SOME Packet correspondents may be prepared to accept the killing of innocents in Iraq as a price worth paying to achieve the removal of the one time American-promoted Saddam Hussein under the pretext of a 45 minute use in weapons of mass destruction being imminent.

There are many of us who have also served in the forces who are not. Politically motivated, and months after having liberated Iraq, the American Commander-in-Chief and our own Prime Minister both sneak in and out of that conquest like thieves in the night - so proud of their success.

The dead and the wounded, I understand, without glory or ceremony are now returned to their homeland under cover of darkness.

For me, one of the most nauseous TV images of 2003 has been the ritual solemn poker-faced condolences expressed for those killed in Iraq and elsewhere and instantly turned into the usual domestic smirking, sneering, jeering, bear garden known as "Prime Minister's Questions."

With the occupation of Iraq now being a fait accompli, the support for the welfare of our troops (including the right equipment) must go without saying. Just how long that will be for is anyone's guess - even for Bush and Blair.

Mr J R Argyle, Queen Anne Gardens, Falmouth