[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.