CONCERNING the comments by supporters of Amnesty International on the contribution made to this country by refugees (Letters, June 19), I am an Englishman. I have worked in my own country for the whole of my productive life to date and have always paid my dues and taxes.

A part of these taxes has always gone to support an army, the purpose of which was said originally to be the defence of the British Isles. That role has now obviously changed and the army is now utilised as an international aid support unit or police force.

A goodly portion of my taxes goes to support poorer countries through aid programmes. It is common knowledge that in many instances most of these payments do not reach the needy, but is filtered off by regimes and individuals for their own purposes. Much as I deplore it, there is little I can do about it.

I give to various charities but not those which I perceive to have a political agenda or pay excessive salaries to their directors.

I wish no harm to any man, nor would I support or countenance a repatriation programme as put forward by other people. However, I do draw the line at welcoming all and sundry to live in my homeland.

I live on a small island which has now seen an influx of many thousands of aliens.

The basic problems experienced by the health service, education, the police, lack of housing etc, all stem from overpopulation.

The supporters of Amnesty International write of 'the valuable contributions' made by the asylum seekers. I accept that some will have an input of value to offer us. If this is so, why don't they work and offer these skills and talents in their own countries? They are obviously in more need of them than we are.

This country's proud tradition of finding safe haven for those persecuted in other countries is now being abused and has to be viewed against the backdrop of those who wish to come because life is sweeter here, not because they are being persecuted any more than the rest of their own countrymen.

ANTONY HAWORTH, Pendleside Close, Sabden.