SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO 301 OF THE EQUIT LIFE ASS SOC OF THE U S
485BPOS, 1997-04-25
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<PAGE>

                                                       Registration No. 2-74667
                                                       Registration No.811-3301
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                       ----------------------------------

                                    FORM N-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                    [ ]

         Pre-Effective Amendment No.

   
         Post-Effective Amendment No.  28                                  [X]
    

                                     AND/OR

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940            [ ]

   
         Amendment No.  30                                                 [X]
    

                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)

                        --------------------------------

                            SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301
                                       of
           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                           --------------------------

   
           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                              (Name of Depositor)
             1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104
              (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)
    

      Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: 1-(800) 248-2138

                           --------------------------

                            HOPE E. ROSENBAUM-WERNER
                           VICE PRESIDENT AND COUNSEL

   
           The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
             1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104
                  (Names and Addresses of Agents for Service)
    

           ---------------------------------------------------------

                  Please send copies of all communications to:
                               PETER E. PANARITES
                        Freedman, Levy, Kroll & Simonds
                    1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 825
                             Washington, D.C. 20036

                  --------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

         Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Continuous

         It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box):

[ ]      Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.

   
[X]      On May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
    

[ ]      60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485.

[ ]      On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485.

[ ]      75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

[ ]      On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 485.


If appropriate, check the following box:

[ ]      This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for
         previously filed post-effective amendment.

                         -----------------------------

         The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of securities under
the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2.

   
         The Rule 24f-2 Notice of the Registrant for fiscal year 1996 was filed
on February 27, 1997.
    

<PAGE>

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                 SHOWING LOCATION OF INFORMATION IN PROSPECTUS
                 ---------------------------------------------


FORM N-4 ITEM                               PROSPECTUS CAPTION
- -------------                               ------------------

 1.    Cover Page                           Cover Page

 2.    Definitions                          Summary - Questions and Answers

 3.    Synopsis                             Summary - Questions and Answers

 4.    Condensed Financial                  Certificate
       Information                          Provisions - Investment of
                                            Contributions in the Investment
                                            Divisions

 5.    General Description of               Equitable; Our Separate
       Registrant, Depositor and            Account
       Portfolio Companies

 6.    Deductions and Expenses              Deductions and Charges

 7.    General Description of               Certificate Provisions
       Variable Annuity Contracts

 8.    Annuity Period                       Certificate Provisions

 9.    Death Benefit                        Certificate Provisions - Death and
                                            Disability Benefits

10.    Purchases and Contract Value         Certificate Provisions

11.    Redemptions                          Certificate Provisions -
                                            Retirement Benefits

12.    Taxes                                Federal Income Tax Aspects of the
                                            Retirement Programs

13.    Legal Proceedings                    Not Applicable

14.    Table of Contents of the             Table of Contents of the
       Statement of Additional              Statement of Additional
       Information                          Information

<PAGE>

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                        SHOWING LOCATION OF INFORMATION
                     IN STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                     --------------------------------------

                                            STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
FORM N-4 ITEM                               INFORMATION CAPTION
- -------------                               -----------------------

15.    Cover Page                           Cover Page

16.    Table of Contents                    Table of Contents

17.    General Information                  Part 3: Reorganization

18.    Services                             Not Applicable

19.    Purchase of                          Certificate
       Securities Being                     Provisions - Transfers
       Offered                              Among the Investment Options in
                                            the Prospectus

20.    Underwriters                         Our Separate Account - the Trust
                                            in the Prospectus

21.    Calculation of                       Comparative Investment
       Performance Data                     Performance in the Prospectus

22.    Annuity Payments                     Not Applicable

23.    Financial Statements                 Financial Statements

<PAGE>

PROSPECTUS 

                   CERTIFICATES AND GROUP ANNUITY CONTRACTS 

   
                    FUNDED THROUGH THE INVESTMENT FUNDS OF 
                           SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 
                                      OF 
          THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
            1290 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10104 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

This prospectus describes certificates and group annuity contracts which are 
designed for use in connection with IRAs, TSAs, SEPs and SIMPLEs, all 
qualifying for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986, as amended. 
    

Contributions may be put into one or more of twelve Investment Options: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SEPARATE ACCOUNT INVESTMENT FUNDS                                  GENERAL ACCOUNT OPTIONS 
<S>                                    <C>                            <C>
o Money Market                         o Common Stock                 o 1 Year Guaranteed 
o Intermediate Government              o Aggressive Stock               Rate Account 
  Securities                           o Global                       o 3 Year Guaranteed 
o High Yield                           o Conservative Investors         Rate Account 
o Balanced                             o Growth Investors 
o Growth & Income 
</TABLE>

Each of the Investment Funds invests in shares of a corresponding portfolio 
(PORTFOLIO) of The Hudson River Trust (TRUST), a mutual fund whose shares are 
purchased by the separate accounts of insurance companies. The prospectus for 
the Trust directly follows this Prospectus and describes the investment 
objectives, policies and risks of the Trust's Portfolios. 

This prospectus provides information that you should know before investing, 
and should be read and retained for future reference. This prospectus is not 
valid unless it is attached to a current prospectus for the Trust, which you 
should also read carefully. 

For further information and assistance, you should contact our Administrative 
Office at P.O. Box 2468, G.P.O., New York, New York 10116. You may also call 
the following toll-free number: 1-800-248-2138. 

   
A Statement of Additional Information (SAI), dated May 1, 1997, has been 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SAI has been 
incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The SAI is available at no 
charge by writing to the above address or by calling the telephone number 
listed above. The table of contents to the SAI appears on page 20 of this 
prospectus. You may also request an SAI for the Trust. 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    

   THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES 
        AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE 
         ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION 
                    TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. 

   
                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997. 
Copyright 1997 The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. All 
                               rights reserved. 
    

<PAGE>
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 


   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                        PAGE 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
SUMMARY--QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ...................................      3 
 Fee Table .......................................................      5 
 Example .........................................................      6 
 Summary of Unit Values ..........................................      6 
EQUITABLE LIFE ...................................................      7 
OUR SEPARATE ACCOUNT .............................................      7 
 The Trust .......................................................      8 
CERTIFICATE PROVISIONS ...........................................     10 
 Participants, Certificate Owners and Annuitants .................     10 
 Contributions ...................................................     10 
 Investment of Contributions in the Investment Funds  ............     10 
 Guaranteed Rate Accounts ........................................     11 
 Withdrawals .....................................................     12 
 Transfers Among the Investment Options ..........................     12 
 Death and Disability Benefits ...................................     13 
 Retirement Benefits .............................................     13 
 Revocation Rights ...............................................     15 
 Miscellaneous ...................................................     15 
COMPARATIVE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE ...............................     15 
 Annual Percent Changes in Unit Value ............................     16 
 Annualized Rates of Return ......................................     16 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX ASPECTS OF THE RETIREMENT PROGRAMS  ...........     17 
 Tax-Sheltered Annuity Arrangements (TSAs) .......................     17 
 Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs) ..........................     17 
 IRAs Under Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPs)  ............     17 
DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES ...........................................     17 
 Participant Service Charge ......................................     17 
 Administration Charge ...........................................     18 
 Other Expenses ..................................................     18 
 Deductions and Expenses of the Trust ............................     18 
 Expense Limitations .............................................     18 
 Fixed Annuity Administrative Charge .............................     18 
 SEP/SIMPLE Enrollment Fee .......................................     18 
 Guaranteed Rate Account Premature Withdrawal Charge  ............     18 
 Charge for Premium or Applicable Taxes ..........................     18 
VOTING RIGHTS ....................................................     19 
 Trust Voting Rights .............................................     19 
 How We Determine a Participant's Voting Shares ..................     19 
 How Trust Shares Are Voted ......................................     19 
 Voting Privileges of Participants in Other Separate Accounts  ...     19 
 Separate Account Voting Rights ..................................     19 
 Changes in Applicable Law .......................................     20 
REPORTS ..........................................................     20 
REGULATION .......................................................     20 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...........................................     20 
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  ........     20 
    

2
<PAGE>

   
SUMMARY--QUESTIONS 
 AND ANSWERS 
    

WHAT RETIREMENT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED UNDER THE CERTIFICATES AND CONTRACTS? 

   
In this prospectus we describe group annuity contracts and certificates 
issued under group annuity contracts that are used in connection with 
retirement programs that qualify for Federal tax benefits under the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the CODE). Individuals who make 
contributions or for whom contributions are made are Participants. We offer 
IRAs, TSAs, SEPs and SIMPLEs under a group annuity contract between Equitable 
Life and the Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (CHASE) as the Contract Holder. 
Individual certificates are issued to each Participant to describe the 
Participant's interest under the contract. In summary, the retirement 
programs we offer are: 
    

 o  Individual retirement annuities (IRAS) for eligible individuals which 
    qualify for favorable tax treatment under Code Section 408(b); 

 o  Tax-sheltered annuity arrangements (TSAS) for employees of tax-exempt 
    organizations and public schools which qualify for favorable tax 
    treatment under Code Section 403(b); and 

   
 o  Simplified employee pension plans (SEPS) sponsored by sole 
    proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Contributions for each 
    eligible employee are made by an employer to the IRA certificate issued 
    to the employee. Each individual Participant covered by the SEP is the 
    owner and annuitant of the IRA certificate set up on his or her behalf. 

 o  Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) plans sponsored by 
    sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Under a SIMPLE plan, 
    an employee can elect to have the employer contribute part of his or her 
    pay to a special form of IRA called a "SIMPLE IRA." In addition, the 
    employer is required to make an additional contribution, either matching 
    or non-elective. 
    

For more information about these tax favored programs, see "Federal Income 
Tax Aspects of the Retirement Programs" and, in the SAI, "Part 1--Federal Tax 
Considerations of the Retirement Programs." 

WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE INVESTMENT OPTIONS? 

Twelve options are available for the investment of contributions. The ten 
INVESTMENT FUNDS of SEPARATE ACCOUNT No. 301 are the Money Market, 
Intermediate Government Securities, High Yield, Balanced, Growth & Income, 
Common Stock, Aggressive Stock, Global, Conservative Investors and Growth 
Investors Funds. Additionally, a one-year and a three-year Guaranteed Rate 
Account, which are part of our General Account, are available. The 
Conservative Investors and Growth Investors Funds are Asset Allocation 
Options. 

Each of the Investment Funds invests in a corresponding Portfolio of the 
Trust. Collectively, the ten Investment Funds and the Guaranteed Rate 
Accounts are called the "INVESTMENT OPTIONS" or "OPTIONS." The availability 
of Investment Options to Participants may be limited in some cases. 
Participants should check with their employers or plan trustees. 

HOW ARE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE AND INVESTED? 

   
Contributions should be made by check or money order payable to Equitable 
Life. Contributions under the certificates may be made at any time by the 
Participant or, in the case of a TSA, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, by the employer on 
the Participant's behalf. An employer may arrange to have contributions 
deducted from a Participant's salary and in these cases will automatically 
transfer those amounts deducted to us for investment as directed by the 
Participant. Only in the case of an IRA or SEP/SIMPLE certificate can the 
Participant make contributions to us directly (by completing the appropriate 
form and enclosing the payment). 
    

Contributions will be allocated to the Investment Options pursuant to 
instructions we receive from the Participant. See "Certificate 
Provisions--Investment of Contributions in the Investment Funds." In the SAI, 
see "Part 2--The Guaranteed Rate Accounts" for details. 

                                                                              3
<PAGE>

IS THERE A MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT? 

There is no minimum contribution amount; however, if a Participant is 
contributing through an employer, the employer may have a minimum. See 
"Certificate Provisions--Contributions." 

CAN THE ALLOCATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS AMONG THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS BE CHANGED?

The Participant may change the allocation of contributions among the 
Investment Options as often as the Participant wishes by telephone. See 
"Certificate Provisions--Contributions." Changing the allocation of 
contributions does not cause a reallocation of amounts previously invested. 

CAN AMOUNTS BE TRANSFERRED AMONG THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS?

All or part of a Participant's Account Balance in one Investment Fund may be 
transferred to any other Investment Fund as often as the Participant wishes 
and without charge or tax liability. Transfers from the Guaranteed Rate 
Accounts are subject to special rules. Instructions to transfer amounts among 
the Options must be made in writing, unless we have the Participant's 
authorization to accept telephone transfers. Transferring amounts does not 
affect the allocation of future contributions. For more information regarding 
restrictions and other matters, see "Certificate Provisions--Transfers Among 
the Investment Options" and, in the SAI, "Part 2--The Guaranteed Rate 
Accounts." 

WHAT RETIREMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? 

At retirement, a Participant may choose to receive monthly fixed annuity 
payments funded through our General Account, periodic distributions from the 
Investment Options, a lump sum or a combination of these benefits. For more 
information, see "Certificate Provisions--Retirement Benefits." 

WHAT ARE THE DEATH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS?

If a Participant becomes disabled or dies before the Participant's retirement 
date as defined in the certificate (RETIREMENT DATE), we will pay the Account 
Balance as a disability benefit to the Participant or as a death benefit to a 
beneficiary designated by the Participant. See "Certificate Provisions--Death 
and Disability Benefits." 

CAN WITHDRAWALS BE MADE UNDER THE CERTIFICATES?

Unless restricted by the retirement program under which the Participant is 
covered or by provisions of the Code, all or any portion of the Participant's 
Account Balance and, subject to penalty, the Participant's Guaranteed Rate 
Account Cash Value may be withdrawn at any time prior to retirement. See in 
the SAI, "Part 2--The Guaranteed Rate Accounts." 

Withdrawals may result in adverse tax consequences, including a 10% penalty 
on early withdrawals. Certain withdrawal restrictions apply to TSA 
certificates. We urge each Participant to consult a tax advisor before making 
a withdrawal. See "Certificate Provisions--Withdrawals" and "Federal Income 
Tax Aspects of the Retirement Programs" and, in the SAI, "Part 1--Federal Tax 
Considerations of the Retirement Programs" for more information. 

CAN PARTICIPATION BE REVOKED? 

The Participant has a right to revoke participation under a certificate. In 
most states, the Participant must exercise this right within 10 days of 
receipt of the certificate. The Participant should consult a tax advisor 
before deciding to revoke, as cancellation may have adverse tax consequences. 
See "Certificate Provisions--Revocation Rights"; and, in the SAI, see "Part 
1--Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement Programs." 

WHAT IS EQUITABLE LIFE'S ADDRESS? 

All communications to Equitable Life, except contributions, should be 
addressed to Equitable Life 300+ Series, Box 2468, G.P.O., New York, New York 
10116. Contribution checks should be addressed to Equitable Life 300+ Series, 
P.O. Box 13871, Newark, New Jersey 07188-0871. 

4
<PAGE>

FEE TABLE 

   
The Table gives effect to generally applicable charges. The Table reflects 
expenses of both the Separate Account and the Trust for the year ended 
December 31, 1996. Certain expenses and fees shown in this Table may not 
apply to each certificate. To determine whether a particular item in the 
Table applies (and the actual amount, if any), consult the portion of the 
prospectus indicated in the notes to the Table. Other charges, such as 
enrollment fees and premium tax charges, may be applicable. See "Deductions 
and Charges." 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      INTERMEDIATE 
                            MONEY      GOVERNMENT     HIGH 
                            MARKET     SECURITIES     YIELD 
                          --------  --------------  ------- 
<S>                       <C>       <C>             <C>
TRANSACTION EXPENSES 
 Sales Load on Purchases  -------------  None  ------------
 Annual Participant 
  Service Charge (1)      ----------  $30 maximum  --------
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL 
 EXPENSES (AS A 
 PERCENTAGE OF EACH 
 INVESTMENT FUND'S 
 AVERAGE VALUE) 
 Administration Charge       0.25%        0.25%       0.25% 
 Other Expenses              0.19%        0.27%       0.45% 
  Total Separate 
  Account Annual 
  Expenses                   0.44%        0.52%       0.70% 
TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES 
 (AS A PERCENTAGE OF 
 EACH PORTFOLIO'S 
 AVERAGE NET ASSETS) 
 Management Fees             0.35%        0.50%(2)    0.60% 
 Other Expenses              0.04%        0.09%       0.06% 
  Total Trust Annual 
  Expenses (4)               0.39%        0.59%       0.66% 
TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT 
AND TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSE 
BEFORE APPLICABLE 
REIMBURSEMENT                0.83%        1.11%       1.36% 
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT          --         0.15%         -- 
TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT 
AND TRUST ANNUAL 
EXPENSES AFTER 
APPLICABLE 
REIMBURSEMENT (3)            0.83%        0.96%       1.36% 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        GROWTH &    COMMON    AGGRESSIVE              CONSERVATIVE     GROWTH 
                            BALANCED     INCOME     STOCK       STOCK       GLOBAL     INVESTORS      INVESTORS 
                          ----------  ----------  --------  ------------  --------  --------------  ----------- 
<S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>             <C>
TRANSACTION EXPENSES 
 Sales Load on Purchases  -----------------------------------   None   ----------------------------------------
 Annual Participant 
  Service Charge (1)      -------------------------------   $30 maximum   -------------------------------------
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL 
 EXPENSES (AS A 
 PERCENTAGE OF EACH 
 INVESTMENT FUND'S 
 AVERAGE VALUE) 
 Administration Charge        0.25%       0.25%      0.25%       0.25%       0.25%        0.25%         0.25% 
 Other Expenses               0.17%       0.49%      0.15%       0.25%       0.29%        1.03%         0.69% 
  Total Separate 
  Account Annual 
  Expenses                    0.42%       0.74%      0.40%       0.50%       0.54%        1.28%         0.94% 
TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSES 
 (AS A PERCENTAGE OF 
 EACH PORTFOLIO'S 
 AVERAGE NET ASSETS) 
 Management Fees              0.42%       0.55%      0.38%       0.55%       0.65%        0.48%         0.53% 
 Other Expenses               0.05%       0.05%      0.03%       0.03%       0.08%        0.07%         0.06% 
  Total Trust Annual 
  Expenses (4)                0.47%       0.60%      0.41%       0.58%       0.73%        0.55%         0.59% 
TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT 
AND TRUST ANNUAL EXPENSE 
BEFORE APPLICABLE 
REIMBURSEMENT                 0.89%       1.34%      0.81%       1.08%       1.27%        1.83%         1.53% 
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT           --          --         --          --          --           --            -- 
TOTAL SEPARATE ACCOUNT 
AND TRUST ANNUAL 
EXPENSES AFTER 
APPLICABLE 
REIMBURSEMENT (3)             0.89%       1.34%      0.81%       1.08%       1.27%        1.83%         1.53% 
</TABLE>
    
- --------------
   
    (1)    See "Deductions and Charges--Participant Service Charge." 
    (2)    The annual amount of Management Fees applicable to the 
           Intermediate Government Securities Portfolio is limited to 0.35% 
           of the value of the Portfolio's average daily assets. This 
           limitation is a contractual right for Participants who enrolled in 
           the program prior to May 1, 1987 and cannot be changed without 
           their consent. Equitable Life has voluntarily agreed to impose 
           this limitation for all other Participants and reserves the right 
           to discontinue it at any time. See "Deductions and 
           Charges--Expense Limitations." 
    (3)    The amounts shown in the Table under "Separate Account Annual 
           Expenses" and under "Trust Annual Expenses" for the Money Market, 
           Intermediate Government Securities, Balanced and Common Stock 
           Funds, when added together, are limited by the certificates and 
           contracts to 1% of the value of the Money Market Fund's average 
           daily net assets and 1.5% of the value of the Common Stock, 
           Intermediate Government Securities or Balanced Funds' average 
           daily net assets. For the High Yield, Aggressive Stock and Global 
           Funds, Equitable Life applies a voluntary expense limitation at an 
           effective annual rate of 1.5% of average daily net assets of each 
           Fund. See "Deductions and Charges--Expense Limitations." 
    (4)    Effective May 1, 1997, a new Investment Advisory Agreement was 
           entered into between The Hudson River Trust and Alliance Capital 
           Management L.P., The Hudson River Trust's Investment Advisor, 
           which effected changes in The Hudson River Trust's management fee 
           and expense structure. 
           The tables above reflecting The Hudson River Trust's expenses are 
           based on Portfolio average net assets for the year ended December 
           31, 1996 and have been restated to reflect (i) the fees that would 
           have been paid to Alliance if the current advisory agreement had 
           been in effect as of January 1, 1996 and (ii) estimated accounting 
           expenses for the year ending December 31, 1997. 
    

                                                                              5
<PAGE>

EXAMPLE.  The purpose of this Table is to assist the Participant in 
understanding the various costs and expenses which the Participant may bear 
directly or indirectly under your certificate. The Table reflects expenses of 
both the Separate Account and the Trust. 

The examples below show the expenses that the Participant would pay, assuming 
a single investment of $1,000 in each Investment Fund listed and a 5% annual 
return on assets(1). Applicable expenses are the same whether or not the 
Participant withdraws all or part of the Account Balance at the end of each 
time period shown. These figures are based on the expenses set forth in the 
preceding table after applicable expense reimbursements. For purposes of 
these examples, the Participant Service Charge is computed by applying a 
Participant Service Charge of $12 to the average number of Participants for 
the year, divided by the average Fund assets for the same period. 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1 YEAR    3 YEARS    5 YEARS    10 YEARS 
                                     --------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
<S>                                  <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
Money Market .......................   $ 8.94    $27.92     $ 48.48    $107.70 
Intermediate Government Securities      10.26     32.01       55.51     122.87 
High Yield .........................    14.32     44.50       76.85     168.25 
Balanced ...........................     9.55     29.81       51.73     114.73 
Growth & Income ....................    14.11     43.88       75.79     166.03 
Common Stock .......................     8.73     27.29       47.40     105.35 
Aggressive Stock ...................    11.48     35.77       61.96     136.69 
Global .............................    13.41     41.70       72.09     158.21 
Conservative Investors .............    19.08     58.99      101.36     219.13 
Growth Investors ...................    16.04     49.76       85.78     186.95 
</TABLE>
    

These examples should not be considered a representation of past or future 
expenses for each Investment Fund or Portfolio. Actual expenses may be 
greater or less than those shown above. Similarly, the annual rate of return 
assumed in the examples is not an estimate or guarantee of future investment 
performance. 

- -------------------
(1)    An Account Balance could not be converted to an annuity at the end of 
       any of the periods shown in the examples. For any form of annuity 
       distribution, the minimum amount applied must be $2,000, and the 
       minimum initial annuity payment must be at least $20. See "Certificate 
       Provisions--Retirement Benefits." In some cases, charges for state 
       premium or other taxes will be deducted from the amount applied. 

SUMMARY OF UNIT VALUES. Unit Values for the Money Market, Intermediate 
Government Securities, Balanced and Common Stock Funds shown in the table 
below include periods prior to June 1987, when four open-end managed separate 
accounts (PREDECESSOR SEPARATE ACCOUNTS) were reorganized into the Separate 
Account in unit investment trust form. The Unit Value for each Predecessor 
Separate Account was established at $10.00 on February 5, 1982, the date that 
contributions of Participants were first allocated to those separate 
accounts. 

   
The Unit Values shown are the same as they would have been if the Separate 
Account had operated as a unit investment trust investing in the Trust for 
all the periods shown, as currently reported in the Trust's prospectus and 
Statement of Additional Information. Because the High Yield, Aggressive Stock 
and Global Funds do not have corresponding Predecessor Separate Accounts, no 
unit values are presented for them prior to June 1987. Because the Growth & 
Income, Conservative Investors and Growth Investors Funds do not have 
corresponding Predecessor Separate Accounts, no unit values are presented for 
them prior to May 1994. 
    

6
<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------
                                        UNIT VALUES 
                      ---------------------------------------
                                       INTERMEDIATE 
                           MONEY        GOVERNMENT      HIGH 
                          MARKET       SECURITIES*     YIELD 
LAST BUSINESS DAY OF       FUND            FUND         FUND 
- --------------------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
<S>                   <C>            <C>             <C>
December 1986 .......     $15.26          $21.86           -- 
December 1987 .......      16.14           22.41       $10.41 
December 1988 .......      17.23           23.63        11.60 
December 1989 .......      18.73           27.19        11.67 
December 1990 .......      20.17           28.79        11.11 
December 1991 .......      21.29           32.73        13.84 
December 1992 .......      21.93           34.34        15.40 
December 1993 .......      22.48           37.77        18.84 
December 1994 .......      23.32           36.13        18.18 
December 1995 .......      24.55           40.82        21.67 
December 1996 .......      25.77           42.20        26.45 
Number of Units 
 Outstanding at 
 December 31, 1996 
 (000's) ............        804             130          107 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           UNIT VALUES 
                      -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    COMMON    AGGRESSIVE 
                        BALANCED    STOCK       STOCK       GLOBAL    GROWTH &    CONSERVATIVE     GROWTH 
LAST BUSINESS DAY OF      FUND       FUND        FUND        FUND      INCOME      INVESTORS      INVESTORS 
- --------------------  ----------  --------  ------------  --------  ----------  --------------  ----------- 
<S>                   <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>         <C>             <C>
December 1986 .......    $24.57    $ 28.00          --          --         --            --            -- 
December 1987 .......     23.88      29.88      $ 8.59      $ 8.58         --            --            -- 
December 1988 .......     27.04      33.04        8.70        9.58         --            --            -- 
December 1989 .......     33.91      40.94       12.47       11.97         --            --            -- 
December 1990 .......     33.76      35.87       13.34       11.23         --            --            -- 
December 1991 .......     47.50      51.55       23.43       14.20         --            --            -- 
December 1992 .......     45.92      52.97       22.54       14.01         --            --            -- 
December 1993 .......     51.38      65.89       26.14       18.40         --            --            -- 
December 1994 .......     47.03      64.13       24.95       19.25     $ 9.92        $ 9.92        $ 9.79 
December 1995 .......     56.07      84.56       32.67       22.76      12.21         11.79         12.23 
December 1996 .......     62.36     104.68       39.73       25.95      14.55         12.25         13.64 
Number of Units 
 Outstanding at 
 December 31, 1996 
 (000's) ............       559        692         187         214        231            71           105 
</TABLE>
    

*Prior to September 6, 1991, the Bond Fund. 

   
EQUITABLE LIFE 

Equitable Life is a New York stock life insurance company that has been in 
business since 1859. For more than 100 years we have been among the largest 
life insurance companies in the United States. Equitable Life has been 
selling annuities since the turn of the century. Our Home Office is located 
at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. We are authorized 
to sell life insurance and annuities in all fifty states, the District of 
Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We maintain local offices 
throughout the United States. We are one of the nation's leading pension fund 
managers. 

Equitable Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies 
Incorporated (HOLDING COMPANY). The largest stockholder of the Holding 
Company is AXA-UAP ("AXA"). As of January 1, 1997, AXA beneficially owns 
63.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Holding Company 
(assuming conversion of the convertible preferred stock held by AXA). Under 
its investment arrangements with Equitable Life and the Holding Company, AXA 
is able to exercise significant influence over the operations and capital 
structure of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, including Equitable 
Life. AXA, a French Company, is the holding company for an international 
group of insurance and related financial service companies. 

Equitable Life, the Holding Company and their subsidiaries managed 
approximately $239.8 billion of assets as of December 31, 1996, including 
third party assets of approximately $184.8 billion. These assets are 
primarily managed for retirement and annuity programs for businesses, 
tax-exempt organizations and individuals. This broad customer base includes 
nearly half the Fortune 100, more than 42,000 small businesses, state and 
local retirement funds in more than half the 50 states, approximately 250,000 
employees of educational and non-profit institutions, as well as nearly 
500,000 individuals. Millions of Americans are covered by Equitable Life's 
annuity, life, health and pension contracts. 
    

OUR SEPARATE ACCOUNT 

The aggregate assets of all the Investment Funds are held in our Separate 
Account No. 301, which was established on October 19, 1981 under the New York 
Insurance Law. The Separate Account is organized as a unit investment trust 
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the 
Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 ACT). This registration does not involve 
any supervision by the SEC of the management or investment policies of the 
Separate Account. 

The Separate Account currently has ten investment funds: a Money Market Fund, 
an Intermediate Government Securities Fund, a High Yield Fund, a Balanced 
Fund, a Growth & Income Fund, a Common Stock Fund, an Aggressive Stock Fund, 
a Global Fund, a Conservative Investors Fund and a Growth Investors Fund, 
each of which invests in shares of a corresponding Portfolio of the Trust. 

                                                                              7
<PAGE>

The assets of the Separate Account are our property. The certificates provide 
that the portion of the Separate Account's assets equal to the reserves and 
other contract liabilities with respect to the Separate Account will not be 
chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business we may conduct. 
Accordingly, income, gains or losses, whether or not realized, from assets of 
the Separate Account are credited to or charged against the Separate Account 
without regard to Equitable's other income, gains or losses. We are the 
issuer of the certificates and the obligations set forth therein, other than 
those of Participants or employers, are ours. 

In addition to contributions made under the certificates described in this 
Prospectus, we may allocate to the Separate Account monies received under 
other agreements or annuity contracts. Each Participant will participate in 
the Separate Account in proportion to the amount in the Separate Account 
attributable to such Participant's certificate. We may transfer to our 
General Account any of the Separate Account's assets that are in excess of 
the reserves and other liabilities relating to the certificates described in 
this prospectus or certain other contracts. 

We reserve the right, subject to compliance with applicable law, including 
approval of the Participants, if required, (1) to cause the registration or 
deregistration of the Separate Account under the Investment Company Act of 
1940, (2) to operate the Separate Account under the direction of a committee 
and to discharge such committee at any time, (3) to restrict or eliminate any 
voting rights of Participants or other persons who have voting rights as to 
the Separate Account, (4) to add, change or remove the designated investment 
company, (5) to add, change or remove Investment Funds, (6) to combine any 
two or more Investment Funds, (7) to transfer assets from any one of the 
Investment Funds to another Investment Fund, and (8) to operate the Separate 
Account or one or more of the Investment Funds by making direct investments 
or investments in any other form Equitable Life in its sole discretion 
determines. 

We may make other changes in the certificates that do not reduce any Cash 
Value, Account Balance, Annuity Value or Annuity Benefit or other accrued 
rights or benefits. 

   
EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (EQ FINANCIAL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of 
Equitable Life, performs all sales functions for the Separate Account and may 
be deemed to be its principal underwriter under the 1940 Act. EQ Financial is 
also the principal underwriter of The Hudson River Trust. EQ Financial is 
registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 (EXCHANGE ACT) and is a member of the National Association of 
Securities Dealers, Inc. EQ Financial's principal business address is 1755 
Broadway, New York, New York 10019. The offering described in the prospectus 
will be made through registered representatives of EQ Financial. 
    

THE TRUST 

The Trust is an open-end, diversified management investment company, more 
commonly called a mutual fund. As a "series" type of mutual fund, it issues 
several different series of stock, each of which relates to a different 
Portfolio of the Trust. The Trust has twelve different Portfolios. 
Participants may invest in any of ten Investment Funds of the Separate 
Account, which, in turn, invest in corresponding Portfolios of the Trust. The 
Trust commenced operations in June 1987. The Trust does not impose a sales 
charge or "load" for buying and selling its shares. All dividend 
distributions from the Trust are reinvested in full and fractional shares of 
the Portfolio to which they relate. 

More detailed information about the Trust, its investment objectives, 
policies, restrictions, risks, expenses and all other aspects of its 
operations, appears in its prospectus, which is the second part of this 
booklet, or in its statement of additional information. 

   
The Trust's Investment Adviser. The Trust is advised by Alliance Capital 
Management L.P. (ALLIANCE), which is registered with the SEC as an investment 
adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. On December 31, 1996, 
Alliance was managing over $182.7 billion in assets. Alliance acts as an 
investment adviser to various separate accounts and general accounts of 
Equitable Life and other affiliated insurance companies. Alliance also 
provides management and consulting services to mutual funds, endowment funds, 
insurance companies, 
    

8
<PAGE>

foreign entities, qualified and non-tax qualified corporate funds, public and
private pension and profit-sharing plans, foundations and tax-exempt
organizations.

Alliance's main office is located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10105. Alliance, a publicly-traded limited partnership, is indirectly
majority-owned by Equitable Life.

The advisory fee payable by the Trust is based on the following annual 
percentages of the value of each Portfolio's daily average net assets: 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             DAILY AVERAGE NET 
                  -------------------------------------------------------------------
                          ASSETS 
                           FIRST             NEXT       NEXT       NEXT 
                           $750              $750        $1        $2.5      THERE- 
PORTFOLIO                 MILLION           MILLION    BILLION    BILLION     AFTER 
- ----------------  -----------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
<S>               <C>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Money Market.....           0.350%            0.325%     0.300%     0.280%     0.270% 
Intermediate 
 Government 
 Securities......           0.500%            0.475%     0.450%     0.430%     0.420% 
High Yield.......           0.600%            0.575%     0.550%     0.530%     0.520% 
Balanced.........           0.450%            0.400%     0.350%     0.325%     0.300% 
Growth & Income .           0.550%            0.525%     0.500%     0.480%     0.470% 
Common Stock.....           0.475%            0.425%     0.375%     0.355%     0.345%* 
Aggressive 
 Stock...........           0.625%            0.575%     0.525%     0.500%     0.475% 
Global...........           0.675%            0.600%     0.550%     0.530%     0.520% 
Conservative 
 Investors.......           0.475%            0.425%     0.375%     0.350%     0.325% 
Growth 
 Investors.......           0.550%            0.500%     0.450%     0.425%     0.400% 
</TABLE>
    

   
- ------------ 
* On assets in excess of $10 billion, the management fee for the Common Stock 
  Portfolio is reduced to 0.335% of average daily net assets. 
    

Investment Policies of the Trust's Portfolios. Each Portfolio has a different 
investment objective which it tries to achieve by following separate 
investment policies. The objectives and policies of each Portfolio will 
affect its return and its risks. There is no guarantee that these objectives 
will be achieved. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 PORTFOLIO             INVESTMENT POLICY              OBJECTIVE 
- ----------------  --------------------------  ------------------------ 
<S>               <C>                         <C>
Money Market      Primarily high quality      High level of current 
                  short-term money market     income while preserving 
                  instruments                 assets and maintaining 
                                              liquidity 

Intermediate      Primarily debt securities   High current income con- 
Government Secu-  issued or guaranteed by     sistent with relative 
rities            the U.S. Government, its    stability of principal 
                  agencies and instrumen- 
                  talities. Each investment 
                  will have a final maturity 
                  of not more than 10 years 
                  or a duration not exceed- 
                  ing that of a 10-year 
                  Treasury note 

High Yield        Primarily a diversified     High return by maximiz- 
                  mix of high yield, fixed    ing current income and, 
                  income securities involv-   to the extent consistent 
                  ing greater volatility of   with that objective, 
                  price and risk of princi-   capital appreciation 
                  pal and income than high 
                  quality fixed income secu- 
                  rities. The medium and 
                  lower quality debt securi- 
                  ties in which the Portfo- 
                  lio may invest are known 
                  as "junk bonds" 

Balanced          Primarily common stocks,    High return through a 
                  publicly-traded debt secu-  combination of current 
                  rities and high quality     income and capital ap- 
                  money market instruments    preciation 

Growth & Income   Primarily income producing  High total return 
                  common stocks and securi-   through a combination of 
                  ties convertible into com-  current income and capi- 
                  mon stocks                  tal appreciation 

Common Stock      Primarily common stock and  Long-term growth of 
                  other equity-type instru-   capital and increasing 
                  ments                       income 

Aggressive Stock  Primarily common stocks     Long-term growth of 
                  and other equity-type se-   capital 
                  curities issued by medium 
                  and other smaller sized 
                  companies with strong 
                  growth potential 

Global            Primarily equity securi-    Long-term growth of 
                  ties of non-United States   capital 
                  as well as United States 
                  companies 

ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES: 

Conservative In-  Diversified mix of pub-     High total return with- 
vestors           licly traded fixed-income   out, in the adviser's 
                  and equity securities; as-  opinion, undue risk to 
                  set mix and security se-    principal 
                  lection primarily based 
                  upon factors expected to 
                  reduce risk 

Growth Investors  Diversified mix of          High total return con- 
                  publicly-traded, fixed in-  sistent with the advis- 
                  come and equity securi-     er's determination of 
                  ties; asset mix and secu-   reasonable risk 
                  rity selection based upon 
                  factors expected to in- 
                  crease possibility of high 
                  long-term return 
</TABLE>
                                                                              9
<PAGE>

CERTIFICATE PROVISIONS 

An employer may, in certain circumstances, limit a Participant's rights under 
a certificate. The Participant should check the provisions of the employer's 
plan or agreements with the Participant to see if there are any such 
limitations and, if so, what they are. 

PARTICIPANTS, CERTIFICATE OWNERS AND ANNUITANTS

   
Individuals who make contributions or individuals for whom contributions are 
made under certificates are Participants. Each Participant is also an 
Annuitant, meaning the person upon whose life the certificate is issued and 
the person who is entitled to receive benefit payments. Each Participant is 
also the owner of the certificate. Under an IRA, a Participant's spouse may 
also become a Participant by establishing a separate spousal IRA. In such 
case, we will issue a separate certificate to the spouse. 
    

CONTRIBUTIONS 

   
Frequency and Amount. In the case of an IRA, SEP or SIMPLE, the Participant 
or employer makes contributions by completing the appropriate contribution 
form and enclosing the payment. There is no minimum contribution amount 
except for any established by an employer for contributions made by payroll 
deductions. Contributions should be sent by check or money order to Equitable 
Life 300+ Series and made payable to Equitable Life. 
    

Contributions made by payroll deduction must be sent to us by the 
Participant's employer. 

Annual contributions to a retirement program may be subject to maximum limits 
imposed by the Code. See the SAI, "Part 1--Federal Tax Considerations of the 
Retirement Programs" for a discussion of these limitations. We do not monitor 
whether or not the contributions made under any of the retirement programs 
may be in excess of the maximum limits imposed by the Code, but we reserve 
the right to refuse contributions we believe to be in excess of such maximum 
levels. 

Subject to any restrictions imposed by an employer's retirement program, 
rollover and direct transfer contributions will be accepted. See the SAI, 
"Part 1--Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement Programs" for details. 

Allocation of Contributions. The Participant, by written instructions to us, 
will designate how each contribution will be allocated among the Investment 
Options. The Participant may use our telephone service (Account Investment 
Management (AIM) System) to change the future allocation for contributions. 
Requests for changes in allocations among the Investment Options will become 
effective on the date of the receipt. Checks accompanied by an allocation 
change request will be invested in accordance with that request. Changes in 
the allocation of future contributions have no effect on amounts already 
invested. 

   
Discontinuance and Resumption of Contributions. A Participant is under no 
obligation to continue making contributions. If contributions made by or on 
behalf of a Participant are discontinued, participation under the certificate 
will remain in effect, and, except for SEP/SIMPLE certificates, contributions 
can be resumed at any time. However, we reserve the right to close a 
Participant's Account if no contributions are made within 120 days of the 
issue date of the certificate. 
    

We also reserve the right to close a Participant's Account and pay any 
Account Balance if contributions are discontinued for at least three years 
from the date of the last contribution, and either (1) the Account Balance 
does not exceed $2,000 or (2) the annuity which the existing Account Balance 
would purchase at the Participant's Retirement Date would be less than $20 
per month based on the current annuity rates in effect under the certificate. 

INVESTMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE INVESTMENT FUNDS

   
Business Day. Generally, a business day is any day Equitable Life is open and 
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. We may close due to 
emergency conditions. Generally, no transactions are processed if we are 
closed. A business day ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. 
    

Purchase of Units in the Investment Funds. Contributions are invested on the 
date of receipt, provided they are received by us on an Equitable Life 
business day and are 

10
<PAGE>

correctly payable and accompanied by a properly completed contribution form. 
We may retain contributions accompanied by an incomplete contribution form 
for five business days while we attempt to obtain the information required to 
complete the form. Contributions will be invested immediately after the 
contribution form is complete. 

The portion of each contribution allocated to an Investment Fund will be used 
to purchase Units in that Fund. The number of Units purchased by a 
contribution to an Investment Fund is calculated by dividing the amount of 
the contribution by the Investment Fund's Unit Value on the business day we 
receive the contribution. See "How We Determine the Unit Value" below. The 
number of Units purchased will not vary, however, because of any subsequent 
fluctuation in the Unit Value. 

The value of the Unit fluctuates with the investment performance of the 
corresponding Portfolio of the Trust, which reflects the investment income 
and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Fund and Trust 
expenses and charges. Unit Values also reflect the deductions and charges 
made to the Investment Funds of the Separate Account. See "Deductions and 
Charges." 

On any given day, the value you have in any Investment Fund of our Separate 
Account is the Unit Value times the number of Units credited to you in that 
Investment Fund. 

How We Determine the Unit Value. Unit Values for the Investment Funds of our 
Separate Account are determined at the end of each business day. 

The Unit Value of any Investment Fund for any business day is equal to the 
Unit Value for the preceding business day multiplied by the Net Investment 
Factor for that Investment Fund on that business day. 

A Net Investment Factor for each Investment Fund is determined every business 
day as follows: 

   
 o  First, we take the value of the shares belonging to the Investment Fund 
    in the corresponding Portfolio of the Trust at the close of business that 
    day (before giving effect to any amounts allocated to or withdrawn from 
    the Investment Fund for that day). For this purpose, we use the share 
    value reported to us by the Portfolio. 
 o  Then, we divide this amount by the value of the amounts in the Investment 
    Fund at the close of business on the preceding business day (after giving 
    effect to any amounts allocated or withdrawn for that day). 
 o  Finally, we subtract any daily charge for fees or expenses payable by the 
    Investment Fund, other than the participant service charge (see 
    "Deductions and Charges"). 
    

Illustration of Changes in Unit Values. Generally, if on a particular 
Business Day investment income and realized and unrealized capital gains 
exceed realized and unrealized capital losses and any expense charges, the 
Unit Value would be greater than the value for the previous period. 

For example, assume that at the close of trading on a Monday, the value of an 
Investment Fund's assets is $2,500,000, and the Unit Value is $10. If on the 
next business day, Tuesday, the investment income and realized and unrealized 
capital gains exceed realized and unrealized losses by $7,500, and the daily 
accrual for expenses charged to the Trust is $50, the Unit Value for that day 
would be calculated as follows: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>    <C>
1.    Unit Value for Monday ...........      $10 
2.    Value of assets at close of 
      business on Monday ..............      $2,500,000 
3.    Excess of investment income and 
      realized and unrealized capital 
      gains over realized and 
      unrealized losses ...............      $7,500 
4.    Daily accrual for expenses 
      (administration charges and 
      certain expenses borne directly 
      by the Investment Funds) charged 
      to the Investment Fund ..........      $50 
5.    Value of assets, less charge for 
      expenses, at close of business 
      day on Tuesday, (2) + (3) -(4) ..      $2,507,450 
6.    Net Investment Factor (5) 
      divided by (2) ..................      1.00298 
7.    Unit Value for Tuesday 
      (1) X (6) .......................      $10.0298 
</TABLE>

If, on the other hand, the realized and unrealized losses exceeded investment 
income and realized and unrealized capital gains on that day by $7,500, the 
Unit Value for Tuesday would have been $9.9698. 

GUARANTEED RATE ACCOUNTS 

Contributions to a Guaranteed Rate Account are credited with interest at a 
fixed rate 

                                                                             11
<PAGE>

for one-year and three-year periods. The amount of the contribution is 
guaranteed by us (before deduction of any applicable participant service 
charge). The effective guaranteed annual rate will always be at least 3%. New 
one and three-year Guarantees will be offered each quarter, with the new 
Guaranteed Rates generally being announced at least 10 days before the 
beginning of the quarter. Contributions are permitted at any time. 
Withdrawals or transfers prior to maturity are restricted and are also 
subject to a premature withdrawal charge, except under certain limited 
circumstances. 

For more information on the Guaranteed Rate Accounts, see "Part 2: The 
Guaranteed Rate Accounts" in the SAI. 

WITHDRAWALS 

   
All or part of the Participant's Account Balance in the Investment Funds of 
the Separate Account plus the Participant's Guaranteed Rate Account Cash 
Values may be withdrawn by submitting the proper form to us. A TSA and a 
SIMPLE IRA retirement program may require spousal consent prior to withdrawal 
or may otherwise restrict such withdrawals. 

Withdrawals, regardless of the type of contract, will generally have Federal 
tax consequences, which may include penalties if withdrawals are made prior 
to age 59 1/2. A Participant should consult with a tax advisor, as well as 
review the provisions of the retirement program before making a withdrawal. 
See the SAI, "Part I--Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement Programs." 
    

Generally, the request for a withdrawal is sent directly to us by the 
Participant. In the case of certain TSAs, the Participant notifies the 
employer, who will submit the Participant's request to us. 

