[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.