    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 13, 1998]
    [Pages 749-750]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines-
    United States Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty With Documentation
    May 13, 1998

    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 Treaty Between the Government of
    the United States of America and the Government of Saint Vincent and the
    Grenadines on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, and a related
    Protocol, signed at Kingstown on January 8, 1998. I transmit also, for
    the information of the Senate, the report of the Department of State
    with respect to the Treaty.
        The Treaty is one of a series of modern mutual legal assistance
    treaties being negotiated by the United States in order to counter
    criminal activities more effectively. The Treaty should be an effective
    tool to assist in the prosecution of a wide variety of crimes, including
    drug trafficking offenses. The Treaty is self-executing.
        The Treaty provides for a broad range of cooperation in criminal
    matters. Mutual assistance available under the Treaty includes: taking
    of testimony or statements of persons; providing documents, records, and
    articles of evidence;

    [[Page 750]]

    serving documents; locating or identifying persons; transferring persons
    in custody for testimony or other purposes; executing requests for
    searches and seizures; assisting in proceedings related to
    immobilization and forfeiture of assets; restitution; collection of
    fines; and any other form of assistance not prohibited by the laws of
    the Requested State.
        I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration
    to the Treaty and related Protocol, and give its advice and consent to
    ratification.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    May 13, 1998.