Friday, September 15, 2006
Ex-Bush Admin RhetIraq: Powell on Bush Policy for Detainees
Who: General Colin L. Powell, Former Secretary of State for President George W. Bush, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush
Source: Findlaw
Quotes: Text of letter addressed from Powell to Senator John McCain (R-AZ) dated September 13, 2006;
Dear Senator McCain:
I just returned to town and learned about the debate taking place in Congress to redefine Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. I do not support such a step and believe it would be inconsistent with the McCain amendment on torture which I supported last year.
I have read the powerful and eloquent letter sent to you by one of my distinguished predeceossors as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jack Vessey. I fully endorse in tone and tint his powerful argument. The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis for our fight against terrorism. To redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our own troops at risk.
I am as familiar with The Armed Forces Officer as is Jack Vessey. It was written after all the horrors World War II and General George C. Marshall, then Secretary of Defense, used it to tell the world and to remind our soldiers of our moral obligations with respect to those in custody.
Sincerely,
[Signature of Colin Powell]
Source: Findlaw
Quotes: Text of letter addressed from Powell to Senator John McCain (R-AZ) dated September 13, 2006;
Dear Senator McCain:
I just returned to town and learned about the debate taking place in Congress to redefine Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. I do not support such a step and believe it would be inconsistent with the McCain amendment on torture which I supported last year.
I have read the powerful and eloquent letter sent to you by one of my distinguished predeceossors as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jack Vessey. I fully endorse in tone and tint his powerful argument. The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis for our fight against terrorism. To redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our own troops at risk.
I am as familiar with The Armed Forces Officer as is Jack Vessey. It was written after all the horrors World War II and General George C. Marshall, then Secretary of Defense, used it to tell the world and to remind our soldiers of our moral obligations with respect to those in custody.
Sincerely,
[Signature of Colin Powell]
