To the editor:

In response to a Speak Out comment Tuesday regarding my support for the disarmament of Iraq:

There is no point in yet another detailed recitation of the overwhelming case for removing Saddam Hussein. The short of it is this: Saddam cannot be disarmed without being removed. If he is not disarmed, he will acquire nuclear weapons. If he acquires nuclear weapons, he will use them to subjugate the nations and peoples around Iraq. And this would be a humanitarian disaster, a setback to the cause of democracy and human rights, a terrible blow to America's vital interests and a direct threat to the security of our people and our true allies in the region.

I have attended numerous classified briefings and met with President Bush's national security team about Iraq. There is simply no question that Saddam Hussein is a sponsor of terrorism and that his support of and collaboration with terrorist organizations will only increase.

My father's generation won the battle for freedom in the struggles against totalitarianism that defined the 20th century. This is the second great test, after Sept. 11, 2001, of American resolve to support the cause of liberty in the 21st century. I am confident in the continued strength of our people and our Constitution, and I support the president without hesitation.

JIM TALENT

U.S. Senator

Washington