Letter: Iraqi crisis

US intentions have been clear for many years: the creation and maintenance of a large and stable market for their products, especially in the lucrative arms sector. They have achieved this by creating imaginary enemies, minor wars and Nato, and by playing around in the domestic affairs of other countries.

In each case, Britain has been disposed to lend a hand and to ask few questions. (Last year, Gore Vidal referred to the United Kingdom as "the Americans' favourite aircraft carrier"). It seem to matter little how brutal the policy; the US maintains its allies in western Europe.

As we appear to be on the eve of another attack on Iraq we must hope that the threat is a real threat, that it will truly make the world a safer place, and that Britain is not just another cog in the machine.

ADRIAN K HALL

Madrid