February 1, 1978

US Army announces that W Ger gun has been chosen over Brit and Amer weapons for use on new US battle tank in '80s; US Army Sec Clifford L Alexander says decision marks major advance in efforts by US to help standardize weapons in NATO; says Ger 120-mm gun will probably be placed on new XM-1 tank starting in '84; says selection of Ger model followed extensive testing of weapons with Brit and Amer guns and that Ger gun was selected because it was further along in development and because Gers had more tanks than Brit in NATO; estimates cost of development and royalties paid to Ger gun mfr Rheinmetall will add about $16,000 to cost of each tank (M)

NYC expects to have almost twice as much cash on hand at end of fiscal 78 than projected mo ago, but budget experts do not know why; First Deputy Comptroller Martin Ives comments; figures show that city will have $509-million in bank when fiscal yr ends on June 30 (M)

Anna Quindlen article on types of dogs that may be suitable for city living and question of whether dogs should be kept in city apts at all; AKC official John Mandeville and animal writer Roger Caras comment; illus; drawing (M)

Fed officials say Georges Bank sale may be delayed for several mos, which is how long it is expected to take to reconcile Sen version of Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Admendments with version now before HR; will not ask Sup Ct to stay Judge Garrity's injunction against sale; Natural Resources Defense Council exec dir John H Adams says that injunction would not have been necessary if oil cos had not slowed progress of bill; Mass Lt Gov Thomas P O'Neill 3d urges swift enactment of bill; HR weakens provisions of bill that would have stiffened leasing procedures and allowed exploration by Fed Govt; reduces number of tracts that must be leased by new bidding system (M)

Bache Group Inc to spin off subsidiary to some subsidiary employees at no cost to new owners (S)