Word: pardons
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...Clair's instructions, Haig advised Haldeman to put his appeal in writing. Haldeman and Ehrlichman's attorneys promptly submitted a memo. But Nixon was irritated by the whole incident, thought it was a bad time to pressure him, considering his own difficulties, and rejected any pardon. Ehrlichman tried a different tactic, telephoning Friend Julie Eisenhower, but he made no better progress. Sourly, and with no supporting evidence, one associate of the two aides concluded: "It's possible that Nixon turned his back on Haldeman and Ehrlichman because his own pardon deal was set and he didn't want to queer...
Also injured during the hectic week was the silver-haired, mild-mannered Buchen, who tried to brief reporters on the pardon decision, but seemed uncertain and unaware of the full implications (see THE PRESS). When
Whatever the justification for the presidential pardon of Richard Nixon, President Ford erred grievously in sanctioning an agreement that gives Nixon control over access to his tapes and papers. Under its terms, only Nixon has the right to authorize the special prosecutor or anyone else to examine the vast, as yet largely untapped documentation of the Nixon years in the White House. Government permission is not required, though the Government is allowed to object on national security or other grounds to giving someone access to any of the materials...
Ford's agreement with Nixon on the tapes, coupled with the pardon's elimination of any future disclosures in a trial of Nixon, makes it less likely that the record will ever be revealed. Special Prosecutor Leon Jaworski's final report will probably include some new details about Watergate but not all of the untold story. What can be done...
...pardon is irreversible, but Ford could revoke the tapes agreement. That would be the simplest solution. Ford seemed unlikely to negate the deal willingly, but many lawyers doubt its legality and expect it to be challenged in the courts. Jaworski would be in the best position to mount such a challenge. Indeed, at his request, the White House decided to halt the transfer of the tapes and documents to Nixon at least temporarily. But if the agreement stands, other means must be found to pry loose what still needs to be known...