[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 41 (Monday, October 18, 1999)]
[Page 1998]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on Deployment of United States Force To 
Provide Support to the Multinational Force in East Timor

 October 8, 1999

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

    On September 15, 1999, the United Nations Security Council, under 
Chapter VII of the Charter, authorized the establishment of a 
multinational force to restore peace and security in East Timor, to 
protect and support the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET), 
and, within force capabilities, to facilitate humanitarian assistance 
operations. In support of this multinational effort, I directed a 
limited number of U.S. military forces to deploy to East Timor to 
provide support to the multinational force (INTERFET) being assembled 
under Australian leadership to carry out the mission described in 
Security Council Resolution 1264. United States support to the 
multinational force has thus far been limited to communications, 
intelligence, logistics, planning assistance, and transportation.
    Recently, I authorized the deployment of the amphibious ship, USS 
BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3), and her embarked helicopters, to the East Timor 
region, including Indonesian waters, to provide helicopter airlift and 
search and rescue support to the multinational operation. Also, embarked 
in BELLEAU WOOD is a portion of her assigned complement of personnel 
from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) 
(MEU (SOC)). At this time, I do not anticipate that the embarked Marines 
will be deployed ashore, with the exception of the temporary deployment 
of a communications element to support air operations.
    At this point, it is not possible to predict how long this operation 
will continue. The duration of the deployment depends upon the course of 
events in East Timor and may include rotation of naval assets and 
embarked aircraft. United States support for this multinational effort 
will continue until transition to a U.N. peacekeeping force is complete. 
It is, however, our objective to redeploy U.S. forces as soon as 
circumstances permit.
    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.
    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. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.