To make its case, the prosecution needs stronger performances from former Noriega associates who have agreed to become Government witnesses.

The burdens caused by the missing records were compounded by the sudden influx of cases, many of them extremely complex and politically sensitive, of former Noriega associates.

One expected witness is Amet Paredes, the son of Gen. Ruben Dario Paredes, a former Noriega associate who later became a bitter enemy.

The whereabouts of these and other close Noriega associates, such as Col. Nivaldo Madrinan and Col. Marcos Justines, remain unknown today.

The promotions are the first in two years, and appear to be aimed at rewarding Noriega associates and assuring continued loyalty in the ranks.

But American officials said they believed some Noriega associates were being harbored there.

Nor have Panamanian officials and former Noriega associates come forward with such details.

He said that included the testimony of several other former Noriega associates named in the original indictment who pleaded guilty in the hope of receiving reduced sentences.

"We got no information from the Panama Defense Forces" about any of those Noriega associates, Mr. Bramble said.

Mr. Bramble said that on the basis of such warnings, he felt that it was useless to seek further cooperation from the Panamanian military on cases involving known Noriega associates.