But most Western experts, and some Soviet economists, believe the rate is more like 6 or 7 percent.

The Soviet economists here did not dispute such assessments.

On their side, the Soviet economists have doubts about the performance of the American economy.

The Soviet economist said that, at best, there would be "a small increase in the living standards" after perhaps two years.

Soviet economists began meeting with American professors to draw up a plan that they hope could save the Russian economy.

Soviet economists say it is expected to bring a period of wrenching change and economic uncertainty to a society long in love with the predictable.

It is no secret that not a few Soviet economists are uneasy about the short-term outlook for the economy under the new measures.

As one prominent Soviet economist put it, "We need to operate under normal conditions."

Other economists, Soviet and Western, say the level is even lower, perhaps 20 percent.

Top Soviet economists have been wrestling with such problems, with little positive effect.