[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 14 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Pages 562-563]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Senate Transmitting the Israel-United States Treaty on 
Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and Documentation

April 2, 1998

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 Treaty between the Government of 
the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel 
on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed at Tel Aviv on 
January 26, 1998, and a related exchange of notes signed the same date. 
I transmit also, for the information of the Senate, the Report of the 
Department of State with respect to the Treaty.
    The Treaty is one of a series of modern mutual legal assistance 
treaties being negotiated by the United States for the purpose of 
countering criminal activities more effectively. The Treaty should be an 
effective tool

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to assist in the prosecution of a wide variety of modern criminals, 
including those involved in terrorism, other violent crimes, drug 
trafficking, money laundering, and other white collar crime. The Treaty 
is self-executing.
    The Treaty provides for a broad range of cooperation in criminal 
matters. Mutual assistance available under the Treaty includes: taking 
the testimony or statements of persons; providing documents, records, 
and articles of evidence; serving documents; locating or identifying 
persons or items; transferring persons in custody for testimony or for 
other assistance; executing requests for searches and seizures; 
assisting in proceedings related to seizure, immobilization and 
forfeiture of assets, restitution, and collection of fines; executing 
procedures involving experts; and providing any other form of assistance 
appropriate under the laws of the Requested State.
    I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration 
to the Treaty and give its advice and consent to ratification.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
April 2, 1998.