A new credit package would help pay for the Medicare settlement and also lift the company out of default on its debt.

He was instrumental in persuading other central bankers to buoy the British currency with a multibillion-dollar credit package.

Futures on corn, another commodity the Soviets reportedly seek, also closed lower on growing doubts that the United States will grant the expanded credit package.

The result will also bring a sigh of relief in the West, which had given warning that a recent £15 billion credit package was at stake.

Last year the I.M.F. suspended payments on a three-year, $2.5 billion credit package after Poland's budget deficit and inflation rate exceeded the accepted targets.

On Monday, West German banks issued a somewhat similar credit package worth $1.6 billion.

"We mainly had a lot of speculative buying in anticipation the Government will announce a big credit package," Mr. Zusel said.

Mixed Opinions Cited The executive said many bankers were optimistic that the new credit package would be put together.

No Japanese banks are among the nine participants in the credit package.

Zoomy cut out the need to purchase credit packages or subscriptions, allowing customers to pay only for what they need.