31.   After seven months of secret diplomacy, American and Chinese officials seem to be within striking distance of a breakthrough in their longstanding dispute over human rights.

32.   Bush officials seem slightly more preoccupied with the move.

33.   But at first, he said, officials seemed unmoved by his argument that the agency was effectively defying the wishes of donors.

34.   But by Friday, U.S. officials seemed more timid about criticizing their closest allies in the Persian Gulf.

35.   But few officials seemed to have strong views right now on interest rate policies in any case.

36.   But Fed officials seem to think things are going just fine, with a sharp rise in housing starts last week just the latest bit of strength.

37.   But few officials seem to think anything will happen quickly.

38.   But government officials do not seem to feel any particular sense of urgency.

39.   But for the first time, officials seemed to acknowledge that some banks may fail as the financial system moves to deal with its bad loan problem.

40.   But Green Party officials seem unconcerned.