ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationClinton · D

Presidential Determination

Determination to Authorize the Furnishing of Emergency Military Assistance to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Countries Participating in UNAMSIL, and Other Countries Involved in Peacekeeping Efforts or Affiliated Coalition Operations With Respect to Sierra Leone

President Clinton authorized an emergency drawdown of up to $36 million in defense articles, services, and military training from Department of Defense stocks to support UN peacekeeping forces in Sierra Leone and affiliated coalition operations, citing an unforeseen emergency that could not be addressed under other legal authorities.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 78895

Impact dates

  1. Determination effective; authorization to drawdown begins

Key directives

  • Drawdown of defense articles from DOD stocks not to exceed $36 million aggregate value
  • Furnish defense services from DOD
  • Provide military education and training
  • Secretary of State to report Determination to Congress
  • Secretary of State to arrange Federal Register publication

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Authorization of $36 million drawdown from DOD stocks
  • Directing Secretary of State to report to Congress and arrange Federal Register publication

Near term (90d)

  • Delivery of defense articles, services, and training to support peacekeeping operations

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Use of emergency authority (Section 506(a)(1)) suggests normal foreign military sales process was insufficient or too slow for crisis
  • Implicit tension between rapid response needs and congressional oversight; notification occurs after determination made
  • Drawdown from DOD stocks may affect U.S. military readiness
Presidential Determination: Determination to Authorize the Furnishing of Emergency Military Assistance to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Countries Participating in UNAMSIL, and Other Countries Involved in Peacekeeping Efforts or Affiliated Coalition Operations With Respect to Sierra Leone · Executive Orders