[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.