[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.