA) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan if he was interviewed by the FBI in August 1972. Strachan says he was. Senator Talmadge asks about the scope of that inquiry. Strachan says it revolved entirely around the Donald H. Segretti matter. Senator Talmadge asks if there were any questions about Watergate; Strachan says no. Senator Talmadge asks if the FBI inquired about Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman's involvement or lack of involvement; Strachan says no. Senator Tamadge asks if Strachan was surprised those matters did not come up. Strachan says he was surprised the FBI did not ask him more probing questions, even about Segretti. Talmadge notes that in his testimony, Strachan believed Counsel to the President John Dean would be handling the Watergate matters for the President, but Talmadge wants to know whether Strachan was aware of any Watergate investigation being carried out by Dean. Strachan said he talked with Dean and explained what he knew about Segretti and that deputy assistant to the President Dwight Chapin did the same, but he did not know whether Dean's investigation went further than that or not. Those matters were discussed in the summer of 1972. Senator Talmadge confirms that Strachan cannot, with certainty, answer yes or no; Strachan says that is correct. Senator Talmadge states that White House aide Alexander Butterfield testified that Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman and his assistant Lawrence Higby knew the White House was bugged. Did Strachan know that? Strachan says he did not know. Talmadge asks if it is reasonable to think that John Ehrlichman did not know that either; Strachan thinks it is reasonable. Talmadge asks if there is anything else that might have been withheld from Ehrlichman's knowledge. Strachan says there are, though he can only remember one or two occasions where Ehrlichman would have access to any of the polling information. Senator Talmadge asks if there is any other instance that comes to mind; Strachan cannot think of any other examples.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Herman E. Talmadge (D-GA): "As you are aware, there is a direct conflict in some of the testimony between you and [deputy campaign director Jeb Stuart] Mr. Magruder. Can you tell us why we ought to believe you in preference to Mr. Magruder?" Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan: "Yes, sir. I believe you should assess a witness's testimony in light of his for telling the truth and in light of the individual's motives for telling the truth. Mr. Magruder has told various versions of the Watergate story, many of them believed, to the FBI, to three grand juries, to the original Watergate trial jury, to the original prosecutors, to the attorneys and other officials at the Committee to Re-elect the President. Apparently the story he told them was false all along, yet they believed him. As to an individual's motive to tell the truth, Mr. Magruder was faced with, in his mind, at least twelve counts of perjury...whatever other crimes he might be charged with. His desire to deliver an individual on the White House staff to the prosecutors was quite high. I believe he selected me because I had refused to corroborate testimony he asked me to corroborate." Senator Talmadge: "Did he ever lie to you while you were at the White House together?" Strachan: "Yes, sir, he did." Senator Talmadge: "In what respect?" Strachan: "He would frequently inform me that a matter had been decided by someone when it had not, in fact, been decided by that individual, and we had occasional arguments over that misinformation."
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Herman E. Talmadge (D-GA): "Now, you said Mr. H.R. Haldeman would let you know in no uncertain terms if you ever did anything incorrectly. Would you please explain what you meant by that, by some illustration?" Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan: "Well, one illustration that will forever stick in my mind, after the Republican National Convention, a decision had been made to send certificates to all those who had attended. That was quite a number of people, and I had been working with several members of the White House staff trying to get the various certificates for the various levels of people out, and the gifts, and so forth. Mr. Haldeman learned, somehow, that the project was not complete and one morning, about 4 A.M., called me from Air Force One and told me very clearly that I had not performed and that the project should be handled immediately. I'd be on the phone late that night and thought it was a bad dream so I called the signal operator back, and I said, 'Did I just get a call from Mr. Haldeman?' He said, 'Yes, and it was over the radio and I can tell you what he said in the morning.'" Senator Talmadge: "Did you ever consider leaving?" Strachan: "Yes, sir. I did consider leaving, but when I was hired for job, he hired me through the election, and I gave him my commitment to stay through the election." Senator Talmadge thanks Strachan for being a forthright witness. He announces a vote recess, lets Strachan know U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker Jr. (R-CT) has a few more questions for him.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) recognizes Senator Weicker. U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker Jr. (R-CT): "Did Mr. H.R. Haldeman meet with you at any time in preparation for his appearance before the staff of this committee?" Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan: "No, sir, he did not." Senator Weicker brings up statements made by Haldeman, asks Strachan's knowledge of them, specifically leaks, plumbers, and the Pentagon Papers. Haldeman did not give many specifics, but statements given seem to be at odds with Strachan's testimony. Strachan says he knows very little about the leaks of the Pentagon Papers; his knowledge of the program to stop leaks, discussed in executive session, is that it was a program established after President Nixon held a cabinet meeting, and he worked with Counsel to the President John Dean and Deputy Chief on the Committee to Re-Elect the President Fred Malek. Senator Weicker asks what Haldeman's role was. PART ONE ENDS
