British experts criticized the American claims as premature and warned that they might raise false hopes.

British and American experts said the difficulties in reaching agreement were more political than military.

American and British military experts, usually former officers, may have been directly involved in this military effort.

But some British experts question whether Britain should be undertaking such a costly project given its other military needs.

The British experts took a somewhat different view.

British experts were hired to design storm drains and sewage systems.

Even some British experts on Japan see few problems with that nonchalant approach.

The findings could have financial repercussions for the families if serious negligence is found, British experts say.

"We're certainly looking for their help," the military official said, adding that at the very least British experts would be among the specialists.

But 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers from the peacekeeping force would have been enough to protect the safe area, according to a British expert.