WITTER DEAN INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
485BPOS, 1997-10-24
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<PAGE>
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 24, 1997
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NOS.: 33-24245
                                                                        811-5654
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                ----------------
 
                                   FORM N-1A
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                         UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                    /X/
                          PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.                        / /
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 11                      /X/
                                     AND/OR
              REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
                                  ACT OF 1940                                /X/
                                AMENDMENT NO. 12                             /X/
 
                              -------------------
 
                   DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
                        (A MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST)
               (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
 
                             TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
 
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (212) 392-1600
 
                                BARRY FINK, ESQ.
                             TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
                    (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                    COPY TO:
                            DAVID M. BUTOWSKY, ESQ.
                  GORDON ALTMAN BUTOWSKY WEITZEN SHALOV & WEIN
                              114 WEST 47TH STREET
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
 
                              -------------------
 
   APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING: As soon as practicable after
                the effective date of the registration statement
 
                              -------------------
 
 IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX)
            ___ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
            _X_ on October 28, 1997, pursuant to paragraph (b)
            ___ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
            ___ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485.
 
           Amending the Prospectus and Updating Financial Statements.
 
            -------------------------------------------------------
            -------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                   DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
 
                                   FORM N-1A
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM                                                                                      CAPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>
PART A                                                                                  PROSPECTUS
 1.  ...................................................  Cover Page
 2.  ...................................................  Prospectus Summary; Summary of Fund Expenses
 3.  ...................................................  Financial Highlights; Performance Information
 4.  ...................................................  Prospectus Summary; Investment Objective and Policies; Risk
                                                           Considerations; The Fund and its Management; Cover Page; Investment
                                                           Restrictions
 5.  ...................................................  The Fund and Its Management; Back Cover; Investment
                                                           Objectives and Policies
 6.  ...................................................  Dividends, Distributions and Taxes; Additional Information
 7.  ...................................................  Shareholder Services
 8.  ...................................................  Purchase of Fund Shares; Redemptions and Repurchases; Shareholder
                                                           Services
 9.  ...................................................  Not Applicable
 
PART B                                                                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.  ...................................................  Cover Page
11.  ...................................................  Table of Contents
12.  ...................................................  The Fund and Its Management
13.  ...................................................  Investment Practices and Policies; Investment Restrictions;
                                                           Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
14.  ...................................................  Trustees and Officers
15.  ...................................................  The Fund and Its Management; Trustees and Officers
16.  ...................................................  The Fund and Its Management; The Distributor; Custodian and Transfer
                                                           Agent; Independent Accountants; Shareholder
                                                           Services
17.  ...................................................  Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
18.  ...................................................  Description of Shares
19.  ...................................................  The Distributor; Purchase of Fund Shares; Redemptions and Repurchases;
                                                           Financial Statements; Shareholder Services
20.  ...................................................  Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
21.  ...................................................  Not applicable
22.  ...................................................  Performance Information
23.  ...................................................  Financial Statements
</TABLE>
 
PART C
 
    Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item, so numbered, in Part C of this Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
   
              PROSPECTUS
              OCTOBER 28, 1997
    
 
              Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities (the "Fund") is an
open-end, diversified management investment company, whose investment objective
is high current income consistent with safety of principal. The Fund seeks to
achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in intermediate term,
investment grade fixed-income securities. See "Investment Objective and
Policies."
 
   
               The Fund offers four classes of shares (each, a "Class"), each
with a different combination of sales charges, ongoing fees and other features.
The different distribution arrangements permit an investor to choose the method
of purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the
amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the
shares and other relevant circumstances. See "Purchase of Fund
Shares--Alternative Purchase Arrangements."
    
 
   
               This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information you should
know before investing in the Fund. It should be read and retained for future
reference. Additional information about the Fund is contained in the Statement
of Additional Information, dated October 28, 1997, which has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and which is available at no charge upon
request of the Fund at the address or telephone numbers listed on this page. The
Statement of Additional Information is incorporated herein by reference.
    
 
     DEAN WITTER DISTRIBUTORS INC.
      DISTRIBUTOR
 
      TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Prospectus Summary/2
Summary of Fund Expenses/4
Financial Highlights/6
The Fund and its Management/9
Investment Objective and Policies/9
  Risk Considerations/13
Investment Restrictions/13
Purchase of Fund Shares/14
Shareholder Services/25
Redemptions and Repurchases/28
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes/29
Performance Information/30
Additional Information/31
    
 
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
    Dean Witter
    Intermediate Income Securities
    Two World Trade Center
    New York, New York 10048
    (212) 392-2550 or
    (800) 869-NEWS (Toll-Free)
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
The               The Fund is organized as a Trust, commonly known as a Massachusetts business trust, and is an
Fund              open-end, diversified management investment company. The Fund invests primarily in intermediate
                  term, investment grade fixed-income securities.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares            Shares of beneficial interest with $0.01 par value (see page 31). The Fund offers four Classes of
Offered           shares, each with a different combination of sales charges, ongoing fees and other features (see
                  pages 14-25).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum           The minimum initial investment for each Class is $1,000 ($100 if the account is opened through
Purchase          EasyInvest-SM-). Class D shares are only available to persons investing $5 million or more and to
                  certain other limited categories of investors. For the purpose of meeting the minimum $5 million
                  investment for Class D shares, and subject to the $1,000 minimum initial investment for each Class
                  of the Fund, an investor's existing holdings of Class A shares and shares of funds for which Dean
                  Witter InterCapital Inc. serves as investment manager ("Dean Witter Funds") that are sold with a
                  front-end sales charge, and concurrent investments in Class D shares of the Fund and other Dean
                  Witter Funds that are multiple class funds, will be aggregated. The minimum subsequent investment is
                  $100 (see page 14).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment        The investment objective of the Fund is high current income consistent with safety of principal.
Objective
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment        Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. ("InterCapital"), the Investment Manager of the Fund, and its wholly-
Manager           owned subsidiary, Dean Witter Services Company Inc., serve in various investment management,
                  advisory, management and administrative capacities to 100 investment companies and other portfolios
                  with assets of approximately $102.4 billion at September 30, 1997 (see page 9).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management        The Investment Manager receives a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of daily net assets,
Fee               scaled down on assets over $500 million (see page 9).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributor       Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"). The Fund has adopted a distribution plan pursuant
and               to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (the "12b-1 Plan") with respect to the distribution
Distribution      fees paid by the Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund to the Distributor. The entire
Fee               12b-1 fee payable by Class A and a portion of the 12b-1 fee payable by each of Class B and Class C
                  equal to 0.20% of the average daily net assets of Class B and 0.25% of the average daily net assets
                  of Class C are currently each characterized as a service fee within the meaning of the National
                  Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. guidelines. The remaining portion of the 12b-1 fee, if any,
                  is characterized as an asset-based sales charge (see pages 14 and 23).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative       Four classes of shares are offered:
Purchase
Arrangements      - Class A shares are offered with a front-end sales charge, starting at 4.25% and reduced for larger
                  purchases. Investments of $1 million or more (and investments by certain other limited categories of
                  investors) are not subject to any sales charge at the time of purchase but a contingent deferred
                  sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.0% may be imposed on redemptions within one year of purchase. The Fund is
                  authorized to reimburse the Distributor for specific expenses incurred in promoting the distribution
                  of the Fund's Class A shares and servicing shareholder accounts pursuant to the Fund's 12b-1 Plan.
                  Reimbursement may in no event exceed an amount equal to payments at an annual rate of 0.25% of
                  average daily net assets of the Class (see pages 14, 18 and 23).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
                  - Class B shares are offered without a front-end sales charge, but will in most cases be subject to
                  a CDSC (scaled down from 5.0% to 1.0%) if redeemed within six years after purchase. The CDSC will be
                  imposed on any redemption of shares if after such redemption the aggregate current value of a Class
                  B account with the Fund falls below the aggregate amount of the investor's purchase payments made
                  during the six years preceding the redemption. A different CDSC schedule applies to investments by
                  certain qualified plans. Class B shares are also subject to a 12b-1 fee assessed at the annual rate
                  of 0.85% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily net sales of the Fund's Class B shares or (b) the
                  average daily net assets of Class B. All shares of the Fund held prior to July 28, 1997 (other than
                  the shares held by certain employee benefit plans established by Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and its
                  affiliate, SPS Transaction Services, Inc.) have been designated Class B shares. Shares held by those
                  employee benefit plans prior to July 28, 1997 have been designated Class D shares. Shares held
                  before May 1, 1997 that have been designated Class B shares will convert to Class A shares in May
                  2007. In all other instances, Class B shares convert to Class A shares approximately ten years after
                  the date of the original purchase (see pages 14, 20 and 23).
 
                  - Class C shares are offered without a front-end sales charge, but will in most cases be subject to
                  a CDSC of 1.0% if redeemed within one year after purchase. The Fund is authorized to reimburse the
                  Distributor for specific expenses incurred in promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class C
                  shares and servicing shareholder accounts pursuant to the Fund's 12b-1 Plan. Reimbursement may in no
                  event exceed an amount equal to payments at an annual rate of 0.85% of average daily net assets of
                  the Class (see pages 14, 22 and 23).
 
                  - Class D shares are offered only to investors meeting an initial investment minimum of $5 million
                  and to certain other limited categories of investors. Class D shares are offered without a front-end
                  sales charge or CDSC and are not subject to any 12b-1 fee (see pages 14 and 23).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends         Dividends are declared daily, and either paid monthly in additional shares of the Fund or, at the
and               shareholder's option, paid monthly in cash. Dividends from net short-term, mid-term and long- term
Capital Gains     capital gains, if any, are distributed at least once each year. The Fund may, however, determine to
Distributions     retain all or part of any net long-term and net mid-term capital gains in any year for reinvestment.
                  Dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of a Class are automatically reinvested in
                  additional shares of the same Class at net asset value unless the shareholder elects to receive
                  cash. Shares acquired by dividend and distribution reinvestment will not be subject to any sales
                  charge or CDSC (see pages 25 and 29).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption        Shares are redeemable by the shareholder at net asset value less any applicable CDSC on Class A,
                  Class B or Class C shares. An account may be involuntarily redeemed if the total value of the
                  account is less than $100 or, if the account was opened through EasyInvest-SM-, if after twelve
                  months the shareholder has invested less than $1,000 in the account (see page 28).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk              The net asset value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its
Considerations    portfolio securities. Interest rate fluctuations will affect the Fund's net asset value but not the
                  income received by the Fund from its portfolio securities. The Fund may engage in various investment
                  strategies including reverse repurchase agreements, when-issued and delayed delivery securities and
                  forward commitments and when, as and if issued securities. The risks associated with these
                  investments are included in their description (pages 9-13) and in the "Risk Considerations" section
                  (page 13).
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
  THE ABOVE IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE DETAILED INFORMATION APPEARING
   ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
    The following table illustrates all expenses and fees that a shareholder of
the Fund will incur. The expenses and fees set forth in the table are based on
the expenses and fees for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   CLASS D
                                                                 -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of
  offering price)..............................................   4.25%(1)  None      None      None
Sales Charge Imposed on Dividend Reinvestments.................   None      None      None      None
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of
  original purchase price or redemption proceeds)..............   None(2)   5.00%(3)  1.00%(4)  None
Redemption Fees................................................   None      None      None      None
Exchange Fee...................................................   None      None      None      None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET
  ASSETS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fees................................................   0.60%     0.60%     0.60%     0.60%
12b-1 Fees (5) (6).............................................   0.25%     0.85%     0.85%     None
Other Expenses.................................................   0.20%     0.20%     0.20%     0.20%
Total Fund Operating Expenses (7)..............................   1.05%     1.65%     1.65%     0.80%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1) REDUCED FOR PURCHASES OF $25,000 AND OVER (SEE "PURCHASE OF FUND
    SHARES--INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A SHARES").
(2) INVESTMENTS THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY SALES CHARGE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE
    ARE SUBJECT TO A CDSC OF 1.00% THAT WILL BE IMPOSED ON REDEMPTIONS MADE
    WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE, EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES
    (SEE "PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES--INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A
    SHARES").
(3) THE CDSC IS SCALED DOWN TO 1.00% DURING THE SIXTH YEAR, REACHING ZERO
    THEREAFTER.
(4) ONLY APPLICABLE TO REDEMPTIONS MADE WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE (SEE
    "PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES-- LEVEL LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS C SHARES").
(5) THE 12b-1 FEE IS ACCRUED DAILY AND PAYABLE MONTHLY. THE ENTIRE 12b-1 FEE
    PAYABLE BY CLASS A AND A PORTION OF THE 12b-1 FEE PAYABLE BY EACH OF CLASS B
    AND CLASS C EQUAL TO 0.20% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS OF CLASS B AND
    0.25% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS OF CLASS C ARE CURRENTLY EACH
    CHARACTERIZED AS A SERVICE FEE WITHIN THE MEANING OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
    SECURITIES DEALERS, INC. ("NASD") GUIDELINES AND ARE PAYMENTS MADE FOR
    PERSONAL SERVICE AND/OR MAINTENANCE OF SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTS. THE REMAINDER
    OF THE 12b-1 FEE, IF ANY, IS AN ASSET-BASED SALES CHARGE, AND IS A
    DISTRIBUTION FEE PAID TO THE DISTRIBUTOR TO COMPENSATE IT FOR THE SERVICES
    PROVIDED AND THE EXPENSES BORNE BY THE DISTRIBUTOR AND OTHERS IN THE
    DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUND'S SHARES (SEE "PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES--PLAN OF
    DISTRIBUTION").
(6) UPON CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES, SUCH SHARES WILL BE
    SUBJECT TO THE LOWER 12b-1 FEE APPLICABLE TO CLASS A SHARES. NO SALES CHARGE
    IS IMPOSED AT THE TIME OF CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES TO CLASS A SHARES.
    CLASS C SHARES DO NOT HAVE A CONVERSION FEATURE AND, THEREFORE, ARE SUBJECT
    TO AN ONGOING 0.85% DISTRIBUTION FEE (SEE "PURCHASE OF FUND
    SHARES--ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS").
   
(7) THERE WERE NO OUTSTANDING SHARES OF CLASS A, CLASS C OR CLASS D PRIOR TO
    JULY 28, 1997. ACCORDINGLY, "TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES," AS SHOWN ABOVE
    WITH RESPECT TO THOSE CLASSES, ARE ESTIMATES BASED UPON THE SUM OF 12b-1
    FEES, MANAGEMENT FEES AND ESTIMATED "OTHER EXPENSES."
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLES                                                                              1 YEAR       3 YEARS      5 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment assuming (1) a 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    Class A.......................................................................   $      53    $      74    $      98
    Class B.......................................................................   $      67    $      82    $     110
    Class C.......................................................................   $      27    $      52    $      90
    Class D.......................................................................   $       8    $      26    $      44
 
You would pay the following expenses on the same $1,000 investment assuming no
redemption at the end of the period:
    Class A.......................................................................   $      53    $      74    $      98
    Class B.......................................................................   $      17    $      52    $      90
    Class C.......................................................................   $      17    $      52    $      90
    Class D.......................................................................   $       8    $      26    $      44
 
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLES                                                                             10 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment assuming (1) a 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each time period:
    Class A.......................................................................   $     165
    Class B.......................................................................   $     195
    Class C.......................................................................   $     195
    Class D.......................................................................   $      99
You would pay the following expenses on the same $1,000 investment assuming no
redemption at the end of the period:
    Class A.......................................................................   $     165
    Class B.......................................................................   $     195
    Class C.......................................................................   $     195
    Class D.......................................................................   $      99
</TABLE>
    
 
    THE ABOVE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES OF EACH CLASS MAY BE GREATER OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    The purpose of this table is to assist the investor in understanding the
various costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. For a more complete description of these costs and expenses, see
"The Fund and Its Management," "Purchase of Fund Shares--Plan of Distribution"
and "Redemptions and Repurchases."
    Long-term shareholders of Class B and Class C may pay more in sales charges,
including distribution fees, than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charges permitted by the NASD.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    The following ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements, notes thereto, and the unqualified report of
independent accountants, which are contained in the Statement of Additional
Information. Further information about the performance of the Fund is contained
in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders, which may be obtained without
charge upon request to the Fund.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            FOR THE
                                                                                                             PERIOD
                                                                                                             MAY 3,
                                                                                                             1989*
                                               FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31                                 THROUGH
                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   AUGUST 31,
CLASS B SHARES    1997**++     1996       1995       1994       1993       1992       1991       1990         1989
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
<S>               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 period.......... $    9.39  $    9.69  $    9.51  $   10.26  $   10.05  $    9.59  $    9.42  $    9.98   $   10.00
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
Net investment
 income..........      0.53       0.55       0.59       0.58       0.62       0.70       0.79       0.86        0.28
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss)..........      0.20      (0.30)      0.19      (0.73)      0.20       0.46       0.17      (0.55)      (0.02)
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
Total from
 investment
 operations......      0.73       0.25       0.78      (0.15)      0.82       1.16       0.96       0.31        0.26
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
Less dividends and
 distributions from:
  Net investment
   income........     (0.53)     (0.55)     (0.59)     (0.56)     (0.61)     (0.70)     (0.79)     (0.86)      (0.28)
  Net realized
   gain..........        --         --      (0.01)     (0.04)        --         --         --      (0.01)         --
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
Total dividends
 and
 distributions...     (0.53)     (0.55)     (0.60)     (0.60)     (0.61)     (0.70)     (0.79)     (0.87)      (0.28)
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
Net asset value,
 end of period... $    9.59  $    9.39  $    9.69  $    9.51  $   10.26  $   10.05  $    9.59  $    9.42   $    9.98
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------   ----------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT
 RETURN+.........     7.93%      2.58%      8.56%    (1.50)%      8.43%     12.58%     10.78%      3.22%       2.57%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE
 NET ASSETS:
Expenses.........     1.65%      1.62%      1.63%      1.63%      1.62%      1.69%      1.69%      1.75%       1.42%(2)(3)
Net investment
 income..........     5.52%      5.69%      6.23%      5.80%      6.12%      7.11%      8.49%      8.78%       8.18%(2)(3)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL
 DATA:
Net assets, end
 of period, in
 thousands.......  $162,959   $208,911   $232,752   $245,750   $254,431   $187,285   $115,204   $114,086     $69,946
Portfolio
 turnover rate...       98%       115%       114%       122%       132%        93%       150%       135%         30%(1)
</TABLE>
    
 
- -----------------
   
 * COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
    
 
   
 ** PRIOR TO JULY 28, 1997, THE FUND ISSUED ONE CLASS OF SHARES. ALL SHARES OF
    THE FUND HELD PRIOR TO THAT DATE, OTHER THAN SHARES HELD BY CERTAIN EMPLOYEE
    BENEFIT PLANS ESTABLISHED BY DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. AND ITS AFFILIATE,
    SPS TRANSACTION SERVICES, INC., HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS CLASS B SHARES.
    SHARES HELD BY THOSE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS PRIOR TO JULY 28, 1997 HAVE BEEN
    DESIGNATED CLASS D SHARES.
    
 
   
 ++ THE PER SHARE AMOUNTS WERE COMPUTED USING AN AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
    OUTSTANDING DURING THE PERIOD.
    
 
   
 + DOES NOT REFLECT THE DEDUCTION OF SALES CHARGE. CALCULATED BASED ON THE NET
   ASSET VALUE AS OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY OF THE PERIOD.
    
 
   
(1) NOT ANNUALIZED.
    
 
   
(2) ANNUALIZED.
    
 
   
(3) IF THE FUND HAD BORNE ALL THE EXPENSES THAT WERE ASSUMED OR WAIVED BY THE
    INVESTMENT MANAGER, THE ABOVE EXPENSE AND NET INVESTMENT INCOME RATIOS WOULD
    HAVE BEEN 2.15% AND 7.44%, RESPECTIVELY.
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE PERIOD
                                                               JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                  THROUGH
                                                                 AUGUST 31,
CLASS A SHARES                                                     1997++
                                                              ----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................      $  9.68
                                                                   ------
Net investment income.......................................         0.06
Net realized and unrealized loss............................        (0.10)
                                                                   ------
Total from investment operations............................        (0.04)
                                                                   ------
Less dividends from net investment income...................        (0.05)
                                                                   ------
Net asset value, end of period..............................      $  9.59
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+....................................        (0.46)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses....................................................         2.18%(2)
Net investment income.......................................         6.10%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands.....................       $1,855
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................           98%
 
CLASS C SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................      $  9.68
                                                                   ------
Net investment income.......................................         0.04
Net realized and unrealized loss............................        (0.07)
                                                                   ------
Total from investment operations............................        (0.03)
                                                                   ------
Less dividends from net investment income...................        (0.04)
                                                                   ------
Net asset value, end of period..............................      $  9.61
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+....................................        (0.31)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses....................................................         2.02%(2)
Net investment income.......................................         4.22%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands.....................          $38
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................           98%
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------
   
 * THE DATE SHARES WERE FIRST ISSUED.
    
 
   
 ++ THE PER SHARE AMOUNTS WERE COMPUTED USING AN AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
    OUTSTANDING DURING THE PERIOD.
    
 
   
 + DOES NOT REFLECT THE DEDUCTION OF SALES CHARGE. CALCULATED BASED ON THE NET
   ASSET VALUE AS OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY OF THE PERIOD.
    
 
   
(1) NOT ANNUALIZED.
    
 
   
(2) ANNUALIZED.
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE PERIOD
                                                               JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                  THROUGH
                                                                 AUGUST 31,
CLASS D SHARES                                                     1997++
                                                              ----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................      $  9.68
                                                                   ------
Net investment income.......................................         0.05
Net realized and unrealized loss............................        (0.09)
                                                                   ------
Total from investment operations............................        (0.04)
                                                                   ------
Less dividends from net investment income...................        (0.05)
                                                                   ------
Net asset value, end of period..............................      $  9.59
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+....................................        (0.44)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses....................................................         1.11%(2)
Net investment income.......................................         5.91%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands.....................       $4,880
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................           98%
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------
   
 * THE DATE SHARES WERE FIRST ISSUED.
    
 
   
 ++ THE PER SHARE AMOUNTS WERE COMPUTED USING AN AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
    OUTSTANDING DURING THE PERIOD.
    
 
   
 + CALCULATED BASED ON THE NET ASSET VALUE AS OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY OF THE
   PERIOD.
    
 
   
(1) NOT ANNUALIZED.
    
 
   
(2) ANNUALIZED.
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
THE FUND AND ITS MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities (the "Fund") is an open-end,
diversified management investment company. The Fund is a trust of the type
commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust" and was organized under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on September 1, 1988.
 
    Dean Witter InterCapital, Inc. ("InterCapital" or the "Investment Manager"),
whose address is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, is the Fund's
Investment Manager. The Investment Manager, which was incorporated in July,
1992, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover &
Co., a preeminent global financial services firm that maintains leading market
positions in each of its three primary businesses -- securities, asset
management and credit services.
 
   
    InterCapital and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dean Witter Services Company
Inc., serve in various investment management, advisory, management and
administrative capacities to 102 investment companies, thirty of which are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with combined assets of approximately
$98.6 billion at September 30, 1997. The Investment Manager also manages
portfolios of pension plans, other institutions and individuals which aggregated
approximately $3.8 billion at such date.
    
 
    The Fund has retained the Investment Manager to provide administrative
services, manage its business affairs and manage the investment of the Fund's
assets, including the placing of orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities. InterCapital has retained Dean Witter Services Company Inc. to
provide the aforementioned administrative services to the Fund. The Fund's
Trustees review the various services provided by or under the direction of the
Investment Manager to ensure that the Fund's general investment policies and
programs are being properly carried out and that administrative services are
being provided to the Fund in a satisfactory manner.
 
   
    As full compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund
and for expenses of the Fund assumed by the Investment Manager, the Fund pays
the Investment Manager monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the
annual rate of 0.60% to the Fund's daily net assets up to $500 million, scaled
down at various levels to 0.30% on assets over $1 billion. For the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1997, the Fund accrued total compensation to the Investment
Manager amounting to 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets and the total
expenses of Class B amounted to 1.65% of the average daily net assets of Class
B. Shares of Class A, Class C and Class D were first issued on July 28, 1997.
The expenses of the Fund include: the fee of the Investment Manager; the fee
pursuant to the Plan of Distribution (see "Purchase of Fund Shares"); taxes;
transfer agent, custodian and auditing fees; certain legal fees; and printing
and other expenses relating to the Fund's operations which are not expressly
assumed by the Investment Manager under its Investment Management Agreement with
the Fund.
    
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The investment objective of the Fund is high current income consistent with
safety of principal. There is no assurance that the objective will be achieved.
This investment objective is a fundamental policy and may not be changed without
approval of the Fund's shareholders. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by
investing at least 65% of its total assets in intermediate term, investment
grade fixed-income securities. The Fund will maintain an average weighted
maturity of approximately seven years or less and may not invest in securities
with remaining maturities greater than twelve years. Under normal conditions,
the Fund's average weighted maturity will not be less than three years.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
(Under the current interpretation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, an intermediate bond fund must have an average weighted maturity
between three and ten years.)
 
    Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest primarily in corporate debt
securities and preferred stock of investment grade, which consists of securities
which are rated at the time of purchase Baa or better by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("Standard & Poor's"), or which, if unrated, are deemed to be of comparable
quality by the Fund's Trustees. Fixed-income securities rated Baa by Moody's
have speculative characteristics. (A more detailed description of bond ratings
is contained in the Appendix to the Statement of Additional Information.) The
Fund may also purchase U.S. Government securities (securities guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the United States or its agencies or
instrumentalities) and investment grade securities, denominated in U.S. Dollars,
issued by foreign governments or issuers. U.S. Government securities in which
the Fund may invest include zero coupon securities and mortgage-backed
securities, such as securities issued by the Government National Mortgage
Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of
the Fund will be achieved.
 
    The Investment Manager believes that the Fund's policies of purchasing
intermediate term securities will reduce the volatility of the Fund's net asset
value over the long term. Although the values of fixed-income securities
generally increase during periods of declining interest rates and decrease
during periods of increasing interest rates, the extent of these fluctuations
has historically generally been smaller for intermediate term securities than
for securities with longer maturities. Conversely, the yield available on
intermediate term securities has also historically been lower than those
available from long term securities.
 
    Investment by the Fund in U.S. Dollar denominated fixed-income securities
issued by foreign governments and other foreign issuers may involve certain
risks not associated with U.S. issued securities. Those risks include the
political or economic instability of the issuer or of the country of issue, the
difficulty of predicting international trade patterns and the possibility of
imposition of exchange controls. In addition, there may be less publicly
available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. A
more detailed description of the general risks of foreign issuers is contained
in the Statement of Additional Information. The Fund believes that those risks
are substantially lessened because the foreign securities in which the Fund may
invest are investment grade.
 
    While the Fund will invest primarily in investment grade fixed-income
securities, under ordinary circumstances it also may invest up to 35% of its
total assets in money market instruments, repurchase agreements, as discussed
below, and up to 5% of the Fund's net assets may be invested in lower rated
fixed-income securities.
 
    Lower rated fixed-income securities, which are those rated from Ba to C or
BB to C by Moody's or Standard & Poor's, respectively, are considered to be
speculative investments. Such lower rated securities, while producing higher
yield than investment grade securities, are subject to credit risk to a greater
extent than investment grade securities. The Fund does not have any minimum
quality rating standard with respect to the portion (up to 5%) of its net assets
which may be invested in lower rated securities. See the Statement of Additional
Information for a description of the special risks and characteristics of lower
rated fixed-income securities.
 
    There may be periods during which, in the opinion of the Investment Manager,
market conditions warrant reduction of some or all of the Fund's securities
holdings. During such periods, the Fund may adopt a temporary "defensive"
posture in which greater than 35% of its total assets are invested in cash or
money market instruments.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
Money market instruments in which the Fund may invest are securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government (Treasury bills, notes and bonds, including
zero coupon securities); bank obligations; Eurodollar certificates of deposit;
obligations of savings institutions; fully insured certificates of deposit; and
commercial paper rated within the two highest grades by Moody's or Standard &
Poor's or, if not rated, are issued by a company having an outstanding debt
issue rated at least AA by Standard & Poor's or Aa by Moody's.
 
    ZERO COUPON SECURITIES.  A portion of the fixed-income securities purchased
by the Fund may be zero coupon securities. Such securities are purchased at a
discount from their face amount, giving the purchaser the right to receive their
full value at maturity. The interest earned on such securities is, implicitly,
automatically compounded and paid out at maturity. While such compounding at a
constant rate eliminates the risk of receiving lower yields upon reinvestment of
interest if prevailing interest rates decline, the owner of a zero coupon
security will be unable to participate in higher yields upon reinvestment of
interest received on interest-paying securities if prevailing interest rates
rise.
 
    A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holder during its life.
Therefore, to the extent the Fund invests in zero coupon securities, it will not
receive current cash available for distribution to shareholders. In addition,
zero coupon securities are subject to substantially greater price fluctuations
during periods of changing prevailing interest rates than are comparable
securities which pay interest on a current basis. Current federal tax law
requires that a holder (such as the Fund) of a zero coupon security accrue a
portion of the discount at which the security was purchased as income each year
even though the Fund receives no interest payments in cash on the security
during the year.
 
    REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, which
may be viewed as a type of secured lending by the Fund, and which typically
involve the acquisition by the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial
institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The
agreement provides that the Fund will sell back to the institution, and that the
institution will repurchase, the underlying security at a specified price and at
a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven days from the date of
purchase. While repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with
direct investments in debt securities, including the risks of default or
bankruptcy of the selling financial institution, the Fund follows procedures
designed to minimize those risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase
transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well established financial
institutions and maintaining adequate collateralization.
 
    REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may also use reverse repurchase
agreements for purposes of meeting redemptions or as part of its investment
strategy. Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by the Fund of portfolio
assets concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same assets
at a later date at a fixed price. Generally, the effect of such a transaction is
that the Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio
securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while
it will be able to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio
securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the
Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining
the cash otherwise. Opportunities to achieve this advantage may not always be
available, and the Fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only
when it will be to its advantage to do so. The Fund will establish a segregated
account with its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash, U.S. Government
securities or other liquid portfolio securities equal in value to its
obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase
agreements are considered borrowings by the Fund. The use of borrowed funds for
other than emergency purposes
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
constitutes leveraging, which is a speculative technique. Reverse repurchase
agreements may not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets.
 
    WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.  From
time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Fund may purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis or may purchase or sell
securities on a forward commitment basis. When such transactions are negotiated,
the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, but delivery and payment can
take place a month or more after the date of the commitment. There is no overall
limit on the percentage of the Fund's assets which may be committed to the
purchase of securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment
basis. An increase in the percentage of the Fund's assets committed to the
purchase of securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment
basis may increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value.
 
    WHEN, AS AND IF ISSUED SECURITIES.  The Fund may purchase securities on a
"when, as and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the security depends
upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a merger,
corporate reorganization, leveraged buyout or debt restructuring. If the
anticipated event does not occur and the securities are not issued, the Fund
will have lost an investment opportunity. There is no overall limit on the
percentage of the Fund's assets which may be committed to the purchase of
securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis. An increase in the percentage of
the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if
issued" basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.
 
    PRIVATE PLACEMENTS.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
securities which are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), or which are otherwise not readily marketable. (Securities eligible for
resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and determined to be
liquid pursuant to the procedures discussed in the following paragraph, are not
subject to the foregoing restriction.) These securities are generally referred
to as private placements or restricted securities. Limitations on the resale of
such securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may
prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund
may have to bear the expense of registering such securities for resale and the
risk of substantial delays in effecting such registration.
 
    The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, which permits the Fund to sell restricted securities to
qualified institutional buyers without limitation. The Investment Manager,
pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trustees of the Fund, will make a
determination as to the liquidity of each restricted security purchased by the
Fund. If a restricted security is determined to be "liquid," such security will
not be included within the category "illiquid securities," which is limited by
the Fund's investment restrictions to 10% of the Fund's total assets. Investing
in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund
illiquidity to the extent the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable
to find qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing such securities.
 
    LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES.  Consistent with applicable regulatory
requirements, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
other financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time
by the Fund (subject to certain notice provisions described in the Statement of
Additional Information), and are at all times secured by cash or cash
equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant to applicable
regulations and that are at least equal to the market value, determined daily,
of the loaned securities.
 
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
 
    The Fund's portfolio is actively managed by its Investment Manager with a
view to achieving the Fund's investment objective. In determining which
securities to purchase for the Fund or hold in the
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
Fund's portfolio, the Investment Manager will rely on information from various
sources, including research, analysis and appraisals of brokers and dealers; the
views of Trustees of the Fund and others regarding economic developments and
interest rate trends; and the Investment Manager's own analysis of factors it
deems relevant. The Fund's portfolio is managed within InterCapital's Taxable
Income Group, which manages twenty-four funds and fund portfolios, with
approximately $13.1 billion in assets as of September 30, 1997. Rochelle G.
Siegel, Senior Vice President of InterCapital and a member of InterCapital's
Taxable Group, has been the primary portfolio manager since the Fund's inception
and has been a portfolio manager at InterCapital since July, 1985.
    
 
    Orders for transactions in portfolio securities are placed for the Fund with
a number of brokers and dealers, including Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR") and
other brokers and dealers that are affiliates of InterCapital. Pursuant to an
order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund may effect principal
transactions in certain money market instruments with DWR. In addition, the Fund
may incur brokerage commissions on transactions conducted through DWR and other
affiliated broker dealers. It is not anticipated that the portfolio trading will
result in the Fund's portfolio turnover rate exceeding 200%. A more extensive
discussion of the Fund's portfolio brokerage policies is set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information. Except as specifically noted, all
investment objectives, policies and practices discussed above are not
fundamental policies of the Fund and, as such, may be changed without
shareholder approval.
 
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
 
    An increase in prevailing levels of interest rates will generally reduce the
value of securities in the Fund's portfolio, while a decline in rates will
generally increase the value of these securities. As a result, the fluctuations
or changes in interest rates will cause the Fund's net asset value to rise and
fall, in an inverse relationship; however, the income received by the Fund from
its portfolio securities will not be affected. Because yields on debt securities
available for purchase by a Fund vary over time, no specific yield on shares of
the Fund can be assured. In addition, if the bonds in the Fund's portfolio
contain call, prepayment or redemption provisions, during a period of declining
interest rates, these securities are likely to be redeemed, and the Fund will
probably be unable to replace them with securities having an equal yield.
 
    For additional risk disclosure, please refer to the "Investment Objective
and Policies" section of the Prospectus and to the "Investment Practices and
Policies" section in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The investment restrictions listed below are among the restrictions which
have been adopted by the Fund as fundamental policies. Under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), a fundamental policy may not be
changed without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund, as defined in the Act. For purposes of the following limitations: (i)
all percentage limitations apply immediately after a purchase or initial
investment, and (ii) any subsequent change in any applicable percentage
resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in total or net assets does
not require elimination of any security from the portfolio.
 
    The Fund may not:
 
   1. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of
any one issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
 
   2. Purchase more than 10% of all outstanding voting securities or any class
of securities of any one issuer.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   3. Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers in any one industry. This restriction does not apply to obligations
issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities.
 
   4. Invest more than 10% of its total assets in "illiquid securities"
(securities for which market quotations are not readily available) and
repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days.
 
   5. Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers having a record, together with predecessors, of less than three years of
continuous operation. This restriction shall not apply to any obligation issued
or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
 
   6. Borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes in an amount up to 5% (taken at the lower of cost or current
value) of its total assets (not including the amount borrowed), and may enter
into reverse repurchase agreements in an amount not exceeding 10% of the Fund's
total assets.
 
    Notwithstanding any other investment policy or restriction, the Fund may
seek to achieve its investment objective by investing all or substantially all
of its assets in another investment company having substantially the same
investment objective and policies as the Fund.
 
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GENERAL
 
    The Fund offers each class of its shares for sale to the public on a
continuous basis. Pursuant to a Distribution Agreement between the Fund and Dean
Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment
Manager, shares of the Fund are distributed by the Distributor and offered by
DWR and other dealers who have entered into selected dealer agreements with the
Distributor ("Selected Broker-Dealers"). The principal executive office of the
Distributor is located at Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.
 
    The Fund offers four classes of shares (each, a "Class"). Class A shares are
sold to investors with an initial sales charge that declines to zero for larger
purchases; however, Class A shares sold without an initial sales charge are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.0% if redeemed
within one year of purchase, except for certain specific circumstances. Class B
shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC
(scaled down from 5.0% to 1.0%) payable upon most redemptions within six years
after purchase. (Class B shares purchased by certain qualified
employer-sponsored benefit plans are subject to a CDSC scaled down from 2.0% to
1.0% if redeemed within three years after purchase.) Class C shares are sold
without an initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on most
redemptions made within one year after purchase. Class D shares are sold without
an initial sales charge or CDSC and are available only to investors meeting an
initial investment minimum of $5 million, and to certain other limited
categories of investors. At the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
Class A shares may be sold to categories of investors in addition to those set
forth in this prospectus at net asset value without a front-end sales charge,
and Class D shares may be sold to certain other categories of investors, in each
case as may be described in the then current prospectus of the Fund. See
"Alternative Purchase Arrangements--Selecting a Particular Class" for a
discussion of factors to consider in selecting which Class of shares to
purchase.
 
    The minimum initial purchase is $1,000 for each Class of shares, although
Class D shares are only available to persons investing $5 million or more and to
certain other limited categories of investors. For the purpose of meeting the
minimum $5 million initial investment for Class D shares, and subject to the
$1,000 minimum initial investment for each Class of the Fund, an investor's
existing holdings of
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
   
Class A shares of the Fund and other Dean Witter Funds that are multiple class
funds ("Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds") and shares of Dean Witter Funds sold
with a front-end sales charge ("FSC Funds") and concurrent investments in Class
D shares of the Fund and other Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds will be aggregated.
Subsequent purchases of $100 or more may be made by sending a check, payable to
Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities, directly to Dean Witter Trust FSB
(the "Transfer Agent" or "DWT") at P.O. Box 1040, Jersey City, NJ 07303 or by
contacting an account executive of DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealer. When
purchasing shares of the Fund, investors must specify whether the purchase is
for Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares. If no Class is specified, the
Transfer Agent will not process the transaction until the proper Class is
identified. The minimum initial purchase in the case of investments through
EasyInvest-SM-, an automatic purchase plan (see "Shareholder Services") , is
$100, provided that the schedule of automatic investments will result in
investments totalling at least $1,000 within the first twelve months. The
minimum initial purchase in the case of an "Education IRA" is $500, if the
Distributor has reason to believe that additional investments will increase the
investment in the account to $1,000 within three years. In the case of
investments pursuant to (i) Systematic Payroll Deduction Plans (including
Individual Retirement Plans), (ii) the InterCapital mutual fund asset allocation
program and (iii) fee based programs approved by the Distributor, pursuant to
which participants pay an asset based fee for services in the nature of
investment advisory or administrative services, the Fund, in its discretion, may
accept investments without regard to any minimum amounts which would otherwise
be required, provided, in the case of Systematic Payroll Deduction Plans, that
the Distributor has reason to believe that additional investments will increase
the investment in all accounts under such Plans to at least $1,000. Certificates
for shares purchased will not be issued unless a request is made by the
shareholder in writing to the Transfer Agent.
    
 
    Shares of the Fund are sold through the Distributor on a normal three
business day settlement basis; that is, payment is due on the third business day
(settlement date) after the order is placed with the Distributor. Shares of the
Fund purchased through the Distributor are entitled to dividends beginning on
the next business day following settlement date. Since DWR and other Selected
Broker-Dealers forward investors' funds on settlement date, they will benefit
from the temporary use of the funds where payment is made prior thereto. Shares
purchased through the Transfer Agent are entitled to dividends beginning on the
next business day following receipt of an order. As noted above, orders placed
directly with the Transfer Agent must be accompanied by payment. Investors will
be entitled to receive capital gains distributions if their order is received by
the close of business on the day prior to the record date for such
distributions. Sales personnel of a Selected Broker-Dealer are compensated for
selling shares of the Fund at the time of their sale by the Distributor or any
of its affiliates and/or the Selected Broker-Dealer. In addition, some sales
personnel of the Selected Broker-Dealer will receive various types of non-cash
compensation as special sales incentives, including trips, educational and/or
business seminars and merchandise. The Fund and the Distributor reserve the
right to reject any purchase orders.
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS
 
    The Fund offers several Classes of shares to investors designed to provide
them with the flexibility of selecting an investment best suited to their needs.
The general public is offered three Classes of shares: Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares, which differ principally in terms of sales charges
and rate of expenses to which they are subject. A fourth Class of shares, Class
D shares, is offered only to limited categories of investors (see "No Load
Alternative--Class D Shares" below).
 
    Each Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D share of the Fund represents an
identical interest in
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
the investment portfolio of the Fund except that Class A, Class B and Class C
shares bear the expenses of the ongoing shareholder service fees, Class B and
Class C shares bear the expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and Class A,
Class B and Class C shares which are redeemed subject to a CDSC bear the expense
of the additional incremental distribution costs resulting from the CDSC
applicable to shares of those Classes. The ongoing distribution fees that are
imposed on Class A, Class B and Class C shares will be imposed directly against
those Classes and not against all assets of the Fund and, accordingly, such
charges against one Class will not affect the net asset value of any other Class
or have any impact on investors choosing another sales charge option. See "Plan
of Distribution" and "Redemptions and Repurchases."
 
    Set forth below is a summary of the differences between the Classes and the
factors an investor should consider when selecting a particular Class. This
summary is qualified in its entirety by detailed discussion of each Class that
follows this summary.
 
    CLASS A SHARES.  Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial
sales charge of up to 4.25%. The initial sales charge is reduced for certain
purchases. Investments of $1 million or more (and investments by certain other
limited categories of investors) are not subject to any sales charges at the
time of purchase but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within
one year after purchase, except for certain specific circumstances. Class A
shares are also subject to a 12b-1 fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net
assets of the Class. See "Initial Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares."
 
    CLASS B SHARES.  Class B shares are offered at net asset value with no
initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC (scaled down from 5.0% to 1.0%)
if redeemed within six years of purchase. (Class B shares purchased by certain
qualified employer-sponsored benefit plans are subject to a CDSC scaled down
from 2.0% to 1.0% if redeemed within three years after purchase.) This CDSC may
be waived for certain redemptions. Class B shares are also subject to an annual
12b-1 fee of 0.85% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales
of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not including
reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions), less the average
daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares redeemed since the
Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or waived, or (b) the
average daily net assets of Class B. The Class B shares' distribution fee will
cause that Class to have higher expenses and pay lower dividends than Class A or
Class D shares.
 
    After approximately ten (10) years, Class B shares will convert
automatically to Class A shares of the Fund, based on the relative net asset
values of the shares of the two Classes on the conversion date. In addition, a
certain portion of Class B shares that have been acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be converted at that time. See
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares."
 
    CLASS C SHARES.  Class C shares are sold at net asset value with no initial
sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within one
year after purchase. This CDSC may be waived for certain redemptions. They are
subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of up to 0.85% of the average daily net assets of
the Class C shares. The Class C shares' distribution fee may cause that Class to
have higher expenses and pay lower dividends than Class A or Class D shares. See
"Level Load Alternative--Class C Shares."
 
    CLASS D SHARES.  Class D shares are available only to limited categories of
investors (see "No Load Alternative--Class D Shares" below). Class D shares are
sold at net asset value with no initial sales charge or CDSC. They are not
subject to any 12b-1 fees. See "No Load Alternative--Class D Shares."
 
    SELECTING A PARTICULAR CLASS.  In deciding which Class of Fund shares to
purchase, investors should consider the following factors, as well as any other
relevant facts and circumstances:
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
    The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial to an investor
depends on the amount and intended length of his or her investment. Investors
who prefer an initial sales charge alternative may elect to purchase Class A
shares. Investors qualifying for significantly reduced or, in the case of
purchases of $1 million or more, no initial sales charges may find Class A
shares particularly attractive because similar sales charge reductions are not
available with respect to Class B or Class C shares. Moreover, Class A shares
are subject to lower ongoing expenses than are Class B or Class C shares over
the term of the investment. As an alternative, Class B and Class C shares are
sold without any initial sales charge so the entire purchase price is
immediately invested in the Fund. Any investment return on these additional
investment amounts may partially or wholly offset the higher annual expenses of
these Classes. Because the Fund's future return cannot be predicted, however,
there can be no assurance that this would be the case.
 
    Finally, investors should consider the effect of the CDSC period and any
conversion rights of the Classes in the context of their own investment time
frame. For example, although Class C shares are subject to a significantly lower
CDSC upon redemptions, they do not, unlike Class B shares, convert into Class A
shares after approximately ten years, and, therefore, are subject to an ongoing
12b-1 fee of 0.85% (rather than the 0.25% fee applicable to Class A shares) for
an indefinite period of time. Thus, Class B shares may be more attractive than
Class C shares to investors with longer term investment outlooks. Other
investors, however, may elect to purchase Class C shares if, for example, they
determine that they do not wish to be subject to a front-end sales charge and
they are uncertain as to the length of time they intend to hold their shares.
 
    For the purpose of meeting the $5 million minimum investment amount for
Class D shares, holdings of Class A shares in all Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds,
shares of FSC Funds and shares of Dean Witter Funds for which such shares have
been exchanged will be included together with the current investment amount.
 
    Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling each Class of
shares. Investors should understand that the purpose of a CDSC is the same as
that of the initial sales charge in that the sales charges applicable to each
Class provide for the financing of the distribution of shares of that Class.
 
    Set forth below is a chart comparing the sales charge, 12b-1 fees and
conversion options applicable to each Class of shares:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C>        <S>              <C>          <C>
                                          CONVERSION
  CLASS     SALES CHARGE     12b-1 FEE      FEATURE
- -----------------------------------------------------------
    A      Maximum 4.25%         0.25%        No
           initial sales
           charge reduced
           for purchases
           of $25,000 and
           over; shares
           sold without an
           initial sales
           charge
           generally
           subject to a
           1.0% CDSC
           during first
           year.
- -----------------------------------------------------------
    B      Maximum 5.0%        0.85%     B shares
           CDSC during the               convert to A
           first year                    shares
           decreasing to 0               automatically
           after six years               after
                                         approximately
                                         ten years
- -----------------------------------------------------------
    C      1.0% CDSC           0.85%          No
           during first
           year
- -----------------------------------------------------------
    D           None           None           No
</TABLE>
 
    See "Purchase of Fund Shares" and "The Fund and its Management" for a
complete description of the sales charges and service and distribution fees for
each Class of shares and "Determination of Net Asset Value," "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes" and "Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege" for
other differences between the Classes of shares.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A SHARES
 
    Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial sales charge. In
some cases, reduced sales charges may be available, as described below.
Investments of $1 million or more (and investments by certain other limited
categories of investors) are not subject to any sales charges at the time of
purchase but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within one year
after purchase (calculated from the last day of the month in which the shares
were purchased), except for certain specific circumstances. The CDSC will be
assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the
cost of the shares being redeemed. The CDSC will not be imposed (i) in the
circumstances set forth below in the section "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
Alternative--Class B Shares--CDSC Waivers," except that the references to six
years in the first paragraph of that section shall mean one year in the case of
Class A shares, and (ii) in the circumstances identified in the section
"Additional Net Asset Value Purchase Options" below. Class A shares are also
subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of
the Class.
 
    The offering price of Class A shares will be the net asset value per share
next determined following receipt of an order (see "Determination of Net Asset
Value" below), plus a sales charge (expressed as a percentage of the offering
price) on a single transaction as shown in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          SALES CHARGE
                           ------------------------------------------
                              PERCENTAGE OF          APPROXIMATE
    AMOUNT OF SINGLE         PUBLIC OFFERING    PERCENTAGE OF AMOUNT
       TRANSACTION                PRICE               INVESTED
- -------------------------  -------------------  ---------------------
<S>                        <C>                  <C>
Less than $25,000........           4.25%                 4.44%
$25,000 but less
     than $50,000........           4.00%                 4.17%
$50,000 but less
     than $100,000.......           3.50%                 3.63%
$100,000 but less
     than $250,000.......           2.75%                 2.83%
$250,000 but less
     than $1 million.....           1.75%                 1.78%
$1 million and over......              0                     0
</TABLE>
 
    Upon notice to all Selected Broker-Dealers, the Distributor may reallow up
to the full applicable sales charge as shown in the above schedule during
periods specified in such notice. During periods when 90% or more of the sales
charge is reallowed, such Selected Broker-Dealers may be deemed to be
underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933.
 
