August 8th 1974; Richard Nixon has announced he is stepping down as president of the United States - the first man ever to do so. He has announced his departure in the face of an imminent impeachment trial - and possible removal from office - over the Watergate affair. The president broke the news of his resignation in a television broadcast from the White House on Thursday at 2100 local time. It will take effect from noon tomorrow.

Mr. Nixon, 61, said initially he had believed it was his duty to complete his term of office despite the Watergate charges. "In the past days, however, it has become evident that I no longer have a strong enough political base in the Congress to justify continuing that effort," he said. "As president I must put the interests of America first."