    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 27, 1997]
    [Pages 358-359]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Situation in Zaire
    March 27, 1997

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        The Republic of Zaire has been embroiled in an internal conflict for
    several months. Rebels seeking to oust ailing President Mobutu Sese Seko
    have captured more than one-fifth of the country. While there is no
    evidence that Americans are being directly targeted, the potential for
    civil disorder and general unrest in Kinshasa may subject American
    citizens and property to a range of risks, including those from criminal
    acts and random violence.
        On March 25, 1997, a standby evacuation force of U.S. military
    personnel from the U.S. European Command and the United States deployed
    to Congo and Gabon to provide enhanced security for the more than 300
    American private citizens, government employees, and selected third
    country nationals in Kinshasa, should their evacuation become necessary.
    We do not anticipate that the more than 200 remaining American citizens
    outside Kinshasa will be at risk. These forces augment the noncombat-
    equipped enabling forces that deployed to Congo on March 21, 1997, to
    prepare for a possible evacuation operation.
        The enabling and evacuation forces based in Brazzaville, Congo and
    Libreville, Gabon are prepared for a possible evacuation. These forces
    include a forward deployed Joint Task Force Headquarters, fixed-wing and
    rotary aircraft, airport control and support equipment, and medical and
    security personnel and equipment. In addition, USS Nassau, with a Marine
    Battalion Landing Team and a helicopter squadron reinforced with fixed-
    wing AV-8 Harrier aircraft embarked, is moving into the area.
        Although U.S. forces are equipped for combat, this movement is being
    undertaken solely for the purpose of preparing to protect American
    citizens and property. United States forces will redeploy as soon as it
    is determined that an evacuation is not necessary or, if necessary, is
    completed.
        I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to
    conduct U.S. foreign relations 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 prepare to
    protect American citizens in Zaire.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    [[Page 359]]

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the
    Senate.