The request for a partial withdrawal should specify the dollar amount of the 
withdrawal and the Investment Option from which the withdrawal should be 
made. If not specified, the withdrawal will be made from each Investment 
Option on a pro rata basis. 

Withdrawals pursuant to a periodic distribution option from the Investment 
Funds will be subject to certain restrictions described below under 
"Retirement Benefits." Withdrawals are subject to Federal income tax 
withholding. For more information, see "Part I--Federal Tax Considerations of 
the Retirement Programs" in the SAI. 

The request for a withdrawal should be made on the form supplied by us for 
that purpose and sent to us. If a full withdrawal is requested, the 
Participant's certificate should accompany the withdrawal request. 

Withdrawals are made by reducing the number of Units the Participant has in 
each Investment Fund from which withdrawals are to be made. For each 
Investment Fund, the number of Units deducted is determined by dividing the 
dollar amount of the withdrawal by that Fund's Unit Value on the business day 
we receive a correctly completed withdrawal request. Withdrawals which result 
in a total remaining Account Balance of less than $100 may be considered a 
request to surrender unless we are told by the Participant to keep the 
account active. 

Except as stated under "Miscellaneous--Deferment Provisions," we will pay all 
single sum payments from the Investment Funds within seven days after the 
date as of which the amount of the payment is determined. 

   
For TSAs, restrictions on distributions (whether by withdrawal, surrender or 
annuitization) apply to the amount of the Participant's salary reduction 
(elective deferral contributions and related earnings). These restrictions do 
not apply to such amounts as of December 31, 1988 (or to the extent such 
amounts were carried over from a prior TSA). To take advantage of this 
grandfathering for transferred amounts, the participant or employer must 
notify us in writing of the December 31, 1988 account balance. Distributions 
of restricted salary reduction amounts may be made only if the Participant 
attains age 59 1/2, dies, is disabled, separates from service or incurs a 
financial hardship. Hardship distributions are limited to the amount actually 
contributed under a salary reduction agreement, without earnings. 
    

TRANSFERS AMONG THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS 

Participants may transfer all or a portion of their Account Balances in one 
Investment Fund to any other Investment Fund at any time without charge or 
tax liability. Participants may make transfers using the AIM System. 
Procedures have been established by Equitable Life that are considered to be 
reasonable and are designed to confirm that instructions communicated by 
telephone are genuine. 

12
<PAGE>

Such procedures include requiring certain personal identification information 
prior to acting on telephone instructions and providing written confirmation 
of instructions communicated by telephone. If Equitable Life does not employ 
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone 
are genuine, it may be liable for any losses arising out of any action on its 
part or any failure or omission to act as a result of its own negligence, 
lack of good faith, or willful misconduct. In light of the procedures 
established, Equitable Life will not be liable for following telephone 
instructions that it reasonably believes to be genuine. We may discontinue 
the telephone transfer service at any time without notice. 

If amounts are transferred from one Investment Fund to another Investment 
Fund, Units in one Investment Fund are "sold" and new Units are "purchased" 
in the second Investment Fund. We will make the transfer as of the business 
day on which the transfer request is received. 

Transfers from the Guaranteed Rate Accounts are subject to special rules set 
forth in the SAI. Participants may not transfer amounts from the Guaranteed 
Rate Accounts during the Open Period. Thereafter, transfers made before the 
maturity of a GRA will be subject to a penalty. Transfers will not change the 
allocation of any future contributions to the Investment Options. 

DEATH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS 

For either a death or disability payment, the Account Balance is determined 
as of the business day we receive written notification and proof of death or 
disability. 

If we receive notification of a Participant's death prior to the 
Participant's Retirement Date, we will pay the Participant's Account Balance 
to the designated beneficiary, subject to any restrictions under a TSA 
retirement program. If the designated beneficiary is the Participant's 
surviving spouse, the distribution of the Account Balance need not commence 
until the earlier of (1) the date the Participant would have attained age 70 
1/2 or (2) the date the surviving spouse elects payment to commence. 
Depending on the Participant's election, the death benefit will be paid as a 
single sum, as periodic payments, as an annuity or as a combination of the 
three. If no death benefit election is in effect, the beneficiary may elect a 
single sum or an alternate form of benefit payment within the time limit 
prescribed in the Code. Different elections may have different tax 
consequences. Distributions received by a beneficiary are generally given the 
same tax treatment the Participant would have received if distribution had 
been made to the Participant. See the SAI, "Part 1--Federal Tax 
Considerations of the Retirement Programs" for more information. 

In the case of disability prior to a Participant's Retirement Date, the 
Account Balance will be paid to the Participant, subject to any restrictions 
under a TSA retirement program. 

RETIREMENT BENEFITS 

Retirement. Upon enrollment, Participants are asked to specify a Retirement 
Date when retirement benefits are expected to begin. If the Participant fails 
to specify a Retirement Date, we will assume it is age 65. The Retirement 
Date can be changed at any time but must be on the first day of a calendar 
month. It may be changed by written notice to us and will become effective on 
the date it is received. 

   
Distributions generally must commence no later than April 1st of the calendar 
year following the year in which the Participant attains age 70 1/2. Once 
required distributions begin, subsequent required distributions must be made 
by December 31st of each calendar year. Special rules may apply to a TSA 
participant regarding when minimum distributions must commence from the value 
of the TSA. These rules are discussed more fully in the SAI. 
    

Forms of Retirement Benefits. Subject to the provisions of the retirement 
program under which the Participant is covered, at the Participant's 
Retirement Date the Participant's Account Balance in the Investment Funds and 
the Guaranteed Rate Account Cash Values are applied to provide a retirement 
benefit as a single sum, a periodic distribution option, a fixed annuity or a 
combination of these options. The Participant's Guaranteed Rate Accounts will 
not be subject to the premature withdrawal charge if either of the following 

                                                                             13
<PAGE>

options is elected: (1) a fixed annuity or (2) a periodic distribution option 
whereby payments are made over a period of greater than three years. 

Unless a TSA retirement program specifies differently, if the Participant has 
not elected a retirement benefit before the Retirement Date selected, the 
Normal Form of Annuity Benefit will be purchased. In the case of certain 
TSAs, the Participant may be required to elect a joint and survivor annuity 
payout unless the Participant's spouse consents in writing to a contrary 
election. Participants should ask their employers whether this requirement is 
applicable. 

If the Participant has not already selected a form of annuity six months 
before the Retirement Date, we will send an appropriate notification form on 
which the Participant may indicate the type of annuity desired or confirm to 
us that the Normal Form of Annuity Benefit is to be purchased. If we do not 
receive a completed notification form on or before the Retirement Date, the 
Participant's Account Balances and Guaranteed Rate Account Cash Values will 
remain invested until we have received written instructions. 

Normal Form of Annuity Benefit. The Normal Form of Annuity Benefit payable is 
the Full Cash Refund Annuity. This is a fixed annuity for the lifetime of the 
Annuitant. The Participant's beneficiary will receive a cash refund if, at 
the Participant's death, the total annuity payments do not equal the amount 
that was applied to provide the annuity. The refund equals the difference 
between the amount applied to purchase the annuity and the annuity payments 
actually received. 

Once fixed annuity payments commence, the amount of each payment does not 
change. The minimum amount of the fixed payments is determined from tables in 
the certificate which show monthly payments for each $1,000 applied (after 
deduction of any applicable taxes and the fixed annuity administrative fee 
described below) and depends on the form of annuity selected and the age of 
the Annuitant. If our group annuity rates for payment of proceeds or our rate 
for single premium immediate annuities then in effect at the Participant's 
Retirement Date should produce a larger payment, these rates will apply in 
lieu of the minimum rates shown in the tables. We may change the amount of 
the monthly payments shown in the certificates for new Participants. 

Periodic Distribution Option. This option is designed to pay out the 
Participant's entire Account Balance in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or 
annual installment payments over a minimum three-year period (as you or your 
beneficiary may specify). This period may not generally exceed applicable 
life expectancy limitations as described in the SAI under "Part 1--Federal 
Tax Considerations of the Retirement Programs." 

The amount of each payment can be calculated in one of two ways: either the 
Participant can specify a dollar amount or a time period. If a time period, 
the payment is determined by dividing the remaining Account Balances by the 
number of remaining payments. Withdrawals are made pro-rata from each 
Investment Option. Such periodic payments may currently be made from the 
Guaranteed Rate Accounts without premature withdrawal charge; however, we 
retain the right to suspend such distributions from the Guaranteed Rate 
Accounts in the future. 

An initial monthly payment of at least $50 is required under the Periodic 
Distribution Option. After installment payments have begun, Participants may 
continue to transfer amounts among the Investment Options as they prefer. By 
written notice to us, the Participant may make a partial withdrawal or elect 
to stop the installment payments and receive the Account Balance in a single 
sum. 

Election of Other Annuities or Optional Retirement Benefits. The 
Participant's Account Balance may be used to provide forms of fixed annuities 
(other than the Normal Form of Annuity Benefit) that are offered by us, 
including joint and survivor annuities. Payments made under life or joint 
life annuities which do not specify a minimum distribution period terminate 
with the death of the last surviving annuitant. 

A participant may, therefore, specify a minimum distribution period whereby 
benefits would continue to a beneficiary. A participant 

14
<PAGE>

may not specify a minimum distribution period that is greater than the 
participant's life expectancy or the life expectancy of the beneficiary. If 
the beneficiary is someone other than the Participant's spouse, payments to 
the surviving beneficiary must be limited as prescribed in Proposed Treasury 
Regulations. See "Part 1--Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement 
Programs" in the SAI. 

Once a life annuity takes effect, the Annuitant may not redeem or change it 
to any other form of benefit. If payment under an annuity continues to a 
beneficiary, the beneficiary will have the right to redeem the annuity for 
its commuted value. An annuity is available only if the amount to be applied 
is $2,000 or more and would result in an initial payment of at least $20. 

REVOCATION RIGHTS 

The Participant can revoke participation under a certificate and the 
certificate may be cancelled by returning it to us within 10 days (or longer 
if your state requires) after receipt by the Participant. We will refund all 
contributions made or, if greater, with respect to contributions allocated to 
the Investment Options, we will refund the Participant's Account Balance, 
computed on the business day we receive the certificate. 

The Participant should consult a tax advisor before deciding to revoke, as 
cancellation may have adverse tax consequences. For more complete 
information, see "Part 1--Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement 
Programs" in the SAI. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Assignment. Unless contrary to applicable law, the certificate, or any rights 
to any payment thereunder, may not be assigned, sold, discontinued or pledged 
as collateral to any person other than to us. 

Beneficiaries. The Participant may name the beneficiary at the time of 
enrollment. The beneficiary can be changed any time during the Participant's 
lifetime. See "Part 1--Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement Programs" 
in the SAI for spousal consent limitations for certain TSAs. 

Deferment Provisions. Assuming we have been properly notified of a death, 
disability or other withdrawal, we will normally make payment of the Account 
Balance within seven days. However, we may defer payments from the Investment 
Funds for any period during which (1) the New York Stock Exchange is closed 
or trading on it is restricted, (2) sale of securities or determination of 
the fair value of the Investment Fund assets is not reasonably practicable 
because of an emergency or (3) the SEC by order permits postponement for the 
protection of persons having interests in the Investment Funds. 

Disqualification. In the event that a retirement program funded under the 
certificates offered by this prospectus fails to qualify under the Code for 
the tax-favored status for which it was purchased, we have the right to 
terminate the certificate and pay to the Participant, plan trustee or any 
other designated payee the sum of the Investment Fund Account Balances and 
the Guaranteed Rate Account Cash Value less any deduction for Federal income 
tax payable by us as a result of that non-qualification. 

   
Contract Holder. IRA, TSA, SEP and SIMPLE certificates are issued under group 
annuity contracts between us and Chase, as Trustee or Custodian. The sole 
responsibility of Chase is to serve as party to the contracts. It has no 
responsibility for the administration of these programs, for payments to the 
Investment Options or to Participants, or for any distributions or duties 
under these contracts. Under certain circumstances, we may make changes in 
the certificates and contracts as described under "Changes in Applicable 
Law." 
    

COMPARATIVE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

The tables below show comparisons between the performance of the Money 
Market, Common Stock, Intermediate Government Securities (previously, the 
Bond Fund), Balanced, High Yield, Aggressive Stock, Global, Growth & Income, 
Growth Investors and Conservative Investors Funds and the performances of the 
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500) and the Lehman 
Government/Corporate Bond Index (Lehman). 

The S&P 500 and Lehman indices represent unmanaged groups of securities 

                                                                             15
<PAGE>

widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock and bond markets 
in general. The comparisons should be considered in light of the investment 
policies and objectives of each of the Investment Funds (which are 
substantially similar to the investment policies and objectives of the 
corresponding portfolios of the Trust). Since the Investment Funds do not 
distribute dividends or interest, the market indices have been adjusted to 
reflect reinvestment of dividends and interest to provide comparability. 
Because of the continually changing portfolio mix of the Balanced Fund, the 
comparisons with specific market indices are of limited use. 

The performance information shown in the tables does not represent the actual 
experience of amounts invested by a particular Participant. The amount and 
timing of the Participant's investment also affect individual performance as 
does the participant service charge. The performance of the Investment Funds 
shown in the tables reflects the deduction of asset-based charges but does 
not show the effect of the participant service charge. As unmanaged groups of 
securities, the market indices do not reflect deductions of any asset-based 
charges for investment management, administration or other expenses. 

ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           INTERMEDIATE 
                            GOVERNMENT 
                   MONEY    SECURITIES    HIGH 
DECEMBER 31        MARKET      (A)        YIELD 
- -----------------  ------  ------------  ------- 
<S>                <C>     <C>           <C>
1986 .............   5.9%       18.5%        -- 
1987 .............   5.8         2.5        4.0(b)% 
1988 .............   6.7         5.4       11.4 
1989 .............   8.7        15.1        0.6 
1990 .............   7.7         5.9       -4.8 
1991 .............   5.6        13.7       24.6 
1992 .............   3.0         4.9       11.3 
1993 .............   2.5        10.0       22.3 
1994..............   3.8        -4.3       -3.5 
1995..............   5.3        13.0       19.2 
1996..............   4.9         3.4       22.0 
Five years ending 
 December 31, 
 1996.............   3.9         5.9       13.8 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             COMMON  AGGRESSIVE              GROWTH    GROWTH    CONSERVATIVE 
DECEMBER 31        BALANCED  STOCK     STOCK      GLOBAL    & INCOME  INVESTORS   INVESTORS    S&P 500  LEHMAN 
- -----------------  --------  ------  ----------  ---------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------  ------ 
<S>                <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>      <C>                        
1986 .............    12.7%    15.9%        --          --        --        --           --      18.7%    15.6% 
1987 .............    -2.8      6.7    -15.2(C)%   -14.3(B)%      --        --           --       5.3      2.3 
1988 .............    13.2     10.6        1.3        11.7        --        --           --      16.6      7.6 
1989 .............    25.4     23.9       43.3        24.9        --        --           --      31.7     14.2 
1990 .............    -0.4    -12.4        7.0        -6.2        --        --           --      -3.1      8.3 
1991 .............    40.7     43.7       75.6        26.4        --        --           --      30.5     16.1 
1992 .............    -3.3      2.7       -3.8        -1.3        --        --           --       7.6      7.6 
1993 .............    11.9     24.4       16.0        31.3        --        --           --      10.0     11.0 
1994..............    -8.1     -2.6       -4.1         4.9    -1.2(D)%  -3.1(D)%     -1.1(D)%     1.3     -3.5 
1995..............    19.2     31.9       30.9        18.2      23.1      24.9         18.8      37.5     19.2 
1996..............    11.2     23.8       21.6        14.0      19.2      11.6          3.9      23.0      2.9 
FIVE YEARS ENDING 
 DECEMBER 31, 
 1996.............     5.6     15.2       11.1        12.8        --        --           --      15.2      7.2 
</TABLE>
    

   
ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN--DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         DATE OF INCEPTION   INCEPTION    10 YEARS 
                         -----------------  -----------  ---------- 
<S>                      <C>                <C>          <C>
Money Market ...........  February 5, 1982       6.6%         5.4% 
Intermediate Government 
 Securities (a) ........  February 5, 1982      10.1          6.8 
High Yield .............    June 2, 1987        10.7           -- 
Balanced ...............  February 5, 1982      13.1          9.8 
Common Stock ...........  February 5, 1982      17.1         14.1 
Aggressive Stock .......    June 1, 1987        15.5           -- 
Global .................    June 2, 1987        10.5           -- 
Growth & Income ........     May 1, 1994        15.1           -- 
Growth Investors .......     May 1, 1994        12.3           -- 
Conservative Investors       May 1, 1994         7.9           -- 
S&P 500 ................          N/A            N/A         15.3 
Lehman .................          N/A            N/A          8.4 
</TABLE>
    

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          5 YEARS    3 YEARS    2 YEARS    1 YEAR 
                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Money Market ...........    3.9%        4.7%       5.1%       4.9% 
Intermediate Government 
 Securities (a) ........     5.9        3.8        8.1        3.4 
High Yield .............    13.8       12.0       20.6       22.0 
Balanced ...............     5.6        6.8       15.2       11.2 
Common Stock ...........    15.2       16.7       27.8       23.8 
Aggressive Stock .......    11.1       15.1       26.2       21.6 
Global .................    12.8       12.2       16.1       14.0 
Growth & Income ........     --          --        2.1       19.2 
Growth Investors .......     --          --       18.1       11.6 
Conservative Investors       --          --       11.1        3.9 
S&P 500 ................    15.2       19.7       30.0       23.0 
Lehman .................     7.2        5.8       10.8        2.9 
</TABLE>
    
- --------------
(a) Prior to September 6, 1991, the Bond Fund. 
(b) From June 2, 1987, the date contributions were first allocated to these 
    Funds. 
(c) From June 1, 1987, the date contributions were first allocated to the 
    Fund. 
(d) From May 1, 1994, the date contributions were first allocated to the 
    Fund. 

Rates of return are time weighted and include reinvestment of investment 
income. The annualized rate assumes an investment of the same amount invested 
at the beginning of each year with the percentage demonstrating the effective 
annual rate over the period shown. 

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A GUARANTEE OR INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. NO 
PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE EFFECT OF TAXES ON INCOME AND GAINS, OR ANY 
TAX PENALTIES, UPON DISTRIBUTION. 

16
<PAGE>

FEDERAL INCOME TAX ASPECTS OF THE RETIREMENT PROGRAMS

TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITY ARRANGEMENTS (TSAS)

An employee of a public educational institution or a tax-exempt organization 
described in Code Section 501(c)(3) may exclude from Federal gross income for 
a tax year contributions made to a TSA by the employer in that year subject 
to the limitations provided in the Code and in related regulations. When the 
employee makes withdrawals or surrenders the certificate, generally the full 
amount will be included in income. Premature withdrawals may be subject to a 
10% Federal tax penalty. In addition, TSA amounts relating to salary 
reduction agreements cannot be distributed prior to age 59 1/2, death, 
disability, separation from service or hardship. In the event of hardship, 
only the salary reduction contributions can be distributed. 

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES (IRAS) 

   
A working individual may make deductible or non-deductible contributions to 
an IRA until age 70 1/2. Generally, $2,000 is the maximum amount of 
deductible and nondeductible contributions which may be made to all IRAs by 
an individual in any taxable year. The above limit may be less where the 
individual's earnings are below the applicable amount. These limits do not 
apply to rollover or custodian-to-custodian contributions into an IRA. 
Subject to the rules of the Code an individual and a nonworking spouse can 
together contribute annually an aggregate maximum of $4,000 to IRAs for the 
individual and the spouse (but no more than $2,000 to any one IRA 
certificate). There is no tax on amounts credited to an IRA until the amounts 
are withdrawn from the certificate. Except where nondeductible contributions 
have been made, distributions from IRAs are fully includible in gross income. 
The taxable portion of certain early withdrawals may be subject to a 10% 
Federal tax penalty. 
    

IRAS UNDER SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE 

   
PENSION PLANS (SEPS AND SIMPLES) 

An employer can establish a SEP for its employees and can make contributions 
to a SEP for each eligible employee. An IRA funding a SEP is, like other 
IRAs, owned by the Participant. Most of the rules applicable to IRAs also 
apply. A major difference is the amount of permissible contributions. An 
employer can annually contribute an amount for an employee up to the lesser 
of $24,000 or 15% of the employee's compensation, (determined without taking 
into account the employer's contribution to the SEP). This $24,000 maximum, 
based on the 1997 statutory compensation limit of $160,000, may be further 
adjusted for cost of living changes in future years. 

An eligible employer may establish a "SIMPLE" plan to make contributions to 
special individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities for 
its employees ("SIMPLE IRAs"). A SIMPLE IRA is a form of IRA, owned by the 
Participant, and generally the rules applicable to IRAs discussed above and 
in the SAI apply. There are differences in the amount and type of permissible 
contributions (employee salary reduction contributions of up to $6,000 may be 
made in 1997; the employer must make contributions, generally a 
dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% of compensation). Also, employees who have 
not participated in the employer's SIMPLE IRA plan for at least two full 
years may be subject to an increased penalty tax on withdrawals or transfers 
of SIMPLE IRA funds. 

Further discussion of tax aspects of TSA, IRA, SEP and SIMPLE IRA 
contributions, distributions and other matters is available in the SAI. 
    

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES 

The deductions and charges discussed below apply during the accumulation 
period and if either the periodic distribution option or the fixed annuity 
option is elected. 

   
Participant Service Charge. On the last day of each calendar quarter, a 
charge will be made against the Account Balance of each Participant as a 
reimbursement for administrative expenses unrelated to sales, such as 
salaries, rent, postage, telephone, travel, legal, actuarial and accounting 
costs, office equipment and stationery. This charge is $15 per year for SEP 
and SIMPLE IRAs certificates. The charge for IRA and TSA certificates or 
contracts will not exceed $30 annually and will be deducted from the amounts 
held in the Investment Options in accordance with Equitable Life's 
administrative procedures then in effect. 
    

The participant service charge applicable to a certificate depends on several 
factors. It will vary depending on (1) the method by which payment is made to 
us (payroll deduction 

                                                                             17
<PAGE>

or direct contribution), (2) the number of Participants contributing through 
the same payroll deduction facility or group,(3) the total contributions 
received from an affiliated group, (4) the nature of the group purchasing the 
certificates, (5) the extent to which an employer provides services that 
would otherwise be provided by us, and (6) other circumstances which may have 
an impact on administrative expenses. We reserve the right to change this 
charge upon advance written notice, or to impose the charge on a less or more 
frequent basis, but in no case will it exceed $30 per year. 

Administration Charge. Administrative expenses are charged directly to each 
Investment Fund at the effective annual rate of 0.25% of the value of each 
Investment Fund's assets attributable to the certificates. The charge is 
designed as a reimbursement for administrative expenses not covered by the 
participant service charge. This charge is reflected in the computation of 
Unit Values. 

Other Expenses. Certain additional costs and expenses are also charged 
directly to the Investment Funds. These include, among other things, certain 
expenses incurred in the operation of the Separate Account and the Investment 
Funds, taxes, interest, SEC charges and certain related expenses including 
printing of registration statements and amendments, outside auditing and 
legal expenses and recordkeeping. These expenses are reflected in the Unit 
Value. See "Certificate Provisions--Investment of Contributions in the 
Investment Funds." 

Deductions and Expenses of the Trust. Deductions and expenses paid out of the 
assets of the Portfolios of the Trust are described in the prospectus for the 
Trust attached hereto and also detailed in the Fee Table in this prospectus. 
There are no deductions or charges for sales expenses made from contributions 
received by us or upon any withdrawals. 

Expense Limitations. If in any calendar year the aggregate expenses of the 
Money Market, Common Stock, Intermediate Government Securities or Balanced 
Funds (including investment advisory fees and certain other Trust expenses 
attributable to assets of such Investment Fund invested in a Portfolio of the 
Trust, and asset-based charges for administration and expenses borne directly 
by the Investment Funds, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage and 
extraordinary expenses permitted by appropriate state regulatory authorities) 
exceed 1% of the value of the Money Market Fund's average daily net assets, 
or 1.5% of the value of the Common Stock, Intermediate Government Securities 
and Balanced Fund's average daily net assets, Equitable Life will reimburse 
that Fund for the excess. This expense limitation cannot be changed without 
the Participant's consent. In addition, Equitable Life reimburses the High 
Yield, Aggressive Stock and Global Funds for aggregate expenses in excess of 
a voluntary expense limitation of 1.5% of the value of each Fund's average 
daily net assets. The voluntary expense limitation may be discontinued by 
Equitable Life at its discretion. 

Also, if the annual amount of management fees applicable to the Money Market 
and Intermediate Government Securities Funds exceeds 0.35% of the average 
daily net asset value of either Fund, Equitable Life will reimburse that Fund 
for such excess. This expense limitation is a contractual right for 
Participants who enrolled prior to May 1, 1987 and cannot be changed without 
the consent of those Participants. Equitable Life has voluntarily agreed to 
impose this expense limitation for Participants who enrolled after May 1, 
1987 and reserves the right to discontinue this at any time. 

Fixed Annuity Administrative Charge. If a Participant elects the fixed 
annuity option at retirement, an annuitization fee of up to $350 (depending 
upon the date of enrollment in the program, as provided in your certificate) 
will be deducted from the amount applied to purchase the annuity to reimburse 
for administrative expenses associated with processing the application for 
the annuity and with issuing each monthly payment. We may give any 
Participant a better annuity purchase rate than those currently guaranteed 
for the Program. The annuity administrative charge may be greater than $350 
in that case, unless otherwise provided in your certificate. 

   
SEP/SIMPLE Enrollment Fee. A non-refundable fee of $25 will be charged upon 
the enrollment of each Participant. It can either be paid by the employer or 
deducted from the first contribution. 
    

Guaranteed Rate Account Premature Withdrawal Charge. There is a charge for 
most withdrawals made before the maturity date of the Guaranteed Rate 
Account. This charge equals 7% of the amount withdrawn, or, if less, interest 
earned. See the SAI, "Part 2--The Guaranteed Rate Accounts." 

Charge for Premium or other Applicable Taxes. In certain jurisdictions, a 
charge for 

18
<PAGE>

premium or other applicable tax currently ranging up to a maximum of 5% on 
the amounts applied to purchase an annuity is imposed. Such taxes will 
depend, among other things, on the Participant's place of residence, 
applicable laws and the retirement option elected by the Participant. We 
reserve the right to deduct a charge for premium or other applicable taxes 
based on the Participant's place of residence at the Participant's Retirement 
Date. If an annuity option is elected, we reserve the right to deduct a 
charge for any premium or other applicable taxes from the amount applied to 
purchase the annuity or from contributions. If the periodic distribution 
option is elected, a charge for any premium or other taxes will be deducted 
from each payment when made. No charge for premium or other applicable taxes 
will be applicable if a single sum is elected. 

VOTING RIGHTS 

TRUST VOTING RIGHTS 

As explained previously, contributions allocated to the Investment Funds are 
invested in shares of the corresponding Portfolios of the Trust. Since we own 
the assets of the Separate Account, we are the legal owner of the shares and, 
as such, have the right to vote on certain matters. Among other things, we 
may vote: 

 o  to elect the Trust's Board of Trustees, 

 o  to ratify the selection of independent auditors for the Trust, and 

 o  on any other matters described in the Trust's current prospectus or 
    requiring a vote by shareholders under the 1940 Act or by other law. 

Even though we own the shares, we give Participants the opportunity to 
instruct us how to vote the number of shares attributable to the 
Participant's certificate. We will vote those shares at meetings of Trust 
shareholders according to such instructions. If we do not receive 
instructions in time from all Participants, we will vote shares for which no 
instructions have been received in a Portfolio in the same proportion as we 
vote shares for which we have received instructions in that Portfolio. We 
will also vote any Trust shares that we are entitled to vote directly due to 
amounts we have accumulated in an Investment Fund in the same proportions 
that Participants vote. 

HOW WE DETERMINE A PARTICIPANT'S VOTING SHARES

A Participant can participate in voting only on matters concerning a 
Portfolio in which the Participant's assets have been invested. We determine 
the number of Trust shares in each Investment Fund that are attributable to a 
certificate by dividing the amount of the Account Balance allocated to that 
Investment Fund by the net asset value of one share of the corresponding 
Portfolio of the Trust as of the record date for the Trust's shareholder 
meeting. (Fractional shares are counted). The record date for this purpose 
must be no more than 60 days before the meeting of the Trust. During payment 
under a periodic distribution option, as the amounts are paid out and the 
Account Balance allocated to the Investment Funds declines, the number of 
votes will decrease correspondingly. 

We will send proxy material and a form for giving us voting instructions to 
each Participant who has a voting interest. Votes may be cast in person or by 
proxy. 

HOW TRUST SHARES ARE VOTED 

All Trust shares are entitled to one vote. Voting generally is on a 
Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis except that shares will be voted on an aggregate 
basis when required by the 1940 Act (including, without limitation, election 
of Trustees and ratification of the selection of auditors). However, if the 
Trustees determine that shareholders in a Portfolio are not affected by a 
particular matter, then such shareholders generally would not be entitled to 
vote on such matter. 

VOTING PRIVILEGES OF PARTICIPANTS IN OTHER SEPARATE ACCOUNTS 

Currently, we control the Trust. Trust shares are held by other separate 
accounts of ours and by separate accounts of insurance companies affiliated 
or unaffiliated with us. Shares held by these separate accounts will probably 
be voted according to the instructions of the owners of insurance policies 
and contracts issued by those insurance companies. This will dilute the 
effect of the voting instructions of Participants. 

SEPARATE ACCOUNT VOTING RIGHTS 

Under the 1940 Act, certain actions (such as some of those described under 
"Changes in Applicable Law") may require Participant approval. In that case, 
a Participant will 

                                                                             19
<PAGE>

be entitled to one vote for every unit the Participant has in the Investment 
Funds of our Separate Account. We will cast votes attributable to any amounts 
we have in the Investment Funds of our Separate Account in the same 
proportions as votes cast by Participants. 

CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW 

The voting rights we describe in this prospectus are created under applicable 
Federal securities laws. To the extent that those laws or the regulations 
promulgated under those laws eliminate the necessity to submit matters for 
approval by persons having voting rights in separate accounts of insurance 
companies, we reserve the right to proceed in accordance with those laws or 
regulations. 

REPORTS 

Before payments start under a certificate, reports will be sent to the 
Participant at least annually showing as of a specified date (1) the number 
of units credited to each Investment Fund under the certificate, (2) the Unit 
Values, (3) the Account Balance of each Investment Fund and Guaranteed Rate 
Account and the total and (4) the Cash Values of the Guaranteed Rate 
Accounts. Similar reports will be sent to persons receiving payments under 
the periodic distribution option. All transactions will be individually 
confirmed. 

As required by the 1940 Act, each Participant will be sent semi-annually a 
report containing financial statements and a list of the portfolio securities 
of each Portfolio of the Trust. 

REGULATION 

We are subject to regulation and supervision by the Insurance Department of 
the State of New York which periodically examines our affairs. We are also 
subject to the insurance laws and regulations of all jurisdictions in which 
we are authorized to do business. The certificates and contracts have been 
filed with and approved by the Insurance Department of the State of New York. 

Its regulation and approval do not, however, involve any supervision of the 
investment policies of the Investment Funds or the Trust or of the selection 
of any investments except to determine compliance with the Insurance Laws of 
New York. 

We are required to submit annual statements of our operations, including 
financial statements, to the insurance departments of the various 
jurisdictions in which we do business for purposes of determining solvency 
and compliance with local insurance laws and regulations. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

   
A Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 has been filed with 
the SEC relating to the offering described in this prospectus. This 
prospectus does not include all the information included in the Registration 
Statement, certain portions of which, including the SAI, have been omitted 
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The omitted information may 
be obtained by requesting a copy of the registration statement from the SEC's 
principal office in Washington, D.C., upon payment of the SEC's prescribed 
fees, or by accessing the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and 
Retrieval (EDGAR) System. A free copy of the SAI may be obtained by calling 
the toll-free number on the first page of this prospectus or by submitting 
the coupon below. 
    

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Part 1--Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement Programs 
Part 2--The Guaranteed Rate Accounts 
Part 3--Reorganization 
Part 4--Experts 
Part 5--Money Market Fund Yield Information 
Part 6--Financial Statements 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

  PLEASE SEND ME A FREE COPY OF THE 
  STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 
  Equitable Life 300+ Series 
  Box 2468 G.P.O. 
  New York, New York 10116 
  ATTN: SAI Request for Separate Account 
        No. 301 

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Name 

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Address 

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  City                     State    Zip 

20
<PAGE>

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
                                 MAY 1, 1997 

                               ----------------

                               CERTIFICATES AND 
                           GROUP ANNUITY CONTRACTS 
    

                    FUNDED THROUGH THE INVESTMENT FUNDS OF 

                           SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 

                                      OF 

                         THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE 
                         SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 PAGE 
<S>                                                               <C>
Part 1 -Federal Tax Considerations of the Retirement Programs.     2 
Part 2 -The Guaranteed Rate Accounts..........................    14 
Part 3 -Reorganization........................................    19 
Part 4 -Experts...............................................    19 
Part 5 -Money Market Fund Yield Information...................    19 
Part 6 -Financial Statements..................................    20 
</TABLE>
    

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

   
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is not a prospectus. It should 
be read in conjunction with the Separate Account No. 301 prospectus, dated 
May 1, 1997. 
    

A copy of the prospectus to which this SAI relates is available at no charge 
by writing to Equitable Life 300 + Series at P. O. Box 2468, G.P.O. New York, 
New York 10116 or by calling 1-800-248-2138. 

   
  Copyright 1997 The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. 
                             All rights reserved. 
    
<PAGE>

PART 1--FEDERAL TAX 
CONSIDERATIONS OF THE 
RETIREMENT PROGRAMS 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), describes how a 
retirement program can qualify for tax-favored status. In general, assuming 
that the requirements and limitations of the applicable provisions of the 
Code are adhered to by Participants and employers, contributions made under a 
retirement program are deductible and will not be taxable to Participants 
until benefits are distributed. In addition certain retirement plans may be 
subject to The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended 
("ERISA"), which is administered by The Department of Labor ("DOL"). 

This Section generally provides current Federal tax information with respect 
to contributions, distributions and annuity payments under the various 
tax-favored retirement programs utilizing the Investment Options described in 
the prospectus, although some information on other provisions is also 
provided. You should be aware that Federal tax laws and ERISA are continually 
under review by the Congress, and any changes in those laws, or in the 
regulations interpreting those laws, may affect the tax treatment of amounts 
invested in the certificate. Because of the complexity of the law and the 
fact that the tax results will vary according to the actual circumstances of 
the individual involved, we cannot provide detailed tax information in this 
SAI. This SAI does not provide detailed tax information and does not address 
state and local income taxes and other taxes, or federal gift and estate 
taxes. Not every certificate has every feature discussed in this Part. The 
provisions of the code and ERISA are highly complex. For complete information 
on these provisions, as well as all other federal, state, local and other tax 
considerations, qualified legal and tax advisors should be consulted. 
    

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY ARRANGEMENTS (TSAS)

   
Under the provisions of Section 403(b) of the Code, an employee of a public 
educational institution or a tax-exempt organization described in Section 
501(c)(3) of the Code may exclude from Federal gross income contributions 
made on the employee's behalf to a TSA. 

Except in the case of a rollover or direct transfer contribution from another 
TSA, tax-deferred contributions to a TSA must be made by the employer, which 
forwards all the contributions made on behalf of the Participant to us for 
investment in accordance with the Participant's directions. 

Commonly, some or all of the contributions made to the TSA are made under a 
salary reduction agreement between the employee and the employer. These 
contributions are called "salary reduction" or "elective deferral" 
contributions. However, a TSA can also be wholly or partially funded through 
nonelective employer contributions or after-tax contributions. 

Annual contributions to TSAs made through the employer's payroll are limited. 
Generally, the contribution limit is the lowest of the following: (1) the 
annual "exclusion allowance" for the employee, (2) the annual limit under 
Section 415 of the Code on employer contributions to defined contribution 
plans and (3) the annual limit on all elective deferrals. 

If contributions to a TSA exceed the applicable limit in any year, the excess 
will be included in the Participant's gross income and taxed as ordinary 
income. In certain situations discussed below, excess contributions may be 
distributed to avoid tax penalties. 
    

In general, the "exclusion allowance" for any Participant for a taxable year 
is equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the amount determined by multiplying 
20 percent of the Participant's includable compensation, as defined in the 
Code, by the number of years of employment with the employer, over (2) the 
amounts contributed by the employer to tax-favored retirement plans 
(including TSAs, qualified plans and eligible deferred compensation plans of 
state and local governments and tax-exempt organizations, also 

2
<PAGE>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
known as "457 Plans" or "EDC Plans"), which were excludable from the 
employee's federal gross income for any prior tax year. 

The overall contribution limit referred to above applicable to qualified 
defined contribution plans under Section 415 of the Code is 25% of the 
Participant's compensation in a calendar year (or in any other 12-month 
period chosen by the Participant) up to a maximum contribution of $30,000. In 
1997, compensation or earned income in excess of $160,000 cannot be 
considered in calculating contributions to the plan. This amount may be 
further adjusted for cost of living changes in future years. 
    

Special limits on contributions apply to anyone who participates in more than 
one qualified plan or who controls another trade or business. There is also 
an overall limit on the total amount of contributions and benefits under all 
tax-favored retirement programs in which a person participates. 

   
Employees of certain tax-exempt organizations (educational institutions, 
hospitals, home health care agencies, health and welfare service agencies and 
churches) may make an irrevocable election to increase the exclusion 
allowance by applying one of three special limitations as provided under the 
Code. Employees of church organizations are eligible for further special 
elections which will increase either the overall contribution limit or the 
exclusion allowance applicable to the employee. 

The maximum amount of "salary reduction" or "elective deferral" 
contributions, including those made under 401(k) plans, for example, are 
generally limited to $9,500 a year. Note, however, that the maximum salary 
reduction contribution that may be made by a Participant who participates 
both in a TSA arrangement and an EDC plan will be limited to the maximum 
allowed under Section 457 of the Code (i.e., generally $7,500). 

Special rules may apply to increase this limit in the case of an educational 
organization, hospital, home health service agency, health and welfare 
service agency, church or certain church related organizations. 

Any excess deferral contributions which are not withdrawn by April 15 
following the year of the deferral may cause the Certificate to fail to be 
treated as a TSA. 

Limitations on Distributions 
    

The Code sets forth certain withdrawal restrictions which apply to the salary 
reduction portion of a TSA certificate (including earnings), contributed 
after December 31, 1988 and earnings on the account balance as of December 
31, 1988. Withdrawals (whether by withdrawal, surrender of the contract or 
annuitization) of restricted amounts may be made only if the Participant 
attains age 59 1/2, dies, is disabled, separates from service or suffers a 
financial hardship. Hardship withdrawals are limited to the amount actually 
contributed under the salary reduction contributions, without earnings. 

   
Minimum Distributions 

Distributions of benefits accruing after 1986 (including earnings on pre-1987 
contributions) must commence no later than April 1st of the calendar year 
following the later of the calendar year in which the Participant attains age 
70 1/2 or retires from service with the employer sponsoring the TSA. Once 
required distributions begin, subsequent distributions must be made by 
December 31st of each calendar year. TSA benefits which accrued prior to 1987 
must be distributed commencing at age 75. Proposed Treasury regulations 
provide that in order for these special minimum distribution rules to apply 
to a participant, the issuer of the TSA must keep records of the pre-1987 
account balance and make changes to that amount as necessary. To the extent a 
Participant takes a distribution in order to comply with the minimum 
distribution rules, and the amount of the distribution is in excess of the 
amount the Code requires the Participant to receive for that particular year, 
the issuer of the TSA must decrease the pre-1987 account balance by the 
amount of that excess. Additional distribution rules may apply, and you 
should consult your tax advisor regarding the timing of distributions from 
your certificate. 
    

The distributions may be in the form of a life annuity, a joint and survivor 
annuity, or other 

                                                                              3
<PAGE>


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
periodic or lump sum form of payment which does not extend beyond the life or 
life expectancy of the Participant or the lives or joint life expectancies of 
the Participant and a beneficiary and which satisfies certain minimum 
distribution and incidental benefit rules under the Code. If a Participant 
dies before beginning required distributions, distributions under the 
contract or certificate must be completed within five years after death, 
unless payments begin within one year of death and are made over the life (or 
a period certain which does not extend beyond the life expectancy) of the 
beneficiary. If the Participant's spouse is the beneficiary, distributions 
need not commence until the deceased Participant would have attained age 70 
1/2. In the alternative, the surviving spouse may elect to roll over the 
death benefit into his or her own individual retirement arrangement (IRA). If 
a Participant dies after required payments have begun, post-death payments 
must be made at least as rapidly as payments made before the death of the 
Participant. 
    

Failure to make required distributions may cause the disqualification of the 
TSA. Disqualification results in current taxation of the Participant's entire 
benefit. In addition, a 50% penalty tax is imposed on the difference between 
the required distribution amount and the amount actually distributed. 

   
Distributions from TSAs 

Amounts held under TSAs are generally not subject to federal income tax until 
benefits are distributed. Distributions received by a beneficiary are 
generally given the same tax treatment the Participant would have received if 
distribution had been made to the Participant. 

If a certificate is surrendered for its value, the amount received that 
exceeds the Participant's tax basis, if any, for the certificate is treated 
as ordinary income to the Participant. The Participant may have a basis in 
the certificate if the employer made contributions which were required to be 
included in the employee's gross income in the year of the employer's 
contribution, for example. 
    

The amount of any partial distribution from a TSA prior to the annuity 
starting date is generally treated as ordinary income by the Participant 
except to the extent that the distribution is treated as a withdrawal of 
after-tax contributions. Distributions are normally treated as pro rata 
withdrawals of after-tax contributions and earnings on those contributions. 
If the employer's program allowed withdrawals prior to separation from 
service as of May 5, 1986, however, all after-tax contributions made prior to 
January 1, 1987 may be withdrawn tax-free prior to withdrawing any taxable 
amounts. 

   
Where a Participant elects to receive benefits in the form of an annuity, the 
amount of each annuity payment received by a Participant after retirement is 
treated as ordinary income except to the extent that the Participant has a 
cost basis in the certificate. 

If an annuity distribution option is elected, any basis will be recovered as 
each payment is received by dividing the investment in the contract by an 
expected return determined under an IRS table prescribed for qualified 
annuities. The amount of each payment not excluded from income under this 
exclusion ratio is fully taxable. The full amount of the payments received 
after the cost basis of the annuity is recovered is fully taxable. If the 
participant dies before recovering basis and there is a refund feature under 
the annuity, the beneficiary of the refund may recover the remaining cost 
basis as payments are made. If the participant (and beneficiary under a joint 
and survivor annuity) die prior to recovering the full cost basis of the 
annuity, a deduction is allowed on the participant's (or beneficiary's) final 
tax return. 
    

Distributions from a TSA will be subject to a 10% penalty tax unless the 
distribution is made on or after the Participant's death, disability or 
attainment of age 59 1/2. The penalty tax will also not apply if the 
Participant (i) separates from service and elects a payout over his or her 
life or life expectancy (or joint and survivor lives or life expectancies), 
(ii) reaches age 55 and separates from service, or (iii) uses the 
distribution to pay certain extraordinary medical expenses. 

Tax Free Rollovers and Transfers 

Any distribution from a TSA which is an "eligible rollover distribution" may 
be rolled over into another eligible retirement plan, either as a direct 

4
<PAGE>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
rollover or a rollover within 60 days of receiving the distribution. To the 
extent a distribution is rolled over, it remains tax deferred. 

A distribution from a TSA may be rolled over to another TSA which will accept 
rollover contributions or an IRA. Death benefits received by a spousal 
beneficiary may only be rolled over to an IRA. 

The taxable portion of most distributions will be eligible for rollover, 
except as specifically excluded under the Code. Distributions which cannot be 
rolled over generally include periodic payments for life or for a period of 
10 years or more, and minimum distributions required under Section 401(a)(9) 
of the Code (discussed above). Eligible rollover distributions are discussed 
in greater detail under "Federal and State Income Tax Withholding", below, 
including rules requiring 20% income tax withholding applicable to certain 
distributions from TSAs. 

Amounts held under TSAs may be directly transferred to another TSA issuer in 
a tax-free transaction, provided that the successor TSA contains the same or 
greater restrictions as the original TSA. 

The value of a TSA is generally includible in the Participant's taxable 
estate. Any portion of a TSA payable to the Participant's spouse is eligible 
for the estate tax marital deduction and, as such, could pass free of Federal 
estate tax. 

