RWANDA . . . U.N. FOLLOWS FRENCH LEAD, REBELS SHARPEN KNIVES

The U.N. Security Council rallied around French plans to send mercy-mission troops into Rwanda, following several days of international jitters. Most members of the 15-nation Council -- including the United States -- are now content to let France try to contain the slaughter until 5,500 U.N. reinforcements can arrive. But all sides within Rwanda worry about further bloodshed. Tutsis, who now control two-thirds of the country, especially hate the French for aiding what they consider a genocidal government in 1990. They call the French move "an act of war." While such threats chill the rest of Europe, TIME Paris bureau chief Thomas A. Sancton says France, fueled by public opinion, feels "a special mission" to curb bloodletting in French-speaking Rwanda and wants more than a defensive role.