The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
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Dear All A small group has prepared the letter set out below which is to be sent to every single M.P. The idea is that as time is too short to collect signatures we are asking people if they would be willing for their names to be added at the end of the letter. One copy of the letter will be sent to each MP with a list of as many names as possible. Addresses will not be added. If anyone is willing to do this could their please contact me with their name, address and stating their willingness. Your name only will then be added to the letter. It is proposed to try and get publicity at the time of posting the letters. 'Dear (MP) We the undersigned wish to call upon you, a legally elected representative of the British people to their government in Westminster, to ensure that the British people be genuinely apprised of the magnitude of the consequences of the proposed course of action presently being co-ordinated in joint action between the American and British governments in respect of Iraq, and thereby to allow the British people to reach a considered decision as to whether or not this nation wishes to undertake the responsibility for and consequences of that course of action. We wish the public record to note that: 1. It is illegal for any nation to start a war against another nation that has not in fact committed acts of war against the instigator. To thus start a war against another nation is an act of aggression. 2. If indeed the United States and Great Britain pursue their jointly announced intentions to make military strikes against Iraq, these two nations will be guilty of aggression and, as such, of gross illegal misuse of American and British forces. 3. Under the terms and conditions of the United Nations Charter, such military action is illegal and would be carried out without and in contravention of the consent of the United Nations. 4. To take aggressive military action against Iraq will endanger the entire world and, in particular, the citizens of the United States and Great Britain whose leaders will have given just cause to the Iraqi people to retaliate in whatever ways they are able. 5. It must be noted that the media in the United States and Great Britain are being used to incite support from the citizenry, by insinuating acts of unspeakable horror that might be committed by Iraq, and on the basis of these insinuations to justify starting a conflagrational war in the Middle East. 6. If the aggressive stance of the govenments of the United States and Great Britain is motivated by concern for the sovereign safety of an ally in the region, then it is their responsibility as Security Council members of the United Nations to assure that all nations in the region abide by all United Nations resolutions, in the interest of seeking real and lasting peace for the Middle East and for the World. There is no issue of greater significance to human life at this moment in time. If war is commenced, its horrors will outlive us all. Surely the good and decent will of the British people should be consulted and listened to at this hour when a few would commit us all to war. We await your public acknowledgement of our call to reason and sanity in the execution of your responsibility to the citizens you represent. Yours sincerely' We hope to collect as many names as soon as possible in the next few days