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES 

This SAI contains portions of the information which the Internal Revenue 
Service (IRS) requires to be disclosed to an individual who purchases an IRA. 
Required information also appears in various sections of the prospectus. 

   
Further information on IRA tax matters can be obtained from any IRS district 
office. Additional information regarding IRAs, including a discussion of 
required distributions, can be found in Internal Revenue Service Publication 
590, entitled "Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)," which is generally 
updated annually. 

The Code permits employees and self-employed individuals to make deductible 
and nondeductible "regular" contributions out of earnings to an IRA. 
Contributions may also be made on behalf of a nonworking spouse. The Code 
also permits tax-free rollover contributions (direct or indirect) of certain 
distributions from tax-qualified or plans or other IRAs to an IRA. In certain 
cases, direct custodian-to-custodian transfers may also be made between IRAs. 
See "Rollovers" under this section for further information. An individual's 
interest in the IRA must be nonforfeitable and nontransferable. An individual 
retirement annuity is subject to the requirements of applicable insurance 
laws for annuity contracts. 
    

Special rules govern required distributions of a Participant's IRA. These 
rules also cover required distributions if the Participant or designated 
beneficiary dies before the entire interest has been distributed. See 
"Distributions" under this section. 

We have received approval of our IRA certificate from the IRS. The approval 
is a determination only that the form of the IRA on the date submitted 
satisifies the requirements of the Code and is not a determination of the 
merits of the certificate as an investment. 

Revocation 

A Participant can revoke a certificate issued as an IRA in accordance with 
the terms and directions stated in the prospectus under "Certificate 
Provisions -- Revocation Rights." Before deciding to revoke, the Participant 
should consult with a tax advisor as to any adverse tax consequences which 
may result from revocation. If the IRA certificate is revoked, an individual 
may set up and contribute to a new IRA if at the time the individual meets 
the requirements for contributing to an IRA, as discussed below under 
"Contributions." 

Contributions 

The following discussion pertains to regular IRA contributions. The limits 
discussed in this section do not apply to rollover or direct 
custodian-to-custodian contributions into an IRA. See "Rollovers and 
Transfers," below. 

Generally, $2,000 is the maximum amount of deductible and nondeductible 
contributions which an individual may make to all of his or her IRAs 

                                                                              5
<PAGE>

in any taxable year. The above limit may be less where the individual's 
earnings are below the applicable amount. 

   
An individual and a nonworking spouse can together contribute annually an 
aggregate of $4,000 to IRAs for the individual and the spouse. An IRA 
certificate is set up for each spouse and the working spouse may contribute a 
total of $4,000 to the certificates (but no more than $2,000 to either 
certificate). A working spouse may elect to be treated as having no 
compensation in order to be eligible for a spousal IRA. The nonworking spouse 
owns his or her own IRA contract, even if the working spouse provides all of 
the contributions. 

The amount of IRA contribution for a tax year that an individual can deduct 
depends on whether the individual (or the individual's spouse, if a joint 
return is filed) is covered by an employer-sponsored tax-favored retirement 
plan (including a qualified plan, TSA, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, but not an EDC 
plan). 
    

If neither the Participant nor the Participant's spouse are covered during 
any part of the taxable year by a tax-favored retirement plan (including a 
pension or profit-sharing plan, TSA or simplified employee pension), then 
each working spouse may make a deductible contribution up to the lesser of 
100% of compensation or $2,000, regardless of his or her adjusted gross 
income (AGI). In certain cases, individuals covered by a tax-favored 
retirement plan include persons eligible to participate in the plan although 
not actually participating. Whether or not a person is covered by a 
tax-favored retirement plan will be reported on the employee's Form W-2. 

If the Participant is single and covered by a retirement plan during any part 
of the taxable year, the IRA deduction phases out with AGI between $25,000 
and $35,000. If the Participant is married and files a joint return, and 
either the Participant or the spouse is covered by a tax-favored retirement 
plan during any part of the taxable year, the IRA deduction phases out with 
AGI between $40,000 and $50,000. If the Participant is married, files a 
separate return and is covered by a tax-favored retirement plan during any 
part of the taxable year, the IRA deduction phases out with AGI between $0 
and $10,000. Married individuals filing separate returns must take into 
account the retirement plan coverage of the other spouse, unless the couple 
has lived apart for the entire taxable year. If AGI is below the phase-out 
range, a Participant is entitled to the maximum allowable deduction. In 
computing the partial IRA deduction the Participant must round to the nearest 
$10. The permissible deduction for IRA contributions is a minimum of $200 if 
AGI is less than the amount at which the deduction entirely phases out. 

For Participants covered by, or treated as covered by, a tax-favored 
retirement plan, the deduction for IRA contributions may be computed using 
one of two methods. Under the first method, the Participant determines his or 
her AGI and subtracts $25,000 if the Participant is a single person, $40,000 
if the Participant is married and filing jointly with the spouse, or $0 if 
the Participant is married, filing separately and either the Participant or 
the Participant's spouse is covered by a tax-favored retirement plan. (If the 
couple has lived apart the entire taxable year and their filing status is 
married filing separately, the retirement plan coverage of the Participant's 
spouse can be ignored.) The resulting amount is the Participant's "Excess 
AGI". The Participant then applies the following formula: 

$10,000--Excess AGI
- -------------------   X         Maximum         =               IRA 
     $10,000                 Allowable IRA                Deduction Limit 
                               Deduction

Under the second method, the Participant determines his or her "Excess AGI" 
and refers to the following chart originally prepared by the IRS to determine 
his or her deduction. 

6
<PAGE>

                                  IRS CHART 
                          ESTIMATED DEDUCTION TABLE 

   If your maximum allowable deduction is $2,000, use this table to estimate 
the amount of your contribution which will be deductible. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXCESS AGI    DEDUCTION    EXCESS AGI    DEDUCTION 
- ------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
<S>           <C>          <C>           <C>
    $    0       $2,000        $2,600       $1,480 
        50        1,990         2,650        1,470 
       100        1,980         2,700        1,460 
       150        1,970         2,750        1,450 
       200        1,960         2,800        1,440 
       250        1,950         2,850        1,430 
       300        1,940         2,900        1,420 
       350        1,930         2,950        1,410 
       400        1,920         3,000        1,400 
       450        1,910         3,050        1,390 
       500        1,900         3,100        1,380 
       550        1,890         3,150        1,370 
       600        1,880         3,200        1,360 
       650        1,870         3,250        1,350 
       700        1,860         3,300        1,340 
       750        1,850         3,350        1,330 
       800        1,840         3,400        1,320 
       850        1,830         3,450        1,310 
       900        1,820         3,500        1,300 
       950        1,810         3,550        1,290 
     1,000        1,800         3,600        1,280 
     1,050        1,790         3,650        1,270 
     1,100        1,780         3,700        1,260 
     1,150        1,770         3,750        1,250 
     1,200        1,760         3,800        1,240 
     1,250        1,750         3,850        1,230 
     1,300        1,740         3,900        1,220 
     1,350        1,730         3,950        1,210 
     1,400        1,720         4,000        1,200 
     1,450        1,710         4,050        1,190 
     1,500        1,700         4,100        1,180 
     1,550        1,690         4,150        1,170 
     1,600        1,680         4,200        1,160 
     1,650        1,670         4,250        1,150 
     1,700        1,660         4,300        1,140 
     1,750        1,650         4,350        1,130 
     1,800        1,640         4,400        1,120 
     1,850        1,630         4,450        1,110 
     1,900        1,620         4,500        1,100 
     1,950        1,610         4,550        1,090 
     2,000        1,600         4,600        1,080 
     2,050        1,590         4,650        1,070 
     2,100        1,580         4,700        1,060 
     2,150        1,570         4,750        1,050 
     2,200        1,560         4,800        1,040 
     2,250        1,550         4,850        1,030 
     2,300        1,540         4,900        1,020 
     2,350        1,530         4,950        1,010 
     2,400        1,520         5,000        1,000 
     2,450        1,510         5,050          990 
     2,500        1,500         5,100          980 
     2,550        1,490         5,150          970 
</TABLE>

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXCESS AGI    EXCESS AGI    DEDUCTION    EXCESS AGI    DEDUCTION 
- ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
<S>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
    $    0        $5,200        $960        $ 7,800        $440 
        50         5,250         950          7,850         430 
       100         5,300         940          7,900         420 
       150         5,350         930          7,950         410 
       200         5,400         920          8,000         400 
       250         5,450         910          8,050         390 
       300         5,500         900          8,100         380 
       350         5,550         890          8,150         370 
       400         5,600         800          8,200         360 
       450         5,650         870          8,250         350 
       500         5,700         860          8,300         340 
       550         5,750         850          8,350         330 
       600         5,800         840          8,400         320 
       650         5,850         830          8,450         310 
       700         5,900         820          8,500         300 
       750         5,950         810          8,550         290 
       800         6,000         800          8,600         280 
       850         6,050         790          8,650         270 
       900         6,100         780          8,700         260 
       950         6,150         770          8,750         250 
     1,000         6,200         760          8,800         240 
     1,050         6,250         750          8,850         230 
     1,100         6,300         740          8,900         220 
     1,150         6,350         730          8,950         210 
     1,200         6,400         720          9,000         200 
     1,250         6,450         710          9,050         200 
     1,300         6,500         700          9,100         200 
     1,350         6,550         690          9,150         200 
     1,400         6,600         680          9,200         200 
     1,450         6,650         670          9,250         200 
     1,500         6,700         660          9,300         200 
     1,550         6,750         650          9,350         200 
     1,600         6,800         640          9,400         200 
     1,650         6,850         630          9,450         200 
     1,700         6,900         620          9,500         200 
     1,750         6,950         610          9,550         200 
     1,800         7,000         600          9,600         200 
     1,850         7,050         590          9,650         200 
     1,900         7,100         580          9,700         200 
     1,950         7,150         570          9,750         200 
     2,000         7,200         560          9,800         200 
     2,050         7,250         550          9,850         200 
     2,100         7,300         540          9,900         200 
     2,150         7,350         530          9,950         200 
     2,200         7,400         520         10,000           0 
     2,250         7,450         510 
     2,300         7,500         500 
     2,350         7,550         490 
     2,400         7,600         480 
     2,450         7,650         470 
    2,500         7,700          460 
    2,550         7,750          450 
</TABLE>

Excess AGI = Your AGI minus $25,000 for single persons, $40,000 for married 
persons filing jointly, and $0 for married persons filing separately. 

                                                                              7
<PAGE>

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IRA contributions for a taxable year may be made up to the time prescribed 
for filing a Federal tax return for that taxable year (without extensions). 
No contributions are allowed for the taxable year in which an individual 
attains age 70-1/2 or any tax year thereafter. An individual age 70-1/2 or 
over, however, can contribute and deduct up to the lesser of $2,000 or 100% 
of compensation to a spousal IRA on behalf of a non-working spouse until the 
year such spouse reaches age 70-1/2. 

   
A Participant not eligible to deduct part or all of the IRA contribution may 
still make nondeductible contributions on which earnings will accumulate on a 
tax-deferred basis. The deductible and nondeductible contributions to the 
Participant's IRA (or the non-working spouse's IRA) may not, however, 
together exceed the maximum $2,000 per person limit. See "Excess 
Contributions." Participants must keep their own records of deductible and 
nondeductible contributions in order to prevent double taxation on the 
distribution of previously taxed amounts. See "Distributions." A Participant 
making nondeductible contributions in any taxable year, or receiving amounts 
from any IRA to which he has made nondeductible contributions, will be 
penalized unless he files required information with the IRS. Moreover, 
Participants making nondeductible IRA contributions must retain all income 
tax returns and records pertaining to such contributions until interests in 
all IRAs are fully distributed. 
    

Excess Contributions 

Excess contributions to an IRA are subject to a 6% excise tax for the year in 
which made and for each year thereafter until withdrawn. In the case of 
"regular" IRA contributions any contribution in excess of the lesser of 
$2,000 or 100% of compensation or earned income is an "excess contribution," 
(without regard to the deductibility or nondeductibility of IRA contributions 
under this limit). Also, any "regular" contributions made after the 
Participant reaches age 70 1/2 are excess contributions. In the case of 
rollover IRA contributions, excess contributions are amounts which are not 
eligible to be rolled over (for example, after-tax contributions to a 
qualified plan or minimum distributions required to be made after age 70 
1/2). An excess contribution (rollover or "regular") which is withdrawn 
before the time for filing the Participant's Federal income tax return for 
the tax year (including extensions) is not includable in income and does not 
result in the "early distribution" 10% penalty tax (discussed below under 
"Distributions"), provided the net earnings attributable to the excess 
contributions are also withdrawn and no tax deduction is taken for the excess 
contributions. The withdrawn earnings on the excess contributions would, 
however, be includable in the Participant's gross income for the tax year in 
which the excess contributions were made and would also be subject to the 
early distribution 10% penalty tax. 

   
If excess contributions are not withdrawn before the time for filing the 
Participant's Federal income tax return for the taxable year (including 
extensions), excess "regular" contributions may still be withdrawn after that 
time if the IRA contributions for the taxable year did not exceed $2,000 and 
no tax deduction was taken for the excess contribution; in that event the 
excess contributions will not be includable in income and will not be subject 
to the early distribution 10% penalty tax. Lastly, excess "regular" 
contributions may also be removed by underutilizing the allowable 
contribution limits for a later year. If excess rollover contributions are 
not withdrawn before the time for filing the Participant's Federal tax return 
for the year (including extensions) and the excess contribution occurred as a 
result of incorrect information provided by a qualified plan, any such excess 
amount can be withdrawn if no tax deduction was taken for the excess 
contribution. As above, excess rollover contributions withdrawn under those 
circumstances would not be includable in gross income and would not be 
subject to the early distribution 10% penalty tax. 
    

Distributions 

Income or gains attributable to any IRA contributions are not subject to 
Federal income tax until benefits are distributed. Except as discussed below, 
the amount of any distribution from an IRA is fully includable by the 
Participant in gross income. Distributions from an IRA are taxable as 
ordinary income and are not entitled to the special 

8
<PAGE>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
five-year averaging rules for certain distributions from tax-qualified 
retirement plans. 

   
If the Participant makes nondeductible IRA contributions, such contributions 
are recovered tax-free when distributions are made. The Participant must keep 
records of all nondeductible contributions. At the end of each tax year in 
which the Participant takes a distribution, the Participant determines a 
ratio of the total nondeductible IRA contributions (less any amounts 
previously withdrawn tax-free) to the total account balances of all IRAs held 
by the Participant at the end of the tax year (including rollover IRAs) plus 
all IRA distributions made during such tax year. The resulting ratio is then 
multiplied by all distributions from the IRA during that tax year to 
determine the non-taxable portion of such distribution. 

The taxable portion of IRA distributions are subject to an additional 10% 
federal income tax penalty unless the distribution is made (1) on or after 
the Participant's death, (2) because the Participant has become disabled, (3) 
on or after the date when the Participant reaches age 59 1/2, or (4) at least 
annually in the form of a substantially equal periodic payout over the 
Participant's life or life expectancy (or joint and survivor lives or life 
expectancies). Also not subject to penalty tax are IRA distributions used to 
pay certain extraordinary medical expenses or medical insurance premiums for 
defined unemployed individuals. 
    

Distributions generally must commence no later than April 1 of the calendar 
year following the calendar year in which the Participant attains age 701/2. 
Subsequent required distributions must be made by December 31st of each year. 
If the prescribed minimum amount required is not distributed in any year, a 
50% excise tax is imposed on the amount by which the minimum required to be 
distributed exceeds the amount actually distributed. 

Distributions can generally be made (1) in a lump sum payment, (2) over the 
life of the Participant, (3) over the joint lives of the Participant and his 
or her designated beneficiary, (4) over a period not extending beyond the 
life expectancy of the Participant or (5) over a period not extending beyond 
the joint life expectancies of the Participant and his or her designated 
beneficiary. 

If the Participant dies after required distributions have begun, payment of 
the remaining interest must be made at least as rapidly as under the method 
used prior to the Participant's death. If a Participant dies before required 
distributions have begun, payment of the entire interest must be made within 
five years of death (other than payments to the surviving spouse) unless 
payment is made to a designated beneficiary over a period which begins within 
one year of the Participant's death and does not extend beyond the 
beneficiary's life expectancy. 

If the surviving spouse is the designated beneficiary, the spouse may delay 
the commencement of such payments up until the individual would have attained 
age 70-1/2. In the alternative, a surviving spouse may elect to roll over the 
inherited IRA into the surviving spouse's own IRA. If a surviving spouse 
elects to rollover the inherited IRA into the surviving spouse's own IRA, no 
distribution is required until after the spouse attains age 70-1/2. 

Distributions received by a beneficiary are generally given the same tax 
treatment the Participant would have received if distribution had been made 
to the Participant. 

We are not permitted to make distributions from a certificate before the 
retirement date unless a request has been made. It is the Participant's 
responsibility to comply with the minimum distribution rules described above. 
Because of the adverse tax consequences, including penalties and potential 
IRA disqualification, which may result if the distribution requirements are 
not met, a tax adviser should be consulted. 

Rollovers and Transfers 

Under the conditions and limitations of the Code, an individual may elect for 
each IRA once every twelve-month period to make a rollover among IRAs 
(including transfers from retirement bonds purchased before 1983). Direct 
custodian-to-custodian transfers may be made more frequently than once a 
year. A participant may request that amounts rolled over from a 

                                                                              9
<PAGE>

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qualified plan or a TSA, or from an IRA attributable solely to qualified plan 
or TSA distributions and earnings thereon be accumulated in a separate 
"conduit" IRA certificate to facilitate a subsequent rollover to another 
qualified plan or TSA which will accept rollover contributions. We will 
maintain separate accounting of all such amounts. 

Rollover contributions must be transferred to the certificate either as a 
direct rollover of an "eligible rollover distribution" or as a rollover by 
the individual plan participant or owner of the IRA. In the latter cases, the 
rollover must be made within 60 days of the date the proceeds from another 
IRA or an eligible rollover distribution from a qualified plan or TSA were 
received. 

The taxable portion of any distribution (except for a required minimum 
distribution under Section 401(a) (9) of the Code) from a qualified plan or 
TSA may be rolled over tax-free to an IRA, unless the distribution is one of 
a series of substantially equal periodic payments made (not less frequently 
than annually) (1) for the life (or life expectancy) of the participant or 
the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the participant and his or 
her designated beneficiary, or (2) for a specified period of ten years or 
more. 

The same tax-free treatment applies to amounts withdrawn from the certificate 
and rolled over into other IRAs unless the distribution was received under an 
inherited IRA. No deduction is allowed for any contribution to an inherited 
IRA. However, surviving spouses of original IRA owners will be exempted from 
these restrictions. 

Prohibited Transactions 

If a Participant engages in a "prohibited transaction" with the IRA or 
borrows money under or by use of the IRA, the IRA will cease to be an IRA as 
of the first day of the taxable year in which the transaction occurred, and 
the Participant must include in gross income for that year an amount equal to 
the fair market value of the IRA as of that first day. Also, an additional 
excise tax equal to 10% of the amount included in the gross income will 
result if the Participant has not yet attained age 59-1/2 prior to the first 
day. 

Miscellaneous 

The designation by a Participant of a beneficiary to whom the IRA will become 
payable at or after the Participant's death is not considered a transfer 
subject to Federal gift tax. 

We describe the methods of computing and allocating earnings on contributions 
in the prospectus under "Investment of Contributions in the Investment Funds" 
and in this SAI under "The Guaranteed Rate Account." We describe the types of 
charges and the amount of the charges that may be made in the prospectus 
under "Deductions and Charges." 

Further information on IRA tax matters can be obtained from any District 
Office of the IRS. 

IRAS UNDER SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEP) 

   
When an employer establishes a SEP for its employees, contributions for each 
eligible employee can be made to an IRA certificate for that employee (SEP). 
The employee may also make his or her own IRA contributions to that SEP 
certificate. See "IRA Contributions" above. 

Contributions. Due to statutory limits, in 1997 an employer can annually 
contribute an amount for an employee up to the lesser of $24,000 or 15% of 
the employee's compensation, determined without taking into account the 
employer's contribution to the SEP. This $24,000 maximum, based on the 
statutory compensation limit of $160,000, may be further adjusted for cost of 
living changes in future years. These limits may be reduced by contributions 
made by the employer to other qualified plans. The employer must make a 
contribution for each employee who has reached age 21 and has worked for the 
employer during at least three of the preceding five years. Contributions are 
not required for employees who (1) earn less than $400 in 1997, (2) are 
covered by a collective bargaining agreement or (3) are non-resident aliens 
who receive no earned income from sources within the United States. 
    

Employer contributions must be made under a written program which provides 
that (i) withdrawals are permitted, (ii) contributions are made under an 
allocation formula and (iii) 

10
<PAGE>

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contributions bear a uniform relationship to compensation, not in excess of 
$160,000 in 1997, which may be further adjusted for cost of living changes in 
future years. Contributions cannot discriminate in favor of highly 
compensated employees. Contributions to the SEP may be integrated with Social 
Security; call our toll-free number for assistance. 
    

Except as otherwise indicated in this section, all of the IRA rules discussed 
above, including those relating to revocation, distributions and penalties 
for early, minimum and excess distributions, apply to SEPs. 

   
SIMPLE IRAS 

An eligible employer may establish a "SIMPLE" plan to make contributions to 
special individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities for 
its employees ("SIMPLE IRAs"). A SIMPLE IRA is a form of IRA owned by the 
Participant, and generally the rules applicable to IRAs discussed above 
apply. There are differences in the amount and type of permissible 
contributions (employee salary reduction contributions of up to $6,000 may be 
made in 1997; the employer must make contributions, generally a 
dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% of compensation). Also, employees who have 
not participated in the employer's SIMPLE IRA plan for at least two full 
years may be subject to an increased penalty tax on withdrawals or transfers 
of SIMPLE IRA funds. 

The employer cannot maintain any other qualified plan, SEP or TSA arrangement 
if it makes contributions under a SIMPLE IRA plan. (Eligible employers may 
maintain EDC plans.) 

An employer establishing a SIMPLE plan should consult its tax advisor 
concerning the various technical rules applicable to establishing and 
maintaining SIMPLE IRA plans. For example, the definition of employee's 
"compensation" varies depending on whether it is used in the context of 
employer eligibility, employee participation, and employee or employer 
contributions. 

Participation must be open to all employees who received at least $5,000 in 
compensation from the employer in any two preceding years (they do not have 
to be consecutive years) and who are reasonably expected to receive at least 
$5,000 in compensation during the year. (Certain collective bargaining unit 
and alien employees may be excluded.) 

The only kinds of contributions which may be made to a SIMPLE IRA are (i) 
contributions under a salary reduction agreement entered into between the 
employer and the participating employee and (ii) required employer 
contributions (employer matching contributions or employer nonelective 
contributions). (Direct transfer and rollover contributions from other SIMPLE 
IRAs, but not regular IRAs, may also be made.) Salary reduction contributions 
can be any percentage of compensation (or a specific dollar amount, if the 
employer's plan permits) but are limited to $6,000 in 1997. The $6,000 
elective deferral limit may be indexed for cost of living adjustments in 
future years. 

Generally, the employer is required to make matching contributions on behalf 
of each eligible employee in an amount equal to the salary reduction 
contributions, up to 3% of the employee's compensation. 

Unless specifically otherwise mentioned, for example, regarding differences 
in funding and potential penalty tax on distributions, the rules discussed 
above under IRAs also apply to SIMPLE IRAs. 

Amounts contributed to SIMPLE IRAs are not currently taxable to employees. 
Only the employer can deduct SIMPLE IRA contributions, not the employee. An 
employee eligible to participate in a SIMPLE IRA is treated as an active 
participant in an employer plan and thus may not be able to deduct (fully) 
regular contributions to his/her own IRA. 

As with IRAs in general, contributions and earnings accumulate tax deferred 
until withdrawn and are then fully taxable. There are no withdrawal 
restrictions applicable to SIMPLE IRAs. However, because of the level of 
employer involvement, SIMPLE IRA plans are subject to ERISA. See ERISA 
matters below. 

Amounts withdrawn from a SIMPLE IRA can be rolled over to another SIMPLE IRA, 
or to a regular IRA. No rollovers from a SIMPLE IRA to a 

                                                                             11
    
<PAGE>

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regular IRA are permitted for individuals under age 59 1/2 who have not 
participated in the employer's SIMPLE IRA for two full years. Also, for such 
individuals, any amounts withdrawn from a SIMPLE IRA are not only fully 
taxable but are subject to a 25% additional federal income tax penalty. (The 
exceptions to penalty application for death, disability and attainment of age 
59 1/2 apply). 
    

LIMITS ON DISTRIBUTIONS 

   
The Code imposes a 15% excise tax on a participant's aggregate excess 
distributions from all tax-favored retirement plans. The excise tax is in 
addition to the ordinary income tax due, but is reduced by the amount (if 
any) of the early distribution penalty tax imposed by the Code. This tax is 
temporarily suspended for distributions to the participant for the years 
1997, 1998 and 1999. However, the excise tax continues to apply for estate 
tax purposes. In certain cases the estate tax imposed on a deceased 
participant's estate will be increased if the accumulated value of the 
participant's interest in tax-favored retirement plans is excessive. The 
aggregate accumulations will be subject to excise tax in 1997 if they exceed 
the present value of a hypothetical life annuity paying $160,000 a year. 
    

PENALTIES FOR EXCESS DEFERRALS 

   
If an individual's aggregate elective deferrals under 401(k) plans, and TSAs 
exceed the permitted elective deferral limit in any taxable year ($9,500 in 
1997) the individual will be taxed twice on the excess deferral--once in the 
year of the deferral and again when a distribution occurs. If, in the case of 
a TSA, the individual notifies the affected plan or plans and, by April 15 of 
the following year, receives a distribution of the excess deferral and 
related income and the individual takes a withdrawal of the excess amount by 
April 15 following the year of the deferral, the excess deferral will only be 
taxed in the year of deferral. Any related income will be taxed in the year 
of the distribution. The distribution of the excess deferral plus income is 
not treated as a withdrawal of restricted funds from a TSA, is not subject to 
the 10% penalty tax on early retirement distributions from the TSAs and IRAs 
and, with respect to TSAs, is not an eligible rollover distribution subject 
to 20% mandatory federal income tax withholding discussed below. If excess 
deferrals remain in the plan, the plan may be disqualified. 
    

FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING 

Equitable may be required to withhold Federal income tax on the taxable 
portion of pension and annuity payments. 

Unless the pension or annuity payment is an "eligible rollover distribution" 
from a TSA, the recipient generally may elect not to be subject to income tax 
withholding. The rate of withholding will depend on the type of distribution 
and, in certain cases, the amount of the distribution. Compare "Elective 
Withholding" and "Mandatory Withholding from TSAs," below. 

Certain states have indicated that pension and annuity withholding will apply 
to payments made to residents. Generally, an election out of Federal 
withholding will also be considered an election out of state withholding. In 
some states, a recipient may elect out of state withholding, even if Federal 
withholding applies. It is not clear whether such states will require 
mandatory withholding with respect to eligible rollover distributions 
(described below). If you need more information concerning a particular 
state, consult your tax advisor. 

Special withholding rules apply to foreign recipients and United States 
citizens residing outside the United States. See your tax advisor if you may 
be affected by such rules. 

Elective Withholding 

Requests not to withhold Federal income tax must be made in writing prior to 
receiving benefits under the contract. We will provide forms for this 
purpose. No election out of withholding is valid unless the recipient 
provides us with the correct taxpayer identification number and a United 
States residence address. 

If a recipient does not have sufficient income tax withheld or does not make 
sufficient estimated income tax payments, the recipient may incur penalties 
under the estimated income tax rules. Recipients should consult their tax 
advisors to determine whether they should elect out of 

12
<PAGE>

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withholding. Periodic payments are generally subject to wage-bracket type 
withholding (as if such payments were wages by an employer to an employee) 
unless the recipient elects no withholding. If a recipient does not elect out 
of withholding or does not specify the number of withholding exemptions, 
withholding will generally be made as if the recipient is married and claiming 
three withholding exemptions. There is an annual threshold of taxable income 
from periodic payments which is exempt from withholding based on this 
assumption. For 1996 a recipient of periodic payments (e.g., monthly or annual 
payments) which total less than $14,075 for the year will generally be exempt 
from Federal income tax withholding, unless the recipient specifies a different
choice of withholding exemption. 

A withholding election may be revoked at any time and remains effective until 
revoked. If a recipient fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification 
number, withholding is made as if the recipient is single with no exemptions. 

   
A recipient of a partial or total non-periodic distribution (other than an 
"eligible rollover distribution" discussed below) will generally be subject 
to withholding at a flat 10% rate. A recipient who provides a United States 
residence address and a correct taxpayer identification number will generally 
be permitted to elect not to have tax withhold. 
    

All recipients receiving periodic and non-periodic payments will be further 
notified of the withholding requirements and of their right, if any, to make 
withholding elections. 

Mandatory Withholding From TSAs 

All "eligible rollover distributions" from TSAs are subject to mandatory 
federal income taxwithholding of 20% unless the employee elects to have the 
distribution directly rolled over to another TSA or an IRA. The following are 
not eligible rollover distributions subject to mandatory 20% withholding: 

o any distribution to the extent that the distribution is a "required minimum 
  distribution" under Section 401(a)(9) of the Code; 

o any distribution which is one of a series of substantially equal periodic 
  payments made (not less frequently than annually (1) for the life (or life 
  expectancy) of the employee or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) 
  of the employee and his or her designated beneficiary, or (2) for a 
  specified period of 10 years or more; 

o certain corrective distributions under Code Section 402(g); and 

o a distribution to a beneficiary other than to a surviving spouse or to a 
  current or former spouse under a qualified domestic relations order. 

If a distribution is made to a plan participant's surviving spouse, or to a 
current or former spouse under a qualified domestic relations order, the 
distribution may be an eligible rollover distribution, subject to mandatory 
20% withholding, unless one of the exceptions described above applies. 

If a distribution is not an "eligible rollover distribution," the rules on 
elective withholding described above, apply. 

   
ERISA MATTERS 

Certain TSAs and SIMPLE IRAs may be subject to some or all rules applicable 
to ERISA plans. For TSAs subject to ERISA (but not SIMPLE IRAs) if a 
Participant is married at the time a withdrawal or other distribution is 
requested under the Certificate, spousal consent is required. In addition, 
unless the Participant elects otherwise with the written consent of the 
spouse, the retirement benefits payable under the plan or arrangement must be 
paid in the form of a "qualified joint and survivor annuity" (QJSA). A QJSA 
is an annuity payable for the life of the Participant with a survivor annuity 
for the life of the spouse in an amount which is not less than one-half of 
the amount payable to the Participant during his or her lifetime. In 
addition, a married Participant's beneficiary must be the spouse, unless the 
spouse consents in writing to the designation of a different beneficiary. 

Section 404(c) of ERISA, and the related DOL regulation, provide that if a 
plan participant or beneficiary exercises control over the assets in his or 
her plan account, plan fiduciaries will not be 

                                                                             13
    
<PAGE>

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liable for any loss that is the direct and necessary result of the plan 
participant's or beneficiary's exercise of control. As a result, if the plan 
complies with Section 404(c) and the DOL regulation thereunder, the plan 
participant can make and is responsible for the results of his or her own 
investment decisions. Section 404(c) plans must provide, among other things 
that a broad range of investment choices are available to plan participants 
and beneficiaries and must provide such plan participants and beneficiaries 
with enough information to make informed investment decisions. Compliance 
with the Section 404(c) regulation is completely voluntary by the plan 
sponsor, and the plan sponsor may choose not to comply with Section 404(c). 
The Equitable 300 Series TSA and SIMPLE IRA programs provide the broad range 
of investment choices and information needed in order to meet the 
requirements of the Section 404(c) regulation. If the plan is intended to be 
a Section 404(c) plan, it is, however, the plan sponsor's responsibility to 
see that the requirements of the DOL regulation are met. Equitable Life shall 
not be responsible if a plan fails to meet the requirements of Section 
404(c). 
    

IMPACT OF TAXES TO EQUITABLE 

The certificates provide that we may charge the Investment Funds for taxes or 
set up reserves for that purpose. In computing Unit Values in the Investment 
Funds, no charge for Federal income taxes is presently contemplated on the 
income and gains of the Investment Funds attributable to the certificates. 

PART 2--THE GUARANTEED RATE ACCOUNTS 

Contributions to a Guaranteed Rate Account become part of our General 
Account, which supports all of our insurance and annuity guarantees as well 
as our general obligations. The General Account, as part of our insurance and 
annuity operations, is subject to regulation and supervision by the Insurance 
Department of the State of New York and to the insurance laws and regulations 
of all jurisdictions in which we are authorized to do business, as discussed 
in the prospectus under "Regulation." Because of applicable exemptive and 
exclusionary provisions, interests in the General Account have not been 
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 ACT) nor is the General 
Account an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 
ACT). Accordingly, neither the General Account nor any interests therein are 
subject to regulation under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act, and we have been 
advised that the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not made 
a review of the disclosures which are included in this SAI for your 
information and which relate to the General Account and the Guaranteed Rate 
Accounts. These disclosures, however, may be subject to certain generally 
applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws relating to the accuracy 
and completeness of statements made in prospectuses and SAIs. 

THE GUARANTEES 

Contributions to a Guaranteed Rate Account are credited with interest at a 
fixed rate for a specified period. The amount of the contribution is 
guaranteed by us (before deduction of any applicable participant service 
charge). The effective guaranteed annual rate will always be at least 3%. 

New one-year and three-year Guarantees will be offered each quarter. 
Generally 10 days before the beginning of the quarter, we will announce the 
one-year and three-year Guarantee Rates, that is, the fixed interest rate 
expressed as an effective annual interest rate, which will apply to 
contributions made throughout the open period for each Guarantee. The open 
period will be the calendar quarter (CONTRIBUTION QUARTER) unless during that 
quarter we close the Guarantee and instead offer a new Guarantee at a 
different Guarantee Rate for the remainder of the Contribution Quarter. We 
reserve the right to close a Guarantee at any time based on market 
conditions. Contributions made during the open period will not be affected by 
subsequent rate changes and will continue to receive the Guaranteed Rate 
until the maturity date for that Guarantee. All Guarantees of the same 
duration which are opened during a Contribution Quarter mature on the same 
day. After the last day of the Contribution Quarter, however, no further 
contributions may be applied to that Guarantee. 

14
<PAGE>

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Contributions allocated to a Guaranteed Rate Account during the next 
Contribution Quarter would be allocated to the Guarantees being offered 
during that subsequent quarter at the new Guarantee Rates in accordance with 
instructions. The new Guarantee Rates may be obtained by calling us at the 
number listed on the front of this SAI. 

We may offer Guarantees with different maturities and different rates during 
a particular calendar quarter. Currently, we offer Guarantees of one and 
three year maturities. 

We may offer additional or different maturities in future Contribution 
Quarters. 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

Contributions to a Guaranteed Rate Account are permitted at any time. There 
is no minimum contribution; however, if you are contributing through an 
employer, your employer may have a minimum. 

Contributions to the Guaranteed Rate Accounts are credited until maturity 
with the interest rate in effect on the date of receipt. The rate is 
expressed as an effective annual rate, reflecting daily compounding and the 
deduction of the participant service charge, described under "Deductions and 
Charges," in the prospectus. 

Written requests for changes in the percentage of contributions to be 
allocated to a Guaranteed Rate Account will become effective on the date of 
receipt. Alternatively, allocation or contribution instructions may be made 
by telephone through the AIM System. 

MATURING GUARANTEES 

At the end of a Guarantee, unless we are instructed otherwise, the amount 
accumulated will be automatically contributed to a new Guarantee of similar 
duration, or, if no Guarantee of similar duration is then being offered, to 
the Guarantee of the shortest duration then being offered. 

Amounts in maturing Guarantees may be allocated to one or more other 
Investment Funds by using the AIM System. Instructions must be received prior 
to the maturity of the Guarantee and will apply to all maturing Guarantees 
until other instructions are received. 

PREMATURE WITHDRAWALS OR TRANSFERS

Transfers may not be made from one Guarantee to another. Transfers may also 
not be made from a Guarantee during the open period for that Guarantee. In 
the case of a trustee-to-trustee transfer during the open period, there will 
be a premature withdrawal charge. 

Amounts in the Guaranteed Rate Accounts will be withdrawn or transferred on a 
last in-first out basis unless otherwise specified by the Participant. All 
other amounts withdrawn or transferred will be subject to a withdrawal charge 
in an amount equal to (1) 7% of the amount withdrawn or transferred 
(including the amount of the withdrawal charge) or, if less, (2) the amount 
of the Participant's accumulated interest attributable to the amount 
withdrawn or transferred (calculated as provided in the certificate). The 
withdrawal charge will be deducted from the remaining amounts in the 
Participant's Guarantee after the withdrawal or transfer payment is 
processed, or from the withdrawn or transferred amount if remaining amounts 
are insufficient. 

This charge for premature withdrawals from a Guaranteed Rate Account is never 
applied against the amount of the Participant's contributions. Also, the 
charge for premature withdrawals does not apply: 

o at maturity of the Guarantee; 

o from withdrawals due to death or disability; 

o when the installment option is elected; or 

o when an annuity retirement option is elected. 

It does apply to any other premature withdrawal or transfer, including 
withdrawals on retirement. 

                                                                             15
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Example: $2,000 is contributed to the Guaranteed Rate Account on January 1, 
with the contribution being directed to a three-year Guarantee with a 
Guarantee Rate of 4%. On December 31, a premature withdrawal is made of 
$1,000 from the Guaranteed Rate Account. The maximum Participant Service 
Charge applicable to the Participant is $30 per year ($7.50 per quarter). The 
withdrawal charge will be calculated as follows: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       PARTICIPANT 
                                         SERVICE 
  DATE     CONTRIBUTION    INTEREST      CHARGE 
- -------  --------------  ----------  ------------- 
<S>      <C>             <C>         <C>
1/1           $2,000          --            -- 
3/31            --          $19.71        $7.50 
6/30            --           19.83         7.50 
9/30            --           19.95         7.50 
12/31           --           20.07         7.50 
</TABLE>

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        PREMATURE 
            AMOUNT      WITHDRAWAL    CHECK      ACCOUNT 
  DATE     REQUESTED      CHARGE      AMOUNT     BALANCE 
- -------  -----------  ------------  --------  ----------- 
<S>      <C>          <C>           <C>       <C>
1/1           --            --          --      $2,000.00 
3/31          --            --          --       2,012.21 
6/30          --            --          --       2,024.54 
9/30          --            --          --       2,036.09 
12/31       $1,000        $26.00*     $1,000     1,023.56 
</TABLE>

- ------------ 

*     The lesser of (a) 7% ($75.27) of the amount withdrawn (including the 
      amount of the withdrawal charge) or (b) the amount of the Participant's 
      accumulated interest ($26.00) attributable to that same amount. 

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The example assumes that each quarter contains the same number of days and 
that each transaction occurs on a business day. 

CASH VALUE 

The Account Balance of a Guaranteed Rate Account is equal to the value of the 
contributions and transfers assigned to each Guarantee then current, less 
transfers out of the Guaranteed Rate Account, partial withdrawals and 
applicable participant service charges, plus accrued interest. Because 
withdrawals before the end of a Guarantee are subject to a premature 
withdrawal charge, we use the term "Cash Value" to mean the Account Balance 
of a Guaranteed Rate Account less any applicable premature withdrawal charge. 
The Cash Value is the amount that would be paid to the Participant if the 
Participant withdrew the entire Account Balance of a Guaranteed Rate Account 
before the end of the Guarantees to which contributions were directed. 

16
<PAGE>

                                   TABLE I 
                       ACCOUNT BALANCES AND CASH VALUES 
     (ASSUMING $1,000 CONTRIBUTIONS MADE ANNUALLY ON THE ENROLLMENT DATE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     CASH VALUE                 ACCOUNT BALANCE 
            ---------------------------  --------------------------- 
 ATTAINED         3%            6%             3%            6% 
    AGE        MINIMUM      ILLUSTRATED     MINIMUM      ILLUSTRATED 
 YEAR END     GUARANTEE        RATE        GUARANTEE        RATE 
- ----------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------- 
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
      1      $    999.66    $    999.66   $    999.66    $  1,029.33 
      2         2,000.00       2,000.00      2,029.32       2,120.42 
      3         3,000.00       3,047.59      3,089.86       3,276.98 
      4         4,000.00       4,187.72      4,182.22       4,502.93 
      5         5,000.00       5,396.26      5,307.36       5,802.44 
      6         6,013.60       6,677.32      6,466.24       7,179.91 
      7         7,123.70       8,035.23      7,659.89       8,640.04 
      8         8,267.10       9,474.63      8,889.35      10,187.77 
      9         9,444.80      11,000.38     10,155.70      11,828.37 
     10        10,657.83      12,617.68     11,460.03      13,567.40 
     11        11,907.25      14,332.03     12,803.50      15,410.78 
     12        13,194.16      16,149.23     14,187.27      17,364.76 
     13        14,519.67      18,075.46     15,612.55      19,435.98 
     14        15,884.95      20,117.27     17,080.59      21,631.47 
     15        17,291.19      22,281.58     18,592.68      23,958.69 
     16        18,739.61      24,575.75     20,150.12      26,425.54 
     17        20,231.49      27,007.58     21,754.29      29,040.40 
     18        21,768.12      29,585.31     23,406.58      31,812.16 
     19        23,350.85      32,317.70     25,108.44      34,750.22 
     20        24,981.07      35,214.04     26,861.36      37,864.56 
     21        26,660.19      38,284.17     28,666.87      41,165.77 
     22        28,389.68      41,538.50     30,526.54      44,665.05 
     23        30,171.06      44,988.08     32,442.00      48,374.28 
     24        32,005.88      48,644.65     34,414.92      52,306.07 
     25        33,895.74      52,520.60     36,447.04      56,473.77 
     26        35,842.30      56,629.12     38,540.11      60,891.52 
     27        37,847.26      60,984.14     40,695.98      65,574.34 
     28        39,912.37      65,600.47     42,916.52      70,538.14 
     29        42,039.43      70,493.77     45,203.68      75,799.76 
     30        44,230.30      75,680.68     47,559.46      81,377.07 
     31        46,486.89      81,178.79     49,985.91      87,289.03 
     32        48,811.19      87,006.80     52,485.15      93,555.70 
     33        51,205.21      93,184.49     55,059.37     100,198.37 
     34        53,671.06      99,732.83     57,710.81     107,239.61 
     35        56,210.88     106,674.08     60,441.80     114,703.31 
     36        58,826.89     114,031.80     63,254.72     122,614.84 
     37        61,521.38     121,830.99     66,152.03     131,001.06 
     38        64,296.71     130,098.12     69,136.25     139,890.45 
     39        67,155.30     138,861.29     72,210.00     149,313.21 
     40        70,099.65     148,150.24     75,375.97     159,301.34 
     41        73,132.33     157,996.54     78,636.91     169,888.75 
     42        76,255.99     168,433.61     81,995.68     181,111.41 
     43        79,473.35     179,496.90     85,455.22     193,007.42 
     44        82,787.24     191,224.00     89,018.54     205,617.20 
     45        86,200.55     203,654.71     92,688.76     218,983.56 
     46        89,716.25     216,831.28     96,469.09     233,151.91 
     47        93,337.43     230,798.43    100,362.83     248,170.35 
     48        97,067.24     245,603.61    104,373.38     264,089.91 
     49       100,908.94     261,297.11    108,504.24     280,964.63 
     50       104,865.90     277,932.21    112,759.03     298,851.84 
</TABLE>

                                                                             17
<PAGE>

                                   TABLE II 
                       ACCOUNT BALANCES AND CASH VALUES 
    (ASSUMING A SINGLE CONTRIBUTION OF $1,000 AND NO FURTHER CONTRIBUTION) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     CASH VALUE               ACCOUNT BALANCE 
            --------------------------  -------------------------- 
 ATTAINED        3%            6%            3%            6% 
    AGE        MINIMUM     ILLUSTRATED     MINIMUM     ILLUSTRATED 
 YEAR END     GUARANTEE       RATE        GUARANTEE       RATE 
- ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ------------- 
<S>         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
      1        $999.66      $1,000.00      $999.66      $1,029.33 
      2         999.32       1,000.00       999.32       1,060.42 
      3         998.96       1,016.84       998.96       1,093.38 
      4         998.60       1,049.33       998.60       1,128.31 
      5         998.22       1,083.77       998.22       1,165.34 
      6         997.83       1,120.27       997.83       1,204.59 
      7         997.43       1,158.96       997.43       1,246.20 
      8         997.02       1,199.98       997.02       1,290.30 
      9         996.60       1,243.46       996.60       1,337.05 
     10         996.16       1,289.54       996.16       1,386.60 
     11         995.71       1,338.39       995.71       1,439.13 
     12         995.25       1,390.17       995.25       1,494.81 
     13         994.77       1,445.06       994.77       1,553.83 
     14         994.28       1,503.24       994.28       1,616.39 
     15         993.77       1,564.92       993.77       1,682.70 
     16         993.25       1,630.29       993.25       1,753.00 
     17         992.71       1,699.58       992.71       1,827.51 
     18         992.16       1,773.04       992.16       1,906.49 
     19         991.59       1,850.90       991.59       1,990.21 
     20         991.00       1,933.43       991.00       2,078.95 
     21         990.39       2,020.91       990.39       2,173.02 
     22         989.77       2,113.64       989.77       2,272.73 
     23         989.13       2,211.94       989.13       2,378.43 
     24         988.47       2,316.13       988.47       2,490.46 
     25         987.79       2,426.57       987.79       2,609.22 
     26         987.09       2,543.65       987.09       2,735.10 
     27         986.36       2,667.74       986.36       2,868.54 
     28         985.62       2,799.28       985.62       3,009.98 
     29         984.85       2,938.72       984.85       3,159.91 
     30         984.06       3,086.52       984.06       3,318.84 
     31         983.25       3,243.19       983.25       3,487.30 
     32         982.41       3,409.26       982.41       3,665.87 
     33         981.55       3,585.29       981.55       3,855.15 
     34         980.66       3,771.88       980.66       4,055.79 
     35         979.74       3,969.68       979.74       4,268.47 
     36         978.80       4,179.34       978.80       4,493.91 
     37         977.82       4,401.58       977.82       4,732.88 
     38         976.82       4,637.15       976.82       4,986.18 
     39         975.79       4,886.85       975.79       5,254.68 
     40         974.73       5,151.54       974.73       5,539.29 
     41         973.64       5,432.11       973.64       5,840.98 
     42         972.51       5,729.52       972.51       6,160.77 
     43         971.35       6,044.77       971.35       6,499.75 
     44         970.16       6,378.93       970.16       6,859.07 
     45         968.93       6,733.15       968.93       7,239.94 
     46         967.66       7,108.61       967.66       7,643.67 
     47         966.35       7,506.61       966.35       8,071.62 
     48         965.01       7,928.48       965.01       8,525.25 
     49         963.63       8,375.67       963.63       9,006.10 
     50         962.20       8,849.69       962.20       9,515.79 
</TABLE>

18
<PAGE>

PART 3--REORGANIZATION 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Prior to May 1, 1987, the Separate Account was one of four separate accounts 
used to fund benefits under the certificates. Each of these predecessor 
separate accounts, which included a Money Market Account, a Stock Account, a 
Bond Account and a Balanced Account (collectively, the Predecessor Separate 
Accounts), was organized as an open-end management investment company, with 
its own investment objectives and policies. Effective May 1, 1987, with the 
approval of Contract Owners, we reorganized the Predecessor Separate Accounts 
into one separate account (Separate Account No. 301, referred to as the 
Separate Account) in unit investment trust form with investment divisions. In 
connection with the reorganization, all of the investment-related assets and 
liabilities of the Predecessor Separate Accounts were transferred to the 
corresponding Funds of Prism Investment Trust ("Prism"), in exchange for 
shares in the Funds. In addition, we created an Aggressive Stock Fund, a High 
Yield Fund and a Global Fund. The reorganization did not change the Account 
Balances under existing certificates. As of September 6, 1991, each of the 
above-listed Investment Funds of the Separate Account invests in shares of a 
corresponding Portfolio of the Trust. Previously, the Investment Funds had 
invested in shares of Prism. Shares of Prism's Money Market, Common Stock, 
Balanced, Aggressive Stock, High Yield and Global Funds formerly held by the 
Separate Account, were replaced by shares of the corresponding Portfolios of 
the Trust; and the Investment Fund which had invested in the Bond Fund of 
Prism now invests (as the Intermediate Government Securities Fund) in shares 
of the Intermediate Government Securities Portfolio of the Trust. 

