"The best resolution is a negotiated settlement acceptable to both sides of this dispute," President Clinton said.

No board would be likely to find the mutually acceptable settlement that has eluded bargainers for so long.

The Smith Government then sought to negotiate an acceptable settlement with moderate black leaders, while retaining strong white influence in key areas.

"It is an acceptable settlement," said Will S. Steele, the managing deputy attorney general.

"Indonesia remains committed to achieving an internationally acceptable settlement to the East Timor problem."

He called on the senior party leaders based in exile in Peshawar to work out a political settlement acceptable to all sides and parties.

Mr. Baker wrote, "Without question, your leadership is crucial to achieving an acceptable Cambodian settlement."

If the contras disintegrate, there remains a reasonable possibility of an acceptable settlement.

But the diplomats believe that China, which is not represented here, must still make its own determination about the shape of an acceptable settlement.

An agreement to reach an acceptable settlement was drawn up in 1938.