21.   A state official familiar with the case, defended the time it had taken to investigate the complaints.

22.   But a senior administration official familiar with the grave sites warned that forensic evidence alone, while significant, is not enough to prosecute individual culprits.

23.   But administration officials familiar with the search said Shelton has an impressive military record and proven diplomatic skills that were tested during his command in Haiti.

24.   But at least one of the other children gave the police a statement that implicated Mrs. Hall, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the case.

25.   But four senior officials familiar with the case identified Smith as the accused officer.

26.   But aviation officials familiar with the office say it does not have a record for aggressive enforcement.

27.   But officials familiar with the dialogue said tension clearly remains.

28.   But other officials familiar with the case said there was nothing nefarious or extraordinary about the late submission.

29.   But several officials familiar with the overall operation say that even with these precautions the program was far from secret and its chances of success were small.

30.   But military officials familiar with the programs said they concentrate less on weak links in the cocaine trade than on shortcomings of the Colombian army.