    The above schedule of sales charges is applicable to purchases in a single
transaction by, among others: (a) an individual; (b) an individual, his or her
spouse and their children under the age of 21 purchasing shares for his, her or
their own accounts; (c) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a
single trust estate or a single fiduciary account; (d) a pension, profit-sharing
or other employee benefit plan qualified or non-qualified under Section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code; (e) tax-exempt organizations enumerated in Section
501(c)(3) or (13) of the Internal Revenue Code; (f) employee benefit plans
qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of a single employer or
of employers who are "affiliated persons" of each other within the meaning of
Section 2(a)(3)(c) of the Act; and for investments in Individual Retirement
Accounts of employees of a single employer through Systematic Payroll Deduction
plans; or (g) any other organized group of persons, whether incorporated or not,
provided the organization has been in existence for at least six months and has
some purpose other than the purchase of redeemable securities of a registered
investment company at a discount.
 
    COMBINED PURCHASE PRIVILEGE.  Investors may have the benefit of reduced
sales charges in accordance with the above schedule by combining purchases of
Class A shares of the Fund in single transactions with the purchase of Class A
shares of other Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds and shares of FSC Funds. The sales
charge payable on the purchase of the Class A shares of the Fund, the Class A
shares of the other Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds and the shares of the FSC
Funds will be at their
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
respective rates applicable to the total amount of the combined concurrent
purchases of such shares.
 
    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION.  The above persons and entities may benefit from a
reduction of the sales charges in accordance with the above schedule if the
cumulative net asset value of Class A shares purchased in a single transaction,
together with shares of the Fund and other Dean Witter Funds previously
purchased at a price including a front-end sales charge (including shares of the
Fund and other Dean Witter Funds acquired in exchange for those shares, and
including in each case shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and
distributions), which are held at the time of such transaction, amounts to
$25,000 or more. If such investor has a cumulative net asset value of shares of
FSC Funds and Class A and Class D shares equal to at least $5 million, such
investor is eligible to purchase Class D shares subject to the $1,000 minimum
initial investment requirement of that Class of the Fund. See "No Load
Alternative-- Class D Shares" below.
 
    The Distributor must be notified by DWR or a Selected Broker-Dealer or the
shareholder at the time a purchase order is placed that the purchase qualifies
for the reduced charge under the Right of Accumulation. Similar notification
must be made in writing by the dealer or shareholder when such an order is
placed by mail. The reduced sales charge will not be granted if: (a) such
notification is not furnished at the time of the order; or (b) a review of the
records of the Selected Broker-Dealer or the Transfer Agent fails to confirm the
investor's represented holdings.
 
    LETTER OF INTENT.  The foregoing schedule of reduced sales charges will also
be available to investors who enter into a written Letter of Intent providing
for the purchase, within a thirteen-month period, of Class A shares of the Fund
from DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealers. The cost of Class A shares of the
Fund or shares of other Dean Witter Funds which were previously purchased at a
price including a front-end sales charge during the 90-day period prior to the
date of receipt by the Distributor of the Letter of Intent, or of Class A shares
of the Fund or shares of other Dean Witter Funds acquired in exchange for shares
of such funds purchased during such period at a price including a front-end
sales charge, which are still owned by the shareholder, may also be included in
determining the applicable reduction.
 
    ADDITIONAL NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASE OPTIONS. In addition to investments of
$1 million or more, Class A shares also may be purchased at net asset value by
the following:
 
   
   (1) trusts for which DWT (an affiliate of the Investment Manager) provides
discretionary trustee services;
    
 
   
   (2) persons participating in a fee-based program approved by the Distributor,
pursuant to which such persons pay an asset based fee for services in the nature
of investment advisory or administrative services (such investments are subject
to all of the terms and conditions of such programs, which may include
termination fees, mandatory redemption upon termination and such other
circumstances as specified in the programs' agreements, and restrictions on
transferability of Fund shares);
    
 
   
   (3) retirement plans qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code ("401(k) plans") and other employer-sponsored plans qualified under Section
401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code with at least 200 eligible employees and for
which DWT serves as Trustee or the 401(k) Support Services Group of DWR serves
as recordkeeper;
    
 
   
   (4) 401(k) plans and other employer-sponsored plans qualified under Section
401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for which DWT serves as Trustee or the
401(k) Support Services Group of DWR serves as recordkeeper whose Class B shares
have converted to Class A shares, regardless of the plan's asset size or number
of eligible employees;
    
 
   (5) investors who are clients of a Dean Witter account executive who joined
Dean Witter from another investment firm within six months prior to
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
the date of purchase of Fund shares by such investors, if the shares are being
purchased with the proceeds from a redemption of shares of an open-end
proprietary mutual fund of the account executive's previous firm which imposed
either a front-end or deferred sales charge, provided such purchase was made
within sixty days after the redemption and the proceeds of the redemption had
been maintained in the interim in cash or a money market fund; and
 
   (6) other categories of investors, at the discretion of the Board, as
disclosed in the then current prospectus of the Fund.
 
    No CDSC will be imposed on redemptions of shares purchased pursuant to
paragraphs (1), (2) or (5), above.
 
    For further information concerning purchases of the Fund's shares, contact
DWR or another Selected Broker-Dealer or consult the Statement of Additional
Information.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--
CLASS B SHARES
 
    Class B shares are sold at net asset value next determined without an
initial sales charge so that the full amount of an investor's purchase payment
may be immediately invested in the Fund. A CDSC, however, will be imposed on
most Class B shares redeemed within six years after purchase. The CDSC will be
imposed on any redemption of shares if after such redemption the aggregate
current value of a Class B account with the Fund falls below the aggregate
amount of the investor's purchase payments for Class B shares made during the
six years (or, in the case of shares held by certain employer-sponsored benefit
plans, three years) preceding the redemption. In addition, Class B shares are
subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of 0.85% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily
aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the
Fund (not including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions),
less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares
redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or
waived, or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B.
 
    Except as noted below, Class B shares of the Fund which are held for six
years or more after purchase (calculated from the last day of the month in which
the shares were purchased) will not be subject to any CDSC upon redemption.
Shares redeemed earlier than six years after purchase may, however, be subject
to a CDSC which will be a percentage of the dollar amount of shares redeemed and
will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or
the cost of the shares being redeemed. The size of this percentage will depend
upon how long the shares have been held, as set forth in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           YEAR SINCE                     CDSC AS A
            PURCHASE                    PERCENTAGE OF
          PAYMENT MADE                 AMOUNT REDEEMED
- ---------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                <C>
First............................              5.0%
Second...........................              4.0%
Third............................              3.0%
Fourth...........................              2.0%
Fifth............................              2.0%
Sixth............................              1.0%
Seventh and thereafter...........              None
</TABLE>
 
   
    In the case of Class B shares of the Fund held by 401 (k) plans or other
employer-sponsored plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code for which DWT serves as Trustee or the 401(k) Support Services Group of DWR
serves as recordkeeper and whose accounts are opened on or after July 28, 1997,
shares held for three years or more after purchase (calculated as described in
the paragraph above) will not be subject to any CDSC upon redemption. However,
shares redeemed earlier than three years after purchase may be subject to a CDSC
(calculated as described in the paragraph above), the percentage of which will
depend
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
on how long the shares have been held, as set forth in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           YEAR SINCE
            PURCHASE               CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE OF
          PAYMENT MADE                 AMOUNT REDEEMED
- ---------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                <C>
First............................              2.0%
Second...........................              2.0%
Third............................              1.0%
Fourth and thereafter............              None
</TABLE>
 
    CDSC WAIVERS.  A CDSC will not be imposed on: (i) any amount which
represents an increase in value of shares purchased within the six years (or, in
the case of shares held by certain employer-sponsored benefit plans, three
years) preceding the redemption; (ii) the current net asset value of shares
purchased more than six years (or, in the case of shares held by certain
employer-sponsored benefit plans, three years) prior to the redemption; and
(iii) the current net asset value of shares purchased through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions and/or shares acquired in exchange for shares of FSC
Funds or of other Dean Witter Funds acquired in exchange for such shares.
Moreover, in determining whether a CDSC is applicable it will be assumed that
amounts described in (i), (ii) and (iii) above (in that order) are redeemed
first.
 
    In addition, the CDSC, if otherwise applicable, will be waived in the case
of:
 
   (1) redemptions of shares held at the time a shareholder dies or becomes
disabled, only if the shares are:  (a) registered either in the name of an
individual shareholder (not a trust), or in the names of such shareholder and
his or her spouse as joint tenants with right of survivorship; or  (b) held in a
qualified corporate or self-employed retirement plan, Individual Retirement
Account ("IRA") or Custodial Account under Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code ("403(b) Custodial Account"), provided in either case that the
redemption is requested within one year of the death or initial determination of
disability;
 
   (2) redemptions in connection with the following retirement plan
distributions:  (a) lump-sum or other distributions from a qualified corporate
or self-employed retirement plan following retirement (or, in the case of a "key
employee" of a "top heavy" plan, following attainment of age 59 1/2); (b)
distributions from an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account following attainment of
age 59 1/2; or  (c) a tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA; and
 
   
   (3) all redemptions of shares held for the benefit of a participant in a
401(k) plan or other employer-sponsored plan qualified under Section 401(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code which offers investment companies managed by the
Investment Manager or its subsidiary, Dean Witter Services Company Inc., as
self-directed investment alternatives and for which DWT serves as Trustee or the
401(k) Support Services Group of DWR serves as recordkeeper ("Eligible Plan"),
provided that either:  (a) the plan continues to be an Eligible Plan after the
redemption; or  (b) the redemption is in connection with the complete
termination of the plan involving the distribution of all plan assets to
participants.
    
 
    With reference to (1) above, for the purpose of determining disability, the
Distributor utilizes the definition of disability contained in Section 72(m)(7)
of the Internal Revenue Code, which relates to the inability to engage in
gainful employment. With reference to (2) above, the term "distribution" does
not encompass a direct transfer of IRA, 403(b) Custodial Account or retirement
plan assets to a successor custodian or trustee. All waivers will be granted
only following receipt by the Distributor of confirmation of the shareholder's
entitlement.
 
    CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES.  All shares of the Fund held prior to July 28,
1997 (other than shares held by certain employee benefit plans established by
DWR and its affiliate, SPS Transaction Services, Inc.) have been designated
Class B shares. Shares held before May 1, 1997 that have been designated Class B
shares will convert to Class A shares in May, 2007. In all other instances Class
B shares will convert automatically to Class A shares, based on the relative net
asset values of the
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
   
shares of the two Classes on the conversion date, which will be approximately
ten (10) years after the date of the original purchase. The ten year period is
calculated from the last day of the month in which the shares were purchased or,
in the case of Class B shares acquired through an exchange or a series of
exchanges, from the last day of the month in which the original Class B shares
were purchased, provided that shares originally purchased before May 1, 1997
will convert to Class A shares in May, 2007. The conversion of shares purchased
on or after May 1, 1997 will take place in the month following the tenth
anniversary of the purchase. There will also be converted at that time such
proportion of Class B shares acquired through automatic reinvestment of
dividends and distributions owned by the shareholder as the total number of his
or her Class B shares converting at the time bears to the total number of
outstanding Class B shares purchased and owned by the shareholder. In the case
of Class B shares held by a 401(k) plan or other employer-sponsored plan
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and for which DWT
serves as Trustee or the 401(k) Support Services Group of DWR serves as
recordkeeper, the plan is treated as a single investor and all Class B shares
will convert to Class A shares on the conversion date of the first shares of a
Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund purchased by that plan. In the case of Class B
shares previously exchanged for shares of an "Exchange Fund" (see "Shareholder
Services-- Exchange Privilege"), the period of time the shares were held in the
Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day of the month in which the Exchange
Fund shares were acquired) is excluded from the holding period for conversion.
If those shares are subsequently re-exchanged for Class B shares of a Dean
Witter Multi-Class Fund, the holding period resumes on the last day of the month
in which Class B shares are reacquired.
    
 
    If a shareholder has received share certificates for Class B shares, such
certificates must be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to
the date for conversion. Class B shares evidenced by share certificates that are
not received by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to any conversion
date will be converted into Class A shares on the next scheduled conversion date
after such certificates are received.
 
   
    Effectiveness of the conversion feature is subject to the continuing
availability of a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of
counsel that (i) the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event
under the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) Class A shares received on conversion will
have a basis equal to the shareholder's basis in the converted Class B shares
immediately prior to the conversion, and (iii) Class A shares received on
conversion will have a holding period that includes the holding period of the
converted Class B shares. The conversion feature may be suspended if the ruling
or opinion is no longer available. In such event, Class B shares would continue
to be subject to Class B 12b-1 fees.
    
 
LEVEL LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS C SHARES
 
    Class C shares are sold at net asset value next determined without an
initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on most redemptions made
within one year after purchase (calculated from the last day of the month in
which the shares were purchased). The CDSC will be assessed on an amount equal
to the lesser of the current market value or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. The CDSC will not be imposed in the circumstances set forth above in
the section "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares--CDSC
Waivers," except that the references to six years in the first paragraph of that
section shall mean one year in the case of Class C shares. Class C shares are
subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of up to 0.85% of the average daily net assets of
the Class. Unlike Class B shares, Class C shares have no conversion feature and,
accordingly, an investor that purchases Class C shares will be subject to 12b-1
fees applicable to Class C shares for an indefinite period subject to annual
approval by the Fund's Board of Trustees and regulatory limitations.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
NO LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS D SHARES
 
   
    Class D shares are offered without any sales charge on purchase or
redemption and without any 12b-1 fee. Class D shares are offered only to
investors meeting an initial investment minimum of $5 million and the following
categories of investors: (i) investors participating in the InterCapital mutual
fund asset allocation program pursuant to which such persons pay an asset based
fee; (ii) persons participating in a fee-based program approved by the
Distributor, pursuant to which such persons pay an asset based fee for services
in the nature of investment advisory or administrative services (subject to all
of the terms and conditions of such programs, referred to in (i) and (ii) above,
which may include termination fees, mandatory redemption upon termination and
such other circumstances as specified in the programs agreements, and
restrictions on transferability of Fund shares); (iii) 401(k) plans established
by DWR and SPS Transaction Services, Inc. (an affiliate of DWR) for their
employees; (iv) certain Unit Investment Trusts sponsored by DWR; (v) certain
other open-end investment companies whose shares are distributed by the
Distributor; and (vi) other categories of investors, at the discretion of the
Board, as disclosed in the then current prospectus of the Fund. Shares of the
Fund held by the employee benefit plans referred to in clause (iii) above prior
to July 28, 1997 have been designated Class D shares. Investors who require a $5
million minimum initial investment to qualify to purchase Class D shares may
satisfy that requirement by investing that amount in a single transaction in
Class D shares of the Fund and other Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds, subject to
the $1,000 minimum initial investment required for that Class of the Fund. In
addition, for the purpose of meeting the $5 million minimum investment amount,
holdings of Class A shares in all Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds, shares of FSC
Funds and shares of Dean Witter Funds for which such shares have been exchanged
will be included together with the current investment amount. If a shareholder
redeems Class A shares and purchases Class D shares, such redemption may be a
taxable event.
    
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Act with respect to the distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of
the Fund. In the case of Class A and Class C shares, the Plan provides that the
Fund will reimburse the Distributor and others for the expenses of certain
activities and services incurred by them specifically on behalf of those shares.
Reimbursements for these expenses will be made in monthly payments by the Fund
to the Distributor, which will in no event exceed amounts equal to payments at
the annual rates of 0.25% and 0.85% of the average daily net assets of Class A
and Class C, respectively. In the case of Class B shares, the Plan provides that
the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee, which is accrued daily and paid
monthly, at the annual rate of 0.85% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily
aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the
Fund (not including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions),
less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares
redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or
waived, or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B. The fee is treated by
the Fund as an expense in the year it is accrued. In the case of Class A shares,
the entire amount of the fee currently represents a service fee within the
meaning of the NASD guidelines. In the case of Class B and Class C shares, a
portion of the fee payable pursuant to the Plan, equal to 0.20% and 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of each of these Classes, respectively, is currently
characterized as a service fee. A service fee is a payment made for personal
service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
 
    Additional amounts paid under the Plan in the case of Class B and Class C
shares are paid to the Distributor for services provided and the expenses borne
by the Distributor and others in the distribution of the shares of those
Classes, including the payment of commissions for sales of the shares of those
Classes and incentive compensation to and expenses of DWR's account executives
and others
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
who engage in or support distribution of shares or who service shareholder
accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and distribution
of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of the Fund's
shares to other than current shareholders; and preparation, printing and
distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. In addition, the
Distributor may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plan in the case of Class B
shares to compensate DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers for their opportunity
costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a
carrying charge on any unreimbursed expenses.
 
   
    For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, Class B shares of the Fund
accrued payments under the Plan amounting to $1,578,380, which amount is equal
to 0.85% of the average daily net assets of Class B for the fiscal year. These
payments were calculated pursuant to clause (b) of the compensation formula
under the Plan. All shares held prior to July 28, 1997 (other than shares held
by certain employee benefit plans established by DWR and its affiliate, SPS
Transaction Services, Inc.) have been designated Class B shares. For the period
July 28 through August 31,1997, Class A and Class C shares of the Fund accrued
payments under the Plan amounting to $3 and $18, respectively, which amounts on
an annualized basis are equal to 0.25% and 0.85% of the average daily net assets
of Class A and Class C, respectively, for such period.
    
 
   
    In the case of Class B shares, at any given time, the expenses in
distributing Class B shares of the Fund may be in excess of the total of (i) the
payments made by the Fund pursuant to the Plan, and (ii) the proceeds of CDSCs
paid by investors upon the redemption of Class B shares. For example, if $1
million in expenses in distributing Class B shares of the Fund had been incurred
and $750,000 had been received as described in (i) and (ii) above, the excess
expense would amount to $250,000. The Distributor has advised the Fund that such
excess amounts, including the carrying charge described above, totalled
$5,734,755 at August 31, 1997, which was equal to 3.52% of the net assets of
Class B on such date. Because there is no requirement under the Plan that the
Distributor be reimbursed for all distribution expenses or any requirement that
the Plan be continued from year to year, such excess amount does not constitute
a liability of the Fund. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund to
pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the
Plan, and the proceeds of CDSCs paid by investors upon redemption of shares, if
for any reason the Plan is terminated the Trustees will consider at that time
the manner in which to treat such expenses. Any cumulative expenses incurred,
but not yet recovered through distribution fees or CDSCs, may or may not be
recovered through future distribution fees or CDSCs.
    
 
   
    In the case of Class A and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to the
Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 0.85% of the average daily net
assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the Fund
through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing a
gross sales commission credited to account executives at the time of sale may be
reimbursed in the subsequent calendar year. The Distributor has advised the Fund
that there were no such expenses which may be reimbursed in the subsequent year
in the case of Class A and Class C on such date. No interest or other financing
charges will be incurred on any Class A or Class C distribution expenses
incurred by the Distributor under the Plan or on any unreimbursed expenses due
to the Distributor pursuant to the Plan.
    
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
 
    The net asset value per share is determined once daily at 4:00 p.m., New
York time (or, on days when the New York Stock Exchange closes prior to 4:00
p.m., at such earlier time), on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is
open by taking the net assets of the Fund, dividing by the number of shares
outstanding and adjusting to the nearest cent. The assets belonging to the Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares will be invested together in a single
portfolio. The net asset value of each Class,
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
however, will be determined separately by subtracting each Class's accrued
expenses and liabilities. The net asset value per share will not be determined
on Good Friday and on such other federal and non-federal holidays as are
observed by the New York Stock Exchange.
 
    In the calculation of the Fund's net asset value: (1) an equity portfolio
security listed or traded on the New York or American Stock Exchange or other
domestic or foreign exchange is valued at its latest sale price on that exchange
prior to the time assets are valued; if there were no sales that day, the
security is valued at the latest bid price (in cases where a security is traded
on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as
the primary market pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trustees); and (2) all
portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily
available are valued at the latest bid price. When market quotations are not
readily available, including circumstances under which it is determined by the
Investment Manager that sale and bid prices are not reflective of a security's
market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined
in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision
of the Board of Trustees.
 
    Certain of the Fund's portfolio securities may be valued by an outside
pricing service approved by the Fund's Trustees. The pricing service may utilize
a matrix system incorporating security quality, maturity and coupon as the
evaluation model parameters, and/or research evaluations by its staff, including
review of broker-dealer market price quotations, in determining what it believes
is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such pricing
service. (See "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional
Information.)
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.  All income dividends
and capital gains distributions are automatically paid in full and fractional
shares of the applicable Class of the Fund (or, if specified by the shareholder,
in shares of any other open-end Dean Witter Fund), unless the shareholder
requests that they be paid in cash. Shares so acquired are acquired at net asset
value and are not subject to the imposition of a front-end sales charge or a
CDSC (see "Redemptions and Repurchases"). Such dividends and distributions will
be paid, at the net asset value per share (without sales charge), in shares of
the applicable Class of the Fund (or in cash if the shareholder so requests) on
the monthly payment date, which will be no later than the last business day of
the month for which the dividend or distribution is payable. Processing of
dividend checks begins immediately following the monthly payment date.
Shareholders who have requested to receive dividends in cash will normally
receive their monthly dividend check during the first ten days of the following
month.
 
    EASYINVEST-SM-.  Shareholders may subscribe to EasyInvest, an automatic
purchase plan which provides for any amount from $100 to $5,000 to be
transferred automatically from a checking or savings account or following
redemption of shares of a Dean Witter money market fund, on a semi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis, to the Fund's Transfer Agent for investment in
shares of the Fund (see "Purchases of Fund Shares" and "Redemptions and
Repurchases--Involuntary Redemption").
 
    INVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN CASH.  Any shareholder
who receives a cash payment representing a dividend or capital gains
distribution may invest such dividend or distribution in shares of the
applicable Class at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt
by the Transfer Agent, by returning the check or the proceeds to the Transfer
Agent within thirty days after the payment date. Shares so acquired are acquired
at net asset value and are not subject to the imposition of a front-end sales
charge or a CDSC (see "Redemptions and Repurchases").
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.  A systematic withdrawal plan (the "Withdrawal
Plan") is available for shareholders who own or purchase shares of the Fund
having a minimum value of $10,000 based upon the then current net asset value.
The Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly or quarterly (March, June, September
and December) checks in any dollar amount, not less than $25 or in any whole
percentage of the account balance, on an annualized basis. Any applicable CDSC
will be imposed on shares redeemed under the Withdrawal Plan (see "Purchase of
Fund Shares"). Therefore, any shareholder participating in the Withdrawal Plan
will have sufficient shares redeemed from his or her account so that the
proceeds (net of any applicable CDSC) to the shareholder will be the designated
monthly or quarterly amount. Withdrawal plan payments should not be considered
as dividends, yields or income. If periodic withdrawal plan payments
continuously exceed net investment income and net capital gains, the
shareholder's original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately
exhausted. Each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares and any gain or
loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes.
 
    Shareholders should contact their DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealer
account executive or the Transfer Agent for further information about any of the
above services.
 
    TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS.  Retirement plans are available for use by
corporations, the self-employed, eligible Individual Retirement Accounts and
Custodial Accounts under Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Adoption of such plans should be on advice of legal counsel or tax adviser.
 
    For further information regarding plan administration, custodial fees and
other details, investors should contact their DWR or other Selected Broker-
Dealer account executive or the Transfer Agent.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
    Shares of each Class may be exchanged for shares of the same Class of any
other Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund without the imposition of any exchange fee.
Shares may also be exchanged for shares of the following funds: Dean Witter
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust, Dean
Witter Short-Term Bond Fund, Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust
and five Dean Witter funds which are money market funds (the "Exchange Funds").
Class A shares may also be exchanged for shares of Dean Witter Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust and Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust, which are Dean
Witter Funds sold with a front-end sales charge ("FSC Funds"). Class B shares
may also be exchanged for shares of Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund
Inc., Dean Witter High Income Securities and Dean Witter National Municipal
Trust, which are Dean Witter Funds offered with a CDSC ("CDSC Funds"). Exchanges
may be made after the shares of the Fund acquired by purchase (not by exchange
or dividend reinvestment) have been held for thirty days. There is no waiting
period for exchanges of shares acquired by exchange or dividend reinvestment.
 
    An exchange to another Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund, any FSC Fund, any CDSC
Fund or any Exchange Fund that is not a money market fund is on the basis of the
next calculated net asset value per share of each fund after the exchange order
is received. When exchanging into a money market fund from the Fund, shares of
the Fund are redeemed out of the Fund at their next calculated net asset value
and the proceeds of the redemption are used to purchase shares of the money
market fund at their net asset value determined the following business day.
Subsequent exchanges between any of the Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds, FSC Funds
or CDSC Funds or any Exchange Fund that is not a money market fund can be
effected on the same basis.
 
    No CDSC is imposed at the time of any exchange of shares, although any
applicable CDSC will be imposed upon ultimate redemption. During the period of
time the shareholder remains in an Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day
of the month in which the Exchange Fund shares were
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
acquired), the holding period (for the purpose of determining the rate of the
CDSC) is frozen. If those shares are subsequently re-exchanged for shares of a
Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund or shares of a CDSC Fund, the holding period
previously frozen when the first exchange was made resumes on the last day of
the month in which shares of a Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund or shares of a CDSC
Fund are reacquired. Thus, the CDSC is based upon the time (calculated as
described above) the shareholder was invested in shares of a Dean Witter
Multi-Class Fund or in shares of a CDSC Fund (see "Purchase of Fund Shares"). In
the case of exchanges of Class A shares which are subject to a CDSC, the holding
period also includes the time (calculated as described above) the shareholder
was invested in shares of a FSC Fund. In the case of shares exchanged into an
Exchange Fund on or after April 23, 1990, upon a redemption of shares which
results in a CDSC being imposed, a credit (not to exceed the amount of the CDSC)
will be given in an amount equal to the Exchange Fund 12b-1 distribution fees
incurred on or after that date which are attributable to those shares. (Exchange
Fund 12b-1 distribution fees are described in the prospectuses for those funds.)
Class B shares of the Fund acquired in exchange for Class B shares of another
Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund or shares of a CDSC Fund having a different CDSC
schedule than that of this Fund will be subject to the higher CDSC schedule,
even if such shares are subsequently re-exchanged for shares of the fund with
the lower CDSC schedule.
    
 
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING EXCHANGES. Purchases and exchanges should
be made for investment purposes only. A pattern of frequent exchanges may be
deemed by the Investment Manager to be abusive and contrary to the best
interests of the Fund's other shareholders and, at the Investment Manager's
discretion, may be limited by the Fund's refusal to accept additional purchases
and/ or exchanges from the investor. Although the Fund does not have any
specific definition of what constitutes a pattern of frequent exchanges, and
will consider all relevant factors in determining whether a particular situation
is abusive and contrary to the best interests of the Fund and its other
shareholders, investors should be aware that the Fund and each of the other Dean
Witter Funds may in their discretion limit or otherwise restrict the number of
times this Exchange Privilege may be exercised by any investor. Any such
restriction will be made by the Fund on a prospective basis only, upon notice of
the shareholder not later than ten days following such shareholder's most recent
exchange. Also, the Exchange Privilege may be terminated or revised at any time
by the Fund and/or any of such Dean Witter Funds for which shares of the Fund
have been exchanged, upon such notice as may be required by applicable
regulatory agencies. Shareholders maintaining margin accounts with DWR or
another Selected Broker-Dealer are referred to their account executive regarding
restrictions on exchange of shares of the Fund pledged in the margin account.
 
    The current prospectus for each fund describes its investment objective and
policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it carefully before
investing. Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirement of each
Class of shares and any other conditions imposed by each fund. In the case of a
shareholder holding a share certificate or certificates, no exchanges may be
made until all applicable share certificates have been received by the Transfer
Agent and deposited in the shareholder's account. An exchange will be treated
for federal income tax purposes the same as a repurchase or redemption of
shares, on which the shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. However,
the ability to deduct capital losses on an exchange may be limited in situations
where there is an exchange of shares within ninety days after the shares are
purchased. The Exchange Privilege is only available in states where an exchange
may legally be made.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    If DWR or another Selected Broker-Dealer is the current dealer of record and
its account numbers are part of the account information, shareholders may
initiate an exchange of shares of the Fund for shares of any of the Dean Witter
Funds (for which the Exchange Privilege is available) pursuant to this Exchange
Privilege by contacting their account executive (no Exchange Privilege
Authorization Form is required). Other shareholders (and those shareholders who
are clients of DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealers but who wish to make
exchanges directly by writing or telephoning the Transfer Agent) must complete
and forward to the Transfer Agent an Exchange Privilege Authorization Form,
copies of which may be obtained from the Transfer Agent, to initiate an
exchange. If the Authorization Form is used, exchanges may be made in writing or
by contacting the Transfer Agent at (800) 869-NEWS (toll-free).
 
    The Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that exchange
instructions communicated over the telephone are genuine. Such procedures may
include requiring various forms of personal identification such as name, mailing
address, social security or other tax identification number and DWR or other
Selected Broker-Dealer account number (if any). Telephone instructions may also
be recorded. If such procedures are not employed, the Fund may be liable for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.
 
    Telephone exchange instructions will be accepted if received by the Transfer
Agent between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open. Any shareholder wishing to make an exchange who has
previously filed an Exchange Privilege Authorization Form and who is unable to
reach the Fund by telephone should contact his or her DWR or other Selected
Broker-Dealer account executive, if appropriate, or make a written exchange
request. Shareholders are advised that during periods of drastic economic or
market changes, it is possible that the telephone exchange procedures may be
difficult to implement, although this has not been the experience with the Dean
Witter Funds in the past.
 
    For further information regarding the Exchange Privilege, shareholders
should contact their DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealer account executive or
the Transfer Agent.
 
REDEMPTIONS AND REPURCHASES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    REDEMPTION.  Shares of each Class of the Fund can be redeemed for cash at
any time at the net asset value per share next determined less the amount of any
applicable CDSC in the case of Class A, Class B or Class C shares (see "Purchase
of Fund Shares"). If shares are held in a shareholder's account without a share
certificate, a written request for redemption to the Fund's Transfer Agent at
P.O. Box 983, Jersey City, NJ 07303 is required. If certificates are held by the
shareholder, the shares may be redeemed by surrendering the certificates with a
written request for redemption along with any additional documentation required
by the Transfer Agent.
 
    REPURCHASE.  DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers are authorized to
repurchase shares represented by a share certificate which is delivered to any
of their offices. Shares held in a shareholder's account without a share
certificate may also be repurchased by DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers
upon the telephonic or telegraphic request of the shareholder. The repurchase
price is the net asset value next computed (see "Purchase of Fund Shares") after
such repurchase order is received by DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers,
reduced by any applicable CDSC.
 
    The CDSC, if any, will be the only fee imposed by the Fund or the
Distributor. The offer by DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers to repurchase
shares may be suspended without notice by them at any time. In that event,
shareholders may redeem their
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
shares through the Fund's Transfer Agent as set forth above under "Redemption."
 
    PAYMENT FOR SHARES REDEEMED OR REPURCHASED.  Payment for shares presented
for repurchase or redemption will be made by check within seven days after
receipt by the Transfer Agent of the certificate and/or written request in good
order. Such payment may be postponed or the right of redemption suspended under
unusual circumstances, e.g., when normal trading is not taking place on the New
York Stock Exchange. If the shares to be redeemed have recently been purchased
by check, payment of the redemption proceeds may be delayed for the minimum time
needed to verify that the check used for investment has been honored (not more
than fifteen days from the time of receipt of the check by the Transfer Agent).
Shareholders maintaining margin accounts with DWR or another Selected
Broker-Dealer are referred to their account executive regarding restrictions on
redemption of shares of the Fund pledged in the margin account.
 
    REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE.  A shareholder who has had his or her shares
redeemed or repurchased and has not previously exercised this reinstatement
privilege may, within 35 days after the date of the redemption or repurchase,
reinstate any portion or all of the proceeds of such redemption or repurchase in
shares of the Fund in the same Class from which such shares were redeemed or
repurchased, at their net asset value next determined after a reinstatement
request, together with the proceeds, is received by the Transfer Agent and
receive a pro rata credit for any CDSC paid in connection with such redemption
or repurchase.
 
    INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION.  The Fund reserves the right to redeem, on sixty
days' notice and at net asset value, the shares (other than shares held in an
Individual Retirement Account or Custodial Account under Section 403(b)(7) of
the Internal Revenue Code) of any shareholder whose shares, due to redemptions
by the shareholder, have a value of less than $100 or such lesser amount as may
be fixed by the Trustees or, in the case of an account opened through
EasyInvest-SM-, if after twelve months the shareholder has invested less than
$1,000 in the account. However, before the Fund redeems such shares and sends
the proceeds to the shareholder it will notify the shareholder that the value of
the shares is less than the applicable amount and allow the shareholder sixty
days to make an additional investment in an amount which will increase the value
of the account to at least the applicable amount before the redemption is
processed. No CDSC will be imposed on any involuntary redemption.
 
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.  The Fund declares dividends separately for
each Class of shares and intends to declare dividends from net investment income
on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business (see "Purchase of
Fund Shares"). The amount of the dividend declared may fluctuate from day to
day. Dividends are declared daily and paid monthly in additional shares of the
Fund. The Fund intends to distribute dividends from net short-term, mid-term and
long-term capital gains, if any, at least once each year. The Fund may, however,
elect to retain all or a portion of any net long-term capital gains in any year.
    
 
    All dividends and any capital gains distributions will be paid in additional
shares of the same Class and automatically credited to the shareholder's account
without issuance of a share certificate unless the shareholder requests in
writing that all dividends or all dividends and distributions be paid in cash.
Shares acquired by dividend and distribution reinvestments will not be subject
to any front-end sales charge or CDSC. Class B shares acquired through dividend
and distribution reinvestments will become eligible for conversion to Class A
shares on a pro rata basis. Distributions paid on Class A and Class D shares
will be higher than for Class B and Class C shares
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
because distribution fees paid by Class B and Class C shares are higher. (See
"Shareholder Services--Automatic Investment of Dividends and Distributions".)
 
    TAXES.  Because the Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment
income and capital gains to shareholders and otherwise continue to qualify as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, it
is not expected that the Fund will be required to pay any federal income tax.
Shareholders who are required to pay taxes on their income will normally have to
pay federal income taxes, and any state income taxes, on the dividends and
distributions they receive from the Fund. Such dividends and distributions, to
the extent that they are derived from net investment income or net short-term
capital gains, are taxable to the shareholder as ordinary dividend income
regardless of whether the shareholder receives such payments in additional
shares or in cash. Any dividends declared in the last quarter of any calendar
year which are paid to shareholders of record in such period in the following
year prior to February 1 will be deemed, for tax purposes, to have been received
by the shareholder in the prior year.
 
   
    Long-term, mid-term and short-term capital gains may be generated by the
sale of portfolio securities by the Fund. Distributions of net long-term capital
gains and net mid-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains and mid-term capital gains, respectively, regardless of
how long a shareholder has held the Fund's shares and regardless of whether the
distribution is received in additional shares or in cash. After the end of the
calendar year, shareholders will receive full information on their dividends and
capital gains distributions for tax purposes, including information as to the
portion taxable as ordinary income and the portion taxable as mid-term and
long-term capital gains.
    
 
    The Fund may at times make payments from sources other than income or net
capital gains. Payments from such sources would, in effect, represent a return
of a portion of each shareholder's investment. All, or a portion, of such
payments would not be taxable to shareholders.
 
    To avoid being subject to a 31% federal backup withholding tax on taxable
dividends, capital gains distributions and the proceeds of redemptions and
repurchases, shareholders' taxpayer identification numbers must be furnished and
certified as to accuracy. The foregoing discussion relates solely to the federal
income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund. Distributions may also be
subject to state and local taxes; therefore, each shareholder is advised to
consult his or her own tax adviser.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    From time to time the Fund may quote its "yield" and/or its "total return"
in advertisements and sales literature. These figures are computed separately
for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares. Both the yield and the total
return of the Fund are based on historical earnings and are not intended to
indicate future performance. The yield of each Class of the Fund is computed by
dividing the Class's net investment income over a 30-day period by an average
value (using the average number of shares entitled to receive dividends and the
maximum offering price per share at the end of the period), all in accordance
with applicable regulatory requirements. Such amount is compounded for six
months and then annualized for a twelve-month period to derive the Fund's yield
for each Class.
 
    The "average annual total return" of the Fund refers to a figure reflecting
the average annualized percentage increase (or decrease) in the value of an
initial investment in a Class of the Fund of $1,000 over periods of one, five
and ten years, or over the life of the Fund, if less than any of the foregoing.
Average annual total return reflects all income earned by the Fund, any
appreciation or depreciation of the Fund's assets, all expenses incurred by the
applicable Class and all sales charges incurred by shareholders, for the stated
periods. It also
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions paid by the Fund.
 
    In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may advertise its total return for
each Class over different periods of time by means of aggregate, average,
year-by-year or other types of total return figures. The Fund may also advertise
the growth of hypothetical investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each
Class of shares of the Fund. Such calculations may or may not reflect the
deduction of any sales charge which, if reflected, would reduce the performance
quoted. The Fund from time to time may also advertise its performance relative
to certain performance rankings and indexes compiled by independent
organizations, such as mutual fund performance rankings of Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    VOTING RIGHTS.  All shares of beneficial interest of the Fund are of $0.01
par value and are equal as to earnings, assets and voting privileges except that
each Class will have exclusive voting privileges with respect to matters
relating to distribution expenses borne solely by such Class or any other matter
in which the interests of one Class differ from the interests of any other
Class. In addition, Class B shareholders will have the right to vote on any
proposed material increase in Class A's expenses, if such proposal is submitted
separately to Class A shareholders. Also, as discussed herein, Class A, Class B
and Class C bear the expenses related to the distribution of their respective
shares.
 
    The Fund is not required to hold Annual Meetings of Shareholders and, in
ordinary circumstances, the Fund does not intend to hold such meetings. The
Trustees may call Special Meetings of Shareholders for action by shareholder
vote as may be required by the Act or the Declaration of Trust.
 
    Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for obligations of the
Fund. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund, requires that Fund
obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for indemnification out of the
Fund's property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations
of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account
of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself
would be unable to meet its obligations. Given the above limitations on
shareholder personal liability and the nature of the Fund's assets and
operations, the possibility of the Fund being unable to meet its obligations is
remote and, in the opinion of Massachusetts counsel to the Fund, the risk to
Fund shareholders of personal liability is remote.
 
    CODE OF ETHICS.  Directors, officers and employees of InterCapital, Dean
Witter Services Company Inc. and the Distributor are subject to a strict Code of
Ethics adopted by those companies. The Code of Ethics is intended to ensure that
the interests of shareholders and other clients are placed ahead of any personal
interest, that no undue personal benefit is obtained from a person's employment
activities and that actual and potential conflicts of interest are avoided. To
achieve these goals and comply with regulatory requirements, the Code of Ethics
requires, among other things, that personal securities transactions by employees
of the companies be subject to an advance clearance process to monitor that no
investment company managed or advised by InterCapital ("Dean Witter Fund") is
engaged at the same time in a purchase or sale of the same security. The Code of
Ethics bans the purchase of securities in an initial public offering, and also
prohibits engaging in futures and options transactions and profiting on
short-term trading (that is, a purchase within sixty days of a sale
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
or a sale within sixty days of a purchase) of a security. In addition,
investment personnel may not purchase or sell a security for their personal
account within thirty days before or after any transaction in any Dean Witter
Fund managed by them. Any violations of the Code of Ethics are subject to
sanctions, including reprimand, demotion or suspension or termination of
employment. The Code of Ethics comports with regulatory requirements and the
recommendations in the 1994 report by the Investment Company Institute Advisory
Group on Personal Investing.
 
    MASTER/FEEDER CONVERSION.  The Fund reserves the right to seek to achieve
its investment objective by investing all of its investable assets in a
diversified, open-end management investment company having the same investment
objective and policies and substantially the same investment restrictions as
those applicable to the Fund.
 
    SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES.  All inquiries regarding the Fund should be directed
to the Fund at the telephone numbers or address set forth on the front cover of
this Prospectus.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
                        THE DEAN WITTER FAMILY OF FUNDS
 
   
MONEY MARKET FUNDS                       DEAN WITTER RETIREMENT SERIES
Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.       Liquid Asset Series
Dean Witter U.S. Government Money        U.S. Government Money Market Series
Market Trust                             U.S. Government Securities Series
Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust  Intermediate Income Securities Series
Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily    American Value Series
Income Trust                             Capital Growth Series
Dean Witter New York Municipal Money     Dividend Growth Series
Market Trust                             Strategist Series
EQUITY FUNDS                             Utilities Series
Dean Witter American Value Fund          Value-Added Market Series
Dean Witter Natural Resource             Global Equity Series
Development Securities Inc.              ASSET ALLOCATION FUNDS
Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities   Dean Witter Strategist Fund
Inc.                                     Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation
Dean Witter Developing Growth            Fund
Securities Trust                         ACTIVE ASSETS ACCOUNT PROGRAM
Dean Witter World Wide Investment Trust  Active Assets Money Trust
Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series    Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
Dean Witter Utilities Fund               Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities    Active Assets Government Securities
Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.    Trust
Dean Witter Precious Metals and
Minerals Trust
Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth
Securities
Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
Dean Witter Information Fund
Dean Witter Japan Fund
Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
Dean Witter Special Value Fund
Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
Dean Witter Fund of Funds
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities
Trust
Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S.
Treasury Trust
Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
Dean Witter Convertible Securities
Trust
Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income
Fund
Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income
Fund
Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
Dean Witter Intermediate Income
Securities
Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income
Fund Inc.
Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal
Series Trust
Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury
Trust
Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal
Trust
Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
Dean Witter National Municipal Trust
Dean Witter High Income Securities
Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S.
Treasury Trust
    
<PAGE>
 
   
Dean Witter                                                 Dean Witter
Intermediate Income Securities                             Intermediate
Two World Trade Center                                           Income
New York, New York 10048                                     Securities
TRUSTEES
Michael Bozic
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Edwin J. Garn
John R. Haire
Wayne E. Hedien
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
Michael E. Nugent
Philip J. Purcell
John L. Schroeder
OFFICERS
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Barry Fink
Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel
Rochelle G. Siegel
Vice President
Thomas F. Caloia
Treasurer
CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
New York, New York 10286
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT
Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Dean Witter InterCapital Inc.
                                         PROSPECTUS -- OCTOBER 28, 1997
 
    
<PAGE>
   
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DEAN WITTER
INTERMEDIATE INCOME
SECURITIES
OCTOBER 28, 1997
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities (the "Fund") is an open-end,
diversified management investment company whose investment objective is high
current income consistent with the safety of principal. The Fund seeks to
achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in intermediate term,
investment grade fixed-income securities. See "Investment Objective and
Policies."
 
   
    A Prospectus for the Fund dated October 28, 1997, which provides the basic
information you should know before investing in the Fund, may be obtained
without charge from the Fund at the address or telephone numbers listed below,
from the Fund's Distributor, Dean Witter Distributors Inc., or from Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc. at any of its branch offices. This Statement of Additional
Information is not a Prospectus. It contains information in addition to and more
detailed than that set forth in the Prospectus. It is intended to provide
additional information regarding the activities and operations of the Fund, and
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.
    
 
Dean Witter
Intermediate Income Securities
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
(212) 392-2550 or
(800) 869-NEWS (Toll-Free)
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
  <S>                                       <C>
  The Fund and its Management.............     3
 
  Trustees and Officers...................     6
 
  Investment Practices and Policies.......    12
 
  Investment Restrictions.................    16
 
  Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage....    17
 
  The Distributor.........................    18
 
  Determination of Net Asset Value........    23
 
  Purchase of Fund Shares.................    23
 
  Shareholder Services....................    26
 
  Redemptions and Repurchases.............    30
 
  Dividends, Distributions and Taxes......    32
 
  Performance Information.................    33
 
  Description of Shares...................    34
 
  Custodian and Transfer Agent............    35
 
  Independent Accountants.................    36
 
  Reports to Shareholders.................    36
 
  Legal Counsel...........................    36
 
  Experts.................................    36
 
  Registration Statement..................    36
 
  Report of Independent Accountants.......    37
 
  Financial Statements--August 31, 1997...    38
 
  Appendix................................    52
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
THE FUND AND ITS MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE FUND
 
    The Fund is a trust of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business
trust" and was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on
September 1, 1988.
 
THE INVESTMENT MANAGER
 
   
    Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. (the "Investment Manager" or "InterCapital"),
a Delaware Corporation, whose address is Two World Trade Center, New York, New
York 10048, is the Fund's Investment Manager. InterCapital is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. ("MSDWD"), a Delaware
corporation. In an internal reorganization which took place in January, 1993,
InterCapital assumed the investment advisory, administrative and management
activities previously performed by the InterCapital Division of Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), a broker-dealer affiliate of InterCapital. (As
hereinafter used in this Statement of Additional Information, the terms
"InterCapital" and "Investment Manager" refer to DWR's InterCapital Division
prior to the internal reorganization and to Dean Witter InterCapital Inc.
thereafter.) The daily management of the Fund and research relating to the
Fund's portfolio are conducted by or under the direction of officers of the Fund
and of the Investment Manager, subject to review by the Fund's Board of
Trustees. Information as to these Trustees and Officers is contained under the
caption "Trustees and Officers."
    
 
   
    InterCapital is also the investment manager or investment adviser of the
following management investment companies: Active Assets Money Trust, Active
Assets Tax-Free Trust, Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust, Active Assets
Government Securities Trust, Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc., InterCapital
Income Securities Inc., InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust, InterCapital
Insured Municipal Trust, InterCapital Insured Municipal Income Trust,
InterCapital California Insured Municipal Income Trust, InterCapital Insured
Municipal Securities, InterCapital Insured California Municipal Securities,
InterCapital Quality Municipal Investment Trust, InterCapital Quality Municipal
Income Trust, InterCapital Quality Municipal Securities, InterCapital California
Quality Municipal Securities, InterCapital New York Quality Municipal
Securities, High Income Advantage Trust, High Income Advantage Trust II, High
Income Advantage Trust III, Dean Witter Government Income Trust, Dean Witter
High Yield Securities Inc., Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust, Dean Witter
Developing Growth Securities Trust, Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust,
Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc., Dean Witter Dividend
Growth Securities Inc., Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund, Dean Witter
Information Fund, Dean Witter American Value Fund, Dean Witter U.S. Government
Money Market Trust, Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust, Dean
Witter Variable Investment Series, Dean Witter World Wide Investment Trust, Dean
Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund, Dean Witter U.S. Government
Securities Trust, Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund, Dean Witter New
York Tax-Free Income Fund, Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust, Dean Witter
Federal Securities Trust, Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series, Dean Witter
Utilities Fund, Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust, Dean Witter
World Wide Income Trust, Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities, Dean Witter
Capital Growth Securities, Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc., Dean Witter
Precious Metals and Minerals Trust, Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market
Trust, Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund, Inc., Dean Witter Pacific
Growth Fund Inc., Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, Dean Witter
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust, Dean
Witter Health Sciences Trust, Dean Witter Retirement Series, Dean Witter Global
Dividend Growth Securities, Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust, Dean
Witter Short-Term Bond Fund, Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund, Dean Witter
National Municipal Trust, Dean Witter High Income Securities, Dean Witter
International SmallCap Fund, Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Dean Witter Select
Dimensions Investment Series, Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund, Dean Witter
Balanced Income Fund, Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust, Dean Witter Japan
Fund, Dean Witter Income Builder Fund, Dean Witter Special Value Fund, Dean
Witter Financial Services Trust, Dean Witter Market Leader Trust, Dean Witter
S&P 500 Index Fund, Dean Witter Fund of Funds, Dean Witter Intermediate Term
U.S. Treasury Trust, Municipal Income Trust, Municipal Income Trust II,
Municipal Income Trust III, Municipal Income Opportunities Trust, Municipal
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
Income Opportunities Trust II, Municipal Income Opportunities Trust III, Prime
Income Trust and Municipal Premium Income Trust. The foregoing investment
companies, together with the Fund, are collectively referred to as the Dean
Witter Funds.
 
