I READ with great interest the letter from Elizabeth Tebbs (April 30). I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with her sentiments. When we voted-in this Government never did we believe we would be drawn into a battle such as we have in the Balkans.

She is so right in her expression that this is all about control of that territory by countries such as America, but I have to add that Mr Blair's complete and utter commitment to war has astounded me. As a former CND member- as was his Foreign Secretary - I find this side to Mr Blair somewhat frightening.

I believe the humanitarian reasons for the conflict are being overshadowed by the urgency for our politicians to improve their credibility. Money will be desperately needed to rebuild worn-torn cities for the people we set out to help, so why does the Government persist in making matters worse by the day.

Why cannot they adopt the same policy as with Ireland, where they pledge to keep talking as a way to a peaceful solution? And is it not time to ask the people of this country what we really think and never mind the straw polls?

I would welcome it if Mrs Tebbs would like to share her wider views with me.

LUCILLE STARK,

Salford 7.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.