The Nation: The Evidence: Fitting the Pieces Together

(2 of 8)

St. Clair's relatively slender volume of defense is overshadowed by the seven books of evidence (ranging from 271 to 687 pages). Part 1 of the Judiciary Committee document details the formation of the "sophisticated intelligence-gathering system" that eventually led to the Watergate break-in and bugging. A second volume deals with the initial attempt to limit the case to the seven original burglars and their accomplices, while keeping the scandal away from the White House. A third section of two volumes focuses on the hush-money payments to Hunt and the continued cover-up efforts. The three-volume fourth section contains material on activities after March 22, 1973, emphasizing the role of President Nixon—whether he launched an investigation or participated in the cover-up himself.

Herewith the major elements of the evidence:

The Immediate Cover Up

One of the more startling disclosures is that Nixon foresaw a need to conceal information about the Watergate affair just 13 days after the June 17 breakin. At a meeting with Haldeman and Mitchell, which was called to discuss Mitchell's resignation as Nixon's campaign director, this dialogue took place:

HALDEMAN: Well, there maybe is another facet. The longer you wait, the more risk each hour brings. You run the risk of more stuff, valid or invalid, surfacing on the Watergate caper—type of thing—

MITCHELL: You couldn't possibly do it if you got into a—

HALDEMAN:—the potential problem and then you are stuck—

PRESIDENT: Yes, that's the other thing, if something does come out, but we won't—we hope nothing will. It may not. But there is always the risk.

HALDEMAN: As of now there is no problem there. As of any moment in the future there is at least a potential problem.

PRESIDENT: Well, I'd cut the loss fast. I'd cut it fast. If we're going to do it I'd cut it fast.

It is possible that by "cut the loss" Nixon meant that Mitchell would have to resign. But in expressing his fear that some information might "come out," the President seemed already concerned that an open policy of complete disclosure would be fraught with danger—fully nine months before he claims he first became aware of the Watergate coverup.