    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 21, 1998]
    [Page 820]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 820]]

    Message to the Senate on Ratification of the Protocols of Accession to
    NATO for Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic
    May 21, 1998

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I am gratified that the United States Senate has given its advice
    and consent to the ratification of the Protocols to the North Atlantic
    Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech
    Republic.
        The Senate's decisive vote was a milestone on the road to an
    undivided, democratic and peaceful Europe. The message this vote sends
    is clear: American support for NATO is firm, our leadership on both
    sides of the Atlantic is strong, and there is a solid bipartisan
    foundation for an active U.S. role in transatlantic security.
        I thank Majority Leader Lott, Minority Leader
    Daschle, Senators Helms and Biden, Senator
    Roth and the members of the NATO
    Observer Group, and the many others who have devoted so much time and
    energy to this historic effort. The continuous dialogue and consultation
    between the Administration and the Congress on this issue was a model of
    bipartisan partnership. I am committed to ensuring that this partnership
    continues and deepens as we proceed toward NATO's 50th anniversary
    summit next year in Washington.
        The resolution of ratification that the Senate has adopted contains
    provisions addressing a broad range of issues of interest and concern,
    and I will implement the conditions it contains. As I have indicated
    following approval of earlier treaties, I will of course do so without
    prejudice to my authorities as President under the Constitution,
    including my authorities with respect to the conduct of foreign policy.
    I note in this connection that conditions in a resolution of advice and
    consent cannot alter the allocations of authority and responsibility
    under the Constitution.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    May 21, 1998.