A chara - Lara Marlowe writes (The Irish Times, October 5th) thatthe US, in its efforts to get its own way on Iraq, continues to exertwhat a high-ranking French official called "enormous pressure" on thenine temporary members of the UN Security Council, including Ireland.
I presume this pressure consists of more than the US politely saying"Please" and "Thank you". I presume the pressure consists of some kindof promise or threat - or is there any difference between the two?
I think we are entitled to know the exact nature of the pressure theUS is exerting on Ireland. Perhaps Mr Ahern or Mr Cowen would answerthis request from me for accurate information on the nature of USpressure.
If we had the courage to refuse landing and other facilities to theUS military, what would the US have done? Mr Bush terrifies me and thistalk of enormous pressure adds to my anxiety. - Is mise,
SEÁN Ó RIAIN,
Gáirdíní Bhaile na Lobhar,
An Charraig Dhubh,
Co Bhaile Átha Cliath.
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Sir, - George W Bush's campaign to remove Saddam Hussein byforce could be expressed by the slogan: "Oust Infernal Lout" - or, inacronymic form, OIL. - Yours, etc.,
Villiers Square,
Church Street,
Limerick.