[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 23 (Monday, June 9, 1997)]
[Pages 823-824]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Situation in Sierra 
Leone

May 30, 1997

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

    On May 25, soldiers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Military 
Forces (RSLMF) mutinied against the country's democratically elected 
President, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah. Battles between the mutineers and the 
President's Nigerian security guard resulted in several rocket propelled 
grenade rounds hitting the U.S. Embassy. In addition, the RSLMF soldiers 
have engaged in looting, rape, armed robbery, and carjackings throughout 
the city. Sporadic gunfire and looting diminished with the arrival of 
additional Nigerian military forces that attempted to restore order. 
However, the security situation is deteriorating as tensions rise 
between Nigerian troops on the one hand and the mutineers and their 
supporters on the other hand. While there is no evidence that Americans 
are being directly targeted, the disorder and violence in Freetown 
subjects American citizens to continued risks ranging from criminal acts 
to random violence.
    On May 29 and May 30, due to the uncertain security situation and 
the possible threat to American citizens and the American Embassy in 
Sierra Leone, approximately 200 U.S. military personnel, including an 
11-member special forces detachment, were positioned in Freetown to 
prepare for the evacuation of certain U.S. Government employees and 
private U.S. citizens. Evacuation operations began on May 30, as U.S. 
military helicopters transported U.S. citizens and designated third-
country nationals to immediate safety aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge from 
where they will be taken to Conakry, Guinea, for further transportation. 
In addition to those evacuated by helicopter, 18 U.S. citizens departed 
Sierra Leone on May 29 via a British charter airline flight.
    The Marines involved in this operation are from the Marine 
Expeditionary Unit currently embarked aboard U.S.S. Kearsarge, operating 
off the west coast of Africa. Special forces personnel are from the U.S. 
Army Third Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Although 
U.S. forces are

[[Page 824]]

equipped for combat, the evacuation has been undertaken solely for the 
purpose of protecting American citizens and property. United States 
forces will redeploy as soon as evacuation operations are complete and 
enhanced security at locations in and around Freetown is no longer 
required.
    I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to 
conduct the foreign relations of the United States and as Commander in 
Chief and Chief Executive.
    I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the 
Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I 
appreciate the support of the Congress in this action to protect 
American citizens and the American Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
    Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House 
of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the 
Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
June 2.