That statement speaks for itself, does it not?

A First Nationwide spokesman would say only that the bank board's statement "speaks for itself."

But the statement spoke volumes about the colliding world views of this debate.

I remember we didn't speak for several minutes following that statement and your eyes then spoke much more than any words.

"His statement speaks for itself," he said, over and over again.

"Beyond that, I think the Governor's statement speaks for itself."

The statement had been brief and spoken in French.

The statement, a senior Treasury official said later, "speaks for itself."

When asked for details he said the statement "speaks for itself."

There was no breakthrough, but statements from both sides spoke of the atmosphere as positive.