    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [October 8, 1999]
    [Pages 1740-1741]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Deployment of United States
    Forces to East Timor
     October 8, 1999

    Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Mr. President:)
        On September 15, 1999, the United Nations Security Council, under
    Chapter VII of the Charter, authorized the establishment of a
    multinational force to restore peace and security in East Timor, to
    protect and support the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET),
    and, within force capabilities, to facilitate humanitarian assistance
    operations. In support of this multinational effort, I directed a
    limited number of U.S. military forces to deploy to East Timor to
    provide support to the multinational force (INTERFET) being assembled
    under Australian leadership to carry out the mission described in
    Security Council Resolution 1264. United States support to the
    multinational force has thus far been limited to communications,
    intelligence, logistics, planning assistance, and transportation.
        Recently, I authorized the deployment of the amphibious ship, USS
    BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3), and her embarked helicopters, to the East Timor
    region, including Indonesian waters, to provide helicopter airlift and
    search and rescue support to the multinational operation. Also, embarked
    in BELLEAU WOOD is a portion of her assigned complement of personnel
    from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
    (MEU (SOC)). At this time, I do not anticipate that the embarked Marines
    will be deployed ashore, with the exception of the temporary deployment
    of a communications element to support air operations.

    [[Page 1741]]

        At this point, it is not possible to predict how long this operation
    will continue. The duration of the deployment depends upon the course of
    events in East Timor and may include rotation of naval assets and
    embarked aircraft. United States support for this multinational effort
    will continue until transition to a U.N. peacekeeping force is complete.
    It is, however, our objective to redeploy U.S. forces as soon as
    circumstances permit.
        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.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of
    the Senate.