PART 4--EXPERTS 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   
The financial statements as of December 31, 1996 and for each of the two years
in the period then ended for the Separate Account and the financial statements
as of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and for each of the three years
ended December 31, 1996 for Equitable Life have been audited by Price
Waterhouse LLP, as stated in its reports. These financial statements included
in this SAI have been so included in reliance on the reports of Price 
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
    

PART 5--MONEY MARKET FUND YIELD INFORMATION 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The Money Market Fund calculates yield information for seven-day periods. The 
seven-day current yield calculation is based on a hypothetical Account 
Balance with one Unit at the beginning of the period. To determine the 
seven-day rate of return, the net change in the Unit Value is computed by 
subtracting the Unit Value at the beginning of the period from a Unit Value, 
exclusive of capital changes, at the end 
of the period. 

The net change is then reduced by the average administrative charge factor 
(explained below). This reduction is made to recognize the deduction of the 
participant service charge, which is not reflected in the unit value. See 
"Deductions and Charges--Participant Service Charge" in the prospectus. Unit 
Values reflect all other accrued expenses of the Money Market Fund. 

The adjusted net change is divided by the Unit Value at the beginning of the 
period to obtain the adjusted base period rate of return. This seven-day 
adjusted base period return is then multiplied by 365/7 to produce an 
annualized seven-day current yield figure carried to the nearest 
one-hundredth of one percent. 

The actual dollar amount of the participant service charge that is deducted 
from the Money Market Fund will vary for each Participant depending upon how 
the Account Balance is allocated among the Investment Options. To determine 
the effect of the participant service charge on the yield, we start with the 
total dollar amount of the charges deducted from the Fund on the last day of 
the prior quarter. This amount is multiplied by 7/91.25 to produce an average 
participant service charge factor which is used in all weekly yield 
computations for the ensuing quarter. The average administrative charge is 
then divided by the number of Money Market Fund Units as of the 

                                                                             19
<PAGE>


- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
end of the prior calendar quarter, and the resulting quotient is deducted 
from the net change in Unit Value for the seven-day period. 

The effective yield is obtained by modifying the current yield to give effect 
to the compounding nature of the Money Market Fund's investments, as follows: 
the unannualized adjusted base period return is compounded by adding one to 
the adjusted base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 365 
divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, i.e., effective yield = 
(base period return + 1) (365)/7 -1. 

The Money Market Fund yields will fluctuate daily. Accordingly, yields for 
any given period are not necessarily representative of future results. In 
addition, the value of Units of the Money Market Fund will fluctuate and not 
remain constant. 

The Money Market Fund yields reflect charges that are not normally reflected 
in the yields of other investments and therefore may be lower when compared 
with yields of other investments. Money Market Fund yields should not be 
compared to the return on fixed rate investments which guarantee rates of 
interest for specified periods, such as the Guaranteed Rate Accounts or bank 
deposits. The yield should not be compared to the yield of money market funds 
made available to the general public because their yields usually are 
calculated on the basis of a constant $1 price per share and they pay out 
earnings in dividends which accrue on a daily basis. 

   
The seven-day current yield for the Money Market Fund was 4.50% for the 
period ended December 31, 1996. The effective yield for that period was 
4.56%. Because these yields reflect the deduction of Separate Account 
expenses, including the participant service charge, they are lower than the 
corresponding yield figures for the Money Market Portfolio which reflect only 
the deduction of Trust-level expenses. 
    

PART 6--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The financial statements of Equitable Life included herein should be 
considered only as bearing upon the ability of Equitable Life to meet its 
obligations under the certificates. The financial statements begin on the 
following page. 

20
<PAGE>

   
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    

To the Board of Directors of 
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 
and Contractowners of Separate Account No. 301 
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States 

In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities and the
related statements of operations and of changes in net assets present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Money Market Fund,
Common Stock Fund, Intermediate Government Securities Fund, Balanced Fund, High
Yield Fund, Aggressive Stock Fund, Global Fund, Growth Investors Fund,
Conservative Investors Fund and Growth & Income Fund, separate investment funds
of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable Life")
Separate Account No. 301 at December 31, 1996, the results of each of their
operations and changes in each of their net assets for the periods indicated,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements are the responsibility of Equitable Life's managament; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of shares in The Hudson
River Trust at December 31, 1996 with the transfer agent, provide a reasonable
basis for the opinion expressed above. The unit value information presented in
Note 5 for the year ended December 31, 1992 and for each of the periods
indicated prior thereto, were audited by other independent accountants whose
report dated February 16, 1993 expressed an unqualified opinion on the
financial statements containing such information.

Price Waterhouse LLP 
New York, New York 
February 10, 1997 

                                     FSA-1

<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         INTERMEDIATE 
                                  MONEY       COMMON      GOVERNMENT 
                                 MARKET        STOCK      SECURITIES    BALANCED 
                                  FUND         FUND          FUND         FUND 
                               -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
ASSETS: 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust, 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:   $20,759,853  ......  $20,726,015 
           60,185,384  ......               $72,448,085 
           5,922,957  .......                             $5,507,714 
           33,896,408  ......                                          $34,869,025 
           2,822,411  ....... 
           7,511,977  ....... 
           4,971,174  ....... 
           1,454,022  ....... 
           867,092 .......... 
           3,065,567  ....... 
Due from Equitable Life's 
 General Account ............       97,571      257,595          786           176 
                               -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
Total assets ................   20,823,586   72,705,680    5,508,500    34,869,201 
                               -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
LIABILITIES: 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased  ....       96,613      257,594           50           158 
Accrued expenses ............       12,874       36,759        3,971        20,565 
                               -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
Total liabilities ...........      109,487      294,353        4,021        20,723 
                               -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS.............  $20,714,099  $72,411,327   $5,504,479   $34,848,478 
                               ===========  ===========  ============  =========== 
Units Outstanding at 
 December 31, 1996 ..........      803,933      691,721      130,434       558,869 
                               ===========  ===========  ============  =========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996 (Note 5) ..............  $     25.77  $    104.68   $    42.20   $     62.36 
                               ===========  ===========  ============  =========== 
</TABLE>

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  HIGH     AGGRESSIVE                GROWTH    CONSERVATIVE   GROWTH & 
                                 YIELD       STOCK       GLOBAL    INVESTORS    INVESTORS      INCOME 
                                  FUND        FUND        FUND        FUND         FUND         FUND 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
<S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
ASSETS: 
Investments in shares of 
 The Hudson River Trust, 
 at market value (Note 1) 
  Cost:   $20,759,853  ...... 
           60,185,384  ...... 
           5,922,957  ....... 
           33,896,408  ...... 
           2,822,411  .......  $2,829,425 
           7,511,977  .......              $7,447,884 
           4,971,174  .......                          $5,556,154 
           1,454,022  .......                                      $1,428,763 
           867,092 ..........                                                    $875,386 
           3,065,567  .......                                                                $3,362,700 
Due from Equitable Life's 
 General Account ............          --         131          38          --          --            -- 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
Total assets ................   2,829,425   7,448,015   5,556,192   1,428,763     875,386     3,362,700 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
LIABILITIES: 
Payable for The Hudson River 
 Trust shares purchased  ....          --         131          38          --          --            -- 
Accrued expenses ............       2,081       4,905       3,544       1,419       1,071         2,005 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
Total liabilities ...........       2,081       5,036       3,582       1,419       1,071         2,005 
                               ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ---------- 
NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS.............  $2,827,344  $7,442,979  $5,552,610  $1,427,344    $874,315    $3,360,695 
                               ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ============  ========== 
Units Outstanding at 
 December 31, 1996 ..........     106,886     187,356     213,987     104,609      71,356       230,908 
                               ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ============  ========== 
Unit Value at December 31, 
 1996 (Note 5) ..............  $    26.45  $    39.73  $    25.95  $    13.64    $  12.25    $    14.55 
                               ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ============  ========== 
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                     FSA-2
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               INTERMEDIATE 
                                        MONEY       COMMON      GOVERNMENT 
                                        MARKET       STOCK      SECURITIES    BALANCED 
                                         FUND        FUND          FUND         FUND 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
<S>                                   <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>
INCOME AND EXPENSE: 
 Investment Income: 
  Dividends from The Hudson River 
   Trust (Note 1):..................  $1,037,717  $   538,392   $ 325,655    $1,086,003 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
 Expenses (Note 2): 
  Administrative fees...............      52,478      160,003      14,820        86,691 
  Recordkeeping charges.............      25,899       61,325      12,572        38,544 
  Professional fees.................       5,068       15,428       1,456         8,442 
  Printing and mailing expenses ....       6,221       18,939       1,787        10,363 
  Miscellaneous.....................         291          881          84           483 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
   Total expenses...................      89,957      256,576      30,719       144,523 
 Less: Reimbursement for excess 
  expense limitation................      10,867           --       8,879            18 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
   Net expenses.....................      79,090      256,576      21,840       144,505 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) .......     958,627      281,816     303,815       941,498 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) 
 ON INVESTMENTS (NOTE 1): .......... 
 Realized gain (loss) on 
  investments.......................      59,696    1,311,014    (194,292)      411,154 
 Realized gain distribution from 
  The Hudson River Trust............          --    7,232,565          --     2,827,694 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
   Net Realized Gain (Loss).........      59,696    8,543,579    (194,292)    3,238,848 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation/(depreciation) of 
  investments.......................     (16,202)   4,909,576      80,606      (521,010) 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN 
 (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS..............      43,494   13,453,155    (113,686)    2,717,838 
                                      ----------  -----------  ------------  ---------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS..........  $1,002,121  $13,734,971   $ 190,129    $3,659,336 
                                      ==========  ===========  ============  ========== 
</TABLE>

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        HIGH    AGGRESSIVE             GROWTH    CONSERVATIVE  GROWTH & 
                                       YIELD      STOCK      GLOBAL   INVESTORS   INVESTORS     INCOME 
                                        FUND       FUND       FUND      FUND         FUND        FUND 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
<S>                                  <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>     
INCOME AND EXPENSE: 
 INVESTMENT INCOME: 
  DIVIDENDS FROM THE HUDSON RIVER 
   TRUST (NOTE 1):..................  $238,702  $   17,261  $ 92,505  $ 32,933     $ 35,250    $ 39,914 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 EXPENSES (NOTE 2): 
  ADMINISTRATIVE FEES...............     5,940      18,432    12,941     3,408        2,043       5,057 
  RECORDKEEPING CHARGES.............     9,314      14,054    11,786     8,481        7,905       8,891 
  PROFESSIONAL FEES.................       571       1,785     1,253       329          196         473 
  PRINTING AND MAILING EXPENSES ....       700       2,191     1,538       404          241         580 
  MISCELLANEOUS.....................        32         102        72        19           10          26 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  --------
   TOTAL EXPENSES...................    16,557      36,564    27,590    12,641       10,395      15,027 
 LESS: REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXCESS 
  EXPENSE LIMITATION................        10          --        --        --           --          -- 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
   NET EXPENSES.....................    16,547      36,564    27,590    12,641       10,395      15,027 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) .......   222,155     (19,303)   64,915    20,292       24,855      24,887 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) 
 ON INVESTMENTS (NOTE 1): .......... 
 REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON 
  INVESTMENTS.......................      (363)    452,409   113,758    59,737       21,791     108,071 
 REALIZED GAIN DISTRIBUTION FROM 
  THE HUDSON RIVER TRUST............   169,177   1,392,759   247,535   170,554       19,334     160,976 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
   NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS).........   168,814   1,845,168   361,293   230,291       41,125     269,047 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
 CHANGE IN UNREALIZED 
  APPRECIATION/(DEPRECIATION) OF 
  INVESTMENTS.......................    70,493    (541,744)  240,914   (98,089)     (35,434)     74,966 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN 
 (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS..............   239,307   1,303,424   602,207   132,202        5,691     344,013 
                                      --------  ----------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------- 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 
 RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS..........  $461,462  $1,284,121  $667,122  $152,494     $ 30,546    $368,900 
                                      ========  ==========  ========  =========  ============  ======== 
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                              FSA-3           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   MONEY MARKET FUND         COMMON STOCK FUND 
                                ------------------------  ------------------------ 
                                   1996         1995         1996         1995 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
<S>                            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income .......  $   958,627  $ 1,033,317  $   281,816  $   486,318 
 Net realized gain (loss) on 
  investments.................       59,696      (19,514)   8,543,579    4,093,898 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation (depreciation) 
  of investments .............      (16,202)      94,984    4,909,576    9,414,798 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations.............    1,002,121    1,108,787   13,734,971   13,995,014 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 3 AND 4): 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ..............    1,652,784    2,601,421    4,029,542    1,421,806 
  Transfers from other Funds .    5,736,734    4,608,307    5,281,055    4,213,931 
  Transfers from Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account  ....    1,248,903      907,069      321,524      307,286 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
   Total......................    8,638,421    8,116,797    9,632,121    5,943,023 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawals ................    2,915,123    5,489,199    3,426,595    3,230,995 
  Transfers to other Funds  ..    6,816,252    5,748,048    4,407,325    4,124,230 
  Transfers to Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account......       56,409    1,059,744       51,149      117,782 
  Participant service charge .       14,400       20,934       16,200       21,099 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
   Total......................    9,802,184   12,317,925    7,901,269    7,494,106 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
  Net increase (decrease) in 
   net assets from Contract 
   Owner transactions.........   (1,163,763)  (4,201,128)   1,730,852   (1,551,083) 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS..............     (161,642)  (3,092,341)  15,465,823   12,443,931 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS.......................   20,875,741   23,968,082   56,945,504   44,501,573 
                                -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR 
 (NOTE 1) ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS..............  $20,714,099  $20,875,741  $72,411,327  $56,945,504 
                                ===========  ===========  ===========  =========== 
</TABLE>

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     INTERMEDIATE 
                                      GOVERNMENT 
                                   SECURITIES FUND           BALANCED FUND           HIGH YIELD FUND 
                                ----------------------  ------------------------  --------------------- 
                                   1996        1995        1996         1995         1996       1995 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income .......  $  303,815  $  337,137  $   941,498  $   927,794  $  222,155 $  160,959 
 Net realized gain (loss) on 
  investments.................    (194,292)    (97,203)   3,238,848    1,128,385     168,814    (15,169) 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation (depreciation) 
  of investments .............      80,606     497,322     (521,010)   3,701,929      70,493    136,740 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations.............     190,129     737,256    3,659,336    5,758,108     461,462    282,530 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 3 AND 4): 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ..............     152,473     244,146      614,825      868,908     146,990    103,661 
  Transfers from other Funds .     406,548     269,464      224,015      378,163     650,181    181,040 
  Transfers from Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account  ....      29,829      13,289      184,830      103,813      25,965     43,136 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
   Total......................     588,850     526,899    1,023,670    1,350,884     823,136    327,837 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawals ................     695,654     543,094    2,625,584    3,332,214      77,388     91,857 
  Transfers to other Funds  ..     804,638     311,766    1,752,837      912,130     261,722     73,378 
  Transfers to Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account......      12,000     163,916       52,823      288,178       1,489     11,060 
  Participant service charge .         939       1,487        7,225       10,445         345        424 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
   Total......................   1,513,231   1,020,263    4,438,469    4,542,967     340,944    176,719 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
  Net increase (decrease) in 
   net assets from Contract 
   Owner transactions.........    (924,381)   (493,364)  (3,414,799)  (3,192,083)    482,192    151,118 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS..............    (734,252)    243,892      244,537    2,566,025     943,654    433,648 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS.......................   6,238,731   5,994,839   34,603,941   32,037,916   1,883,690  1,450,042 
                                ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR 
 (NOTE 1) ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS..............  $5,504,479  $6,238,731  $34,848,478  $34,603,941  $2,827,344 $1,883,690 
                                ==========  ==========  ===========  ===========  ==========  ========= 
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                              FSA-4           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND        GLOBAL FUND 
                                ----------------------  ---------------------- 
                                   1996        1995        1996        1995 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income 
 (loss).......................  $  (19,303) $  (14,321) $   64,915  $   50,097 
 Net realized gain on 
  investments ................   1,845,168     894,090     361,293     192,825 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation (depreciation) 
  of investments .............    (541,744)    439,966     240,914     435,771 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ............   1,284,121   1,319,735     667,122     678,693 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 3 AND 4): 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ..............     406,531     554,849     138,950     395,914 
  Transfers from other Funds .   2,923,402   3,743,211   1,005,748   1,465,044 
  Transfers from Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account  ....      98,695     119,098      67,007      77,476 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
   Total......................   3,428,628   4,417,158   1,211,705   1,938,434 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawals ................     453,535     321,607     252,398     230,523 
  Transfers to other Funds  ..   3,016,856   2,701,872     638,557   1,525,712 
  Transfers to Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account......      18,220       8,485         500      48,671 
  Participant service charge .       1,108       1,224         742       1,017 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
   Total......................   3,489,719   3,033,188     892,197   1,805,923 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
  Net increase in net assets 
   from Contract Owner 
   transactions ..............     (61,091)  1,383,970     319,508     132,511 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS .............   1,223,030   2,703,705     986,630     811,204 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS.......................   6,219,949   3,516,244   4,565,980   3,754,776 
                                ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR 
 (NOTE 1) ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS..............  $7,442,979  $6,219,949  $5,552,610  $4,565,980 
                                ==========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
</TABLE>

                    (RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        GROWTH             CONSERVATIVE            GROWTH & 
                                    INVESTORS FUND        INVESTORS FUND          INCOME FUND 
                                ----------------------  -------------------  --------------------- 
                                   1996        1995       1996      1995        1996       1995 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
<S>                            <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS: 
FROM OPERATIONS: 
 Net investment income 
 (loss).......................  $   20,292  $   15,597  $ 24,855 $   25,237  $   24,887 $   27,407 
 Net realized gain on 
  investments ................     230,291      35,369    41,125     10,508     269,047     24,033 
 Change in unrealized 
  appreciation (depreciation) 
  of investments .............     (98,089)     80,196   (35,434)    58,432      74,966    227,245 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Net increase in net assets 
  from operations ............     152,494     131,162    30,546     94,177     368,900    278,685 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
FROM CONTRACT OWNER 
 TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 3 AND 4): 
 Contributions and Transfers: 
  Contributions ..............     160,032     496,380    97,989    308,750     399,075    213,755 
  Transfers from other Funds .     372,192     379,453   176,578    892,949   1,492,294    318,466 
  Transfers from Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account  ....      32,473      25,060    16,550        620      40,086     17,921 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
   Total......................     564,697     900,893   291,117  1,202,319   1,931,455    550,142 
 Withdrawals and Transfers: 
  Withdrawals ................     212,724     124,794   127,152    100,865     428,697    111,599 
  Transfers to other Funds  ..     217,358     133,088   205,845    804,834     147,357    114,971 
  Transfers to Guaranteed 
   Interest Rate Account......          --          --        --         --          --      2,489 
  Participant service charge .         166         201        83        107         174        201 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
   Total......................     430,248     258,083   333,080    905,806     576,228    229,260 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Net increase in net assets 
   from Contract Owner 
   transactions ..............     134,449     642,810   (41,963)   296,513   1,355,227    320,882 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET 
 ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS .............     286,943     773,972   (11,417)   390,690   1,724,127    599,567 
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 
 ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACT 
 OWNERS.......................   1,140,401     366,429   885,732    495,042   1,636,568  1,037,001 
                                ----------  ----------  --------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR 
 (NOTE 1) ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
 CONTRACT OWNERS..............  $1,427,344  $1,140,401  $874,315 $  885,732  $3,360,695 $1,636,568 
                                ==========  ==========  ========  =========  ==========  ========= 
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                              FSA-5           


<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 

1. General 

   The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (Equitable Life) 
   Separate Account No. 301 (the Account) is organized as a unit investment 
   trust, a type of investment company, and is registered with the Securities 
   and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The 
   Account is used to fund benefits under certain group annuity contracts and 
   certificates (Contracts) in connection with individual retirement 
   annuities and tax-sheltered annuity arrangements. The Account has ten 
   investment funds (Funds): the Money Market Fund, the Common Stock Fund, 
   the Intermediate Government Securities Fund, the Balanced Fund, the High 
   Yield Fund, the Aggressive Stock Fund, the Global Fund, the Growth 
   Investors Fund, the Conservative Investors Fund, and the Growth & Income 
   Fund. The assets in each Fund are invested in Class IA shares of a 
   corresponding portfolio (Portfolio), of a mutual fund, The Hudson River 
   Trust (Trust). The Trust is an open-end, diversified, management 
   investment company that invests the assets of separate accounts of 
   insurance companies. Each Portfolio has separate investment objectives. 

   The net assets of the Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising 
   our of any other business Equitable Life may conduct. The excess of assets 
   over reserves and other contract liabilities, if any, in the Account are 
   beneficially owned by Equitable Life and may be transferred to Equitable 
   Life's General Account. 

2. Significant Accounting Policies 

   The accompanying financial statements are prepared in conformity with 
   generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of 
   financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 
   estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
   liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
   date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
   expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from 
   those estimates. 

   Investments are made in shares of the Trust and are valued at the net 
   asset values per share of the respective Portfolios. The net asset value 
   is determined by the Trust using the market or fair value of the 
   underlying assets of the Portfolio. 

   Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and 
   losses include gains and losses on redemptions of the Trust's shares 
   (determined on the identified cost basis) and Trust distributions 
   representing the net realized gains on Trust investment transactions. 

   Dividends are recorded at the end of each quarter on the ex-dividend date. 
   Capital gains are distributed by the Trust at the end of each year. 

   No Federal income tax based on net income or realized and unrealized 
   capital gains is currently applicable to Contracts participating in the 
   Account by reason of applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code 
   and no Federal income tax payable by Equitable Life is expected to affect 
   the unit value of Contracts participating in the Account. Accordingly, no 
   provision for income taxes is required. 

3. Asset Charges 

   The following charges are made directly against the assets of the Account 
   and are reflected daily in the computation of the unit values of the 
   Contracts: 

     o  Administrative fees are charged at an effective annual rate of 0.25% 
        of the net assets of each Fund. 

                              FSA-6           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 

   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
   DECEMBER 31, 1996 
    (Continued) 

     o  Direct operating expenses are paid to cover expenses attributable to 
        the operations of each Fund. 

   Under the Contracts, Equitable Life reimburses the Money Market Fund, the 
   Common Stock Fund, the Intermediate Government Securities Fund and the 
   Balanced Fund for the excess of the aggregate expense charges of the Fund 
   (including investment advisory fees and certain other Trust expenses 
   attributable to assets of such Fund invested in a Portfolio of the Trust 
   and the asset-based charges of the Fund, as described above) which during 
   any calendar year exceed 1.5% of the average daily net assets of the 
   Common Stock Fund, the Intermediate Government Securities Fund and the 
   Balanced Fund and 1.0% of the Money Market Fund. In addition, Equitable 
   Life reimburses the High Yield Fund, the Aggressive Stock Fund and the 
   Global Fund for aggregate expenses in excess of a 1.5% (effective annual 
   rate) voluntary expense limitation of each Fund's average daily net 
   assets. The voluntary expense limitation may be discontinued by Equitable 
   Life at its discretion. 

   Also, if the annual amount of management fees applicable to the Money 
   Market Fund and the Intermediate Government Securities Fund exceeds 0.35% 
   of the average daily net asset value of either Fund, Equitable Life will 
   reimburse the related Fund for such excess. This expense limitation is a 
   contractual right for Participants who enrolled prior to May 1, 1987 and 
   cannot be changed without the consent of those Participants. Equitable 
   Life has voluntarily agreed to impose this expense limitation for 
   Participants who enrolled after May 1, 1987 and reserves the right to 
   discontinue this at any time. 

   Effective March 21, 1994, administrative services for the Account are 
   being provided by Equitable Life. Prior thereto, the services were 
   provided by a third party. 

   A quarterly Participant Service Charge for administrative expense is made 
   for each participant at the end of each calendar quarter before retirement 
   date. The portion of this charge allocable to the Funds is made by 
   reducing the units of each Fund owned by a participant under a Contract. 

4. Contributions and Withdrawals: 

   Contributions allocated to the Account are not subject to sales expense. 
   Participants may transfer all or part of the cash value under the 
   Contracts from one Fund to another subject to certain limitations. 
   Transfers to the Guaranteed Interest Rate Account from the Account and 
   transfers of the cash value of the Guaranteed Interest Rate Account to the 
   Account may be made subject to certain limitations. 

   Full or partial withdrawals, including withdrawals of excess 
   contributions, may be made by participants. 

                              FSA-7           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 (Continued) 
   Units of the Account issued and redeemed during the periods indicated 
   were: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             YEARS ENDED 
                                             DECEMBER 31, 
                                        -------------------- 
                                           1996       1995 
                                        ---------  --------- 
<S>                                     <C>        <C>
MONEY MARKET FUND 
- -----------------
 Issued ...............................   342,708    336,167 
 Redeemed..............................   388,975    513,735 

COMMON STOCK FUND 
- -----------------
 Issued ...............................   102,495     78,247 
 Redeemed..............................    84,167     98,731 

INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES 
 FUND 
- ---------------------------------- 
 Issued ...............................    14,284     13,616 
 Redeemed..............................    36,700     26,688 

BALANCED FUND 
- -------------
 Issued ...............................    17,640     26,172 
 Redeemed..............................    75,972     90,190 

HIGH YIELD FUND 
- ---------------
 Issued ...............................    34,258     16,056 
 Redeemed..............................    14,281      8,900 

AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND 
- ---------------------
 Issued ...............................    93,501    160,037 
 Redeemed..............................    96,541    110,544 

GLOBAL FUND 
- -----------
 Issued ...............................    49,937     94,486 
 Redeemed..............................    36,549     88,914 

GROWTH INVESTORS FUND 
- ---------------------
 Issued ...............................    44,307     79,498 
 Redeemed..............................    32,950     23,679 

CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND 
- ---------------------------
 Issued ...............................    25,117    113,203 
 Redeemed..............................    28,851     87,995 

GROWTH & INCOME FUND 
- --------------------
 Issued ...............................   141,519     49,981 
 Redeemed..............................    44,640     20,466 
</TABLE>

                              FSA-8           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 (Continued) 
 5. Accumulation Unit Values 
    Shown below is unit value information for the periods shown. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                1996       1995      1994      1993      1992      1991      1990      1989      1988      1987 
                             ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------   -------- 
<S>                          <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
MONEY MARKET FUND 
- -----------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year........................  $ 24.55    $23.32    $22.48    $21.93    $21.29    $20.17    $18.73    $17.23    $16.14    $15.26 
Unit value, end of year  ....  $ 25.77    $24.55    $23.32    $22.48     21.93    $21.29    $20.17    $18.73    $17.23    $16.14 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) ........      804       850     1,028     1,035     1,301     1,528     1,919     1,708     1,379     1,353 

COMMON STOCK FUND 
- -----------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year........................  $ 84.56    $64.13    $65.89    $52.97    $51.55    $35.87    $40.94    $33.04    $29.88    $28.00 
Unit value, end of year  ....  $104.68    $84.56    $64.13    $65.89    $52.97    $51.55    $35.87    $40.94    $33.04    $29.88 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) ........      692       673       694       715       736       790       930       963       978    1,008 

INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT 
SECURITIES FUND 
- ----------------------- 
Unit value, beginning of 
 year........................  $ 40.82    $36.13    $37.77    $34.34    $32.73    $28.79    $27.19    $23.63    $22.41    $21.86 
Unit value, end of year  ....  $ 42.20    $40.82    $36.13    $37.77    $34.34    $32.73    $28.79    $27.19    $23.63    $22.41 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) ........      130       153       166       188       184       177       242       223       196       176 

BALANCED FUND 
- -------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year........................  $ 56.07    $47.03    $51.38    $45.92    $47.50    $33.76    $33.91    $27.04    $23.88    $24.57 
Unit value, end of year  ....  $ 62.36    $56.07    $47.03    $51.38    $45.92    $47.50    $33.76    $33.91    $27.04    $23.88 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) ........      559       617       681       756       827       949     1,217     1,260     1,220     1,258 

                                                                                                                         JUNE 2, 
                                                                                                                        1987* TO 
                                                                                                                       DECEMBER 31, 
HIGH YIELD FUND                                                                                                           1987 
- ---------------                                                                                                        ------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year........................  $ 21.67    $18.18    $18.84    $15.40    $13.84    $11.11    $11.67    $11.60    $10.41    $10.01 
Unit value, end of year  ....  $ 26.45    $21.67    $18.18    $18.84    $15.40    $13.84    $11.11    $11.67    $11.60    $10.41 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) ........      107        87        80        78        53        27        16        18        22         7 

AGGRESSIVE STOCK FUND 
- ---------------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year........................  $ 32.67    $24.95    $26.14    $22.54    $23.43    $13.34    $12.47    $ 8.70    $ 8.59    $10.13 
Unit value, end of year......  $ 39.73    $32.67    $24.95    $26.14    $22.54    $23.43    $13.34    $12.47    $ 8.70    $8.59 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) ........      187       190       141       125       156       125        48        27         9        16 

GLOBAL FUND 
- -----------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year........................  $ 22.76    $19.25    $18.40    $14.01    $14.20    $11.23    $11.97    $ 9.58    $ 8.58    $10.01 
Unit value, end of year  ....  $ 25.95    $22.76    $19.25    $18.40    $14.01    $14.20    $11.23    $11.97    $ 9.58     $8.58 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) ........      214       201       195       153        55        42        32        19        12         7 
</TABLE>

- ------------ 
* Date on which participant contributions were first allocated to the Fund. 

                              FSA-9           
<PAGE>

THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) 
DECEMBER 31, 1996 
 (Continued) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   YEARS ENDED    
                                   DECEMBER 31,     MAY 2, 1994* TO
                               ------------------    DECEMBER 31,  
                                 1996      1995          1994      
                               --------  --------   --------------- 
<S>                            <C>       <C>            <C>
GROWTH INVESTORS FUND 
- ---------------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year.........................   $12.23    $ 9.79       $10.00 
Unit value, end of year  .....   $13.64    $12.23       $ 9.79 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) .........      105        93           37 

CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS FUND 
- ---------------------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year.........................   $11.79    $ 9.92       $10.00 
Unit value, end of year  .....   $12.25    $11.79       $ 9.92 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) .........       71        75           50 

GROWTH & INCOME FUND 
- --------------------
Unit value, beginning of 
 year.........................   $12.21    $ 9.92       $10.00 
Unit value, end of year  .....   $14.55    $12.21       $ 9.92 
Number of units outstanding, 
 end of year (000's) .........      231       134          105 
</TABLE>

- ------------ 
* Date on which participant contributions were first allocated to the Fund. 

                             FSA-10           

<PAGE>

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, of shareholder's equity and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and its subsidiaries
("Equitable Life") at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of Equitable Life's
management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for the opinion expressed above.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, Equitable Life
changed its methods of accounting for long-duration participating life
insurance contracts and long-lived assets in 1996, for loan impairments in 1995
and for postemployment benefits in 1994.


Price Waterhouse LLP
New York, New York
February 10

                                      F-1
<PAGE>

           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                 1995
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.................   $    18,077.0        $    15,899.9
  Mortgage loans on real estate.................................         3,133.0              3,638.3
  Equity real estate............................................         3,297.5              3,916.2
  Policy loans..................................................         2,196.1              1,976.4
  Investment in and loans to affiliates.........................           685.0                636.6
  Other equity investments......................................           597.3                621.1
  Other invested assets.........................................           288.7                706.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.........................................        28,274.6             27,394.6
Cash and cash equivalents.......................................           538.8                774.7
Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................         3,104.9              3,075.8
Amounts due from discontinued GIC Segment.......................           996.2              2,097.1
Other assets....................................................         2,552.2              2,718.1
Closed Block assets.............................................         8,495.0              8,582.1
Separate Accounts assets........................................        29,646.1             24,566.6
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS....................................................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.................................   $    21,865.6        $    21,911.2
Future policy benefits and other policyholders' liabilities.....         4,416.6              4,007.3
Short-term and long-term debt...................................         1,766.9              1,899.3
Other liabilities...............................................         2,785.1              3,380.7
Closed Block liabilities........................................         9,091.3              9,221.4
Separate Accounts liabilities...................................        29,598.3             24,531.0
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.........................................        69,523.8             64,950.9
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $1.25 par value 2.0 million shares 
  authorized, issued and outstanding............................             2.5                  2.5
Capital in excess of par value..................................         3,105.8              3,105.8
Retained earnings...............................................           798.7                788.4
Net unrealized investment gains.................................           189.9                396.5
Minimum pension liability.......................................           (12.9)               (35.1)
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholder's equity................................         4,084.0              4,258.1
                                                                  -----------------    -----------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY......................   $    73,607.8        $    69,209.0
                                                                  =================    =================
</TABLE>

                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>

           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996               1995               1994
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>                <C>                <C>          
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee
  income................................................   $      874.0       $       788.2      $       715.0
Premiums................................................          597.6               606.8              625.6
Net investment income...................................        2,175.9             2,088.2            1,998.6
Investment (losses) gains, net..........................           (9.8)                5.3               91.8
Commissions, fees and other income......................        1,081.8               897.1              847.4
Contribution from the Closed Block......................          125.0               143.2              137.0
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total revenues....................................        4,844.5             4,528.8            4,415.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
Policyholders' benefits.................................        1,317.7             1,008.6              914.9
Other operating costs and expenses......................        2,048.0             1,775.8            1,857.7
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

      Total benefits and other deductions...............        4,635.9             4,032.7            3,973.9
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal
  income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
  effect of accounting change...........................          208.6               496.1              441.5
Federal income taxes....................................            9.7               120.5              100.2
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
  subsidiaries..........................................           81.7                62.8               50.4
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of accounting change................          117.2               312.8              290.9
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....          (83.8)                -                  -
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of Federal
  income taxes..........................................          (23.1)                -                (27.1)
                                                          -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Earnings............................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
                                                          =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>

                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>

           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Common stock, at par value, beginning and end of year.........   $        2.5       $         2.5      $         2.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as
  previously reported.........................................        2,913.6             2,913.6            2,613.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................          192.2               192.2              192.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year as restated.        3,105.8             3,105.8            2,805.8
Additional capital in excess of par value.....................            -                   -                300.0
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of year...................        3,105.8             3,105.8            3,105.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year as previously reported...          781.6               484.0              217.6
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................            6.8                (8.4)              (5.8)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, beginning of year as restated..............          788.4               475.6              211.8
Net earnings..................................................           10.3               312.8              263.8
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Retained earnings, end of year................................          798.7               788.4              475.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of year
  as previously reported......................................          338.2              (203.0)             131.9
Cumulative effect on prior years of retroactive restatement
  for accounting change.......................................           58.3               (17.5)              12.7
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), beginning of
  year as restated............................................          396.5              (220.5)             144.6
Change in unrealized investment (losses) gains................         (206.6)              617.0             (365.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), end of year.........          189.9               396.5             (220.5)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Minimum pension liability, beginning of year..................          (35.1)               (2.7)             (15.0)
Change in minimum pension liability...........................           22.2               (32.4)              12.3
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Minimum pension liability, end of year........................          (12.9)              (35.1)              (2.7)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, END OF YEAR.......................   $    4,084.0       $     4,258.1      $     3,360.7
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>

                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996               1995               1994
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)

<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>          
Net earnings..................................................   $       10.3       $       312.8      $       263.8
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........        1,270.2             1,248.3            1,201.3
  Universal life and investment-type policy fee income........         (874.0)             (788.2)            (715.0)
  Investment losses (gains)...................................            9.8                (5.3)             (91.8)
  Change in Federal income taxes payable......................         (197.1)              221.6               38.3
  Other, net..................................................          364.4               127.3              (19.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities.....................          583.6             1,116.5              677.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments...................................        2,275.1             1,897.4            2,323.8
  Sales.......................................................        8,964.3             8,867.1            5,816.6
  Return of capital from joint ventures and limited
    partnerships..............................................           78.4                65.2               39.0
  Purchases...................................................      (12,559.6)          (11,675.5)          (7,564.7)
  Decrease (increase) in loans to discontinued GIC Segment....        1,017.0             1,226.9              (40.0)
  Other, net..................................................           56.7              (624.7)            (478.1)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities..............         (168.1)             (243.6)              96.6
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..................................................        1,925.4             2,586.5            2,082.5
    Withdrawals...............................................       (2,385.2)           (2,657.1)          (2,864.4)
  Net decrease in short-term financings.......................            (.3)              (16.4)            (173.0)
  Additions to long-term debt.................................            -                 599.7               51.8
  Repayments of long-term debt................................         (124.8)              (40.7)            (199.8)
  Proceeds from issuance of Alliance units....................            -                   -                100.0
  Payment of obligation to fund accumulated deficit of
    discontinued GIC Segment..................................            -              (1,215.4)               -
  Capital contribution from the Holding Company...............            -                   -                300.0
  Other, net..................................................          (66.5)              (48.4)              26.5
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net cash (used) by financing activities.......................         (651.4)             (791.8)            (676.4)
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents...........................         (235.9)               81.1               97.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................          774.7               693.6              596.2
                                                                -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........................   $      538.8       $       774.7      $       693.6
                                                                =================  =================  =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid...............................................   $      109.9       $        89.6      $        34.9
                                                                =================  =================  =================
  Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid................................   $      (10.0)      $       (82.7)     $        49.2
                                                                =================  =================  =================
</TABLE>

                See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

           THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 1)     ORGANIZATION

        The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable
        Life") converted to a stock life insurance company on July 22, 1992 and
        became a wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Companies
        Incorporated (the "Holding Company"). Equitable Life's insurance
        business is conducted principally by Equitable Life and its wholly
        owned life insurance subsidiary, Equitable Variable Life Insurance
        Company ("EVLICO"). Effective January 1, 1997, EVLICO was merged into
        Equitable Life, which will continue to conduct the Company's insurance
        business. Equitable Life's investment management business, which
        comprises the Investment Services segment, is conducted principally by
        Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), Equitable Real Estate
        Investment Management, Inc. ("EREIM") and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette,
        Inc. ("DLJ"), an investment banking and brokerage affiliate. AXA-UAP
        ("AXA"), a French holding company for an international group of
        insurance and related financial services companies, is the Holding
        Company's largest shareholder, owning approximately 60.8% at December
        31, 1996 (63.6% assuming conversion of Series E Convertible Preferred
        Stock held by AXA and 54.4% if all securities convertible into, and
        options on, common stock were to be converted or exercised).

 2)     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
        -----------------------------------------------------

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in
        conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts
        of Equitable Life and its wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries
        (collectively, the "Insurance Group"); non-insurance subsidiaries,
        principally Alliance, an investment advisory subsidiary, and EREIM, a
        real estate investment management subsidiary; and those partnerships
        and joint ventures in which Equitable Life or its subsidiaries has
        control and a majority economic interest (collectively, including its
        consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company"). The Company's investment in
        DLJ is reported on the equity basis of accounting. Closed Block assets
        and liabilities and results of operations are presented in the
        consolidated financial statements as single line items (see Note 6).
        Unless specifically stated, all disclosures contained herein supporting
        the consolidated financial statements exclude the Closed Block related
        amounts.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
        requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
        reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
        assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
        reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
        Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been
        eliminated in consolidation other than intercompany transactions and
        balances with the Closed Block and the discontinued Guaranteed Interest
        Contract ("GIC") Segment (see Note 7).

        The years "1996," "1995" and "1994" refer to the years ended December
        31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>

        Certain reclassifications have been made in the amounts presented for
        prior periods to conform these periods with the 1996 presentation.


        Closed Block
        ------------

        As of July 22, 1992, Equitable Life established the Closed Block for
        the benefit of certain classes of individual participating policies for
        which Equitable Life had a dividend scale payable in 1991 and which
        were in force on that date. Assets were allocated to the Closed Block
        in an amount which, together with anticipated revenues from policies
        included in the Closed Block, was reasonably expected to be sufficient
        to support such business, including provision for payment of claims,
        certain expenses and taxes, and for continuation of dividend scales
        payable in 1991, assuming the experience underlying such scales
        continues.

        Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the
        holders of policies included in the Closed Block and will not revert to
        the benefit of the Holding Company. The plan of demutualization
        prohibits the reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets
        between the Closed Block and other portions of Equitable Life's General
        Account, any of its Separate Accounts or to any affiliate of Equitable
        Life without the approval of the New York Superintendent of Insurance
        (the "Superintendent"). Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried
        on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held in the General
        Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block
        assets represents the expected future post-tax contribution from the
        Closed Block which would be recognized in income over the period the
        policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

        Discontinued Operations
        -----------------------

        In 1991, the Company's management adopted a plan to discontinue the
        business operations of the GIC Segment, consisting of the Group
        Non-Participating Wind-Up Annuities ("Wind-Up Annuities") and
        Guaranteed Interest Contract ("GIC") lines of business. The Company
        established a pre-tax provision for the estimated future losses of the
        GIC line of business and a premium deficiency reserve for the Wind-Up
        Annuities. Subsequent losses incurred have been charged to the two loss
        provisions. Management reviews the adequacy of the allowance and
        reserve each quarter. During the fourth quarter 1996 review, management
        determined it was necessary to increase the allowance for expected
        future losses of the GIC Segment. Management believes the loss
        provisions for GIC contracts and Wind-Up Annuities at December 31, 1996
        are adequate to provide for all future losses; however, the
        determination of loss provisions continues to involve numerous
        estimates and subjective judgments regarding the expected performance
        of discontinued operations investment assets. There can be no assurance
        the losses provided for will not differ from the losses ultimately
        realized (See Note 7).

