Redgrave played a detective in The Ice House

The letter argued that a war against Afghanistan, Iraq and the world's poorest countries "will not rescue any victims of September 11, or make the cities of America and Europe safer".

The letter went on: "Terrorism cannot be defeated by bombs, bullets or secret intelligence.

'Poverty'

"Terrorism is the language of hatred and despair.

Letter signatories

Lynn Farleigh Maggi Hambling Merlin Holland Byrony Lavery Roger Lloyd Pack Jehan Markham Kika Markham Harold Pinter Corin Redgrave

"Out of the carnage and rubble of a new crusade will come new terrorists, even more desperate and ruthless than before."

The letter criticised past Western policies towards Afghanistan and Iraq.

It also said that human rights and civil liberties were being "trampled on" by politicians "fanning the flames of intolerance with their preparations for war".

Harold Pinter is one of Britain's most respected playwrights, while actor Corin Redgrave has appeared in many TV series and films, including the new British thriller Enigma.

The letter concluded with an appeal to make war "on poverty" rather than on states which harbour terrorists.

Pinter was forced to apologise for reported "anti-American" comments he made in Italy only hours before the attacks on the US.