    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [June 28, 1993]
    [Pages 940-941]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Strike on Iraqi Intelligence
    Headquarters
    June 28, 1993

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        Commencing at approximately 4:22 p.m. (EST) on June 26, 1993, at my
    direction, U.S. naval forces launched a Tomahawk cruise missile strike
    on the Iraqi Intelligence Service's (IIS) principal command and control
    complex in Baghdad. This facility is the headquarters for the IIS, which
    planned the failed attempt to assassinate former President Bush during
    his visit to Kuwait in April of this year. This U.S. military action was
    completed upon impact of the missiles on target at approximately 6 p.m.
    (EST).
        Operating under the United States Central Command, two U.S. Navy
    surface ships launched a total of 23 precision-guided Tomahawk missiles
    in this coordinated strike upon the key facilities in the IIS compound.
    The USS PETERSON (DD 969) launched 14 missiles from its position in the
    Red Sea, while the USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62) in the Arabian Gulf
    launched nine missiles. The timing of this operation, with missiles
    striking at approximately 2:00 a.m. local Iraqi time, was chosen
    carefully so as to minimize risks to innocent civilians. Initial reports
    indicate that heavy damage was inflicted on the complex. Regrettably,
    there were some collateral civilian casualties.
        I ordered this military response only after I considered the results
    of a thorough and independent investigation by U.S. intelligence and law
    enforcement agencies. The reports by Attorney General Reno and Director
    of Central Intelligence Woolsey provided compelling evidence that the
    operation that threatened the life of President Bush in Kuwait City in
    April was directed and pursued by the Iraqi Intelligence Service and
    that the Government of Iraq bore direct responsibility for this effort.
        The Government of Iraq acted unlawfully in attempting to carry out
    Saddam Hussein's threats against former President Bush because of
    actions he took as President. The evidence of the Government of Iraq's
    violence and terrorism demonstrates that Iraq poses a continuing threat
    to United States nationals and shows utter disregard for the will of the
    international community as expressed in Security Council Resolutions and
    the United Nations Charter. Based on the Government of Iraq's pattern of
    disregard for international law, I concluded that there was no
    reasonable prospect that new diplomatic initiatives or economic measures
    could influence the current Government of Iraq to cease planning future
    attacks against the United States.
        Consequently, in the exercise of our inherent right of self-defense
    as recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and pursuant
    to my constitutional authority with respect to the conduct of foreign
    relations and as Commander in Chief, I ordered a military strike that
    directly targeted a facility Iraqi intelligence implicated in the plot
    against the former Chief Executive. In accordance with Article 51 of the
    United Nations Charter, this action was reported immediately to the
    Security Council on June 26. On June 27, Ambassador Albright provided
    evidence of Iraq's assassination attempts to the United Nations Security
    Council, which had been con-

    [[Page 941]]

    vened in emergency session at our request.
        I am certain that you share my sincere hope that the limited and
    proportionate action taken by the United States Government will
    frustrate and help deter and preempt future unlawful actions on the part
    of the Government of Iraq. Nonetheless, in the event that Iraqi
    violence, aggression, or state-sponsored terrorism against the United
    States continues, I will direct such additional measures in our exercise
    of the right of self-defense as may be necessary and appropriate to
    protect United States citizens.
        I remain committed to ensuring that the Congress is kept fully
    informed regarding significant employments of the U.S. Armed Forces.
    Accordingly, I am providing this report on the U.S. military actions of
    June 26, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I appreciate your
    thoughts and continued support as we address these important concerns.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of
    the Senate.