Robert E Watkins

A senior Commerce Department official involved in U.S.-Japan trade talks announced his resignation Tuesday following disclosure that he had asked Japanese car manufacturers to consider hiring him as a lobbyist. Robert E. Watkins, deputy assistant secretary for automotive affairs and consumer goods, "recused (disqualified) himself from all his duties as deputy assistant secretary and announced his intention to resign," said Claire Buchan, a department spokeswoman.

A senior Commerce Department official involved in U.S.-Japan trade talks announced his resignation Tuesday following disclosure that he had asked Japanese car manufacturers to consider hiring him as a lobbyist. Robert E. Watkins, deputy assistant secretary for automotive affairs and consumer goods, "recused (disqualified) himself from all his duties as deputy assistant secretary and announced his intention to resign," said Claire Buchan, a department spokeswoman.