Leaving the case against the Iraq war to an official inquiry entrusts its management to the accused.

The proper course is to prosecute the charge in open court.

The Government is refusing to disclose the debate which went on in the Cabinet beforehand about the legality of the invasion.

But if Blair were brought to trial for violating international law such evidence could be demanded by subpoena.

In an old Icelandic saga the main character declares: "By law, this land shall stand. Without law this land shall perish." These alternatives now confront the community of nations.

D Paxton,

Greenbank.