[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 23 (Monday, June 14, 1993)]
[Pages 1060-1061]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Situation in Somalia

 June 10, 1993

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

    On December 10, 1992, President Bush reported to the Congress that 
U.S. Armed Forces had been deployed to Somalia to assist the United 
Nations effort to deal with the human catastrophe in that country, to 
avert related threats to international peace and security, and to 
protect the safety of Americans and others engaged in relief operations. 
This action was part of a multilateral response to U.N. Security Council 
Resolution 794, which authorized Member States, under Chapter VII of the 
U.N. Charter, to use all necessary means to establish a secure 
environment for humanitarian relief operations in Somalia. Since that 
time, my Administration and its predecessor have endeavored, through 
briefings and other means, to keep you informed about the progress of 
U.S. efforts in Somalia. I am providing this further report, consistent 
with the War Powers Resolution, in light of the passage of 6 months 
since President Bush's initial report on the deployment of U.S. Armed 
Forces to Somalia.
    As you are aware, the U.S.-led operation, known as Operation Restore 
Hope, was responsible for stemming the tragic situation and saving many 
lives by ensuring that desperately needed relief efforts in behalf of 
the civilian population could proceed. Owing in large measure to the 
success of the U.S.-led Unified Task Force in Somalia (UNITAF), the 
responsibility for the continuing operation was transferred in an 
orderly fashion to the operational control of the U.N. Operation in 
Somalia (UNOSOM II) on May 4, 1993, pursuant to U.N. Security Council 
Resolution 814. This Resolution similarly invoked Chapter VII of the 
U.N. Charter and endowed UNOSOM II with the right to use force to ensure 
that the mandate is implemented.
    The United States continues to support U.N. efforts in Somalia by 
providing approximately 3,000 U.S. logistics and other support personnel 
under the operational control of UNOSOM II. In addition, approximately 
1,100 U.S. troops remain in the area as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF), 
under the operational control of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central 
Command, for use in emergency situations. The UNOSOM II deputy 
commander, a U.S. Army general who is the U.S. contingent commander, is 
authorized to send the QRF into action as may be necessary.

[[Page 1061]]

    On June 5, 1993, UNOSOM II forces operating in Mogadishu encountered 
attacks instigated by one of Somalia's factional leaders, resulting in 
the deaths of 23 Pakistani military personnel. Three U.S. military 
personnel assigned to UNOSOM II sustained minor injuries. As envisioned 
in response to such situations, the QRF was called upon to assist in 
quelling the violence against the lawful activities of UNOSOM II in 
implementing the U.N. mandate. On June 6, 1993, the U.N. Security 
Council adopted Resolution 837, reaffirming the authority of UNOSOM II 
to take all necessary measures against those responsible for these armed 
attacks.

    Our forces will remain equipped and prepared to accomplish their 
humanitarian mission and defend themselves, if necessary; they also will 
be provided such additional U.S. support as may be necessary to ensure 
their safety and the accomplishment of their mission.

    I have continued the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces to Somalia 
pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign 
relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and in 
accordance with applicable treaties and laws. This deployment is 
consistent with S.J. Res. 45, as adopted by the Senate on February 4, 
1993, and as modified and adopted by the House on May 25, 1993.

    Effective U.S. foreign policy requires close cooperation between the 
President and the Congress, and this imperative is particularly 
important regarding issues surrounding the use of our Nation's Armed 
Forces. I remain committed to ensuring that the Congress is kept fully 
informed on these matters and that the public good is served through 
constructive discussions and cooperation between our two branches.

    Sincerely,

                                                  Bill Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of 
the Senate.