Sir, - William Hague's latest attempt to capture a vote-winning headline by saying that Britain must give immediate unqualified backing for America's planned National Missile Defence (NMD) System is astonishing in its naivet and lack of judgment.
Not only has America's NMD system so far failed every practical test, but such a system would be in breach of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty agreed in 1973 between the United States and the Soviet Union, which has been the bedrock of global nuclear stability. The development of NMD could result in China deciding to increase its nuclear arsenal and cause a chilling escalation in other countries like India and Pakistan.
The so-called special relationship with America under President Bush may remain so only for so long as it suits America, and the upgrading of Fylingdales to accommodate the NMD system may give protection to America but will certainly make North Yorkshire a first strike target from a rogue attack.
The question of whether or not to back America's NMD system is a serious and complicated matter with repercussions, not just for our security but, for the security of the world. It is not something to be taken lightly or to be glibly asserted in the way Mr Hague has a habit of doing. His simplistic Thatcherite approach, though bad enough for the "one nation" Tories, would be a catastrophe for the country if he ever became Prime Minister.
EDWARD FORTH
Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesman, Richmond constituency.
Sir, - William Hague's support for US development of Star Wars missiles at Fylingdales brings into the open Britain's part in the defence of America, a matter of great importance which should be in the centre of our election debate.
The US National Missile Defence policy plans to shoot down nuclear missiles launched against America before they cross her coast. It is the American nation which they plan to defend, not this country. If any aggressor carried out a pre-emptive strike, Fylingdales in North Yorkshire would be their first target and the county of Yorkshire would become the devastated and contaminated battlefield of this attack.
As a Second World War ex-serviceman, I can remember the feelings of gratitude for US intervention on our side then. But that was more than 50 years ago. Our gratitude cannot last for ever. We should not risk the devastation of our country in such a reckless venture. As a matter of urgency we should openly debate the terms and conditions under which US forces operate in the airforce, military, naval and espionage bases which they use in this country.
John Simpson.
Thirlby,
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