[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

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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.