    In addition, Dean Witter Services Company Inc. ("DWSC"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of InterCapital, serves as manager for the following investment
companies for which TCW Funds Management, Inc. is the investment adviser: TCW/DW
Core Equity Trust, TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust, TCW/DW Latin
American Growth Fund, TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund, TCW/DW Small Cap Growth
Fund, TCW/DW Balanced Fund, TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust, TCW/DW Global Telecom
Trust, TCW/DW Strategic Income Trust, TCW/DW Total Return Trust, TCW/DW Emerging
Markets Opportunities Trust, TCW/DW Term Trust 2000, TCW/DW Term Trust 2002 and
TCW/DW Term Trust 2003 (the "TCW/DW Funds"). InterCapital also serves as: (i)
administrator of The BlackRock Strategic Term Trust Inc., a closed-end
investment company; and (ii) sub-administrator of MassMutual Participation
Investors and Templeton Global Governments Income Trust, closed-end investment
companies.
 
   
    Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement (the "Agreement") with the
Investment Manager, the Fund has retained the Investment Manager to manage the
Investment of the Fund's assets, including the placing of orders for the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities. The Investment Manager obtains and
evaluates such information and advice relating to the economy, securities
markets, and specific securities as it considers necessary or useful to
continuously manage the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with its
investment objective. Under the terms of the Agreement, in addition to managing
the Fund's investments, the Investment Manager maintains certain of the Fund's
books and records and furnishes, at its own expense, such office space,
facilities, equipment, clerical help and bookkeeping and legal services as the
Fund may reasonably require in the conduct of its business, including the
preparation of prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy
statements and reports required to be filed with federal and state securities
commissions (except insofar as the participation or assistance of independent
accountants and attorneys is, in the opinion of the Investment Manager,
necessary or desirable). In addition, the Investment Manager pays the salaries
of all personnel, including officers of the Fund, who are employees of the
Investment Manager. The Investment Manager also bears the cost of telephone
service, heat, light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
    
 
    Effective December 31, 1993, pursuant to a Services Agreement between
InterCapital and DWSC, DWSC began to provide the administrative services to the
Fund which were previously performed directly by InterCapital. On April 17,
1995, DWSC was reorganized in the State of Delaware, necessitating the entry
into a new Services Agreement by InterCapital and DWSC on that date. The
foregoing internal reorganizations did not result in any change in the nature or
scope of the administrative services being provided to the Fund or any of the
fees being paid by the Fund for the overall services being performed under the
terms of the existing Agreement.
 
   
    Expenses not expressly assumed by the Investment Manager under the Agreement
or by the Distributor of the Fund's shares, Dean Witter Distributors Inc. ("The
Distributor" or "Distributors") will be paid by the Fund. These expenses will be
allocated among the four classes of shares of the Fund (each, a "Class") pro
rata based on the net assets of the Fund attributable to each Class, except as
described below. Such expenses include, but are not limited to: expenses of the
Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the "12b-1 fee") (see "The
Distributor"), charges and expenses of any registrar, custodian, stock transfer
and dividend disbursing agent; brokerage commissions; taxes; engraving and
printing of share certificates; registration costs of the Fund and its shares
under federal and state securities laws; the cost and expense of printing,
including typesetting, and distributing Prospectuses and Statements of
Additional Information of the Fund and supplements thereto to the Fund's
shareholders; all expenses of shareholders' and trustees' meetings and of
preparing, printing and mailing of proxy statements and reports to shareholders;
fees and travel expenses of trustees or members of any advisory board or
committee who are not employees of the Investment Manager or any corporate
affiliate of the Investment Manager; all expenses incident to any dividend,
withdrawal or redemption options; charges and expenses of any outside service
used for pricing of the Fund's shares; fees and expenses of legal
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
counsel, including counsel to the trustees who are not interested persons of the
Fund or of the Investment Manager (not including compensation or expenses of
attorneys who are employees of the Investment Manager) and independent
accountants; membership dues of industry associations; interest on Fund
borrowings; postage; insurance premiums on property or personnel (including
officers and trustees) of the Fund which inure to its benefit; extraordinary
expenses (including, but not limited to, legal claims and liabilities and
litigation costs and any indemnification relating thereto); and all other costs
of the Fund's operation. The 12b-1 fees relating to a particular Class will be
allocated directly to that Class. In addition, other expenses associated with a
particular Class (except advisory or custodial fees) may be allocated directly
to that Class, provided that such expenses are reasonably identified as
specifically attributable to that Class and the direct allocation to that Class
is approved by the Trustees.
 
   
    As full compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund
and expenses of the Fund assumed by the Investment Manager, the Fund pays the
Investment Manager monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the
following annual rates to the net assets of the Fund, determined as of the close
of business on every business day: 0.60% of the portion of the daily net assets
not exceeding $500 million; 0.50% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.40% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.30% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion. The management fee is
allocated among the Classes pro rata based on the net assets of the Fund
attributable to each Class. Total compensation accrued to the Investment Manager
under the Agreement for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997
was $1,390,467, $1,337,360 and $1,116,809, respectively.
    
 
    The Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, the
Investment Manager is not liable to the Fund or any of its investors for any act
or omission by the Investment Manager or for any losses sustained by the Fund or
its investors. The Agreement in no way restricts the Investment Manager from
acting as investment manager or adviser to others.
 
    The Agreement was initially approved by the Trustees on February 21, 1997
and by the shareholders of the Fund at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on
May 21, 1997. The Agreement is substantially identical to a prior investment
management agreement which was initially approved by the Board of Trustees on
October 30, 1992 and by the shareholders of the Fund at a Special Meeting of
Shareholders held on January 12, 1993. The Agreement took effect on May 31, 1997
upon the consummation of the merger of Dean Witter, Discover & Co. with Morgan
Stanley Group Inc. The Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty,
on thirty days' notice by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, by the holders of a
majority, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), of the
outstanding shares of the Fund, or by the Investment Manager. The Agreement will
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the Act).
 
    Under its terms, the Agreement has an initial term ending April 30, 1999,
and provides that it will continue in effect from year to year thereafter,
provided continuance of the Agreement is approved at least annually by the vote
of the holders of a majority, as defined in the Act, of the outstanding shares
of the Fund, or by the Trustees of the Fund; provided that in either event such
continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of
the Fund who are not parties to the Agreement or "interested persons" (as
defined in the Act) of any such party (the "Independent Trustees"), which vote
must be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval.
 
   
    The following owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Class C of the
Fund on October 1, 1997: Gene Matter and Toni Carstens, as joint tenants, 103
Big Valley Court, Folsom, CA, 95630-2305-- 5.4%; Dean M. Maxwell, 15644 Boreas
Rd., Macomb, MI, 48044-3120--6.4%; William H. Watson & Emmy Lou Watson, 3962 SW
Arroyo Dr., Seattle, WA, 98146-1659--10.6%; Raymond Elwood Schrader & Fran J.
Schrader, as Trustees of the Schrader Family Living Trust, 1520 Portsmouth
Avenue, West Sacramento, CA, 95691-2620--10.7%; Barbara B. Rooke, as Trustee for
the Donald & Barbara Rooke Trust, 7850 Chabolyn Way, Fair Oaks, CA,
95628-4910--21.3%; David G. Fugate and Sally A. Fugate, as joint tenants, 392
State Hwy. 139, Tipler, WI, 54542-9730--21.4%; Dean Witter InterCapital, Inc.,
ATTN: Frank DeVito, Two World Trade Center, 71st Fl., New York, NY
10048-0203--21.4%.
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
    The following owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Class D of the
Fund on October 1, 1997: J. Winterhalter, P.O. Box 3039, Birmingham, MI, as
Trustee for IAM & AW Local Lodge, Multi-Employer Wage Reduction 401(k)
Plan--7.9%; Mellon Bank N.A., Mutual Funds Operations, P.O. Box 3198,
Pittsburgh, PA 15230-3198, as trustee of the Dean Witter START Plan and the SPS
Transaction Services, Inc. START Plan, employee benefit plans established by DWR
and SPS Transaction Services, Inc. (an affiliate of DWR) for their employees as
qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code--90.6%.
    
 
    The Fund has acknowledged that the name "Dean Witter" is a property right of
DWR. The Fund has agreed that DWR or its parent company may use, or at any time
permit others to use, the name "Dean Witter." The Fund has also agreed that in
the event the investment management contract between InterCapital and the Fund
is terminated, or if the affiliation between the Investment Manager and its
parent company is terminated, the Fund will eliminate the name "Dean Witter"
from its name if DWR or its parent company shall so request.
 
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    The Trustees and Executive Officers of the Fund, their principal business
occupations during the last five years and their affiliations, if any, with
InterCapital and with the 85 Dean Witter Funds and the 14 TCW/DW Funds are shown
below.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>
Michael Bozic (56) ...................................  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitz Furniture
Trustee                                                 Corporation (since November, 1995); Director or Trustee of
c/o Levitz Furniture Corporation                        the Dean Witter Funds; formerly President and Chief
6111 Broken Sound Parkway, N.W.                         Executive Officer of Hills Department Stores (May,
Boca Raton, Florida                                     1991-July 1995); formerly variously Chairman, Chief
                                                        Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer
                                                        (1987-1991) of the Sears Merchandise Group of Sears,
                                                        Roebuck and Co.; Director of Eaglemark Financial Services,
                                                        Inc., the United Negro College Fund and Weirton Steel
                                                        Corporation.
Charles A. Fiumefreddo* (64) .........................  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Director of
Chairman of the Board,                                  InterCapital, Distributors and DWSC; Executive Vice
 President and Chief Executive                          President and Director of DWR; Chairman, Director or
 Officer and Trustee                                    Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dean
Two World Trade Center                                  Witter Funds; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
New York, New York                                      Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Chairman and Director of Dean
                                                        Witter Trust FSB ("DWT"); Director and/or officer of
                                                        various MSDWD subsidiaries; formerly Executive Vice
                                                        President and Director of Dean Witter, Discover & Co.
                                                        (until February, 1993).
Edwin J. Garn (65) ...................................  Director or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds; formerly
Trustee                                                 United States Senator (R-Utah) (1974-1992) and Chairman,
c/o Huntsman Corporation                                Senate Banking Committee (1980-1986); formerly Mayor of
500 Huntsman Way                                        Salt Lake City, Utah (1971-1974); formerly Astronaut,
Salt Lake City, Utah                                    Space Shuttle Discovery (April 12-19, 1985); Vice
                                                        Chairman, Huntsman Corporation (since January, 1993);
                                                        Director of Franklin Quest (time management systems) and
                                                        John Alden Financial Corp. (health insurance); member of
                                                        the board of various civic and charitable organizations.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>
John R. Haire (72) ...................................  Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the
Trustee                                                 Committee of the Independent Directors or Trustees and
Two World Trade Center                                  Director or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds; Chairman of
New York, New York                                      the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Committee of the
                                                        Independent Trustees and Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds;
                                                        formerly President, Council for Aid to Education
                                                        (1978-1989) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
                                                        Anchor Corporation, an Investment Adviser (1964-1978);
                                                        Director of Washington National Corporation (insurance).
 
Wayne E. Hedien (63) .................................  Retired; Director or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds;
Trustee                                                 Director of The PMI Group, Inc. (private mortgage
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky                              insurance); Trustee and Vice Chairman of The Field Museum
 Weitzen Shalov & Wein                                  of Natural History; formerly associated with the Allstate
Counsel to the Independent Trustees                     Companies (1966-1994), most recently as Chairman of The
114 West 47th Street                                    Allstate Corporation (March, 1993-December, 1994) and
New York, New York                                      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of its wholly-owned
                                                        subsidiary, Allstate Insurance Company (July,
                                                        1989-December, 1994); director of various other business
                                                        and charitable organizations.
 
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (48) ...........................  Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc., a
Trustee                                                 consulting firm; Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of
c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc.                   Seven Council (G7C), an international economic commission;
1133 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.                           Director or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds; Trustee of
Washington, DC                                          the TCW/DW Funds; Director of NASDAQ (since June, 1995);
                                                        Trustee of the Financial Accounting Foundation (oversight
                                                        organization for the Financial Accounting Standards
                                                        Board); formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors
                                                        of the Federal Reserve System (1986-1990) and Assistant
                                                        Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.
 
Michael E. Nugent (61) ...............................  General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P., a private
Trustee                                                 investment partnership; Director or Trustee of the Dean
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.                               Witter Funds; Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; formerly Vice
237 Park Avenue                                         President, Bankers Trust Company and BT Capital
New York, New York                                      Corporation (1984-1988); director of various business
                                                        organizations.
 
Philip J. Purcell* (54) ..............................  Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Trustee                                                 Officer of MSDWD, DWR and Novus Credit Services Inc.;
1585 Broadway                                           Director of InterCapital, DWSC and Distributors; Director
New York, New York                                      or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds; Director and/or
                                                        officer of various MSDWD subsidiaries.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>
John L. Schroeder (67) ...............................  Retired; Director or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds;
Trustee                                                 Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Director of Citizens
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky                              Utilities Company; formerly Executive Vice President and
  Weitzen Shalov & Wein                                 Chief Investment Officer of the Home Insurance Company
Counsel to the Independent Trustees                     (August, 1991-September, 1995).
114 West 47th Street
New York, New York
 
Barry Fink (42) ......................................  Senior Vice President (since March, 1997) and Secretary
Vice President, Secretary                               and General Counsel (since February, 1997) of InterCapital
 and General Counsel                                    and DWSC; Senior Vice President (since March, 1997) and
Two World Trade Center                                  Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel (since
New York, New York                                      February, 1997) of Distributors; Assistant Secretary of
                                                        DWR (since August, 1996); Vice President, Secretary and
                                                        General Counsel of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW
                                                        Funds (since February, 1997); previously First Vice
                                                        President (June, 1993-February, 1997), Vice President
                                                        (until June, 1993) and Assistant Secretary and Assistant
                                                        General Counsel of InterCapital and DWSC and Assistant
                                                        Secretary of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.
 
Rochelle G. Siegel (49) ..............................  Senior Vice President of InterCapital; Vice President of
Vice President                                          various Dean Witter Funds.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York
 
Thomas F. Caloia (51) ................................  First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of
Treasurer                                               InterCapital and DWSC; Treasurer of the Dean Witter Funds
Two World Trade Center                                  and the TCW/DW Funds.
New York, New York
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
 *  Denotes Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the
Act.
    
 
   
    In addition, Robert M. Scanlan, President and Chief Operating Officer of
InterCapital and DWSC, Executive Vice President of Distributors and DWT and
Director of DWT, Mitchell M. Merin, President and Chief Strategic Officer of
InterCapital and DWSC, Executive Vice President of Distributors and DWT and
Director of DWT, Executive Vice President and Director of DWR, and Director of
SPS Transaction Services, Inc. and various other MSDWD subsidiaries. Robert S.
Giambrone, Senior Vice President of InterCapital, DWSC, Distributors and DWT and
Director of DWT, Joseph J. McAlinden, Executive Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer of InterCapital and Director of DWT and Kevin Hurley, James
F. Willison, Peter M. Avelar, and Jonathan R. Page, Senior Vice Presidents of
InterCapital, are Vice Presidents of the Fund. Marilyn K. Cranney, First Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of InterCapital and DWSC, Lou Anne D.
McInnis, Ruth Rossi and Carsten Otto, Vice Presidents and Assistant General
Counsels of InterCapital and DWSC, and Frank Bruttomesso and Todd Lebo, Staff
Attorneys with InterCapital, are Assistant Secretaries of the Fund.
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
   
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, AND THE COMMITTEES
    
 
   
    The Board of Trustees consists of nine (9) trustees. These same individuals
also serve as directors or trustees for all of the Dean Witter Funds, and are
referred to in this section as Trustees. As of the date of this Statement of
Additional Information, there are a total of 85 Dean Witter Funds, comprised of
128 portfolios. As of September 30, 1997, the Dean Witter Funds had total net
assets of approximately $93.2 billion and more than six million shareholders.
    
 
   
    Seven Trustees (77% of the total number) have no affiliation or business
connection with InterCapital or any of its affiliated persons and do not own any
stock or other securities issued by InterCapital's parent company, MSDWD. These
are the "disinterested" or "independent" Trustees. The other two Trustees (the
"management Trustees") are affiliated with InterCapital. Four of the seven
Independent Trustees are also Independent Trustees of the TCW/DW Funds.
    
