One guerrilla chief said he assumed a loss of 25 to 30 percent on weapons, uniforms and other equipment meant for his forces.

Mr. Hikmatyar, regarded as the most militant and politically astute guerrilla chief, voiced an attitude shared by all seven parties.

The guerrilla chief shrieked and laughed.

The role of the guerrilla chief, "G-chief," is sometimes played by a retired Green Beret.

Mr. Barbeau, according to international officials, was told by the guerrilla chief that the chief had received no word from Peshawar to allow the convoy to pass.

Mojadedi surrenders power to Burhanuddin Rabbani, who heads a 10-member Supreme Leadership Council of guerrilla chiefs.

The Vice President said such contacts existed even with the most militant guerrilla chief, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whom he called "a very extremist, very difficult man."

Grew up at first fought against the Turkish oppression as a guerrilla chief in the south-western border of Bosnia.

"I have only the strongest possible condemnation for these petty guerrilla chiefs who recruit those who are essentially children to teach them to kill," Mr. Munante said.

Lavender, an intelligent, thoughtful man nearing 40, might have been a guerrilla chief in another war.