FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       97-21



               EDGAR PROCESSING PROBLEMS CONTINUE



     Washington, D.C., March 24, 1997 -- After an initial period of
successful operation of the primary EDGAR computer system this
morning, problems developed in a key database that prevented
filings from being processed and disseminated to the public. 
Technical staff determined the location of the problems, apparently
stemming from components of the system weakened or altered during
the power failure that occurred on March 21, 1997.  Elements of the
back-up system were put into service to remedy some of the problems
and to ensure public dissemination.  Filings are available to all
subscribers to EDGAR commercial information services.  However,
internal dissemination of filings to staff and the Public Reference
Branch terminals has been disrupted.   

     Access to EDGAR filings on the Commission's website at
<www.sec.gov> is not affected.  The primary EDGAR computer system
has continued to perform all functions associated with receipt of
filings successfully.  Filers should continue to send filings to
(703) 914-4200.



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