ABSTRACT
Few legal issues are of greater significance to the interests of the United States, and of people everywhere, than the rules and the practices of nations concerning the use of force. The United States is committed to the principle that its conduct in international affairs–including the use of force-must be subject to law. The actions of presidents of the United States, and the positions taken by their lawyers, have consistently demonstrated this principled but practical approach to use-of-force rules. In his message to Congress requesting aid for Greece, President Harry S. Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, which recognized the importance of the peaceful development of nations under the UN system, but called for the protection of free nations from "aggressive movements" seeking to impose totalitarian regimes. Many international law academics and practitioners strongly believe that lethal support of the contras by the United States was inconsistent with our international obligations.
