Mitchell resigns

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32958, 3 July 1972, Page 13

Mitchell resigns

(N .Z .P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, July 2.

The former United States AttorneyGeneral, Mr John Mitchell, has resigned as director of President Nixon’s re-election campaign, apparently bowing to an ultimatium from his controversial wife, Martha, who had said that she would leave him unless he gave up full-time politics.

The outspoken Mrs Mitchell, whose statements in the past have often made headlines, told reporters last week that she was “a political prisoner.” Mr Mitchell announced that he was resigning for family reasons. The surprise move by one of the President’s oldest friends is believed to have been intended to spare Mr Nixon any embarrassment. In a letter accepting the resignation, Mr Nixon says: “I am most appreciative of the sacrifice Martha and you have both made in the service of the nation.”

Mr Nixon adds that the wife of a politician must not only share the disappointments and brickbats, but must accept the frequent absence of a husband and a father.

Mr Mitchell said in his letter of resignation that the happiness and welfare of his wife and daughter must come first. “They have patiently put up with my long absences for some four years, and the moment has come when I must devote more time to them,” he said. Mr Mitchell’s successor is

Mr Clark MacGregor, aged 49, a former Congressman, and, at present, counsel to President Nixon on Congressional relations. Although Mr Mitchell has given up the directorship, he will continue to serve the committee in an advisory capacity, and political observers said it is expected that he will still play an important role in Mr Nixon’s reelection campaign.