WHEREAS:

The United Nations Security Council has recognized that the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq represents a threat to the peace of the world; and,

WHEREAS:

The United States has assumed the leadership of the allied forces assembled in Saudi Arabia both to protect that country from any further expansion by Iraq and to provide the forces that may be called upon to enforce the U.N. demand that Iraq evacuate Kuwait; and,

WHEREAS:

Although the American people appear to have accepted the importance of united action to forestall any possible invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq, there is serious lack of a national consensus for commitment of American troops to dislodge Iraq from Kuwait; and,

WHEREAS:

The administration appears, in testimony before the Senate, to hold the position that the U.N. resolution authorizing all necessary means to remove Iraq from Kuwait provides the President the authority to commit American armed forces to such a U.N. action, without reference to the Congress; and,

WHEREAS:

The Constitution of the United States specifically reserves to Congress the power to declare war, without reference to the U.N. or any other circumstances.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The International Executive Board urge that a full examination of the crisis in Kuwait be conducted by the appropriate bodies of the Congress with a view to discharging the Congress' constitutional responsibility and authority; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

The President of the United States recognize the authority of the Congress in this crisis and pledge that he will not only consult with the appropriate leaders of that body but will await Congress' decision before committing American troops to any offensive action that moves beyond the defense of Saudi Arabia; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

The President of the United States recognizes his responsibility to make clear to the American people, and to their representatives in Congress, his reasons and judgements with respect to the Middle East Crisis and any possible desire by the President to commit American troops to an offensive action.