    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [September 26, 2002]
    [Page 1675]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Deployment of United States
    Military Forces in Cote d'Ivoire
    September 26, 2002

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On September 19, 2002, a mutiny and rebellion took place in the West
    African country of Cote d'Ivoire that threatened American citizens
    living there. Fighting erupted between the mutineers and government
    forces.
        On September 24, 2002, a standby evacuation force of U.S. military
    personnel from the U.S. European Command was pre-positioned in Accra,
    Ghana, to assist with the evacuation of U.S. citizens from Cote d'Ivoire
    and with any other contingencies that might emerge. These forces
    initially included approximately 180 soldiers, fixed-wing aircraft, and
    equipment.
        On September 25, 2002, U.S. forces moved into Cote d'Ivoire to
    assist French forces with the evacuation of American citizens and third
    country nationals from Bouake. This included children from the
    International Christian Academy as well as Peace Corps Volunteers,
    faculty, and missionaries. United States forces will also assist in the
    evacuation of other American citizens and third country nationals in
    Cote d'Ivoire, should their evacuation become necessary.
        Although U.S. forces are equipped for combat, this movement was
    undertaken solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and
    property. United States forces will redeploy as soon as it is determined
    that this mission is completed.
        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 informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.
        I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action in Cote
    d'Ivoire.
             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. This letter was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on September 27.