    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [July 13, 1995]
    [Page 1092]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting the Report of the Arms
    Control and Disarmament Agency
    July 13, 1995

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Chairman:)
        I am pleased to transmit the 1994 Annual Report of the United States
    Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA).
        The ACDA was established in 1961 in part because Dean Rusk,
    Secretary of State at that time, believed the President needed access to
    unfiltered arms control analysis.
        After a comprehensive review in 1993 and a second review in early
    1995, it is clear to me that Secretary Rusk was correct: sound arms
    control and nonproliferation policy requires an independent,
    specialized, and technically competent arms control and nonproliferation
    agency.
        In the absence of such an agency, neither I nor any future President
    could count on receiving independent arms control advice, unfiltered by
    other policy considerations. A President would thus at times have to
    make the most consequential national security decisions without the
    benefit of vigorous advocacy of the arms control point of view.
        Moreover, I have found that ACDA's unique combination of single-
    mission technical expertise with its painstakingly developed capability
    for multilateral negotiation and implementation of the most intricate
    arms control and nonproliferation agreements could not be sustained with
    equal effectiveness outside of a dedicated arms control agency.
        The ACDA's first major success was the establishment of the Nuclear
    Non-Proliferation Treaty. Twenty-five years later, its most recent major
    success is its long-term effort culminating in permanent and
    unconditional extension of that same Treaty. On both counts, America and
    the world are far more secure because of the ability and dedication of
    ACDA's leadership and professional staff.
        I have therefore decided that ACDA will remain independent and
    continue its central role in U.S. arms control and nonproliferation
    policy.
        Whether the issue is nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear missile
    reduction, chemical weapons elimination, or any of the other growing
    arms control and nonproliferation challenges America faces, ACDA is an
    essential national security asset.
        In that spirit, I commend this report to you.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on
    Foreign Relations.