    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 22, 1996]
    [Page 1901]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1901]]

    Statement on Signing War Crimes Document Disclosure Legislation
    October 22, 1996

        I have signed into law H.R. 1281, the ``War Crimes Disclosure Act.''
    This Act, sponsored by Representative Maloney of New York, urges United
    States Government agencies to make public any records concerning
    individuals alleged to have committed Nazi war crimes.
        My Administration is committed to ensuring the widest possible
    disclosure of government documents. On April 17, 1995, I signed
    Executive Order 12958, which will make available certain previously
    classified national security documents while safeguarding information
    critical to our Nation's security. Additionally, my Administration
    worked closely with the Congress on the recent passage of the Electronic
    Freedom of Information Act. I believe that our democratic principles
    require that the American people be informed of the activities of their
    government.
        Over half a century has passed since the conclusion of World War II
    and the end of the Holocaust, one of the most horrifying periods of
    genocide in world history. I strongly believe in the central finding of
    this Act, that it is important to learn all we can about this terrible
    era so that we can prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.
    To that end, the Act calls for more comprehensive disclosure of
    documents specific to Nazi war crimes. It is clearly in our public
    interest to learn any remaining secrets about the Holocaust.
        I'm pleased that the Act recognizes the need not to disclose
    material that is still important to U.S. national security and law
    enforcement interests. I am hopeful that the Congress and the executive
    branch will continue to work together to balance the public interests of
    disclosing government records with the national interests of keeping
    certain documents protected.
        Ensuring a full accounting of United States records on Nazi war
    criminals is an important step in preserving the memory of those who
    died and honoring the sacrifices of those who survived. I was pleased to
    sign this bill into law.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    October 22, 1996.

    Note: H.R. 1281, approved October 19, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    309.