    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 25, 2000]
    [Pages 323-324]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 323]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of United
    States Forces to East Timor
    February 25, 2000

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On October 8, 1999, I reported to the Congress, consistent with the
    War Powers Resolution, the deployment of a limited number of U.S.
    military forces to East Timor to provide support to the multinational
    force (INTERFET) peacekeeping mission in East Timor. This force,
    established by the United Nations Security Council under Chapter VII of
    the Charter, was to restore peace and security in East Timor, protect
    and support the United Nations Mission in East Timor, and, within force
    capabilities, facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. The U.S.
    support to the multinational force was limited to planning and staff,
    communications, intelligence, and logistics.
        This multinational force was formally replaced in East Timor on
    February 23, 2000, by the United Nations Transitional Administration in
    East Timor (UNTAET). Consequently, the U.S. personnel who were the
    subject of my October 8 report have redeployed from East Timor. The
    UNTAET, which was established by Security Council Resolution 1272, has a
    mandate that includes maintaining law and order throughout East Timor,
    establishing an effective administration, ensuring the coordination and
    delivery of humanitarian assistance, and supporting capacity-building
    for self-government. To implement this plan, the Security Council
    authorized UNTAET to deploy up to 8,950 military personnel, 200 military
    observers, and 1,640 civilian police.
        The U.S. military contribution to UNTAET is small. The United States
    has agreed to provide three military observers and one judge advocate;
    these personnel serve in the United Nations pursuant to the United
    Nations Participation Act (Public Law 79-264) and will operate under
    U.N. operational control.
        Nonetheless, because the United States has a strong national
    security interest in promoting regional security and supporting East
    Timor's transition to independence, the United States will maintain a
    credible and visible presence in East Timor. The United Nations also
    supports a continued U.S. presence in East Timor and has indicated that
    East Timor would benefit greatly from U.S. military deployments to and
    engagement activities in East Timor. As a result, I have authorized the
    deployment of a support group (USGET), consisting of approximately 30
    U.S. personnel, to facilitate and coordinate U.S. military activities in
    East Timor. Personnel assigned to USGET will operate under U.S. command
    and control and rules of engagement. In addition, I have authorized a
    rotational presence of U.S. forces to be achieved through temporary
    deployments, including periodic ship visits, to East Timor during which
    U.S. forces will conduct humanitarian and assistance activities
    throughout East Timor. These rotational presence operations will provide
    peacetime exercise opportunities for U.S. forces in East Timor, allow
    for a flexible and visible U.S. force presence independent of UNTAET,
    and provide humanitarian and civic assistance to East Timor's citizens
    in critical areas.
        The first rotational presence operation, involving the USS BONHOMME
    RICHARD amphibious group, her embarked helicopters, and the 15th Marine
    Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), commenced in East Timor
    on February 23, 2000. These forces are operating under U.S. command and
    control and rules of engagement.
        At this point, our rotational presence operations are envisioned to
    continue through the summer of 2000. It is likely that future rotational
    presence operations will include rotation of naval assets, embarked
    aircraft, and small light engineer units. Certain of these forces,
    including those of the BONHOMME RICHARD, will be equipped with the
    normal complement of defensive weapons. The duration of our support
    depends upon the course of events in East Timor. It is, however, our
    objective to redeploy USGET and reduce rotational presence operations 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

    [[Page 324]]

    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.