[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 15 (Monday, April 14, 1997)]
[Page 475]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Congress Transmitting the International Grains Agreement, 
1995

April 7, 1997

To the Senate of the United States:

    With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to 
ratification, I transmit herewith the Grains Trade Convention and Food 
Aid Convention constituting the International Grains Agreement, 1995, 
open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 
May 1 through June 30, 1995. The Conventions were signed by the United 
States on June 26, 1995. I transmit also for the information of the 
Senate, the report of the Department of State with respect to the 
Conventions.
    The Grains Trade Convention, 1995, replaces the Wheat Trade 
Convention, 1986, and maintains the framework for international 
cooperation in grains trade matters. It also continues the existence of 
the International Grains Council.
    The Food Aid Convention, 1995, replaces the Food Aid Convention, 
1986, and renews commitments of donor member states to provide minimum 
annual quantities of food aid to developing countries.
    The International Grains Council and the Food Aid Committee granted 
the United States (and other countries) a 1-year extension of time in 
which to deposit its instruments of ratification, and have permitted the 
United States in the meantime to continue to participate in the 
organizations.
    It is my hope that the Senate will give prompt and favorable 
consideration to the two Conventions, and give its advice and consent to 
ratification so that ratification by the United States can be effected 
and instruments of ratification deposited at the earliest possible date.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
April 7, 1997.