CHECHNYA CEASEFIRE TENUOUS.

A ceasefire agreement, signed by the acting commander of Russian forces Lt. General Konstantin Pulikovsky and Chechen chief of staff Aslan Maskhadov went officially into effect yesterday, but was thrown into doubt overnight and this morning as Russian troops sought unsuccessfully to reverse recent Chechen gains in Grozny, Argun, and Gudermes. Russian forces reported losing yesterday and overnight at least 7 killed, 7 wounded, and one downed helicopter. Russian commanders said off the record that they might use force to relieve the few remaining Russian positions in Grozny. (Russian and Western agencies, August 19)

Russian Airmen Escape from Afghanistan.