I READ with concern the letters from J Frost and H Punter (January 13). I feel that both confuse the UK participating with NATO in a missile defence system and dealing with Iraq.

Upgrading the software at Fylingdales will give the UK the option of sharing in a future missile interceptor system that will protect our cities from external nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) attack, exactly the same type of system that Russia has in place to defend Moscow.

Mr Punter is concerned about the proliferation of nuclear weapons. I agree with him. North Korea has been developing the Taepo-Dong 2 missile that will be capable of delivering an NBC attack on UK cities, and the Government is well aware of this. The failure of any government to effectively respond to this threat would (and should) be construed by the electorate as criminal negligence.

Fylingdales is not a plausible target for attack. It is very small and remote. Even if attacked, only the site itself would be at risk - a suicide bomber or hijacked aircraft would do no damage to Whitby or any other population centre.

I am also saddened, but not surprised, by the almost pathological hatred shown towards the USA. The Americans have been our allies for almost a century, and are a generous and warm-hearted people. They are also a democracy!

Ian MacLaren,

Middlecroft Grove,

Strensall,

York.

...IT IS disappointing to see otherwise apparently intelligent citizens confuse the problem of dealing with the threat posed by Saddam Hussein and the question of whether Britain and its NATO partners should participate in a new missile defence system.

Many Press readers will know that Russia already has a missile defence system in place defending Moscow. Moreover, some older readers will remember that, in the 1935 General Election, the Conservative government under Stanley Baldwin sought re-election with a policy of reduced defence expenditure, only to be vilified a few years later when the country was at war with Germany.

It would be irresponsible of the present Government not to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that British citizens are defended. There is a clear difference between the proposed missile defence system and problems in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

Remember, NATO has a proven track record, and the much-vaunted UN has ineffectually presided over atrocities in Rwanda, Bosnia and Kosovo and remains aloof from the tragedy unfolding in Zimbabwe!

Alan England,

Carr Lane,

Sutton-on-the-Forest,

York.

...I AM astonished by the anti-American sentiments expressed in these letters.

There are many in the UK who have blood relatives in the United States and they are baffled by the attitude which, unfortunately, exists in this country.

I am sure York MP Hugh Bayley has good reasons for his support of Fylingdales which he feels must override any concerns he may have about losing any constituency support. I know him to be a man with strong principles and belief and I am convinced he will serve the best interests, not only of his constituents, but also the nation as a whole.

As regards the 'build up' for Iraq, our armed forces need, particularly in these difficult times, the full support of the nation not a divided one.

Elizabeth C Earle,

Dower Court,

William Plows Avenue,

York.

Updated: 12:03 Monday, January 20, 2003