On the recordJanuary 21, 1991
Let me just say a quick word about the brutal parading of these allied pilots. I was talking to Speaker Foley about this coming down, and it is very clear that this is a direct violation of every convention that protects prisoners. The International Red Cross, I understand, certified to that today. In the first place, this is not going to make a difference in the prosecution of the war against Saddam. It's not going to make a difference. I've said that before. I said that when he brutally held hostages that numbered up into the thousands. And it's not going to make a difference. But I would make the strongest appeal that these people be treated properly and that they be given the treatment that is accorded to them under the international conventions--and they are not being. And America is angry about this, and I think the rest of the world is, because this morning I talked to more of our coalition partners. So, it is backfiring. If he thought this brutal treatment of pilots is a way to muster world support, he is dead wrong. And I think everybody is upset about it. Speaker, I won't put words in your mouth, but---- Speaker Foley. I concur absolutely with what the President said. It's a clear violation of the Geneva provisions for the protection of prisoners of war, and it will have very, very strong repercussions not only throughout the United States but throughout the world if these violations continue.
Source
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