May 7, 1999

MEMORANDUM TO: OPINION LEADERS

FROM: GARY SCHMITT

SUBJECT: Kosovo

I want to draw your attention to remarks made by Governor George W. Bush in an interview yesterday with AP reporter Ron Fournier. According to Governor Bush, it was a “mistake” for President Clinton to say “right off the bat” that he would not “use land troops” in Kosovo. “I think it said, ‘We’re coming to fight you with one hand.’”

According to Fournier, Governor Bush also stated that, although he understands some of Congress’ concerns about the administration’s handling of the crisis in Kosovo, he would have voted to support the mission there. “I happen to think it’s important for Milosevic to hear one voice, and that we’re serious.” And being serious does not include a negotiated settlement that falls short of NATO’s stated objectives. “We need to have one objective in mind and that is to achieve the goals and to do so ferociously.” “It’s an awesome responsibility to be commander-in-chief...but the commander-in-chief has a responsibility, once the troops are committed, to win.”