[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2000)]
[Page 1147]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Senate Transmitting the South Africa-United States 
Extradition Treaty With Documentation

May 18, 2000

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 Extradition Treaty Between the 
Government of the United States of America and the Government of the 
Republic of South Africa, signed at Washington on September 16, 1999.
    In addition, I transmit, for the information of the Senate, the 
report of the Department of State with respect to the Treaty. As the 
report explains, the Treaty will not require implementing legislation.
    The provisions in this Treaty follow generally the form and content 
of extradition treaties recently concluded by the United States.
    The Treaty is one of a series of modern extradition treaties being 
negotiated by the United States to counter criminal activities more 
effectively. Upon entry into force, the Treaty will replace the outdated 
Treaty Relating to the Reciprocal Extradition of Criminals signed at 
Washington, December 18, 1947, and in force between the two countries 
since April 30, 1951. Together with the Treaty Between the Government of 
the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of South 
Africa on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, also signed 
September 16, 1999, this Treaty will, upon entry into force, enhance 
cooperation between the law enforcement communities of the two 
countries. It will thereby make a significant contribution to 
international law enforcement efforts against serious offenses, 
including terrorism, organized crime, and drug-trafficking offenses.
    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,
 May 18, 2000.