THE Archbishop of York believes the UK cannot afford a climbdown after threatening force against Saddam Hussein.

But Dr David Hope says war with Iraq must be a very last resort - and fears that, if it happens, not even "smart" bombs will protect the innocent.

And a spokesman today revealed the Archbishop's personal concerns for the safety of close friends in Israel and Jordan, whom he has met during frequent pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

He said a couple from Israel, who had visited him recently at Bishopthorpe, were now back home with their children and grandchildren and had been conducting gas mask exercises in case Scud missile attacks are launched on Israel by Iraq.

Dr Hope says he believes the US and UK are "entirely and absolutely right" to insist, without compromise, on UN weapons inspectors being allowed to track down and destroy chemical weapons in Iraq.

"All are agreed that Saddam Hussein must be made to comply with the Security Council resolutions. The question is - how?"

He thinks every diplomatic avenue must be explored, but feels it is inconceivable that, having threatened force to pressurise Saddam into compliance, it would not in the last analysis be used by the West.

"I suspect that neither the US, nor the UK, could afford such a climbdown, for it would surely weaken any future such threats, and Saddam Hussein be seen in the eyes of the world yet again to have triumphed."

Dr Hope says he does not believe there are any easy options or answers in the present crisis, and while abhorring conflict and war, he does not share the absolutist and pacifist view of some Christians.

He believes that if war does break out, everything possible must be done to protect the innocent. But he warns that highly accurate "smart" bombs aimed at specific targets need "smart" intelligence.

In the last Gulf war, such intelligence was disastrously misinformed on one occasion, leading to the deaths of about 400 women and children.

Such mistakes can and will happen, inevitably drawing in the innocent, adds the Archbishop.

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