THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary (Ottawa, Canada)
For Immediate Release October 8, 1999
TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE
SENATE
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 multi-national 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
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