Published in The Times
28 January 2003
Sir
Iraq had an active chemical and biological weapons programme in 1998. Saddam Hussein has access to a catalogue of evidence showing what has happened to the programme in the years since then. If it has been closed down he has documentation showing how the chemical and biological agents have been disposed of, what has happened to the plant and to which peaceable projects the scientists have been reassigned.
As a matter of logical necessity Saddam's evidence must show either that he is in full compliance with UN resolutions dating back to 1991 or that he is continuing to defy them. Those who believe that the matter is still open to doubt and that the UN inspectors require more time need to explain one thing. If Saddam's evidence proves his innocence, why is he hiding it from the inspectors?
Yours truly,
Quentin Langley
Copyright © Quentin Langley 28 January 2003