Nixon releases tapes By MICHAEL PUTZEL Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON — President Nixon capitulated Tuesday and agreed to surrender Watergate-related tapes and documents to a federal judge. The abrupt and astounding turnabout came about two hours after the House of Representatives took the first formal steps toward im- peachment. White House chief of staff Alexander M. Haig Jr., the President’s top aide, discounted the seriousness of the im- peachment move. But he said Nixon’s reversal reflected a realization that there was a threat of grave consequences developing in the wake of recent events. Nixon scheduled a nationwide radio and television address on the issue for 9 pm. EDT Wednesday. “THIS PRESIDENT does not defy the law,” Nixon’s lawyer told Watergate Judge John J. Sirica in announcing that the President will comply in full with a US. Circuit Court of Appeals order requiring him to deliver White House tapes and related papers. Nixon’s earlier refusal to comply with the order led to his firing of special Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox and precipitated a crisis of confidence in his administration. The decision to turn over the tapes was expected to ease the clamor for impeachment. But House leaders decided to go ahead with their earlier decision to begin a Judiciary Committee preliminary investigation to determine whether grounds for impeachment exist. THERE ALSO was growing support in both houses of Congress for legislation to establish a special prosecution force to replace Cox and assure its independence from the White House. (‘ontinued on Page 12 The Kentucky Vol. LXV No. 55 Wednesday, October 24, 1973 an independent student newspaper University of Kentucky Lexington, KY. 40506 Tapes released Impeachment chances diminished By RON MITCHELL Kernel Staff Writer KENTUCKY ELECTED officials have agreed that President Nixon’s chances of impeachment have diminished with the release of the controversial Watergate tapes Tuesday afternoon. Republican Sen. Marlow Cook, indicated the move by Nixon “removes grounds for impeachment." Impeachment proceedings were expected to begin soon by Congress had Nixon continued to deny the tapes to Judge John Sirica. “Because of the misinterpretation of (Sen. John Stennis, D-Miss.) Stennis’ involvement. I thought at this stage of the game it was better to give up the tapes to Judge Sirica,” the Louisvillian said Tuesday night. (‘OOK UPHELD Nixon‘s decision to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox and said the public opinion will decide if the decision was right or wrong. “I don't think Nixon made the promise to give Cox independence in the case. I think that promise was made by (former at- torney general) Elliot Richardson very affirmatively before the committee considering Cox's nomination,“ Cook said. Kentucky‘s other senator, Walter Dee Huddleston. said the release of the tapes was “Nixon responding to the justifiable outrage of the public over his handling of the matter over the weekend." “I THINK THIS is a step in the right direction but I hope he reconsiders con- cerning the need for an independent Watergate investigator." the Elizabethtown Democrat said Tuesday in Washington. Huddleston said telegrams from con- stituents received at his office numbered 92-4 in favor of impeachment before the announcement of the tape release was made. Cook‘s office received “a handful of telegrams" on the matter and the telephone answering service was full when personnel returned after the long weekend. Sixth District Representative John B. Breckinridge said the court outcome would be the deciding factor over im- peachment procedures, not the departures of Cox, former Atty. Gen. Elliot Richard- son and former Deputy Atty. Gen. William Ruckelshaus. IF Till-2 TAPES case had gone to the Supreme Court or had Nixon violated the lower Court of Appeals decision to turn over the tapes. then impeachment proceedings could proceed. he said. Seventh District Representative Carl Perkins was not aware of the decision when contacted in Washington. Lt. Gov. Julian Carroll said the release of the tapes indicates the American people have finally gotten “through to Richard Nixon. His actions created such an outcry it did not take a bug for him to get the message.“ The Democrat added the damaged image of the presidency can be restored if "he were to proceed to act in a responsible manner.” News In Brlet by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS OTown meeting called ' Cease-fire approved 0 Kissinger trip off 0 Trial postponed again 'UMW begins election 0 Today's weather... 0 Citizens to Impeach Nixon will hold a town meeting to consider local im- peachment action 7:30 pm. Thursday at the Fayette County Courthouse third floor courtroom. In light of recent developments organizers of the group are attempting to mobilize public pressure on Congress to bring impeachment proceedings against the president. The group said it is responding to the statement made by Archibald Cox. “Whether ours shall continue to be a government of laws and not of men is now for Congress and ultimately the American people to decide." 0 l'NlTl'Il) NATIONS. NY. — The U N. Security Council, meeting in an emergency session, approved Tuesday nighta new U.S.-Soviet callfora cease-fire in the Middle East and the dispatch of UN. observers to see that it is carried out The vote was 14-0. China did not par- ticipate. The session broke up for about 20 minutes after the envoys of (‘hina and the Soviet Union clashed in argument over the new resolution. 0 “ASHINUTUN — Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has postponed his trip to China and "intensive diplomatic actiVity is under way“ as the result of renewed fighting in the Middle East and the ap- parent breakdown in the ceasefire. the State Department said today. 0 NE“ YORK — The trial of former Cabinet officers John N. Mitchell and Maurice ll Stuns was postponed again today with both the prosecution and defense still seeking a White House tape and other documents. US. District (‘ourt Judge Lee P. (lagliardi delayed the trial to Jan. 7 after federal prosecutors said the White House promised to say within two weeks whether documents relating to former White House counsel John W Dean lll would be made available 0 MIDDLESHORU. Ky. —— I'S. Labor Department officials served as poll watchers Tuesday as l7nited Mine Workers began picking a new president for District 19 in Kentucky and Tennessee. The election. which runs through Saturday. also will fill the offices of secretary—treasurer and international board member. ...dry, sunny, 70 More dry and sunny days are forecasted through Thursday. Today should reach 70 with lows iii the 40s tonight. Thursday will be slightly warmer with highs in the 805.