[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 8 (Monday, March 1, 1999)]
[Page 311]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on Deployment of Military
Personnel to Kenya and Tanzania
February 25, 1999
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
On August 10, 1998, I reported to the Congress that two teams of
U.S. military personnel had been deployed to Kenya and Tanzania to
assist in the provision of security for our embassies in Nairobi and Dar
es Salaam in the aftermath of the terrorist bombings at those sites. I
am providing this supplemental report, consistent with the War Powers
Resolution, as part of my efforts to keep the Congress informed about
the continuing deployment of U.S. military personnel in Kenya.
The military personnel that deployed to Tanzania have since
redeployed. Military personnel have remained in Kenya, however, to
assist in provision of security for our embassy and American citizens in
Nairobi. The need for this additional security support will continue
until renovations are completed to provide a secure and permanent
embassy facility in Nairobi.
I have continued this deployment of U.S. Armed Forces pursuant to my
constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as
Commander in Chief and Chief Executive. 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 J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
House of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of
the Senate.