[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
[November 8, 1994]
[Page 2044]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter Accepting the Resignation of David R. Gergen as Special Adviser 
to the President and Secretary of State
November 8, 1994

Dear David:
    As you indicated, when I asked you to concentrate on foreign-policy 
last June, we agreed on a six-month assignment. Foreknowledge, however, 
does not lessen the regret with which I accept your resignation as 
Special Adviser to the President and Secretary of State, effective 
December 31, 1994.
    You have made a remarkable contribution to our Administration over 
the last eighteen months. Your wise counsel helped us dramatically 
improve public understanding of our economic plan, and its resulting 
passage restored fiscal responsibility to our government while helping 
to create an economic climate that has produced millions of new jobs.
    Your life's example sent a powerful signal about the value of 
bipartisanship, and commitment to public service over partisan gain. 
That example, and your unflagging determination to build coalitions 
across the partisan divide, helped us to achieve many non-partisan 
victories, including passage of NAFTA, the Brady Bill, National Service, 
and Goals 2000.
    And finally, your insightful analysis and thoughtful recommendations 
about America's relationships with the rest of the world have helped us 
to ensure that democracy flourishes and peace extends around the globe--
in the former republics of the Soviet Union, in the Middle East, in 
Haiti, and elsewhere.
    When you joined our Administration last year, you reaffirmed your 
allegiance to the noblest aims of public service in America: to work 
long and hard for the people that hired us, in order to ensure that each 
of them has a chance to live the American Dream, and to guarantee that 
the greatest nation in history stands forever tall.
    That is exactly what you have done. Thank you for your dedication, 
for your counsel, and for your friendship. I hope that I have reserved 
the right to call on each in the years to come.
    Sincerely,

                                                            Bill Clinton

Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also made available Mr. Gergen's 
letter of resignation.