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EXHIBIT 5
[Letterhead of HSB Group, Inc.]
December 29, 2000
American International Group, Inc.
70 Pine Street
New York, New York 10270
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of American International
Group, Inc. (hereinafter the "Company") which is being filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration of participation
interests (the "Participation Interests") to be offered under the HSB Group,
Inc. Employees' Thrift Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), you have asked my opinion on
the validity of the issuance of the Participation Interests being registered.
In rendering this opinion, I, or attorneys under my supervision, have examined
the Plan, and such other corporate records, certificates and other documents,
and such questions of law, which I deem necessary under the circumstances.
Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that the Participation Interests,
when issued pursuant to the Plan, will be duly and validly issued, fully-paid
and non-assessable.
The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United States and
the laws of the State of Connecticut, and I am expressing no opinion as to the
effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
I hereby consent to the inclusion in said Registration Statement of this opinion
as an exhibit thereto. In giving such consent, I do not thereby admit that I am
in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933.
Sincerely yours,
/S/ ROBERTA A. O'BRIEN
Roberta A. O'Brien
Deputy General Counsel
HSB Group, Inc.
