The general is also stacking key army commands with supporters that one non-American diplomat called "a group of thugs loyal to Noriega."

"The makings of a deal may be there," said one non-American diplomat here.

"Realistically, I think Baker got all that could be expected from China at this time," said a non-American diplomat in Beijing.

A non-American Western diplomat agreed that this was a wise course.

This view is shared by non-American diplomats who follow the rebels.

But non-American diplomats said the flow of arms has continued through Cuba and other Soviet bloc countries.

You quote a non-American diplomat as saying that the Sandinista leaders "do not know where to find the solution."

They have to be forced out of power," said an experienced non-American diplomat here.

American officials and some non-American diplomats believe the general will be forced to realize that the rising tensions could create new splits within the armed forces.

"The Central American peace plan is becoming a Nicaraguan peace plan," said a non-American diplomat here.