91.   Foley has also tried to use his long friendship with Japanese officials to his advantage.

92.   For their part, Japanese officials said their country is carrying out its commitments under the automotive pact.

93.   From Japan came the news that some Japanese officials think that their big banks are in much worse financial shape than previously thought.

94.   Fujimori requested the face-to-face meeting with Hashimoto, Japanese officials said, to try to ensure that the two countries take a united stand.

95.   Give it time, he said, in an argument that Japanese officials have tried unsuccessfully on the Americans.

96.   He also met with President Jacques Chirac of France, who said, according to Japanese officials, that France backs Japan in its dispute with the U.S.

97.   He and a Japanese official said the preliminary base reduction plan was not likely to change much by the time the final plan was issued in November.

98.   Hashimoto stands out from the typically bland Japanese official as a flamboyant and frequently fiery figure.

99.   He echoed Summers in saying he would discuss this and other issues with Japanese officials in Hong Kong next week.

100.   He and other Japanese officials say their trade surplus with the United States will not soar.