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan states that Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman received memoranda from him, Deputy Chief of the Committee to Re-Elect the President Fred Malek, and Counsel to the President John Dean regarding the leaks project. U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker (R-CT) asks if Haldeman was head of the project, in the words of Strachan, "the lord high executioner," in terms of finding leaks. Strachan says that is correct and that was the statement Haldeman used in the original meeting with Mr. Dean, Mr. Malek, Haldeman's assistant Lawrence Higby, Special Counsel to the President Charles Colson, and himself. Senator Weicker states that Haldeman played more than just a general role; Strachan says that is correct. Senator Weicker: "In the course of that testimony, it was indicated that he did not know whether you, Gordon Strachan, subsequent to June 16th, destroyed any materials pertaining to the investigation of case etc. Is that true or not?" Strachan: "Well, he told me to make sure the files were clean. I went and destroyed them. I told John Dean, and I reminded him on July 1." Senator Weicker: "In other words, you did tell him that you had destroyed these materials, is that correct? That that took place on Air Force One? Strachan: "That is correct."
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker (R-CT) asks former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan if he would describe the conditions which exist, insofar as Strachan is concerned, when he would want to go back and take a look at his records and retrieve any material he may possess from the Executive Office Building. Strachan says after the campaign he took all files considered Presidential papers to room 522 in the EOB and locked them in at least 6 safes. He began going back to those files and papers when it became important for him to remember important dates and meetings. He was given access to the building but forbidden from making copies or taking notes. Senator Weicker asks if anyone was present in the room with him. Strachan says a Secret Service agent was present. Senator Weicker posits a hypothetical situation where Strachan wants to find some details or information and he goes into the room to retrieve a document: what can Strachan do at that point? Strachan says he can read the document and put it back in the safe. Weicker wonders if he then goes outside the room to take notes; Strachan says no. He remembers as much as he can in a 2-3 hour time-span, leave and lock the room before going over to his lawyer's office and recount what he had read.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Lowell P. Weicker (R-CT): "In other words you're not allowed to bring any paper, pencil in the room with you, or make any notation while you're trying to pull together the facts prior to your appearance before this committee." Former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan: "That is correct." Senator Weicker: "And this has been the situation and continues to be the situation?" Strachan: "That is correct." Senator Weicker: "Was it the same situation before the grand jury?" Strachan: "I don't believe I even went into the room to reconstruct my recollection before I went to the grand jury. It has been the situation ever since it became important to be able to re-construct facts accurately." Senator Weicker asks if Strachan thinks this is a fair set of conditions; Strachan would prefer a different set. Senator Weicker has no further questions, except to comment that for someone who has been as extremely involved in these matters as Strachan has been, there has been no unfairness exhibited by the Committee; but as to the conditions in which Strachan has been given to prepare for his appearance before the Committee, Weicker considers it to be grossly unfair.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) says he has two questions for former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan, based upon his testimony on conversations being recorded in senior staff offices. Senator Inouye asks Strachan if any meetings held in Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman's office on the collection of political intelligence were recorded. Strachan does not know if they were and does not think Haldeman had tape capability in his office. Senator Inouye quotes Counsel to the President John Dean's opening statement to the committee: "'It was during this period of time, which I believe was mid-February, [Deputy campaign director Jeb Stuart] Magruder had a conversation with Mr. O'Brien in which he told O'Brien that he had received his final authorization for G. Gordon Liddy's activities from Gordon Strachan, and that Strachan had reported that Haldeman