Panama's President quits; government topples, too

Top government officials began turning in their resignations Sunday as Ricardo de la Espriella took charge of Panama after the surprise resignation of President Aristides Royo.

In a surprise announcement made over radio and television Saturday, Mr. De la Espriella told hundreds of officials to resign within 24 hours. It gave no reason for the resignation, but Luis de Leon Arias, president of the National Assembly, said it was due ''solely and exclusively for health reasons.'' But opposition political sources said Mr. Royo, who had been reported to be in good health until now, probably was forced out of office by the commander of the National Guard, Ruben Dario Paredes.