Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 29, 1991 TAG: 9103290290
SECTION: NATL/INTL PAGE: A2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Bush called Schwarzkopf and told him "this is much ado about nothing," according to deputy presidential press secretary Roman Popadiuk. The spokesman said Bush assured the general that "They're on the same wavelength and that this is one of those little irritants that . . . shouldn't, you know, become any big thing."
Schwarzkopf, the highly popular allied commander, drew contradictory retorts from Bush and other administration officials after telling a television interviewer he had recommended to the president that the allies continue their pursuit of Iraqi forces on Feb. 27, the day Bush ordered a conditional cease-fire.
"Frankly, my recommendation had been, you know, continue the march. I mean we had them in a rout," Schwarzkopf told David Frost in the interview, taped March 20.
Bush, upon learning Wednesday of the general's comments, declared "There was total agreement on when this war should end," and Defense Secretary Dick Cheney issued a statement saying Schwarzkopf "raised no objection to terminating hostilities."
On Thursday, "The president told General Schwarzkopf not to worry about this incident," Popadiuk said. "The president is totally relaxed about it, . . . and he stands 100 percent solidly behind him," the spokesman said.
"Obviously the president realizes that this has become a little bit of a story and that the general is probably feeling awkward in this situation," Popadiuk said. "He just wanted to take the opportunity to reassure him that there was no need to be concerned about this."
He said Schwarzkopf was "was very pleased and appreciative of the president's phone call." The spokesman said he was unaware of what Schwarzkopf said or whether the general had retracted his remarks or apologized to Bush.
by CNB