Australia's Prime Minister John Howard faced the criticism of more than 40 former Australian diplomats and defence chiefs, who accused him of deceiving the country over the reasons for the Iraq war. "We are concerned that Australia was committed to join the invasion of Iraq on the basis of false assumptions and deception of the Australian people," the open letter said. "Saddam (Hussein)'s dictatorial regime has ended but removing him was not the reason given to the Australian people for going to war. "The prime minister said in March 2003 that our policy was the disarmament of Iraq not the removal of Saddam Hussein." Australia has been one of the most adamant allies of the United States for the war in Iraq. It contributed about 2,000 troops at the start of the war and maintain a force of about 850 troops in and around the country.

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