    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [May 30, 1997]
    [Pages 692-693]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of
    United States Forces to Sierra Leone
    May 30, 1997

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On May 25, soldiers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Military
    Forces (RSLMF) mutinied against the country's democratically elected
    President, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah. Battles between the mutineers and the
    President's Nigerian security guard resulted in several rocket propelled
    grenade rounds hitting the U.S. Embassy. In addition, the RSLMF soldiers
    have engaged in looting, rape, armed robbery, and carjackings throughout
    the city. Sporadic gunfire and looting diminished with the arrival of
    additional Nigerian military forces that attempted to restore order.
    However, the security situation is deteriorating as tensions rise
    between Nigerian troops on the one hand and the mutineers and their
    supporters on the other hand. While there is no evidence that Americans
    are being directly targeted, the disorder and violence in Freetown
    subjects American citizens to continued risks ranging from criminal acts
    to random violence.
        On May 29 and May 30, due to the uncertain security situation and
    the possible threat to American citizens and the American Embassy in
    Sierra Leone, approximately 200 U.S. military personnel, including an
    11-member special forces detachment, were positioned in Freetown to
    prepare for the evacuation of certain U.S. Government employees and
    private U.S. citizens. Evacuation operations began on May 30, as U.S.
    military helicopters transported U.S. citizens and designated third-
    country nationals to immediate safety aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge from
    where they will be taken to Conakry, Guinea, for further transportation.
    In addition to those evacuated by helicopter, 18 U.S. citizens departed
    Sierra Leone on May 29 via a British charter airline flight.
        The Marines involved in this operation are from the Marine
    Expeditionary Unit currently embarked aboard U.S.S. Kearsarge, operating
    off the west coast of Africa. Special forces personnel are from the U.S.
    Army Third Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Although

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    U.S. forces are equipped for combat, the evacuation has been undertaken
    solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and property.
    United States forces will redeploy as soon as evacuation operations are
    complete and enhanced security at locations in and around Freetown is no
    longer required.
        I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to
    conduct the foreign relations of the United States and as Commander in
    Chief and Chief Executive.
        I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the
    Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I
    appreciate the support of the Congress in this action to protect
    American citizens and the American Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the
    Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    June 2.