The Administration consulted with some foreign governments before today's announcement, one Administration official said, but still expected criticism from abroad.

The Administration is consulting with its European allies and with Congress on how to respond to the offer.

Also on the agenda will be how the Administration can best consult with Congress, which begins its 102d session on Thursday.

A White House official said the Administration was consulting with Congress before issuing the new policy in final form because it wanted to have strong bipartisan support.

Administration and Department of Defense coordination (a) Advise and Consult.

Cuban-American groups said they were outraged that the Administration did not consult with them.

The Administration had not consulted extensively with Congress or lined up support among its allies.

Requiring only 34 out of 535 votes, an Administration need not even consult with Congress, as a current example illustrates.

Some members of Congress have been concerned because the Administration has not consulted Congress over the sale.

The statement also said the Administration would be consulting with Congress, but it offered no hint of any Administration lobbying campaign to block the sanctions.