    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [February 23, 1991]
    [Page 171]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Address to the Nation Announcing Allied Military Ground Action in the
    Persian Gulf
    February 23, 1991

        Good evening. Yesterday, after conferring with my senior national
    security advisers, and following extensive consultations with our
    coalition partners, Saddam Hussein was given one last chance--set forth
    in very explicit terms--to do what he should have done more than 6
    months ago: withdraw from Kuwait without condition or further delay, and
    comply fully with the resolutions passed by the United Nations Security
    Council.
        Regrettably, the noon deadline passed without the agreement of the
    Government of Iraq to meet demands of United Nations Security Council
    Resolution 660, as set forth in the specific terms spelled out by the
    coalition to withdraw unconditionally from Kuwait. To the contrary, what
    we have seen is a redoubling of Saddam Hussein's efforts to destroy
    completely Kuwait and its people.
        I have therefore directed General Norman Schwarzkopf, in conjunction
    with coalition forces, to use all forces available including ground
    forces to eject the Iraqi army from Kuwait. Once again, this was a
    decision made only after extensive consultations within our coalition
    partnership.
        The liberation of Kuwait has now entered a final phase. I have
    complete confidence in the ability of the coalition forces swiftly and
    decisively to accomplish their mission.
        Tonight, as this coalition of countries seeks to do that which is
    right and just, I ask only that all of you stop what you are doing and
    say a prayer for all the coalition forces, and especially for our men
    and women in uniform who this very moment are risking their lives for
    their country and for all of us.
        May God bless and protect each and every one of them. And may God
    bless the United States of America. Thank you very much.

                        Note: President Bush spoke at 10 p.m. in the
                            Briefing Room at the White House. In his
                            address, he referred to President Saddam Hussein
                            of Iraq and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf,
                            commander of the U.S. forces in the Persian
                            Gulf. The address was broadcast live on
                            nationwide radio and television.