I ENJOY George Cowley's letters, but whatever his "very reliable source" (You Say, December 11) may be, it has let him down badly this time.

First, the embargo on Iraq is no "Anglo-American" embargo but a worldwide one imposed by the UN.

Second, it would be lifted tomorrow if Saddam complied with the UN's requirements regarding his weapons programme.

Third, if Mr.Cowley really wants a "very reliable source", I refer him to Saddam Defiant by Richard Butler, the Australian diplomat who headed the UN's inspection programme in Iraq which Saddam resisted and eventually closed down.

It is vital that the world community holds the line against Saddam and does not simply let him carry on regardless.

Those who want the sanctions lifted had better come up with specific alternatives, because he's not simply going to stop or go away - and neither are his weapons of mass destruction.

JULIAN THAKE,

Worcester.