    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [January 12, 1991]
    [Pages 36-37]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Letter to
    President Saddam Hussein of Iraq
    January 12, 1991

        We do not believe it is appropriate as a general matter to release
    diplomatic correspondence. However, the President's letter to Saddam
    Hussein has now appeared in the news media. Stories containing large
    segments of the letter have appeared on major wire services. This
    published letter is not, however, the final letter as presented to
    Foreign Minister `Aziz. Therefore, we are today releasing the
    President's actual letter to Saddam Hussein.

    Mr. President:
        We stand today at the brink of war between Iraq and the world. This
    is a war that began with your invasion of Kuwait; this is a war that can
    be ended only by Iraq's full and unconditional compliance with UN
    Security Council Resolution 678.
        I am writing you now, directly, because what is at stake demands
    that no opportunity be lost to avoid what would be a certain calamity
    for the people of Iraq. I am writing, as well, because it is said by
    some that you do not understand just how isolated Iraq is and what Iraq
    faces as a result. I am not in a position to judge whether this
    impression is correct; what I can do, though, is try in this letter to
    reinforce what Secretary of State Baker told your Foreign Minister and
    eliminate any uncertainty or ambiguity that might exist in your mind
    about where we stand and what we are prepared to do.
        The international community is united in

    [[Page 37]]

    its call for Iraq to leave all of Kuwait without condition and without
    further delay. This is not simply the policy of the United States; it is
    the position of the world community as expressed in no less than twelve
    Security Council resolutions.
        We prefer a peaceful outcome. However, anything less than full
    compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 678 and its predecessors
    is unacceptable. There can be no reward for aggression. Nor will there
    be any negotiation. Principle cannot be compromised. However, by its
    full compliance, Iraq will gain the opportunity to rejoin the
    international community. More immediately, the Iraqi military
    establishment will escape destruction. But unless you withdraw from
    Kuwait completely and without condition, you will lose more than Kuwait.
    What is at issue here is not the future of Kuwait--it will be free, its
    government will be restored--but rather the future of Iraq. This choice
    is yours to make.
        The United States will not be separated from its coalition partners.
    Twelve Security Council resolutions, 28 countries providing military
    units to enforce them, more than one hundred governments complying with
    sanctions--all highlight the fact that it is not Iraq against the United
    States, but Iraq against the world. That most Arab and Muslim countries
    are arrayed against you as well should reinforce what I am saying. Iraq
    cannot and will not be able to hold on to Kuwait or exact a price for
    leaving.
        You may be tempted to find solace in the diversity of opinion that
    is American democracy. You should resist any such temptation. Diversity
    ought not to be confused with division. Nor should you underestimate, as
    others have before you, America's will.
        Iraq is already feeling the effects of the sanctions mandated by the
    United Nations. Should war come, it will be a far greater tragedy for
    you and your country. Let me state, too, that the United States will not
    tolerate the use of chemical or biological weapons or the destruction of
    Kuwait's oil fields and installations. Further, you will be held
    directly responsible for terrorist actions against any member of the
    coalition. The American people would demand the strongest possible
    response. You and your country will pay a terrible price if you order
    unconscionable acts of this sort.
        I write this letter not to threaten, but to inform. I do so with no
    sense of satisfaction, for the people of the United States have no
    quarrel with the people of Iraq. Mr. President, UN Security Council
    Resolution 678 establishes the period before January 15 of this year as
    a ``pause of good will'' so that this crisis may end without further
    violence. Whether this pause is used as intended, or merely becomes a
    prelude to further violence, is in your hands, and yours alone. I hope
    you weigh your choice carefully and choose wisely, for much will depend
    upon it.

                                                                 George Bush

    His Excellency Saddam Hussein
    President of the Republic of Iraq
    Baghdad

                        Note: Foreign Minister Tariq `Aziz of Iraq refused
                            to deliver the letter, which was dated January
                            5.