Evening star., 1953-07-06
Johnson, Head
OF Information
Agency, Quits
Was Among Targets
In Book Burning;
Health BIumed
By joseph A. Fox

AAC "AAVC 1AOuoC COOdy an
nounced the resignation of DR..
Robert L. johnson, administra-
tor of the International Infor-
nation Administration, who told
President Eisenhower that ply
sicians had ordered him to re-
linquish his duties within 80
days.
AS head of the State Depart
ment's controversial information
setup, DR.. Johnson has been a
special target of criticism in the
hook burning" row.
DR.. johnson came to Washing
ton four months ago from the
presidency of Temple University.
He sent his letter of resignation
to Gen Eisenhower Friday. In
acknowledging the communica-
ton today the President said
that he would move with maxi
mum speed" to get a replace
ment for the educator.
DR.. johnson has been working
on the program which would
combine all information activi-
ties under his direction in a new
agency, moving them outside the
State Departments Jurisdiction.
The proposal already has been
presented to Congress.
Sold on Separate Omit.
In his letter of resignation, DR..
johnson said it had seemed clear
to him from the start that a
separate unit was needed for
ties
Government information activ-
tiles. Only by such a move, he
added, could better operation be
obtained. He continued:
1.-TWO months ago, my doc
tors advised me that the strains
of this post were proving too
much for me, and put me on a
very strict regime.
"Since then you have proposed
to Congress the creation of the
new separate agency. In anti
cipatlon of this decision we be-
gan Immediately to formulate a
comprehensive plan for the new
organization. This plan is now
complete and I believe it will
prove sound. We have, more
over, been so fortunate as to find
highly qualified men to head the
principal operating divisions
radio. films and press and pub
locations. Our new planning
committee will also, I believe.
prove a strong asset in the fu-
ture.
No Choice But to Obey.
Nov, however, I regret to re-
port that my doctors have found
that previous measures are in
adequate and have given me final
orders to leave my present post
within 80 days. While this is
deeply disappointing to me, I
have no choice but to obey. So
this letter is to inform you at
once that l cannot carry on be-
yond a month from now, when
the new agency comes into
existence. am writing to the
Secretary of State separately
and have informed him of this"
In accepting the resignation,
with praise for DR.. Johnson's
services, the President, address,
ing him as Dear Bob" said:
MY first thought is for your
health. and therefore I feel that
I must regretfully accept your
resignation. I hope and believe
that your health will be restored
by rest and freedom from the
intense strain which you have
been placed under in the last
four months in responding to
my call upon you. I share your
disappointment in the decision
which is so obviously necessary,
and I want you to know how
deeply I appreciate your answer
ing my call to service last win
ter and the sacrifices in your
own convenience and health
which you have made at my
request.
Manifold Problems.
"You have held down during a
difficult time a position of great
Importance and with manifold
problems. You have been of sig
nif1cant help to me in developing
the plan to make the Informa-
tion Service a separate agency
and in preparing the organiza-
tional program for it.
For all of this I feel a deep
sense of gratitude to you. Il
do hope that without injury to
yourself you can remain on duty
until the new agency comes into
existence early next month.
I'VE will move with maximum
speed to find a new director in
order that you may be relieved
of this great strain at the ear
liest possible date"
Under the contemplated re-
(See INFORMATION, Page A-3.)