NO CASH FOR COLOMBIA

To the Editor:

Re "Now, State of Siege, Colombian Style" (Week in Review, Oct. 10):

I don't want my tax money or our troops sent to Colombia. Whatever objectives
our Administration asserts, our gifts will result in arming a country that
is out of control, at greater danger and expense to us later.

If our President feels that we need to help Colombia, I can see only
two ways: Instead of cash, send them agricultural supplies from great
American companies like John Deere and Caterpillar and live breeding
stock to encourage poultry, pork and beef production so that they can
satisfy their hunger without resorting to violence, and send
well-drilling equipment to let them have clean water supplies. Also,
legalize drugs through American pharmacists with physicians'
prescriptions and end the whole basis for the unrest, killing and
wasteful spending on interdiction and prosecution.

JOHN P. TIERNAN
Bedford, NY