[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 39 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Pages 1634-1635]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Use of United States Military 
Forces in the Cote d'Ivoire

September 26, 2002

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

    On September 19, 2002, a mutiny and rebellion took place in the West 
African country of Cote d'Ivoire that threatened American citizens 
living there. Fighting erupted between the mutineers and government 
forces.
    On September 24, 2002, a standby evacuation force of U.S. military 
personnel from the U.S. European Command was 
pre-positioned in Accra, Ghana, to assist with the evacuation of U.S. 
citizens from Cote d'Ivoire and with any other contingencies that might 
emerge. These forces initially included approximately 180 soldiers, 
fixed-wing aircraft, and equipment.
    On September 25, 2002, U.S. forces moved into Cote d'Ivoire to 
assist French forces with the evacuation of American citizens and third 
country nationals from Bouake. This included children from the 
International Christian Academy as well as Peace Corps Volunteers, 
faculty, and missionaries. United States forces will also assist in the 
evacuation of other American citizens and third country nationals in 
Cote d'Ivoire, should their evacuation become necessary.
    Although U.S. forces are equipped for combat, this movement was 
undertaken solely for the purpose of protecting American

[[Page 1635]]

citizens and property. United States forces will redeploy as soon as it 
is determined that this mission is completed.
    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 informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.
    I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action in Cote 
d'Ivoire.
     Sincerely,
                                                George W. Bush

Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of 
the Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on September 27.