Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, June 12, 1973
Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, June 12, 1973
[01.00.27] [Senator BAKER continues to discuss the committee's decision to force Maurice STANS to testify] On the question of fair trial, if for no other reason than human sensibilities, I am concerned for a fair trial for any defendant, especially any defendant charged with any violation of the law in conjunction with the so-called Watergate situation or Presidential campaign activities of 1972. I am very concerned for a fair trial for the Government and for the defendant. But I suggest, for whatever it is worth, that this committee is in a position to develop the circumstances and involvements, to do it fairly and openly, to do it publicly, to do it as a forum creating an opportunity for the witness to state-his side of the case so the potential Jurors do not have just rumor, innuendo, inferences, and conclusions on which to base judgment. I suggest there is a far greater likelihood, in my view, that a fair jury, an impartial jury, and a, fair trial might be engaged in after this hearing and after everybody has had the opportunity to testify than would have been the case a few months ago without, a public exposition of all the facts and circumstances attendant on Watergate and the involvements described being undertaken by this committee. No one can be certain of this result; but, I certainly hope for that result because I hope that these committee hearings do not, prejudice the right to a fair trial but, in fact enhance the right to a fair trial. I Pledge before you again that I will not, inquire into any matter that I or you suggest in good faith might be involved in the trial of Vesco case. I urge you to caution your client in that, respect, and I Pledge on my part, that no refusal to answer On that legitimate basis will be viewed by the committee Or this Member of the, committee, as a failure of cooperation. I believe, in conclusion, that this legislative committee, this committee of the Senate, a coordinate branch of the, Government, can proceed with its mandate as required by the resolution which created it, without jeopardizing the fairness of trial for either the Government or the defendant, It is my fervent hope, that we conduct ourselves in that way. Thank you. Senator ERVIN-. Any further statements? I would just like to add that I agree with Senator Baker's observation that, the chances--there has been so much publicity in the press that the chances for anybody getting a fair trial of anybody involved would rise with the completion of this hearing rather than postponement of this, hearing and, as I construe the U.S. Supreme Court, decision in the Hutchinson case, the committee in acting within the constitutional limits. And I also would like to say this, Mr. Barker, as one who admires legal craftsmanship, I want to commend the excellence and the eloquent manner in you have undertaken to protect what you conceive to be the rights of the witness. Mr. BARKER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman Senator ERVIN. We might let the other attorneys, if they are there, to identify themselves the record, and you might do the same, Mr. Barker. Mr. BARKER. Mr. Chairman, I am Robert W. Barker. I am accompanied by Walter J. Bonner and Leon T. Knauer. Senator ERVIN. Mr. Stans, would you stand up? Mr. STANS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to proceed with an opening statement which will take me approximately 20 minutes, perhaps a minute or two over. Senator ERVIN. I was thinking maybe I would administer the, oath and then recess and perhaps it -would be better to make your opening statement after the recess. [01.04.15--TAPE OUT]