        Accounting Changes
        ------------------

        In 1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for long-duration
        participating life insurance contracts, primarily within the Closed
        Block, in accordance with the provisions prescribed by Statement of
        Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 120, "Accounting and
        Reporting by Mutual Life Insurance Enterprises and by Insurance
        Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Participating Contracts". The
        effect of this change, including the impact on the Closed Block, was to
        increase earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect
        of accounting change by $19.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of
        $10.3 million for 1996. The financial statements for 1995 and 1994 have
        been retroactively restated for the change which resulted in an
        increase (decrease) in earnings before cumulative effect of accounting
        change of $15.2 million, net of Federal income taxes of $8.2 million,
        and $(2.6) million, net of Federal income tax benefit of $1.0 million,
        respectively. Shareholder's equity increased $199.1 million as of
        January 1, 1994 for the effect of

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

        retroactive application of the new method. (See "Deferred Policy
        Acquisition Costs," "Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy
        Benefits" and Note 6.)

        The Company implemented SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
        Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," as of
        January 1, 1996. The statement requires long-lived assets and certain
        identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or
        changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of such assets may
        not be recoverable. Effective with SFAS No. 121's adoption, impaired
        real estate is written down to fair value with the impairment loss
        being included in investment gains (losses), net. Before implementing
        SFAS No. 121, valuation allowances on real estate held for the
        production of income were computed using the forecasted cash flows of
        the respective properties discounted at a rate equal to the Company's
        cost of funds. The adoption of the statement resulted in the release of
        valuation allowances of $152.4 million and recognition of impairment
        losses of $144.0 million on real estate held and used. Real estate
        which management has committed to disposing of by sale or abandonment
        is classified as real estate to be disposed of. Valuation allowances on
        real estate to be disposed of continue to be computed using the lower
        of estimated fair value or depreciated cost, net of disposition costs.
        Implementation of the SFAS No. 121 impairment requirements relative to
        other assets to be disposed of resulted in a charge for the cumulative
        effect of an accounting change of $23.1 million, net of a Federal
        income tax benefit of $12.4 million, due to the writedown to fair value
        of building improvements relating to facilities being vacated beginning
        in 1996.

        In the first quarter of 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No. 114,
        "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan". This statement
        applies to all loans, including loans restructured in a troubled debt
        restructuring involving a modification of terms. This statement
        addresses the accounting for impairment of a loan by specifying how
        allowances for credit losses should be determined. Impaired loans
        within the scope of this statement are measured based on the present
        value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective
        interest rate, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value
        of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company
        provides for impairment of loans through an allowance for possible
        losses. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect
        on the level of these allowances or on the Company's consolidated
        statements of earnings and shareholder's equity.

        Beginning coincident with issuance of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for
        Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," implementation
        guidance in November 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
        ("FASB") permitted companies a one-time opportunity, through December
        31, 1995, to reassess the appropriateness of the classification of all
        securities held at that time. On December 1, 1995, the Company
        transferred $4,794.9 million of securities classified as held to
        maturity to the available for sale portfolio. As a result, consolidated
        shareholder's equity increased by $149.4 million, net of deferred
        policy acquisition costs ("DAC"), amounts attributable to participating
        group annuity contracts and deferred Federal income taxes.

        In the fourth quarter of 1994 (effective as of January 1, 1994), the
        Company adopted SFAS No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment
        Benefits," which required employers to recognize the obligation to
        provide postemployment benefits. Implementation of this statement
        resulted in a charge for the cumulative effect of accounting change of
        $27.1 million, net of a Federal income tax benefit of $14.6 million.

        New Accounting Pronouncements
        -----------------------------

        The FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
        Compensation," which permits entities to recognize as expense over the
        vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of
        grant or, alternatively, to continue to apply the provisions of
        Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
        Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Companies
        which elect to continue

                                      F-8
<PAGE>

        to apply APB Opinion No. 25 must provide pro forma net income
        disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future
        years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had
        been applied. The Company accounts for stock option plans sponsored by
        the Holding Company, DLJ and Alliance in accordance with the provisions
        of APB Opinion No. 25 (see Note 21).

        In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers
        and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities".
        SFAS No. 125 specifies the accounting and reporting requirements for
        transfers of financial assets, the recognition and measurement of
        servicing assets and liabilities and extinguishments of liabilities.
        SFAS No. 125 is effective for transactions occurring after December 31,
        1996 and is to be applied prospectively. In December 1996, the FASB
        issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain
        Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125," which defers for one year the
        effective date of provisions relating to secured borrowings and
        collateral and transfers of financial assets that are part of
        repurchase agreements, dollar-roll, securities lending and similar
        transactions. Management has not yet determined the effect of
        implementing SFAS No. 125.

        Valuation of Investments
        ------------------------

        Fixed maturities identified as available for sale are reported at
        estimated fair value. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is
        adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary.

        Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid principal balances,
        net of unamortized discounts and valuation allowances. Effective with
        the adoption of SFAS No. 114 on January 1, 1995, the valuation
        allowances are based on the present value of expected future cash flows
        discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate or the
        collateral value if the loan is collateral dependent. However, if
        foreclosure is or becomes probable, the measurement method used is
        collateral value. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 114, the valuation
        allowances were based on losses expected by management to be realized
        on transfers of mortgage loans to real estate (upon foreclosure or
        in-substance foreclosure), on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
        loans and on mortgage loans management believed may not be collectible
        in full. In establishing valuation allowances, management previously
        considered, among other things the estimated fair value of the
        underlying collateral.

        Real estate, including real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt, is
        stated at depreciated cost less valuation allowances. At the date of
        foreclosure (including in-substance foreclosure), real estate acquired
        in satisfaction of debt is valued at estimated fair value. Impaired
        real estate is written down to fair value with the impairment loss
        being included in investment gains (losses) net. Valuation allowances
        on real estate available for sale are computed using the lower of
        current estimated fair value or depreciated cost, net of disposition
        costs. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 121, valuation allowances on
        real estate held for the production of income were computed using the
        forecasted cash flows of the respective properties discounted at a rate
        equal to the Company's cost of funds.

        Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.

        Partnerships and joint venture interests in which the Company does not
        have control and a majority economic interest are reported on the
        equity basis of accounting and are included either with equity real
        estate or other equity investments, as appropriate.

        Common stocks are carried at estimated fair value and are included in
        other equity investments.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>

        Short-term investments are stated at amortized cost which approximates
        fair value and are included with other invested assets.

        Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks
        and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity
        of three months or less.

        All securities are recorded in the consolidated financial statements on
        a trade date basis.

        Investment Results and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
        -----------------------------------------------------------

        Net investment income and realized investment gains and losses
        (collectively, "investment results") related to certain participating
        group annuity contracts which are passed through to the contractholders
        are reflected as interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Realized investment gains and losses are determined by specific
        identification and are presented as a component of revenue. Valuation
        allowances are netted against the asset categories to which they apply
        and changes in the valuation allowances are included in investment
        gains or losses.

        Unrealized investment gains and losses on fixed maturities available
        for sale and equity securities held by the Company are accounted for as
        a separate component of shareholder's equity, net of related deferred
        Federal income taxes, amounts attributable to the discontinued GIC
        Segment, participating group annuity contracts, and DAC related to
        universal life and investment-type products and participating
        traditional life contracts.

        Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses
        ----------------------------------------------------

        Premiums from universal life and investment-type contracts are reported
        as deposits to policyholders' account balances. Revenues from these
        contracts consist of amounts assessed during the period against
        policyholders' account balances for mortality charges, policy
        administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and
        claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in
        the period in excess of related policyholders' account balances.

        Premiums from participating and non-participating traditional life and
        annuity policies with life contingencies generally are recognized as
        income when due. Benefits and expenses are matched with such income so
        as to result in the recognition of profits over the life of the
        contracts. This match is accomplished by means of the provision for
        liabilities for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent
        amortization of policy acquisition costs.

        For contracts with a single premium or a limited number of premium
        payments due over a significantly shorter period than the total period
        over which benefits are provided, premiums are recorded as income when
        due with any excess profit deferred and recognized in income in a
        constant relationship to insurance in force or, for annuities, the
        amount of expected future benefit payments.

        Premiums from individual health contracts are recognized as income over
        the period to which the premiums relate in proportion to the amount of
        insurance protection provided.

        Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
        ---------------------------------

        The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions,
        underwriting, agency and policy issue expenses, all of which vary with
        and are primarily related to the production of new business, are
        deferred.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

        DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issue
        and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period.

        For universal life products and investment-type products, DAC is
        amortized over the expected total life of the contract group (periods
        ranging from 15 to 35 years and 5 to 17 years, respectively) as a
        constant percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from
        investment results, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges
        based on historical and anticipated future experience, updated at the
        end of each accounting period. The effect on the amortization of DAC of
        revisions to estimated gross profits is reflected in earnings in the
        period such estimated gross profits are revised. The effect on the DAC
        asset that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses)
        is recognized with an offset to unrealized gains (losses) in
        consolidated shareholder's equity as of the balance sheet date.

        For participating traditional life policies (substantially all of which
        are in the Closed Block), DAC is amortized over the expected total life
        of the contract group (40 years) as a constant percentage based on the
        present value of the estimated gross margin amounts expected to be
        realized over the life of the contracts using the expected investment
        yield. At December 31, 1996, the expected investment yield ranged from
        7.30% grading to 7.68% over 13 years. Estimated gross margin includes
        anticipated premiums and investment results less claims and
        administrative expenses, changes in the net level premium reserve and
        expected annual policyholder dividends. Deviations of actual results
        from estimated experience are reflected in earnings in the period such
        deviations occur. The effect on the DAC asset that would result from
        realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset
        to unrealized gains (losses) in consolidated shareholder's equity as of
        the balance sheet date.

        For non-participating traditional life and annuity policies with life
        contingencies, DAC is amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums.
        Assumptions as to anticipated premiums are estimated at the date of
        policy issue and are consistently applied during the life of the
        contracts. Deviations from estimated experience are reflected in
        earnings in the period such deviations occur. For these contracts, the
        amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy.

        For individual health benefit insurance, DAC is amortized over the
        expected average life of the contracts (10 years for major medical
        policies and 20 years for disability income ("DI") products) in
        proportion to anticipated premium revenue at time of issue. In the
        fourth quarter of 1996, the DAC related to DI contracts issued prior to
        July 1993 was written off.

        Policyholders' Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits
        ----------------------------------------------------------

        Policyholders' account balances for universal life and investment-type
        contracts are equal to the policy account values. The policy account
        values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus
        credited interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals.

        For participating traditional life policies, future policy benefit
        liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the
        basis of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and
        dividend fund interest rates. The liability for annual dividends
        represents the accrual of annual dividends earned. Terminal dividends
        are accrued in proportion to gross margins over the life of the
        contract.

        For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future
        policy benefit liabilities are estimated using a net level premium
        method on the basis of actuarial assumptions as to mortality,
        persistency and interest established at policy issue. Assumptions
        established at policy issue as to mortality and persistency are based
        on the Insurance Group's experience which, together with interest and
        expense assumptions, include a margin

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

        for adverse deviation. When the liabilities for future policy benefits
        plus the present value of expected future gross premiums for a product
        are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and
        expenses for that product, DAC is written off and thereafter, if
        required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by a charge to
        earnings. Benefit liabilities for traditional annuities during the
        accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders' fund
        balances and after annuitization are equal to the present value of
        expected future payments. Interest rates used in establishing such
        liabilities range from 2.25% to 11.5% for life insurance liabilities
        and from 2.25% to 13.5% for annuity liabilities.

        During the fourth quarter of 1996, a loss recognition study on
        participating group annuity contracts and conversion annuities
        ("Pension Par") was completed which included management's revised
        estimate of assumptions, including expected mortality and future
        investment returns. The study's results prompted management to
        establish a premium deficiency reserve which decreased earnings from
        continuing operations and net earnings by $47.5 million ($73.0 million
        pre-tax).

        Individual health benefit liabilities for active lives are estimated
        using the net level premium method, and assumptions as to future
        morbidity, withdrawals and interest. Benefit liabilities for disabled
        lives are estimated using the present value of benefits method and
        experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest.

        During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company completed a loss
        recognition study of the DI business which incorporated management's
        revised estimates of future experience with regard to morbidity,
        investment returns, claims and administration expenses and other
        factors. The study indicated DAC was not recoverable and the reserves
        were not sufficient. Earnings from continuing operations and net
        earnings decreased by $208.0 million ($320.0 million pre-tax) as a
        result of strengthening DI reserves by $175.0 million and writing off
        unamortized DAC of $145.0 million. The determination of DI reserves
        requires making assumptions and estimates relating to a variety of
        factors, including morbidity and interest rates, claims experience and
        lapse rates based on then known facts and circumstances. Such factors
        as claim incidence and termination rates can be affected by changes in
        the economic, legal and regulatory environments and work ethic. While
        management believes its DI reserves have been calculated on a
        reasonable basis and are adequate, there can be no assurance reserves
        will be sufficient to provide for future liabilities.

        Claim reserves and associated liabilities for individual disability
        income and major medical policies were $711.8 million and $639.6
        million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively (excluding $175.0
        million of reserve strengthening in 1996). Incurred benefits (benefits
        paid plus changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual
        DI and major medical policies (excluding $175.0 million of reserve
        strengthening in 1996) are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Incurred benefits related to current year..........  $       189.0       $      176.0       $      188.6
        Incurred benefits related to prior years...........           69.1               67.8               28.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Incurred Benefits............................  $       258.1       $      243.8       $      217.3
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Benefits paid related to current year..............  $        32.6       $       37.0       $       43.7
        Benefits paid related to prior years...............          153.3              137.8              132.3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Benefits Paid................................  $       185.9       $      174.8       $      176.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>
                                      F-12
<PAGE>

        Policyholders' Dividends
        ------------------------

        The amount of policyholders' dividends to be paid (including those on
        policies included in the Closed Block) is determined annually by
        Equitable Life's Board of Directors. The aggregate amount of
        policyholders' dividends is related to actual interest, mortality,
        morbidity and expense experience for the year and judgment as to the
        appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by Equitable
        Life.

        Equitable Life is subject to limitations on the amount of statutory
        profits which can be retained with respect to certain classes of
        individual participating policies that were in force on July 22, 1992
        which are not included in the Closed Block and with respect to
        participating policies issued subsequent to July 22, 1992. Excess
        statutory profits, if any, will be distributed over time to such
        policyholders and will not be available to Equitable Life's
        shareholder. Earnings in excess of limitations, if any, would be
        accrued as policyholders' dividends.

        At December 31, 1996, participating policies, including those in the
        Closed Block, represent approximately 24.2% ($52.3 billion) of directly
        written life insurance in force, net of amounts ceded.

        Federal Income Taxes
        --------------------

        The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with the
        Holding Company and its non-life insurance subsidiaries. Current
        Federal income taxes were charged or credited to operations based upon
        amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable
        operations for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and
        liabilities were recognized based on the difference between financial
        statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and
        liabilities using enacted income tax rates and laws.

        Separate Accounts
        -----------------

        Separate Accounts are established in conformity with the New York State
        Insurance Law and generally are not chargeable with liabilities that
        arise from any other business of the Insurance Group. Separate Accounts
        assets are subject to General Account claims only to the extent the
        value of such assets exceeds the Separate Accounts liabilities.

        Assets and liabilities of the Separate Accounts, representing net
        deposits and accumulated net investment earnings less fees, held
        primarily for the benefit of contractholders, and for which the
        Insurance Group does not bear the investment risk, are shown as
        separate captions in the consolidated balance sheets. The Insurance
        Group bears the investment risk on assets held in one Separate Account,
        therefore, such assets are carried on the same basis as similar assets
        held in the General Account portfolio. Assets held in the other
        Separate Accounts are carried at quoted market values or, where quoted
        values are not available, at estimated fair values as determined by the
        Insurance Group.

        The investment results of Separate Accounts on which the Insurance
        Group does not bear the investment risk are reflected directly in
        Separate Accounts liabilities. For 1996, 1995 and 1994, investment
        results of such Separate Accounts were $2,970.6 million, $1,963.2
        million and $665.2 million, respectively.

        Deposits to Separate Accounts are reported as increases in Separate
        Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality,
        policy administration and surrender charges on all Separate Accounts
        are included in revenues.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

 3)     INVESTMENTS

        The following tables provide additional information relating to fixed
maturities and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        GROSS               GROSS
                                                   AMORTIZED          UNREALIZED         UNREALIZED         ESTIMATED
                                                      COST              GAINS              LOSSES           FAIR VALUE
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>                <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DECEMBER 31, 1996
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    13,645.2      $       451.5       $      121.0       $   13,975.7
            Mortgage-backed....................        2,015.9               11.2               20.3            2,006.8
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        1,539.4               39.2               19.3            1,559.3
            States and political subdivisions..           77.0                4.5                -                 81.5
            Foreign governments................          302.6               18.0                2.2              318.4
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          139.1                3.3                7.1              135.3
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    17,719.2      $       527.7       $      169.9       $   18,077.0
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        98.7      $        49.3       $       17.7       $      130.3
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============

        December 31, 1995
        -----------------
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for Sale:
            Corporate..........................  $    10,910.7      $       617.6       $      118.1       $   11,410.2
            Mortgage-backed....................        1,838.0               31.2                1.2            1,868.0
            U.S. Treasury securities and
              U.S. government and
              agency securities................        2,257.0               77.8                4.1            2,330.7
            States and political subdivisions..           45.7                5.2                -                 50.9
            Foreign governments................          124.5               11.0                 .2              135.3
            Redeemable preferred stock.........          108.1                5.3                8.6              104.8
                                                -----------------  -----------------   ----------------   ---------------
        Total Available for Sale...............  $    15,284.0      $       748.1       $      132.2       $   15,899.9
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
        Equity Securities:
          Common stock.........................  $        97.3      $        49.1       $       18.0       $      128.4
                                                =================  =================   ================   ===============
</TABLE>

        For publicly traded fixed maturities and equity securities, estimated
        fair value is determined using quoted market prices. For fixed
        maturities without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company
        has determined an estimated fair value using a discounted cash flow
        approach, including provisions for credit risk, generally based upon
        the assumption such securities will be held to maturity. Estimated fair
        value for equity securities, substantially all of which do not have a
        readily ascertainable market value, has been determined by the Company.
        Such estimated fair values do not necessarily represent the values for
        which these securities could have been sold at the dates of the
        consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 1996

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

        and 1995, securities without a readily ascertainable market value
        having an amortized cost of $3,915.7 million and $3,748.9 million,
        respectively, had estimated fair values of $4,024.6 million and
        $3,981.8 million, respectively.

        The contractual maturity of bonds at December 31, 1996 is shown below:

                                                   AVAILABLE FOR SALE
                                           ------------------------------------
                                              AMORTIZED          ESTIMATED
                                                COST             FAIR VALUE
                                           ----------------   -----------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)

        Due in one year or less...........  $      539.6       $      542.5
        Due in years two through five.....       2,776.2            2,804.0
        Due in years six through ten......       6,044.7            6,158.1
        Due after ten years...............       6,203.7            6,430.3
        Mortgage-backed securities........       2,015.9            2,006.8
                                           ----------------   -----------------
        Total.............................  $   17,580.1       $   17,941.7
                                           ================   =================

        Bonds not due at a single maturity date have been included in the above
        table in the year of final maturity. Actual maturities will differ from
        contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
        prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

        The Insurance Group's fixed maturity investment portfolio includes
        corporate high yield securities consisting of public high yield bonds,
        redeemable preferred stocks and directly negotiated debt in leveraged
        buyout transactions. The Insurance Group seeks to minimize the higher
        than normal credit risks associated with such securities by monitoring
        the total investments in any single issuer or total investment in a
        particular industry group. Certain of these corporate high yield
        securities are classified as other than investment grade by the various
        rating agencies, i.e., a rating below Baa or National Association of
        Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or
        5 (below investment grade) or 6 (in or near default). At December 31,
        1996, approximately 14.20% of the $17,563.7 million aggregate amortized
        cost of bonds held by the Insurance Group were considered to be other
        than investment grade.

        In addition to its holdings of corporate high yield securities, the
        Insurance Group is an equity investor in limited partnership interests
        which primarily invest in securities considered to be other than
        investment grade.

        The Company has restructured or modified the terms of certain fixed
        maturity investments. The fixed maturity portfolio includes amortized
        costs of $5.5 million and $15.9 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively, of such restructured securities. These amounts include
        fixed maturities which are in default as to principal and/or interest
        payments, are to be restructured pursuant to commenced negotiations or
        where the borrowers went into bankruptcy subsequent to acquisition
        (collectively, "problem fixed maturities") of $2.2 million and $1.6
        million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Gross interest
        income that would have been recorded in accordance with the original
        terms of restructured fixed maturities amounted to $1.4 million, $3.0
        million and $7.5 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Gross
        interest income on these fixed maturities included in net investment
        income aggregated $1.3 million, $2.9 million and $6.8 million in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

        Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balances, beginning of year........................  $       325.3       $      284.9       $      355.6
        SFAS No. 121 release...............................         (152.4)               -                  -
        Additions charged to income........................          125.0              136.0               51.0
        Deductions for writedowns and
          asset dispositions...............................         (160.8)             (95.6)            (121.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balances, End of Year..............................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balances, end of year comprise:
          Mortgage loans on real estate....................  $        50.4       $       65.5       $       64.2
          Equity real estate...............................           86.7              259.8              220.7
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       137.1       $      325.3       $      284.9
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        At December 31, 1996, the carrying values of investments held for the
        production of income which were non-income producing for the twelve
        months preceding the consolidated balance sheet date were $25.0 million
        of fixed maturities and $2.6 million of mortgage loans on real estate.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, mortgage loans on real estate with
        scheduled payments 60 days (90 days for agricultural mortgages) or more
        past due or in foreclosure (collectively, "problem mortgage loans on
        real estate") had an amortized cost of $12.4 million (0.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate) and $87.7 million (2.4% of total
        mortgage loans on real estate), respectively.

        The payment terms of mortgage loans on real estate may from time to
        time be restructured or modified. The investment in restructured
        mortgage loans on real estate, based on amortized cost, amounted to
        $388.3 million and $531.5 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively. These amounts include $1.0 million and $3.8 million of
        problem mortgage loans on real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively. Gross interest income on restructured mortgage loans on
        real estate that would have been recorded in accordance with the
        original terms of such loans amounted to $35.5 million, $52.1 million
        and $44.9 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Gross interest
        income on these loans included in net investment income aggregated
        $28.2 million, $37.4 million and $32.8 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
        respectively.

        Impaired mortgage loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                   1996                 1995
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
                                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>           
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses..................  $        340.0       $        310.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses...............           122.3                160.8
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans.....................           462.3                470.9
        Provision for losses...............................................            46.4                 62.7
                                                                            -------------------  -------------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans........................................  $        415.9       $        408.2
                                                                            ===================  ===================
</TABLE>
                                      F-16
<PAGE>

        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses are loans where
        the fair value of the collateral or the net present value of the
        expected future cash flows related to the loan equals or exceeds the
        recorded investment. Interest income earned on loans where the
        collateral value is used to measure impairment is recorded on a cash
        basis. Interest income on loans where the present value method is used
        to measure impairment is accrued on the net carrying value amount of
        the loan at the interest rate used to discount the cash flows. Changes
        in the present value attributable to changes in the amount or timing of
        expected cash flows are reported as investment gains or losses.

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively, the Company's average recorded
        investment in impaired mortgage loans was $552.1 million and $429.0
        million. Interest income recognized on these impaired mortgage loans
        totaled $38.8 million and $27.9 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively, including $17.9 million and $13.4 million recognized on a
        cash basis.

        The Insurance Group's investment in equity real estate is through
        direct ownership and through investments in real estate joint ventures.
        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the carrying value of equity real estate
        available for sale amounted to $345.6 million and $255.5 million,
        respectively. For 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, real estate of
        $58.7 million, $35.3 million and $189.8 million was acquired in
        satisfaction of debt. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company owned
        $771.7 million and $862.7 million, respectively, of real estate
        acquired in satisfaction of debt.

        Depreciation of real estate is computed using the straight-line method
        over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which generally
        range from 40 to 50 years. Accumulated depreciation on real estate was
        $587.5 million and $662.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively. Depreciation expense on real estate totaled $91.8
        million, $121.7 million and $117.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
        respectively. As a result of the implementation of SFAS No. 121, during
        1996 no depreciation expense has been recorded on real estate available
        for sale.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

 4)     JOINT VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS

        Summarized combined financial information of real estate joint ventures
        (34 and 38 individual ventures as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively) and of limited partnership interests accounted for under
        the equity method, in which the Company has an investment of $10.0
        million or greater and an equity interest of 10% or greater is as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        FINANCIAL POSITION
        Investments in real estate, at depreciated cost........................  $    1,883.7       $    2,684.1
        Investments in securities, generally at estimated fair value...........       2,430.6            2,459.8
        Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          98.0              489.1
        Other assets...........................................................         427.0              270.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total assets...........................................................       4,839.3            5,903.8
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Borrowed funds - third party...........................................       1,574.3            1,782.3
        Borrowed funds - the Company...........................................         137.9              220.5
        Other liabilities......................................................         415.8              593.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................       2,128.0            2,596.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------

        Partners' Capital......................................................  $    2,711.3       $    3,307.1
                                                                                ================   =================

        Equity in partners' capital included above.............................  $      806.8       $      902.2
        Equity in limited partnership interests not included above.............         201.8              212.8
        Other..................................................................           9.8                8.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Carrying Value.........................................................  $    1,018.4       $    1,123.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
        Revenues of real estate joint ventures.............  $       348.9       $      463.5       $      537.7
        Revenues of other limited partnership interests....          386.1              242.3              103.4
        Interest expense - third party.....................         (111.0)            (135.3)            (114.9)
        Interest expense - the Company.....................          (30.0)             (41.0)             (36.9)
        Other expenses.....................................         (282.5)            (397.7)            (430.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings.......................................  $       311.5       $      131.8       $       58.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Equity in net earnings included above..............  $        73.9       $       49.1       $       18.9
        Equity in net earnings of limited partnerships
          interests not included above.....................           35.8               44.8               25.3
        Other..............................................             .9                1.0                1.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total Equity in Net Earnings.......................  $       110.6       $       94.9       $       46.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

 5)     NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

        The sources of net investment income are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996               1995                1994
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                  <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Fixed maturities....................  $     1,307.4       $    1,151.1       $    1,036.5
        Mortgage loans on real estate.......          303.0              329.0              385.7
        Equity real estate..................          442.4              560.4              561.8
        Other equity investments............           94.3               76.9               36.1
        Policy loans........................          160.3              144.4              122.7
        Other investment income.............          217.4              273.0              322.4
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Gross investment income...........        2,524.8            2,534.8            2,465.2
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

          Investment expenses...............          348.9              446.6              466.6
                                             -----------------   ----------------   -----------------

        Net Investment Income...............  $     2,175.9       $    2,088.2       $    1,998.6
                                             =================   ================   =================

        Investment gains (losses), net, including changes in the valuation
        allowances, are summarized as follows:
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>          
        Fixed maturities...................................  $        60.5       $      119.9       $      (14.3)
        Mortgage loans on real estate......................          (27.3)             (40.2)             (43.1)
        Equity real estate.................................          (79.7)             (86.6)              20.6
        Other equity investments...........................           18.9               12.8               75.9
        Issuance and sales of Alliance Units...............           20.6                -                 52.4
        Other..............................................           (2.8)               (.6)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Investment (Losses) Gains, Net.....................  $        (9.8)      $        5.3       $       91.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $29.9 million, $46.7 million
        and $30.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, and writedowns
        of equity real estate subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 121
        amounted to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.

        For 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, proceeds received on sales of
        fixed maturities classified as available for sale amounted to $8,353.5
        million, $8,206.0 million and $5,253.9 million. Gross gains of $154.2
        million, $211.4 million and $65.2 million and gross losses of $92.7
        million, $64.2 million and $50.8 million, respectively, were realized
        on these sales. The change in unrealized investment (losses) gains
        related to fixed maturities classified as available for sale for 1996,
        1995 and 1994 amounted to $(258.0) million, $1,077.2 million and
        $(742.2) million, respectively.

        During each of 1995 and 1994, one security classified as held to
        maturity was sold. During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995 and
        the year ended December 31, 1994, respectively, twelve and six
        securities so classified were transferred to the available for sale
        portfolio. All actions were taken as a result of a significant

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

        deterioration in creditworthiness. The aggregate amortized costs of the
        securities sold were $1.0 million and $19.9 million with a related
        investment gain of $-0- million and $.8 million recognized in 1995 and
        1994, respectively; the aggregate amortized cost of the securities
        transferred was $116.0 million and $42.8 million with gross unrealized
        investment losses of $3.2 million and $3.1 million charged to
        consolidated shareholder's equity for the eleven months ended November
        30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994, respectively. On
        December 1, 1995, the Company transferred $4,794.9 million of
        securities classified as held to maturity to the available for sale
        portfolio. As a result, unrealized gains on fixed maturities increased
        $395.6 million, offset by DAC of $126.5 million, amounts attributable
        to participating group annuity contracts of $39.2 million and deferred
        Federal income taxes of $80.5 million.

        For 1996, 1995 and 1994, investment results passed through to certain
        participating group annuity contracts as interest credited to
        policyholders' account balances amounted to $136.7 million, $131.2
        million and $175.8 million, respectively.

        In 1996, Alliance acquired the business of Cursitor-Eaton Asset
        Management Company and Cursitor Holdings Limited (collectively,
        "Cursitor") for approximately $159.0 million. The purchase price
        consisted of $94.3 million in cash, 1.8 million of Alliance's publicly
        traded units ("Alliance Units"), 6% notes aggregating $21.5 million
        payable ratably over four years, and substantial additional
        consideration which will be determined at a later date. The excess of
        the purchase price, including acquisition costs and minority interest,
        over the fair value of Cursitor's net assets acquired resulted in the
        recognition of intangible assets consisting of costs assigned to
        contracts acquired and goodwill of approximately $122.8 million and
        $38.3 million, respectively, which are being amortized over the
        estimated useful lives of 20 years. The Company recognized an
        investment gain of $20.6 million as a result of the issuance of
        Alliance Units in this transaction. At December 31, 1996, the Company's
        ownership of Alliance Units was approximately 57.3%.

        In 1994, Alliance sold 4.96 million newly issued Alliance Units to
        third parties at prevailing market prices. The Company continues to
        hold its 1% general partnership interest in Alliance. The Company
        recognized an investment gain of $52.4 million as a result of these
        transactions.

                                      F-20
<PAGE>

        Net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in the consolidated
        balance sheets as a component of equity and the changes for the
        corresponding years, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Balance, beginning of year as restated.............  $       396.5       $     (220.5)      $      144.6
        Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains....         (297.6)           1,198.9             (856.7)
        Changes in unrealized investment losses
          (gains) attributable to:
            Participating group annuity contracts..........            -                (78.1)              40.8
            DAC............................................           42.3             (216.8)             273.6
            Deferred Federal income taxes..................           48.7             (287.0)             177.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Balance, End of Year...............................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Balance, end of year comprises:
          Unrealized investment gains (losses) on:
            Fixed maturities...............................  $       357.8       $      615.9       $     (461.3)
            Other equity investments.......................           31.6               31.1                7.7
            Other, principally Closed Block................           53.1               93.1               (5.1)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total........................................          442.5              740.1             (458.7)
          Amounts of unrealized investment (gains)
            losses attributable to:
              Participating group annuity contracts........          (72.2)             (72.2)               5.9
              DAC..........................................          (52.0)             (94.3)             122.4
              Deferred Federal income taxes................         (128.4)            (177.1)             109.9
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       189.9       $      396.5       $     (220.5)
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-21
<PAGE>

 6)     CLOSED BLOCK

        Summarized financial information of the Closed Block follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                               1996                 1995
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                              <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Fixed Maturities:
          Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost,
            $3,820.7 and $3,662.8)......................................  $    3,889.5         $    3,896.2
        Mortgage loans on real estate...................................       1,380.7              1,368.8
        Policy loans....................................................       1,765.9              1,797.2
        Cash and other invested assets..................................         336.1                440.9
        DAC.............................................................         876.5                792.6
        Other assets....................................................         246.3                286.4
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets....................................................  $    8,495.0         $    8,582.1
                                                                         =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances......  $    8,999.7         $    8,923.5
        Other liabilities...............................................          91.6                297.9
                                                                         -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities...............................................  $    9,091.3         $    9,221.4
                                                                         =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Premiums and other revenue.........................  $       724.8       $      753.4       $      798.1
        Investment income (net of investment
          expenses of $27.3, $26.7 and $19.0)..............          546.6              538.9              523.0
        Investment losses, net.............................           (5.5)             (20.2)             (24.0)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total revenues...............................        1,265.9            1,272.1            1,297.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Benefits and Other Deductions
        Policyholders' benefits and dividends..............        1,106.3            1,077.6            1,121.6
        Other operating costs and expenses.................           34.6               51.3               38.5
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Total benefits and other deductions..........        1,140.9            1,128.9            1,160.1
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Contribution from the Closed Block.................  $       125.0       $      143.2       $      137.0
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 120, which
        prescribes the accounting for individual participating life insurance
        contracts, most of which are included in the Closed Block. The
        implementation of SFAS No. 120 resulted in an increase (decrease) in
        the contribution from the Closed Block of $27.5 million, $18.8 million
        and $(14.0) million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>

        The fixed maturity portfolio, based on amortized cost, includes $.4
        million and $4.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        of restructured securities which includes problem fixed maturities of
        $.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

        During the eleven months ended November 30, 1995, one security
        classified as held to maturity was sold and ten securities classified
        as held to maturity were transferred to the available for sale
        portfolio. All actions resulted from significant deterioration in
        creditworthiness. The amortized cost of the security sold was $4.2
        million. The aggregate amortized cost of the securities transferred was
        $81.3 million with gross unrealized investment losses of $.1 million
        transferred to equity. At December 1, 1995, $1,750.7 million of
        securities classified as held to maturity were transferred to the
        available for sale portfolio. As a result, unrealized gains of $88.5
        million on fixed maturities were recognized, offset by DAC amortization
        of $52.6 million.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate
        had an amortized cost of $4.3 million and $36.5 million, respectively,
        and mortgage loans on real estate for which the payment terms have been
        restructured had an amortized cost of $114.2 million and $137.7
        million, respectively. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the restructured
        mortgage loans on real estate amount included $.7 million and $8.8
        million, respectively, of problem mortgage loans on real estate.

        Impaired mortgage loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.........  $       128.1      $       106.8
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses......             .6               10.1
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages.................          128.7              116.9
        Provision for losses......................................           12.9               17.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans...............................  $       115.8      $        99.0
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, respectively, the Closed Block's average recorded
        investment in impaired mortgage loans was $153.8 million and $146.9
        million, respectively. Interest income recognized on these impaired
        mortgage loans totaled $10.9 million and $5.9 million for 1996 and
        1995, respectively, including $4.7 million and $1.3 million recognized
        on a cash basis.

        Valuation allowances amounted to $13.8 million and $18.4 million on
        mortgage loans on real estate and $3.7 million and $4.3 million on
        equity real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
        Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $12.8 million, $16.8 million
        and $15.9 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. As of January
        1, 1996, the adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in the recognition of
        impairment losses of $5.6 million on real estate held and used.

        Many expenses related to Closed Block operations are charged to
        operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, the contribution
        from the Closed Block does not represent the actual profitability of
        the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of
        the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business
        outside of the Closed Block.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>

 7)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        Summarized financial information of the GIC Segment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------
                                                       1996                 1995
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                  <C>         
        Assets
        Mortgage loans on real estate...........  $    1,111.1         $    1,485.8
        Equity real estate......................         925.6              1,122.1
        Other invested assets...................         474.0                665.2
        Other assets............................         226.1                579.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Assets............................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================

        Liabilities
        Policyholders' liabilities..............  $    1,335.9         $    1,399.8
        Allowance for future losses.............         262.0                164.2
        Amounts due to continuing operations....         996.2              2,097.1
        Other liabilities.......................         142.7                191.3
                                                 -----------------    -----------------
        Total Liabilities.......................  $    2,736.8         $    3,852.4
                                                 =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>       
        Revenues
        Investment income (net of investment expenses
          of $127.5, $153.1 and $183.3)....................  $       245.4       $      323.6       $      394.3
        Investment (losses) gains, net.....................          (18.9)             (22.9)              26.8
        Policy fees, premiums and other income.............             .2                 .7                 .4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.....................................          226.7              301.4              421.5
        Benefits and other deductions......................          250.4              326.5              443.2
        Losses charged to allowance for future losses......          (23.7)             (25.1)             (21.7)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Pre-tax loss from operations.......................            -                  -                  -
        Pre-tax loss from strengthening of the
          allowance for future losses......................         (129.0)               -                  -
        Federal income tax benefit.........................           45.2                -                  -
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Loss from Discontinued Operations..................  $       (83.8)      $        -         $        -
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        In 1991, management adopted a plan to discontinue the business
        operations of the GIC Segment consisting of group non-participating
        Wind-Up Annuities and the GIC lines of business. The loss allowance and
        premium deficiency reserve of $569.6 million provided for in 1991 were
        based on management's best judgment at that time.

        The Company's quarterly process for evaluating the loss provisions
        applies the current period's results of the discontinued operations
        against the allowance, re-estimates future losses, and adjusts the
        provisions, if appropriate. Additionally, as part of the Company's
        annual planning process which takes place in the fourth

                                      F-24
<PAGE>

        quarter of each year, investment and benefit cash flow projections are
        prepared. These updated assumptions and estimates resulted in the need
        to strengthen the loss provisions by $129.0 million, resulting in a
        post-tax charge of $83.8 million to discontinued operations' results in
        the fourth quarter of 1996.

        Management believes the loss provisions for Wind-Up Annuities and GIC
        contracts at December 31, 1996 are adequate to provide for all future
        losses; however, the determination of loss provisions continues to
        involve numerous estimates and subjective judgments regarding the
        expected performance of discontinued operations investment assets.
        There can be no assurance the losses provided for will not differ from
        the losses ultimately realized. To the extent actual results or future
        projections of the discontinued operations differ from management's
        current best estimates and assumptions underlying the loss provisions,
        the difference would be reflected in the consolidated statements of
        earnings in discontinued operations. In particular, to the extent
        income, sales proceeds and holding periods for equity real estate
        differ from management's previous assumptions, periodic adjustments to
        the loss provisions are likely to result.

        In January 1995, continuing operations transferred $1,215.4 million in
        cash to the GIC Segment in settlement of its obligation to provide
        assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.
        Subsequently, the GIC Segment remitted $1,155.4 million in cash to
        continuing operations in partial repayment of borrowings by the GIC
        Segment. No gains or losses were recognized on these transactions.
        Amounts due to continuing operations at December 31, 1996, consisted of
        $1,080.0 million borrowed by the discontinued GIC Segment offset by
        $83.8 million representing an obligation of continuing operations to
        provide assets to fund the accumulated deficit of the GIC Segment.

        Investment income included $88.2 million of interest income for 1994 on
        amounts due from continuing operations. Benefits and other deductions
        include $114.3 million, $154.6 million and $219.7 million of interest
        expense related to amounts borrowed from continuing operations in 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Valuation allowances amounted to $9.0 million and $19.2 million on
        mortgage loans on real estate and $20.4 million and $77.9 million on
        equity real estate at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As of
        January 1, 1996, the adoption of SFAS No. 121 resulted in a release of
        existing valuation allowances of $71.9 million on equity real estate
        and recognition of impairment losses of $69.8 million on real estate
        held and used. Writedowns of fixed maturities amounted to $1.6 million,
        $8.1 million and $17.8 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively
        and writedowns of equity real estate subsequent to the adoption of SFAS
        No. 121 amounted to $12.3 million for 1996.

        The fixed maturity portfolio, based on amortized cost, includes $6.2
        million and $15.1 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
        of restructured securities. These amounts include problem fixed
        maturities of $.5 million and $6.1 million at December 31, 1996 and
        1995, respectively.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, problem mortgage loans on real estate
        had amortized costs of $7.9 million and $35.4 million, respectively,
        and mortgage loans on real estate for which the payment terms have been
        restructured had amortized costs of $208.1 million and $289.3 million,
        respectively.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

        Impaired mortgage loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114) along with the
        related provision for losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ------------------------------------
                                                                      1996                1995
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
                                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                      <C>                <C>          
        Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......  $        83.5      $       105.1
        Impaired mortgage loans with no provision for losses....           15.0               18.2
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Recorded investment in impaired mortgages...............           98.5              123.3
        Provision for losses....................................            8.8               17.7
                                                                 ----------------   -----------------
        Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................  $        89.7      $       105.6
                                                                 ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment's average recorded investment in
        impaired mortgage loans was $134.8 million and $177.4 million,
        respectively. Interest income recognized on these impaired mortgage
        loans totaled $10.1 million and $4.5 million for 1996 and 1995,
        respectively, including $7.5 million and $.4 million recognized on a
        cash basis.

        At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the GIC Segment had $263.0 million and
        $310.9 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in satisfaction
        of debt.

8)      SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

        Short-term and long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------
                                                                  1996                 1995
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)

        <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>       
        Short-term debt....................................  $      174.1         $        -
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Long-term debt:
        Equitable Life:
          6.95% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2005.....         399.4                399.3
          7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature 2015.....         199.6                199.6
          Eurodollar notes, 10.5% due 1997.................           -                   76.2
          Zero coupon note, 11.25% due 1997................           -                  120.1
          Other............................................            .5                 16.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
              Total Equitable Life.........................         599.5                811.5
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Wholly Owned and Joint Venture Real Estate:
          Mortgage notes, 4.92% - 12.50% due through 2006..         968.6              1,084.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Alliance:
          Other............................................          24.7                  3.4
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total long-term debt...............................       1,592.8              1,899.3
                                                            -----------------    -----------------
        Total Short-term and Long-term Debt................  $    1,766.9         $    1,899.3
                                                            =================    =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

        Short-term Debt
        ---------------

        Equitable Life has a $350.0 million bank credit facility available to
        fund short-term working capital needs and to facilitate the securities
        settlement process. The credit facility consists of two types of
        borrowing options with varying interest rates. The interest rates are
        based on external indices dependent on the type of borrowing and at
        December 31, 1996 range from 5.73% (the London Interbank Offering Rate
        ("LIBOR") plus 22.5 basis points) to 8.25% (the prime rate). There were
        no borrowings outstanding under this bank credit facility at December
        31, 1996.

        Equitable Life has a commercial paper program with an issue limit of
        $500.0 million. This program is available for general corporate
        purposes used to support Equitable Life's liquidity needs and is
        supported by Equitable Life's existing $350.0 million five-year bank
        credit facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under this
        program at December 31, 1996.

        In February 1996, Alliance entered into a new $250.0 million five-year
        revolving credit facility with a group of banks which replaced its
        $100.0 million revolving credit facility and its $100.0 million
        commercial paper back-up revolving credit facility. Under the new
        revolving credit facility, the interest rate, at the option of
        Alliance, is a floating rate generally based upon a defined prime rate,
        a rate related to the LIBOR or the Federal Funds rate. A facility fee
        is payable on the total facility. The revolving credit facility will be
        used to provide back-up liquidity for commercial paper to be used under
        Alliance's $100.0 million commercial paper program, to fund commission
        payments to financial intermediaries for the sale of Class B and C
        shares under Alliance's mutual fund distribution system, and for
        general working capital purposes. As of December 31, 1996, Alliance had
        not issued any commercial paper under its $100.0 million commercial
        paper program and there were no borrowings outstanding under Alliance's
        revolving credit facility.

        At December 31, 1996, long-term debt expected to mature in 1997
        totaling $174.1 million was reclassified as short-term debt.

