NOTHING can justify the terrible atrocities against the innocent people of New York and Washington.

But the response should have been to bring those responsible to trial and not to fight a war which will result in thousands -- possibly tens of thousands -- of innocent civilian victims in Afghanistan. Relatively few Afghans are active in the terrorist organisation suspected of committing the atrocities in the United States and the Afghan people have no influence over the unaccountable Taliban government.

The threat of military action has already resulted in 2.2 million extra refugees in Afghanistan and up to 7.5 million people are said to he on the brink of starvation. The threat of war led to the suspension of United Nations Food Aid for 19 days and, with the harsh winter conditions starting in less than one month, there is very little time to provide food in order to prevent mass starvation and suffering. The Allies can supply food to refugees on the borders and to Northern Afghanistan, but they will not be able to assist the majority of the country until after the Taliban regime has been overthrown. This may be too late to avert a massive humanitarian disaster, for which the USA, Britain and allies will be responsible.

Even if the Taliban are overthrown fairly quickly, it may prove very difficult to establish a viable alternative government. We have to say that we believe George Bush and Tony Blair have made a very grave mistake by starting a war, rather than seeking to deal with the appalling terrorism against New York and Washington as the very heinous crime which it undoubtedly is.

Surely the best course of action would have been to bring those responsible to justice before an International Court, as is happening with the perpetrators of terrible massacres in Bosnia and Ruanda. Strengthening International Law would make the world a safer place and completely isolate the terrorists.

If we adopt President Bush's demand for suspects "dead or alive", we are compromising the ideals of democracy and justice.

By opting for war rather than legality, we are abandoning the ideals we claim to be defending.

One final thought -- President Bush has been given 344 billion dollars to fight this war, just think how much good this would do if devoted to helping the poor of the world, rather than on death and destruction.

If any readers want to find out more about the case against the war and to discuss alternatives to it, please come to a Public Meeting at the Friends Meeting House, Silverwell Street, Bolton, at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 18.

B D and C M Mills

Silverdale Road

Bolton