Douglas L. Peterson: “we are looking for a solution. We are looking for the solution to the indiscriminate killing that has occurred in Bosnia…”

“we are looking for a solution. We are looking for the solution to the indiscriminate killing that has occurred in Bosnia over the last several years. For a moment, I thought lifting the embargo would be a solution. Maybe a few years ago, we would have made a difference. I do not think so now. Mr. Chairman, my major consideration comes from what happens when we do so. My major consideration is that we immediately place our allies' troops, our allies who have troops in Bosnia on the ground, in deep jeopardy. U.S. forces would immediately be withdrawn, and that has been well-known. The United States would become responsible for the introduction of troops to assist in that withdrawal. If we agree to assist in supplying arms, then we must assume the responsibility for training the personnel in the use of those arms. There is a major cost fiscally, a major cost potentially in lives, for this action. I am not convinced we have exercised all the options that we have in the prospect of dealing with this issue. Mr. Chairman, our strength lies in the use of air power. At the same time, we do not want to take sides. I am convinced that the conflict has a solution only in negotiation and not on the battlefield. I say, freeze in place everything throughout the country on both sides with no military movement anywhere in Bosnia, period. With air power, we can enforce this proclamation.”