    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 35 (Monday, September 4, 2000)]
    [Pages 1964-1965]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Further Deployment of United States
    Forces to East Timor

    August 25, 2000

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

        On October 8, 1999, I reported to the Congress, consistent with the
    War Powers Resolution, the deployment of a limited number of U.S.
    military forces to provide support to the International Force East Timor
    (INTERFET). This multinational force, established by United Nations
    Security Council Resolution 1264, was given a mandate to restore peace
    and security in East

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    Timor, protect and support the United Nations Mission in East Timor
    (UNAMET), and, within force capabilities, facilitate humanitarian
    assistance operations. The U.S. support to INTERFET consisted of
    planning and staff, communications, humanitarian, intelligence, and
    logistics support (including theater and strategic lift).
        The INTERFET was formally replaced in East Timor on February 23,
    2000, by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
    (UNTAET). Consequently, the U.S. personnel who were the subject of my
    October 8, 1999, report redeployed from East Timor. The UNTAET, which
    was established by Security Council Resolution 1272, has a mandate that
    includes providing security and maintaining law and order throughout
    East Timor; establishing an effective administration; ensuring the
    coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance; and supporting
    capacity-building for self-government. To implement this plan, the
    Security Council authorized UNTAET to deploy up to 8,950 military
    personnel, 200 military observers, and 1,640 civilian police.
        The United States currently contributes three military observers to
    UNTAET. These personnel are assigned to the United Nations pursuant to
    the United Nations Participation Act (Public Law 79-264), and operate
    under U.N. operational control. During June and July 2000, the U.S.
    contribution to UNTAET also included one judge advocate officer.
        As I reported to the Congress on February 25, 2000, the United
    States also maintains a credible and visible military presence in East
    Timor that is separate from UNTAET. This military presence consists of
    the U.S. Support Group East Timor (USGET), comprised of approximately 30
    U.S. personnel who facilitate and coordinate U.S. military activities in
    East Timor, and the rotational presence of U.S. forces through temporary
    deployments to East Timor. These rotational presence operations include
    periodic ship visits during which U.S. forces conduct humanitarian and
    civic assistance activities in areas critical to East Timor's citizens.
    United States forces, whether assigned to USGET or conducting rotational
    presence operations, operate under U.S. command and control, and U.S.
    rules of engagement. The United Nations has indicated that East Timor
    has benefited greatly from U.S. military deployments to, and engagement
    activities in, East Timor and supports the continued U.S. presence
    there.
        At this point, our rotational presence operations are envisioned to
    continue through December 2000. Future rotational presence operations
    will likely include rotation of naval assets and embarked aircraft, and
    small medical/dental and engineering civic action programs. Certain of
    these forces will be equipped with the normal complement of defensive
    weapons. The duration of our support depends upon the course of events
    in East Timor. At present, it is my intention to continue operations
    generally at the current levels to the end of the calendar year. It is,
    however, our objective to reduce the rotational presence operations, as
    well as to redeploy USGET 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 letter was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on August 28.