Larry Combest: “It might appear this is an easy vote, give the Bosnian Moslems the right to arm themselves and fight. If it were that…”

“It might appear this is an easy vote, give the Bosnian Moslems the right to arm themselves and fight. If it were that easy, I would be supporting it. I predict that while it may not seem to be difficult today, in the future many may find this vote haunting them. I hope that if this measure passes and actions are taken accordingly, my position is proven wrong because if I am proven right, it will mean that Americans have lost their lives. Mr. Chairman, there are too many uncertainties. This amendment makes it clear what we are to do. We are to 'go it alone.' We unilaterally provide arms. Where are the weapons to come from? How long will it take to supply them and train for their use? And, who trains them? The more independent our role the more American sons and daughters are placed in Bosnia and in harm's way. What happens if--in recognizing the potential problems of the Moslems being armed--the Serbs launch an all-out preemptive strike in an attempt to end the conflict prior to the Moslems' ability to strike back? What happens to the Americans who we have stationed there in their new role? What do we do then? How much further are we brought into this conflict? Some military leaders on the scene have observed that an end to the arms embargo months ago would have been a different story. But ending that embargo now would create havoc. Mr. Chairman, the American people have never lost their resolve for peace and freedom.”