    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 17 (Monday, April 28, 1997)]
    [Page 582]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Message to the Senate on the Chemical Weapons Convention

    April 25, 1997

    To the Senate of the United States:

        I am gratified that the United States Senate has given its advice
    and consent to the ratification of the Convention on the Prohibition of
    the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and
    on their Destruction (the ``Convention'').
        During the past several months, the Senate and the Administration,
    working together, have prepared a resolution of advice and consent to
    ratification of unusual breadth and scope. The resolution that has now
    been approved by the Senate by a strong, bipartisan vote of 74-26
    contains 28 different Conditions covering virtually every issue of
    interest and concern. I will implement these provisions. I will, of
    course, do so without prejudice to my Constitutional authorities,
    including for the conduct of diplomatic exchanges and the implementation
    of treaties. A Condition in a resolution of ratification cannot alter
    the allocation of authority and responsibility under the Constitution.
        I note that Condition (2) on Financial Contributions states that no
    funds may be drawn from the Treasury for payments or assistance under
    the Convention without statutory authorization and appropriation. I will
    interpret this Condition in light of the past practice of the Congress
    as not precluding the utilization of such alternatives as appropriations
    provisions that serve as a statutory authorization.
        I am grateful to Majority Leader Lott, Minority Leader Daschle, and
    Senators Helms, Biden, Lugar, Levin, McCain and the many others who have
    devoted so much time and effort to this important ratification effort.
    It is clear that the practical result of our work together on the
    Convention will well serve the common interest of advancing the national
    security of the United States. In this spirit, I look forward to the
    entry into force of the treaty and express my hope that it will lead to
    even more important advances in United States, allied, and international
    security.
                                                William J. Clinton
    The White House,
    April 25, 1997.