    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 12 (Monday, March 28, 1994)]
    [Page 625]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Denying Executive Clemency to Jonathan Pollard

    March 23, 1994

        After personally reviewing the Jonathan Pollard matter, I have
    decided to deny his application for executive clemency. I make this
    decision taking into account the recommendation of the Attorney General
    and the unanimous views of the law enforcement and national security
    agencies. My decision is based upon the grave nature of his offense and
    the considerable damage that his actions caused our Nation.
        Mr. Pollard's crime is one of the most serious crimes against our
    country, placing national security secrets of the United States in the
    hands of another country. I have considered Mr. Pollard's argument that
    he is deserving of a shorter prison sentence because he spied for a
    friendly nation. I nevertheless believe that the enormity of Mr.
    Pollard's crime, the harm his actions caused to our country, and the
    need to deter every person who might even consider such actions, warrant
    his continued incarceration.