The Democrats were running a call girl ring out of that Watergate office. Nixon’s staff was intending to break in and steal the paperwork. It was not plain whether Nixon’s staff intended to expose the operation, or take it over.
Lawrence O'Brien's (DNC Chair) office was on the opposite side of that floor, but his secretary's office was the target...because she had the 'little black book' that contained names. Including names of the call-girls...one of whom was John Dean's soon to be wife.
Dean orchestrated the break in to retrieve it, but told "the Plumbers" that it was authorized by Nixon (whom he'd also lied to).
Much of the detail was documented by G.Gordon Liddy.
Twas a John Dean operation
liddy said John Dean was worried that his connection to Maureen would be exposed
Twas a John Dean operation
liddy said John Dean was worried that his connection to Maureen would be exposed