    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 12, 1998]
    [Page 953]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 953]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Situation in Guinea-
    Bissau and the Deployment of United States Forces
    June 12, 1998

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On June 6, 1998, elements of Guinea-Bissau's army mutinied and
    attacked the government of President Vieira. Government forces mounted a counterattack, but have
    been unable to quell the revolt. Rebel forces, who occupy a military
    camp very near the U.S. Embassy compound in Bissau, came under attack
    from government and foreign forces on June 10, placing the Embassy and
    U.S. Government employees at risk.
        As a result of the deteriorating situation in Bissau and the threat
    to American lives and property, a standby evacuation force of U.S.
    military personnel from the U.S. European Command was deployed to Dakar,
    Senegal, on June 10 to be prepared to evacuate American private citizens
    and government employees, as well as selected third country nationals in
    Bissau. Currently, both the airfield in Bissau and the main road to the
    airport are closed due to the fighting between government and rebel
    forces. Forty-four Americans have already been evacuated by a Portuguese
    vessel and a Senegalese ship from the city of Bissau, leaving our
    Ambassador and a staff of four in the U.S. Embassy there. Efforts are
    underway to coordinate the evacuation of 17 Peace Corps volunteers in
    upcountry areas.
        The forces currently in Dakar, Senegal, include enabling forces, a
    Joint Task Force Headquarters, fixed-wing aircraft and associated
    support personnel, and a U.S. special forces company. Although U.S
    forces are equipped for combat, this action is being undertaken solely
    for the purpose of protecting American citizens and property. United
    States forces will redeploy as soon as it is determined that the
    evacuation 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 protect
    American citizens in Guinea-Bissau.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. This
    letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on June 13.