The Administration action was intended to bring United States policy into line with that of the European Community.

A Dangerous Path Republican party strategists insisted today that they did not expect a general backlash from people who might consider the Administration action heavy handed.

The European Community had no comment today on the Administration action.

Now that the issue is being decided by the courts, any Administration action would swiftly be drawn into the litigation.

Germany is most likely the next target of Administration action, a senior State Department official said.

The more aggressive stance toward Japan partly reflects Congressional pressure for Administration action on the nation's $48 billion trade deficit with Japan last year.

But Administration action bears the stamp of recklessness or carelessness as well.

Mr. Shamir confined himself today to saying that the Administration action was not "appropriate."

Some flatly deny the new interpretation of Administration actions.

Mr. Bush may get a political lift, however, from renewed talk of Administration action against General Noriega.