The official said the State Department sent diplomatic cables to US embassies in about 50 countries, instructing American envoys to "begin a conversation" with host governments.

"Without gilding the lily, this is multi-lateralism. This is diplomacy in action," the official said. "We're focused on the resolution and [Iraq's] disarmament but we need to make sure we're seen as serious. The best way to keep them focused is the threat of force."

But at the same time the official insisted the United States is "not at the stage of specific requests." Rather, he said, the US message is, "think about what steps might be taken" and "what's available" if Iraq does not comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1441.

Nevertheless, the British government said it received a formal request from the United States for troops to take part in possible military action against Iraq, Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon said Wednesday. He said that did not mean war is inevitable.

Canada said it received a request Friday night and a spokesman for Prime Minister Jean Chretien said, "we take the message seriously."

"We're exploring all the options," said spokesman Jim Munson

During the Gulf War, Canadian F-18s escorted US jets in sorties over Iraq, while Canada deployed ships in the Gulf and set up mobile medical hospitals.

The British government was Washington's strongest supporter in pushing a resolution through the Security Council that led to weapons inspectors being readmitted to Iraq -- a resolution that carries the implied threat of military action should Baghdad refuse to cooperate.

Britain is also the only country apart from the United States that still patrols the no-fly zones over northern and southern Iraq.

Hoon told reporters: "We have had a request for forces from the United States but no decision has been taken on that and it does seem to me appropriate that I should set out in more detail our thinking in Parliament."

British politicians are scheduled to debate the Iraq crisis on Monday.

Many of Prime Minister Tony Blair's own party are wary of military action; about 150 Labour Party members of parliament have signed a motion expressing "deep unease" about a war.

President Bush is expected to broach the subject of allied support for a possible war with Iraq during the NATO summit in Prague, Czech Republic.

He said Wednesday that America's allies would be able to choose whether they join a "coalition of the willing" to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein should he not cooperate with the UN inspectors.

Speaking in the Czech Republic ahead of the NATO summit, Bush said, "It's very important for [NATO] nations as well as all free nations to work collectively to see to it that Saddam Hussein disarms.

"However, should he choose not to disarm, the United States will lead a coalition of the willing to disarm him and at that point in time, all our nations will be able choose whether or not they want to participate."

In Europe, there has been widespread concern at possible military action against Iraq.

Germany has ruled out taking part in any military campaign against Iraq, and France has insisted on further Security Council talks before action can be authorized.

(China Daily November 21, 2002)