        Long-term Debt
        --------------

        Several of the long-term debt agreements have restrictive covenants
        related to the total amount of debt, net tangible assets and other
        matters. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

        On December 18, 1995, Equitable Life issued, in accordance with Section
        1307 of the New York Insurance Law, $400.0 million of surplus notes
        having an interest rate of 6.95% scheduled to mature in 2005 and $200.0
        million of surplus notes having an interest rate of 7.70% scheduled to
        mature in 2015 (together, the "Surplus Notes"). Proceeds from the
        issuance of the Surplus Notes were $596.6 million, net of related
        issuance costs. The unamortized discount on the Surplus Notes was $1.0
        million at December 31, 1996. Payments of interest on or principal of
        the Surplus Notes are subject to prior approval by the Superintendent.

        The Company has pledged real estate, mortgage loans, cash and
        securities amounting to $1,406.4 million and $1,629.7 million at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, as collateral for certain
        long-term debt.

        At December 31, 1996, aggregate maturities of the long-term debt based
        on required principal payments at maturity for 1997 and the succeeding
        four years are $494.9 million, $316.7 million, $19.7 million, $5.4
        million, $0 million, respectively, and $946.7 million thereafter.

                                      F-27
<PAGE>

 9)     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

        A summary of the Federal income tax expense (benefit) in the
        consolidated statements of earnings is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Federal income tax expense (benefit):
          Current...............................  $        97.9       $      (11.7)      $        4.0
          Deferred..............................          (88.2)             132.2               96.2
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total...................................  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The Federal income taxes attributable to consolidated operations are
        different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings
        before Federal income taxes and minority interest by the expected
        Federal income tax rate of 35%. The sources of the difference and the
        tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1996               1995                1994
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Expected Federal income tax expense.....  $        73.0       $      173.7       $      154.5
        Non-taxable minority interest...........          (28.6)             (22.0)             (17.6)
        Differential earnings amount............            -                  -                (16.8)
        Adjustment of tax audit reserves........            6.9                4.1               (4.6)
        Equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries...          (32.3)             (19.4)             (12.5)
        Other...................................           (9.3)             (15.9)              (2.8)
                                                 -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Federal Income Tax Expense..............  $         9.7       $      120.5       $      100.2
                                                 =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Prior to the date of demutualization, Equitable Life reduced its
        deduction for policyholder dividends by the differential earnings
        amount. This amount was computed, for each tax year, by multiplying
        Equitable Life's average equity base, as determined for tax purposes,
        by an estimate of the excess of an imputed earnings rate for stock life
        insurance companies over the average mutual life insurance companies'
        earnings rate. The differential earnings amount for each tax year was
        subsequently recomputed when actual earnings rates were published by
        the Internal Revenue Service. As a stock life insurance company,
        Equitable Life no longer is required to reduce its policyholder
        dividend deduction by the differential earnings amount, but
        differential earnings amounts for pre-demutualization years were still
        being recomputed in 1994.

        The components of the net deferred Federal income tax account are as
        follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996                  December 31, 1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                    ASSETS         LIABILITIES         Assets         Liabilities
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                     <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance..........  $       -        $      166.0      $        -        $     304.4
        Investments............................          -               328.6               -              326.9
        Compensation and related benefits......        259.2               -               293.0              -
        Other..................................          -                 1.8               -               32.3
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
        Total..................................  $     259.2      $      496.4      $      293.0      $     663.6
                                                ===============  ================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>

        The deferred Federal income taxes impacting operations reflect the net
        tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
        assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts
        used for income tax purposes. The sources of these temporary
        differences and the tax effects of each are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996               1995                1994
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                    <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        DAC, reserves and reinsurance.........  $      (156.2)      $       63.3       $       12.0
        Investments...........................           78.6               13.0               89.3
        Compensation and related benefits.....           22.3               30.8               10.0
        Other.................................          (32.9)              25.1              (15.1)
                                               -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Deferred Federal Income Tax
          (Benefit) Expense...................  $       (88.2)      $      132.2       $       96.2
                                               =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of examining the Holding
        Company's consolidated Federal income tax returns for the years 1989
        through 1991. Management believes these audits will have no material
        adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

10)     REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

        The Insurance Group assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurance
        companies. The Insurance Group evaluates the financial condition of its
        reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from
        reinsurer insolvencies. The effect of reinsurance (excluding group life
        and health) is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Direct premiums....................................  $       461.4       $      474.2       $      476.7
        Reinsurance assumed................................          177.5              171.3              180.5
        Reinsurance ceded..................................          (41.3)             (38.7)             (31.6)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Premiums...........................................  $       597.6       $      606.8       $      625.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Universal Life and Investment-type Product
          Policy Fee Income Ceded..........................  $        48.2       $       44.0       $       27.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Policyholders' Benefits Ceded......................  $        54.1       $       48.9       $       20.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Interest Credited to Policyholders' Account
          Balances Ceded...................................  $        32.3       $       28.5       $       25.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        Effective January 1, 1994, all in force business above $5.0 million was
        reinsured. During 1996, the Company's retention limit on joint
        survivorship policies was increased to $15.0 million. The Insurance
        Group also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard
        underwriting risks as well as in certain other cases.

        The Insurance Group cedes 100% of its group life and health business to
        a third party insurance company. Premiums ceded totaled $2.4 million,
        $260.6 million and $241.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
        respectively. Ceded death and disability benefits totaled $21.2
        million, $188.1 million and $235.5 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
        respectively. Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $652.4 million and
        $724.2 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

                                      F-29
<PAGE>

11)     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        The Company sponsors qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans
        covering substantially all employees (including certain qualified
        part-time employees), managers and certain agents. The pension plans
        are non-contributory. Equitable Life's and EREIM's benefits are based
        on a cash balance formula or years of service and final average
        earnings, if greater, under certain grandfathering rules in the plans.
        Alliance's benefits are based on years of credited service, average
        final base salary and primary social security benefits. The Company's
        funding policy is to make the minimum contribution required by the
        Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

        Components of net periodic pension cost (credit) for the qualified and
        non-qualified plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $        33.8       $       30.0       $       30.3
        Interest cost on projected benefit obligations.....          120.8              122.0              111.0
        Actual return on assets............................         (181.4)            (309.2)              24.4
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................           43.4              155.6             (142.5)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Pension Cost (Credit).................  $        16.6       $       (1.6)      $       23.2
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified pension plans is
        as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Actuarial present value of obligations:
          Vested..................................................  $    1,672.2       $    1,642.4
          Non-vested..............................................          10.1               10.9
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accumulated Benefit Obligation............................  $    1,682.3       $    1,653.3
                                                                   ================   =================
        Plan assets at fair value.................................  $    1,626.0       $    1,503.8
        Projected benefit obligation..............................       1,765.5            1,743.0
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.....        (139.5)            (239.2)
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................         (17.9)             (25.5)
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed.......................................         280.0              368.2
        Unrecognized net asset at transition......................           4.7               (7.3)
        Additional minimum liability..............................         (19.3)             (51.9)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Prepaid Pension Cost......................................  $      108.0       $       44.3
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        The discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation levels
        used in determining the actuarial present value of projected benefit
        obligations were 7.5% and 4.25%, respectively, at December 31, 1996 and
        7.25% and 4.50%, respectively, at December 31, 1995. As of January 1,
        1996 and 1995, the expected long-term rate of return on assets for the
        retirement plan was 10.25% and 11%, respectively.

                                      F-30
<PAGE>

        The Company recorded, as a reduction of shareholder's equity, an
        additional minimum pension liability of $12.9 million and $35.1
        million, net of Federal income taxes, at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
        respectively, representing the excess of the accumulated benefit
        obligation over the fair value of plan assets and accrued pension
        liability.

        The pension plan's assets include corporate and government debt
        securities, equity securities, equity real estate and shares of Group
        Trusts managed by Alliance.

        Prior to 1987, the qualified plan funded participants' benefits through
        the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from Equitable
        Life. Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $34.7
        million, $36.4 million and $38.1 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
        respectively.

        The Company provides certain medical and life insurance benefits
        (collectively, "postretirement benefits") for qualifying employees,
        managers and agents retiring from the Company on or after attaining age
        55 who have at least 10 years of service. The life insurance benefits
        are related to age and salary at retirement. The costs of
        postretirement benefits are recognized in accordance with the
        provisions of SFAS No. 106. The Company continues to fund
        postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and, for 1996,
        1995 and 1994, the Company made estimated postretirement benefits
        payments of $18.9 million, $31.1 million and $29.8 million,
        respectively.

        The following table sets forth the postretirement benefits plan's
        status, reconciled to amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated
        financial statements:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Service cost.......................................  $         5.3       $        4.0       $        3.9
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
          benefits obligation..............................           34.6               34.7               28.6
        Net amortization and deferrals.....................            2.4               (2.3)              (3.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Costs.........  $        42.3       $       36.4       $       28.6
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                        <C>                <C>         
        Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation:
          Retirees................................................  $      381.8       $      391.8
          Fully eligible active plan participants.................          50.7               50.4
          Other active plan participants..........................          60.7               64.2
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                           493.2              506.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost...........................          50.5               56.3
        Unrecognized net loss from past experience different
          from that assumed and from changes in assumptions.......        (150.5)            (181.3)
                                                                   ----------------   -----------------
        Accrued Postretirement Benefits Cost......................  $      393.2       $      381.4
                                                                   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-31
<PAGE>

        At January 1, 1994, medical benefits available to retirees under age 65
        are the same as those offered to active employees and medical benefits
        will be limited to 200% of 1993 costs for all participants.

        The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the
        accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was 9.5% in 1996,
        gradually declining to 3.5% in the year 2009 and in 1995 was 10%,
        gradually declining to 3.5% in the year 2008. The discount rate used in
        determining the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation was
        7.50% and 7.25% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

        If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%,
        the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation as of December 31,
        1996 would be increased 7%. The effect of this change on the sum of the
        service cost and interest cost would be an increase of 8%.

12)     DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Derivatives
        -----------

        The Insurance Group primarily uses derivatives for asset/liability risk
        management and for hedging individual securities. Derivatives mainly
        are utilized to reduce the Insurance Group's exposure to interest rate
        fluctuations. Accounting for interest rate swap transactions is on an
        accrual basis. Gains and losses related to interest rate swap
        transactions are amortized as yield adjustments over the remaining life
        of the underlying hedged security. Income and expense resulting from
        interest rate swap activities are reflected in net investment income.
        The notional amount of matched interest rate swaps outstanding at
        December 31, 1996 was $649.9 million. The average unexpired terms at
        December 31, 1996 range from 2.2 to 2.7 years. At December 31, 1996,
        the cost of terminating outstanding matched swaps in a loss position
        was $8.3 million and the unrealized gain on outstanding matched swaps
        in a gain position was $11.4 million. The Company has no intention of
        terminating these contracts prior to maturity. During 1996, 1995 and
        1994, net gains (losses) of $.2 million, $1.4 million and $(.2)
        million, respectively, were recorded in connection with interest rate
        swap activity. Equitable Life has implemented an interest rate cap
        program designed to hedge crediting rates on interest-sensitive
        individual annuities contracts. The outstanding notional amounts at
        December 31, 1996 of contracts purchased and sold were $5,050.0 million
        and $500.0 million, respectively. The net premium paid by Equitable
        Life on these contracts was $22.5 million and is being amortized
        ratably over the contract periods ranging from 3 to 5 years. Income and
        expense resulting from this program are reflected as an adjustment to
        interest credited to policyholders' account balances.

        Substantially all of DLJ's business related to derivatives is by its
        nature trading activities which are primarily for the purpose of
        customer accommodations. DLJ's derivative activities consist primarily
        of option writing and trading in forward and futures contracts.
        Derivative financial instruments have both on-and-off balance sheet
        implications depending on the nature of the contracts. DLJ's
        involvement in swap contracts is not significant.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments
        -----------------------------------

        The Company defines fair value as the quoted market prices for those
        instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases
        where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated
        using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair value
        estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available
        market information and judgments about the financial instrument,
        including estimates of timing, amount of expected future cash flows and
        the credit standing of counterparties. Such estimates do not reflect
        any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one
        time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial
        instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of

                                      F-32
<PAGE>

        unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value estimates
        cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can
        the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the
        instrument.

        Certain financial instruments are excluded, particularly insurance
        liabilities other than financial guarantees and investment contracts.
        Fair market value of off-balance-sheet financial instruments of the
        Insurance Group was not material at December 31, 1996 and 1995.

        Fair value for mortgage loans on real estate are estimated by
        discounting future contractual cash flows using interest rates at which
        loans with similar characteristics and credit quality would be made.
        Fair values for foreclosed mortgage loans and problem mortgage loans
        are limited to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral if
        lower.

        The estimated fair values for the Company's liabilities under GIC and
        association plan contracts are estimated using contractual cash flows
        discounted based on the T. Rowe Price GIC Index Rate for the
        appropriate duration. For durations in excess of the published index
        rate, the appropriate Treasury rate is used plus a spread equal to the
        longest duration GIC rate spread published.

        The estimated fair values for those group annuity contracts which are
        classified as universal life type contracts are measured at the
        estimated fair value of the underlying assets. The estimated fair
        values for single premium deferred annuities ("SPDA") are estimated
        using projected cash flows discounted at current offering rates. The
        estimated fair values for supplementary contracts not involving life
        contingencies ("SCNILC") and annuities certain are derived using
        discounted cash flows based upon the estimated current offering rate.

        Fair value for long-term debt is determined using published market
        values, where available, or contractual cash flows discounted at market
        interest rates. The estimated fair values for non-recourse mortgage
        debt are determined by discounting contractual cash flows at a rate
        which takes into account the level of current market interest rates and
        collateral risk. The estimated fair values for recourse mortgage debt
        are determined by discounting contractual cash flows at a rate based
        upon current interest rates of other companies with credit ratings
        similar to the Company. The Company's fair value of short-term
        borrowings approximates their carrying value.

                                      F-33
<PAGE>

        The following table discloses carrying value and estimated fair value
        for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3, 6 and 7:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1996                               1995
                                                ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
                                                   CARRYING         ESTIMATED         Carrying         Estimated
                                                    VALUE          FAIR VALUE          Value           Fair Value
                                                ---------------  ----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>         
        Consolidated Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........  $    3,133.0     $     3,394.6     $     3,638.3     $    3,973.6
        Other joint ventures...................         467.0             467.0             492.7            492.7
        Policy loans...........................       2,196.1           2,221.6           1,976.4          2,057.5
        Policyholders' account balances:
          Association plans....................          78.1              77.3             101.0            100.0
          Group annuity contracts..............       2,141.0           1,954.0           2,335.0          2,395.0
          SPDA.................................       1,062.7           1,065.7           1,265.8          1,272.0
          Annuities certain and SCNILC.........         654.9             736.2             646.4            716.7
        Long-term debt.........................       1,592.8           1,557.7           1,899.3          1,962.9

        Closed Block Financial Instruments:
        -----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,380.7           1,425.6           1,368.8          1,461.4
        Other equity investments...............         105.0             105.0             151.6            151.6
        Policy loans...........................       1,765.9           1,798.0           1,797.2          1,891.4
        SCNILC liability.......................          30.6              34.9              34.8             39.6

        GIC Segment Financial Instruments:
        ----------------------------------
        Mortgage loans on real estate..........       1,111.1           1,220.3           1,485.8          1,666.1
        Fixed maturities.......................          42.5              42.5             107.4            107.4
        Other equity investments...............         300.5             300.5             455.9            455.9
        Guaranteed interest contracts..........         290.7             300.5             329.0            352.0
        Long-term debt.........................         102.1             102.2             135.1            136.0
</TABLE>

13)     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

        The Company has provided, from time to time, certain guarantees or
        commitments to affiliates, investors and others. These arrangements
        include commitments by the Company, under certain conditions: to make
        capital contributions of up to $244.9 million to affiliated real estate
        joint ventures; to provide equity financing to certain limited
        partnerships of $205.8 million at December 31, 1996, under existing
        loan or loan commitment agreements; and to provide short-term financing
        loans which at December 31, 1996 totaled $14.6 million. Management
        believes the Company will not incur any material losses as a result of
        these commitments.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>

        Equitable Life is the obligor under certain structured settlement
        agreements which it had entered into with unaffiliated insurance
        companies and beneficiaries. To satisfy its obligations under these
        agreements, Equitable Life owns single premium annuities issued by
        previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries. Equitable Life has
        directed payment under these annuities to be made directly to the
        beneficiaries under the structured settlement agreements. A contingent
        liability exists with respect to these agreements should the previously
        wholly owned subsidiaries be unable to meet their obligations.
        Management believes the satisfaction of those obligations by Equitable
        Life is remote.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance Group had $51.6 million of letters
        of credit outstanding.

14)     LITIGATION

        A number of lawsuits has been filed against life and health insurers in
        the jurisdictions in which Equitable Life and its subsidiaries do
        business involving insurers' sales practices, alleged agent misconduct,
        failure to properly supervise agents, and other matters. Some of the
        lawsuits have resulted in the award of substantial judgments against
        other insurers, including material amounts of punitive damages, or in
        substantial settlements. In some states, juries have substantial
        discretion in awarding punitive damages. Equitable Life, EVLICO and The
        Equitable of Colorado, Inc. ("EOC"), like other life and health
        insurers, from time to time are involved in such litigation. To date,
        no such lawsuit has resulted in an award or settlement of any material
        amount against the Company. Among litigations pending against Equitable
        Life, EVLICO and EOC of the type referred to in this paragraph are the
        litigations described in the following eight paragraphs.

        An action entitled Golomb et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance
        Society of the United States was filed on January 20, 1995 in New York
        County Supreme Court. The action purports to be brought on behalf of a
        class of persons insured after 1983 under Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable
        Major Medical Insurance Policies issued by Equitable Life (the
        "policies"). The complaint alleges that premium increases for these
        policies after 1983, all of which were filed with and approved by the
        New York State Insurance Department and certain other state insurance
        departments, breached the terms of the policies, and that statements in
        the policies and elsewhere concerning premium increases constituted
        fraudulent concealment, misrepresentations in violation of New York
        Insurance Law Section 4226 and deceptive practices under New York
        General Business Law Section 349. The complaint seeks a declaratory
        judgment, injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable
        Life increases premiums on the policies in the future, a refund of
        premiums, and punitive damages. Plaintiffs also have indicated that
        they will seek damages in an unspecified amount. Equitable Life moved
        to dismiss the complaint in its entirety on the grounds that it fails
        to state a claim and that uncontroverted documentary evidence
        establishes a complete defense to the claims. On May 29, 1996, the New
        York County Supreme Court entered a judgment dismissing the complaint
        with prejudice. Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal of that
        judgment.

        In January 1996, separate actions were filed in Pennsylvania and Texas
        state courts (entitled, respectively, Malvin et al. v. The Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States and Bowler et al. v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States), making claims
        similar to those in the New York action described above. The Texas
        action also claims that Equitable Life misrepresented to Texas
        policyholders that the Texas Insurance Department had approved
        Equitable Life's rate increases. These actions are asserted on behalf
        of proposed classes of Pennsylvania issued or renewed policyholders and
        Texas issued or renewed policyholders, insured under the policies. The
        Pennsylvania and Texas actions seek compensatory and punitive damages
        and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which Equitable Life
        increases premiums in the future based on the common law and statutes
        of those states. On February 9, 1996, Equitable Life removed the
        Pennsylvania action, Malvin, to the United States District Court for
        the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Following the decision granting
        Equitable Life's motion to dismiss the New York action

                                      F-35
<PAGE>

        (Golomb), on the consent of the parties the District Court ordered an
        indefinite stay of all proceedings in the Pennsylvania action, pending
        either party's right to reinstate the proceeding, and ordered that for
        administrative purposes the case be deemed administratively closed. On
        February 2, 1996, Equitable Life removed the Texas action, Bowler, to
        the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. On
        May 20, 1996, the plaintiffs in Bowler amended their complaint by
        adding allegations of misrepresentation regarding premium increases on
        other types of guaranteed renewable major medical insurance policies
        issued by Equitable Life up to and including 1983. On July 1, 1996,
        Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment dismissing the first
        amended complaint in its entirety. In August, 1996, the court granted
        plaintiffs leave to file a supplemental complaint on behalf of a
        proposed class of Texas policyholders claiming unfair discrimination,
        breach of contract and other claims arising out of alleged differences
        between premiums charged to Texas policyholders and premiums charged to
        similarly situated policyholders in New York and certain other states.
        Plaintiffs seek refunds of alleged overcharges, exemplary or additional
        damages citing Texas statutory provisions which among other things,
        permit two times the amount of actual damage plus additional penalties
        if the acts complained of are found to be knowingly committed, and
        injunctive relief. Equitable Life has also filed a motion for summary
        judgment dismissing the supplemental complaint in its entirety.
        Plaintiffs also obtained permission to add another plaintiff to the
        first amended and supplemental complaints. Plaintiffs have opposed both
        motions for summary judgment and requested that certain issues be found
        in their favor. Equitable Life is in the process of replying.

        On May 22, 1996, a separate action entitled Bachman v. The Equitable
        Life Assurance Society of the United States, was filed in Florida state
        court making claims similar to those in the previously reported Golomb
        action. The Florida action is asserted on behalf of a proposed class of
        Florida issued or renewed policyholders insured after 1983 under
        Lifetime Guaranteed Renewable Major Medical Insurance Policies issued
        by Equitable Life. The Florida action seeks compensatory and punitive
        damages and injunctive relief restricting the methods by which
        Equitable Life increases premiums in the future based on various common
        law claims. On June 20, 1996, Equitable Life removed the Florida action
        to Federal court. Equitable Life has answered the complaint, denying
        the material allegations and asserting certain affirmative defenses. On
        December 6, 1996, Equitable Life filed a motion for summary judgment
        and plaintiff is expected to file its response to that motion shortly.

        On November 6, 1996, a proposed class action entitled Fletcher, et al.
        v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, was filed
        in California Superior Court for Fresno County, making substantially
        the same allegations concerning premium rates and premium rate
        increases on guaranteed renewable policies made in the Bowler action.
        The complaint alleges, among other things, that differentials between
        rates charged California policyholders and policyholders in New York
        and certain other states, and the methods used by Equitable Life to
        calculate premium increases, breached the terms of its policies, that
        Equitable Life misrepresented and concealed the facts pertaining to
        such differentials and methods in violation of California law, and that
        Equitable Life also misrepresented that its rate increases were
        approved by the California Insurance Department. Plaintiffs seek
        compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, rescission, injunctive
        relief and attorneys' fees. Equitable Life removed the action to
        Federal court; plaintiff has moved to remand the case to state court.
        Although the outcome of any litigation cannot be predicted with
        certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action, the Company's
        management believes that the ultimate resolution of the Golomb, Malvin,
        Bowler, Bachman and Fletcher litigations should not have a material
        adverse effect on the financial position of the Company. Due to the
        early stage of such litigations, the Company's management cannot make
        an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether or not such litigations
        will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
        operations in any particular period.

                                      F-36
<PAGE>

        An action was instituted on April 6, 1995 against Equitable Life and
        its wholly owned subsidiary, EOC, in New York state court, entitled
        Sidney C. Cole et al. v. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
        United States and The Equitable of Colorado, Inc., No. 95/108611 (N. Y.
        County). The action is brought by the holders of a joint survivorship
        whole life policy issued by EOC. The action purports to be on behalf of
        a class consisting of all persons who from January 1, 1984 purchased
        life insurance policies sold by Equitable Life and EOC based upon their
        allegedly uniform sales presentations and policy illustrations. The
        complaint puts in issue various alleged sales practices that plaintiffs
        assert, among other things, misrepresented the stated number of years
        that the annual premium would need to be paid. Plaintiffs seek damages
        in an unspecified amount, imposition of a constructive trust, and seek
        to enjoin Equitable Life and EOC from engaging in the challenged sales
        practices. On June 28, 1996, the court issued a decision and order
        dismissing with prejudice plaintiff's causes of action for fraud,
        constructive fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and unjust
        enrichment, and dismissing without prejudice plaintiff's cause of
        action under the New York State consumer protection statute. The only
        remaining causes of action are for breach of contract and negligent
        misrepresentation. Plaintiffs made a motion for reargument with respect
        to this order, which was submitted to the court in October 1996. This
        motion was denied by the court on December 16, 1996.

        On May 21, 1996, an action entitled Elton F. Duncan, III v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, was commenced
        against Equitable Life in the Civil District Court for the Parish of
        Orleans, State of Louisiana. The action is brought by an individual who
        purchased a whole life policy. Plaintiff alleges misrepresentations
        concerning the extent to which the policy was a proper replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. Plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all persons
        who purchased whole life or universal life insurance policies from
        Equitable Life from January 1, 1982 to the present. Plaintiff seeks
        damages, including punitive damages, in an unspecified amount. On July
        26, 1996, an action entitled Michael Bradley v. Equitable Variable Life
        Insurance Company, was commenced in New York state court. The action is
        brought by the holder of a variable life insurance policy issued by
        EVLICO. The plaintiff purports to represent a class consisting of all
        persons or entities who purchased one or more life insurance policies
        issued by EVLICO from January 1, 1980. The complaint puts at issue
        various alleged sales practices and alleges misrepresentations
        concerning the extent to which the policy was a proper replacement
        policy and the number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. Plaintiff seeks damages, including punitive damages, in an
        unspecified amount and also seeks injunctive relief prohibiting EVLICO
        from canceling policies for failure to make premium payments beyond the
        alleged stated number of years that the annual premium would need to be
        paid. On September 21, 1996 Equitable Life, EVLICO and EOC made a
        motion to have this proceeding moved from Kings County Supreme Court to
        New York County for joint trial or consolidation with the Cole action.
        The motion was denied by the court on January 9, 1997. On January 10,
        1997, plaintiffs moved for certification of a nationwide class
        consisting of all persons or entities who were sold one or more life
        insurance products on a "vanishing premium" basis and/or were allegedly
        induced to purchase additional policies from EVLICO, using the cash
        value accumulated in existing policies, from January 1, 1980 through
        and including December 31, 1996. Plaintiffs further moved to have
        Michael Bradley designated as the class representative. Discovery
        regarding class certification is underway.

        On December 12, 1996, an action entitled Robert E. Dillon v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and The Equitable
        of Colorado, was commenced in the United States District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action is brought by an individual
        who purchased a joint whole life policy from EOC. The complaint puts at
        issue various alleged sales practices and alleges misrepresentations
        concerning the alleged impropriety of replacement policies issued by
        Equitable Life and EOC and alleged misrepresentations regarding the
        number of years premiums would have to be paid on the defendants'
        policies. Plaintiff brings claims for breach of contract, fraud,
        negligent misrepresentation, money had and received, unjust enrichment
        and imposition of a constructive trust. Plaintiff purports to represent
        two classes

                                      F-37
<PAGE>

        of persons. The first is a "contract class," consisting of all persons
        who purchased whole or universal life insurance policies from Equitable
        Life and EOC and from whom Equitable Life and EOC have sought
        additional payments beyond the number of years allegedly promised by
        Equitable Life and EOC. The second is a "fraud class," consisting of
        all persons with an interest in policies issued by Equitable Life and
        EOC at any time since October 1, 1986. Plaintiff seeks damages in an
        unspecified amount, and also seeks injunctive relief attaching
        Equitable Life's and EOC's profits from their alleged sales practices.
        Equitable Life's and EOC's time to answer or move with respect to the
        complaint has been extended until February 24, 1997. Although the
        outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly
        in the early stages of an action, the Company's management believes
        that the ultimate resolution of the Cole, Duncan, Bradley and Dillon
        litigations should not have a material adverse effect on the financial
        position of the Company. Due to the early stages of such litigations,
        the Company's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or
        predict whether or not any such litigation will have a material adverse
        effect on the Company's results of operations in any particular period.

        On January 3, 1996, an amended complaint was filed in an action
        entitled Frank Franze Jr. and George Busher, individually and on behalf
        of all others similarly situated v. The Equitable Life Assurance
        Society of the United States, and Equitable Variable Life Insurance
        Company, No. 94-2036 in the United States District Court for the
        Southern District of Florida. The action was brought by two individuals
        who purchased variable life insurance policies. The plaintiffs purport
        to represent a nationwide class consisting of all persons who purchased
        variable life insurance policies from Equitable Life and EVLICO since
        September 30, 1991. The basic allegation of the amended complaint is
        that Equitable Life's and EVLICO's agents were trained not to disclose
        fully that the product being sold was life insurance. Plaintiffs allege
        violations of the Federal securities laws and seek rescission of the
        contracts or compensatory damages and attorneys' fees and expenses. The
        court denied Equitable Life and EVLICO's motion to dismiss the amended
        complaint on September 24, 1996. Equitable Life and EVLICO have
        answered the amended complaint, denying the material allegations and
        asserting certain affirmative defenses. Currently, the parties are
        conducting discovery in connection with plaintiffs' attempt to certify
        a class. On January 9, 1997, an action entitled Rosemarie Chaviano,
        individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. The
        Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and Equitable
        Variable Life Insurance Company, was filed in Massachusetts state court
        making claims similar to those in the Franze action and alleging
        violations of the Massachusetts securities laws. The plaintiff purports
        to represent all persons in Massachusetts who purchased variable life
        insurance contracts from Equitable Life and EVLICO from January 9, 1993
        to the present. The Massachusetts action seeks rescission of the
        contracts or compensatory damages, attorneys' fees, expenses and
        injunctive relief. Although the outcome of any litigation cannot be
        predicted with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an
        action, the Company's management believes that the ultimate resolution
        of the litigations discussed in this paragraph should not have a
        material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company. Due
        to the early stages of such litigation, the Company's management cannot
        make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether or not any such
        litigation will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results
        of operations in any particular period.

        Equitable Life recently responded to a subpoena from the U.S.
        Department of Labor ("DOL") requesting copies of any third-party
        appraisals in Equitable Life's possession relating to the ten largest
        properties (by value) in the Prime Property Fund ("PPF"). PPF is an
        open-end, commingled real estate separate account of Equitable Life for
        pension clients. Equitable Life serves as investment manager in PPF and
        has retained EREIM as advisor. In early 1995, the DOL commenced a
        national investigation of commingled real estate funds with pension
        investors, including PPF. The investigation now appears to be focused
        principally on appraisal and valuation procedures in respect of fund
        properties. The most recent request from the DOL seems to reflect, at
        least in part, an interest in the relationship between the valuations
        for those properties reflected in appraisals prepared for local
        property tax proceedings and the valuations used by PPF for other

                                      F-38
<PAGE>

        purposes. At no time has the DOL made any specific allegation that
        Equitable Life or EREIM has acted improperly and Equitable Life and
        EREIM believe that any such allegation would be without foundation.
        While the outcome of this investigation cannot be predicted with
        certainty, in the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of
        this matter should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
        consolidated financial position or results of operations in any
        particular period.

        Equitable Casualty Insurance Company ("Casualty"), an indirect wholly
        owned subsidiary of Equitable Life, is party to an arbitration
        proceeding that commenced in August 1995. The proceeding relates to a
        dispute among Casualty, Houston General Insurance Company ("Houston
        General") and GEICO General Insurance Company ("GEICO General")
        regarding the interpretation of a reinsurance agreement. The
        arbitration panel issued a final award in favor of Casualty and GEICO
        General on June 17, 1996. Casualty and GEICO General moved in the
        pending Texas state court action, with Houston General's consent, for
        an order confirming the arbitration award and entering judgment
        dismissing the action. The motion was granted on January 29, 1997. The
        parties have also stipulated to the dismissal without prejudice of a
        related Texas Federal court action brought by Houston General against
        GEICO General and Equitable Life. In connection with confirmation of
        the arbitration award, Houston General paid to Casualty approximately
        $839,600 in settlement of certain reimbursement claims by Casualty
        against Houston General.

        On July 25, 1995, a Consolidated and Supplemental Class Action
        Complaint ("Complaint") was filed against the Alliance North American
        Government Income Trust, Inc. (the "Fund"), Alliance and certain other
        defendants affiliated with Alliance, including the Holding Company,
        alleging violations of Federal securities laws, fraud and breach of
        fiduciary duty in connection with the Fund's investments in Mexican and
        Argentine securities. The Complaint, which seeks certification of a
        plaintiff class of persons who purchased or owned Class A, B or C
        shares of the Fund from March 27, 1992 through December 23, 1994, seeks
        an unspecified amount of damages, costs, attorneys' fees and punitive
        damages. The principal allegations of the Complaint are that the Fund
        purchased debt securities issued by the Mexican and Argentine
        governments in amounts that were not permitted by the Fund's investment
        objective, and that there was no shareholder vote to change the
        investment objective to permit purchases in such amounts. The Complaint
        further alleges that the decline in the value of the Mexican and
        Argentine securities held by the Fund caused the Fund's net asset value
        to decline to the detriment of the Fund's shareholders. On September
        26, 1996, the United States District Court for the Southern District of
        New York granted the defendants' motion to dismiss all counts of the
        complaint. On October 11, 1996, plaintiffs filed a motion for
        reconsideration of the court's decision granting defendants' motion to
        dismiss the Complaint. On November 25, 1996, the court denied
        plaintiffs' motion for reconsideration. On October 29, 1996, plaintiffs
        filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint. The principal
        allegations of the proposed amended complaint are that the Fund did not
        properly disclose that it planned to invest in mortgage-backed
        derivative securities and that two advertisements used by the Fund
        misrepresented the risks of investing in the Fund. Plaintiffs also
        reiterated allegations in the Complaint that the Fund failed to hedge
        against the risks of investing in foreign securities despite
        representations that it would do so. Alliance believes that the
        allegations in the Complaint are without merit and intends to
        vigorously defend against these claims. While the ultimate outcome of
        this matter cannot be determined at this time, management of Alliance
        does not expect that it will have a material adverse effect on
        Alliance's results of operations or financial condition.

        On January 26, 1996, a purported purchaser of certain notes and
        warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Rickel Home Centers,
        Inc. ("Rickel") filed a class action complaint against Donaldson,
        Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJSC") and certain other
        defendants for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in the
        United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The
        suit was brought on behalf of the purchasers of 126,457 units
        consisting of $126,457,000 aggregate principal amount of 13 1/2% senior
        notes due 2001 and 126,457 warrants to purchase shares of common stock
        of Rickel issued

                                      F-39
<PAGE>

        by Rickel in October 1994. The complaint alleges violations of Federal
        securities laws and common law fraud against DLJSC, as the underwriter
        of the units and as an owner of 7.3% of the common stock of Rickel, Eos
        Partners, L.P., and General Electric Capital Corporation, each as
        owners of 44.2% of the common stock of Rickel, and members of the Board
        of Directors of Rickel, including a DLJSC Managing Director. The
        complaint seeks to hold DLJSC liable for alleged misstatements and
        omissions contained in the prospectus and registration statement filed
        in connection with the offering of the units, alleging that the
        defendants knew of financial losses and a decline in value of Rickel in
        the months prior to the offering and did not disclose such information.
        The complaint also alleges that Rickel failed to pay its semi-annual
        interest payment due on the units on December 15, 1995 and that Rickel
        filed a voluntary petition for reorganization pursuant to Chapter 11 of
        the United States Bankruptcy Code on January 10, 1996. DLJSC intends to
        defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in
        the complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe
        the outcome of this litigation will have a material adverse effect on
        its financial condition. Due to the early stage of this litigation,
        based on the information currently available to it, DLJ's management
        cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether or not such
        litigation will have a material adverse effect on DLJ's results of
        operations in any particular period.

        In October 1995, DLJSC was named as a defendant in a purported class
        action filed in a Texas State Court on behalf of the holders of $550.0
        million principal amount of subordinated redeemable discount debentures
        of National Gypsum Corporation ("NGC") canceled in connection with a
        Chapter 11 plan of reorganization for NGC consummated in July 1993. The
        named plaintiff in the State Court action also filed an adversary
        proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas
        seeking a declaratory judgment that the confirmed NGC plan of
        reorganization does not bar the class action claims. Subsequent to the
        consummation of NGC's plan of reorganization, NGC's shares traded for
        values substantially in excess of, and in 1995 NGC was acquired for a
        value substantially in excess of, the values upon which NGC's plan of
        reorganization was based. The two actions arise out of DLJSC's
        activities as financial advisor to NGC in the course of NGC's Chapter
        11 reorganization proceedings. The class action complaint alleges that
        the plan of reorganization submitted by NGC was based upon projections
        by NGC and DLJSC which intentionally understated forecasts, and
        provided misleading and incorrect information in order to hide NGC's
        true value and that defendants breached their fiduciary duties by,
        among other things, providing false, misleading or incomplete
        information to deliberately understate the value of NGC. The class
        action complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages purportedly
        sustained by the class. The Texas State Court action, which had been
        removed to the Bankruptcy Court, has been remanded back to the state
        court, which remand is being opposed by DLJSC. DLJSC intends to defend
        itself vigorously against all of the allegations contained in the
        complaint. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe
        that the ultimate outcome of this litigation will have a material
        adverse effect on its financial condition. Due to the early stage of
        such litigation, based upon the information currently available to it,
        DLJ's management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict
        whether or not such litigation will have a material adverse effect on
        DLJ's results of operations in any particular period.

        In November and December 1995, DLJSC, along with various other parties,
        was named as a defendant in a number of purported class actions filed
        in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The
        complaints allege violations of the Federal securities laws arising out
        of a public offering in 1994 of $435.0 million of first mortgage notes
        of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. The complaints
        seek to hold DLJSC liable for various alleged misstatements and
        omissions contained in the prospectus dated November 9, 1994. DLJSC
        intends to defend itself vigorously against all of the allegations
        contained in the complaints. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ
        does not believe that the ultimate outcome of this litigation will have
        a material adverse effect on its financial condition. Due to the early
        stage of this

                                      F-40
<PAGE>

        litigation, based upon the information currently available to it, DLJ's
        management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether
        or not such litigation will have a material adverse effect on DLJ's
        results of operations in any particular period.

        In addition to the matters described above, Equitable Life and its
        subsidiaries and DLJ and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal
        actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of
        the actions and proceedings have been brought on behalf of various
        alleged classes of claimants and certain of these claimants seek
        damages of unspecified amounts. While the ultimate outcome of such
        matters cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of
        management no such matter is likely to have a material adverse effect
        on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
        operations.

15)     LEASES

        The Company has entered into operating leases for office space and
        certain other assets, principally data processing equipment and office
        furniture and equipment. Future minimum payments under noncancelable
        leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $113.7 million,
        $110.6 million, $100.3 million, $72.3 million, $59.3 million and $427.3
        million thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these
        noncancelable leases for 1997 and the succeeding four years are $9.8
        million, $6.0 million, $4.5 million, $2.4 million, $.8 million and $.1
        million thereafter.

        At December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental income on noncancelable
        operating leases for wholly owned investments in real estate for 1997
        and the succeeding four years are $263.0 million, $242.1 million,
        $219.8 million, $194.3 million, $174.6 million and $847.1 million
        thereafter.

16)     OTHER OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

        Other operating costs and expenses consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Compensation costs.................................  $       647.3       $      595.9       $      687.5
        Commissions........................................          329.5              314.3              313.0
        Short-term debt interest expense...................            8.0               11.4               19.0
        Long-term debt interest expense....................          137.3              108.1               98.3
        Amortization of policy acquisition costs...........          405.2              317.8              313.4
        Capitalization of policy acquisition costs.........         (391.9)            (391.0)            (410.9)
        Rent expense, net of sub-lease income..............          113.7              109.3              116.0
        Other..............................................          798.9              710.0              721.4
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     2,048.0       $    1,775.8       $    1,857.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

        During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company restructured certain operations
        in connection with cost reduction programs and recorded pre-tax
        provisions of $24.4 million, $32.0 million and $20.4 million,
        respectively. The amounts paid during 1996, associated with cost
        reduction programs, totaled $17.7 million. At December 31, 1996, the
        liabilities associated with cost reduction programs amounted to $44.5
        million. The 1996 cost reduction program included restructuring costs
        related to the consolidation of insurance operations' service centers.
        The 1995 cost reduction program included relocation expenses, including
        the accelerated amortization of building improvements associated with
        the relocation of the home office. The 1994 cost

                                      F-41
<PAGE>

        reduction program included costs associated with the termination of
        operating leases and employee severance benefits in connection with the
        consolidation of 16 insurance agencies. Amortization of DAC included
        $145.0 million writeoff of DAC related to DI contracts in the fourth
        quarter of 1996.

17)     INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Equitable Life is restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends
        to the Holding Company. Under the New York Insurance Law, the
        Superintendent has broad discretion to determine whether the financia1
        condition of a stock life insurance company would support the payment
        of dividends to its shareholders. For 1996, 1995 and 1994, statutory
        net (loss) earnings totaled $(351.1) million, $(352.4) million and
        $67.5 million, respectively. No amounts are expected to be available
        for dividends from Equitable Life to the Holding Company in 1997.

        At December 31, 1996, the Insurance Group, in accordance with various
        government and state regulations, had $21.9 million of securities
        deposited with such government or state agencies.

        Accounting practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
        regulatory filings of stock life insurance companies differ in certain
        instances from GAAP. The New York Insurance Department (the
        "Department") recognizes only statutory accounting practices for
        determining and reporting the financial condition and results of
        operations of an insurance company, for determining its solvency under
        the New York Insurance Law, and for determining whether its financial
        condition warrants the payment of a dividend to its stockholders. No
        consideration is given by the Department to financial statements
        prepared in accordance with GAAP in making such determinations. The
        following reconciles the Company's statutory change in surplus and
        capital stock and statutory surplus and capital stock determined in
        accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the Department with
        net earnings and equity on a GAAP basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Net change in statutory surplus and capital stock..  $        56.0       $       78.1       $      292.4
        Change in asset valuation reserves.................          (48.4)             365.7             (285.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net change in statutory surplus, capital stock
          and asset valuation reserves.....................            7.6              443.8                7.2
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................         (298.5)             (66.0)              (5.3)
          DAC..............................................          (13.3)              73.2               97.5
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................          108.0             (158.1)             (58.7)
          Valuation of investments.........................          289.8              189.1               45.2
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (117.7)            (188.6)             396.6
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................           92.5              416.9               74.9
          Contribution from the Holding Company............            -                  -               (300.0)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................            -               (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................           28.9              (26.7)              17.1
          Other, net.......................................           12.4              115.1              (44.0)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................           (9.8)              15.7               (9.5)
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................          (89.6)              37.3               42.8
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Net Earnings of the Insurance Group................  $        10.3       $      312.8       $      263.8
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>
                                      F-42
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Statutory surplus and capital stock................  $     2,258.9       $    2,202.9       $    2,124.8
        Asset valuation reserves...........................        1,297.5            1,345.9              980.2
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Statutory surplus, capital stock and asset
          valuation reserves...............................        3,556.4            3,548.8            3,105.0
        Adjustments:
          Future policy benefits and policyholders'
            account balances...............................       (1,305.0)          (1,006.5)            (940.5)
          DAC..............................................        3,104.9            3,075.8            3,219.4
          Deferred Federal income taxes....................         (306.1)            (452.0)             (29.4)
          Valuation of investments.........................          286.8              417.7             (794.1)
          Valuation of investment subsidiary...............         (782.8)            (665.1)            (476.5)
          Limited risk reinsurance.........................         (336.5)            (429.0)            (845.9)
          Issuance of surplus notes........................         (539.0)            (538.9)               -
          Postretirement benefits..........................         (314.4)            (343.3)            (316.6)
          Other, net.......................................          126.3                4.4              (79.2)
          GAAP adjustments of Closed Block.................          783.7              830.8              740.4
          GAAP adjustments of discontinued GIC
            Segment........................................         (190.3)            (184.6)            (221.9)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Equity of the Insurance Group......................  $     4,084.0       $    4,258.1       $    3,360.7
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

18)     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

        The Company has two major business segments: Insurance Operations and
        Investment Services. Interest expense related to debt not specific to
        either business segment is presented as Corporate interest expense.
        Information for all periods is presented on a comparable basis.

        The Insurance Operations segment offers a variety of traditional,
        variable and interest-sensitive life insurance products, disability
        income, annuity products, mutual fund and other investment products to
        individuals and small groups and administers traditional participating
        group annuity contracts with conversion features, generally for
        corporate qualified pension plans, and association plans which provide
        full service retirement programs for individuals affiliated with
        professional and trade associations. This segment includes Separate
        Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products.

        The Investment Services segment provides investment fund management,
        primarily to institutional clients. This segment includes the Company's
        equity interest in DLJ and Separate Accounts which provide various
        investment options for group clients through pooled or single group
        accounts.

        Intersegment investment advisory and other fees of approximately $127.5
        million, $124.1 million and $135.3 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
        respectively, are included in total revenues of the Investment Services
        segment. These fees, excluding amounts related to the discontinued GIC
        Segment of $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $27.4 million for 1996,
        1995 and 1994, respectively, are eliminated in consolidation.

