April 12, 1973

R F Wagner declines on Apr 11 to run for NYC Mayor, declaring that he does not have 'overriding desire' needed for post; expresses concern that he might hurt election prospects of his son R Wagner Jr, who is candidate for Councilman at Large seat in Manhattan; declares that he does not plan to be candidate for Mayor 'on any ticket'; statement is seen indicating that it is very unlikely Wagner will ever again seek elective office; decision also marks final chapter in what is considered one of most bizarre pol arrangements in recent munic history--agreement between Gov Rockefeller and Liberal party leader Rose to attempt to return Wagner to City Hall on Repub-Liberal lines 8 yrs after they joined together to support Mayor Lindsay, then a Repub, to end 12 yrs of Wagner adm; Wagner asserts that his decision was difficult because of his concern about 'condition of the city'; expresses gratitude to Rockefeller and Rose for their efforts on his behalf; notes that he had not actively sought nomination; Rockefeller and Rose express regrets; Rose contends that his alliance with Rockefeller has succeeded in denying Repub nomination to Repr Biaggi; mentions Assemblyman Blumenthal and Repr Badillo, Dem mayoral hopefuls, as possible replacements for Wagner as Liberal designee; new Liberal candidate will be challenged by anti-Rose faction Liberals, led by Queens Chmn J S Shaw, who is seeking Liberal mayoral nomination

article describes mood in Axbridge, GB, where victims of crash of Invicta Airways Vanguard turboprop resided; craft, on Bristol-Basel flight, crashed during heavy snowstorm near Hochwald, Switzerland, while attempting to land at Basel Internatl Airport; Axbridge residents illus; map of craft's route; map of Axbridge; most victims were members of women's group on special outing; many of town's children left motherless as result of crash

Cambodian official describes Apr 11 US oil airlift as helpful but not vital; so far fewer than 6 planes have arrived

FPC begins Apr 11 streamlined proceedings to establish natl gas rates; dispenses with evidentiary hearings and examiners rept; calls on interested parties to file brief proposing natl rate; can either request further briefs, take testimony or promulgate rates without further procedures; comm asserts previous practices hindered timely commitment of capital and were complex and cumbersome; new rate will apply to wells begun after Jan 1 '73

A Armstrong, counselor to Pres Nixon, says on Apr 11 that Watergate affair is hurting Repub party across US; says she agrees with statement by Sen Goldwater that Watergate controversy is harming party fund-raising efforts and could damage Repub candidates next yr unless matter is cleared up; Sen Goldwater says 'The Watergate. The Watergate. It's beginning to be like the Teapot Dome. I mean, there's a smell to it. Let's get rid of the smell'; Goldwater says Pres should make public explanation of affair; Watergate grand jury hears testimony on Apr 11 from D L Chapin, Pres Nixon's former apptmts sec, G Strachan, former asst to H R Haldeman, and D H Segretti, who was paid between $30,000 and $40,000 in Repub campaign funds; Armstrong defends Pres Nixon's position that his aides will testify before grand jury; says best way to clear up Watergate is through 'judicial process'; illus