Meanwhile, the United States made plans to secure Iraq's oil fields in the event of a war, amid worries that Iraq would try to destroy its wells. And officials in Europe and the United States sought to play down their divisions on Iraq.

At the Pentagon, a senior US defense official disclosed plans to seize Iraqi oil fields at the onset of hostilities. The official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said that "a variety of intelligence sources" have convinced military planners that President Saddam Hussein of Iraq plans to destroy his oil fields if a US-led coalition invades.

Undersecretary of State John R. Bolton told reporters in Tokyo yesterday that the United States had "convincing evidence" that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. "At an appropriate time and in an appropriate way, we will make the case about Iraq's violations," he said.