[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 33 (Monday, August 17, 1998)]
[Page 1607]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Bombing Incidents in 
Africa

August 10, 1998

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

    On August 7, 1998, two bombs exploded about five minutes apart at 
the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A 
number of American citizens were killed or wounded, and the embassies 
suffered extensive damage. Department of State officials requested 
immediate medical, security, and disaster response assistance from the 
Department of Defense.
    On August 7, 1998, a Joint Task Force of U.S. military personnel 
from U.S. Central Command deployed to Nairobi to coordinate the medical 
and disaster response assistance arriving in Kenya and Tanzania. In 
addition, on August 8, 1998, teams of approximately 50-100 security 
personnel each arrived in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. These teams will 
enhance the ability of the United States to ensure the security of the 
American Embassies and American citizens in these countries.
    The U.S. forces comprising the Joint Task Force and the medical and 
security assistance come primarily from elements of the U.S. Central and 
U.S. European Commands. Other elements are U.S.-based units. Each of the 
armed services is represented. Although U.S. forces are equipped for 
combat, this movement is being undertaken solely for the purpose of 
enhancing embassy security and ensuring the security of American 
citizens. United States forces will redeploy as soon as the additional 
security support is determined to be unnecessary.
    I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to 
conduct U.S. foreign relations 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 assist in 
embassy security and the security of American citizens overseas.
    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 
August 11.