    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 11, 1997]
    [Page 950]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Situation in Cambodia
    July 11, 1997

    Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
        Political animosity between Cambodia's Co-Prime Ministers, Prince
    Ranariddh and Hun Sen, erupted into armed clashes on July 5. Hun Sen, in
    what he claimed was a preemptive move, acted to disarm forces loyal to
    Ranariddh in Phnom Penh. Although Hun Sen has outwardly maintained the
    coalition government, he intends to replace Ranariddh as Co-Prime
    Minister. After fighting between the rival forces over a wide area of
    Phnom Penh on the weekend, an uneasy calm has been restored in the
    capital. No Americans were killed or wounded. Danger remains in Cambodia
    from increased criminal activity and military mop-up operations
    (including extralegal arrests) since July 5, and living conditions have
    deteriorated due to extensive damage sustained during the fighting. The
    principal area of concern is now the northwest part of the country where
    elements of the armed forces led by commanders still loyal to Ranariddh
    are resisting forces loyal to Hun Sen. The potential exists for armed
    clashes between contending units. U.S. citizens are not the targets of
    any of the contending forces, but substantial danger exists to the
    civilian population and any foreign residents or visitors in those
    regions, principally the northwest, where clashes are likely to occur.
        On July 9, 1997, the State Department ordered a drawdown of official
    American personnel to a minimal staff of 20 persons, and recommended
    that private American citizens in Cambodia should leave. The departures
    are being accomplished, safely so far, through commercial air. If the
    security situation deteriorates, however, that option might quickly
    become unavailable.
        On July 10, 1997, a Joint Task Force of approximately 550 U.S.
    military personnel from the U.S. Pacific Command and the United States
    began deploying to establish an intermediate staging base at Utapao Air
    Base, Thailand. These forces will stage for possible emergency
    noncombatant evacuation operations in Cambodia, establish
    communications, and conduct contingency planning. These actions will
    enhance the ability of the United States to ensure the security of
    between 1,200 to 1,400 American citizens in Cambodia if an evacuation
    should become necessary.
        The Joint Task Force includes a forward headquarters element, fixed-
    wing and rotary aircraft, airport control and support equipment, and
    medical and security personnel and equipment.
        The U.S. forces primarily come from elements of the U.S. Pacific
    Command; other elements are U.S. based units. All the armed services are
    represented. 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 in the event that such becomes necessary.
    U.S. forces will redeploy as soon as an evacuation is determined to be
    unnecessary 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 Cambodia.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    July 11, 1997.

    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
    July 12.