12/13/2002 FRI 17:15 FAX

002

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2002

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

It is with regret that I accept Dr. Kissinger's decision to step down as Chairman of the National Commission to investigate the events of Sept 11, 2001 and the years that led up to that event.

As I stated at the time of his appointment, Dr. Kissinger is one our Nation's most accomplished and respected public servants. I thank him for his willingness to consider serving his country once again. His chairmanship would have provided the insights and analysis the government needs to understand the methods of our enemies and the nature of the threats we face.

My Administration will work quickly to select a new chairman whose mission will be to uncover every detail and learn every lesson of September 11, even as we act on what we have learned so far to better protect and defend America.

###

HENRY A. KISSINGER

Final

December 13, 2002

Dear Mr. President:

The opportunity to engage in public service is the greatest honor a President
can bestow upon any citizen. I am grateful that you asked me to serve as
Chairman of the Joint Commission to investigate the facts and circumstances
surrounding the tragedy of September 11th.

Certainly, at this critical point in history, there can be no more important
undertaking. For over half a century, I have never refused to respond to the
call from a President. Nor have I ever put my personal interests ahead of the
country's interest.

Therefore, to remove any questions about even the appearance of a conflict
of interest, I was prepared, as I informed the White House Counsel from the
beginning, to submit all relevant financial information to the White House, as
well as to independent review and in the end to any procedure, consistent
with submissions of other members of the Joint Commission.

However, it is clear that, although specific potential conflicts can be resolved
in this manner, the controversy would quickly move to the consulting firm I
have built and own. To liquidate Kissinger Associates cannot be
accomplished without significantly delaying the beginning of the Joint
Commission's work. I have, therefore, concluded that I cannot accept the
responsibility you proposed.

This is a moment of disappointment for me, of course. I hope very much,
however, that the Joint Commission will now be able to be constituted and
conduct its important work without delay or distraction.

The mission, in my opinion, is of such importance that it must begin without
distraction and controversy so that it can be completed swiftly, thoroughly
and credibly.

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December 13, 2002
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My hope is that, by the decision to step aside now, the Joint Commission can
proceed without further controversy.

With high regard and good wishes,

Respectfully,

The Honorable
George W. Bush
The President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

12/13/2002 FRI 17:15 FAX

002

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2002

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

###

HENRY A. KISSINGER

December 13, 2002

Dear Mr. President:

Mr. President, having spent my entire public life seeking to serve the vital
interests of America and of democracy and freedom in the world, my sole
motive was to respond to the call of the President of the United States.

HENRY A. KISSINGER

December 13, 2002

Dear Mr. President:

Certainly, at this critical point in history, there can be no more serious
undertaking. For over half a century, I have never refused to respond to the
call from a President. Nor have I ever put my personal interests ahead of the
country's interest.

Therefore, to remove any questions about even the appearance of a conflict
of interest, I was prepared, as you know, to submit all relevant financial
information to the White House Counsel, as well as to independent review
and in the end to any procedure, consistent with submissions of other
members of the Joint Commission.

Mr. President, having spent my entire public life seeking to serve the vital
interests of America and of democracy and freedom in the world, my sole
interest was to respond to the call of the President of the United States.

HENRY A. KISSINGER

December 13, 2002

Dear Mr. President:

Therefore, to remove any questions about even the appearance of a conflict of interest, I was prepared, as you know, to submit all relevant financial information, consistent with submissions of other members of the Joint Commission.

However, it is clear that, although specific potential conflicts can be resolved in this manner, I could not quickly enough sever my relations to the consulting firm I have built and own. To liquidate Kissinger Associates cannot be accomplished without significantly delaying the beginning of the Joint Commission's work. I have, therefore, concluded that I cannot accept the responsibility you proposed.

Mr. President, having spent my entire public life seeking to serve the vital interests of America and of democracy and freedom in the world, my sole interest was to respond to the call of the President of the United States. However, the mission, in my opinion, is of such importance that it must

TWENTY-SIXTH FLOOR • 350 PARK AVENUE • NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022 • (212) 759-7919
FACSIMILE (212) 759-0042

12/13/02

DRAFT

Dear Mr. President:

Certainly, at this critical point in history, there can be no more serious undertaking. You must know that [for] over half a century, I have never refused to respond to the call from a President. Nor have I ever put my personal interests ahead of the country's interest.

Therefore, to remove any questions about even the appearance of a conflict of interest, I was prepared, as you know, to submit to

your White House Counsel all relevant information, consistent with
submissions of other members of the Joint Commission.

However, it is clear that, although specific potential conflicts can
be resolved, I could not quickly enough sever my relations to the

consulting firm I have built and own. To liquidate Kissinger Associates
cannot be accomplished without significantly delaying the
beginning of work for the Joint Commission. I have, therefore,
concluded that I cannot accept the responsibility you proposed.

Mr. President, having spent my entire public life in the service of
the vital interests of America and of democracy and freedom in the
world, my sole interest was to respond to the call of the President of

2

the United States to undertake a mission of such importance.

However, the mission, in my opinion, must begin without distraction

credibly. It does no good to invest the effort otherwise.

Mr. President, what is of utmost importance is the work of the

Joint Commission. My hope is that, by my decision to step aside now,

of the Joint Commission (cf) the work will occupy, as it properly should, everyone's attention.

Respectfully,