While the plight of the Kurds is becoming increasingly prominent. relatively little attention has been paid to the fate of the 13.000.000 Shia muslims who have struggled under Saddam Husseins rule. Last year. following the uprising in the south. many of the Shia combatants. their civilian supporters. and Iraqi army deserters were forced into the southeastern marshlands at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. There they have been subject to harsh retribution from Iraqi forces. leading to numerous deaths and causing serious refugee problems. Accordingly. we would urge the United States to examine possibilities for expanding the United Nations presence in southern Iraq and extending appropriate international protection to the Shia. We appreciate your attention to these matters. � Sincerely.