Richard Nixon: “This is the first time that the Secretary of State of the United States has paid a state visit to Africa.”

It is regrettable that the Congress has seen fit to add to a bill of such importance to our national security a rider adversely affecting the constitutional separation of powers.

Therefore, I shall resign the Presidency effective at noon tomorrow.

Further study is essential if we are to avoid ineffective Federal spending for these purposes.

This was a serious act of omission for which I take full responsibility and which I deeply regret.