October 9, 1983
Today Jim Watt talked with me by telephone and delivered to me his letter of resignation. He feels
that he has completed the principal objectives that he and I agreed upon when he became
Secretary of the Interior. I respect his decision to leave the Government and thus have reluctantly
accepted his resignation. He will continue in office until his successor is confirmed.
Jim has done an outstanding job as a member of my Cabinet and in his stewardship of the natural
resources of the Nation. He has initiated a careful balance between the needs of people and the
importance of protecting the environment. His dedication to public service and his
accomplishments as Secretary of the Interior will long be remembered.
Nancy and I appreciate the contribution that Jim and Leilani have made to this administration, and
we wish them well in their future endeavors.