April 24, 1973

Dr Kissinger repts on Apr 23 that US plans to build 'new Atlantic charter' with its Eur allies this yr to overcome econ, mil and diplomatic strains that have developed recently; in major policy address to AP annual meeting in NYC, says Nixon is embarking on a personal and direct approach to leaders of W Eur to reviatlize Atlantic alliance and says Japan should share in this process as a 'principal partner'; noting that '73 has been called 'Yr of Eur,' proposes new Atlantic charter, setting goals for future, be worked out by time Nixon travels to Eur in fall; comments on specific complaints by Eurs and stresses Eurs have been taking US for granted while not showing enough understanding of US problems; holds US, in seeking new 'unifying framework' for ties, will continue to support Eur unity, will not unilaterally withdraw from its mil commitments in Eur, will continue to seek relaxation of tensions with Communists, will not injure interests of Eur allies but expects in return their policies will consider US interests; citing energy problems as example, says US wants to work cooperatively on new, common problems; holding Eur cannot be an exclusive club, says Japan must become a partner; says Eur's econ success, instead of bringing US and Eur closer together, has produced 'certain amount of friction'; stresses importance of resolving issues in trade and monetery fields; Kissinger and H B Klein illus during his speech

J Reston analysis of Kissinger speech on 'new Atlantic charter' for a US-Eur partnership that would include Japan; similarities and differences with late Sec Marshall's '47 proposal for a Eur recovery plan discussed

A. Conservative party official said yesterday that Representative Mario Biaggi must “vindicate himself thoroughly” when he answers reports that he invoked the Fifth Amendment before a Federal grand jury.

sources say that Pres Nixon's hopes for overcoming damage that Watergate scandal is inflicting on his Adm rest on speedy disclosure of those Govt officials involved and avoidance of protracted hearings by Sen Watergate com; says that trouble for Nixon is that 2 or 3 of those so involved are resisting complete disclosure and are thus endangering ability of Presidency to function as it should during remainder of Nixon's term; White House deputy press sec Warren denies on Apr 23 that Nixon had any prior knowledge of Watergate break-in; aides will not say who the 2 or 3 officials or former officials are; some close to Nixon fear that delay would mean drawn-out hearings before Sen com in which Adm would be 'dragged through the mud'; say Nixon's mood in last few days has been one of angry impatience to get matter settled; increasing indications that White House staff shake-up will occur as result of Watergate case noted; Nixon is in seclusion in Key Biscayne as is press sec Ziegler; Warren says Ziegler is occupying himself with duties of press sec in addition to other duties Pres has given him

T B Curtis, Public Broadcasting Corp chmn until he resigned abruptly 1 wk ago, says on Apr 23 that White House 'tampered with' corp's ind bd, in express contradiction to assurances that he had recd, int; says it is imperative that bd 'reassert its independence and integrity' by devising procedures that will effectively insulate it from pol pressures; contends that White House Telecommunications Policy Office Dir Whitehead did not respect bd's integrity as he said he would; Curtis's resignation on Apr 14 came in wake of decision by bd to defer action on carefully worked out compromise plan determining operating structure of public broadcasting; plan was designed to adjust relations between PBC and nation's 233 public TV stations; it would have assured that stations would retain large measure of control in public TV's national programing; Curtis was surprised that bd did not agree to plan; thinks bd members were ready to when White House interposed; says 4 members told him that they had been called but does not name individuals who allegedly interfered with deliberations; int detailed