By Kevin Anderson BBC News Online correspondent in New York

As President Bush was addressing the United Nations in New York, support for his hard line on Saddam Hussein was mixed among passers-by in midtown Manhattan.

Alan says the US always sticks its nose in where it doesn't belong

Alan Sharpe, a 62 year-old shopping precinct employee, urged caution before any military action was considered.

"I think America should get all the facts together and see if Saddam is developing chemical weapons. They should get the proof, and then if they get that proof, they should go in and get him."

Even then, he felt it important for the international community to be in support of the US.

"America always sticks its nose in where it doesn't belong and it gets us in a whole lot of trouble. We should all stick together, go into Iraq and see. We have an agreement that we can check for weapons."

Doubts

Adam Heiser, a 28-year-old documentary film maker from Portland, Oregon, was even more sceptical about America going it alone against Iraq, and wanted definite proof of weapons violations.

Adam believes firm proof is vital

"I am a firm believer in international actions by the US only with United Nations approval, or at least some sort of coalition," he said.

"If a 'smoking gun' is that convincing, I think people who have become part of the UN and who have supported the US in the past, will be on board.

"If it's not that concrete, I don't think they will, and I don't think it merits military action," he added.

A 35-year-old-construction worker in New York, who did not wish to be named, also hoped for UN approval.

But he spoke more firmly in support of President Bush's policy of military action.

"I believe President Bush is taking the right steps and measures. The stance he is taking, with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, behind him, is the way forward.

"Saddam definitely has something up his sleeve and you just don't know with this guy when he's going to go forward with his mass destruction," he added.

American fears

A fellow construction worker, aged 41 and also from New York, thought some in the international community were in fear of supporting the US.

Danielle fears retaliation attack against the US

"I think they are afraid of retaliation by terrorists that is why they say they are against it. They know the US is going to do it one way or the other," he said.

"For my part, I think the US is acting in self-defence. Look what these guys did to the World Trade Center."

Gail Gresack, from midtown Manhattan, had serious misgivings about a war with Iraq, but still supported the president.

"I don't agree with evil, and there are times when you have to do something about it. If you don't nip it in the bud, what happens? It's the same as Hitler - and look what he did," she said, with echoes of Mr Bush's address to the UN.

Danielle Marie, a 19-year-old student from Brooklyn, wanted to see negotiation rather than military action.

"There are other possible ways we could work this out without attacking Saddam - by trying to sit down and talk with him. You've got to learn a little patience."

Danielle was clearly worried that a military strike against Iraq could trigger retaliation against the US.

"I am afraid something else is going to happen - like what happened down at Ground Zero."