31.   At the same time, he defended the decision to keep much of the planning in-house.

32.   At the Pentagon briefing, West staunchly defended his decisions to allow the exceptions for space in the cemetery normally reserved for highly decorated veterans.

33.   Balladur was defending his decision as late as last weekend, but pinned responsibility for it on Pasqua and saw his poll ratings fall even further.

34.   Bentsen defended the decisions to stand by Mexico in times of crisis, or expected crisis.

35.   A FINA official defended the decision on the ground that it would have sent the wrong message not to suspend her.

36.   A senior Menatep official defended the decision to enter into public battle with Red October.

37.   After the game, Brenly firmly defended his decision to bring Kim in to secure the final three outs.

38.   Aides to the prime minister have defended his decision to form a coalition with Mrs. Ciller.

39.   All four Fed officials defended their decisions to raise the overnight bank rate in the past, even when signs of rising inflation were few or non-existent.

40.   All three Fed officials defended their decisions to raise the overnight bank lending rate in the past, even when signs of rising inflation were few or non-existent.