    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [January 18, 1991]
    [Page 52]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Persian Gulf Conflict
    January 18, 1991

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

        On January 16, 1991, I made available to you, consistent with
    section 2(b) of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq
    Resolution (H.J. Res. 77, Public Law 102-1), my determination that
    appropriate diplomatic and other peaceful means had not and would not
    compel Iraq to withdraw unconditionally from Kuwait and meet the other
    requirements of the U.N. Security Council and the world community. With
    great reluctance, I concluded, as did the other coalition leaders, that
    only the use of armed force would achieve an Iraqi withdrawal together
    with the other U.N. goals of restoring Kuwait's legitimate government,
    protecting the lives of our citizens, and reestablishing security and
    stability in the Persian Gulf region. Consistent with the War Powers
    Resolution, I now inform you that pursuant to my authority as Commander
    in Chief, I directed U.S. Armed Forces to commence combat operations on
    January 16, 1991, against Iraqi forces and military targets in Iraq and
    Kuwait. The Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Kingdom,
    France, Italy, and Canada are participating as well.
        Military actions are being conducted with great intensity. They have
    been carefully planned to accomplish our goals with the minimum loss of
    life among coalition military forces and the civilian inhabitants of the
    area. Initial reports indicate that our forces have performed
    magnificently. Nevertheless, it is impossible to know at this time
    either the duration of active combat operations or the scope or duration
    of the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces necessary fully to accomplish our
    goals.
        The operations of U.S. and other coalition forces are contemplated
    by the resolutions of the U.N. Security Council, as well as H.J. Res.
    77, adopted by Congress on January 12, 1991. They are designed to ensure
    that the mandates of the United Nations and the common goals of our
    coalition partners are achieved and the safety of our citizens and
    forces is ensured.
        As our united efforts in pursuit of peace, stability, and security
    in the Gulf region continue, I look forward to our continued
    consultation and cooperation.
        Sincerely,

                                                                 George Bush

                        Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S.
                            Foley, Speaker of the House of Representatives;
                            Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of the
                            Senate; George J. Mitchell, Senate majority
                            leader; Robert Dole, Senate Republican leader;
                            and Robert H. Michel, House Republican leader.