IRAQ: THE MARCH TO WAR: TALK AND YOUR FAMILY WILL DIE

IRAQI scientists snatched from their homes by Saddam Hussein's henchmen have been warned their families will have an "accident" if they talk to weapons inspectors.

Just 24 hours before UN inspectors fly in, the terrified chemical experts are being held with their wives and children at secret high- security compounds.

Now many of the scientists say they will refuse to help the arms investigators in case their families are killed or injured. Under the UN agreement this month, inspectors can ask any of Saddam's scientists to leave the country to be questioned, along with their families.

But Dr Khidir Hamza, former head of Iraq's nuclear weapons programme, said one of Saddam's key lieutenants, Mulla Hwaish, ordered the families of all Iraqi scientists to be resettled in three camps "for their safety".

Dr Hamza, who defected to the West eight years ago, added: "The fear is that if the UN asks for families to be let out with a scientist, then the Iraqis may tell the UN that one or more family members have had an 'accident'.

"No scientist would want to risk the lives of his family. If the men can be concealed or stopped from leaving the country, then there is not much the inspectors will find."

But if Saddam does not release the scientists he may breach the UN resolution - sparking military action.

Dr Hamza revealed that scientists who tried to leave Iraq earlier have also been taken to secret locations.

Yesterday a UN plane carrying equipment for weapons inspectors arrived in Baghdad. The first 18 of the 250 inspectors arrive tomorrow.

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