1.   The Russian proposal is intended to replace the plan for a nationwide shield to protect the United States against incoming warheads that the Clinton administration has proposed.

2.   Bush has expressed support for a nationwide anti-missile shield for the United States and for a more limited version that would protect Taiwan and other East Asian allies.

3.   If successful, the test could move the United States a step closer to building a nationwide anti-missile shield.

4.   Regardless of the outcome, they believe President Clinton will move forward with building a nationwide shield against missiles.

5.   The Pentagon chief, on his first overseas trip, provided no details on how Bush intends to proceed toward deployment of a nationwide shield against ballistic missile attack.

6.   The test, if successful, could move the United States a step closer to building a nationwide anti-missile shield.