had cleared the matter with the President. I reported this to Haldeman who expressed concern over Magruder's statement.'" Senator Inouye asks if Strachan wishes to comment. Strachan: "I think the timing of that version of the facts by Magruder is interesting. I think shortly thereafter in Mr. Dean's testimony, he indicated that the interest in getting Mr. Magruder a government job increased something like ten fold. And it's my opinion that that version of the facts was presented by Mr. Magruder to Mr. O'Brien for that specific purpose." Senator Inouye asks if in Strachan's conversations with Haldeman, did Mr. Haldeman ever indicate he receive those kinds of reports from Dean? Strachan says no, Haldeman told him that Magruder had told given a slightly different version of facts and it was dismissed as Magruder vying for attention. Senator Inouye: "For the record, did you at any time give final authorization for Mr. Liddy's activities?" Strachan: "No, sir, I did not." Inouye: "Were you aware of Mr. Liddy's activities at that time, in mid-February?" Strachan: "No, sir, I was not." Inouye: "It is your view that Mr. Magruder was less than honest in this?" Strachan: "Yes, that is my firm opinion." With no further questions, Senator Inouye thanks Strachan for his cooperation and puts the hearings on recess until 10 A.M. the next day.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Correspondent Robert MacNeil in television studio, commentating on the day's testimony, the White House's strategy going forward. He previews tomorrow's star witness, Assistant to the President John Ehrlichman.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
George Washington University professor Arthur Miller (also Senator Sam Ervin's chief consultant on Constitutional law) discusses the reason the Senate Committee needs to see the tapes or files related to the alleged criminal activities being investigated. They have the right to do, even if the allegations are against the President.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
John Kramer, professor of law at Georgetown University, thinks there's a strong contrast in the testimony of former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan, between his belief that former Counsel to the President John Dean is the "truth teller" and deputy campaign director Jeb Magruder being the "liar." The biggest question was the role of H.R. Haldeman, which was why Strachan was called to testify in the first place. The Senate Committee wanted to know if Haldeman knew of or had any role in the Watergate affair before the break-in occurred, what role he played if any in the subsequent cover-up, and if there was anything illegal in the transfer of the $350,000 in campaign funds. It is the opinion of Kramer that Strachan's testimony "seems to exculpate, not implicate Mr. Haldeman."
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Stephen H. Hess of the Brookings Institute found it difficult to listen to the testimony of former White House aide Gordon C. Strachan, and does not think it added up to much. Hess believes what was most important was happening off camera, which was Congress serving a subpoena to President Richard Nixon, marking a sad and disturbing day in which two branches of government are at odds with one another. In the ugliness of it all, Hess is glad to be leaving. He's enjoyed his time with the men in the studio, but has not enjoyed "wallowing in the filth." He does not like the people giving testimony, nor does he even like having to listen or discuss the testimony. It makes him feel like a "moral prig." Hess has a great deal of anger, which is unlike him, but the entire affair has left him worn out.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Stephen H. Hess of the Brookings Institute believes what the public is seeing is the ugly side of politics, and wishes the country could think of Government as something other than that. However, perhaps it's best to know the worst of the government to understand it. Hess would like to believe this is a failure of men and not of the system, but if only 55% of the people vote then corruption is possible. However, there are politicians who are aware people have become disengaged from politics.
Watergate Hearings - Testimony of Gordon C. Strachan, July 23, 1973
Correspondent Robert MacNeill provides judgement on the day's testimony and legal developments. By refusing to release the tapes, U.S. President Richard Nixon is taking a big risk that threatens to backfire on him. U.S. Senator Sam Ervin holds the high ground by asking for the White House tapes and implying that refusal to release them shows evidence of guilt. President Nixon thinks the tapes could put him in hostile light. To this point, the evidence most hostile to him was the testimony of former Counsel to the President John Dean, who testified Nixon knew of the cover-up the year prior as well as the pay-offs and promises of executive clemency this year. The President denies this. The Senate Committee wants the tapes on those subjects. The President does not trust anyone to decide the matter of what he did or did not know, and is putting up his credibility against that of Dean. MacNeill mentions a Gallup Poll showing erosion of the President's credibility and growing support of impeachment. MacNeill wonders if the American people will "get bored and go away," or will support for impeachment continue to grow. It feels like a race of tortoises and President Nixon is betting on which one will get tired first.