"I just returned to town and learned about the debate taking place in Congress to redefine Article 3 of the Geneva Convention.

I have read the poerful and eloquesnt letter sent to you by one of my distinguished predecessors 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 bsis of our fight against terrorism. to redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our troops at risk.

I am as familiar with "The Armed Forces Officer" as is Jack Vessey. It was written after all the horrors of World War II, and General George C. Marshall, then Secretary of Defense, used it to tell the world and to remind ourt soldiers of our moral obligations with respect to those in our custody."

"The United States abides by the laws of war. Its Armed Forces, in their dealing with all other peoples, are expected to comply with the laws of war, in the spirit and the letter. In waging war, we do not terrorize helpless non-combatants, if it is within our power to avoid so doing. Wanton killing, torture, cruelty or the working of unusual hardship on enemy prisoners or populations is not justified in any circumstance. Likewise, respect for the reign of law, as that term is understood in the United States, is expected to follow the flag wherever it goes...."