[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.