When Mr Weld told the White House of the forthcoming fireworks, the White House muzzled him.

ECONOMIST: The Helms-Weld war

White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry says President Bill Clinton still supports Weld for the Mexican post, but is mindful that Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jesse Helms is opposed to Weld's nomination.

CNN: White House Backing Off Weld Nomination?

The Boston Globe reports the White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles has "begun actively searching" for another ambassadorial post for Weld, based on signals Helms might not block such a switch.

CNN: White House Backing Off Weld Nomination?