    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [September 21, 1994]
    [Pages 1594-1595]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Deployment of United States
    Armed Forces to Haiti
    September 21, 1994

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On September 18, I reported to the Congress that an agreement was
    successfully concluded by former President Jimmy Carter, Senator Sam
    Nunn, and General Colin Powell regarding the transition between the de
    facto government and the elected government in Haiti. On September 18, I
    also directed the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces to Haiti as part of
    the multinational coalition provided for by U.N. Security Council
    Resolution 940 of July 31, 1994. I am providing this report, consistent
    with the War Powers Resolution, to ensure that the Congress is kept
    fully informed regarding this action to support multilateral efforts to
    restore democracy in Haiti and to protect democracy in our hemisphere.
        On September 19, at approximately 9:25 a.m. e.d.t., units under the
    command of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command, were
    introduced into Haitian territory, including its territorial waters and
    airspace. United States Armed Forces participating in the deployment
    include forces from the U.S. Army's 18th Airborne Corps, including the
    10th Mountain Division; U.S. Naval Forces from the U.S. Atlantic Fleet,
    including the U.S. Second Fleet and U.S. Marine Forces and amphibious
    ships; U.S. Air Forces, including the 12th Air Force; and various units
    from U.S. Special Forces.
        Air-landed and seaborne U.S. forces successfully secured initial
    entry points at Port au Prince International Airport and the Port au
    Prince port facilities. Approximately 1,500 troops were involved in
    these initial efforts. No resistance was encountered and there were no
    U.S. casualties. Over the next several days, it is anticipated that U.S.
    troop strength in Haiti will increase by several thousand in order to
    ensure the establishment and maintenance of a secure and stable
    environment.
        As to the duration of the mission, our presence in Haiti will not be
    open-ended. As I indicated on September 18, the coalition will be
    replaced after a period of months by a U.N. peacekeeping force, the U.N.
    Mission in Haiti (UNMIH). By that time, the bulk of U.S. forces will
    have departed. Some U.S. forces will make up a portion of the UNMIH and
    will be present in Haiti for the duration of the U.N. mission.

    [[Page 1595]]

    The entire U.N. mission will withdraw from Haiti after elections are
    held next year and a new Haitian government takes office in early 1996,
    consistent with U.N. Security Council Resolution 940.
        The military operations I have directed are conducted under U.S.
    command and control. As I reported to the Congress on September 18, the
    departure from power of the coup leaders will substantially decrease the
    likelihood of armed resistance. There has not been armed resistance to
    the deployment. However, the forces are equipped for combat and ready to
    accomplish their mission and to defend themselves, as well as to ensure
    the safety of U.S. nationals in Haiti.
        I have taken these measures to further the national security
    interests of the United States: to stop the brutal atrocities that
    threaten tens of thousands of Haitians; to secure our borders; to
    preserve stability and promote democracy in our hemisphere; and to
    uphold the reliability of the commitments we make, and the commitments
    others make to us, including the Governors Island Agreement and the
    agreement concluded on September 18 in Haiti.
        I have ordered this deployment of U.S. Armed Forces pursuant to my
    constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations and as Commander
    in Chief and Chief Executive.
        Finally, I remain committed to consulting closely with the Congress,
    and I will continue to keep the Congress fully informed regarding this
    important deployment of our Armed Forces.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate.