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1
McGroarty/Dooley
March 5, 1991
1:45 pm
[JSC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
THE CAPITOL
MARCH 6, 1990
9:00 PM
Mr. President. Mr. Speaker. Members of Congress: Five
short weeks ago, I came to this House to speak to you about the
State of the Union. We met then in time of war. Tonight, we
meet in a world blessed by the promise of peace. //
From the moment operations commenced on January 16, until
the time the guns fell silent at midnight one week ago, this
nation has watched its sons and daughters with pride -- watched
over them with prayer. // As Commander in Chief, I can report
to you that our armed forces fought with honor and valor. As
President, I can report to the nation that OPERATION DESERT STORM
is an unqualified success. ///
No one nation can claim this hard-won victory for its own.
It is a victory for each nation united in the coalition -- and
for the United Nations. It is a victory for the rule of law --
and for what is right. //
DESERT STORM's success also belongs to the team that so ably
leads our Armed forces: our Secretary of Defense and our
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs: Dick Cheney and Colin Powell. //
And of course, this victory belongs to someone who cannot
be with us tonight. I'm talking about the one the British call
the "Man of the Match" -- the tower of calm at the eye of DESERT
STORM -- General Norman Schwarzkopf. ///
2
Let us not forget Saudi General Khalid, or General
Roquejoffre of France, or Britain's General de la Billiere -- and
all the others whose commands played such a vital role. / /
I thank the members of this Congress -- whose support for
our troops was steady and strong. And above all, I thank the
American people, whose unfailing love and support sustained our
courageous men and women in the field through all the weeks and
months -- half a world a way -- but always in our hearts. ///
Tonight, I come to this House to speak about our world //
after war. About the prospects for lasting peace now within our
reach. //
The recent challenge could not have been clearer. Kuwait
was the victim -- Saddam Hussein the villain. To the aid of one
small country came nations from North America and Europe, from
Asia and South America, from Africa and the Arab world -- all
united against aggression. //
An uncommon coalition fought in common cause. We must now
work in common purpose -- to forge a future never again held
hostage to the darker side of man's nature.
The work of peace begins with Kuwait and Iraq -- with a
peace that makes a small nation whole, and removes from its
borders a source of fear. And throughout the Middle East, let us
work to put to rest the ancient enmities that for so long have
shattered the peace in this historic heart and crossroads of
civilization. //
3
I am pleased to report tonight that the ceasefire is holding
and appears to be secure. [[The Iraqi leadership has agreed
to
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON CEASEFIRE, etc. ]]
Yes, Saddam Hussein remains in power. But he rules amid
ruin. I can report to you: His war machine is crushed. // I
can report to you: His ability to threaten mass destruction is
itself destroyed. // And this I promise you: Saddam and those
around him must know that they will be held accountable for all
that they have done. ///
All of us pray for the victims of war. For the people of
Kuwait -- and the suffering that scars the soul of that proud
nation. For all our fallen soldiers, and their families -- for
all the innocents caught up in this conflict. / And for the
people of Iraq -- my hope is that one day we will welcome them
once more as friends into the community of nations -- for the
people of Iraq have never been our enemy.
To all who know America, it will come as no surprise that
our commitment to peace in the Middle East does not end with the
liberation of Kuwait. //
So tonight, let me outline four key principles on which
peace must rest: //
First, our friends and allies in the Middle East understand
that they will bear the bulk of the responsibility for regional
security. But we must make it equally clear to them that, just
as we stood with them to repel aggression -- so now America
stands ready to work with them to secure the peace.
4
What does this means for the United States? It does not
mean stationing U.S. ground forces on the Arabian Peninsula --
but it does mean maintaining a capable U.S. naval presence in the
region, as we have for over forty years. And it means American
participation in training exercises -- involving both air and
ground forces -- with our friends and allies in the region.
All that we have accomplished in war will be in vain, if
this nation fails to serve -- now and in the future -- as a force
for peace. //
Second, we must act to stem the proliferation of arms
throughout the region -- especially weapons of mass destruction
and the means to deliver them. This calls for greater
coordination among the potential suppliers of these technologies
to ensure that commercial gain does not compromise the public
good. // It also calls for greater cooperation among the states
of the region to forego these and other modern weapons. It would
be tragic if the nations of the Middle East and Persian Gulf were
now, in the wake of war, to embark on a new arms race instead of
a race for peace.
The case of Iraq requires special vigilance. Until we are
convinced of Iraq's peaceful intentions -- that its leaders will
not use new revenues to rearm itself and rebuild its menacing war
machine -- Iraq should -- Iraq must -- remain under embargo. ///
Third, we must seize new opportunities that promise lasting
peace and stability. On the night I announced the beginning of
OPERATION DESERT STORM, I expressed my hope that out of the
5
horrors of war might come new momentum for peace. // In the
conflict just concluded, Israel and many of the Arab states have
for the first time found themselves confronting the same
aggressor. // We have learned in the modern age, geography
cannot guarantee security -- and that security does not come from
military power alone. We must now do all that we can to close
the gap that remains between Israel and the Arab states -- and
between Israelis and Palestinians. There can be no substitute
for negotiations -- the tactics of terror lead nowhere.
All of us know well the depth of bitterness that makes the
dispute between Israel and its neighbors one of the world's most
painful and intractable. In 1948 and 1956 -- in 1967 and again
in 1973 -- in Lebanon, and today in the violence of the West Bank
and Gaza, violence that claims the lives of Palestinians and
Israelis alike -- hostility has spilled over into bloodshed and
open conflict. // For too long, we've measured the passage of
time in the Middle East by wars waged. //
By now, it should be self-evident that peacemaking in the
Middle East will require compromise from all parties. At the
same time, peace will bring with it real benefits to every
participant. A comprehensive peace must continue to be grounded
in United Nations Security Resolutions 242 and 338 and the
principle of territory for peace. This principle must be
elaborated to provide for Israel's security and recognition
[right to exist as a state], and at the same time for legitimate
Palestinian political rights. Anything else would fail the twin
6
tests of fairness and security -- anything less would not permit
us to bury the legacy of the 1967 conflict, once and for all.
The time has come to put an end to Arab-Israeli enmity. //
History has shown the difficulties we face. But I guarantee
you: there will be no greater advocate of peace in the Middle
East than this President. //
Fourth, we must enlist economic development in the service
of peace and progress. The Persian Gulf and Middle East is a
region rich in natural resources -- with a wealth of untapped
human potential. The challenge is not -- as some suggest -- to
redistribute wealth from the "haves" to the "have nots. " The
answer lies in policies that promote open trade and investment -
- and a firm commitment to economic growth and opportunity for
all people of the region.
It is on these four principles that we must work to build a
framework for peace. / That is why I will meet next week with
the leaders of France, Canada and Great Britain. / That is why
I have asked Secretary of State Baker to go to Middle East, to
conduct a new round of consultations. He will go to listen, to
probe, to offer suggestions -- to assist and advance the search
for peace. Incidentally, I have asked Secretary Baker to raise
the question of the hostages held in Lebanon. We have not
forgotten them -- we will not forget them. / //
To all the challenges that confront this region of the
world, there is no single solution -- no American answer. / But
7
I can assure you: America will work tirelessly as a catalyst for
positive change. / /
The consequences of this conflict reach far beyond the
confines of the Middle East. // Twice this century, an entire
world waged wars against aggression. Twice this century, out of
the horrors of war emerged hope for a more peaceful world. Twice
this century, those hopes proved to be a distant dream, beyond
the grasp of man. In our lifetime, the world we've known has
been a world divided -- a world of barbed wire and concrete
block, conflict and Cold War.
That world no longer exists.
In its place, we see a new world coming into view. A world
where the United Nations -- freed from the clash of ideologies -
- is now poised to fulfill the historic vision of its founders.
A world in which there is the very real prospect of a new world
order, where the conduct of nations is governed by the rule of
law. In the words of Winston Churchill, a "world order" in which
"the principles of justice and fair play
protect the weak
against the strong
"
A world in which freedom and respect for
human rights find a home among all nations. //
The Gulf war put this new world to its first test. / And
my fellow Americans: We passed that test. //
For the sake of the Kuwaiti people -- we stood our ground.
// Because the world would not look the other way -- Mr.
Ambassador, tonight, Kuwait is free. / //
8
Tonight, as our troops begin to come home let us recognize
that the hard work of freedom still calls us forward. / We've
learned the hard lessons of history. The victory over Iraq was
not "a war to end all wars." This new world order does not mean
an era of perpetual peace.
This victory the world has won is a clear signal to any
dictator -- to any would-be tyrant, anywhere in the world: No
one can now mistake the strength that comes from collective
action. //
The war in the Gulf will shape not only the new world order
we seek -- but a new American order here at home. //
In the war just ended, there were time frames -- clear-cut
objectives -- and, above all, an overriding imperative to act.
We must bring that same sense of shared mission -- that same
sense of urgency -- to the challenges we face here at home.
We've got to build on the successes we've shared -- and
complete the unfinished business that remains. Last year,
Congress passed a Crime Bill that made a start in the right
direction. This year, it's time to finish the job -- time to put
a comprehensive crime package into law. Last year, we passed the
Air Transport Act. This year, it's time to pass a new Highway
Bill. In 1990, we enacted an historic Clean Air Act -- now it's
time to put in place a National Energy Strategy. Last year, we
passed a Child Care Bill that put power in the hands of parents.
Today, it's time to do the same thing with our schools, and
expand choice in education.
9
Tonight, I call on Congress to move forward on the domestic
front. Let's begin with education, transportation and crime --
and let's commit ourselves to passing forward-looking legislation
without delay. If our forces managed to win the ground war in
100 hours -- then surely, we can pass this legislation in 100
days. // Let that be the promise we make tonight to the
American people. //
Five weeks ago, when I spoke in this House about the State
of our Union, I asked all of you: if we can selflessly confront
evil for the sake of good in a land so far away -- then surely we
can make this land all that it should be. // In the time since
then, the brave men and women of DESERT STORM accomplished more
than even they may realize. They set out to confront an enemy
abroad -- and in the process, they transformed a nation at home.
Think of the way they went about their mission -- with
confidence and quiet pride. // Think about their sense of duty
-- about all they taught us -- about our values. About
ourselves. //
We hear so often about our young people in turmoil -- how
our children fall short -- how our schools fail us. How American
products and American workers are second-class. // Well, don't
you believe it. // That's not the America we saw in DESERT
STORM. The America we saw was first-class talent -- using first-
class technology and text-book tactics. The excellence embodied
in the Patriot missile -- and the patriots who made it work. And
soldiers who know about honor and bravery and duty and country -
col stepp
10
- and the world-shaking power of these simple words. // There
is something noble and majestic about the pride -- about the
patriotism -- that we feel tonight. //
So, to everyone here -- and everyone watching at home --
think about how we can honor the men and women of DESERT STORM.
Let us honor them with our gratitude -- I ask the Congress
to join with me in proclaiming a special day of thanksgiving,
[DATE]. Let us comfort the families of the fallen -- and
remember each precious life lost. //
Let us learn from them as well. Let us honor those who have
served us / by serving others. //
Let us honor them as individuals -- men and women of every
race, all creeds and colors -- by setting the face of this nation
against discrimination, against bigotry and hate.
I'm sure many of you saw on television the unforgettable
scene of four terrified Iraqi soldiers surrendering. They
emerged from their bunker -- broken, tears streaming from their
eyes, fearing the worst. / And then there was the American
sergeant. Remember what he said: "We're not going to hurt you.
You're all right now. You're all right now. " //
That scene says a lot about America -- a lot about who we
are. // We are a good people. We are a humble people -- a
generous people. Let us always be good and humble and generous
in all we do. ///
Soon, our troops will begin their final march -- their march
home. // Let it remind us that those who have gone before are
11
linked with us in the long line of freedom's march. Americans
have always tried to serve -- to sacrifice nobly for what we
believe to be right. That proves that we can come together with
respect and compassion to serve a larger purpose. //
[[Tonight, I want to announce that during the week of May
11th the nation will celebrate their return of our troops. ]]
Every Main Street in every city and town in America will welcome
them, with open arms. They may have missed Thanksgiving and
Christmas -- but I can tell you this: for them and for their
families, the day they come home will be a holiday they' 11 never
forget. //
In a very real sense, this victory belongs to them -- to the
privates and the pilots, to the sergeants and the supply
officers, to the men and women in the machines, and the men and
1units such as
women who made them work. It belongs to the 101st Airborne. The
1st Marine. To the 24th Mechanized -- the Wisconsin and the
Enterprise -- the xxth Tactical Air Wing. This victory belongs
to the finest fighting force this nation has ever known. ///
Let us honor those who have served us -- those who have
shown us all that America means to the world -- by making certain
that we here are worthy of them. ///
May God bless this great nation -- the United States of
America.
# # #
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MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
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DATE
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3/5
5:31
63-110 NSN 7540-00-634-4018 STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-81)
Prescribed by GSA
FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
* U.S. GPO: 1988 - 201-759
THE white HOUSE
MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
OF CALL
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DATE
TIME
RECEIVED BY
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3/5
6:30
63-110 NSN 7540-00-634-4018
STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-81)
Prescribed by GSA
FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
* U.S. GPO: 1988 — 201-759
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- 2
DEPORTATIONS/KUWAIT (Kuwait City/AP) -- At least 10,000 foreigners,
including Palestinian residents, are expected to be expelled for
collaborating with Iraq during its bloody seven-month occupation,
Kuwaiti officials say. Sheik Ahmed al-Sabah, head of the main
military-based resistance group and nephew to the ruling emir, said
Kuwaitis should not single out any nationality. He said many among
Kuwait's 350,000 Palestinian residents helped thwart Iraqi
blockades or performed other services. "It's just the people who
betrayed us who will be expelled," he said.
KILLED KUWAITI SOLDIERS (Kuwait City/AP) -- Seven Kuwaiti soldiers
manning checkpoints have been gunned down by passing vehicles in
late-night attacks, the American colonel running special operations
here said. Col. Jesse Johnson said no one has been arrested in the
fatal drive-by shootings, which came on three consecutive nights
starting last Saturday.
ISRAELI AID (AP) -- The Bush Administration and Israeli officials
have agreed to a compromise aid package that would give the Jewish
state $650 million for its military expenses during the war, an
unidentified congressional source said.
ROCARD MEETING (Paris/Reuter) -- French Prime Minister Rocard will
meet President Bush during a visit to Washington from March 9 to
11, Rocard's office said. It said Rocard would also meet officials
and congressmen involved in economic affairs but gave no further
details.
MAJOR-GORBACHEV TALKS (MOSCOW/UPI) -- Prime Minister Major said he
came away from four hours of talks with President Gorbachev
encouraged by the Soviet president's position on the Baltic
republics and a Middle East peace settlement. "In short, I believe
we can say that the United Kingdom can continue to do business with
Mr. Gorbachev in a very satisfactory manner," Major said.
AMERICAN FARMERS/MADIGAN (UPI) -- The U.S. will not "abandon its
farmers" either in trade negotiations or at home, Secretary-
nominee Madigan said. Trying to allay farmer concerns about the
future, Madigan said he would be "meaner than a junk yard dog" in
demanding fair trade rules. He also pointed to steps by the
Administration to cushion dairy and wheat farmers from sharp price
drops in recent months.
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###
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- 1
4:45 P.M. NEWS UPDATE
CRIME/PRESIDENT (Rita Beamish, AP) -- President Bush said a U.S.
soldier in the gulf may have "actually been safer in the midst of
the largest armored offensive in history than he would have been
on the streets of his own hometown." Speaking at an anti-crime
"summit" convened by Attorney General Thornburgh, Bush said the
country should call on the same national will that won the war to
defeat street crime in the nation's cities. "Now that the shooting
has stopped overseas, we've got to redouble our efforts to silence
the guns here at home," he told a group of law enforcement officers
attending the meeting.
(Laurence McQuillan, Reuter) -- President Bush, who was
greeted with a standing ovation, said the "kind of moral force and
national will that freed Kuwait City from abuse can free America's
cities from crime." The President called for an anti-crime package
that stops "the endless, frivolous appeals" which clog the courts,
that eases restrictions on police officers gathering evidence and
imposes the death penalty "for the most heinous of crimes." "Take
back the streets, and liberate our neighborhoods from the tyranny
of fear," Bush told the gathering.
(UPI) -- President Bush, pushing his stalled crime package,
declared it is time to "silence the guns here at home" now that
America has won the war. Bush, speaking to an Administration
"crime summit," was interrupted by applause 10 times in a speech
that drew on war victory themes and called for tough anti-crime
measures at home. Bush renewed his call for Congress to enact
several controversial anti-crime measures that civil libertarians,
trial lawyers and many judges regard with great suspicion.
"America needs a crime bill that's tough on criminals, not on law
enforcement," Bush said.
DOW JONES (New York/Reuter) -- Wall Street bulls renewed their
rampage, sending stocks sharply higher as investors bet on a swift
economic rebound now the war is over. The Dow Jones Industrial
Average jumped 60.39 points to hit 2,974.51 at the closing bell
-- a rise of 2.07 percent.
POWS/POWELL (Reuter) -- Gen. Powell said he was confident Iraq was
releasing all allied prisoners it took in the war as promised. "I
am reasonably confident that we will get all of them out,' Powell
told reporters. "They (Iraqis) have been forthcoming in their
conversations with us," he said. "I think they are anxious to
resolve this matter so I'm comfortable we will get all of the POWs
out that they are holding."
IRAQI OPPOSITION/PENTAGON (Reuter) -- President Saddam will
probably be able to quell unrest in a number of Iraqi cities, a
Pentagon intelligence official predicted. But Navy Rear Adm. Mike
McConnell, an intelligence specialist with the JCS, also said
Saddam's use of the military against insurgents could be "sowing
the seeds of his own destruction in the long term."
IRAQI OPPOSITION (Beirut/Reuter) -- The Iran-based Supreme Assembly
for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq said in a statement they had
taken control of nine Iraqi towns and cities, including Basra, and
vowed to fight until President Saddam was ousted.
-more-
- 2 -
We've received information on the location of the mine
fields in and around the theater of operations, so that the
rebuilding of Kuwait can begin safely. And it's my understanding,
Dick, that -- you told me that he got immediate satisfaction on that
question of the mine fields. So that's good -- that shows some real
signs of progress and cooperation.
Our goal remains what it's been all along -- Iraq's
complete and unconditional compliance with all relevant United
Nations resolutions and its implementation of all the requirements to
be found in Security Council Resolution 686, passed overwhelmingly
just this -- late Saturday afternoon, just this past Saturday. This
would allow us to move beyond the current suspension of military
operations to a more permanent and stable cease-fire.
Now, this has been a triumph -- a triumph for the 28
nations united against aggression. But as I said in my address to
the nation the final night of Kuwait's liberation, this is not a time
to gloat or it's not a time to brag. It's a time to be proud,
fiercely proud -- proud of our troops, proud of our friends who stood
with us, and proud of our people. Their strength and perseverance
endured that our success was as certain as our cause was true.
We're here today to ensure that our nation always
remembers those who defended her -- the heroic men and women who
stood where duty required them to stand. And we owe it to our
veterans that they return to an America confident and full of
promise. Much work remains to be done on the domestic scene. We've
got to tackle that with a new determination. But the American
people, I am convinced, are up to the job, as they have always been.
Let me close with the words of Abraham Lincoln, who spoke
to the nation on this very day, but back in 1865, at the end of a
devastating civil war. Here was the quote; most remember part of it:
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with
firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us
strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's
wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his
widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just
and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
Those words are inscribed on the marble of the memorial
which bears Lincoln's name. They were from the President's second
inaugural. They were a fitting call to honor the nation's veterans.
I made a comment right here at this podium the other day
about shedding the divisions that incurred from the Vietnam War. And
I want to repeat and say especially to the Vietnam veterans that are
here -- and I just had the pleasure of meeting some in the hall --
it's long overdue. It is long overdue that we kicked the Vietnam
syndrome, because many veterans from that conflict came back and did
not receive the proper acclaim that they deserve -- that this nation
was divided and we weren't as grateful as we should be. So somehow,
when these troops come home, I hope that message goes out to those
that served this country in the Vietnam War, that we appreciate their
service as well. (Applause.)
I am very grateful to our Secretary of Defense, to the
commander of our -- to the Chairman of our Joint Chiefs, and to our
CINC in the field, General Schwarzkopf, and to each and every one of
them -- I expect, knowing some of you, that you took the same pride I
did in one of our G.I.s when these Iraqis came tearing out to
surrender. And they had fear written all over their faces because
they'd been told that this would be their end. And I thought there
was something very moving and touching when that American sergeant
said, "We're not going to hurt you. We're not going to hurt you."
And we are a generous nation. And we've got a lot to do
now; we've got a lot to do to heal the wounds. Our argument has
never been with the people of Iraq, with those hapless soldiers that
MORE
6
Runger
bulf Pedsea
Kennedy
Saratoga
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America
homp'w
703/697-5131 Press Office
703/695-1868 Jim Cutler Steen
Desert Storm Cell
693-1075
M
and
session of
EACE
3/11/18
WAR AND PEACE
179
nt Czernin, and appar-
tered into concerning the non-Turkish peoples of the
It confirms, I am sorry
present Ottoman Empire, to the Turkish authorities
he unfortunate impres-
themselves. After a settlement all around, effected in
ned of the conferences
this fashion, by individual barter and concession, he
1 and acceptance of our
would have no objection, if I correctly interpret his
0 practical conclusions.
statement, to a league of nations which would undertake
substantive items which
to hold the new balance of power steady against external
final settlement. He is
disturbance.
d of international coun-
It must be evident to everyone who understands what
inciple of public diplo-
this war has wrought in the opinion and temper of the
It it be confined, at any
world that no general peace, no peace worth the infinite
and that the several
sacrifices of these years of tragical suffering, can pos-
and sovereignty, the
sibly be arrived at in any such fashion. The method
ttlement must depend
the German Chancellor proposes is the method of the
venty-three states now
Congress of Vienna. We cannot and will not return to
ussed and settled, not
that. What is at stake now is the peace of the world.
by the nations most
What we are striving for is a new international order
or neighborhood. He
based upon broad and universal principles of right and
'ee, but looks askance
justice, mere peace of shreds and patches. Is it
by international action
possible that Count von Hertling does not see that, does
der. He would with-
not grasp it, is in fact living in his thought in a world
mic barriers removed
dead and gone? Has he utterly forgotten the Reichstag
that could in no way
Resolutions of the nineteenth of July, or does he delib-
ary party with whom
erately ignore them? They spoke of the conditions of a
terms. Neither does
general peace, not of national aggrandizement or of
of armaments. That
arrangements between state and state. The peace of
e thinks, by the eco-
the world depends upon the just settlement of each
W the war. But the
of the several problems to which I adverted in my
t be returned without
recent address to the Congress. I, of course, do not
e but the representa-
mean that the peace of the world depends upon the
hall be made of the
acceptance of any particular set of suggestions as to
C provinces; with no
the way in which those problems are to be dealt with.
ice the "conditions"
I mean only that those problems each and all affect the
1 be evacuated; and
whole world; that unless they are dealt with in a spirit
ne with Poland. In
of unselfish and unbiased justice, with a view to the
affecting the Balkan
wishes, the natural connections, the racial aspirations,
him, to Austria and
the security, and the peace of mind of the peoples in-
greements to be en-
volved, no permanent peace will have been attained.
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
oldest ACC
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1991
6:00 A.M. EST EDITION
Midway -
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
longest there
Anti-Saddam Uprising Spreads In South Iraq -- A fundamentalist
47th -day
Islamic uprising against Saddam Hussein is rapidly gaining momentum
in the southern part of the country, with some towns already
effectively controlled by Iranian-backed opposition groups,
refugees said Monday.
(Washington Post, Washington Times)
Iraq To Return Property Seized After Kuwait Invasion -- Radio --
Iraq has decided to return all property it seized after its Aug.
2 invasion of Kuwait, Baghdad Radio said Tuesday.
(Reuter)
White House Reverses Stand, Supports Aid To Israel -- The Bush
administration, bowing to intense congressional pressure, has
reversed its position against any additional aid to Israel and now
favors as much as $800 million in new military assistance as part
of a supplemental budget request for the costs of Operation Desert
Storm.
(Washington Post)
NATIONAL NEWS
Firearms Violators Target Of Anti-Crime Proposal -- Attorney
General Thornburgh, reviving the Bush administration's campaign for
tough anti-crime laws, Monday proposed stiffer prison terms for
criminals who use semi-automatic weapons and for other violators
of federal firearms laws.
(Washington Post)
NETWORK NEWS (Monday evening)
POWs -- President Bush welcomed
the prisoner release as a
positive first step, but
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
cautioned the nation not to
relax.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-10
IRAQI REVOLT -- U.S. military
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
officials confirmed signs of a
growing revolt against Saddam in
EDITORIALS
C-1
southern Iraq.
A senior administration
official says that Saddam's
political future is now strictly
short-term.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
ANTI-SADDAM UPRISING SPREADS IN SOUTH IRAQ
Refugees Say Opposition Has Seized Some Towns
SAFWAN, Iraq -- A fundamentalist Islamic uprising against
Saddam Hussein is rapidly gaining momentum in the southern part of
the country, with some towns already effectively controlled by
Iranian-backed opposition groups, refugees streaming through this
village near Iraq's border with Kuwait said Monday.
Refugees described scenes of chaos and near-anarchy in several
towns, and said that resistance to Iraqi authorities is being led
by several fundamentalist opposition groups, primarily the Islamic
Revolutionary Party of Iraq, headed by Iranian-educated Mohammed
Bakr Hakim.
The refugees told of retaliatory attacks by Saddam's
Republican Guard, and just a few miles north of this war-damaged
border outpost, Republican Guard troops appeared to be in control.
They threatened Western journalists with rifles when they
approached by automobile in an attempt to reach Basra and
apparently detained two of them
The refugees said they did not know about the situation in the
rest of the country, but that rumors of Saddam's imminent overthrow
were widespread.
(William Claiborne, Washington Post, A1)
Guard Crushes Iragi Protests
SAFWAN -- Iraq's Republican Guard launched a fierce crackdown
on protesters demanding the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and the
establishment of an Islamic republic in Iraq, witnesses said
Monday.
The Guard
was reported to be turning some of its remaining
tanks and guns on the demonstrators, who are apparently disgusted
with vulnerable. Saddam's handling of the Gulf war and sense that he may be
There were reports of protesters killing government officials,
including the mayor of Basra, a governor and Saddam's eldest son.
Witnesses said demonstrations had erupted in at least eight
Iraqi cities, stretching from Basra to the Shiite Muslim holy city
of Karbala in central Iraq.
(Neil McFarquhar, Washington Times, A1)
DOCTORS SAY FREED AMERICAN POWs ARE HEALTHY
MANAMA, Bahrain -- The first six American prisoners of war
freed by Iraq were pronounced chipper and healthy Monday, and the
U.S. military said more allied POWs would go free in exchange for
194 Iraqi prisoners.
The exchange was to begin this afternoon
The first six freed Americans arrived at the U.S. Navy
hospital journey ship Mercy in Bahrain early Tuesday after a 17-hour
The head physician aboard the medical plane said
doctors
mistreated found no solid evidence that the six had been tortured or seriously
Iraq's ambassador the U.N., Abdul Amir Al-Anbari, said in New
Wednesday York on Monday that all allied POWs could be released today and
to the Red Cross in Baghdad.
(David Crary, AP)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-2
BUSH IS PLEASED BY FREEING OF 10
President Bush welcomed the release of 10 allied prisoners by
Iraq Monday, but vowed to win the freedom of "every single"
captured soldier and Kuwaiti citizen. The nation's senior military
officer said the war would not be formally over ended until Iraq
accounted for all its prisoners
The Bush administration said that in addition to releasing the
10 prisoners, who included 6 Americans, Baghdad had also supplied
the location of land and sea mines in Kuwait and the Gulf to
coalition forces
"We're making progress in our journey from peace to war," Bush
told a veterans' group in the White House in a speech that mingled
a sense of triumph with quotations from Abraham Lincoln and
assurances from the President that he was "not gloating."
Bush's comments were part of a concerted effort by the
administration Monday to convey the impression that the U.S. was
not seeking to punish Iraq after the coalition's military victory,
but to play what Bush has called the "role of the healer."
(Andrew Rosenthal, New York Times, A10)
IRAQ TO RETURN PROPERTY SEIZED AFTER KUWAIT INVASION -- RADIO
BAGHDAD -- Iraq has decided to return all property it seized
after its Aug. 2 invasion of Kuwait, Baghdad Radio said Tuesday.
Baghdad Radio quoted the official Iraqi news agency INA as
saying it had learned that the Revolution Command Council "decided
to return all properties that Iraqi authorities took possession of
after Aug. 2."
INA said the decision Monday by the RCC was an implementation
of U.N. Security Council resolutions since the Kuwait invasion
Secretary General Perez de Cuellar said Monday he had the
impression that Iraq was trying to make every effort to implement
all the requirements of various U.N. resolutions.
(Reuter)
U.S., ITALY AGREE TO MAINTAIN GULF COALITION FOR PEACE
Secretary Baker and Italian Foreign Minister de Michelis
agreed to try to maintain the anti-Iraq coalition to press for
peace in the Middle East.
"We face some very, very difficult and intractable problems
in the aftermath of the crisis and for that very reason it is
important that we maintain as much unity as we can," Baker said
after an hour-long meeting with his Italian counterpart.
"The coalition lives and the coalition is in good shape as we
begin our trip to the region in the aftermath of the war," Baker
said.
(Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-3
IRAQI DISSIDENTS URGE U.S. TO ACTIVELY BACK SADDAM OUSTER
Cheered by the "uprising" in southern Iraq, exiled Iraqi
opposition representatives want the U.S. to drop its neutrality and
support and democratic system to replace Saddam Hussein.
"We want U.S. recognition of support for democratic government
in Iraq," Ahmed Chalabi, a longtime London-based opposition leader,
said.
"We don't want your intervention," he said. American
diplomatic and political weight would be "sufficient assistance,"
he said.
Muhammad Barh al-Ulum, a London Shiite cleric long active in
the opposition, said the "spontaneous uprising" already has spread
to six southern cities, and needs international support.
Al-Ulum said, "the great powers have sustained Saddam Hussein"
for years by doing business with him and accepting him as leader.
Now, he said, the U.S. and other democratic countries should
support the Iraqi peoples' "main demand" which is "to eliminate
Saddam Hussein's regime."
(Walter Friedenberg, Scripps Howard)
SADDAM TRIES TO RALLY FORCES IN SOUTH
NICOSIA -- Saddam Hussein, battling fundamentalist rebels in
half a dozen cities, sent his top aide to rally loyal commanders
in the southeast.
Izzat Ibrahim, vice-chairman of the Revolution Command
Council, urged them to remain faithful to Saddam and to be prepared
for martyrdom in the face of "major challenges."
His trip, half-way to the key southern port of Basra, center
of the uprising, was reported on Baghdad Radio.
It was the closest the official media has come to telling the
Iraqi people of the three-day-old revolt in the Shiite Moslem
heartland of the southeast following Iraq's Gulf War defeat.
(James Anderson, Reuter)
GENERAL SAYS IRAQI UNREST COULD SLOW RELEASE OF U.S. POWS
Violent civil unrest in Iraq could slow the release of
American servicemen held as prisoners of war, a senior U.S.
military officer said.
Gen. Kelly also said the fighting reported in Iraqi cities
could slow the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from Iraqi-
held territory.
Kelly, JCS director of operations, said he did not believe the
U.S. military would intervene to stop the violence "unless it
became very serious."
"We never have had any desire to take over Iraq," he said.
Kelly added that the unrest could create problems for
establishing a permanent ceasefire to end the war.
"One of the dangers is it could slow down the implementation
of the U.N. and coalition demands,' Kelly said. "This could
conceivably slow us down being able to get our prisoners of war
back, our own prisoners of war, and could slow down getting our
forces out of Iraq."
(AP)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-4
IRAQ PROTESTS CEASEFIRE 'VIOLATIONS'
BAGHDAD -- Iraq sent an official protest to the U.N. accusing
the U.S. of deliberately violating the ceasefire agreement.
Baghdad Radio broadcast a letter from Foreign Minister Aziz
to the Security Council and Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar
accusing U.S. warplanes of flying over Baghdad in violation of the
agreement.
The letter said the warplanes had deliberately broken the
sound barrier over Baghdad, frightening Iraqis still recovering
from six weeks of intense allied bombardment.
Aziz also said U.S. forces on Sunday had landed a helicopter
between Baghdad and Amman. The radio did not elaborate.
"These two actions contradict the basis and principles agreed
upon in the military meeting which took place in Safwan yesterday,"
the letter said.
"These actions constitute flagrant and unjustified
provocations. While denouncing these actions, the Iraqi government
registers its strong protest against them and calls on you, at the
same time, to put an end to them."
(Salah Nasrawi, AP)
KUWAIT'S CROWN PRINCE ENDS EXILE
KUWAIT CITY -- Kuwait's Crown Prince Saad Abdullah Sabah,
returned here Monday after seven months in exile to preside as
military governor over his newly liberated country
Most other members of Saad's 22-member cabinet have also
returned from the exile government's base of operations in Saudi
Arabia, but it is not known when Kuwait's emir, Jamir Ahmed Sabah,
will come back, officials said.
(Caryle Murphy, Washington Post, A1)
PROMINENT KUWAITI BANKER ACCUSES
RULING FAMILY OF HIRING HIT SQUADS
NEW YORK -- A prominent Kuwaiti banker on Monday accused the
ruling al-Sabah family of hiring hit squads to kill leaders of
Kuwait's pro-democracy movement. Kuwait's ambassador, a family
member, denied the allegations.
Abdul Aziz Sultan, chairman of the Gulf Bank of Kuwait, said
in an interview on ABC-TV's "Nightline" that he has "strong reason
to believe that some members of the al-Sabah family are setting up
some assassination task here in Kuwait."
Sultan said the squads consist of ex-members of the Kuwaiti
secret police. He said the goal is to enforce the rule of the al-
Sabah family in the newly liberated emirate
Ambassador al-Sabah, also appearing on "Nightline," said he
was "extremely disappointed" with Sultan's allegations, referring
to the banker as a good friend and "a very responsible person. "
"Nightline" also reported that London's Scotland Yard has
passed on word to a pro-democracy leader in Britain that there was
a plot against him by an IRA hit man linked to the al-Sabah family.
(AP)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-5
WHITE HOUSE REVERSES STAND,
SUPPORTS ADDITIONAL AID TO ISRAEL
The Bush administration, bowing to intense congressional
pressure, has reversed its position against any additional aid to
Israel and now favors as much as $800 million in new military
assistance as part of a supplemental budget request for the costs
of Operation Desert Storm.
It was not certain last night, however, whether the Israeli
government would accept the proposal or wait for a likely more
favorable congressional figure
The turnabout came Thursday night when President Bush and
senior aides met at the White House to review the request, sources
said. A senior administration official said the administration
faced the difficult choice of either making its own proposal or
having Democrats do it.
Two senior officials called Israel's Feb. 22 request for
nearly $1 billion "grossly exaggerated" in terms of the country's
additional military expenses as a result of the war. One official
said the White House "will probably settle for about $800 million,"
a knowledgable Senate source said.
(Al Kamen, Washington Post, A12)
JORDANIAN KING IS SAID TO EXPRESS INTEREST IN TALKS WITH ISRAEL
King Hussein of Jordan has recently expressed interest in
reviving efforts to negotiate peace with Israel and a solution to
the Palestinian problem, possibly along the lines of a 1987
agreement secretly worked out in London with a former Israeli
foreign minister, a senior Israeli official says.
The official, who spoke on the condition that he not be
identified, said that the Jordanian king wished to revive the so-
called London agreement, which he signed with Shimon Peres, then
the Israeli foreign minister, now head of the opposition Labor
Party, in April 1987
Arab and American officials said they viewed this and other
signals from King Hussein as consistent with his effort to repair
the diplomatic and economic damage resulting from the coalition
view that he sided with Iraq
The king, they said, was
apparently trying to shore up his own position by stressing that
he is still committed to and capable of helping the Palestinians
achieve what he called in a speech on Friday "their national rights
on their national soil.
(Judith Miller, New York Times, A12)
ISRAEL LOOKS TO BAKER FOR PLAN
Israel expects to learn from Secretary Baker next week whether
he will be carrying any Arab overtures for future peace
negotiations, Israeli sources said Monday.
"If Saudi Arabia says it would be interested in coming to the
negotiating table, that would be ideal," said an Israeli source,
speaking on condition of anonymity.
"The Israeli government has no [new] initiative or blueprint
of its own" to present to Baker, the Israeli source added
"No lasting solution to the security problems of the region
is possible in the absence of a settlement of the Arab-Israeli
problem,' U.S. Ambassador Thomas Pickering told a Veterans of
Foreign Wars luncheon.
(Richard Gross, Washington Times, A9)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-6
MIDEAST PEACE BID BY BAKER FACES TOUGH OBSTACLES
JERUSALEM -- As Secretary Baker prepares to launch a new
effort to build a peaceful order in the Middle East, the bitter
conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that lies at the heart
of the region's troubles appears less open to diplomatic resolution
than ever before
In the aftermath of the stunning allied victory in the war,
some Israeli political analysts say the U.S. has unprecedented
prestige and leverage with which to prod the peace process forward.
Still, Israeli and Palestinian politicians and analysts caution
that conditions here for an Israeli-Palestinian settlement have in
many ways never been worse.
"The direct, precision attacks that won the war will be
ineffective on this political battleground," said Hebrew University
political scientist Yaron Ezrahi.
(Al Kamen & Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A12)
TAXPAYERS MAY BE SPARED MOST OF THE TAB FOR PERSIAN GULF WAR
U.S. taxpayers could end up paying only a small part of the
financial costs of the Gulf war.
Although a supplemental spending measure that the House
Appropriations Committee is to take up today would provide $15
billion in U.S. funds to pay for the war, that sum is only a down
payment until more of the $53.5 billion in foreign pledges of cash,
equipment and services are paid.
If the eventual cost of the war, which will probably take
months to determine, is less than $68.5 billion -- which appears
likely -- and if all the foreign pledges are paid in full, the cost
to the U.S. taxpayer will be less than $15 billion. And if
congressional estimates of the war's price tag hold up, the
operation could be financed with foreign funds
OMB Director Darman described the $15 billion appropriation
as "a bridge loan
while awaiting foreign contributions."
(John Yang, Washington Post, A19)
OPEC SEEN MOVING TO CUT OUTPUT
Saudi Cites Effort To Stabilize Prices
RIYADH -- The government's top oil official indicated that
OPEC might ask its members to cut production this summer to
stabilize prices if economies in the West continue to decline,
pulling oil prices further down.
"We don't want a collapse of the market," Petroleum Minister
Hisham Nazer said in an interview here. "But oil has seasonal
demand. The war is ending just as demand slackens in the second
quarter of the year.'
"We are already well below the $21 price" set by OPEC last
July, he said
But Secretary Watkins said Monday he expects OPEC will set a
target price of $18 to $21 a barrel at the meeting. Testifying
before the House appropriations Committee, Watkins said he sees oil
producers "backing off of oil production" following the end of the
war with Iraq to halt the price slide.
(Jim Hoagland, Washington Post, D1)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-7
U.S. ENERGY OFFICIAL SAYS GULF WAR HAS NOT AFFECTED OIL SUPPLY
NEW YORK -- The Bush administration's number two man on energy
policy Monday said the Gulf war and Iraq's destruction of Kuwaiti
oil fields would have no effect on U.S. supplies.
"There's not much to worry about," Deputy Energy Secretary
Henson Moore told CNN.
"We've gotten along now since August without any oil from
Kuwait or Iraq. The world right now has an oversupply of oil,
that's why the prices are where they are."
"We think it'll be that way for at least two years while it
takes the Kuwaitis [time] to repair their fields."
(Reuter)
ON CAPITOL HILL, A SCRAMBLE TO SALUTE U.S. LEADERS OF WAR
The end of the Gulf war has triggered a new competition on
Capitol Hill: the race to honor the war's leaders.
Wednesday night, President Bush can expect a rousing reception
when he addresses a joint session of Congress
The Democratic leadership does not plan to exercise its right
to reply to Bush's speech on national TV.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are falling over themselves trying to
outdo one another in praising the military commanders.
Sen. Lieberman wants Gen. Schwarzkopf to get to speak to a
joint session too
Sen. D'Amato wrote to Bush urging him to give Schwarzkopf and
Powell a fifth star
And Sen. Lott has introduced legislation to award Schwarzkopf
the Congressional Gold Medal. (John Yang, Washington Post, A19)
JAPAN'S ECONOMIC POWER CALLED MORE THREATENING
THAN SOVIET MILITARY
CHICAGO -- A majority of Americans now consider the economic
power of Japan far more threatening to the U.S. than Soviet
military power, according to a public opinion survey by the Chicago
Council on Foreign Relations that is updated every four years.
An overwhelming majority of Americans support a U.S. -Mexico
free-trade agreement, under consideration by the two countries on
an accelerated schedule. And the economic integration of the EC
scheduled for 1992 will be "mostly a good thing."
"Despite the virtual disappearance of concern over a worldwide
'communist threat,' Americans remain committed to the active role
in world affairs they supported in the 1980s," the council
concluded in its analysis of the survey's findings. Fighting
ideological battles no longer rates a high priority. But
protecting American economic interests does.
"Both the public and leaders now believe that because of its
inability to solve economic problems, the United States has
declined as a world power," the council said.
(John Maclean, Chicago Tribune)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-8
DRUG PROBLEM UP WORLDWIDE DESPITE CRACKDOWN
Drug abuse is on the increase worldwide -- despite some
success in fighting traffickers -- thanks to "rich, powerful,
ruthless" kingpins who corrupt officials, a top government
narcotics expert said.
Mel Levistsky, assistant secretary of state for international
narcotics matters, said the U.S. government is concentrating its
efforts to disrupt operations of foreign drug producers. He said
some progress was made last year in fighting illegal drugs.
Yet, Levistsky said at a news conference, major problems
remain -- chief among them corruption of foreign politicians and
law enforcement officials bought by the drug runners.
(Frank Csongos, UPI)
HEAD OF BOLIVIAN ANTI-DRUG FORCE RESIGNS AFTER PROTESTS
LA PAZ -- The chief of Bolivia's anti-drug squad announced his
resignation after being criticized for his involvement in the
country's last military government which has been linked to drug
trafficking, human rights abuses and had ties to a former Nazi
official.
The decision opens the way for payment of U.S. military and
economic aid frozen after the decision to appoint Faustino Rico
Toro head of the anti-drugs force, U.S. embassy sources said.
(Reuter)
SATELLITES SPOT POISON-BOMB PLANT IN LIBYA
A large new complex of buildings at Rabta, Libya, is being
used to assemble poison gas artillery shells and bombs, according
to U.S. intelligence officials.
The building, discovered last month by a U.S. reconnaissance
satellite, represent a new stage in Tripoli's drive to establish
a chemical weapons capability
The officials said the U.S. intelligence community now thinks
Rabta began mass-producing chemical agents in August.
(Bill Gertz, Washington Times, A3)
SOVIET UNION RAMIFIES GERMAN UNITY
Moscow Balks At Timetable, Cost of Troop Withdrawal
BONN -- The parliament Monday ratified the treaty approving
German unification, closing the chapter of history that began 16
months ago with the opening of the Berlin Wall.
Although East German ceased to exist last October, Moscow's
step was more than a formality because of the problematic presence
of 370,000 Soviet troops in eastern Germany.
(Marc Fisher, Washington Post, A11)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-9
SOVIETS' LATIN POLICY KEEPS U.S. GUESSING
The U.S. has accused the Soviet Union of a "Jekyll-and-Hyde"
policy in Central America, where Moscow's moves are being watched
for evidence of the direction for Kremlin foreign policy.
Several analysts assert the Soviet military is pushing its own
hard-line policies in the region, independent of the Foreign
Ministry.
But other experts argue that these competing forces within the
Soviet Union have been at odds for some time. Soviet efforts in
Central America reflect nothing more than the desire to take
advantage of diplomatic and military opportunities, these experts
say
Helmut Sonnefeldt, a Brookings Institution analyst, said the
Soviets have clearly been scaling back their military role in
Central America
But, he said, the Soviet policy appears to be one of "having
their cookie and eating it too
"
"Soviet military assistance is still flowing to Cuba,' said
Roger Fontaine, a former NSC analyst. "That has not changed.
There have been no cutbacks."
At the same time, Moscow is moving quietly to upgrade its
diplomatic power in the region, said Michael Waller of the Council
for Inter-American Studies.
(News Analysis, Martin Sieff, Washington Times, A1)
MOSCOW SAID READY TO OFFER JAPAN TWO OF FOUR DISPUTED ISLANDS
TOKYO -- President Gorbachev will offer to return to Japan two
of four disputed islands the Red Army seized at the end of World
War II, when he visits Tokyo next month, Japan's top-selling
newspaper said Tuesday.
The Yomiuri Shimbun said Gorbachev would offer the two,
Habomai and Shikotan, on the basis of a bilateral agreement along
those lines drawn up in 1956 but never signed
Foreign Ministry spokesman Watanabe called the Yomiuri report
pure speculation, adding: "We hope Gorbachev's visit will open a
new leaf in our relations and that they will become broader."
(Reuter)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Syria Stands To Gain From Risky Support of Anti-
Iraq Coalition," by Jonathan Randal, appears in the Washington
Post, A15.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
BENEFITS TO EXTEND TO ALL GULF VETS
Gleefully declaring "Isn't it great to be an American?"
President Bush pledged Monday to extend GI Bill of Rights benefits
to all Americans who served in Operation Desert Storm.
"What we stood for [in the Middle East] was a principle. And
now we've got to stand for doing what's right by our veterans,"
Bush told officials of 50 veteran-aid groups.
Without spelling out specifics or estimating costs, Bush
promised to live up to the injunction in Lincoln's second inaugural
address: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for
his widow and his orphan "
Secretary Derwinksi said in an interview that the
administration wants to modify the rules to:
-- Extend benefits to about 150,000 Reservists and National
Guard members who will not have served the 181 days required to
qualify for the benefits, even if they never got to the Gulf.
-- Guarantee special health benefits to POWs held less than
the statutory 30 days.
-- Classify the campaign as "wartime" for allotting benefits,
including pensions and educational assistance to the wounded and
the families of the dead. (Frank Murray, Washington Times, A9)
FIREARMS VIOLATORS TARGET OF ANTI-CRIME PROPOSAL
Attorney General Thornburgh, reviving the Bush
administration's campaign for tough anti-crime laws, Monday
proposed stiffer prison terms for criminals who use semi-automatic
weapons and for other violators of federal firearms laws.
Kicking off a "summit" organized by the Justice Department on
violent crime, the attorney general also said he was forming new
"violent crime task forces" of federal agents to attack the
"ruthless enemy" of urban street criminals with the same "ingenuity
and certainty" displayed by U.S. troops in the Gulf.
"We are not here to search for the roots of crime, or to
discuss sociological theory," Thornburgh said. "The American
people demand action to stop criminal violence, whatever its
causes. The debate over the root causes of crime will go on for
decades, but the carnage in our own mean streets must be halted
now.' "
(Michael Isikoff, Washington Post, A3)
BUSH TO CALL FOR STIFFER PENALTIES FOR VIOLENT CRIMES
President Bush will call Tuesday for stronger penalties
against violent crime, which will accelerate the need to build more
jails and prisons.
According to administration officials, Bush will tell a
special law enforcement conference on violent crime that the
majority of Americans support a get-tough, law-and-order policy.
The speech is expected to underscore Attorney General
Thornburgh's views that America, ending the war in Iraq, should
aggressively launch one against violent crime.
(Joan Bennett, Scripps Howard)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-11
CONGRESS NOW AWAITING BUSH POWER PLAY AT HOME
Members of Congress are waiting to see if President Bush will
use his political popularity to push the ambitious domestic agenda
he unveiled last week.
"I really anticipate that as the air clears around the
Capitol, the administration will be coming on in spades with regard
to their priorities in domestic policy,' said Rep. Jerry Lewis.
"Those in the opposition are going to be hesitant of taking the
President lightly.
Republicans in Congress praised Bush's efforts to define
domestic priorities, but said he must push them.
"If he wants to go down in history as a great president, he'll
exercise every bit of clout he has, said Sen. Helms
"If he pushed it strongly -- period -- he'd definitely be
advantaged but I think a lot of these issues have already been well
debated," said Rep. Fazio.
The White House view is that no matter how loud the
administration yells, Democrats still have the advantage because
they hold a majority in Congress.
(J. Jennings Moss, Washington Times, A3)
JUSTICE DEPT. OFFERS DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS OF JOB-BIAS RULING
The Justice Department is giving Congress and federal judges
different interpretations of a 1989 Supreme Court decision that
made it more difficult for workers to prove employment
discrimination.
John Dunne, the assistant secretary general for civil rights,
told Congress that the decision won't impede lawsuits over
allegedly discriminatory employment practices.
Justice Department lawyers, however, have cited the case of
Wards Cove Packaging Co. vs. Antonio three times to defend
government agencies against job-bias lawsuits, according to court
records and lawyers.
Told about the department's use of the case to defend
government agencies, Rep. Edwards said, "This is not what the
assistant secretary general for civil rights told us at the
hearing."
(James Rowley, AP)
MILITARY DISPROPORTIONATELY BLACK, BUT TYPICAL IN OTHER WAYS
America's all-volunteer military is disproportionately black
but largely mirrors the nation's youth in social and economic
terms, the CBO told Congress.
"The American military today is not a perfect cross-section
of society, particularly in racial terms, but neither is it an
'army of the poor, said Robert Hale, assistant director of the
CBO's National Security Division
Economically, the CBO found that about 45% of enlisted
personnel came from areas with above-average family incomes and
55% from below-average areas.
(Donna Cassata, AP)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-12
CONGRESSIONAL AGENCY TAKES ISSUE WITH REFORM PROPOSAL
A congressional watchdog agency took issue with key
recommendations in the Bush administration's sweeping banking
reform proposal.
The GAO, in a 196-page report to the House and Senate banking
committees, advocated a slower approach in cutting back federal
deposit insurance.
It took no position on the administration's proposal to lift
the 58-year-old barriers between banking and the securities
industry. However, it recommended a laundry list of steps should
Congress grant banks permission to enter new areas.
The GAO report flatly rejected one administration proposal:
allowing commercial and industrial firms to own banks.
(Dave Skidmore, AP)
ENERGY DEPT. SAYS BUDGET CUTS MAY MEAN NO MORE NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Secretary Watkins said Monday that the U.S. may soon be unable
to produce nuclear weapons because of budget cuts ordered by a
powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee.
The panel voted against the Bush administration's request for
$283 million to fix up a nuclear weapons facility at Rocky Flats
near Denver, deciding to approve only $142.5 million.
"This reduction in requested funding will require the
Department of Energy to severely curtail operations later this year
and result in substantial layoffs of personnel at the Rocky Flats
plant, inability to produce plutonium components for nuclear
weapons in fiscal 1992 and failure to meet the president's
requirements for delivery of nuclear weapons to the Department of
Defense,' Watkins said in a letter to the subcommittee's chairman,
Tom Bevill.
(Reuter)
DEMOCRATS TOLD TO FOCUS ON ECONOMY, NOT SOCIAL PROGRAMS
BOSTON -- If Democrats hope to win the presidency again, they
must convince voters that the party's principal concern is a
healthy economy, and not social engineering, leaders of the
moderate Democratic Leadership Council said Monday at a Boston
conference on economic issues.
"A very large majority of rank-and-file, grass-roots Democrats
have seen what I call the presidential Democratic Party as a party
which had a social policy but not an economic policy," said Sen.
Lieberman.
Saying that the party was perceived as having forgotten that
"economic opportunity is as basic to the American Dream as
political freedom," Lieberman asked: "Is it any wonder that such
a party has only elected one president in the last two decades?"
Sen. Nunn, a possible presidential contender in 1992 although
he denied Monday that he planned to run, said Democrats "have a
special responsibility to develop a strategy for what I would call
progressive fiscal discipline, because we have questionable
credibility with a large section of the voting public unless we do
so."
(Scot Lehigh, Boston Globe)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- A-13
NASA REDUCES COST AND ROLE OF ITS ORBITING SPACE STATION
A simpler, more modest plan for NASA's space station is taking
shape after budget cuts and the discovery of design flaws that sent
architects back to the drawing board.
The orbiting outpost
is still largely a castle in the
clouds, even though $3.9 billion has been spent on studies and
prototype parts
The principal question is whether the slimmed-down station,
which has lost constituents but not critics, will survive
congressional review in a time of budget austerity.
(William Broad, New York Times, A1)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Bush Nominee Alexander's Investment Successes Have
Made Senate Investigators Very Inquisitive," by Edward Pound &
Hilary Stout, appears in the Wall Street Journal, A18.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Monday evening, March 4)
POW RELEASE
ABC's Peter Jennings: The Iraqis called it a symbolic release and
a goodwill gesture, but Gen. Schwarzkopf hadn't left them much
choice. And so the war finally ended today for 10 allied prisoners
of war -- six Americans, three British pilots and one Italian.
They are the first POWs to be released by Iraq. In return, the
allies will released 300 Iraqi POWs tomorrow: the beginning of a
lopsided process to disengage the allied forces from the Iraqi army
they crushed so decisively on the battlefield.
ABC's John Donvan reports from Baghdad on the releases. The group
included the only woman soldier captured in the war, Melissa
Rathbun-Nealy. They were all put on display for TV cameras in a
Baghdad hotel.
(TV Coverage: Former POWs sitting at table.)
Red Cross officials say that until today, all requests for
information on POWs had been met with Iraqi silence, and they have
yet to be told how many are still held there. Meanwhile, on Iraqi
television, Saddam was seen for the second time in two days,
meeting with ministers and officials of his party. The television
also announced a pardon for all soldiers who failed to report for
duty in the Gulf war, provided they return to base within seven
days. And there has been a shifting emphasis in the government-
controlled press over the past few days. Whereas before the
newspapers concentrated on how great a victory Iraq had won in the
war, today they focused on the damage done by allied bombing, and
urged all Iraqis from top to bottom to work together to rebuild.
Jennings: When he arrived at Amman this afternoon, Lt. Jeffrey
Zaun said he didn't know the war was over until today, and said he
and the other prisoners were treated "pretty well."
NBC's Tom Brokaw: The first of the American prisoners and it won't
be a complete victory until they're all out.
(JCS Chairman Gen. Powell: "In this war it won't be over until we
get a full and immediate accounting for all of our POWs and MIAs.")
Allied prisoners, including Americans, were released by Iraq today
and tomorrow the allies will free 300 captured Iraqis. Among those
released: the only U.S. woman prisoner. A full-blown rebellion
against Saddam has turned Basra into another kind of battlefield.
NBC's Tom Aspell reports on the release of the prisoners and
provides details on the treatment of the Bob Simon crew.
(Bob Simon: "The Iraqis, I think it's fair to say, treated us
badly. And threatened to kill us. There was never a moment where
they almost killed us. We were almost killed by American bombs.")
NBC's Stephen Frazier reports on home-front reaction to the POW's
release. Navy Lt. Jeffrey Zaun's father said Iraqi manipulation
of Jeffrey, showing him reciting Iraqi propaganda, helped unite the
country in support of the troops.
(ABC-Lead, NBC-Lead, CBS-5)
*more-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- B-2
CBS's Wyatt Andrews: President Bush welcomed the prisoner release
as a positive first step, but in a speech to a veterans group
cautioned the nation not to relax.
(President Bush: "Until every single one of those prisoners is
home, and every single missing is accounted for to the best of the
ability of the Iraqi forces, and also that the Kuwaiti detainees
are returned -- every single one of them. And that's our goal."
[applause])
The U.S., so far, gives Iraq credit for this quick partial release,
but also remains suspicious. The Red Cross, for example, has not
been given access to the six Americans still believed held prisoner
or any information on more than 30 listed as missing. That
official mix of relief and skepticism was mirrored today by the
POWs' families. The parents of Navy pilot Jeffrey Zaun who saw
their son so mistreated at the outset of the war today saw him
start his journey home.
(Marjorie Zaun, to reporters: "There's still a lot of POWs and
MIAs that we're really concerned about and praying for. But it is
certainly a great relief, and I thank God that our prayers were
answered.")
For most families of the missing, though, there was no relief
today; and worse, no information at all. Sherrie Turner's husband
Charlie was shot down six weeks ago.
(Sherrie Turner: "I'm a little nervous right now, because we're
gonna know something soon, and I just, I hope for the best and try
to prepare for the worst.")
Some families today urged the Administration to threaten the
Iraqis. Liz Griffith, whose husband Tom was released today,
demanded that the allies keep their guns loaded.
(Liz Griffith, to reporters: "If they show any hint of using the
remaining prisoners as bargaining chips or negotiating tools, I
hope that President Bush and the American people will have the
courage to resume hostilities.")
The President is threatening exactly that. Until the prisoner
issue is settled there will be no formal ceasefire, and therefore
no withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.
CBS's Dan Rather reports that Iraq's ambassador to the U.N. says
tonight that the remaining allied prisoners will be released at
2:00 a.m. Eastern Time Tuesday morning. No confirmation from
Baghdad; no comment from Washington.
(CBS-6)
IRAQI GOVERNMENT
Rather: U.S. military officials today confirmed signs of a growing
revolt against Saddam Hussein in southern Iraq. A Shiite Moslem
leader based in Iran says his rebel forces have taken over Basra
and five other Iraqi cities.
CBS's David Martin reports on the violence. What appears to be
anti-Saddam rioting is happening in at least six cities, all in
southern Iraq, home to many Shiite fundamentalists more loyal to
Iran than to Iraq.
(Lt. Gen. Thomas Kelly: "We know there's unrest and we know
there's fires and we know there's probably some shooting in these
six or so cities. It appears that the Iraqi regime right now is
trying to put this down.")
-more-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- B-3
Martin continues: The unrest, which has reportedly claimed the
life of Saddam's eldest son, clearly is a product of Iraq's
disastrous defeat. The allies could fan the flames by sending tens
of thousands of Iraqi POWs home.
(Lt. Gen. Kelly: "If we release the 60,000-plus soldiers back in
there, it seems to me it would exacerbate that situation a great
deal, because I don't think there would be very many happy soldiers
going back.")
Some of the unrest apparently is being instigated by Iran, trying
to settle scores from its own war against Saddam.
The
Administration wants Saddam overthrown, but no one wants to see him
replaced by a regime at all sympathetic to Iran.
(CBS-Lead)
NBC's John Cochran: A senior Administration official tells NBC
News that Saddam's political future is now strictly short-term:
days, weeks, maybe months -- but not years. Late today, Secretary
Baker said Iraqis should realize that if they want help with
reconstruction, then getting rid of Saddam would be a smart move.
(Secretary Baker: "In terms of cooperation, from and with the rest
of the world, it would be a lot easier and certainly be more
forthcoming if the regime that invaded Kuwait and brutalized Kuwait
did not remain the regime that governed Iraq.")
When President Bush spoke to a group of veterans, he made no
predictions about Saddam's fate. Instead, he tried to reassure the
Iraqi people by quoting Abraham Lincoln's words of reconciliation
for defeated Confederates.
(President Bush: "with malice toward none, with charity for all.")
Actually, the President has no charitable thoughts about Saddam.
(President Bush: "Our argument has been with Saddam Hussein. Our
argument has been with a dictator who created aggression against
a neighbor.")
Although the President continues to garner applause and accolades
for the war, he got a dose of political reality today from Sen.
Mitchell, who accused him of failing on the domestic front.
(Sen. Mitchell: "In the wake of the war, the President says he
seeks a New World Order. We say, join us in putting our own house
in order. If we can use American technology and training to
liberate the people of Kuwait, we can use American technology and
training to benefit the people of America.")
Mitchell's broadside was a reminder that when Democrats invited the
President to address a special session of Congress Wednesday night,
they were honoring him for his achievements as military commander-
in-chief -- and only for that.
(NBC-4)
ABC's John McWethy reports on the turmoil in Iraq. Refugees
fleeing Iraq say there is now widespread anti-government violence
in at least a half dozen cities in southern Iraq. In Basra, U.S.
satellite photographs confirm refugee reports of explosions, fires
and a possible tank battle pitting regular Iraqi army units against
a Republican Guard still loyal to Saddam.
(Lt. Gen. Thomas Kelly: "There is some conflict going on there.
We see, for example, T-55 tanks, and that means Iraqi armor. We
see T-72 tanks, and that means Republican Guards. And we're not
sure they're both on the same side right now.")
American officials claimed the latest videotape shows Saddam
Hussein is showing the strain.
(TV Coverage: Videotape of Saddam.)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- B-4
McWethy's report continues:
(Lt. Gen. Kelly: "I don't know how much authority he's exercising,
although I did note on the video that he didn't look in the pink.
He looked tired, he looked haggard, he had bags under his eyes.")
But in private, U.S. intelligence officials cautioned that Saddam
is far from finished. Evidence indicates he still has control of
his secret police, and has moved 10-15,000 troops from the border
with Turkey south to Baghdad, just to make sure there are no large
protests there.
(ABC-2)
NBC's Dennis Murphy reports Shiite Moslems, long under Saddam's
thumb, are revolting against Saddam's rule. In Basra, pro-Iranian
Shiites are killing police and shooting members of the Baath Party.
Witnesses say the governor of Nasariya was killed along with five
leaders of the Baath Party. The rebellion has reportedly moved
north from Basra to the Shiite heartland of southern Iraq. Leading
the fight from exile in Iran is Iraqi Shiite Mohammed Baqeer al-
Hakim. Al-Hakim called on the Kurds of northern Iraq to open a
second front. Tonight they are reported to be striking Baathist
interest. Kurdish guerrillas claim they've seized the city of
Suleimania, 160 miles northeast of Baghdad. In Syria, a Shiite
leader of the revolt that began in Basra, Beyan Jabr, called it a
second intifada. If the Shiite rebellion in the south succeeds,
Iraq will be divided in two.
(George Joffe, Mideast expert: "In effect, Iraq would then become
a much greater Lebanon because effectively it would decline into
civil war on the shores of the Gulf very close to oil supplies.")
There are stories trickling out tonight of anti-government
demonstrations in Baghdad itself. The army announced it would chop
off the hands of any traitors.
(NBC-3)
CBS's Eric Engberg reports on the road from Basra on refugees'
accounts of the turmoil. One Egyptian who had been imprisoned in
the town of Nasariya said there were demonstrations against Saddam
there, adding that the local leader of Saddam's Baath Party was
dragged into the street and killed. The army, he says, is
finished.
(CBS-2)
KUWAIT
Jennings: In Washington today, Secretary Mosbacher said that now
that the war is over, the Persian Gulf is open for business. The
Kuwaiti ambassador to the U.S. said today that American firms will
get preferential treatment when it comes to contracts.
ABC's Jim Wooten reports on the post-war political prospects for
the Kuwaiti government. Kuwait's Crown Prince came home today.
(TV Coverage: Crown prince arriving.)
Reconstruction may be the least of the government's problems now.
Thousands of Kuwaitis who fiercely resisted the occupation remember
the royal family's promises for a more democratic post-war Kuwait.
When the oil wells are extinguished and grocery stores and
electricity restored, then many Kuwaitis believe that the royal
family will understand that to keep its power it must keep its
promises.
(ABC-5, CBS-3)
CBS's Bob McKeown reports on stories of Kuwaitis abducted by Iraqi
troops.
(CBS-4)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- B-5
NBC's George Lewis reports that despite the return of the Kuwaiti
crown prince the situation in Kuwait remains in turmoil. Among the
promises of the eventual resumption of constitutional rights,
Kuwait seems to be having problems in restoring law and order, with
one opposition leader the victim of an assassination attempt.
Bands of Kuwaiti army men and resistance fighters continue to roam
the streets. Palestinians are targets of hatred because of
suspicion of collaboration with the Iraqis. The situation prompted
the following State Department warning:
(Margaret Tutwiler: "We've made it very clear to the government
of Kuwait that all residents in Kuwait should be accorded the
fullest protection against individuals taking the law into their
own hands.")
(NBC-2)
Jennings reports that a Kuwaiti oil official said today that Kuwait
may need five years to rebuild its oil industry.
(ABC-6)
GULF/MILITARY
NBC's Fred Francis reports on U.S. troop withdrawal plans. They're
calling it Operation Homecoming at the Pentagon, and trying to keep
it a secret. But we've learned that as early as Wednesday --
probably Thursday, but they're trying for Wednesday -- to get
several thousand troops into Washington and some of their bases at
Fort Bragg for the 82nd Airborne; Fort Camel, Ky., for the 101st
Airborne; some hospital units back in Norfolk, Va., and some
fighter squadrons back to Langley Air Force Base, Va. They're
talking about an initial package of 15,000, but they want the
President there to greet some of them, so we've picked Wednesday,
and about 2,000 troops. As for the POWs, there are six that the
Pentagon has listed and 35 missing. The Pentagon expects them to
be back sometime in the next couple of days. It's very confusing
to determine how many Kuwaitis are in Iraqi hands; the Kuwaiti
ambassador said more than 6,000, but the Iraqi generals who met
with Gen. Schwarzkopf in the desert told him they have 60,000
Kuwaiti and third-country nationals detainees. And the Iraqi
generals didn't seem to have a clue as to just how many there were.
Meanwhile, the fighting in southern Iraq does not look like serious
fighting, according to U.S. intelligence sources.
(NBC-5)
Jennings reports two more Americans have died after stepping on
land mines. The Iraqis have now provided information about the
location of the minefields, but it will take weeks to clear them.
ABC's Bob Zelnick reports on the agreement worked out separating
allied and Iraqi forces, which is intended to prevent fighting
between units which may be confused over turf. Iraqi aircraft must
stay 10 km. north of the line dividing the two sides, but the
allies have greater leeway.
(Lt. Gen. Kelly: "We are flying some reconnaissance, and we are
flying reconnaissance over Baghdad.")
Once Iraq takes the steps required by the Security Council to
indicate acceptance of all resolutions, a ceasefire agreement will
be signed, and allied forces will pull back inside Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia. Privately, Administration officials say that any Iraqi
delay in complying is probably due more to internal chaos than bad
intentions. Nonetheless, officials say that until there is full
compliance, there will be no formal ceasefire and no withdrawal
from Iraqi territory.
-
(ABC-3)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- B-6
GULF/TERRORISM
Jennings reports that the State Department says that even though
the war is over, Americans should not let their guard down against
terrorism. The Department says that during the six weeks of war,
there were about 160 incidents of terrorism around the world, half
directed against U.S. targets.
(ABC-4)
COMBAT RESERVES
ABC's John Quinones reports on the financial difficulties of the
families of reservists in the Gulf. Most families are not
adequately protected by the Soldiers and Sailors' Act of 1940, and
military officials admit that except for rent and mortgage
payments, reservists' families are at the mercy of their creditors.
(ABC-11)
HOUSING/ECONOMY
Jennings reports sales of new homes were down in January by more
than 12 percent. The one positive sign was a slight upturn in
sales at the very end of the month.
(ABC-9, CBS-12, NBC-12)
CBS's Ray Brady reports on the state of the economy. The nation
could spend its way out of the recession, but that's not likely.
Economists say that all the problems the economy and consumers were
facing before the war are still here. Many banks are still in
financial trouble, and therefore slow to make housing loans to
consumers. Consumers do seem to be nibbling at smaller purchases.
One dark cloud, a continuing rise in unemployment, could turn off
consumer confidence, and many economists fear that is coming.
(Brian Fabbri, economist: "I think within three months we'll see
some hopeful signs. But it'll take a little bit longer before we
can actually conclude we're in the next expansion.")
(CBS-13)
SUDAFED RECALL
Jennings reports that a fourth package of Sudafed cold capsules
laced with cyanide has been turned over to the FBI. Two people in
the Seattle area have died after taking the poisoned capsules.
ABC's Judy Muller reports on the incident.
(Sydney Wolf, Health Research Group: "Given that there's now, as
opposed to five years ago, an alternative technology in the form
of tablets or caplets that also have long-term effect, the FDA
should really ban all over-the-counter capsules.")
(David Kessler, FDA: "We are looking at the issue. Caplets may
offer additional protection. In fact, the number of capsules has
been declining over the years.")
Health officials concede its nearly impossible to fully protect
capsules against a person intent on doing harm.
(ABC-7, CBS-7)
BUSINESS/ETHICS
NBC's Roger O'Neil reports on the changing state of ethics in
business, post-1980s. Required courses in ethics and morals are
sprouting up in business schools across the country. According to
one professor, many graduate students are unsure whether ethics and
business can go together.
(NBC-13)
-End of B-Section-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
DESERT STORM VICTORY
The Triumph And The Achievement -- II The victory of the coalition
forces remains remarkable and extraordinary
All the credit for
this must go both to the leadership that laid out a clear plan of
victory, and to the troops
who followed that leadership
And
the results will be applauded by freedom-loving people throughout
the world. An evil tyrant has gotten a necessary dose of
justice
The great wrong of August has been righted by the men
and women of February."
(Los Angeles Times, 2/28)
Victory In The Gulf -- "The policies of President Bush that brought
victory in the Gulf war were an extraordinary success in their own
terms
The world is a safer place now that Saddam's tinsel star
has crumbled. Operation Desert Storm is unlikely to serve as a
model for foreign policy in a world where fewer and fewer of the
threats and challenges are expected to be military. Yet, at this
uncertain moment in history, the competence that emanated from Gen.
Norman Schwarzkopf, and from many who served under him, has
heartened millions of Americans
The President launched
Operation Desert Storm under the banner of a 'New World Order.
In its aftermath, we hope he defines that order around the
principles of consistent attention to human rights, international
cooperation and true collective security.'
(Boston Globe, 3/1)
Demonstrating Value of Collective Security -- "The defeat of
Saddam's army reaffirms, dramatically and resoundingly, the
effectiveness of collective security as a doctrine for
international peacekeeping
Nothing about the inadequacies of
the enemy
detracts from the magnitude of the allied victory
Credit accrues also to President Bush. Whatever transpires on the
diplomatic front from this point forward, he achieved a personal
triumph in speedily putting together the coalition
[and], as many
doubted he could, in keeping the coalition together against
attempts to fragment it."
(Chicago Sun-Times, 3/1)
The War Is Won -- "Now that the war has been won, President Bush
and his allies must turn to securing the peace. It is likely to
be a more difficult, more complex, more ambiguous task
Until
Saddam is deposed or eliminated, the coalition must keep some of
the economic sanctions in place and
Food and medical supplies
should be allowed through
There will be a need for allied or
U.N. military presence in Kuwait
Bush must now use all the
energy, ingenuity and determination he put into beating Saddam to
find a way to make the region more stable."
(Newsday, 2/28)
Cease-Fire In The Gulf -- "
Though praising the splendid job done
by the U.S.-led forces, President Bush was careful to make a
distinction between gloating and pride. His words were the words
of a man who knows that the end of the war marks the beginning of
an equally daunting challenge
If the Administration can do as
fine a job of
starting the peace as it did quarantining Saddam
and waging the war against him, it will have earned the world's
admiration and gratitude."
(st. Louis Post-Dispatch, 2/28)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- C-2
And Now To Save The Peace
"
Whatever government is in charge
in Baghdad, Iraq must be stripped of its capacity to commit mass
destruction and must be held to its U.N. obligations.
In
particular, it must meet its financial and moral responsibilities
toward ravaged Kuwait. Then, the future security of the Gulf
states, and with Israel's cooperation a resolution of the
Palestinian problem, must be addressed by whatever regional force
for peace is established."
(Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/1)
A Nation Once Again --
"
The country Saddam proclaimed as
irrevocably constituting the 19th province of Iraq is an
independent nation once again. The best American policy toward
this newly liberated country is to leave the Kuwaitis alone to sort
out their own postwar problems and forms of government
Congress and the State Department should be modest about their
ability to export the American model of government to Kuwait and
perhaps Iraq as well
To expect democratic government to
suddenly take root in an area like the Middle East may not be
realistic."
(Detroit News, 2/28)
Independent Kuwait
"
Kuwait may again be independent, but will
it be free?
The imposition of democracy on Kuwait was not a war
goal. The U.S., Britain, France and other coalition partners
should use their heightened influence to encourage political reform
in Kuwait. But it would be ironic if, in the wake of a war fought
in part for national self-determination, the U.S. or other
countries started to throw their weight around in the small land
they liberated."
(Christian Science Monitor, 3/1)
Victory In Kuwait -- "The liberation of Kuwait has been
accomplished. And the joy on the faces of the thousands of
Kuwaitis who've swarmed into the streets to embrace their
liberators is undeniable testimony to the justice of the allied
cause
The American people, to the tune of an extraordinary 88
percent, supported their President in this military enterprise.
And George Bush did not betray their trust. The United States
fought honorably and well; our troops freed Kuwait and helped this
nation transcend the insidious Vietnam Syndrome which had all but
paralyzed America for nearly two decades.' (New York Post, 2/28)
Goodbye, Vietnam -- "with the stunning success of U.S. and allied
forces, our nation has crossed a psychological Rubicon, ending a
long and debilitating era of self-doubt and negativism about many
things American
Buried forever, we trust, is the dangerous
idea that the U.S. cannot be counted on to stand behind its
commitment to its allies when they are threatened. Buried, too,
we trust, is the notion that the American people will not support
their president and their troops when they are convinced a war is
just
We see it an overdue rebirth of U.S. optimism that will
restore Americans' confidence in their nation and in themselves.
We can do things right!"
(New Orleans Times-Picayune, 3/2)
The Vietnam Model Steps Aside --
=
From now on, those Americans
who are selective in supporting the use of armed force will have
more than the Vietnam model to help them assess a looming fight.
They will have the model of victory in the Gulf along with that of
defeat in Southeast Asia History obliges them to make the
distinction."
(Chicago Tribune, 3/3)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 5, 1991 -- C-3
Bush's Victory -- "The United States of America has more than smart
bombs. It has a smart commander-in-chief. With his masterful
management of the endgame in the Gulf, President Bush is delivering
a victory worthy of the massive effort invested by the allied
armies. It is a victory that maximizes American power to deliver
an honorable peace
Bush has finished what Ronald Reagan began.
He has laid to rest the ghosts of Vietnam. The America of the Gulf
war -- Bush's America -- will be remembered for clear purpose,
unwavering resolve, and accurate understanding of the enemy."
(Scripps Howard, 2/27)
Cleansing Winds of Desert Storm -- " The twin operations, Desert
Shield and Desert Storm, appear at this early reckoning to be
masterstrokes of organization, planning and execution, the stuff
war colleges study for generations. All credit to President Bush's
team in Washington and Riyadh and a special salute to America's
fighting men and women, who performed their duties with valor,
dedication and high professionalism
It is gratifying to hear
Mr. Bush declare we are expending so much thought and planning on
post-war priorities. Peacemaking will require every bit as much
courage and skill and brains as we showed in this war."
(Atlanta Constitution, 2/28)
Not With A Bang But A Whimper --
"
No single person can take
credit for forcing Iraq to relinquish its conquest, but President
Bush comes close. We have disagreed at times with his strategy.
But we have highest praise for the skill he has shown in carrying
it out
The heady moment of victory is also a time to be wary.
Bush put it well: 'This is not a time of euphoria; certainly not
a time to gloat.
(Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 2/28)
Hail To The Chief
--
"
Lord knows we have had our differences
with President Bush -- and, no doubt, will again in the very near
future. But we have nothing but respect and admiration for his
handling of the seven-month crisis in the Gulf. From the day of
the Iraqi invasion on Aug. 2 to the announcement of cease-fire at
midnight Wednesday, he has been a skillful, resolute and courageous
leader. Once having made the decision there would be no appeasing
the aggressor, no deals with the devil, he struck to his principles
throughout
It remains to be seen whether the ruins of this
war will lead to greater or lesser stability in a region whose
volatility was given new meaning by the scores of oil field fires.
But the manner in which Bush and the clear-headed people around him
have handled the crisis so far indicates that they can deal with
the challenge before them."
(Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/1)
The 100-Hour War: Pray And Hail The Heroes -- " Heroes abound
through Desert Shield, Desert Storm and its final act, the 100-
hour-long ground war. There are more than half a million American
heroes and heroines in and around the Persian Gulf today. And for
every one of them, there are at least half a dozen home front
heroes
Salute one of them today, and then another and some
more. If you pray, say a prayer for the immortal souls of those
who lost their lives in this lightning conflict
Offer
a
prayer, too, for the enemy, for the souls of the Iraqis that Saddam
Hussein sent to their needless deaths
And then, once the
prayers are said, let celebration reign. Pop the corks and sing
the songs."
(New York Daily News, 3/1)
-End of News Summary-
E300
6
W51
V.5
t:
WHRC
The Public Papers of Wondrom Wilson
II
Authorized Edition
WAR AND PEACE
Presidential Messages, Addresses, and
Public Papers (1917-1924)
BY
WOODROW WILSON
EDITED BY
RAY STANNARD BAKER AND WILLIAM E. DODD
IN TWO VOLUMES
VOLUME I
erence (1918)
HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS
NEW YORK AND LONDON
KRAUS REPRINT CO.
New York
1970
EACE
ect that even under the
ich will now be possible
THE FOURTEEN POINTS SPEECH
ed in the operation of
to add to their equip-
facilities as much as the
ADDRESS DELIVERED AT A JOINT SESSION OF THE TWO
ipon their use will ren-
HOUSES OF CONGRESS, JANUARY 8, 1918. FROM
0 the national treasury
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION IN MR. WIL-
ible, it will, of course,
SON'S FILES.
ongress for grants of
retary of the Treasury
O
NCE more, as repeatedly before, the spokesmen of
:s with regard to this
the Central Empires have indicated their desire to
ter. For the present,
discuss the objects of the war and the possible bases of
ave indicated and such
a general peace. Parleys have been in progress at Brest-
at the outset of this
Litovsk between representatives of the Central Powers
ressing the hope that
to which the attention of all the belligerents has been
romptly and ungrudg-
invited for the purpose of ascertaining whether it may
at matters and will, I
be possible to extend these parleys into a general con-
ference with regard to terms of peace and settlement.
The Russian representatives presented not only a per-
fectly definite statement of the principles upon which
they would be willing to conclude peace but also an
equally definite program of the concrete application of
those principles. The representatives of the Central
Powers, on their part, presented an outline of settlement
which, if much less definite, seemed susceptible of liberal
interpretation until their specific program of practical
terms was added. That program proposed no conces-
sions at all either to the sovereignty of Russia or to
the preferences of the populations with whose fortunes
it dealt, but meant, in a word, that the Central Empires
were to keep every foot of territory their armed forces
had occupied,-every province, every city, every point
of vantage,-as a permanent addition to their territo-
ries and their power. It is a reasonable conjecture that
the general principles of settlement which they at first
suggested originated with the more liberal statesmen of
Germany and Austria, the men who have begun to feel
the force of their own peoples' thought and purpose,
155
I56
WAR AND PEACE
while the concrete terms of actual settlement came from
the military leaders who have no thought but to keep
what they have got. The negotiations have been broken
off. The Russian representatives were sincere and in
earnest. They cannot entertain such proposals of con-
quest and domination.
The whole incident is full of significance. It is also
full of perplexity. With whom are the Russian repre-
sentatives dealing? For whom are the representatives
of the Central Empires speaking? Are they speaking
for the majorities of their respective. parliaments or for
the minority parties, that military and imperialistic
minority which has so far dominated their whole policy
and controlled the affairs of Turkey and of the Balkan
states which have felt obliged to become their associates
in this war? The Russian representatives have insisted,
very justly, very wisely, and in the true spirit of modern
democracy, that the conferences they have been holding
with the Teutonic and Turkish statesmen should be held
within open, not closed, doors, and all the world has
been audience, as was desired. To whom have we been
listening, then? To those who speak the spirit and inten-
tion of the Resolutions of the German Reichstag of the
ninth of July last, the spirit and intention of the liberal
leaders and parties of Germany, or to those who resist
and defy that spirit and intention and insist upon con-
quest and subjugation? Or are we listening, in fact,
to both, unreconciled and in open and hopeless contra-
diction? These are very serious and pregnant questions.
Upon the answer to them depends the peace of the
world.
But, whatever the results of the parleys at Brest-
Litovsk, whatever the confusions of counsel and of pur-
pose in the utterances of the spokesmen of the Central
Empires, they have again attempted to acquaint the
world with their objects in the war and have again chal-
lenged their adversaries to say what their objects are
and what sort of settlement they would deem just and
EACE
WAR AND PEACE
157
Il settlement came from
satisfactory. There is no good reason why that chal-
10 thought but to keep
lenge should not be responded to, and responded to
tions have been broken
with the utmost candor. We did not wait for it. Not
es were sincere and in
once, but again and again, we have laid our whole
such proposals of con-
thought and purpose before the world, not in general
terms only, but each time with sufficient definition to
significance. It is also
make it clear what sort of definitive terms of settlement
are the Russian repre-
must necessarily spring out of them. Within the last
are the representatives
week Mr. Lloyd George has spoken with admirable
? Are they speaking
candor and in admirable spirit for the people and Gov-
ive parliaments or for
ernment of Great Britain. There is no confusion of
ary and imperialistic
counsel among the adversaries of the Central Powers,
ted their whole policy
no uncertainty of principle, no vagueness of detail. The
key and of the Balkan
only secrecy of counsel, the only lack of fearless frank-
ecome their associates
ness, the only failure to make definite statement of the
ntatives have insisted,
objects of the war, lies with Germany and her Allies.
true spirit of modern
The issues of life and death hang upon these definitions.
ley have been holding
No statesman who has the least conception of his re-
tesmen should be held
sponsibility ought for a moment to permit himself to
nd all the world has
continue this tragical and appalling outpouring of blood
whom have we been
and treasure unless he is sure beyond a peradventure
k the spirit and inten-
that the objects of the vital sacrifice are part and parcel
nan Reichstag of the
of the very life of Society and that the people for whom
tention of the liberal
he speaks think them right and imperative as he does.
r to those who resist
There is, moreover, a voice calling for these defini-
and insist upon con-
tions of principle and of purpose which is, it seems to
ve listening, in fact,
me, more thrilling and more compelling than any of
and hopeless contra-
the many moving voices with which the troubled air
1 pregnant questions.
of the world is filled. It is the voice of the Russian peo-
is the peace of the
ple. They are prostrate and all but helpless, it would
seem, before the grim power of Germany, which has
le parleys at Brest-
hitherto known no relenting and no pity. Their power,
counsel and of pur-
apparently, is shattered. And yet their soul is not sub-
smen of the Central
servient. They will not yield either in principle or in
ted to acquaint the
action. Their conception of what is right, of what it
and have again chal-
is humane and honorable for them to accept, has been
at their objects are
stated with a frankness, a largeness of view, a generos-
ould deem just and
ity of spirit, and a universal human sympathy which
158
WAR AND PEACE
must challenge the admiration of every friend of man-
kind; and they have refused to compound their ideals
or desert others that they themselves may be safe. They
call to us to say what it is that we desire, in what, if in
anything, our purpose and our spirit differ from theirs;
and I believe that the people of the United States would
wish me to respond, with utter simplicity and frank-
ness. Whether their present leaders believe it or not,
it is our heartfelt desire and hope that some way may
be opened whereby we may be privileged to assist the
people of Russia to attain their utmost hope of liberty
and ordered peace.
It will be our wish and purpose that the processes of
peace, when they are begun, shall be absolutely open
and that they shall involve and permit henceforth no
secret understandings of any kind. The day of conquest
and aggrandizement is gone by; so is also the day of
secret covenants entered into in the interest of particu-
lar governments and likely at some unlooked-for mo-
ment to upset the peace of the world. It is this happy
fact, now clear to the view of every public man whose
thoughts do not still linger in an age that is dead and
gone, which makes it possible for every nation whose
purposes are consistent with justice and the peace of
the world to avow now or at any other time the objects
it has in view.
We entered this war because violations of right had
occurred which touched us to the quick and made the life
of our own people impossible unless they were corrected
and the world secured once for all against their recur-
rence. What we demand in this war, therefore, is noth-
ing peculiar to ourselves. It is that the world be made
fit and safe to live in; and particularly that it be made
safe for every peace-loving nation which, like our own,
wishes to live its own life, determine its own institutions,
be assured of justice and fair dealing by the other peo-
ples of the world as against force and selfish aggression.
All the peoples of the world are in effect partners in this
ACE
WAR AND PEACE
159
every friend of man-
interest, and for our own part we see very clearly that
compound their ideals
unless justice be done to others it will not be done to us.
es may be safe. They
The program of the world's peace, therefore, is our
: desire, in what, if in
program; and that program, the only possible program,
rit differ from theirs;
as we see it, is this:
e United States would
I. Open covenants of peace, openly arrived at, after
simplicity and frank-
which there shall be no private international under-
ers believe it or not,
standings of any kind but diplomacy shall proceed
: that some way may
always frankly and in the public view.
ivileged to assist the
II. Absolute freedom of navigation upon the seas,
most hope of liberty
outside territorial waters, alike in peace and in war, ex-
cept as the seas may be closed in whole or in part by
that the processes of
international action for the enforcement of inter-
1 be absolutely open
national covenants.
ermit henceforth no
III. The removal, so far as possible, of all economic
The day of conquest
barriers and the establishment of an equality of trade
0 is also the day of
conditions among all the nations consenting to the peace
= interest of particu-
and associating themselves for its maintenance.
e unlooked-for mo-
IV. Adequate guarantees given and taken that na-
ld. It is this happy
tional armaments will be reduced to the lowest point
y public man whose
consistent with domestic safety.
ge that is dead and
V. A free, open-minded, and absolutely impartial
every nation whose
adjustment of all colonial claims, based upon a strict
e and the peace of
observance of the principle that in determining all such
her time the objects
questions of sovereignty the interests of the populations
concerned must have equal weight with the equitable
lations of right had
claims of the government whose title is to be determined.
ck and made the life
VI. The evacuation of all Russian territory and such
they were corrected
a settlement of all questions affecting Russia as will
against their recur-
secure the best and freest coöperation of the other na-
, therefore, is noth-
tions of the world in obtaining for her an unhampered
the world be made
and unembarrassed opportunity for the independent
rly that it be made
determination of her own political development and
hich, like our own,
national policy and assure her of a sincere welcome into
its own institutions,
the society of free nations under institutions of her
nn by the other peo-
own choosing; and, more than a welcome, assistance
I selfish aggression.
also of every kind that she may need and may herself
ect partners in this
desire. The treatment accorded Russia by her sister
160
WAR AND PEACE
nations in the months to come will be the acid test of
their good will, of their comprehension of her needs
as distinguished from their own interests, and of their
intelligent and unselfish sympathy.
VII. Belgium, the whole world will agree, must be
evacuated and restored, without any attempt to limit
the sovereignty which she enjoys in common with all
other free nations. No other single act will serve as
this will serve to restore confidence among the nations
in the laws which they have themselves set and deter-
mined for the government of their relations with one
another. Without this healing act the whole structure
and validity of international law is forever impaired.
VIII. All French territory should be freed and the
invaded portions restored, and the wrong done to
France by Prussia in 1871 in the matter of Alsace-Lor-
raine, which has unsettled the peace of the world for
nearly fifty years, should be righted, in order that peace
may once more be made secure in the interest of all.
IX. A readjustment of the frontiers of Italy should
be effected along clearly recognizable lines of nation-
ality.
X. The peoples of Austria-Hungary, whose place
among the nations we wish to see safeguarded and as-
sured, should be accorded the freest opportunity of
autonomous development.
XI. Rumania, Serbia, and Montenegro should be
evacuated; occupied territories restored; Serbia ac-
corded free and secure access to the sea; and the rela-
tions of the several Balkan states to one another deter-
mined by friendly counsel along historically established
lines of allegiance and nationality; and international
guarantees of the political and economic independence
and territorial integrity of the several Balkan states
should be entered into.
XII. The Turkish portions of the present Ottoman
Empire should be assured a secure sovereignty, but the
other nationalities which are now under Turkish rule
EACE
WAR AND PEACE
161
vill be the acid test of
should be assured an undoubted security of life and an
ehension of her needs
absolutely unmolested opportunity of autonomous devel-
interests, and of their
opment, and the Dardanelles should be permanently
opened as a free passage to the ships and commerce of
d will agree, must be
all nations under international guarantees.
any attempt to limit
XIII. An independent Polish state should be erected
S in common with all
which should include the territories inhabited by indis-
ngle act will serve as
putably Polish populations, which should be assured a
ice among the nations
free and secure access to the sea, and whose political
nselves set and deter-
and economic independence and territorial integrity
eir relations with one
should be guaranteed by international covenant.
et the whole structure
XIV. A general association of nations must be
S forever impaired.
formed under specific covenants for the purpose of
uld be freed and the
affording mutual guarantees of political independence
the wrong done to
and territorial integrity to great and small states alike.
matter of Alsace-Lor-
In regard to these essential rectifications of wrong
ace of the world for
and assertions of right we feel ourselves to be intimate
d, in order that peace
partners of all the governments and peoples associated
the interest of all.
together against the Imperialists. We cannot be sep-
ntiers of Italy should
arated in interest or divided in purpose. We stand
able lines of nation-
together until the end.
For such arrangements and covenants we are willing
ungary, whose place
to fight and to continue to fight until they are achieved;
safeguarded and as-
but only because we wish the right to prevail and desire
reest opportunity of
a just and stable peace such as can be secured only by
removing the chief provocations to war, which this pro-
ontenegro should be
gram does remove. We have no jealousy of German
restored; Serbia ac-
greatness, and there is nothing in this program that
e sea; and the rela-
impairs it. We grudge her no achievement or distinc-
o one another deter-
tion of learning or of pacific enterprise such as have
storically established
made her record very bright and very enviable. We do
and international
not wish to injure her or to block in any way her legiti-
nomic independence
mate influence or power. We do not wish to fight her
veral Balkan states
either with arms or with hostile arrangements of trade
if she is willing to associate herself with us and the other
he present Ottoman
peace-loving nations of the world in covenants of justice
sovereignty, but the
and law and fair dealing. We wish her only to accept a
under Turkish rule
place of equality among the peoples of the world,-the
162
WAR AND PEACE
new world in which we now live,-instead of a place
of mastery.
Neither do we presume to suggest to her any altera-
tion or modification of her institutions. But it is neces-
sary, we must frankly say, and necessary as a prelimi-
nary to any intelligent dealings with her on our part,
that we should know whom her spokesmen speak for
when they speak to us, whether for the Reichstag major-
ity or for the military party and the men whose creed is
imperial domination.
We have spoken now, surely, in terms too concrete to
admit of any further doubt or question. An evident
principle runs through the whole program I have out-
lined. It is the principle of justice to all peoples and
nationalities, and their right to live on equal terms of
liberty and safety with one another, whether they be
strong or weak. Unless this principle be made its foun-
dation no part of the structure of international justice
can stand. The people of the United States could act
upon no other principle; and to the vindication of this
principle they are ready to devote their lives, their
honor, and everything that they possess. The moral
climax of this the culminating and final war for human
liberty has come, and they are ready to put their own
strength, their own highest purpose, their own integrity
and devotion to the test.
f Winston Churchill
A Time of Triumph: 1945
7157
1 States and Russia,
I return my hearty thanks to you for never having failed in the long, monoto-
nous days and in the long nights black as hell.
and has been forced
God bless you all. May you long remain as citizens of a great and splendid city.
been destroyed or
May you long remain as the heart of the British Empire.
end to end by the
Europe, and all the
MORE PETROL
from the foul Nazi
May 10, 1945
and it is of you that
House of Commons
Commonwealth and
th tremendous and
lready. There is no
I have a short statement to make to the House-not of a disagreeable character as
over until the same
some of my remarks have had to be. The petroleum supply position remains difficult.
owing to the huge requirements of the Pacific war and the prospect that military needs
rds and my message
in Europe will continue at a high level for some months to come. That is on account of
hearts, for we are
the great masses of people who have to be moved and fed, and one thing and another.
I am glad, however, to be able to inform the House of an easement in the drastic
petrol rationing system to which we have hitherto subjected ourselves. Bus services and
retail deliveries will be improved to the fullest extent that available labour will allow,
and an increased allowance will be given to cars and motor cycles used for professional
or business purposes, and to taxi-cabs and private hire cars. A modest basic ration,
substantially the same as in the United States, and freely at the disposal of private
owners of cars and motor cycles, will be introduced 30 days from now. This relaxation
will impose a heavy strain upon the staffs of regional petroleum offices, post offices
and local taxation offices, and I hope the public will bear this in mind.
Both motor boats and lawn-mowers come into the ambit of this modest
y days are what we
indulgence.
ipline, by moral, by
ave won through to
u never flinched or
"FORWARD, TILL THE WHOLE TASK IS DONE"
the skies-and never
May 13, 1945
ats of adventure and
Broadcast, London
from obstinate and
had to take-which
the front down. No
It was five years ago on Thursday last that His Majesty the King commissioned
me to form a National Government of all parties to carry on our affairs. Five years is a
ying: "Let them do
long time in human life, especially when there is no remission for good conduct.
However, this National Government was sustained by Parliament and by the entire
iappen to have here
British nation at home and by all our fighting men abroad, and by the unswerving
/ho have borne arms
co-operation of the Dominions far across the oceans and of our Empire in every
1 London!"
quarter of the globe. After various episodes had occurred it became clear last week
o-night, but in none
that so far things have worked out pretty well, and that the British Commonwealth
and Empire stands more united and more effectively powerful than at any time in its
7158
Speeches of Winston Churchill
long romantic history. Certainly we are-this is what may well, I think, be admitted by
any fair-minded person-in a far better state to cope with the problems and perils of
the future than we were five years ago.
For a while our prime enemy, our mighty enemy, Germany, overran almost all
Europe. France, who bore such a frightful strain in the last great war, was beaten to
the ground and took some time to recover. The Low Countries, fighting to the best of
their strength, were subjugated. Norway was overrun. Mussolini's Italy stabbed us in
the back when we were, as he thought, at our last gasp. But for ourselves-our lot, I
mean-the British Commonwealth and Empire, we were absolutely alone.
In July, August and September, 1940, forty or fifty squadrons of British fighter
aircraft in the Battle of Britain broke the teeth of the German air fleet at odds of seven
or eight to one. May I repeat again the words I used at that momentous hour: "Never
in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." The name of
Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding will always be linked with this splendid event. But
conjoined with the Royal Air Force lay the Royal Navy, ever ready to tear to pieces
the barges, gathered from the canals of Holland and Belgium, in which a German
invading army could alone have been transported. I was never one to believe that the
invasion of Britain, with the tackle that the enemy had at that time, was a very easy
task to accomplish. With the autumn storms, the immediate danger of invasion in 1940
passed.
Then began the blitz, when Hitler said he would "rub out our cities." That's
what he said, "rub out our cities." This blitz was borne without a word of complaint
or the slightest sign of flinching, while a very large number of people-honour to them
all-proved that London could "take it," and so could our other ravaged centres. But
the dawn of 1941 revealed us still in jeopardy. The hostile craft could fly across the
approaches to our Island, where forty-six millions of people had to import half their
daily bread and all the materials they needed for peace or war: these hostile aircraft
could fly across the approaches from Brest to Norway and back again in a single flight.
They could observe all the movements of our shipping in and out of the Clyde and
Mersey, and could direct upon our convoys the large and increasing numbers of
U-boats with which the enemy bespattered the Atlantic-the survivors or successors of
which U-boats are now being collected in British harbours.
The sense of envelopment, which might at any moment turn to strangulation,
lay heavy upon us. We had only the North-Western approach between Ulster and
Scotland through which to bring in the means of life and to send out the forces of war.
Owing to the action of Mr. de Valera, so much at variance with the temper and instinct
of thousands of Southern Irishmen who hastened to the battle-front to prove their
ancient valour, the approaches which the Southern Irish ports and airfields could so
easily have guarded were closed by the hostile aircraft and U-boats. This was indeed a
deadly moment in our life, and if it had not been for the loyalty and friendship of
Northern Ireland we should have been forced to come to close quarters with Mr. de
Valera or perish for ever from the earth. However, with a restraint and poise to which,
I say, history will find few parallels, His Majesty's Government never laid a violent
hand upon them, though at times it would have been quite easy and quite natural, and
we left the de Valera government to frolic with the Germans and later with the
Japanese representatives to their heart's content.
Vinston Churchill
A Time of Triumph: 1945
7159
k, be admitted by
When I think of these days I think also of other episodes and personalities. I
ems and perils of
think of Lieutenant-Commander Esmonde, V.C., of Lance-Corporal Kenneally, V.C.,
and Captain Fegen, V.C., and other Irish heroes that I could easily recite, and then I
verran almost all
must confess that bitterness by Britain against the Irish race dies in my heart. I can
ar, was beaten to
ing to the best of
only pray that in years which I shall not see the shame will be forgotten and the glories
aly stabbed us in
will endure, and that the peoples of the British Isles as of the British Commonwealth
selves-our lot, I
of Nations will walk together in mutual comprehension and forgiveness.
My friends, when our minds turn to the North-Western approaches, we will not
ne.
of British fighter
forget the devotion of our merchant seamen, and our minesweepers out every night,
at odds of seven
and so rarely mentioned in the headlines. Nor will we forget the vast, inventive,
ous hour: "Never
adaptive, all-embracing and, in the end, all-controlling power of the Royal Navy, with
w." The name of
its ever more potent new ally, the air. These have kept the life-line open. We were able
endid event. But
to breathe; we were able to live; we were able to strike. Dire deeds we had to do. We
to tear to pieces
had to destroy or capture the French fleet which, had it ever passed undamaged into
which a German
German hands, would, together with the Italian fleet, have perhaps enabled the
) believe that the
German Navy to face us on the high seas. This we did. We had to make the dispatch to
General Wavell all round the Cape, at our darkest hour, of the tanks-practically all we
was a very easy
invasion in 1940
had in the Island-and this enabled us as far back as November, 1940, to defend Egypt
against invasion and hurl back with the loss of a quarter of a million captives and with
IT cities." That's
heavy slaughter the Italian armies at whose tail Mussolini had already planned to ride
into Cairo or Alexandria.
ord of complaint
-honour to them
Great anxiety was felt by President Roosevelt, and indeed by thinking men
ged centres. But
throughout the United States, about what would happen to us in the early part of
d fly across the
1941. The President felt to the depths of his being that the destruction of Britain
would not only be an event fearful in itself. but that it would expose to mortal danger
nport half their
: hostile aircraft
the vast and as yet largely unarmed potentialities and the future destiny of the United
States. He feared greatly that we should be invaded in that spring of 1941, and no
n a single flight.
doubt he had behind him military advice as good as any that is known in the world,
f the Clyde and
and he sent his recent Presidential opponent, the late Mr. Wendell Willkie, to me with a
ng numbers of
letter in which he had written in his own hand the famous lines of Longfellow, which I
or successors of
quoted in the House of Commons the other day.
We were, however, in a fairly tough condition by the early months of 1941, and
0 strangulation,
felt very much better about ourselves than in those months immediately after the
een Ulster and
e forces of war.
collapse of France. Our Dunkirk army and field force troops in Britain, almost a
million strong, were nearly all equipped or re-equipped. We had ferried over the
per and instinct
Atlantic a million rifles and a thousand cannon from the United States, with all their
: to prove their
ammunition, since the previous June. In our munition works, which were becoming
rfields could so
very powerful, men and women had worked at their machines till they dropped
is was indeed a
senseless from fatigue. Nearly one million of men, growing to two millions at the peak,
di friendship of
although working all day, had been formed into the Home Guard. They were armed at
ers with Mr. de
least with rifles, and armed also with the spirit "Conquer or Die."
poise to which,
r laid a violent
Later in 1941, when we were still alone, we sacrificed unwillingly, to some
extent unwittingly, our conquests of the winter in Cyrenaica and Libya in order to
ite natural, and
later with the
stand by Greece; and Greece will never forget how much we gave, albeit unavailingly,
of the little we had. We did this for honour. We repressed the German-instigated rising
in Iraq. We defended Palestine. With the assistance of General de Gaulle's indomitable
7160
Speeches of Winston Churchill
Free French we cleared Syria and the Lebanon of Vichyites and of German aviators
of
and intriguers. And then in June, 1941, another tremendous world event occurred.
You have no doubt noticed in your reading of British history-and I hope you
de
will take pains to read it, for it is only from the past that one can judge the future, and
it is only from reading the story of the British nation, of the British Empire, that you
can feel a well-grounded sense of pride to dwell in these islands-you have sometimes
noticed in your reading of British history that we have had to hold out from time to
time all alone, or to be the mainspring of coalitions, against a Continental tyrant or
a
dictator, and we have had to hold out for quite a long time: against the Spanish
Armada, against the might of Louis XIV, when we led Europe for nearly twenty-five
years under William III and Marlborough, and a hundred and fifty years ago, when
Nelson, Pitt and Wellington broke Napoleon, not without assistance from the heroic
Russians of 1812. In all these world wars our Island kept the lead of Europe or else
held out alone.
And if you hold out alone long enough, there always comes a time when the
tyrant makes some ghastly mistake which alters the whole balance of the struggle. On
June 22, 1941, Hitler, master as he thought himself of all Europe-nay, indeed, soon
to be master of the world, so he thought-treacherously, without warning, without the
slightest provocation, hurled himself on Russia and came face to face with Marshal
Stalin and the numberless millions of the Russian people. And then at the end of the
year Japan struck a felon blow at the United States at Pearl Harbour, and at the same
time attacked us in Malaya and Singapore. Thereupon Hitler and Mussolini declared
war on the Republic of the United States.
Years have passed since then. Indeed every year seems to me almost a decade.
But never since the United States entered the war have I had the slightest doubt but
that we should be saved, and that we only had to do our duty in order to win. We have
played our part in all this process by which the evil-doers have been overthrown, and I
hope I do not speak vain or boastful words, but from Alamein in October, 1942,
through the Anglo-American invasion of North Africa, of Sicily, of Italy, with the
capture of Rome, we marched many miles and never knew defeat. And then last year,
after two years' patient preparation and marvellous devices of amphibious warfare-
and mark you, our scientists are not surpassed in any nation in the world, especially
when their thought is applied to naval matters-last year on June 6 we seized a
carefully-selected little toe of German-occupied France and poured millions in from
this Island and from across the Atlantic, until the Seine, the Somme, and the Rhine all
fell behind the advancing Anglo-American spearheads. France was liberated. She
produced a fine army of gallant men to aid her own liberation. Germany lay open.
Now from the other side the mighty military achievements of the Russian
people, always holding many more German troops on their front than we could do,
rolled forward to meet us in the heart and centre of Germany. At the same time, in
Italy, Field-Marshal Alexander's army of so many nations, the largest part of which
was British or British Empire, struck their final blow and compelled more than a
million enemy troops to surrender. This Fifteenth Army Group, as we call it, British
and Americans joined together in almost equal numbers, are now deep in Austria,
joining their right hand with the Russians and their left with the United States armies
Vinston Churchill
A Time of Triumph: 1945
7161
German aviators
of General Eisenhower's command. It happened, as you may remember-but memories
ent occurred.
are short-that in the space of three days we received the news of the unlamented
-and I hope you
departures of Mussolini and Hitler, and in three days also surrenders were made to
ge the future, and
Field-Marshal Alexander and Field-Marshal Montgomery of over two million five
Empire, that you
hundred thousand soldiers of this terrible warlike German army.
1 have sometimes
I shall make it clear at this moment that we never failed to recognize the
out from time to
immense superiority of the power used by the United States in the rescue of France
inental tyrant or
and the defeat of Germany. For our part, British and Canadians, we have had about
inst the Spanish
one-third as many men over there as the Americans, but we have taken our full share
early twenty-five
of the fighting, as the scale of our losses shows. Our Navy has borne incomparably the
years ago, when
heaviest burden in the Atlantic Ocean, in the narrow seas and the Arctic convoys to
from the heroic
Russia, while the United States Navy has had to use its immense strength mainly
f Europe or else
against Japan. We made a fair division of the labour, and we can each report that our
work is either done or going to be done. It is right and natural that we should extol the
a time when the
virtues and glorious services of our own most, famous commanders, Alexander and
the struggle. On
Montgomery, neither of whom was ever defeated since they began together at
ay, indeed, soon
Alamein. Both of them have conducted in Africa, in Italy, in Normandy and in
ing, without the
Germany, battles of the first magnitude and of decisive consequence. At the same time
ce with Marshal
we know how great is our debt to the combining and unifying command and high
it the end of the
strategic direction of General Eisenhower.
and at the same
And here is the moment when I pay my personal tribute to the British Chiefs of
issolini declared
the Staff, with whom I worked in the closest intimacy throughout these heavy, stormy
years. There have been very few changes in this small, powerful and capable body of
Imost a decade.
men who, sinking all Service differences and judging the problems of the war as a
test doubt but
whole, have worked together in perfect harmony with each other. In Field-Marshal
to win. We have
Brooke, in Admiral Pound, succeeded after his death by Admiral Andrew Cunning-
erthrown, and I
ham, and in Marshal of the Air Portal, a team was formed who deserved the highest
October, 1942,
honour in the direction of the whole British war strategy and in its relations with that
Italy, with the
of our Allies.
1 then last year,
It may well be said that our strategy was conducted so that the best combina-
bious warfare-
tions, the closest concert, were imparted into the operations by the combined staffs of
orld, especially
Britain and the United States, with whom, from Teheran onwards, the war leaders of
6 we seized a
Russia were joined. And it may also be said that never have the forces of two nations
illions in from
fought side by side and intermingled in the lines of battle with so much unity,
d the Rhine all
comradeship and brotherhood as in the great Anglo-American Armies. Some people
liberated. She
say: Well, what would you expect, if both nations speak the same language, have the
lay open.
same laws, have a great part of their history in common, and have very much the same
of the Russian
outlook upon life with all its hope and glory? Isn't it just the sort of thing that would
1 we could do,
happen? And others may say: It would be an ill day for all the world and for the pair
same time, in
of them if they did not go on working together and marching together and sailing
part of which
together and flying together, whenever something has to be done for the sake of
1 more than a
freedom and fair play all over the world. That is the great hope of the future.
call it, British
There was one final danger from which the collapse of Germany has saved us. In
ep in Austria,
London and the South-Eastern counties we have suffered for a year from various
1 States armies
forms of flying-bombs-perhaps you have heard about this-and rockets, and our Air
7162
Speeches of Winston Churchill
A Tii
Force and our ack-ack batteries have done wonders against them. In particular the Air
long
Force, turned on in good time on what then seemed very slight and doubtful evidence,
bour
hampered and vastly delayed all German preparations. But it was only when our
grea
Armies cleaned up the coast and overran all the points of discharge, and when the
mus
Americans captured vast stores of rockets of all kinds near Leipzig, which only the
men
other day added to the information we had, and when all the preparations being made
leav
on the coasts of France and Holland could be examined in detail, in scientific detail,
thin
that we know how grave had been the peril, not only from rockets and flying-bombs
unv
but from multiple long-range artillery which was being prepared against London. Only
ing.
just in time did the Allied armies blast the viper in his nest. Otherwise the autumn of
and
1944, to say nothing of 1945, might well have seen London as shattered as Berlin.
For the same period the Germans had prepared a new U-boat fleet and novel
tactics which, though we should have eventually destroyed them, might well have
carried anti-U-boat warfare back to the high peak days of 1942. Therefore we must
rejoice and give thanks, not only for our preservation when we were all alone, but for
our timely deliverance from new suffering, new perils not easily to be measured.
I wish I could tell you to-night that all our toils and troubles were over. Then
indeed I could end my five years' service happily, and if you thought that you had had
enough of me and that I ought to be put out to grass, I tell you I would take it with
I
the best of grace. But, on the contrary, I must warn you, as I did when I began this
five years' task-and no one knew then that it would last so long-that there is still a
lot to do, and that you must be prepared for further efforts of mind and body and
further sacrifices to great causes if you are not to fall back into the rut of inertia, the
confusion of aim, and the craven fear of being great. You must not weaken in any way
in your alert and vigilant frame of mind. Though holiday rejoicing is necessary to the
human spirit, yet it must add to the strength and resilience with which every man and
woman turns again to the work they have to do, and also to the outlook and watch
they have to keep on public affairs.
On the continent of Europe we have yet to make sure that the simple and
honourable purposes for which we entered the war are not brushed aside or over-
looked in the months following our success, and that the words "freedom," "democra-
cy," and "liberation" are not distorted from their true meaning as we have understood
them. There would be little use in punishing the Hitlerites for their crimes if law and
justice did not rule, and if totalitarian or police governments were to take the place of
the German invaders. We seek nothing for ourselves. But we must make sure that those
causes which we fought for find recognition at the peace table in facts as well as
words, and above all we must labour that the world organization which the United
Nations are creating at San Francisco does not become an idle name, does not become
a shield for the strong and a mockery for the weak. It is the victors who must search
their hearts in their glowing hours, and be worthy by their nobility of the immense
forces that they wield.
We must never forget that beyond all lurks Japan, harassed and failing but still a
people of a hundred millions, for whose warriors death has few terrors. I cannot tell
you to-night how much time or what exertions will be required to compel the
Japanese to make amends for their odious treachery and cruelty. We-like China, so
ston Churchill
A Time of Triumph: 1945
7163
ticular the Air
long undaunted-have received horrible injuries from them ourselves, and we are
btful evidence,
bound by the ties of honour and fraternal loyalty to the United States to fight this
only when our
great war at the other end of the world at their side without flagging or failing. We
and when the
must remember that Australia and New Zealand and Canada were and are all directly
which only the
menaced by this evil Power. They came to our aid in our dark times, and we must not
ons being made
leave unfinished any task which concerns their safety and their future. I told you hard
cientific detail,
things at the beginning of these last five years; you did not shrink, and I should be
d flying-bombs
unworthy of your confidence and generosity if I did not still cry: Forward, unflinch-
London. Only
ing, unswerving, indomitable, till the whole task is done and the whole world is safe
the autumn of
and clean.
as Berlin.
leet and novel
ight well have
THE KING AND QUEEN IN THE WAR
efore we must
I alone, but for
May 15, 1945
easured.
House of Commons
ere over. Then
at you had had
ild take it with
I beg to move,
en I began this
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty as followeth:
t there is still a
Most Gracious Sovereign,
and body and
We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of
t of inertia, the
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament
ken in any way
assembled, beg leave to convey to Your Majesty our heartfelt congratula-
ecessary to the
tions on the victorious conclusion of the war in Europe, and to assure
every man and
Your Majesty of our resolute support in the continuing war against Japan.
ook and watch
We rejoice with Your Majesty in the deliverance brought both to this
Nation and to the enslaved peoples of Europe by the success of Your
the simple and
Majesty's Forces fighting in comradeship with those of Your Majesty's
aside or over-
Allies.
m," "democra-
We would acknowledge the powerful help given without hesitation and
ave understood
without stint to the common cause by the peoples of Your Empire and
imes if law and
Commonwealth of Nations overseas.
ke the place of
We would wish to express the deep feeling which exists throughout the
sure that those
whole country that Your Majesty and Your gracious Consort have from
acts as well as
the beginning contributed in a wonderful manner to the courage and
ich the United
constancy of the people by your inspiring example, by the extreme
es not become
personal exertions you have made year after year, by your willingness to
ho must search
share all their trials, and your constant sympathy with them in the losses
of the immense
which they have endured.
It is our earnest prayer that, under God's grace, the glorious victory
iling but still a
won in Europe may be followed by a speedy and successful conclusion of
S. I cannot tell
the struggle against Japan, and that Your Majesty's reign, so many years of
to compel the
which have been darkened by war and the threats of war, may long
-like China, so
continue in a world at peace.
Winston Churchill
A Time of Triumph: 1946
7323
constitutional basis,
nineteenth century, by which states of society were reached where the most fervent
whatever candidates
devotion to religion subsisted side by side with the fullest exercise of free thought. We
free support, free
may well recur to those bygone days, from whose standards of enlightenment,
he day?
compassion and hopeful progress, the terrible twentieth century has fallen so far.
Executive or from
I say here as I said at Brussels last year that I see no reason why, under the
ar political parties?
guardianship of the world organisation, there should not ultimately arise the United
iated in the human
States of Europe, both those of the East and those of the West which will unify this
be fair play for the
Continent in a manner never known since the fall of the Roman Empire, and within
sons as well as for
which all its peoples may dwell together in prosperity, in justice and in peace.
duties to the state,
own the people, or
some of the more
ommunity may be
"LET FREEDOM REIGN"
May 10, 1946
1 world instrument
y none more than
University of Leyden, The Netherlands
es been called the
[Extract] The decision to make me a Doctor of Laws is deeply valued by me.
gether in bonds of
The Rector has explained how rarely this distinction is given, and especially in cases
ainst war and the
like mine. It has to be proved that the recipient, by his moral qualities, his attitude,
of course that the
and character has influenced the course of history in a favourable sense.
are becoming ever
I felt this might be a rather difficult task for the promoter to prove, but the
1 underlying unity
promoter's reasoning with his logic and deduction seems to be very good. As he
world. There can
proceeded my natural modesty was undermined, and I will confess to this august
t and benevolent
assembly that I allowed myself to be convinced by him
ith Soviet Russia,
Six years ago on this very day of the week the treacherous onslaught was made
pe may prove one
on Holland. In the morning this onslaught was made. In our country I became Prime
natural unity and
Minister that evening.
I new instrument.
I think of all we have gone through in our different ways since then-our trial in
rench people. We
Britain and yours over here. Yours was to be restrained and dominated for those long
here were a void,
five years by vile and brutal tyranny. to have all the evils of oppression. and to find
tracies of Europe
solace only in the glories of revolt and secret association and preparation. The
This is a matter
nightmare has ended. The land is clear, the tyrant is overthrown.
be pressed from
The victors have overthrown the arbiters. The great wheel has swung full circle.
One can see the awful finger of destiny or providence working here in this sphere of
such as those of
transient life. where generations so swiftly succeed one another, carrying forward their
tish Empire and
message and bearing their tribulation as they can.
Americas, North
Rector Magnificus. a great responsibility is felt by you and those associated with
f U.N.O., should
you in guiding this torch to young men and women at universities. You have indeed at
0 indivisible and
this time a special measure of responsibility. We must make sure that one form of
harm of variety,
tyranny is not succeeded by another.
he Age of Faith
I am opposed. and always have been, to tyranny in every guise. It makes no
e Age of Reason
difference to me what dress it wears. what slogans it mouths. I consider it a supreme
chief features of
duty of the individual subject or citizen to do his utmost to guard not only the liberty
ter part of the
of his country, but the liberty of the individuals dwelling under the constitution of his
7324
Speeches of Winston Churchill
native land. The motto of your university, which is among the most ancient and most
democratic of the universities, is: 'Let freedom reign.' That is the motto I will accept
for myself with the diploma you have so kindly just given me.
INDIA
May 16, 1946
House of Commons
I think the right hon. Gentleman [The Prime Minister] was right to read to the
House the able but melancholy document to which we have listened, and it was
appropriate that he should read it, instead of merely circulating it with the Votes.
Certainly I have heard nothing for a long time which so deeply deserves the attention.
of Parliament and of the British nation, and the respectful attention which the House
gave to every word uttered by the Prime Minister is a proof that this opinion is well
founded. It would, of course, be most unwise this afternoon for any of us to attempt
detailed comment upon the long and complicated proposals which have now been laid
before us. I am bound to make clear without delay what is the position of the official
Opposition. I, as the head of the Coalition Government and my colleagues of those
days, are committed to the offer made to the people of India at the time of the Cripps
mission in 1942, by which we offered Dominion Status as expressed by the Statute of
Westminster, including, as it does, the latent right of secession. We offered this to the
many peoples of India, subject to certain provisions.
The first of those provisions was that there should be broad, real, sincere
agreement between the main Indian parties. The second was that in the Constitution we
should have provision for the honourable discharge of the obligations we have con-
tracted in India towards the minorities who, added together, are themselves a majority,
and, also, for the discharge of those obligations embodied in our treaties with the Indian
States. These proposals were made by us at a moment when the danger of Japanese in-
vasion threatened India in a terrible manner, and I. personally, was induced to agree to
them by the all-compelling war interest, as it seemed, of trying to rally all the forces in
India to the defence of their soil against Japanese aggression and all the horrors that
would follow therefrom.
The Cripps mission failed. The answer which Mr. Gandhi gave to the British
Government at that moment of mortal peril was "Quit India," and he and the
Congress proceeded to raise or encourage a revolt, or widespread disturbances, affect-
ing, principally, the communications on which the British and Indian Forces relied for
holding the threatened fronts. These disorders, although seriously fomented, were
suppressed with surprising ease and very little loss of life, and the incitement to revolt
found practically no response, outside the political classes, from the great masses of
the Indian people. We persevered with the war: we-toiled on; and presently the tide
turned. India was successfully defended, and it emerged from this second world
'inston Churchill
A Time of Triumph: 1945
7249
may begin any
ything that the
ent to leave the
THE FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM
November 15, 1945
hich, it seems to
our special and
Brussels University
ernal association
this association
It is a real pleasure for me to visit this great seat of learning and an honour.
all, in the world,
which I deeply appreciate, to receive, on the occasion of my visit, the degree of Doctor
owers ever more
in the Faculty of Law. If there is one word which men associate with the name of
irdly, we should
Brussels University it is Freedom. Founded in an atmosphere of newly-won freedom
nada about the
for the purpose of defending freedom of thought against all encroachments, the
pon as a sacred
University can proudly claim to have fulfilled its mission.
itly to promote
It was right that it should close its doors during the German occupation; for
n due course, it
there was no place for it in a Nazified Europe. Only when the armies of our deadly
of these great
enemy had been swept away from Belgian soil could professors and students meet
atomic bombs;
again to resume their normal tasks.
torage with the
This did not mean that they were idle while the University was closed. Many of
at we wish the
them entered the ranks of the resistance movement. Some of the University's choicest
ortant visit to
sons have suffered death at the hands of Hitler's executioners or in his loathsome
concentration camps. Their example will, I am sure, shine like a beacon for those who
follow the path they once trod.
You said, in the course of your address, for which I thank you. Monsieur le
Recteur, that one of the principles for which this University stands was "the free
examination of thought and ideas." How little then is it to be wondered at that this
institution should have been one of the first targets of the German invader in Belgium.
For while the Nazis affected to despise thought and criticism, actually they feared and
hated it even more than the physical weapons of their adversaries. How often used
Hitler to sneer at the virtues of objectivity and toleration! How zealously did his army
affection and
of brownshirts set about stamping them out wherever they were to be found in
Germany itself during the early days of his régime! That people, always so docile in
the face of a tyrant, watched one puny bastion of freedom after another go down
everything to
before the Nazi onslaught without stirring a finger to protect them.
itulate France
Yet when the Nazis overran the occupied countries, they found to their cost that
here freedom was built on firmer foundations. They used every kind of method to
e day raise its
achieve their ends. More subtle than the Kaiser's Huns they sought at first to conceal
le genius, the
their brutal aims behind a screen of correct behaviour and specious promises. It was a
ntestable role.
gilded cage into which they tried to entice the unwary.
The concessions which they at first demanded seemed even reasonable. Some
there were in the occupied countries who in the early days found themselves caught
behind the glittering bars. Let us be thankful that there were institutions like Brussels.
like Leyden. like Prague, where the traditions of liberty were so firmly rooted that no
thoughts of compromise could be entertained. The wave of totalitarianism beat against
them in vain. The example they set was soon followed by the rest of their fellow-
7250
Speeches of Winston Churchill
countrymen. Many who had been dismayed by the German victories took fresh
courage: many who had been for a moment deceived by the enemy's specious
promises, recovered themselves and became men again. The movements of active
resistance were born and played a worthy part in their countries' liberation. So the evil
dream passed and the chance to renew their lives in an atmosphere of freedom was
restored to the sorely-stricken countries of Europe.
Yet the champions of freedom can never afford to sleep. Intolerance and
persecution are no sooner overcome than they return in new shapes. Institutions like
Brussels University, which have so manfully withstood the assaults of Nazidom, have
special importance in a Europe which is emerging from its long sickness. This is my
message to those whom I am so happy to call my new associates. Always be on guard
against tyranny whatever shape it may assume. Remember the cause of Freedom for
which heroes died. Thus, and thus alone, will you be worthy sons and daughters of the
honoured University to which you belong.
HONORARY DEGREE CONFERMENT
November 15, 1945
British Embassy, Brussels
The Catholic University of Louvain has a long and noble history; for there the
Christian virtues have been taught ever since the fifteenth century. Among the names
of its Rectors, your own will be remembered in its annals as one of the most
distinguished of all. Therefore, I am greatly honoured by the decision of this seat of
learning to confer on me the degree of Doctor of Law. It is a source of regret to me
that the shortness of my stay in Belgium has prevented me from receiving this honour
in the University itself, and I must thank you and your colleagues for your courtesy in
coming here for the purpose of holding this ceremony.
I have just returned from your sister University of Brussels where a similar
honour has been conferred upon me, and where I had occasion to congratulate
professors and students for their worthy attitude during the German occupation of
your country. I know well that when the members of its Council reached their resolve
to close their doors sooner than yield to the demands of the Nazi oppressors, they
were fortified by the knowledge that they could count on a hospitable welcome for
their students at Louvain. More fortunate for the moment than they, thanks to the
powerful protection of the Vatican, you were able to set their minds at rest on the one
score which might have caused them anxiety-the future of their charges. Thus,
forgetting old rivalries, the Universities of Belgium-for Liége and Ghent did the
same-presented a united front to the Germans, thereby laying the foundations for
that futuré resistance which was to prove so effective an element in victory.
When, as was inevitable, the Nazis turned their attention to Louvain and
demanded from you. Monseigneur. the lists of your students with a view to conscript-
ing them for slave labour in their war factories, they met with a firm refusal. Threats
enclosures
whoorge
913110
JA
1991
MC
President George Bush
December 11, 1990
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
By way of introduction, I'm a former editorial page editor
for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
I wrote this to my son-in-law, Pfc. Craig Williams, who is
with one of the first units sent from Fort Bragg, N.C., to
Saudi Arabia. He and our daughter, Colleen, had been married
less than two years and still "honeymooning" when his orders
came, and he has had some pretty low moments over there.
After hearing the problems some are having understanding--or
explaining--the stand you've taken in the Middle East, I felt
that these thoughts might boost his morale a little.
I pass them on to you for your encouragement and for whatever
use you may find for them.
God bless you. I believe I know exactly where you're coming
from, and I appreciate you and what you're trying to do for
this country and for mankind.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Cox
6753 Fair Meadows Dr.
Fort Worth, TX 76180
Phone: (817) 281-2727
December 7, 1990
Dear Craig:
What inspired me to write you again so soon was, in part, my
realization that this is Pearl Harbor Day. Actually, I had
been thinking some of these thoughts for several weeks, but
it was remembering the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and
its impact on my entire life that finally prompted me to put
this on paper and share it with you.
Ironically, on the Sunday of the attack, I was in a theater
in Waco seeing a movie about another "Sergeant York.'
It was the story of World War I's greatest American hero.
Little did I realize that when I walked out of that movie, I
would hear the news that would change my whole world!
Until then, I had just been a purposeless pre-teenager,
occasionally wondering what I wanted to be when I grew up,
but mostly just rattling around getting into mischief.
Suddenly, the only thing to think about was "the war. " Not
that either career ideas or mischief went completely out the
window, but they definitely got shoved to the back burner.
To me, the issues in "the war" were perfectly clear. Hitler,
Mussolini and Tojo were obvious villains. The sneak raid on
Pearl Harbor was precisely what President Roosevelt labeled
it in his famous radio speech: A "dastardly attack. " Almost
everybody agreed that we should kick the living daylights
(I've cleaned up the language a little) out of the "dastards"
who did it! It was plain to me that our country was in real
jeopardy. I don't recall what my concept of "freedom" was at
the time, but I had a good imagination. I saw the SS
troopers in the newsreels, and I knew I didn't want that
bunch of hooligans swaggering around my town.
However, please take note of the phrase "almost everybody"
in the above paragraph. Because I want you to be aware, that
as clear as the cause seemed to most of us in WW II, there
were a lot of people who took the cynical view that the
issues were "just money and politics."
At the time, my only reaction to talk like that was simple
fury. Since I've gone to school and lived a little, though,
I've come up with a philosophical rebuttal to it. It goes
something like this:
In the first place, let's don't belittle "money and
politics." What is there about life in this world that we
can separate from "money and politics"?
Money translates into the material things that are essential
to our physical survival, not to mention our comfort and
pleasure. Hyper-spiritual Christianity has given money a bad
reputation. It's often said that the Bible labels money as
"the root of all evil," but that's a misquotation. What
First Timothy 6:10 really says is that "the love of money is
the root of all evil" "love," in this context, meaning
devotion or worship. Jesus didn't say, "Man shall not live
by bread at all." He said, "Man shall not live by bread
alone" (Matthew 4:4). The Bible is filled with promises of
God's provision for our material needs, confirming that He is
quite aware of the importance to us of money and the things
that only money will buy.
Our founding fathers certainly were not repulsed by thoughts
of money and material things. They were all personally, "men
of means.' They were steeped in the political philosophies
of the times, which all gave ample consideration to money and
how it should be generated, allocated and controlled. Adam
Smith's classic treatise wasn't called "The Wealth of
Nations" without a reason. And while money may not be the
only thing connoted by the word "wealth," it sure as heck
does connote that!
Drawing on these politico-economic philosophies, the fathers
laid the foundations for our country. When Thomas Jefferson
wrote in our "Declaration of Independence" still the
greatest political statement the world has ever seen--that
all men have certain inalienable rights, including "life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness," he was borrowing from
the British philosopher John Locke. Locke's phrase was
"life, liberty and estate".
Clearly, Jefferson saw that man's goal in life is actually
happiness, and that put him a notch ahead of Locke. But just
as clearly, he saw property (translate that "money") as
an important prerequisite to happiness. It's possible to
have money and not have any happiness, but it's hardly
possible to have happiness without any money (that is,
material things that money buys).
But let's take it a step further. Without money, you
couldn't have those other two "inalienable rights, either.
How much liberty could you have if you had no money to buy
anything, go anywhere or do anything? And, as I mentioned
earlier, there's the little matter that without bread (which
takes money to buy) you don't even have life for very long!
The colonists understood all this quite well--not just the
leaders and the philosophers, but the man in the street and
on the farm.
What was the big issue of the American revolution, the thing
that finally brought the question of independence from Great
Britain to a head? "Taxation without representation."
"Taxation" is money. "Representation" is politics. So, I
suppose a good cynic could say that our country's very first
war was fought over "money and politics"!
That was the war that enabled us to establish the "politico-
economic system" that has become the model for governments
all over the world. "Politico" is just a combining form of
the word "politics." "Economic" is a word connoting the
principles and laws that govern the business life of a
country. The bottom line: Money.
So you could say that a "politico-economic" system is a
governmental structure that lays down and enforces rules for
the way money is generated and handled and determines how and
by whom the decisions concerning such matters will be made.
In our particular system, the governmental framework decrees
that the system will be "of the people, by the people, for
the people.' That's just a neat way of saying that we all
have a say in the rules that control the way money will be
generated and handled and in determining who will make and
enforce those rules. Thus, in free elections we choose the
people who make the laws to represent our interests in the
politico-economic system.
In doing so, we're participating in politics. Politics is
not a dirty word. It's the way we get in our "two cents'
worth" about how we'll live our lives. Or to put it another
way, how we'll earn our money, to a degree how much we will
earn and how we will be able to spend it. Our goal in
participating in politics--bottom line--is to be allowed to
earn enough money to have the things that enable us to be
reasonably happy (all other things being equal) and to be
free to spend the money in ways that we believe will give us
happiness--that is, the kind of lives we want to live.
Do you see now how all that comes down to "money and
politics"? When you're talking about money and politics,
you're talking about your life--the very existence of it,
first of all, but also to a degree the length and quality of
it. This is why one of Jefferson's philosophical
forerunners--Thomas Hobbes--said, in effect, that without a
well-conceived politico-economic system life would be
"solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short."
What I'm getting at is the reason you and a bunch of other
guys have been sent to Saudi Arabia. It's "money and
politics," all right, but not in a derogatory sense. From
the things I've said about the real meaning of that phrase,
I'm sure you can link it to the present situation and see
what would happen in the area of "money and politics" if
Saddam Hussein got his greedy fingers on the world's richest
energy supply.
It wouldn't just be a matter of a few cents a gallen on
gasoline. It could have a wrenching impact on every area of
life here at home. It could steal all the benefits of the
hard-won Cold War victory in Europe and the USSR by aborting
the exciting movement we've seen toward democracy and
friendly competition, with all its promise of a period of
relative tranquility in the world. By bringing America to
its knees economically, it would pose a grave threat to all
those "inalienable rights" that so many have fought and died
for--and lived for--down through the years.
It may not make you miss Colleen any less or enjoy the sand
and camel meat any more. But it should make it all seem less
futile to know that what you're doing is just as important as
what our forebears did at Lexington and Concord, at Valley
Forge and (in my lifetime) at Omaha Beach and on Iwo Jima.
It makes the same kind of statement the patriots made when
they dumped the tea in Boston Harbor.
In each case, there were cynics who said, "Bah, money and
politics." But to those in tune with the spiritual
foundations on which America was built, it has always been
clear that the issue was not just politics and money. It's
been: "What kind of politics will you have--the kind where
you have a say in matters involving your money, how you earn
it and spend it, or the kind where someone else decides all.
that for you?"
of course, the fact that "the people" have a voice doesn't
mean they will always use it wisely. The Gulf crisis is a
result of a case in which we blew it. I say, "we," because
we are the people, as in, "We, the people of the United
States of America
"
If our government, during the first fuel crisis in 1972,
had begun making the national investment necessary to give us
energy independence from the Mideast oil supplies, we might
have avoided our present predicament.
But that investment would have required heavy sacrifices on
the part of "the people.' It would have meant much higher
fuel prices and stringent conservation measures. After
considering the price tag, our leaders failed to take the
bold steps necessary to achieve energy independence.
But why? oddly enough: politics and money. Not enough of
"the people" wanted to take those steps. A hefty majority of
them didn't want to have big surtaxes slapped on their
gasoline prices, and they didn't want their fuel rationed.
It would have imposed some pretty severe restrictions on
their freedom. They couldn't have just jumped in their cars
and driven anywhere without thinking about the economic
consequences.
There would have been an impact on the economy as a whole.
Higher fuel costs would have caused a recession in those
days, just as they're doing now, and a lot of people would
might have lost their jobs. So the leaders, who can't hold
office unless they go along with "the people," went along--
although some knew better and tried to warn us.
It's now obvious that the collective decision of "the people"
to by-pass energy independence was extremely shortsighted.
Even if there's no war--and we're all praying there won't be
--protecting our energy supplies by military posturing is
likely to cost much more in the long term than it would have
cost to take those bold steps for energy independence through
developing our own resources, alternate fuel technology and
conservation.
However, here we are. We can't turn back the clock to 1972
or 1978 and take another shot at that decision. Since we
can't, there's nothing left to do but face down a power-
hungry enemy once again with the only thing he will respect--
greater power.
And pray that we can buy enough time to give "the people,"
now hopefully awakened to the high stakes, another chance to
lift their voices in support of a serious national commitment
to the cause of energy independence.
We need to keep one other point in mind, too. It's an easy
one for me to remember, because I'm old enough to recall the
Nazi rise to power in Europe and Japan's military
expansionism in the Far East in the years leading up to World
War II. I can still see Neville Chamberlain, the British
prime minister, umbrella in hand, returning from meetings in
which he tried to appease Hitler by letting him make one
small territorial acquisition after another. I remember the
Japanese "peace envoys" coming to Washington to "negotiate"
even while their carrier task force steamed toward Pearl
Harbor.
And for four long, bloody years--while bombs were falling on
British troops at Dunkirk, the Luftwaffe was pounding London
night after night, American boys were fighting on Pacific
Islands that few of their parents had ever heard of, and
literally millions of people were dying on battlefields and
in concentration camps on both sides of the globe--I remember
hearing again and again the haunting questions:
"Why didn't we stop them in the beginning? Why did we let
them get so powerful? Why did we try to reason with power-
mad animals? Why did we cut them so much slack that we have
no options left but this horrible conflict or submission to
rule by cruel military dictatorship?
When I think of those questions, I'm proud of President Bush
for his decision to nip Saddam Hussein's powerlust in the
bud. I'm thankful that we have a leader who remembers the
lessons of the past and will stick by his guns in the face of
opposition, scorn and ridicule from those who don't remember
--or have priorities other than the preservation of freedom
for America and of the prospect of freedom for other people
who are just seeing the first rays of hope after decades of
Communist oppression.
Well, I hope I haven't bored you with all this. It's
just something I've had on my chest and, as I said, I thought
it might help you to realize that you're serving a great
purpose just by being where you are. Maybe it will help you
get by until you can come home.
I hope to hear from you again soon. I love you, and we're
still praying for you every day.
Love,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. Cox:
Thank you for sending me a copy of the terrific
letter that you wrote to your son-in-law, Private
Craig Williams, who is serving in the Persian Gulf.
Your words are truly encouraging, and I am sure
they meant a great deal to him. They did to me.
Throughout our history, as your letter states so
well, the United States has been committed to
fundamental principles of justice, freedom, and
human rights. Guided by these principles, we
resolved, along with the world community, that
Iraq's ruthless invasion of Kuwait must not stand.
When Saddam Hussein rejected all diplomatic efforts
to resolve the crisis caused by his brutal invasion
and occupation of Kuwait, I called on our Armed
Forces, in cooperation with those of our coalition
partners, to restore liberty to the Kuwaiti people
and to deter further Iraqi aggression. Craig and
his colleagues are, indeed, "serving a great
purpose.'
I am grateful that our troops face the challenges
before them knowing that they have the support of
millions of people around the world. We are all
tremendously proud of the job they are doing.
Rest assured that our troops will have maximum
support and protection and that we will bring
them home as soon as possible.
Barbara and I are praying for Craig and for your
family. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jimmie Cox
6753 Fair Meadows Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76180
Mr. President:
February 26, 1991
Your speech on 2/26/91 was well stated and in order. Thank God
you are in control. I will support you and our troops all the
way. I think of our country and the current situation as I do
of the story of "David & Goliath". It may not matter to some,
but I am a Christian black woman and I do know the Lord. Keep
up the good work. I plan to support you all the way!!!!
Mrs. Mattie Mack and Friends
Brandenburg, KY 40108
mattie mact
5021 422-2838
2838
Rebaño Compañerismo
Cristiano
Christian Fellowship Flock
2435 W. Division St. P.O. Box 478263
Chicago. Illinois 60622
Tel: 772-1141
Angel y Ruth Mercado
Pastores
February 25, 1991
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As I watched the media and I have seen you in the News
Press, the Lord has put a heavy load in me to intercede
for you. You are a righteous man. I can see it through
the media.
As I grew up, as a child, I did not appreciate a president
as I do now and watching you through the media brings me
great respect towards you and seeing your integrity as you
speak and that word, "PRAY" that does not cease from your
lips really encourages me and others to pray for you.
Mr. President, as I pray and I put myself in your place, I
can feel the pressure, the ridicule of many because you
are standing and being led by a supernatural guidance
which is from God.
Keep up the good work for our nation! You have righteous
men and women that pray for you.
We know that our nation has prospered and has been blessed
through your position as the President of the United
States of America.
While praying for our troops, God gave me this special
message which I have enclosed with this letter, for a
banquet and school assembly with our Christian school.
Our Children (even the smaller ones, our five year olds)
prayed for our troops in Saudi Arabia and for your and I
just wanted to send you a copy so that all this could be
in your hands and I pray to God that this message would
bring strength and encouragement to you.
% -tmule. % desew yuz tu 1911 prosperado en todas Las cosas, y que tengas salud. asi
como pwspera tu alma
-2-
Mr. President, I noticed that you usually go on week-ends
to Camp David, and I know and feel as I pray that you go
there seeking the face of God, as you are there. That is
the only way you will be able to be in rest and be
strengthened in the midst of all the pressures of the
media to hear God's voice.
Mr. President, you are doing a fantastic job! Keep up the
good work. Continue working through Gods guidance, wisdom
and strength.
We love you and you honored by a group of people in the
city of Chicago.
I am a pastor's wife of Christian Fellowship Flock Church
and director of our Christian School.
"
the Lord says that you must no be discouraged or be
afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on
God, not on you. " II Chronicles 20:15.
Peace be with you,
Ruth R. Mirado Ruth
Ruth R. Mercado
Director of Christian Education
RRM: an
MPIC
Ranier Devido Stone & Marble Company
2619 New Butler Road
New Castle, PA 16101
Phone: (412) 658-8518
FAX: (412) 658-0999
February 27, 1991
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I would like to thank you for the commendable job that you are doing with
Iraq. You show the strength that America has while at the same time you
are being both firm and fair. I am so pleased that you did not let Russia
and Iraq fool us.
I also think that you and your chief of staff are handling the news media
well. Please do not let them get the better of you. Some of their report-
ing is uncalled for and very poor.
Bring our troops home safe and soon. Stay firm and fair in your decisions.
God Bless You.
Respectfully yours,
Ramer Devido
Ranier Devido
RD/als
We are presently finishing some stone balusters for the White House which
we plan to deliver next Tuesday. My company is very much honored to be
of service to you.
P-51
WILLIAM YORK BOOTH
715 Machado Drive
Suite 15
Venice, California 90291
(213) 392-2469
February 27, 1991
President George Bush
The White House
Oval Office
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush,
Only moments ago, I listened to your speech announcing the near end of our
liberation of Kuwait. I have never been more proud of our military men and
women. And, Mr. President, I have never been more proud of you. You have
really shown "the right stuff" throughout this crisis.
With the approval of White House staff, I am forwarding two gifts to your
office. Both gifts are verses that were written during the past week. One is
for the People of Kuwait, and the other is for you.
The verse titled "FREEDOM" was written for the citizens of Kuwait. Those
battered people have so much to do in the coming months as they rebuild their
country I hope the words in this verse have some meaning for them. If you
feel it is appropriate, please offer this gift to the representatives of that country.
The second verse, "The Reward", was written with you and the Persian Gulf
crisis in mind, Mr. President. What it must have felt like to have made such
tough decisions is something that most of us can only imagine. But you made
them with harsh criticism in the beginning, but you made them. I hope this
verse has some meaning for you, now as we are beginning to see the rewards
of this action.
Thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership and your wisdom. And thank
you for reading these verses they both came straight from the heart.
Sincerely yours,
William York Booth
ary 27, 1991
dent George Bush
hite House
ngton DC 20500
Mr. President,
atulations on the successful liberation of Kuwait. Your
rship and courage has brought freedom to the Kuwaities and a
ed sense of freedom throughout the world. You have pulled nations
her to put an end to the radical rule of Saddam Hussain. It is a
n to all tyrants and it will have long and positive consequences
ecades to come.
soon the men and women of Operation Desert Storm will begin to
home. There will be parades, parties and celebrations of all
as the people of America welcome home the heroes. It will be a
time for America as we celebrate our new sense of freedom and the
zation of the responsibilities that come with that freedom.
tunately, there will be some who feel cheated because they never
ved a homecoming. I am speaking of the men and women of the
Nam War. When they came home they did not receive the thanks of
ca that they deserved. There are also those Americans who still
badly that they did not say thank you as they wanted. You have
ower to help this wound to heal. As the celebrations begin, I
y request that you ask all Americans to let all Veterans march in
arades with the men and women of Desert Storm. Let them feel the
S they so richly deserve. The Viet Nam veterans fought just as
as did our current troops and they fought for the same reason,
OM.
you for your consideration and for the courage you have shown
ghout this crisis. I feel proud to be a Republican and even
er to be an American. God Bless you and the United States of
ca.
ctfully.
withChel
th C. Lund
Rivkind Lane
N Hills, CA 91040
10649 WINTERWOOD
CARMER INDIANA 46032
R. J. KLEIN & ASSOCIATES. INC.
TELEPHONE: 846-1666
DESIGNERS
BUILDERS
DEVELOPERS
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
February 27, 1991
President George Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20036
Dear Mr. President:
To date you have been a world class leader and statesman.
Congratulations on your excellect achievement of forging a
unique alliance. I hope the following idea may help the current
political problem we face.
Let us tell Iraq and the world that if the Kuwait hostages taken
by Saddam are not immediately returned, that the allied forces will
go to Bagdad if necessary to secure them. In the meantime, we
could drop leaflets (as they obviously have been very effective)
over Bagdad telling the people of Bagdad what Saddam has done and
that the Allied forces wish Iraq no harm, but will have to invade
if the Iraq people do not force Saddam to return the thousands of
hostages he has kidnapped. This should get the Iraqi minds working
in the right direction.
The U.N. could also pass a resolution declaring Saddam an
International criminal, and request the world to issue an
international warrant for his arrest so that he could be held
accountable for his actions by a jury of the United Nations.
We must get the message to the Iraqi people that it is Saddam, The
Butcher of Bagdad who is causing their continued wars and misery.
It appears most of the Iraq Army already detests Saddam. The U.
N. resolutions cannot be fulfilled until ALL KIDNAPPED Kuwaite
hostages are returned to allied forces.
When I saw the Kuwait man on television who said he would remember
this day every day for the rest of his life, I hoped you were
watching, as you made his feelings possible for millions.
I am very proud of the fact that I voted for you, and I hope both
you and Secretary Baker keep the championship team together for
many years to come.
God bless you and all our people in uniform.
[5]
6729 Albatross Street
Ventura, California 93003
February 27, 1991
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Blvd.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
The planning and execution of the Desert Shield and Storm campaign
were brilliant. You have greatly impressed us by keeping your
promise to leave the execution of the war to the military.
Please show equal intelligence in your diplomatic approach to the
people of the Middle East. We feel that diplomatically it is not
good to insist that Saddam Hussein personally announce acceptance of
the U.N. Resolutions. That hurts the Iraqi people, the Arab world,
and yourself as well. We feel it is enough to demand that the Iraqi
soldiers leave all weapons of war behind as they leave the war, and
that all prisoners of war be released immediately.
We do not believe that the people of Baghdad should suffer a
continuation of the bombing - after all, you have won the war. You
can afford to be magnanimous. It may be that a United Nations task
force may have to go into Iraq to get rid of the missiles and missile
launchers, but we don't think this should be a function of the U.S.
Forces.
Please dazzle us with your diplomacy. We will salute you. History
will salute you.
Best wishes,
Ranty
Wayne & Geraldine Rantz