HISTORY teaches us that it is necessary to defend democratic government from attack by those who would rule by force, and the way to avoid conflict is to be stronger than those who would attack.

If democratically-elected leaders believe Star Wars will do this, then we should have a genuine open mind before we condemn the idea.

Although we were defending our country and they were not in two world wars, the Americans sent their young men to die with ours.

Almost 60 years have passed since then and during this time peace has been underpinned by a lesson learned the hard way.

I hope your Star Wars editorial in the Evening Press does not mean another generation must learn a terrible lesson all over again. As far as your comments about a supposed threat to North Yorkshire are concerned, try telling that to those who were willing to get into aircraft, or run up the beaches of Dunkirk and get shot to pieces to protect my right to express my opinion.

Neil Dobson Rokeby,

Husthwaite, York.

...IT'S good that the US has responded to the Evening Press, which is more than can be said for spin-obsessed Downing Street (August 13). However, it would be very nave to believe their claims that this system would actually make our lives safer.

America has been our great friend, but the first thing a rogue country would do is to try and knock out Fylingdales. This is not a crank's campaign; anyone is bound to be concerned at this proposal, and all credit to the Evening Press for highlighting this.

The thought of our beloved moors being a key player in this plan is horrifying and worrying.

N Fletcher,

Langton Road,

Norton, Malton.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, August 15, 2001