'Travelgate' inquiry by Clinton

A deeply embarrassed White House yesterday announced an internal inquiry into the circumstances of last week's sacking of its travel office, amid mounting uproar over the apparently improper use of the FBI to justify the initial dismissal of the seven- man staff, writes Rupert Cornwell from Washington.

The review of 'Travelgate,' which has seen a barrage of accusations of cronyism, vindictiveness and worse launched at President Clinton, will be conducted by the President's Chief of Staff, Thomas 'Mack' McLarty who, according to a White House spokesman, accepted responsibility for the affair.