Czechoslovak officials seemed at pains to stress that critical historical study was necessary, though not within the context of a triumphant celebration.

A Czechoslovak official said: "The main threat isn't from any military alliance.

Czechoslovak officials insisted the problem was between the two Germanys, and evidently were anxious not to harm relations with either one.

Czechoslovak officials say that before lifting price controls, they want to break up monopolies and encourage start-up businesses.

In addition, Czechoslovak officials say they want to allow more imports, to increase competition from abroad, before freeing prices.

But they had left Czechoslovak officials with an uneasy feeling that they were out of their depth.

Czechoslovak officials say they have no doubt the Soviet leadership has made the political decision to withdraw the troops.

Czechoslovak officials say it is too late to simply abandon the project now.

Czechoslovak officials say this country's substantially better economic standing justifies a less radical approach.

Several other deals are near completion, Czechoslovak officials say.