31.   The new, only partially ready Franco-British-Dutch rapid reaction force will serve merely to assist the complex and perhaps combative withdrawal under fire.

32.   The rapid reaction force will be composed primarily of British and French troops, who will serve under UN command, European ministers said Saturday.

33.   The rapid reaction force may be called into service within days.

34.   The rapid reaction force may have them worried because it represents a buildup of troops that may lead to places no one can now foresee.

35.   The United States has said it will not provide troops for a rapid reaction force but might help the United Nations move its peacekeepers to more defensible positions.

36.   U.S. officials now planning a NATO force for Bosnia after a cease-fire, had hoped to retain troops from the rapid reaction force for a future NATO operation.

37.   While UN forces welcome the rapid reaction force, there are questions about the ability of the troops to remain impartial in the complex and emotional conflict.

38.   Perry offered U.S. backing to the rapid reaction force in the form of air support, air transport, navigation and communications equipment and shared U.S. intelligence.

39.   Perry will tell his NATO counterparts the rapid reaction force will get American assistance and equipment but no ground troops.

40.   A central point of discussion when French President Jacques Chirac and European Commission President Romano Prodi visit Tuesday is expected to be a proposed EU rapid reaction military force.