    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [August 31, 2001]
    [Page 1058]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1058]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Continued Deployment of
    United States Forces to East Timor
    August 31, 2001

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In my report to the Congress of March 2, 2001, I provided
    information regarding the continued deployment of U.S. Armed Forces in
    support of East Timor's transition to independence. I am providing this
    supplemental report, consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to help
    ensure that the Congress is kept fully informed regarding U.S. Armed
    Forces in East Timor.
        As you are aware, U.N. Security Council Resolution 1272 established
    the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) on
    October 25, 1999. The UNTAET's mandate includes providing security and
    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. The United States currently contributes three military
    observers to UNTAET. These personnel are assigned to the United Nations
    pursuant to the United Nations Participation Act (Public Law 79-264) and
    operate under U.N. operational control.
        The United States also maintains a military presence in East Timor
    that is separate from UNTAET. This includes the U.S. Support Group East
    Timor (USGET), comprised of approximately 20 U.S. personnel, including a
    security detachment, which facilitates and coordinates U.S. military
    activities in East Timor, and a rotational presence of U.S. forces
    through temporary deployments to East Timor. These rotational presence
    operations include monthly U.S. Navy ship visits, and deployments of
    military medical and engineering teams that conduct humanitarian and
    civic assistance activities in areas critical to East Timor's citizens.
    United States forces assigned to USGET and those conducting rotational
    presence operations operate under U.S. command and control and U.S.
    rules of engagement. The United Nations, and Australia as a leading
    contributor to UNTAET, have indicated that East Timor has benefited
    greatly from U.S. military deployments to and engagement activities in
    East Timor. Both the United Nations and Australia strongly support
    continued U.S. presence in East Timor.
        At this point, U.S. rotational presence operations are envisioned to
    continue through December 2001. We are reviewing options for our
    military presence in 2002. My objective is to reduce the rotational
    presence operations, as well as to redeploy USGET, as circumstances
    permit, giving due regard to the situation on the ground and the views
    of our friends and allies in the region, including Australia.
        I have authorized the continuation of 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,

                                                              George W. Bush

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