                                      F-43
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996               1995                1994
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>         
        Revenues
        Insurance operations...............................  $     3,742.9       $    3,614.6       $    3,507.4
        Investment services................................        1,126.1              949.1              935.2
        Consolidation/elimination..........................          (24.5)             (34.9)             (27.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $     4,844.5       $    4,528.8       $    4,415.4
                                                            =================   ================   =================
        Earnings (loss) from continuing  operations
          before Federal income taxes, minority interest
          and cumulative effect of accounting change
        Insurance operations...............................  $       (36.6)      $      303.1       $      327.5
        Investment services................................          311.9              224.0              227.9
        Consolidation/elimination..........................             .2               (3.1)                .3
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
              Subtotal.....................................          275.5              524.0              555.7
        Corporate interest expense.........................          (66.9)             (27.9)            (114.2)
                                                            -----------------   ----------------   -----------------
        Total..............................................  $       208.6       $      496.1       $      441.5
                                                            =================   ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                        ------------------------------------
                                             1996                1995
                                        ----------------   -----------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)

        Assets
        Insurance operations...........  $    60,464.9      $    56,720.5
        Investment services............       13,542.5           12,842.9
        Consolidation/elimination......         (399.6)            (354.4)
                                        ----------------   -----------------
        Total..........................  $    73,607.8      $    69,209.0
                                        ================   =================

                                      F-44
<PAGE>

19)     QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995, are summarized
        below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MARCH 31           JUNE 30           SEPTEMBER 30          DECEMBER 31
                                       -----------------  -----------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                            <C>                <C>                 <C>                  <C>         
        1996
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,169.7      $     1,193.6       $    1,193.6         $    1,287.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Earnings (Loss) from
          Continuing Operations
          before Cumulative Effect
          of Accounting Change........  $        94.8      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (157.9)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings (Loss)...........  $        71.7      $        87.1       $       93.2         $     (241.7)
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        1995
        ----
        Total Revenues................  $     1,079.1      $     1,164.0       $    1,138.8         $    1,146.9
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
        Net Earnings..................  $        66.3      $       101.7       $      100.2         $       44.6
                                       =================  =================   ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

        The quarterly results of operations for 1996 and 1995 have been
        restated to reflect the Company's accounting change adopted in the
        fourth quarter of 1996 for long-duration participating life contracts
        in accordance with the provisions prescribed by SFAS No. 120. Net
        earnings for the three months ended December 31, 1996 includes a charge
        of $339.3 million related to writeoffs of DAC on DI contracts of $94.3
        million, reserve strengthening on DI business of $113.7 million,
        pension par of $47.5 million and the discontinued GIC Segment of $83.8
        million.

20)     INVESTMENT IN DLJ

        On December 15, 1993, the Company sold a 61% interest in DLJ to the
        Holding Company for $800.0 million in cash and securities. The excess
        of the proceeds over the book value in DLJ at the date of sale of
        $340.2 million has been reflected as a capital contribution. In 1995,
        DLJ completed the initial public offering ("IPO") of 10.58 million
        shares of its common stock, which included 7.28 million of the Holding
        Company's shares in DLJ, priced at $27 per share. Concurrent with the
        IPO, the Company contributed equity securities to DLJ having a market
        value of $21.2 million. Upon completion of the IPO, the Company's
        ownership percentage was reduced to 36.1%. The Company's ownership
        interest will be further reduced upon the issuance of common stock
        after the vesting of forfeitable restricted stock units acquired by
        and/or the exercise of options granted to certain DLJ employees. DLJ
        restricted stock units represents forfeitable rights to receive
        approximately 5.2 million shares of DLJ common stock through February
        2000.

        The results of operations of DLJ are accounted for on the equity basis
        and are included in commissions, fees and other income in the
        consolidated statements of earnings. The Company's carrying value of
        DLJ is included in investment in and loans to affiliates in the
        consolidated balance sheets.

                                      F-45
<PAGE>

        Summarized balance sheets information for DLJ, reconciled to the
        Company's carrying value of DLJ, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Assets:
        Trading account securities, at market value............................  $   15,728.1       $   10,821.3
        Securities purchased under resale agreements...........................      20,598.7           18,748.2
        Broker-dealer related receivables......................................      16,525.9           13,023.7
        Other assets...........................................................       2,651.0            1,983.3
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Assets...........................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        Liabilities:
        Securities sold under repurchase agreements............................  $   29,378.3       $   26,744.8
        Broker-dealer related payables.........................................      19,409.7           12,915.5
        Short-term and long-term debt..........................................       2,704.5            1,742.0
        Other liabilities......................................................       2,164.0            1,750.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total liabilities......................................................      53,656.5           43,152.8
        Cumulative exchangeable preferred stock................................           -                225.0
        DLJ's company-obligated mandatorily redeemed preferred
          securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of DLJ......         200.0                -
        Total shareholders' equity.............................................       1,647.2            1,198.7
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total Liabilities, Cumulative Exchangeable Preferred Stock and
          Shareholders' Equity.................................................  $   55,503.7       $   44,576.5
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's equity as reported...............................................  $    1,647.2       $    1,198.7
        Unamortized cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985
          and other adjustments................................................          23.9               40.5
        The Holding Company's equity ownership in DLJ..........................        (590.2)            (499.0)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................        (588.6)            (324.3)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Carrying Value of DLJ....................................  $      492.3       $      415.9
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

                                      F-46
<PAGE>

        Summarized statements of earnings information for DLJ reconciled to the
        Company's equity in earnings of DLJ is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                1995
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
                                                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                                                     <C>                <C>         
        Commission, fees and other income......................................  $    1,818.2       $    1,325.9
        Net investment income..................................................       1,074.2              904.1
        Dealer, trading and investment gains, net..............................         598.4              528.6
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Total revenues.........................................................       3,490.8            2,758.6
        Total expenses including income taxes..................................       3,199.5            2,579.5
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Net earnings...........................................................         291.3              179.1
        Dividends on preferred stock...........................................          18.7               19.9
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        Earnings Applicable to Common Shares...................................  $      272.6       $      159.2
                                                                                ================   =================
        DLJ's earnings applicable to common shares as reported.................  $      272.6       $      159.2
        Amortization of cost in excess of net assets acquired in 1985..........          (3.1)              (3.9)
        The Holding Company's equity in DLJ's earnings.........................        (107.8)             (90.4)
        Minority interest in DLJ...............................................         (73.4)              (6.5)
                                                                                ----------------   -----------------
        The Company's Equity in DLJ's Earnings.................................  $       88.3       $       58.4
                                                                                ================   =================
</TABLE>

21)     ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The Holding Company sponsors a stock option plan for employees of
        Equitable Life. DLJ and Alliance each sponsor their own stock option
        plans for certain employees. The Company elected to continue to account
        for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method
        prescribed in APB Opinion No. 25. Had compensation expense of the
        Company's stock option incentive plans for options granted after
        December 31, 1994 been determined based on the estimated fair value at
        the grant dates for awards under those plans, the Company's pro forma
        net earnings for 1996 and 1995 would have been as follows:

                                    1996              1995
                               ---------------   ---------------
                                        (IN MILLIONS)
        Net Earnings
          As Reported.........  $       10.3      $     312.8
          Pro Forma...........  $        3.2      $     311.3

                                      F-47
<PAGE>

        The fair value of options and units granted after December 31, 1994,
        used as a basis for the above pro forma disclosures, was estimated as
        of the date of grants using Black-Scholes option pricing models. The
        option and unit pricing assumptions for 1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      HOLDING COMPANY                    DLJ                        ALLIANCE
                                  -------------------------   --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                     1996          1995          1996          1995           1996            1995
                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------  -------------   -------------
        <S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>       
        Dividend yield...........     0.80%         0.96%         1.54%         1.85%         8.0%            8.0%
        Expected volatility......    20.00%        20.00%        25.00%        25.00%        23.00%          23.00%
        Risk-free interest rate..     5.92%         6.83%         6.07%         5.86%         5.80%           6.00%

        Expected Life............  5 YEARS       5 years       5 YEARS        5 years      7.43 YEARS      7.43 years
        Weighted fair value
          per option granted.....    $6.94         $5.90         $9.35          -            $2.69           $2.24
</TABLE>

        A summary of the Holding Company and DLJ stock option plans and
        Alliance's Unit option plans are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          HOLDING COMPANY                       DLJ                           ALLIANCE
                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      Options                         Options                         Options
                                                    Outstanding                     Outstanding                     Outstanding
                                                      Weighted                        Weighted                        Weighted
                                                      Average                         Average                         Average
                                      Shares         Exercise          Shares        Exercise           Units         Exercise
                                    (In Millions)      Price        (In Millions)     Price         (In Millions)      Price
                                    -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
        <S>                         <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
        Balance as of
          January 1, 1994........         6.1                             -                               3.2
          Granted................          .7                             -                               1.2
          Exercised..............         -                               -                               (.5)
          Forfeited..............         -                               -                               (.1)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1994......         6.8                             -                               3.8
          Granted................          .4                             9.2                             1.8
          Exercised..............         (.1)                            -                               (.5)
          Expired................         (.1)                            -                               -
          Forfeited..............         (.3)                            -                               (.3)
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1995......         6.7           $20.27            9.2          $27.00             4.8           $17.72
          Granted................          .7           $24.94            2.1          $32.54              .7           $25.12
          Exercised..............         (.1)          $19.91            -              -                (.4)          $13.64
          Expired................         (.6)          $20.21            -              -                -               -
          Forfeited..............         -               -               (.2)         $27.00             (.1)          $19.32
                                    -------------                   -------------                   -------------
        Balance as of
          December 31, 1996......         6.7           $20.79           11.1          $28.06             5.0           $19.07
                                    =============   =============   =============   =============   =============   =============
</TABLE>

                                      F-48
<PAGE>

        Information with respect to stock and unit options outstanding and
        exercisable at December 31, 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Options Outstanding                                          Options Exercisable
        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------
                                                       Weighted
                                                        Average           Weighted                                 Weighted
              Range of               Number            Remaining           Average               Number             Average
              Exercise            Outstanding         Contractual         Exercise            Exercisable           Exercise
               Prices            (In Millions)        Life (Years)          Price            (In Millions)           Price
        ---------------------   -----------------   ---------------   -----------------    -------------------   ----------------
        <S>                     <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>                   <C>
               Holding
               Company
        ---------------------
        $18.125-$27.75                 6.7                 7.00             $20.79                3.4                $20.18
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

                 DLJ
        ---------------------
        $27.00-$33.50                 11.1                 9.00             $28.06                -                    -
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================

              Alliance
        ---------------------
        $ 6.0625-$15.9375              1.3                 4.76             $12.97                1.2                $12.58
        $16.3125-$19.75                1.1                 8.19             $19.13                 .2                $18.69
        $19.875 -$19.875               1.0                 7.36             $19.88                 .4                $19.88
        $20.75  -$24.375                .9                 8.46             $22.05                 .3                $21.84
        $24.375 -$25.125                .7                 9.96             $25.13                -                    -
                                -----------------                                          -------------------  
        $ 6.0625-$25.125               5.0                 7.43             $19.07                2.1                $15.84
                                =================   ===============   =================    ===================   ================
</TABLE>

                                      F-49

<PAGE>

                                     PART C

                               OTHER INFORMATION
                               -----------------

Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits

         (a) Financial Statements included in Part B.

         1.  Separate Account No. 301:

   
             - Statements of Assets and Liabilities for the Year Ended
               December 31, 1996; 
             - Statements of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 1996 
             - Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Years Ended 
               December 31, 1996 and 1995 
    

             - Notes to Financial Statements 
             - Report of Independent Accountants - Price Waterhouse

         2.  The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States:

             - Report of Independent Accountants - Price Waterhouse 

   
             - Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 
             - Consolidated Statements of Earnings for Years Ended December 31,
               1996, 1995 and 1994 
             - Consolidated Statements of Equity for Years Ended December 31,
               1996, 1995 and 1994
             - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years Ended December
               31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
    

             - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

         (b) Exhibits.

             The following exhibits are filed herewith:

             1. (a) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of The Equitable Life
                    Assurance Society of the United States ("Equitable")
                    authorizing the establishment of the Registrant, previously
                    filed with this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on
                    September 19, 1986.

                (b) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of Equitable dated
                    July 17, 1986 authorizing the reorganization of Separate
                    Account Nos. 301, 302, 303 and 304 into one continuing
                    separate account, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(d)
                    to the Registration Statement on Form N-14 of Separate
                    Account 301 of Equitable and Prism Investment Trust
                    (formerly Harmony Investment Trust) (No. 33-8802).

             2. Not applicable.

             3. (a) Form of Sales Agreement, previously filed with this
                    Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on September 19, 1986.

                (b) Sales Agreement among Equitable, Separate Account No. 301
                    and Equitable Variable Life Insurance Company, as principal
                    underwriter for The Hudson River Trust, previously filed
                    with this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 29,
                    1993.

                                      C-1
<PAGE>

                (c) Distribution and Servicing Agreement among Equico
                    Securities, Inc.,("Equico") Equitable and Equitable
                    Variable dated as of May 1, 1994, previously filed with
                    this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 4, 1995.

                (d) Distribution Agreement by and between The Hudson River
                    Trust and Equico dated as of January 1, 1995, previously
                    filed with this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April
                    4, 1995.

                (e) Sales Agreement among Equico, Equitable and Equitable's
                    Separate Account A, Separate Account No. 301 and Separate
                    Account No. 51 dated as of January 1, 1995, previously
                    filed with this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April
                    4, 1995.

             4. (a) (1) Form of group variable annuity contract, as amended 
                        (TSA), previously filed with this Registration 
                        Statement No. 2-74667 on April 24, 1987.

                    (2) Rider No. PF 94,177 to group variable annuity contract,
                        as amended (TSA), previously filed with this
                        Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 15, 1988.

                (b) (1) Form of group variable annuity certificate, as amended
                        (TSA), previously filed with this Registration
                        Statement No. 2-74667 on April 24, 1987.

                    (2) Rider No. PF 94,178 to group variable annuity
                        certificate, as amended (TSA), previously filed with
                        this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 15,
                        1988.

                (c) (1) Rider No. PF 94,189 to group variable annuity contract,
                        as amended (TSA), previously filed with this
                        Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 17, 1990.

                    (2) Rider No. PF 94,188 to group variable annuity
                        certificate, as amended (TSA), previously filed with
                        this Registration Statement. No. 2-74667 on April 17,
                        1990.

                (d) (1) Form of group variable annuity contract, as amended
                        (IRA), previously filed with this Registration
                        Statement No. 2-74667 on April 24, 1987.

                    (2) Rider No. PF 96,000 to group variable annuity contract,
                        as amended (IRA), previously filed with this
                        Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 15, 1988.

                    (3) Rider No. PF 10,000 to group variable annuity contract,
                        as amended (IRA), previously filed with this
                        Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on December 14,
                        1993.

                (e) (1) Form of group variable annuity certificate, as amended
                        (IRA), previously filed with this Registration
                        Statement No. 2-74667 on April 24, 1987.

                    (2) Rider No. PF 96,100 to group variable annuity
                        certificate, as amended (IRA), previously filed with
                        this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 15,
                        1988.

                                      C-2
<PAGE>

                    (3) Rider No. PF 10,001 to group variable annuity
                        certificate, as amended (IRA), previously filed with
                        this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on December 14,
                        1993.

                (f) Plan of Operations, as amended, previously filed with this
                    Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 24, 1987.

             5. (a) Form of application for group variable annuity contract, as
                    amended (TSA), previously filed with this Registration
                    Statement No. 2-74667 on April 15, 1988.

                (b) Form of participant enrollment for group variable annuity
                    contract, as amended (IRA), previously filed with this
                    Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 15, 1988.

             6. (a) Certificate of incorporation of Equitable incorporated
                    herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registration
                    Statement on Form S-1 (No. 2-43529).

                (b) Copy of the Amended Charter of Equitable, adopted September
                    21, 1989, previously filed with this Registration Statement
                    No. 2-74667 on April 28, 1992.

                (c) Form of the Charter of Equitable previously filed with this
                    Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on July 22, 1992.

                (d) Copy of the Restated Charter of Equitable, adopted August
                    6, 1992, previously filed with this Registration Statement
                    No. 2-74667 on April 29, 1993.

                (e) By-Laws of Equitable incorporated herein by reference to
                    Exhibit 3(b)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the
                    Registration Statement in File No. 2-56232.

                (f) By-Laws of Equitable as amended January 9, 1985, previously
                    filed with this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on
                    September 19, 1986.

                (g) By-Laws of Equitable, as amended through July 1, 1988,
                    previously filed with this Registration Statement No.
                    2-74667 on April 19, 1989.

                (h) Form of By-Laws of Equitable previously filed with this
                    Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on July 22, 1992.

                (i) By-Laws of Equitable, as amended through July 22, 1992,
                    previously filed with this Registration Statement No.
                    2-74667 on April 29, 1993.

   
                (j) Copy of the Certificate of Amendment of the Restated
                    Charter of Equitable, adopted November 18, 1993, previously
                    filed with this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April
                    29, 1996.

                (h) By-Laws of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
                    United States, as amended November 21, 1996.
    

                                      C-3
<PAGE>

   
                (i) Copy of the Restated Charter of The Equitable Life
                    Assurance Society of the United States, as amended January
                    1, 1997.
    

             7. Not applicable.

             8. (a) Agreement, dated as of March 15, 1985, between Integrity
                    Life Insurance Company ("Integrity") and Equitable for
                    cooperative and joint use of personnel, property and
                    services, previously filed with this Registration Statement
                    No. 2-74667 on September 19, 1986.

                (b) Administration and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 1,
                    1987, by and between Equitable and Integrity, previously
                    filed with this Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on May
                    4, 1987.

                (c) Amendment, dated September 30, 1988, to Administration and
                    Servicing Agreement by and between Equitable and Integrity,
                    previously filed with this Registration Statement No.
                    2-74667 on April 19, 1989.

             9. (a) Opinion of Hebert P. Shyer, Executive Vice President and
                    General Counsel of Equitable, previously filed with this
                    Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on November 6, 1983.

                (b) Opinion of Hebert P. Shyer, Executive Vice President and
                    General Counsel of Equitable, as to the legality of the
                    securities being registered, previously filed with this
                    Registration Statement No. 2-74667 on April 24, 1987.

            10. (a) Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.

                (b) Powers of Attorney.

            11. Not applicable.

            12. Not applicable.

            13. Not applicable.

            27. Financial Data Schedule.

                                      C-4
<PAGE>

Item 25: Directors and Officers of Equitable.

   
         Set forth below is information regarding the directors and principal
         officers of Equitable. Equitable's address is 1290 Avenue of the
         Americas, New York, New York 10104. The business address of the
         persons whose names are preceded by an asterisk is that of Equitable.
    

                                           POSITIONS AND
NAME AND PRINCIPAL                         OFFICES WITH
BUSINESS ADDRESS                           EQUITABLE
- ----------------                           ---------

DIRECTORS

   
Claude Bebear                              Director
AXA-UAP
23, Avenue Matignon
75008 Paris, France

Christopher J. Brocksom                    Director
AXA Equity & Law
Elbury 9
Weedon Lane
Buckinghamshire HP 6505
England

Francoise Colloc'h                         Director
AXA-UAP
23, Avenue Matignon
75008 Paris, France

Henri de Castries                          Director
AXA-UAP
23, Avenue Matignon
75008 Paris, France
    

Joseph L. Dionne                           Director
The McGraw-Hill Companies
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

William T. Esrey                           Director
Sprint Corporation
P.O. Box 11315
Kansas City, MO 64112

Jean-Rene Fourtou                          Director
Rhone-Poulenc S.A.
25 Quai Paul Doumer
92408 Courbevoie Cedex,
France

                                      C-5
<PAGE>

NAME AND PRINCIPAL                         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS                           WITH EQUITABLE
- ----------------                           --------------

Norman C. Francis                          Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
7325 Palmetto Street
New Orleans, LA 70125

   
Donald J. Greene                           Director
LeBouef, Lamb, Greene & MacRae
125 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019-4513
    

John T. Hartley                            Director
Harris Corporation
1025 NASA Boulevard
Melbourne, FL 32919

John H.F. Haskell, Jr.                     Director
Dillion, Read & Co., Inc.
535 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10028

   
Mary R. (Nina) Henderson                   Director
CPC International, Inc.
International Plaza
P.O. Box 8000
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632-9976

W. Edwin Jarmain                           Director
Jarmain Group Inc.
121 King Street West
Suite 2525
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3T9,
Canada
    

G. Donald Johnston, Jr.                    Director
184-400 Ocean Road
John's Island
Vero Beach, FL 32963

Winthrop Knowlton                          Director
Knowlton Brothers, Inc.
530 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10036

Arthur L. Liman                            Director
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton &
   Garrison
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019

                                      C-6
<PAGE>

NAME AND PRINCIPAL                         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS                           WITH EQUITABLE
- ----------------                           --------------

George T. Lowy                             Director
Cravath, Swaine & Moore
825 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10019

Didier Pineau-Valencienne                  Director
Schneider S.A.
64/70 Avenue Jean-Baptiste Clement
92646 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex
France

George J. Sella, Jr.                       Director
P.O. Box 397
Newton, NJ 07860

Dave H. Williams                           Director
Alliance Capital Management Corporation
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

OFFICER-DIRECTORS
- -----------------

   
*James M. Benson                           President and Director (until 
                                           5/1/97)
    

*William T. McCaffrey                      Senior Executive Vice President,
                                           Chief Operating Officer and Director

   
*Joseph J. Melone                          Chairman of the Board, Chief 
                                           Executive Officer and Director; 
                                           President (effective 5/1/97)
    

OTHER OFFICERS
- --------------

   
*A. Frank Beaz                             Senior Vice President

*Leon Billis                               Senior Vice President
    

*Harvey Blitz                              Senior Vice President and Deputy
                                           Chief Financial Officer

*Kevin R. Byrne                            Vice President and Treasurer

*Jerry M. de St. Paer                      Executive Vice President

*Gordon G. Dinsmore                        Senior Vice President

*Alvin H. Fenichel                         Senior Vice President and
                                           Controller

                                      C-7
<PAGE>

NAME AND PRINCIPAL                         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS                           WITH EQUITABLE
- ----------------                           --------------

   
*Paul J. Flora                             Senior Vice President and Auditor
    

*Robert E. Garber                          Executive Vice President and General
                                           Counsel

   
*Donald R. Kaplan                          Vice President and Chief Compliance
                                           Officer and Associate General
                                           Counsel
    

*Michael S. Martin                         Senior Vice President

*Peter D. Noris                            Executive Vice President and Chief
                                           Investment Officer

*Anthony C. Pasquale                       Senior Vice President


*Pauline Sherman                           Vice President, Secretary and
                                           Associate General Counsel

   
*Samuel B. Shlesinger                      Senior Vice President

*Richard V. Silver                         Senior Vice President and Deputy
                                           General Counsel
    

*Jose Suquet                               Executive Vice President and Chief
                                           Agency Officer

   
*Stanley B. Tulin                          Senior Executive Vice President
                                           and Chief Financial Officer
    

                                      C-8
<PAGE>

Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Equitable or 
         Registrant

         Separate Account No. 301 of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of
the United States (the "Separate Account") is a separate account of Equitable.
Equitable, a New York stock life insurance company, is a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Equitable Companies Incorporated (the "Holding Company"), a
publicly traded company.

   
         The largest stockholder of the Holding Company is AXA-UAP. As of
January 1, 1997, AXA-UAP beneficially owned 63.8% of the outstanding common
stock of the Holding Company (assuming conversion of the convertible preferred
stock held by AXA-UAP). Under its investment arrangements with Equitable Life
and the Holding Company, AXA-UAP is able to exercise significant influence over
the operations and capital structure of the Holding Company and its
subsidiaries, including Equitable Life. AXA-UAP, a French company, is the
holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial
services companies.
    

                                      C-9
<PAGE>

                  ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES

The Equitable Companies Incorporated (l991) (Delaware)

    Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. (1993) (Delaware) (44.1%) (See 
    Addendum B(1) for subsidiaries)

    The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (1859) 
    (New York) (a)(b)

   
         The Equitable of Colorado, Inc. (l983) (Colorado)
    

         EVLICO, INC. (1995) (Delaware)

   
         EVLICO East Ridge, Inc. (1995) (California)

         GP/EQ Southwest, Inc. (1995) (Texas) (5.885%)
    

         Franconom, Inc. (1985) (Pennsylvania)

         Frontier Trust Company (1987) (North Dakota)

         Gateway Center Buildings, Garage, and Apartment Hotel, Inc. 
         (inactive) (pre-l970) (Pennsylvania)

         Equitable Deal Flow Fund, L.P.

              Equitable Managed Assets (Delaware)

         EREIM LP Associates (99%)

              EML Associates, L.P. (19.8%)

   
         Alliance Capital Management L.P. (2.71% limited partnership
         interest)
    

         ACMC, Inc. (1991) (Delaware)(s)

   
              Alliance Capital Management L.P. (1988) (Delaware)
              (49.09% limited partnership interest)
    

         EVCO, Inc. (1991) (New Jersey)

         EVSA, Inc. (1992) (Pennsylvania)

         Prime Property Funding, Inc. (1993) (Delaware)

         Wil Gro, Inc. (1992) (Pennsylvania)

   
         Equitable Underwriting and Sales Agency (Bahamas) Limited (1993)
         (Bahamas)
    

(a) Registered Broker/Dealer      (b) Registered Investment Advisor

                                     C-10
<PAGE>

The Equitable Companies Incorporated (cont.)
    Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc.
    The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (cont.)

   
         Fox Run Inc. (1994) (Massachusetts)

         STCS, Inc. (1992) (Delaware)

         CCMI Corporation (1994) (Maryland)

         FTM Corporation (1994) (Maryland)

         HVM Corporation (1994) (Maryland)

         Equitable BJVS, Inc. (1992) (California)

         Equitable Rowes Wharf, Inc. (1995) (Massachusetts)

         GP/EQ Southwest, Inc. (1995) (Texas) (94.132%)

         Camelback JVS, Inc. (1995) (Arizona)

         ELAS Realty, Inc. (1996) (Delaware)

         Equitable Realty Assets Corporation (1983) (Delaware)

         100 Federal Street Realty Corporation (Massachusetts)

         Equitable Structured Settlement Corporation (1996) (Delaware)
    

         Equitable Holding Corporation (1985) (Delaware)

   
              EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. (formerly 
              Equico Securities, Inc.) (l97l) (Delaware) (a) (b)

              ELAS Securities Acquisition Corp. (l980) (Delaware)
    

              100 Federal Street Funding Corporation (Massachusetts)

   
              EquiSource of New York, Inc. (1986) (New York)  (See
              Addendum A for subsidiaries)
    

              Equitable Casualty Insurance Company (l986) (Vermont)

              EREIM LP Corp. (1986) (Delaware)

                   EREIM LP Associates (1%)

                        EML Associates (.02%)

              Six-Pac G.P., Inc. (1990) (Georgia)

              Equitable Distributors, Inc. (1988) (Delaware) (a)

(a) Registered Broker/Dealer      b) Registered Investment Advisor

                                     C-11
<PAGE>

The Equitable Companies Incorporated (cont.)
    Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc.
    The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (cont.)
         Equitable Holding Corporation (cont.)

              Equitable JVS, Inc. (1988) (Delaware)

                   Astor/Broadway Acquisition Corp. (1990) (New York)

                   Astor Times Square Corp. (1990) (New York)

                   PC Landmark, Inc. (1990) (Texas)

                   Equitable JVS II, Inc. (1994) (Maryland)

                   EJSVS, Inc. (1995) (New Jersey)

   
            Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. (1985 by EIC; 1993 by EQ and
                   EHC) (Delaware) (36.1%) (See Addendum B(1) for
                   subsidiaries)
    

            JMR Realty Services, Inc. (1994) (Delaware)

            Equitable Investment Corporation (l97l) (New York)

                Stelas North Carolina Limited Partnership (50% limited 
                partnership interest) (l984)

   
                Equitable JV Holding Corporation (1989) (Delaware)

                Alliance Capital Management Corporation (l991) (Delaware) (b)
                (See Addendum B(2) for subsidiaries)

                Equitable Capital Management Corporation (l985) (Delaware) (b)

                   Alliance Capital Management L.P. (1988) (Delaware)
                   (14.67% limited partnership interest)
    

                EQ Services, Inc. (1992) (Delaware)

   
                Equitable Agri-Business, Inc. (1984) Delaware
    

                Equitable Real Estate Investment Management, Inc. (l984) 
                (Delaware) (b) (See Addendum B(3) for subsidiaries)

   
(a) Registered Broker/Dealer      (b) Registered Investment Advisor
    

                                     C-12
<PAGE>

                  ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES


   
                            ADDENDUM A - SUBSIDIARY
                        OF EQUITABLE HOLDING CORPORATION
                       HAVING MORE THAN FIVE SUBSIDIARIES
    

              ----------------------------------------------------

   
EquiSource of New York, Inc. (formerly Traditional Equinet Business Corporation
of New York) has the following subsidiaries that are brokerage companies to
make available to Equitable Agents within each state traditional (non-equity)
products and services not manufactured by Equitable:
    

    EquiSource of Alabama, Inc. (1986) (Alabama)
    EquiSource of Arizona, Inc. (1986) (Arizona)
    EquiSource of Arkansas, Inc. (1987) (Arkansas)
    EquiSource Insurance Agency of California, Inc. (1987) (California)
    EquiSource of Colorado, Inc. (1986) (Colorado)

   
    EquiSource of Delaware, Inc. (1986) (Delaware)
    

    EquiSource of Hawaii, Inc. (1987) (Hawaii)
    EquiSource of Maine, Inc. (1987) (Maine)
    EquiSource Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, Inc. (1988) (Massachusetts)
    EquiSource of Montana, Inc. (1986) (Montana)
    EquiSource of Nevada, Inc. (1986) (Nevada)
    EquiSource of New Mexico, Inc. (1987) (New Mexico)
    EquiSource of Pennsylvania, Inc. (1986) (Pennsylvania)
    EquiSource Insurance Agency of Utah, Inc. (1986) (Utah)
    EquiSource of Washington, Inc. (1987) (Washington)
    EquiSource of Wyoming, Inc. (1986) (Wyoming)

                                     C-13
<PAGE>

   
                  ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES
                      ADDENDUM B - INVESTMENT SUBSIDIARIES
                       HAVING MORE THAN FIVE SUBSIDIARIES
    

                  --------------------------------------------

   
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. has the following subsidiaries, and
approximately 150 other subsidiaries, most of which are special purpose
subsidiaries (the number fluctuates according to business needs):
    

         Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Securities Corporation (1985) 
         (Delaware) (a) (b)

   
              Wood, Struthers & Winthrop Management Corp. (1985) (Delaware) (b)
    

         Autranet, Inc. (1985) (Delaware) (a)
         DLJ Real Estate, Inc.
         DLJ Capital Corporation (b)

   
         DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. (1988) (Delaware)
    

              Column Financial, Inc. (1993) (Delaware) (50%)

   
Alliance Capital Management Corporation (as general partner) (b)has the 
following subsidiaries:
    

         Alliance Capital Management L.P. (1988) (Delaware) (b)
              Alliance Capital Management Corporation of Delaware, Inc. 
              (Delaware)

   
                   Alliance Fund Services, Inc. (Delaware) (a)
    

                   Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. (Delaware) (a)
                   Alliance Capital Oceanic Corp. (Delaware)

   
                   Alliance Capital Management Australia Pty. Ltd. (Australia)
    

                   Meiji - Alliance Capital Corp. (Delaware) (50%)
                   Alliance Capital (Luxembourg) S.A. (99.98%)

   
                   Alliance Eastern Europe Inc. (Delaware)
    

                   Alliance Barra Research Institute, Inc. (Delaware) (50%)
                   Alliance Capital Management Canada, Inc. (Canada) (99.99%)

   
                   Alliance Capital Management (Brazil) Llda
                   Alliance Capital Global Derivatives Corp. (Delaware)
                   Alliance International Fund Services S.A. Luxembourg)
                   Alliance Capital Management (India) Ltd. (Delaware)
                   Alliance Capital Mauritius Ltd.
                   Alliance Corporate Finance Group, Incorporated (Delaware)
                        Equitable Capital Diversified Holdings, L.P. I
                        Equitable Capital Diversified Holdings, L.P. II
                   Curisitor Alliance L.L.C. (Delaware)
                        Curisitor Holdings Limited (UK)
                        Alliance Capital Management (Japan), Inc.
                        Alliance Capital Management (Asia) Ltd.
                        Alliance Capital Management (Turkey), Ltd.
                        Cursitor Alliance Management Limited (UK)
    

(a) Registered Broker/Dealer      (b) Registered Investment Advisor

                                     C-14
<PAGE>

   
                  ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES
                              ADDENDUM B - (CONT.)
                            INVESTMENT SUBSIDIARIES
                       HAVING MORE THAN FIVE SUBSIDIARIES

Equitable Real Estate Investment Management, Inc. (b) has the following
subsidiaries:

         Equitable Realty Portfolio Management, Inc. (1984) (Delaware)
              EQK Partners (100% general partnership interest)
         Compass Management and Leasing Co. (formerly EREIM, Inc.) (1984)
         (Colorado)
         Equitable Real Estate Capital Markets, Inc. (1987) (Delaware)
         (a)
         EPPNLP Corp. (1987) (Delaware)
         Equitable Pacific Partners Corp. (1987) (Delaware)
              Equitable Pacific Partners Limited Partnership
         EREIM Managers Corp. (1986) (Delaware)
              ML/EQ Real Estate Portfolio, L.P.
                   EML Associates, L.P. (80%)
         Compass Retail, Inc. (1990) (Delaware)
         Compass Management and Leasing, Inc. (1991) (Delaware)
              CJVS, Inc. (1994) (California)
              Compass Cayman (1996) (Cayman Islands)
              Compass Management and Leasing (UK) Limited
         Column Financial, Inc. (1993) (Delaware) (50%)
         Buckhead Strategic Corp. (1994) (Delaware)
              Buckhead Strategic Fund, L.P.
                   BH Strategic Co. I, L.P.
                   BH Strategic Co. II, L.P.
                   BH Strategic Co. III, L.P.
                   BH Strategic Co. IV, L.P.
         Community Funding, Inc. (1994) (Delaware)
              Community Mortgage Fund, L.P. (1994) (Delaware)
         Buckhead Strategic Corp., II (1995) (Delaware)
              Buckhead Strategic Fund L.P. II
                   Buckhead Co. I, L.P.
                   Buckhead Co. II, L.P.
                   Buckhead Co. III, L.P.
                        HYDOC, L.L.C.
                        Headwind Holding Corp.
                   Buckhead Co. IV, L.P.
                   Tricon Corp.
                        Tricon, L.P.
         Equitable Real Estate Hyperion Capital Advisors LLC (1995)
         (Delaware)

(a) Registered Broker/Dealer      (b) Registered Investment Advisor
    

                                      C-15
<PAGE>

                                AXA GROUP CHART

   
The information listed below is dated as of December 31, 1996; percentages
shown represent voting power. The name of the owner is noted when AXA
indirectly controls the company.
    

                 AXA INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE BUSINESS HOLDING

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

   
Axa Assurances Iard               France         99%

Axa Assurances Vie                France         100% by Axa and Axa Courtage
                                                 Vie

Axa Courtage Iard                 France         99.9% by Axa and Axa
                                                 Assurances Iard

Axa Courtage Vie                  France         99.4% by Axa and Axa
                                                 Assurances Iard and Axa
                                                 Courtage Iard
    

Alpha Assurances Vie              France         100%

Axa Direct                        France         100%

Direct Assurances Iard            France         100% by Axa Direct

Direct Assurance Vie              France         100% by Axa Direct

Axa Direkt Versicherung A.G.      Germany        100% owned by Axa Direct

   
Axiva                             France         100% by Axa and Axa Courtage
                                                 Vie
    

Defense Civile                    France         95%

   
Societe Francaise d'Assistance    France         100% by SFA Holding

Monvoisin Assurances              France         99.9% by different companies
                                                 and Mutuals

Societe Beaujon                   France         99.9%

Lor Finance                       France         99.9%

Jour Finance                      France         100% by Alpha Assurances Iard
                                                 and by Axa Assurances Iard

Compagnie Auxiliaire pour le      France         99.8% by Societe Beaujon
Commerce and l'Industrie
    

C.F.G.A.                          France         99.96% owned by Mutuals and
                                                 Finaxa

   
Axa Global Risks                  France         100% owned by Axa and Mutuals

Saint Bernard Diffusion           France         94.92% owned by Direct
                                                 Assurances Iard

Sogarep                           France         95%, (100% with Mutuals)
    

Argovie                           France         100% by Axiva and SCA Argos

   
Finargos                          France         70.5% owned by Axiva
    

                                      C-16
<PAGE>

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

   
Astral Finance                    France         99.33% by Axa Courtage Vie
    

Argos                             France         N.S.

Finaxa Belgium                    Belgium        100%

   
Axa Belgium                       Belgium        26.8% by Axa(SA) and 72.6% by
                                                 Finaxa Belgium

De Kortrijske Verzekering         Belgium        99.8% by Axa Belgium

Juris                             Belgium        100% owned by Finaxa Belgium
    

Finaxa Luxembourg                 Luxembourg     100%

   
Axa Assurance IARD Luxembourg     Luxembourg     99.9%

Axa Assurance Vie Luxembourg      Luxembourg     99.9%

Axa Aurora                        Spain          50% owned by Axa

Aurora Polar SA de Seguros y      Spain          99.4% owned by Axa Aurora
Reaseguros

Axa Vida SA de Seguros y          Spain          89.82% owned by Aurora Polar
Reaseguros                                       5% by Axa

Axa Gestion de Seguros y          Spain          99.1% owned by Axa Aurora
Reaseguros

Hilo Direct Seguros               Spain          99.9% by Axa Aurora

Axa Assicurazioni                 Italy          100% owned by Axa
    

Eurovita                          Italy          30% owned by Axa Assicurazioni

Axa Equity & Law plc              U.K.           99.9% owned by Axa

Axa Equity & Law Life             U.K.           100% by Axa Equity & Law plc
Assurance Society

   
Axa Equity & Law International    U.K.           100% owned by Axa Equity & Law
                                                 Life Assurance Society

Axa Leven                         The Nether-    100% by Axa Equity & Law Life
                                  lands          Assurance Society

Axa Insurance                     U.K.           100% owned by Axa

Axa Global Risks                  U.K.           100% owned by Axa Global Risks
                                                 (France)

Axa Canada                        Canada         100% owned by Axa

Boreal Insurance                  Canada         100% owned by Gestion Fracapar
    

Axa Assurances Inc.               Canada         100% owned by Axa Canada

                                      C-17
<PAGE>

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

   
Axa Insurance Inc.                Canada         100% owned by Axa Canada and
                                                 Axa Assurance Inc.
    

Anglo Canada General Insurance    Canada         100% owned by Axa Canada
Cy

Axa Pacific Insurance             Canada         100% by Boreal Insurance

Boreal Assurances Agricoles       Canada         100% by Boreal Insurance

   
Sime Axa Berhad                   Malaysia       30% owned by Axa and Axa
                                                 Reassurance
    

Axa Sime Investment Holdings      Singapore      50%
Pte Ltd

Axa Sime Assurance                Hong Kong      100% owned by Axa Sime Invt.
                                                 Holdings Pte Ltd

Axa Sime Assurance                Singapore      100% owned by Axa Sime Invt
                                                 Holdings Pte Ltd

Axa Life Insurance                Hong Kong      100%

PT Asuransi Axa Indonesia         Indonesia      80%

   
Equitable Cies Incorp.            U.S.A.         60.8% between Axa, 44.69%
                                                 Financiere 45, 3.8%,
                                                 Lorfinance 7.6% and Axa Equity
                                                 & Law Life Association Society
                                                 4.8%
    

Equitable Life Assurance of       U.S.A.         100% owned by Equitable Cies
the USA                                          Inc.

   
National Mutual Holdings Ltd      Australia      51% between Axa, 42.1% and Axa
                                                 Equity & Law Life Assurance
                                                 Society 8.9%
    

The National Mutual Life          Australia      100% owned by National Mutual
Association of Australasia Ltd                   Holdings Ltd

   
National Mutual International     Australia      100% owned by National Mutual
Pty Ltd                                          Holdings Ltd
    

National Mutual (Bermuda) Ltd     Australia      100% owned by National Mutual
                                                 International Pty Ltd

   
National Mutual Asia Ltd          Australia      55% owned by National Mutual
                                                 Holdings Ltd and 20% by Datura
                                                 Ltd and 13% by National Mutual
                                                 Life Association of
                                                 Australasia
    

Australian Casualty & Life Ltd    Australia      100% owned by National Mutual
                                                 Holdings Ltd

National Mutual Health            Australia      100% owned by National Mutual
Insurance Pty Ltd                                Holdings Ltd

                                      C-18
<PAGE>

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

   
Axa Reassurance                   France         100% owned by Axa, Axa
                                                 Assurances Iard and Axa Global
                                                 Risks

Axa Re Finance                    France         80% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Re Vie                        France         99.9% owned by Axa Reassurance
    

Axa Cessions                      France         100% by Axa

Axa Re Mexico                     Mexico         100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Re Asia                       Singapore      100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Re U.K. Plc                   U.K.           100% owned by Axa Re U.K.
                                                 Holding

Axa Re U.K. Holding               U.K.           100% owned by Axa Reassurance

   
Axa Re U.S.A.                     U.S.A.         100% owned by Axa America
                                                 and Axa Reassurance
    

Axa America                       U.S.A.         100% owned by Axa Reassurance

International Technology          U.S.A.         80% owned by Axa America
Underwriters Inc. (INTEC)

Axa Re Life                       U.S.A.         100% owned by Axa Re Vie

C.G.R.M.                          Monaco         100% owned by Axa Reassurance

Axa Life Insurance                Japan          100% owned by Axa

   
Dongbu Axa Life Insurance         Korea          50% owned by Axa
Co Ltd

Axa Oyak Hayat Sigota             Turkey         60% owned by Axa

Oyak Sigorta                      Turkey         11% owned by Axa
    

                                      C-19
<PAGE>

                             AXA FINANCIAL BUSINESS

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

Compagnie Financiere de Paris     France         96.9%, (100% with Mutuals)
(C.F.P.)

Axa Banque                        France         98.7% owned by C.F.P.

Financiere 78                     France         100% owned by C.F.P.

Axa Credit                        France         65% owned by C.F.P.

   
Axa Gestion Interessement         France         100% owned by Axa Asset
                                                 Management Europe
    

Compagnie Europeenne de Credit    France         100% owned by C.F.P.
(C.E.C.)

Fidei                             France         20.7% owned by C.F.P. and
                                                 10.8% by Axamur

   
Societe de Placements             France         98.58% with Mutuals
Selectionnes S.P.S.

Presence et Initiative            France         100% with Mutuals
    

Vamopar                           France         100% owned by Societe Beaujon

Financiere Mermoz                 France         100%

Axa Asset Management Europe       France         100%

Axa Asset Management              France         100% owned by Axa Asset
Partenaires                                      Management Europe

Axa Asset Management Conseils     France         100% owned by Axa Asset
                                                 Management Europe

Axa Asset Management              France         100% owned by Axa Asset
Distribution                                     Management Europe

   
Axa Equity & Law Home Loans       U.K.           100% owned by Axa Equity & Law
                                                 Plc

Axa Equity & Law Commercial       U.K.           100% owned by Axa Equity & Law
                                                 Plc Loans
    

                                      C-20
<PAGE>

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

Alliance Capital Management       U.S.A.         59% held by ELAS

   
Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette       U.S.A.         44.1% owned by Equitable Cies
                                                 Inc. and 36.1% by Equitable
                                                 Holding Cies

National Mutual Funds             Australia      100% owned by National
Management (Global) Ltd                          Holdings Ltd

National Mutual Funds             USA            100% by National Mutual Funds
Management North America                         Management (Global) Ltd. 
Holding Inc.            
    

Cogefin                           Luxembourg     100% owned by Axa Belgium

   
Financiere 45                     France         99.8% owned by Axa

Mofipar                           France         99.76% owned by Axa
    

ORIA                              France         100% owned by Axa Millesimes

Axa Oeuvres d'Art                 France         100% by Mutuals

   
Axa Cantenac Brown                France         100% by Societe Beaujon

Axa Suduiraut                     France         99.6% owned by Societe Beaujon

Colisee Acti Finance 2            France         100% owned by Axa Assurances
                                                 Iard Mutuelle
    

                                      C-21
<PAGE>

                            AXA REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

   
C.I.P.M.                          France         97.8% with Mutuals
    

Fincosa                           France         100% owned by C.I.P.M.

