MASTER BASIC VALUE TRUST, N-1A, EX-99.12A, 2000-10-13

MASTER BASIC VALUE TRUST
N-1A, EX-99.12A, 2000-10-13

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                                                                   Exhibit 12(a)

                 CERTIFICATE OF HOLDER OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS

               Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., a holder of beneficial
interests in the amount of $100,000, of Master Basic Value Trust (the "Trust"),
does hereby confirm to the Trust its representations that it purchased such
shares for investment purposes, with no present intention of redeeming or
reselling any portion thereof.

                                   Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc.


                                   By: /s/ Donald C. Burke
                                       ----------------------------
                                   Name:  Donald C. Burke

Dated:  October 13, 2000