[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.