    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [April 7, 1997]
    [Page 401]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting the International Grains Agreement,
    1995, With Documentation
    April 7, 1997

    To the Senate of the United States:
        With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, I transmit herewith the Grains Trade Convention and Food
    Aid Convention constituting the International Grains Agreement, 1995,
    open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from
    May 1 through June 30, 1995. The Conventions were signed by the United
    States on June 26, 1995. I transmit also for the information of the
    Senate, the report of the Department of State with respect to the
    Conventions.
        The Grains Trade Convention, 1995, replaces the Wheat Trade
    Convention, 1986, and maintains the framework for international
    cooperation in grains trade matters. It also continues the existence of
    the International Grains Council.
        The Food Aid Convention, 1995, replaces the Food Aid Convention,
    1986, and renews commitments of donor member states to provide minimum
    annual quantities of food aid to developing countries.
        The International Grains Council and the Food Aid Committee granted
    the United States (and other countries) a 1-year extension of time in
    which to deposit its instruments of ratification, and have permitted the
    United States in the meantime to continue to participate in the
    organizations.
        It is my hope that the Senate will give prompt and favorable
    consideration to the two Conventions, and give its advice and consent to
    ratification so that ratification by the United States can be effected
    and instruments of ratification deposited at the earliest possible date.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    April 7, 1997.