Letter to the U.S. House of Representatives on Military Aid to El Salvador, October 18, 1991

October 18, 1991

The Honorable Thomas S. Foley
Speaker of the House 
United States Congress 
Washington, D.C. 20515 

Dear Mr. Speaker, 

It is my understanding that an extended Continuing Resolution on foreign aid appropriations is to be marked up shortly. I write to express our specific interest in the provisions for military aid to El Salvador. 

We believe that the restrictions currently imposed on that aid, including the fifty per cent withhold, have already had a positive effect upon the peace process in El Salvador. In our view, the continuation and further strengthening of these restrictions are important measures our Government can and should take to hasten the peace process. 

The Catholic bishops of El Salvador, just as the bishops of this country, have repeatedly deplored all outside aid that fuels the conflict, from whatever source, to whatever side. Now that the UN-mediated peace process seems well established, a progressive reduction of US aid to the Salvadoran armed forces would seem to be a minimal expression of our support for that process.

I urge you to continue the restrictions and conditions on this aid, and assure that any subsequent decision to release funds be subject to Congressional approval.

Sincerely yours,  

Most Reverend John R. Roach
Archbishop of Minneapolis and St. Paul
Chairman, USCC Committee on International Policy