[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 38 (Monday, September 26, 1994)]
[Pages 1823-1824]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on Haiti

September 21, 1994

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

    On September 18, I reported to the Congress that an agreement was 
successfully concluded by former President Jimmy Carter, Senator Sam 
Nunn, and General Colin Powell regarding the transition between the de 
facto government and the elected government in Haiti. On September 18, I 
also directed the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces to Haiti as part of 
the multinational coalition provided for by U.N. Security Council 
Resolution 940 of July 31, 1994. I am providing this report, consistent 
with the War Powers

[[Page 1824]]

Resolution, to ensure that the Congress is kept fully informed regarding 
this action to support multilateral efforts to restore democracy in 
Haiti and to protect democracy in our hemisphere.
    On September 19, at approximately 9:25 a.m. e.d.t., units under the 
command of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command, were 
introduced into Haitian territory, including its territorial waters and 
airspace. United States Armed Forces participating in the deployment 
include forces from the U.S. Army's 18th Airborne Corps, including the 
10th Mountain Division; U.S. Naval Forces from the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, 
including the U.S. Second Fleet and U.S. Marine Forces and amphibious 
ships; U.S. Air Forces, including the 12th Air Force; and various units 
from U.S. Special Forces.
    Air-landed and seaborne U.S. forces successfully secured initial 
entry points at Port au Prince International Airport and the Port au 
Prince port facilities. Approximately 1,500 troops were involved in 
these initial efforts. No resistance was encountered and there were no 
U.S. casualties. Over the next several days, it is anticipated that U.S. 
troop strength in Haiti will increase by several thousand in order to 
ensure the establishment and maintenance of a secure and stable 
environment.
    As to the duration of the mission, our presence in Haiti will not be 
open-ended. As I indicated on September 18, the coalition will be 
replaced after a period of months by a U.N. peacekeeping force, the U.N. 
Mission in Haiti (UNMIH). By that time, the bulk of U.S. forces will 
have departed. Some U.S. forces will make up a portion of the UNMIH and 
will be present in Haiti for the duration of the U.N. mission. The 
entire U.N. mission will withdraw from Haiti after elections are held 
next year and a new Haitian government takes office in early 1996, 
consistent with U.N. Security Council Resolution 940.
    The military operations I have directed are conducted under U.S. 
command and control. As I reported to the Congress on September 18, the 
departure from power of the coup leaders will substantially decrease the 
likelihood of armed resistance. There has not been armed resistance to 
the deployment. However, the forces are equipped for combat and ready to 
accomplish their mission and to defend themselves, as well as to ensure 
the safety of U.S. nationals in Haiti.
    I have taken these measures to further the national security 
interests of the United States: to stop the brutal atrocities that 
threaten tens of thousands of Haitians; to secure our borders; to 
preserve stability and promote democracy in our hemisphere; and to 
uphold the reliability of the commitments we make, and the commitments 
others make to us, including the Governors Island Agreement and the 
agreement concluded on September 18 in Haiti.
    I have ordered this deployment of U.S. Armed Forces pursuant to my 
constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations and as Commander 
in Chief and Chief Executive.
    Finally, I remain committed to consulting closely with the Congress, 
and I will continue to keep the Congress fully informed regarding this 
important deployment of our Armed Forces.
    Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate.