Letter: Gulf crisis

WE are being urged not to repeat the mistakes of history by appeasing a ruthless dictator. Another mistake of history we would do well not to forget - and one which contributed at least equally to the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939 - is the dictated peace of the Treaty of Versailles. This taught us that it is short-sighted and dangerous to humiliate and ruin a proud nation.

The British have been taught more hard lessons than most in the history of conflict and conflict resolution across the world, not least of all in Iraq itself. Let us draw on this experience and really learn the lessons of our history, not just convenient selections from it.

Dr PAUL O'PREY

Bristol