How curious is the behavior of three one-time beggars — France, Germany and Russia.

One cannot help wondering what truly is behind the decisions by France, Germany and Russia to withhold support of action to disarm Saddam Hussein and Iraq.

These three United States “allies” are doing Saddam a great service by splitting sentiment in the United Nations and around the world. The longer they refuse to support such nations as America and Britain, the more time the Iraqi despot has to cover up what he is doing in the way of weapons of mass destruction and, probably, increase his deadly arsenal.

Some say the France-China-Russia approach comes on moral grounds, but what about the economic arrangements between Iraq and the reluctant trio from Europe? Are the Big Three so locked into trade, debt, balance of monetary activity and the like that they regard helping Saddam as good business?

Or are they afraid of terrorists who might get their impetus for evil from Baghdad? Certainly the way they are behaving now, they are virtually immune to Iraq-ordered terrorism.

Yet we can be sure that if any kind of ferocity and intrusion by terrorists should occur in the three countries, they would be quick to ask the United States to step in and help shoulder their burden as it has done so often.

Consider how much all three were aided after World War II, during the Cold War and on countless other occasions. Even the Soviet Union, for all its flaws and brutalities, found ways to deal with the United States when it was to its advantage.

There are innumerable quips making the rounds about these “allies.” One is that the shortest novel in history is “French War Heroes.” Columnist Andy Rooney jokes about how the French surrendered to Germany in about 20 minutes in 1940 and seldom have paid proper homage to the nearly 35,000 Americans, and many others, who liberated the country. Rooney adds that nobody knows how many soldiers it takes to defend Paris because none of the French ever tried.

As for Germany, no nation in history has been as dedicated to world conquest, slaughter and brutality as was Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945 under the monstrous Adolf Hitler. Now this nation with its bloody heritage has grown peaceful. Just how much money does Iraq owe Germany, now locked in an economic crunch?

Russia, then the Soviet Union, was a bitter enemy of the United States for a long time after World War II. Even so, America has repeatedly gone out of its way to help the Russians. Many of the people over there recognize this even if the scheming modern politicos do not. Why help them any more until they reciprocate with better assistance for us?

The fact is that France, Germany and Russia know Iraq is in direct violation of documents they have signed. Yet they continue to follow a path that lessens the chances of firmly enforcing that document and probably is aiding the cause of a soulless dictator.

We are supposed to be understanding, compassionate and tolerant of “political difference.” Who over there remembers how the United States reacted and aided when these nations had such desperate political differences with Germany? Obviously not enough.