INVESTIGATIONS: The Friend from California

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Two Calls. Inevitably, the big question came up: had Chotiner ever consulted Vice President Nixon about his cli ents? On this point, Chotiner was clear and firm: "I never discuss the people I represent or my cases with Mr. Nixon. I never discuss my clients' business with him." Asked South Dakota's Karl Mundt:

Had Chotiner ever used the Vice President's office as a base of operations? Chotiner's answer: for political operations, yes; for business "never." In fact, when he had business calls to make, said Chotiner. he would go down the corridor and use the pay telephone.

Arkansas' John McClellan wanted to know whether Chotiner ever sought and received help through the White House. There were two "occasions," Chotiner replied, on which White House Aide Charles Willis Jr. (since resigned) and Cabinet Secretary Maxwell M. Rabb helped him to make contacts in connection with his activities as a lawyer. At the White House there was quick reaction. Presidential Press Secretary James Hagerty announced that in 1954 Chotiner had discussed airline cases pending before the Civil Aeronautics Board with Willis and Rabb, but there was no evidence of any impropriety. In both cases CAB handed down decisions against the Chotiner clients.

At week's end two points were clear: 1) Murray Chotiner had been sought out by, and had gone to work for, unsavory clients who obviously regarded him as a man of influence; and 2) on the basis of evidence so far adduced, he had been remarkably unsuccessful in wielding any.