IN a recent speech by Senator Robert Byrd in the United States Senate, he said, and I quote: "We are truly sleepwalking through history."

In my heart of hearts I pray that this great nation and its good and trusting citizens are not in for the rudest of awakening.

To engage in war is always to pick a wild card. War must always be a last resort, not a first choice.

I truly must question the judgment of any president who can say that a massive unprovoked military attack on a nation which is over 50 per cent children is "in the highest moral traditions of our country".

This war is not necessary at this time. Pressure appears to be having a good result in Iraq.

Our challenge is now to find a graceful way out of the box of our own making.

Perhaps there is still a way if we allow more time.

Ron Yates, Longridge Road, Preston