American officials alerted Russian intelligence in March that the steel was to be shipped.

The investigation began in 1986 when officials of the Bank of New York alerted Federal authorities.

After the call, diocesan officials alerted the police, who went to Mr. Wilson's apartment and arrested him about 7 p.m., the authorities said.

So, in a startling snub, federal officials did not alert them to the raid, apparently because those officials felt they could not trust them.

Their suspicions aroused, officials at the military manufacturer alerted the Customs Service, which soon began its sting operation.

The airline spokesman said that Greek officials had alerted their Italian counterparts about the hijacking incident.

Seven emergency control centers were set up across the country and officials alerted hospitals and fire crews about the approaching storm.

Pakistani officials merely alerted their favorite tribal leaders, known as maliks.

The search has focused on the Miami area, but officials have also alerted the authorities in the Caribbean and Latin America.

In several states officials have alerted poll workers to expect a heightened interest by the parties in challenging voters.