Then there was the troubling allegation that Lott actually in vented some of the survey data that support his more-guns/less-crime theory.

"These are troubling allegations and they must be resolved immediately," said Mr. McEntee.

In a covering letter to the Security Council, Mr. Annan endorsed the call for an international investigation, saying the report raised "very serious and troubling allegations."

Ms. Reno's speedy action may be a commentary on the quality of Mr. Starr's information or simply a desire to move a troubling allegation to a credible conclusion.

"These are very troubling allegations from a very credible source," he said.

"You have to wonder if this is just an effort to deflect attention from the very troubling allegations that have been raised about the comptroller over the past few months."

"This is a very troubling new allegation which needs to be fully addressed at the time of the hearings," Mr. Kennedy said through a spokesman.

Hint of False Trades in 1991 British regulators knew five years ago of a troubling allegation involving the Japanese trader now accused of a huge trading scandal.

"Some very troubling allegations have been made about your conduct, Herr Kessler," the woman continued.

As for your repeated rehearsals of "unproven but troubling" allegations, where is the presumption of innocence?