devices? >> that would be unlikely. my assumption is that they didn't know. >> the story of watergate takes on a whole different complexion. and the happiest man in the moment would be john dean. >> what is the best way to reconstruct those conversations mr. butterfield? >> well, in the obvious manner, mr. dash, to obtain the tape and play it. >> slowly, this smile comes over my face, and i said, get those tapes as fast as you can before they disappear. >> this afternoon i received from the white house a letter declining to furnish the eight requested tapes. careful study before requesting the tapes convinced me that any blanket claim of privilege to withhold this evidence from the grand jury is without legal foundation. >> nixon had a legitimate argument that congress shouldn't