    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [April 5, 1991]
    [Pages 331-332]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Aid to Iraqi Refugees
    April 5, 1991

        The human tragedy unfolding in and around Iraq demands immediate
    action on a massive scale. At stake are not only the lives of hundreds
    of thousands of innocent men, women, and children but the peace and
    security of the Gulf.
        Since the beginning of the Gulf war on August 2, the United States
    has contributed more than $35 million for refugees and displaced persons
    in the region. Many other countries have also contributed. It is clear,
    however, that the current tragedy requires a far greater effort. As a
    result, I have directed a major new effort be undertaken to assist Iraqi
    refugees.
        Beginning this Sunday, U.S. Air Force transport planes will fly over
    northern Iraq and drop supplies of food, blankets, clothing, tents, and
    other relief-related items for refugees and other Iraqi civilians
    suffering as a result of the situation there.
        I want to emphasize that this effort is prompted only by
    humanitarian concerns. We expect the Government of Iraq to permit this
    effort to be carried out without any interference.
        I want to add that what we are planning to do is intended as a step-
    up in immediate aid, such as is also being provided by the British, the
    French, and other coalition partners. We will be consulting with the
    United Nations on how it can best provide for the many refugees in and
    around Iraq on a longterm basis as necessary. We will

    [[Page 332]]

    continue consulting with our coalition partners in this and in other
    efforts designed to alleviate the plight of the many innocent Iraqis
    whose lives have been endangered by the brutal and inhumane actions of
    the Iraqi government.
        I also want to add that this urgent air drop is but one of several
    steps the United States is taking to deal with this terrible situation.
    I will shortly be signing an order that will authorize up to $10 million
    from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. These funds
    will help meet the needs of the burgeoning refugee population in the
    region. Our military forces in southern Iraq will continue to assist
    refugees and displaced persons. We are also providing considerable
    economic and food assistance to the Government of Turkey, to help it
    sustain the many refugees who have taken refuge there. We are prepared
    as well to deploy a U.S. military medical unit to the border area in
    southern Turkey to meet emergency needs.
        The United States is also concerned about the welfare of those Iraqi
    refugees now fleeing to Iran. We will be communicating, through our
    established channel, to the Government of Iran our willingness to
    encourage and contribute to international organizations carrying out
    relief efforts aiding these individuals.
        In an effort to help innocent people, and especially the children of
    Iraq, we will be donating $869,000 to UNICEF for child immunizations in
    Iraq. We will also be providing a further $131,000 and 1,000 tons of
    food to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In all
    cases, funds and goods provided to international organizations will be
    distributed by the organizations themselves to civilian in Iraq.
        Finally, I have asked Secretary Baker to travel to Turkey, en route
    to the Middle East, to meet with President Ozal and visit the border
    area to assess the refugee situation and report back to me.

                        Note: The statement referred to Secretary of State
                            James A. Baker III and President Turgut Ozal of
                            Turkey. Presidential Determinations 91-26 and
                            91-27 of April 6 concerning assistance to
                            refugees in the Persian Gulf region were printed
                            in the ``Federal Register'' of April 23.