    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [June 10, 1993]
    [Pages 836-837]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 836]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Situation in Somalia
    June 10, 1993

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On December 10, 1992, President Bush reported to the Congress that
    U.S. Armed Forces had been deployed to Somalia to assist the United
    Nations effort to deal with the human catastrophe in that country, to
    avert related threats to international peace and security, and to
    protect the safety of Americans and others engaged in relief operations.
    This action was part of a multilateral response to U.N. Security Council
    Resolution 794, which authorized Member States, under Chapter VII of the
    U.N. Charter, to use all necessary means to establish a secure
    environment for humanitarian relief operations in Somalia. Since that
    time, my Administration and its predecessor have endeavored, through
    briefings and other means, to keep you informed about the progress of
    U.S. efforts in Somalia. I am providing this further report, consistent
    with the War Powers Resolution, in light of the passage of 6 months
    since President Bush's initial report on the deployment of U.S. Armed
    Forces to Somalia.
        As you are aware, the U.S.-led operation, known as Operation Restore
    Hope, was responsible for stemming the tragic situation and saving many
    lives by ensuring that desperately needed relief efforts in behalf of
    the civilian population could proceed. Owing in large measure to the
    success of the U.S.-led Unified Task Force in Somalia (UNITAF), the
    responsibility for the continuing operation was transferred in an
    orderly fashion to the operational control of the U.N. Operation in
    Somalia (UNOSOM II) on May 4, 1993, pursuant to U.N. Security Council
    Resolution 814. This Resolution similarly invoked Chapter VII of the
    U.N. Charter and endowed UNOSOM II with the right to use force to ensure
    that the mandate is implemented.
        The United States continues to support U.N. efforts in Somalia by
    providing approximately 3,000 U.S. logistics and other support personnel
    under the operational control of UNOSOM II. In addition, approximately
    1,100 U.S. troops remain in the area as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF),
    under the operational control of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central
    Command, for use in emergency situations. The UNOSOM II deputy
    commander, a U.S. Army general who is the U.S. contingent commander, is
    authorized to send the QRF into action as may be necessary.
        On June 5, 1993, UNOSOM II forces operating in Mogadishu encountered
    attacks instigated by one of Somalia's factional leaders, resulting in
    the deaths of 23 Pakistani military personnel. Three U.S. military
    personnel assigned to UNOSOM II sustained minor injuries. As envisioned
    in response to such situations, the QRF was called upon to assist in
    quelling the violence against the lawful activities of UNOSOM II in
    implementing the U.N. mandate. On June 6, 1993, the U.N. Security
    Council adopted Resolution 837, reaffirming the authority of UNOSOM II
    to take all necessary measures against those responsible for these armed
    attacks.
        Our forces will remain equipped and prepared to accomplish their
    humanitarian mission and defend themselves, if necessary; they also will
    be provided such additional U.S. support as may be necessary to ensure
    their safety and the accomplishment of their mission.
        I have continued the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces to Somalia
    pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign
    relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and in
    accordance with applicable treaties and laws. This deployment is
    consistent with S.J. Res. 45, as adopted by the Senate on February 4,
    1993, and as modified and adopted by the House on May 25, 1993.
        Effective U.S. foreign policy requires close cooperation between the
    President and the Congress, and this imperative is particularly
    important regarding issues surrounding the use of our Nation's Armed
    Forces. I remain committed to ensuring that the Congress is kept fully
    informed on these matters and that the public good is served through
    constructive discussions and cooperation between our two branches.
        Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton

    [[Page 837]]

    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.