Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Opening of General William Westmoreland's libel trail against CBS, stemming from CBS News documentary "The Uncounted Enemy: A Vietnam Deception", reported.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(NYC) Suit's implications of rights of the individual versus freedom of the press examined; scenes from documentary as well as CBS film not broadcast shown. Basis of CBS allegations and Westmoreland's response to "TV Guide" magazine and internal CBS investigation reviewed. [September 13, 1982, WESTMORELAND - explains decision to sue CBS.] [CBS attorney David BOlES - notes legal tasks faced by Westmoreland.] [Attorney Dan BURT - is confident client will win.] Lengthy interview with Lyndon Johnson's national security adviser Walt Rostow noted never shown. [In interview, ROSTOW - claims Johnson was aware of intelligence info.; accuses Mike Wallace of making fallacious stmts.] Focus of Westmoreland's case and CBS defense outlined. [WALLACE - understands Westmoreland's displeasure with documentary.] Burt, representing Westmoreland free of charge, noted head of Capital Legal Fndn., which is funded primarily by conservative orgs. critical of media. [WALLACE - believes right-wing is using Westmoreland to attack press.] [WESTMORELAND - comments on being "old soldier."] [Producer George CRILE - doesn't foresee adverse ruling.] Pre-trial public relations campaigns. waged by both sides described. [BOIES - considers consequence if Westmoreland wins.] [BURT - considers documentary disgraceful.]
REPORTER: Jack Smith