OVER the years, instrument of war have improved beyond all recognition.

Responding to an assassination in the Balkans in 1914 resulted in the destruction and the deaths of millions across the world.

Our response to the plight of the Polish people in 1939 resulted in an even more disastrous worldwide tragedy.

Reacting to false intelligence from Iraq has resulted in millions of innocent lives being lost and widespread destruction in the Middle East.

Surely, in future, our armed forces must only be used to defend our shores, to deter our enemies, bolster our allies and administer human aid overseas.

We are now in a nuclear age, armed with weapons of mass destruction. Mankind itself could be on the brink of annihilation should we continue to resort to force to punish aggression.

Should we not be intelligent enough now, to use other methods to right the world’s wrongs?

Colin Davidovitz

Chandler’s Ford