REGARDING the attempt by relatives of the Argentine seamen who died during the sinking of the General Belgrano to claim compensation, prior to the Falklands War, the only role most of the Argentine army played was a paramilitary one involving the bullying of helpless civilians.

Thinking the British had lost interest in the Falklands, the Argentine Government thought it could boost its political standing by sending its army over to bully the helpless Falkland Islanders.

Instead, they found themselves with the Belgrano dumped on the seabed and their army facing our forces. Now, because things didn't go the way they planned they want compensation from the British Government.

Well, what about the Lusitania, and British merchant seamen who lost their lives during the Second World War? What about all the British prisoners of war who died and suffered under the Japanese? What about all the victims of the holocaust and the plight of the American Indians? The list is endless.

Don't cry to me, Argentine. If you can't stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen!

DAVE BOWMAN, Coleridge Street, Blackburn.