71.   A night-time duty officer at Chiba Prefectural Police, however, said there were no reports of injuries or damage.

72.   A ministry duty officer refused to comment on the report.

73.   A ministry duty officer said an investigation had been launched into the causes of the fire, and that an electric short-circuit was the most likely cause.

74.   A prison duty officer in Springfield said he was not authorized to release information about any prisoners.

75.   A police duty officer confirmed the incident took place but would not give details, the Interfax news agency said.

76.   A State Department duty officer said he had heard nothing about the letter.

77.   A Security Service duty officer said Thursday that he had no additional information.

78.   A woman who identified herself as the duty officer at the Public Security Bureau said she knew nothing about the arrest.

79.   A U.S. duty officer answering the phone at the embassy refused to give any information.

80.   Active duty army officers take pains to steer clear of politics in Israel.