Prebail                           France         100% owned by Societe Beaujon
                                                 and C.F.P.

   
Axamur                            France         100% by different companies
                                                 and Mutuelles
    

Parigest                          France         100% by the Mutuals, C.I.P.M.
                                                 and Fincosa

   
Parimmo                           France         100% by the insurance
                                                 companies and Mutuals

S.G.C.I.                          France         100% by different companies
                                                 and Mutuelles

Transaxim                         France         100% owned by S.G.C.I. and
                                                 C.P.P.
    

Compagnie Parisienne de           France         100% owned by S.G.C.I.
Participations

   
Monte Scopando                    France         100% owned by C.P.P.

Matipierre                        France         100% by different companies

Securimmo                         France         87.12% by different companies
                                                 and Mutuals

Paris Orleans                     France         100% by Axa Courtage Iard

Colisee Bureaux                   France         100% by different companies
                                                 and Mutuals

Colisee Premiere                  France         100% by different companies
                                                 and Mutuals

Colisee Laffitte                  France         100% by Colisee Bureaux

Foniere Carnot Laforge            France         100% by Colisee Premiere
    

Parc Camoin                       France         100% by Colisee Premiere

Delta Point du Jour               France         100% owned by Matipierre

Paroi Nord de l'Arche             France         100% owned by Matipierre

Falival                           France         100% owned by Axa Reassurance

   
Compagnie du Gaz d'Avignon        France         99% owned by Axa Ass Iard

Ahorro Familiar                   France         42.2% owned by Axa Assurances
                                                 Iard

Fonciere du Val d'Oise            France         100% owned by C.P.P.

Sodarec                           France         100% owned by C.P.P.
    

                                      C-22
<PAGE>

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

   
Centrexpo                         France         100% owned by C.P.P.

Fonciere de la Vile du Bois       France         100% owned by Centrexpo

Colisee Seine                     France         100% owned by different
                                                 companies

Translot                          France         100% owned by SGCI

S.N.C. Dumont d'Urville           France         100% owned by Colisee Premiere
    

Colisee Federation                France         100% by SGCI

Colisee Saint Georges             France         100% by SGCI

   
Drouot Industrie                  France         50% by SGCI and 50% by Axamur

Colisee Vauban                    France         99.6% by Matipierre

Fonciere Colisee                  France         100% by Matipierre and
                                                 different companies
    

Axa Pierre S.C.I.                 France         97.6% owned by different
                                                 companies and Mutuals

   
Axa Millesimes                    France         85.2% owned by AXA and the
                                                 Mutuals
    

Chateau Suduirault                France         100% owned by Axa Millesimes

   
Diznoko                           Hongrie        95% owned by Axa Millesimes
    

Compagnie Fonciere Matignon       France         100% by different companies
                                                 and Mutuals

Equitable Real Estate             U.S.A.         100% owned by ELAS
Investment

   
Quinta do Noval Vinhos S.A.       Portugal       99.6% owned by Axa Millesimes
    

                                      C-23
<PAGE>

                               OTHER AXA BUSINESS

COMPANY                           COUNTRY        VOTING POWER
- -------                           -------        ------------

   
A.N.F.                            France         95.4% owned by Finaxa

Lucia                             France         20.6% owned by Axa Assurances
                                                 Iard and 8.6% by Mutuals

Schneider S.A.                    France         10.4%
    

                                      C-24
<PAGE>

                  ORGANIZATION CHART OF EQUITABLE'S AFFILIATES


                                     NOTES
                                     -----

1.   The year of formation or acquisition and state or country of incorporation
     of each affiliate is shown.

2.   The chart omits certain relatively inactive special purpose real estate
     subsidiaries, partnerships, and joint ventures formed to operate or
     develop a single real estate property or a group of related properties,
     and certain inactive name-holding corporations.

   
3.   All ownership interests on the chart are 100% common stock ownership
     except: (a) The Equitable Companies Incorporated's 44.1% interest in
     Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. and Equitable Holding Corporation's
     36.1% interest in same; (b) as noted for certain partnership interests;
     (c) Equitable Life's ACMC, Inc.'s and Equitable Capital Management
     Corporation's limited partnership interests in Alliance Capital Management
     L.P.; (d) as noted for certain subsidiaries of Alliance Capital Management
     Corp. of Delaware, Inc.; (e) Treasurer Robert L. Bennett's 20% interest in
     Compass Management and Leasing Co. (formerly EREIM, Inc.); and (f) DLJ
     Mortgage Capital's and Equitable Real Estate's respective ownerships, 50%
     each in Column Financial, Inc.
    

4.   The operational status of the entities shown as having been formed or
     authorized but "not yet fully operational" should be checked with the
     appropriate operating areas, especially for those that are start-up
     situations.

5.   The following entities are not included in this chart because, while they
     have an affiliation with The Equitable, their relationship is not the
     ongoing equity-based form of control and ownership that is characteristic
     of the affiliations on the chart, and, in the case of the first two
     entities, they are under the direction of at least a majority of "outside"
     trustees:

   
                              The Equitable Funds
                             The Hudson River Trust
                               EQ Advisors Trust
                               Separate Accounts

6.   This chart was last revised on April 1, 1997.
    

                                     C-25
<PAGE>

Item 27. Number of Contractowners

   
         As of March 31, 1997 qualified annuity contracts covering 5,830
participants had been issued by the registrant.
    

Item 28. Indemnification

         (a)  Indemnification of Principal Underwriter: to the extent permitted
              by law of the State of New York and subject to all applicable
              requirements thereof, Equitable undertook to indemnify each of
              its directors and officers who is made or threatened to be made a
              party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by
              reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was
              a director or officer of Equitable.

         (b)  Undertaking: insofar as indemnification for liability arising
              under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,
              officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to
              the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
              advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
              Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
              expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
              event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
              (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
              paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
              registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
              proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
              person in connection with the securities being registered, the
              registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
              has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
              appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
              indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
              the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
              issue.

Item 29. Principal Underwriters

   
         (a)  EQ Financial Consultants, Inc. ("EQ Financial"), a wholly-owned
              subsidiary of Equitable, is the principal underwriter and
              depositor for its Separate Account No. 301, Separate Account A,
              Separate Account I and Separate Account FP. EQ Financial's
              principal business address is 1755 Broadway, NY, NY 10019.
    

         (b)  See Item 25.

         (c)  Not applicable.

                                     C-26
<PAGE>

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

         The records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Company 
Act of 1940 and Rules 31a-1 to 31a-3 promulgated thereunder, are maintained by
Equitable at 200 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094

Item 31. Management Services

         Not applicable.

Item 32. Undertakings

         The Registrant hereby undertakes:

         (a)  to file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement
              as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited
              financial statements in the registration statement are never more
              than 16 months old for so long as payments under the variable
              annuity contracts may be accepted;

         (b)  to include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
              contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an applicant can
              check to request a Statement of Additional Information, or (2) a
              postcard or similar written communication affixed to or included
              in the prospectus that the applicant can remove to send for a
              Statement of Additional Information;
   
         (c)  to deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
              financial statements required to be made available under this
              Form promptly upon written or oral request; and

         (d)  Equitable represents that the fees and charges deducted under
              the Contract described in this Registration Statement, in the
              aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services rendered, 
              the expenses to be incurred, and the risks assumed by Equitable 
              under the Contract. Equitable bases its representation on its
              assessment of all of the facts and circumstances, including such 
              relevant factors as: the nature and extent of such services, 
              expenses and risks, the need for Equitable to earn a profit, the
              degree to which the Contract includes innovative features, and 
              regulatory standards for the grant of exemptive relief under the 
              Investment Company Act of 1940 used prior to October 1996, 
              including the range of industry practice.

         The Registrant hereby represents that it is relying on the November
28, 1988 no-action letter (Ref. No. IP-6-88) relating to variable annuity
contracts offered as funding vehicles for retirement plans meeting the
requirements of Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Registrant further
represents that it complies with the provisions of paragraphs (1) - (4) of that
letter.
    

                                     C-27
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

   
         As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets the requirements of
Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this amended Registration
Statement and has caused this amended Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf in the City and State of New York, on this 25th day of April, 1997.
    


                                       SEPARATE ACCOUNT NO. 301 of
                                       THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF 
                                       THE UNITED STATES
                                                     (Registrant)

                                       By: The Equitable Life Assurance 
                                           Society of the United States


                                       By: /s/ Naomi J. Weinstein
                                           ----------------------
                                               Naomi J. Weinstein
                                               Vice President

                                     C-28
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

   
         As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Depositor certifies
that it meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness
of this amended Registration Statement and has caused this amended Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf, in the City and State of New York, on the
25th day of April, 1997.
    

                                       THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY OF
                                       THE UNITED STATES
                                                      (Depositor)

                                       By: /s/ Naomi J. Weinstein
                                           ----------------------
                                               Naomi J. Weinstein
                                               Vice President

         As required by the Securities Act of 1933 amended this registration
statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated:

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:

   
Joseph J. Melone                       Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
                                       Officer and Director

James M. Benson                        President and Director
    


William T. McCaffrey                   Senior Executive Vice President, Chief
                                       Operating Officer and Director

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER:

   
Stanley B. Tulin                       Senior Executive Vice President and
                                       Chief Financial Officer
    

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER:

   
/s/ Alvin H. Fenichel
- ---------------------
Alvin H. Fenichel                      Senior Vice President and
April 25, 1997                         Controller
    

DIRECTORS:

   
Claude Bebear            Jean-Rene Fourtou            Winthrop Knowlton
James M. Benson          Norman C. Francis            Arthur L. Liman
Chrisopher Brocksom      Donald J. Greene             George T. Lowy
Francoise Colloc'h       John T. Hartley              William T. McCaffrey
Henri de Castries        John H.F. Haskell, Jr.       Joseph J. Melone
Joseph L. Dionne         Mary R. (Nina) Henderson     Didier Pineau-Valencienne
William T. Esrey         W. Edwin Jarmain             George J. Sella, Jr.
                         G. Donald Johnston, Jr.      Dave H. Williams


/s/ Naomi J. Weinstein
- ----------------------
    Naomi J. Weinstein
    Attorney-in-Fact
    April 25, 1997
    

                                     C-29
<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NO.                                                            PAGE NO.
- -----------                                                            --------

   
6(h)               By-Laws of The Equitable Life Assurance Society
                   of the United States, as amended November 21,
                   1996.

6(i)               Restated Charter of The Equitable Life Assurance
                   Society of the United States, as amended January
                   1, 1997.
    

10(a)              Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.

10(b)              Powers of Attorney.

27                 Financial Data Schedule.

                                     C-30


<PAGE>






                      THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY

                                       OF

                                THE UNITED STATES








                                     BY-LAWS
                                     -------








                         As Amended November 21, 1996


<PAGE>


                      THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY
                                       OF
                                THE UNITED STATES

                                     BY-LAWS
                                     -------


                                Table of Contents


ARTICLE I    SHAREHOLDERS................................................     1

 Section 1.1  Annual Meetings............................................     1
 Section 1.2  Notice of Meetings; Waiver.................................     1
 Section 1.3  Organization; Procedure....................................     2
 Section 1.4  Action Without a Meeting...................................     2

ARTICLE II   BOARD OF DIRECTORS..........................................     2

 Section 2.1  Regular Meetings...........................................     2
 Section 2.2  Special Meetings...........................................     2
 Section 2.3  Independent Directors; Quorum..............................     2
 Section 2.4  Notice of Meetings.........................................     3
 Section 2.5  Newly Created Directorships;
                Vacancies................................................     3
 Section 2.6  Presiding Officer..........................................     3
 Section 2.7  Telephone Participation in
                Meetings; Action by Consent
                Without Meeting..........................................     3

ARTICLE III  COMMITTEES..................................................     4

 Section 3.1  Committees.................................................     4
 Section 3.2  Authority of Committees....................................     5
 Section 3.3  Quorum and Manner of Acting................................     5
 Section 3.4  Removal of Members.........................................     6
 Section 3.5  Vacancies..................................................     6
 Section 3.6  Subcommittees..............................................     6
 Section 3.7  Alternate Members of Committees............................     6
 Section 3.8  Attendance of Other Directors..............................     6



<PAGE>


ARTICLE IV   OFFICERS....................................................     6

 Section 4.1  Chairman of the Board......................................     6
 Section 4.2  Vice-Chairman of the Board.................................     7
 Section 4.3  President..................................................     7
 Section 4.4  Chief Executive Officer....................................     7
 Section 4.5  Secretary..................................................     7
 Section 4.6  Other Officers.............................................     8

ARTICLE V    CAPITAL STOCK...............................................     8

 Section 5.1  Transfers of Stock;
                Registered Shareholders..................................     8
 Section 5.2  Transfer Agent and Registrar...............................     9

ARTICLE VI  EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS.....................................     9

 Section 6.1  Execution of Instruments...................................     9
 Section 6.2  Facsimile Signatures of
                Former Officers..........................................    10
 Section 6.3  Meaning of Term "Instruments"..............................    10

ARTICLE VII  GENERAL.....................................................    10

 Section 7.1  Reports of Committees......................................    10
 Section 7.2  Independent Certified
                Public Accountants.......................................    10
 Section 7.3  Directors' Fees............................................    10
 Section 7.4  Indemnification of Directors,
                Officers and Employees...................................    10
 Section 7.5  Waiver of Notice...........................................    11
 Section 7.6  Company....................................................    11

ARTICLE VIII  AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS.......................................    11

 Section 8.1  Amendment of By-Laws.......................................    11
 Section 8.2  Notice of Amendment........................................    12


<PAGE>


                                    BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                      THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY
                              OF THE UNITED STATES

                                    ARTICLE I
                                    ---------

                                  SHAREHOLDERS
                                  ------------

         Section 1.1. Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the shareholders
of the Company for the election of Directors and for the transaction of such
other business as properly may come before such meeting shall be held at the
principal office of the Company on the third Wednesday in the month of May at
3:00 P.M., local time, or at such other place, within or without the State of
New York, or on such other earlier or later date in April or May or at such
other hour as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of
Directors and set forth in the notice or waiver of notice of the meeting.
[Business Corporation Law Secs. 602(a), (b)]*

         Section 1.2. Notice of Meetings; Waiver. The Secretary or any
Assistant Secretary shall cause written notice of the place, date and hour of
each meeting of the shareholders, and, in the case of a special meeting, the
purpose or purposes for which such meeting is called and by or at whose
direction such notice is being issued, to be given, personally or by first
class mail, not fewer than ten nor more than fifty days before the date of the
meeting to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting.

         No notice of any meeting of shareholders need be given to any
shareholder who submits a signed waiver of notice, in person or by proxy,
whether before or after the meeting or who attends the meeting, in person or by
proxy, without protesting prior to its conclusion the lack of notice of such
meeting. [Business Corporation Law Secs. 605, 606]

- --------------
* Citations are to the Business Corporation Law and Insurance Law of the State
of New York, as in effect on [date of adoption], and are inserted for reference
only, and do not constitute a part of the By-Laws.

<PAGE>

         Section 1.3. Organization; Procedure. At every meeting of shareholders
the presiding officer shall be the Chairman of the Board or, in the event of
his or her absence or disability, the President or, in his or her absence, any
officer of the Company designated by the shareholders. The order of business
and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of shareholders may be
determined by such presiding officer. The Secretary, or in the event of his or
her absence or disability, an Assistant Secretary or, in his or her absence, an
appointee of the presiding officer, shall act as Secretary of the meeting.

         Section 1.4. Action Without a Meeting. Any action required or
permitted to be taken by shareholders may be taken without a meeting on written
consent signed by the holders of all the outstanding shares entitled to vote on
such action. [Business Corporation Law Sec. 615]


                                   ARTICLE II
                                   ----------

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                               ------------------

         Section 2.1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of
Directors shall be held at the principal office of the Company on the third
Thursday of each month, except January and August, unless a change in place or
date is ordered by the Board of Directors. The first regular meeting of the
Board of Directors following the annual meeting of the shareholders of the
Company is designated as the Annual Meeting. [Business Corporation Law Sec.
710]

         Section 2.2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the
President, or two directors. [Business Corporation Law Sec. 710]

         Section 2.3. Independent Directors; Quorum. Not less than one-third of
the Board of Directors shall be persons who are not officers or employees of
the Company or of any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common
control with the Company and who are not beneficial owners of a controlling
interest in the voting stock of the Company or of any such entity.

         A majority of the entire Board of Directors, including at least one
Director who is not an officer or employee of the Company or of any entity
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company and who is
not a beneficial owner of a controlling interest in the voting stock of the
Company

<PAGE>

or of any such entity, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, except as
otherwise prescribed by these By-Laws. Except as otherwise prescribed by law,
the Charter of the Company, or these By-Laws, the vote of a majority of the
Directors present at the time of the vote, if a quorum is present at such time,
shall be the act of the Board of Directors. A majority of the Directors
present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting from time
to time and from place to place. As used in these By-Laws "entire Board of
Directors" means the total number of directors which the Company would have if
there were no vacancies. [Business Corporation Law Secs. 707, 708; Insurance
Law Sec. 1202]

         Section 2.4. Notice of Meetings. Notice of a regular meeting of the
Board of Directors need not be given. Notice of a change in the time or place
of a regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each Director
at least five days in advance thereof in writing and by telephone or telecopy.
Notice of each special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each
Director at least 24 hours prior to the special meeting, personally or by
telephone or telegram or telecopy, and shall state in general terms the purpose
or purposes of the meeting. Any such notice for a regular or special meeting
not specifically required by this Section 2.4 to be given by telephone or
telecopy shall be deemed given to a director when sent by mail, telegram,
cablegram or radiogram addressed to such director at his or her address
furnished to the Secretary. Notice of an adjourned regular or special meeting
of the Board of Directors shall be given if and as determined by a majority of
the directors present at the time of the adjournment, whether or not a quorum
is present. [Business Corporation Law Sec. 711]

         Section 2.5. Newly Created Directorships; Vacancies. Any newly created
directorships resulting from an increase in the number of Directors and
vacancies occurring in the Board of Directors for any reasons (including
vacancies resulting from the removal of a Director without cause) shall be
filled by the shareholders of the Company. [Business Corporation Law Sec. 705;
Insurance Law Sec. 4211]

         Section 2.6. Presiding Officer. In the absence or inability to act of
the Chairman of the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board of
Directors, any Vice-Chairman of the Board, or the President, as designated by
the chief executive officer, shall preside at such meeting. In the absence or
inability to act of all of such officers, the Board of Directors shall select
from among their number present a presiding officer.

         Section 2.7. Telephone Participation in Meetings; Action by Consent
Without Meeting. Any Director may participate in a meeting of the Board

<PAGE>

or any committee thereof by means of a conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other at the same time, and such participation shall
constitute presence in person at such meeting; provided that one meeting of the
Board each year shall be held without the use of such conference telephone or
similar communication equipment. When time is of the essence, but not in lieu
of a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors, any action required
or permitted to be taken by the Board or any committee thereof may be taken
without a meeting if all members of the Board or such committee, as the case
may be, consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the
action and such written consents and resolution are filed with the minutes of
the Board or such committee, as the case may be. [Business Corporation Law Sec.
708]

                                   ARTICLE III
                                   -----------

                                   COMMITTEES
                                   ----------

         Section 3.1. Committees. (a) The Board of Directors, by resolution
adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, may establish from
among its members an Executive Committee of the Board composed of three or more
Directors. Not less than one-third of the members of such committee shall be
persons who are not officers or employees of the Company or of any entity
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company and who
are not beneficial owners of a controlling interest in the voting stock of the
Company or of any such entity.

         (b) The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the
entire Board of Directors, shall establish from among its members one or more
committees with authority to discharge the responsibilities enumerated in this
subsection (b). Each such committee shall be composed of three or more
Directors and shall be comprised solely of Directors who are not officers or
employees of the Company or of any entity controlling, controlled by, or under
common control with the Company and who are not beneficial owners of a
controlling interest in the voting stock of the Company or of any such entity.
Such committee or committees shall have responsibility for:

         (i) Recommending to the Board of Directors candidates for nomination
    for election by the shareholders to the Board of Directors;

<PAGE>

         (ii) Evaluating the performance of officers deemed by any such
    committee to be principal officers of the Company and recommending their
    selection and compensation;

         (iii) Recommending the selection of independent certified public
    accountants;

         (iv) Reviewing the scope and results of the independent audit and of
    any internal audit; and

         (v) Reviewing the Company's financial condition.

         (c) The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted from time to time by
a majority of the entire Board of Directors, may establish from among its
members one or more additional committees of the Board, each composed of five
or more Directors. Not less than one-third of the members of each such
committee shall be persons who are not officers or employees of the Company or
of any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the
Company and who are not beneficial owners of a controlling interest in the
voting stock of the Company or of any such entity. [Business Corporation Law
Sec. 712; Insurance Law Sec. 1202]

         Section 3.2. Authority of Committees. Each committee shall have all
the authority of the Board of Directors, to the extent permitted by law and
provided in the resolution creating such committee, provided, however, that no
committee shall have authority as to the following matters:

         (a) the submission to shareholders of any action as to which
    shareholder approval is required by law;

         (b) the filling of vacancies in the Board of Directors or in any
    committee thereof;

         (c) the fixing of compensation of the Directors for serving on the
    Board of Directors or any committee thereof;

         (d) the amendment or repeal of the By-Laws, or the adoption of new
    By-Laws; or

         (e) the amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board of
    Directors unless such resolution of the Board of Directors by its terms
    provides that it may be so amended or repealed.

<PAGE>

         Section 3.3. Quorum and Manner of Acting. A majority of the total
membership that a committee would have if there were no vacancies (including at
least one Director who is not an officer or employee of the Company or of any
entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company and
who is not a beneficial owner of a controlling interest in the voting stock of
the Company or of any such entity) shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. The vote of a majority of the members present at the
time of the vote, if a quorum is present at such time, shall be the act of such
committee. Except as otherwise prescribed by these By-Laws or by the Board of
Directors, each committee may elect a chairman from among its members, fix the
times and dates of its meetings, and adopt other rules of procedure.

         Section 3.4. Removal of Members. Any member (and any alternate member)
of a committee may be removed by vote of a majority of the entire Board of
Directors.

         Section 3.5. Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in any committee for any
reason may be filled by vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

         Section 3.6. Subcommittees. Any committee may appoint one or more
subcommittees from its members. Any such subcommittee may be charged with the
duty of considering and reporting to the appointing committee on any matter
within the responsibility of the committee appointing such subcommittee but
cannot act in place of the appointing committee.

         Section 3.7. Alternate Members of Committees. The Board of Directors
may designate, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of
Directors, one or more directors as alternate members of any committee who may
replace any absent member or members at a meeting of such committee. [Business
Corporation Law Sec. 712]

         Section 3.8. Attendance of Other Directors. Except as otherwise
prescribed by the Board of Directors, members of the Board of Directors may
attend any meeting of any committee.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   ----------

                                    OFFICERS
                                    --------

         Section 4.1. Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors may at a
regular or special meeting elect from among their number a Chairman of the

<PAGE>

Board who shall hold office, at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, until
the next Annual Meeting.

         The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board
of Directors and also shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may
be delegated or assigned to or required of him or her by these By-Laws or by or
pursuant to authorization of the Board of Directors.

         Section 4.2. Vice-Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors may at
a regular or special meeting elect from among their number one or more
Vice-Chairmen of the Board who shall hold office, at the pleasure of the Board
of Directors, until the next Annual Meeting.

         The Vice-Chairmen of the Board shall exercise such powers and perform
such duties as may be delegated or assigned to or required of them by these
By-Laws or by or pursuant to authorization of the Board of Directors or by the
Chairman of the Board.

         Section 4.3. President. The Board of Directors shall at a regular or
special meeting elect from among their number a President who shall hold
office, at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, until the next Annual
Meeting and until the election of his or her successor.

         The President shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as
may be delegated or assigned to or required of him or her by these By-Laws or
by or pursuant to authorization of the Board of Directors or (if the President
is not the chief executive officer) by the chief executive officer. The
President and Secretary may not be the same person.

         Section 4.4. Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman of the Board or the
President shall be the chief executive officer of the Company as the Board of
Directors from time to time shall determine, and the Board of Directors from
time to time may determine who shall act as chief executive officer in the
absence or inability to act of the then incumbent.

         Subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and to the extent
not otherwise prescribed by these By-Laws, the chief executive officer shall
have plenary power over all departments, officers, employees, and agents of the
Company, and shall be responsible for the general management and direction of
all the business and affairs of the Company.

<PAGE>

         Section 4.5. Secretary. The Board of Directors shall at a regular or
special meeting elect a Secretary who shall hold office, at the pleasure of the
Board of Directors, until the next Annual Meeting and until the election of his
or her successor.

         The Secretary shall issue notices of the meetings of the shareholders
and the Board of Directors and its committees, shall keep the minutes of the
meetings of the shareholders and the Board of Directors and its committees and
shall have custody of the Company's corporate seal and records. The Secretary
shall exercise such powers and perform such other duties as relate to the
office of the Secretary, and also such powers and duties as may be delegated or
assigned to or required of him or her by or pursuant to authorization of the
Board of Directors or by the Chairman of the Board or (if the Chairman of the
Board is not the chief executive officer) the chief executive officer.

         Section 4.6. Other Officers. The Board of Directors may elect such
other officers as may be deemed necessary for the conduct of the business of
the Company. Each such officer elected by the Board of Directors shall exercise
such powers and perform such duties as may be delegated or assigned to or
required of him or her by the Board of Directors or the chief executive
officer, and shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting, but at any time
may be suspended by the chief executive officer or by the Board of Directors,
or removed by the Board of Directors. [Business Corporation Law Secs. 715, 716]


                                    ARTICLE V
                                    ---------

                                  CAPITAL STOCK
                                  -------------

         Section 5.1. Transfers of Stock; Registered Shareholders. (a) Shares
of stock of the Company shall be transferable only upon the books of the
Company kept for such purpose upon surrender to the Company or its transfer
agent or agents of a certificate (unless such shares shall be uncertificated
shares) representing shares, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate
evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer. Within a
reasonable time after the transfer of uncertificated shares, the Company shall
send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the
information required to be set forth or stated on certificates.

         (b) Except as otherwise prescribed by law, the Board of Directors may
make such rules, regulations and conditions as it may deem expedient concerning
the subscription for, issue, transfer and registration of, shares of stock.

<PAGE>

Except as otherwise prescribed by law, the Company, prior to due presentment
for registration of transfer, may treat the registered owner of shares as the
person exclusively entitled to vote, to receive notifications, and otherwise to
exercise all the rights and powers of an owner. [Business Corporation Law Sec.
508(d), (f); Insurance Law Sec. 4203]

         Section 5.2 Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Board of Directors may
appoint one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars, and may require
all certificates representing shares to bear the signature of any such transfer
agents or registrars. The same person may act as transfer agent and registrar
for the Company.


                                   ARTICLE VI
                                   ----------

                            EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS
                            ------------------------

         Section 6.1. Execution of Instruments. (a) Any one of the following,
namely, the Chairman of the Board, any Vice-Chairman of the Board, the
President, any Vice-President (including a Deputy or Assistant Vice-President
or any other Vice-President designated by a number or a word or words added
before or after the title Vice-President to indicate his or her rank or
responsibilities), the Secretary, or the Treasurer, or any officer, employee or
agent designated by or pursuant to authorization of the Board of Directors or
any committee created under these By-Laws, shall have power in the ordinary
course of business to enter into contracts or execute instruments on behalf of
the Company (other than checks, drafts and other orders drawn on funds of the
Company deposited in its name in banks) and to affix the corporate seal. If any
such instrument is to be executed on behalf of the Company by more than one
person, any two or more of the foregoing or any one or more of the foregoing
with an Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer shall have power to
execute such instrument and affix the corporate seal.

         (b) The signature of any officer may be in facsimile on any such
instrument if it shall also bear the actual signature, or personally inscribed
initials, of an officer, employee or agent empowered by or pursuant to the
first sentence of this Section to execute such instrument, provided that the
Board of Directors or a committee thereof may authorize the issuance of
insurance contracts and annuity contracts on behalf of the Company bearing the
facsimile signature of an officer without the actual signature or personally
inscribed initials of any person.

<PAGE>

         (c) All checks, drafts and other orders drawn on funds of the Company
deposited in its name in banks shall be signed only pursuant to authorization
of and in accordance with rules prescribed from time to time by the Board of
Directors or a committee thereof, which rules may permit the use of facsimile
signatures.

         Section 6.2. Facsimile Signatures of Former Officers. If any officer
whose facsimile signature has been placed upon any instrument shall have ceased
to be such officer before such instrument is issued, it may be issued with the
same effect as if he or she had been such officer at the time of its issue.

         Section 6.3. Meaning of Term "Instruments". As used in this Article
VI, the term "instruments" includes, but is not limited to, contracts and
agreements, checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money, transfers
of bonds, stocks, notes and other securities, and powers of attorney, deeds,
leases, releases of mortgages, satisfactions and all other instruments entitled
to be recorded in any jurisdiction.


                                   ARTICLE VII
                                   -----------

                                     GENERAL
                                     -------

         Section 7.1. Reports of Committees. Reports of any committee charged
with responsibility for supervising or making investments shall be submitted at
the next meeting of the Board of Directors. Reports of other committees of the
Board of Directors shall be submitted at a regular meeting of the Board of
Directors as soon as practicable, unless otherwise directed by the Board of
Directors.

         Section 7.2 Independent Certified Public Accountants. The books and
accounts of the Company shall be audited throughout each year by such
independent certified public accountants as shall be selected by the Board of
Directors.

         Section 7.3. Directors' Fees. The Directors shall be paid such fees
for their services in any capacity as may have been authorized by the Board of
Directors. No Director who is a salaried officer of the Company shall receive
any fees for serving as a Director of the Company. [Business Corporation Law
Sec. 713(e)]

<PAGE>

         Section 7.4. Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees. (a)
To the extent permitted by the law of the State of New York and subject to all
applicable requirements thereof:

         (i) any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or
    proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he or
    she, or his or her testator or intestate, is or was a director, officer or
    employee of the Company shall be indemnified by the Company;

         (ii) any person made or threatened to be made a party to any action or
    proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he or
    she, or his or her testator or intestate serves or served any other
    organization in any capacity at the request of the Company may be
    indemnified by the Company; and

         (iii) the related expenses of any such person in any of said
    categories may be advanced by the Company.

         (b) To the extent permitted by the law of the State of New York, the
Company may provide for further indemnification or advancement of expenses by
resolution of shareholders of the Company or the Board of Directors, by
amendment of these By-Laws, or by agreement. [Business Corporation Law Secs.
721-726; Insurance Law Sec. 1216]

         Section 7.5. Waiver of Notice. Notice of any meeting of the Board of
Directors or any committee thereof shall not be required to be given to any
Director who submits a signed waiver of notice whether before or after the
meeting, or who attends the meeting without protesting, prior to or at its
commencement, the lack of notice to him. [Business Corporation Law Sec. 711(c)]

         Section 7.6. Company. The term "Company" in these By-Laws means The
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.


                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  ------------

                              AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
                              --------------------

         Section 8.1. Amendment of By-Laws. Subject to Section 1210 of the
Insurance Law of the State of New York, all By-Laws of the Corporation,

<PAGE>

whether adopted by the Board of Directors or the shareholders, shall be subject
to amendment, alteration or repeal, and new By-Laws may be made, either

         (a) by the shareholders at any annual or special meeting of
    shareholders the notice of which shall have specified or summarized the
    proposed amendment, alteration, repeal or new By-Laws, or

         (b) by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors at any regular or
    special meeting, the notice or waiver of notice of which, unless none is
    required hereunder, shall have specified or summarized the proposed
    amendment, alteration, repeal or new By-Laws,

provided,  however, that the shareholders may at any time provide in the By-Laws
that any  specified  provision  or  provisions  of the  By-Laws  may be amended,
altered or repealed only in the manner specified in the foregoing clause (a), in
which  event  such  provision  or  provisions  shall be  subject  to  amendment,
alteration or repeal only in such manner. [Business Corporation Law Sec. 601(a);
Insurance Law Sec. 1210]

         Section 8.2. Notice of Amendment. If any By-Law regulating an
impending election of directors is adopted, amended or repealed by the Board of
Directors, there shall be set forth in the notice of the next meeting of
shareholders for the election of directors the By-Law so adopted, amended or
repealed, together with a concise statement of the changes made. [Business
Corporation Law Sec. 601 (b).]


<PAGE>







                    THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY

                                      OF

                              THE UNITED STATES






                              RESTATED CHARTER
                              ----------------


                        As Amended January 1, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                              RESTATED CHARTER

                                                                            OF

                                          THE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY
                                                          OF THE UNITED STATES



ARTICLE I

         The name of the corporation shall continue to be The Equitable Life
Assurance Society of the United States.

ARTICLE II

         The principal office of the corporation shall be located in the City
of New York, County of New York, State of New York.

ARTICLE III

         (a) The business to be transacted by the corporation shall be the
kinds of insurance business specified in Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Subsection
(a) of Section 1113 of the Insurance Law of the State of New York, as follows:

              (1) "Life insurance": every insurance upon the lives of human
         beings, and every insurance appertaining thereto, including the
         granting of endowment benefits, additional benefits in the event of
         death by accident, additional benefits to safeguard the contract from
         lapse, accelerated payments of part or all of the death benefit or a
         special surrender value upon diagnosis (A) of terminal illness defined
         as a life expectancy of twelve months or less, or (B) of a medical
         condition requiring extraordinary medical care or treatment regardless
         of life expectancy, or provide a special surrender value, upon total
         and permanent disability of the insured, and optional modes of
         settlement of proceeds. "Life insurance" also includes additional
         benefits to safeguard the contract against lapse in the event of
         unemployment of the insured. Amounts paid the insurer for life
         insurance and proceeds applied under optional modes of settlement or
         under dividend options may be allocated by the insurer
<PAGE>

         to one or more separate accounts pursuant to section four thousand two
         hundred forty of the Insurance Law of the State of New York;

              (2) "Annuities": all agreements to make periodical payments for a
         period certain or where the making or continuance of all or some of a
         series of such payments, or the amount of any such payment, depends
         upon the continuance of human life, except payments made under the
         authority of paragraph (1) above. Amounts paid the insurer to provide
         annuities and proceeds applied under optional modes of settlement or
         under dividend options may be allocated by the insurer to one or more
         separate accounts pursuant to section four thousand two hundred forty
         of the Insurance Law of the State of New York;

              (3) "Accident and health insurance": (i) insurance against death
         or personal injury by accident or by any specified kind or kinds of
         accident and insurance against sickness, ailment or bodily injury,
         including insurance providing disability benefits pursuant to article
         nine of the workers' compensation law, except as specified in item
         (ii) hereof; and (ii) non-cancellable disability insurance, meaning
         insurance against disability resulting from sickness, ailment or
         bodily injury (but excluding insurance solely against accidental
         injury) under any contract which does not give the insurer the option
         to cancel or otherwise terminate the contract at or after one year
         from its effective date or renewal date;

and any amendments to such paragraphs or provisions in substitution therefor
which may be hereafter adopted; such other kind or kinds of business now or
hereafter authorized by the laws of the State of New York to stock life
insurance companies; and such other kind or kinds of business to the extent
necessarily or properly incidental to the kind or kinds of insurance business
which the corporation is authorized to do.

         (b) The corporation shall also have all other rights, powers, and
privileges now or hereafter authorized or granted by the Insurance Law of the
State of New York or any other law or laws of the State of New York to stock
life insurance companies having power to do the kind or kinds of business
hereinabove referred to and any and all other rights, powers, and privileges of
a corporation now or hereafter granted by the laws of the State of New York and
not prohibited to such stock life insurance companies.

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>

ARTICLE IV

         The business of the corporation shall be managed under the direction
of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

         (a) The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than 13 (except
for vacancies temporarily unfilled) nor more than 36 Directors, as may be
determined from time to time by a vote of a majority of the entire Board of
Directors. No decrease in the number of Directors shall shorten the term of any
incumbent Director.

         (b) The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt from time to
time such By-Laws, rules and regulations for the governance of the officers,
employees and agents and for the management of the business and affairs of the
corporation, not inconsistent with this Charter and the laws of the State of
New York, as may be expedient, and to amend or repeal such by-laws, rules and
regulations, except as provided in the By-Laws.

         (c) Any or all of the Directors may be removed at any time, either for
or without cause, by vote of the shareholders.

         (d) No Director shall be personally liable to the corporation or any
of its shareholders for damages for any breach of duty as a Director; provided,
however, that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit (i) the
liability of a Director if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to
him or her establishes that his or her acts or omissions were in bad faith or
involved intentional misconduct or that he or she personally gained in fact a
financial profit or other advantage to which he or she was not legally
entitled, or were acts or omissions which (a) he or she knew or reasonably
should have known violated the Insurance Law of the State of New York or (b)
violated a specific standard of care imposed on Directors directly, and not by
reference, by a provision of the Insurance Law of the State of New York (or any
regulations promulgated thereunder) or (c) constituted a knowing violation of
any other law; or (ii) the liability of a Director for any act or omission
prior to September 21, 1989.

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>

ARTICLE VI

         (a) The Directors of the corporation shall be elected at each annual
meeting of shareholders of the corporation in the manner prescribed by law. The
annual meeting of shareholders shall be held at such place, within or without
the State of New York, and at such time as may be fixed by or under the
By-Laws. At each annual meeting of shareholders, directors shall be elected to
hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of shareholders.

         (b) Newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the
number of Directors and vacancies occurring in the Board of Directors shall be
filled by vote of the shareholders.

         (c) Each Director shall be at least twenty-one years of age, and at
all times a majority of the Directors shall be citizens and residents of the
United States, and not less than three of the Directors shall be residents of
the State of New York.

         (d) The Board of Directors shall elect such officers as are provided
for in the By-Laws at the first meeting of the Board of Directors following
each annual meeting of the shareholders. In the event of the failure to elect
officers at such meeting, officers may be elected at any regular or special
meeting of the Board of Directors. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the
Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.

ARTICLE VII

         The duration of the corporate existence of the corporation shall be
perpetual.

ARTICLE VIII

         The amount of the capital of the corporation shall be $2,500,000, and
shall consist of 2,000,000 Common Shares, par value $1.25 per share.

                                     - 4 -



<PAGE>


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration
Statement No. 2-74667 on Form N-4 (the "Registration Statement") of our
report dated February 10, 1997 relating to the financial statements of The
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States Separate Account No.
301 for the year ended December 31, 1996, and our report dated February 10,
1997 relating to the consolidated financial statements of The Equitable Life
Assurance Society of the United States for the year ended December 31, 1996,
which reports appear in such Statement of Additional Information, and to the
incorporation by reference of our reports into the Prospectus which
constitutes part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Statement of Additional
Information.



/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
- ------------------------
Price Waterhouse LLP
New York, New York
April 25, 1997








<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 24th day of February, 1997



                                                     /s/ Claude Bebear










<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 6th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ James M. Benson






<PAGE>





                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                             /s/ Christopher Brocksom





<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     Francoise Colloc'h



<PAGE>








                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ Henri de Castries






<PAGE>





                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ Joseph L. Dionne





<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ William T. Esrey




<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 24th day of February, 1997



                                                     /s/ Alvin H. Fenichel

<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ Jean-Rene Fourou






<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 11th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ Norman C. Francis





<PAGE>





                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ Donald J. Greene





<PAGE>



                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ John T. Hartley






<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 19th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ John H.F. Haskell, Jr.






<PAGE>





                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 11th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ W. Edwin Jarmain







<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 3rd day of February, 1997
 



                                          /s/ G. Donald Johnston, Jr.

<PAGE>







                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                        /s/ Winthrop Knowlton

<PAGE>









                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                        /s/ Arthur L. Liman






<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                                     /s/ George T. Lowy

<PAGE>





                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 


                                          /s/ William T. McCaffrey






<PAGE>



                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 



                                           /s/ Joseph J. Melone



<PAGE>








                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 20th day of February, 1997
 


                                           /s/ George J. Sella, Jr.





<PAGE>



                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 3rd day of February, 1997
 



                                           /s/ Dave H. Williams






<PAGE>




                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned officer or
director of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (the
"Company"), a New York stock life insurance company, hereby constitutes and
appoints Gordon G. Dinsmore, Samuel B. Shlesinger, Donald R. Kaplan, Pauline
Sherman, Michael F. McNelis, Naomi J. Weinstein, Maureen K. Wolfson, Mildred
Oliver, Jerome S. Golden and Dennis D. Witte and each of them (with full power
to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution to each, for him or her and on his or
her behalf and in his or her name, place and stead, to execute and file any of
the documents referred to below relating to registrations under the Securities
Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 with respect to any insurance or annuity contracts or other agreements
providing for allocation of amounts to Separate Accounts of the Company, and
related units or interests in Separate Accounts: registration statements on any
form or forms under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and annual reports on any form or forms under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto, with all
exhibits and all instruments necessary or appropriate in connection therewith,
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents and his, her or their substitutes
being empowered to act with or without the others or other, and to have full
power and authority to do or cause to be done in the name and on behalf of the
undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and necessary or appropriate
with respect thereto to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand
this 28th day of February, 1997
 


                                           /s/ Stanley B. Tulin




<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 02
   <NAME> COMMON STOCK DIVISION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      60,185,384
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     72,448,085
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       257,595
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             72,705,680
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   257,594
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  36,759
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        294,353
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               72,411,327
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          538,392
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             256,576
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    281,816
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   8,543,579
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  4,909,576
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      13,734,971
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  281,816
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   13,453,155
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      1,730,582
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     15,465,823
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 01
   <NAME> MONEY MARKET DIVISION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      20,759,853
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     20,726,015
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       95,571
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             20,823,586
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   96,613
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  12,874
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        109,487
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               20,714,099
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          1,037,717
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             79,090
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    958,627
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   59,696
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (16,202)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      1,002,121
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  958,627
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   43,494
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      (1,163,763)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     161,642
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE>  06
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 06
   <NAME> AGRESSIVE STOCK DIVISION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      7,511,977
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     7,447,884
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       131
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             7,448,015
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   131
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  4,905
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        5,036
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               7,442,979
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          17,261
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             36,564
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    (19,303)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   1,845,168
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (541,744)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      1,284,121
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (19,303)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   1,303,424
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      (61,091)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     1,223,030
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 04
   <NAME> BALANCED DIVISION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      33,896,408
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     34,869,025
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       176
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             34,869,201
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   158
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  20,565
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        20,723
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               34,848,478
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          1,086,003
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             144,505
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    941,498
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   3,238,848
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (521,010)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      3,659,336
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  941,498
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   2,717,838
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      (3,414,799)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        244,537
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 05
   <NAME> HIGH YIELD DIVISION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      2,822,411
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     2,829,425
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             2,829,425
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  2,081
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        2,081
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               2,827,344
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          238,702
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             16,547
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    222,155
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   168,814
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  70,493
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      461,462
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  222,155
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   239,307
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      482,192
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     943,654
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 07
   <NAME> GLOBAL DIVISON
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      4,971,174
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     5,556,154
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       38
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             5,556,192
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   38
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  3,544
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        3,582
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               5,552,610
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          92,505
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             27,590
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    64,915
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   361,293
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  240,914
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      667,122
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  64,915
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   602,207
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      319,508
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     986,630
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 09
   <NAME> CONSERVATIVE INVESTORS DIV
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      867,092
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     875,386
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             875,386
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  1,071
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        1,071
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               874,315
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          35,250
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             10,395
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    24,855
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   41,125
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (35,434)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      30,546
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  24,855
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   5,691
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      (41,963)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     (11,417)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 08
   <NAME> GROWTH IVESTORS DIVISION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      1,454,022
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     1,428,763
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             1,428,763
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  1,419
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        1,419
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               1,427,344
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          32,933
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             12,641
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    20,292
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   230,291
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (98,089)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      152,494
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  20,292
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   132,202
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      134,449
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     286,943
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 03
   <NAME> INTERMED GOV SECURITIES DIV
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      5,922,957
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     5,507,714
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       786
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             5,508,500
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   50
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                  3,971
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                        4,021
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                            0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                      0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                  0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   0
<NET-ASSETS>                               5,504,479
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                          325,655
<INTEREST-INCOME>                          0
<OTHER-INCOME>                             0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             21,840
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                    303,815
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   (194,292)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  80,606
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      190,129
<EQUALIZATION>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  303,815
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   (113,686)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                      (924,381)
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     (734,252)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                            0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                      0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                            0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                  0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                            0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                       0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000356076
<NAME> SEP ACCT 301 ELAS
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 10
   <NAME> GROWTH & INCOME DIVISION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      3,065,567
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     3,362,700
<RECEIVABLES>                              0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                             0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             3,362,700
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                   0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                    0
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