    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 8, 1999]
    [Pages 2025-2026]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing Legislation To Locate and Secure the Return of
    Zachary Baumel and Israeli Soldiers Missing
    in Action
    November 8, 1999

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 1175, ``An Act to locate and
    secure the return of Zachary Baumel, a United States citizen, and other
    Israeli soldiers missing in action.'' I deeply sympathize with the
    families of the missing soldiers and have made the resolution of these
    cases a priority throughout my Administration. The United States remains
    determined to pursue every concrete lead to ascertain their fate. We
    will continue to consult closely with the families

    [[Page 2026]]

    and the Government of Israel in our long effort to resolve this
    important issue. We will also continue to raise this issue with other
    governments in our search for answers.
        I believe that two sections of the bill must be carefully construed
    to avoid constitutional and practical problems. Specifically, section
    2(a) of the bill states that ``the Secretary of State shall continue to
    raise the matter of Zachary Baumel, Yehuda Katz,
    and Zvi Feldman on an urgent basis with
    appropriate government officials'' of certain foreign governments. To
    the extent that this provision can be read to direct the Secretary of
    State to take certain positions in communications with foreign
    governments, it interferes with my sole constitutional authority over
    the conduct of diplomatic negotiations. Therefore, this provision will
    be treated as precatory.
        In addition, section 3 of the bill would require the Secretary of
    State to report to the Congress on efforts taken with regard to section
    2(a) and additional information obtained about the individuals named in
    section 2(a). I sign this bill with the understanding that this section
    does not detract from my constitutional authority to withhold
    information relating to diplomatic communications or other national
    security information.
        Section 3(b) of the bill would require the Secretary of State to
    report to the Congress not later than 15 days after receiving ``any
    additional credible information'' relating to the missing servicemen.
    Because there could well be a delay between the receipt of information
    and the determination that such information is ``credible'', I regard
    the 15-day period as commencing upon that determination.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    November 8, 1999.

    Note: H.R. 1175, approved November 8, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
    89. This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    November 9.