    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [August 10, 1994]
    [Page 1458]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services on the
    Arms Embargo on Bosnia-Herzegovina
    August 10, 1994

    Dear Mr. Chairman:
        I am writing to reaffirm my Administration's support for lifting the
    international arms embargo on Bosnia and Herzegovina imposed by United
    Nations Security Council Resolution 713 of September 25, 1991. It has
    been my long-held view that the arms embargo has unfairly and
    unintentionally penalized the victim in this conflict and that the
    Security Council should act to remedy this injustice.
        At the same time, I believe lifting the embargo unilaterally would
    have serious implications going well beyond the conflict in Bosnia
    itself. It could end the current negotiating process, which is bringing
    new pressure to bear on the Bosnian Serbs. Our relations with our
    Western European allies would be seriously strained and the cohesiveness
    of NATO threatened. Our efforts to build a mature and cooperative
    relationship with Russia would be damaged. It would also greatly
    increase American responsibility for the outcome of the conflict. The
    likelihood of greater U.S. military involvement in Bosnia would be
    increased, not decreased.
        The July 30 Contact Group ministerial was an important step in our
    strategy of giving negotiations a chance and, at the same time, building
    an international consensus in support of multilateral action on the arms
    embargo, should the Bosnian Serbs continue to reject the Contact Group's
    proposal.
        Contact Group unity has been key to the effectiveness of our
    approach to date, which has brought new pressure to bear on the Bosnian
    Serbs. This unity will be especially critical as we approach the Contact
    Group's final option of lifting the arms embargo. As Secretary
    Christopher made clear in Geneva, we will not allow the process leading
    to a Security Council decision on the arms embargo to be delayed
    indefinitely.
        In this regard, if by October 15 the Bosnian Serbs have not accepted
    the Contact Group's proposal, of July 6, 1994, it would be my intention
    within two weeks to introduce formally and support a resolution at the
    United Nations Security Council to terminate the arms embargo on Bosnia
    and Herzegovina. Further, as my Administration has indicated previously,
    if the Security Council for some reason fails to pass such a resolution
    within a reasonable period of time, it would be my intention to consult
    with the Congress thereafter regarding unilateral termination of the
    arms embargo.
        I hope this clarification of my Administration's policy and
    intentions is helpful. I would consult promptly with the Congress should
    unforeseen circumstances arise. I also want to express my gratitude for
    your leadership and support on this important issue which affects our
    national security.
        Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: This letter was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary but was not issued as a White House press release.