    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 21, 2003]
    [Pages 287-288]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Commencement of
    Military Operations Against Iraq
    March 21, 2003

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On March 18, 2003, I made available to you, consistent with section
    3(b) of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq
    Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), my determination that further
    diplomatic and other peaceful means alone will neither adequately
    protect the national security of the United States against the
    continuing threat posed by Iraq, nor lead to enforcement of all relevant
    United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.
        I have reluctantly concluded, along with other coalition leaders,
    that only the use of armed force will accomplish these objectives and
    restore international peace and security in the area. I have also
    determined that the use of armed force against Iraq is consistent with
    the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary
    actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations,
    including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned,
    authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on
    September 11, 2001. United States objectives also support a transition
    to democracy in Iraq, as contemplated by the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998
    (Public Law 105-338).
        Consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), I now
    inform you that pursuant to my authority as Commander in Chief and
    consistent with the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq
    Resolution (Public Law 102-1) and the Authorization for Use of Military
    Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), I directed
    U.S. Armed Forces, operating with other coalition forces, to commence
    combat operations on March 19, 2003, against Iraq.
        These military operations have been carefully planned to accomplish
    our goals

    [[Page 288]]

    with the minimum loss of life among coalition military forces and to
    innocent civilians. It is not possible to know at this time either the
    duration of active combat operations or the scope or duration of the
    deployment of U.S. Armed Forces necessary to accomplish our goals fully.
        As we continue our united efforts to disarm Iraq in pursuit of
    peace, stability, and security both in the Gulf region and in the United
    States, I look forward to our continued consultation and cooperation.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

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