I am somewhat disturbed by the apparent fact (BBC news tonight) that a British Navy transport, wishing to enter Lebanese water to evacuate British citizens, required Israeli permission. Frankly, any Israeli attack on such a vessel would have been an act of war by Israel against the UK.

I would also draw attention to Kofi Annan's speech of today setting out that the Israeli actions are not justifiable under the international rules of war - and add that his remarks proceed on the over-generous basis that Israel may properly be at war with the Lebanon.

I would like to hear his impending discussion with Condi Rice (a traitor to her gender and race if ever there was one). My belief is that intellectually he can eat her for breakfast.