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ERVIN: We are beginning these hearings today in an atmosphere of the utmost gravity, the questions that have been raised int eh wake of the June 17 break-in strike at the very undergirding of our democracy. If the many allegations made to this date are true then the burglars who broke into the headquarters of the Democratic National committee at the Watergate were in effect breaking into the home of every citizen of the United States. and if these allegations prove to be true what they were seeking to steal was not the jewels, money or other property of American citizens, but something much more valuable - their most precious heritage, the right to vote in a free election.




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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities opened its hearings in washington on Thursday (May 17). It's made up of seven Senators, whose job it is to unravel the Watergate Conspiracy and the plots connected with President Nixon's re-election.

Senator Sam Erin, the Chairman of the committee, opened the hearing with a pledge to uncover everything and to spare nobody whatever his station in life.

The first wither was Mr Hobert Odle, the director of administration in the Committee to re??? the President (CREEP). He said he had joined CREEP because of a deep belief in President Nixon's ideals.

Some of the witnesses had already been convicted for breaking into the Watergate building. The Senate Caucus Room was packed with spectators, and pressmen. the hearings are being televised in their entirety.

In his opening address, Senator Ervin pointed out how crucial the allegations concerning the Watergate conspiracy were to United States political life.