The agency did so, according to the newspaper, by condoning drug dealing in California in the 1980's by Nicaraguan exiles associated with the American-backed contra rebels.

The articles suggested that the crack epidemic had been started by two Nicaraguan exiles who peddled crack in Los Angeles while raising money for the contras.

Many Nicaraguan exiles say they believe that businessmen who have remained in Nicaragua are virtual collaborators with the Sandinista Government.

For Nicaraguan exiles this is a period of great concern, of both fear and exhilaration as maneuvers proceed around the possibility of a negotiated peace.

The contras' refusal Monday to attend a meeting in Sapoa has been portrayed as a major blunder by several prominent Nicaraguan exiles here.

Nicaraguan exiles here generally view the public bickering and jockeying for power among top Nicaraguan rebel leaders with indifference, bemusement and sometimes thinly disguised hostility.

Many Nicaraguan upper-class exiles had economic roots in the United States and in Miami before the upheaval.

"The feud among guerrilla commanders has not affected the troops as yet," said one prominent Nicaraguan exile who asked not to be identified.

Also noted are meetings with right-wing Nicaraguan exiles, including Ricardo Lao, the former head of intelligence for the contras who reportedly ran death squads in Honduras.

The contingent eventually opened a tiny office and tried unsuccessfully to raise money among Nicaraguan exiles in the area.