    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [January 21, 1991]
    [Pages 54-55]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Persian Gulf Conflict and the Baltic States and an
    Exchange With Reporters
    January 21, 1991

        The President. Let me just say a quick word about the brutal
    parading of these allied pilots. I was talking to Speaker Foley about
    this coming down, and it is very clear that this is a direct violation
    of every convention that protects prisoners. The International Red
    Cross, I understand, certified to that today.
        In the first place, this is not going to make a difference in the
    prosecution of the war against Saddam. It's not going to make a
    difference. I've said that before. I said that when he brutally held
    hostages that numbered up into the thousands. And it's not going to make
    a difference. But I would make the strongest appeal that these people be
    treated properly and that they be given the treatment that is accorded
    to them under the international conventions--and they are not being. And
    America is angry about this, and I think the rest of the world is,
    because this morning I talked to more of our coalition partners. So, it
    is backfiring. If he thought this brutal treatment of pilots is a way to
    muster world support, he is dead wrong. And I think everybody is upset
    about it.
        Speaker, I won't put words in your mouth, but----
        Speaker Foley. I concur absolutely with what the President said.
    It's a clear violation of the Geneva provisions for the protection of
    prisoners of war, and it will have very, very strong repercussions not
    only throughout the United States but throughout the world if these
    violations continue.
        Q. Mr. President----
        The President. No, I can't do a press conference. I do want to say
    something, though, about the Baltic States. I am increasingly concerned.
    We had a statement on that yesterday. I would again appeal to the Soviet
    Union leaders to resist using force. And we've heard European countries
    speaking out on this now, and the world is very much concerned about
    that as well.
        So, thank you all very much.

    Persian Gulf Conflict

        Q. ----war crimes, sir?
        Q. Will he be held accountable, Mr. President? Will he be held
    accountable?
        The President. You can count on it.

    [[Page 55]]

                        Note: President Bush spoke at 11:58 a.m. on the
                            South Lawn at the White House, upon his return
                            from Camp David, MD. In his remarks, he referred
                            to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the House of
                            Representatives, and President Saddam Hussein of
                            Iraq. A tape was not available for verification
                            of the content of these remarks.