 
   
    Law and regulation establish both general guidelines and specific duties for
the Independent Trustees. The Dean Witter Funds seek as Independent Trustees
individuals of distinction and experience in business and finance, government
service or academia; these are people whose advice and counsel are in demand by
others and for whom there is often competition. To accept a position on the
Funds' Boards, such individuals may reject other attractive assignments because
the Funds make substantial demands on their time. Indeed, by serving on the
Funds' Boards, certain Trustees who would otherwise be qualified and in demand
to serve on bank boards would be prohibited by law from doing so.
    
 
   
    All of the Independent Trustees serve as members of the Audit Committee and
the Committee of the Independent Trustees. Three of them also serve as members
of the Derivatives Committee. During the calendar year ended December 31, 1996,
the three Committees held a combined total of sixteen meetings. The Committees
hold some meetings at InterCapital's offices and some outside InterCapital.
Management Trustees or officers do not attend these meetings unless they are
invited for purposes of furnishing information or making a report.
    
 
   
    The Committee of the Independent Trustees is charged with recommending to
the full Board approval of management, advisory and administration contracts,
Rule 12b-1 plans and distribution and underwriting agreements; continually
reviewing Fund performance; checking on the pricing of portfolio securities,
brokerage commissions, transfer agent costs and performance, and trading among
Funds in the same complex; and approving fidelity bond and related insurance
coverage and allocations, as well as other matters that arise from time to time.
The Independent Trustees are required to select and nominate individuals to fill
any Independent Trustee vacancy on the Board of any Fund that has a Rule 12b-1
plan of distribution. Most of the Dean Witter Funds have such a plan.
    
 
   
    The Audit Committee is charged with recommending to the full Board the
engagement or discharge of the Fund's independent accountants; directing
investigations into matters within the scope of the independent accountants'
duties, including the power to retain outside specialists; reviewing with the
independent accountants the audit plan and results of the auditing engagement;
approving professional services provided by the independent accountants and
other accounting firms prior to the performance of such services; reviewing the
independence of the independent accountants; considering the range of audit and
non-audit fees; reviewing the adequacy of the Fund's system of internal
controls; and preparing and submitting Committee meeting minutes to the full
Board.
    
 
   
    Finally, the Board of each Fund has formed a Derivatives Committee to
establish parameters for and oversee the activities of the Fund with respect to
derivative investments, if any, made by the Fund.
    
 
   
DUTIES OF CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE OF THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
    
 
   
    The Chairman of the Committee of the Independent Trustees and the Audit
Committee maintains an office at the Funds' headquarters in New York. He is
responsible for keeping abreast of regulatory and industry developments and the
Funds' operations and management. He screens and/or prepares written materials
and identifies critical issues for the Independent Trustees to consider,
develops agendas for Committee meetings, determines the type and amount of
information that the Committees will need to form a judgment on various issues,
and arranges to have that information furnished to
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
   
Committee members. He also arranges for the services of independent experts and
consults with them in advance of meetings to help refine reports and to focus on
critical issues. Members of the Committees believe that the person who serves as
Chairman of both Committees and guides their efforts is pivotal to the effective
functioning of the Committees.
    
 
   
    The Chairman of the Committees also maintains continuous contact with the
Funds' management, with independent counsel to the Independent Trustees and with
the Funds' independent auditors. He arranges for a series of special meetings
involving the annual review of investment advisory, management and other
operating contracts of the Funds and, on behalf of the Committees, conducts
negotiations with the Investment Manager and other service providers. In effect,
the Chairman of the Committees serves as a combination of chief executive and
support staff of the Independent Trustees.
    
 
   
    The Chairman of the Committee of the Independent Trustees and the Audit
Committee is not employed by any other organization and devotes his time
primarily to the services he performs as Committee Chairman and Independent
Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds and as an Independent Trustee and, since July
1, 1996, as Chairman of the Committee of the Independent Trustees and the Audit
Committee of the TCW/DW Funds. The current Committee Chairman has had more than
35 years experience as a senior executive in the investment company industry.
    
 
   
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING SAME INDIVIDUALS AS INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES FOR ALL DEAN
WITTER FUNDS
    
 
   
    The Independent Trustees and the Funds' management believe that having the
same Independent Trustees for each of the Dean Witter Funds avoids the
duplication of effort that would arise from having different groups of
individuals serving as Independent Trustees for each of the Funds or even of
sub-groups of Funds. They believe that having the same individuals serve as
Independent Trustees of all the Funds tends to increase their knowledge and
expertise regarding matters which affect the Fund complex generally and enhances
their ability to negotiate on behalf of each Fund with the Fund's service
providers. This arrangement also precludes the possibility of separate groups of
Independent Trustees arriving at conflicting decisions regarding operations and
management of the Funds and avoids the cost and confusion that would likely
ensue. Finally, having the same Independent Trustees serve on all Fund Boards
enhances the ability of each Fund to obtain, at modest cost to each separate
Fund, the services of Independent Trustees, and a Chairman of their Committees,
of the caliber, experience and business acumen of the individuals who serve as
Independent Trustees of the Dean Witter Funds.
    
 
   
COMPENSATION OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
    
 
   
    The Fund pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $1,000 plus a per
meeting fee of $50 for meetings of the Board of Trustees or committees of the
Board of Trustees attended by the Trustee (the Fund pays the Chairman of the
Audit Committee an annual fee of $750 and pays the Chairman of the Committee of
the Independent Trustees an additional annual fee of $1,200). If a Board meeting
and a Committee meeting, or more than one Committee meeting, take place on a
single day, the Trustees are paid a single meeting fee by the Fund. The Fund
also reimburses such Trustees for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by them in connection with attending such meetings. Trustees and
officers of the Fund who are or have been employed by the Investment Manager or
an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the
Fund.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
    The following table illustrates the compensation paid to the Fund's
Independent Trustees by the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997.
    
 
   
                               FUND COMPENSATION
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   AGGREGATE
                                                                 COMPENSATION
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE                                      FROM THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Michael Bozic.................................................      $1,650
Edwin J. Garn.................................................       1,850
John R. Haire.................................................       3,800
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson.........................................       1,800
Michael E. Nugent.............................................       1,850
John L. Schroeder.............................................       1,850
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The following table illustrates the compensation paid to the Fund's
Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 1996 for services
to the 82 Dean Witter Funds and, in the case of Messrs. Haire, Johnson, Nugent
and Schroeder, the 14 TCW/DW Funds that were in operation at December 31, 1996.
With respect to Messrs. Haire, Johnson, Nugent and Schroeder, the TCW/DW Funds
are included solely because of a limited exchange privilege between those Funds
and five Dean Witter Money Market Funds.
    
 
   
           CASH COMPENSATION FROM DEAN WITTER FUNDS AND TCW/DW FUNDS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   FOR SERVICE AS    FOR SERVICE
                                                                    CHAIRMAN OF          AS          TOTAL CASH
                                                                   COMMITTEES OF     CHAIRMAN OF    COMPENSATION
                               FOR SERVICE                          INDEPENDENT     COMMITTEES OF   FOR SERVICES
                              AS DIRECTOR OR                         DIRECTORS/      INDEPENDENT         TO
                               TRUSTEE AND       FOR SERVICE AS     TRUSTEES AND    TRUSTEES AND       82 DEAN
                             COMMITTEE MEMBER     TRUSTEE AND          AUDIT            AUDIT          WITTER
                                OF 82 DEAN      COMMITTEE MEMBER   COMMITTEES OF    COMMITTEES OF     FUNDS AND
NAME OF                           WITTER          OF 14 TCW/DW     82 DEAN WITTER     14 TCW/DW       14 TCW/DW
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE               FUNDS              FUNDS             FUNDS            FUNDS           FUNDS
- ---------------------------  ----------------   ----------------   --------------   -------------   -------------
Michael Bozic..............      $138,850           --                 --               --            $138,850
<S>                          <C>                <C>                <C>              <C>             <C>
Edwin J. Garn..............       140,900           --                 --               --             140,900
John R. Haire..............       106,400           $64,283           $195,450        $ 12,187         378,320
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson......       137,100            66,483            --               --             203,583
Michael E. Nugent..........       138,850            64,283            --               --             203,133
John L. Schroeder..........       137,150            69,083            --               --             206,233
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, 57 of the Dean
Witter Funds, including the Fund, have adopted a retirement program under which
an Independent Trustee who retires after serving for at least five years (or
such lesser period as may be determined by the Board) as an Independent Director
or Trustee of any Dean Witter Fund that has adopted the retirement program (each
such Fund referred to as an "Adopting Fund" and each such Trustee referred to as
an "Eligible Trustee") is entitled to retirement payments upon reaching the
eligible retirement age (normally, after attaining age 72). Annual payments are
based upon length of service. Currently, upon retirement, each Eligible Trustee
is entitled to receive from the Adopting Fund, commencing as of his or her
retirement date and continuing for the remainder of his or her life, an annual
retirement benefit (the "Regular Benefit") equal to 25.0% of his or her Eligible
Compensation plus 0.4166666% of such Eligible Compensation for each full month
of service as an Independent Director or Trustee of any Adopting Fund in excess
of five years up to a maximum of 50.0% after ten years of service. The foregoing
percentages may be changed by the Board.(1) "Eligible Compensation" is one-fifth
of the total compensation earned by such Eligible Trustee for service to the
Adopting Fund in the five year period prior to the date of the Eligible
Trustee's retirement. Benefits under the retirement program are not secured or
funded by the Adopting Funds.
    
 
   
    The following table illustrates the retirement benefits accrued to the
Fund's Independent Trustees by the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31,
1997 and by the 57 Dean Witter Funds (including the Fund) for the year ended
December 31, 1996, and the estimated retirement benefits for the Fund's
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
Independent Trustees, to commence upon their retirement, from the Fund as of
August 31, 1997 and from the 57 Dean Witter Funds as of December 31, 1996.
    
 
   
          RETIREMENT BENEFITS FROM THE FUND AND ALL DEAN WITTER FUNDS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            RETIREMENT BENEFITS      ESTIMATED ANNUAL
                                       FOR ALL ADOPTING FUNDS                                            BENEFITS
                                 ----------------------------------         ACCRUED AS EXPENSES            UPON
                                    ESTIMATED                                                         RETIREMENT(2)
                                 CREDITED YEARS        ESTIMATED          ------------------------   ----------------
                                  OF SERVICE AT      PERCENTAGE OF                         BY ALL     FROM   FROM ALL
                                   RETIREMENT          ELIGIBLE             BY THE        ADOPTING    THE    ADOPTING
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE       (MAXIMUM 10)       COMPENSATION            FUND          FUNDS      FUND    FUNDS
- ------------------------------   ---------------    ---------------       ----------      --------   ------  --------
<S>                              <C>                <C>                   <C>             <C>        <C>     <C>
Michael Bozic.................          10               50.0%                  $373      $20,147    $  925  $ 51,325
Edwin J. Garn.................          10               50.0                    538       27,772       925    51,325
John R. Haire.................          10               50.0               (662)(3)       46,952     2,246   129,550
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson.........          10               50.0                    226       10,926       925    51,325
Michael E. Nugent.............          10               50.0                    386       19,217       925    51,325
John L. Schroeder.............           8               41.7                    718       38,700       771    42,771
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
(1) An Eligible Trustee may elect alternate payments of his or her retirement
    benefits based upon the combined life expectancy of such Eligible Trustee
    and his or her spouse on the date of such Eligible Trustee's retirement. The
    amount estimated to be payable under this method, through the remainder of
    the later of the lives of such Eligible Trustee and spouse, will be the
    actuarial equivalent of the Regular Benefit. In addition, the Eligible
    Trustee may elect that the surviving spouse's periodic payment of benefits
    will be equal to either 50% or 100% of the previous periodic amount, an
    election that, respectively, increases or decreases the previous periodic
    amount so that the resulting payments will be the actuarial equivalent of
    the Regular Benefit.
    
 
   
(2) Based on current levels of compensation. Amount of annual benefits also
    varies depending on the Trustee's elections described in Footnote (1) above.
    
 
   
(3) This number reflects the effect of the extension of Mr. Haire's term as
    Trustee until June 1, 1998.
    
 
   
    As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the aggregate
number of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund owned by the Fund's officers
and Trustees as a group was less than 1 percent of the Fund's shares of
beneficial interest outstanding.
    
 
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
SPECIAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
 
    As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets
in lower rated fixed-income securities, sometimes referred to as high yield
securities. Because of the special nature of high yield securities, the
Investment Manager must take account certain special considerations in assessing
the risks associated with such investments. Although the growth of the high
yield securities market in the 1980s had paralleled a long economic expansion,
recently many issuers have been affected by adverse economic and market
conditions. It should be recognized that an economic downturn or increase in
interest rates is likely to have a negative effect on the high yield bond market
and on the value of the high yield securities held by the Fund, as well as on
the ability of the securities' issuers to repay principal and interest on their
borrowings.
 
    The prices of high yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to
changes in prevailing interest rates than higher-rated investments, but are
likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate
developments. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising
interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which
would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest
payment obligations, to meet their projected business goals or to obtain
additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed-income security owned by the Fund
defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In addition,
periods of economic uncertainty and change can be expected to result in an
increased volatility of market prices of high yield securities and a concomitant
volatility in the net asset value of a share of the Fund. Moreover, the market
prices of certain of the Fund's portfolio securities which are structured as
zero coupon and
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
payment-in-kind securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate
changes and thereby tend to be more volatile than securities which pay interest
periodically and in cash (see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" for a
discussion of the tax ramifications of investments in such securities).
 
    The secondary market for high yield securities may be less liquid than the
markets for higher quality securities and, as such, may have an adverse effect
on the market prices of certain securities. The limited liquidity of the market
may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund's Trustees to arrive at a fair
value for certain high yield securities at certain times and could make it
difficult for the Fund to sell certain securities.
 
    Current laws and proposed new laws may have a potentially negative impact on
the market for high yield bonds. For example, legislation requires
federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments in
high yield bonds. This legislation and other proposed legislation may have an
adverse effect upon the value of high yield securities and a concomitant
negative impact upon the net asset value of a share of the Fund.
 
    U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  As stated in the Prospectus, while the Fund
under normal circumstances will invest primarily in corporate debt securities,
it may also invest in U.S. Government securities. Securities issued by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities in which the Fund may invest
include:
 
        (1) U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one year or less), U.S. Treasury
    notes (maturities of one to ten years) and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally
    maturities of greater than ten years), all of which are direct obligations
    of the U.S. Government and, as such, are backed by the "full faith and
    credit" of the United States.
 
        (2) Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S.
    Government which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
    States. Among the agencies and instrumentalities issuing such obligations
    are the Federal Housing Administration, the Government National Mortgage
    Association ("GNMA"), the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the
    Export-Import Bank, the Farmers Home Administration; the General Services
    Administration, the Maritime Administration and the Small Business
    Administration. The maturities of such obligations range from three months
    to thirty years although the Fund may not invest in securities with
    remaining maturities of more than twelve years.
 
        (3) Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities which are not
    backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but whose issuing
    agency or instrumentality has the right to borrow, to meet its obligations,
    from an existing line of credit with the U.S. Treasury. Among the agencies
    and instrumentalities issuing such obligations are the Tennessee Valley
    Authority, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), the Federal
    Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") and the U.S. Postal Service.
 
        (4) Securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities which are not
    backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but which are
    backed by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Among the
    agencies and instrumentalities issuing such obligations are the Federal Farm
    Credit System and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
 
    ZERO COUPON SECURITIES.  A portion of the U.S. Government securities
purchased by the Fund may be zero coupon securities. Such securities are
purchased at a discount from their face amount, giving the purchaser the right
to receive their full value at maturity. The interest earned on such securities
is, implicitly, automatically compounded and paid out at maturity. While such
compounding at a constant rate eliminates the risk of receiving lower yields
upon reinvestment of interest if prevailing interest rates decline, the owner of
a zero coupon security will be unable to participate in higher yields upon
reinvestment of interest received if prevailing interest rates rise. For this
reason, zero coupon securities are subject to substantially greater price
fluctuations during periods of changing prevailing interest rates than are
comparable securities which pay interest currently. Zero coupon securities may
not exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS.  As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund may
invest in fixed-income securities issued by foreign governments and other
foreign issuers, provided such securities are denominated in U.S. Dollars. With
regard to foreign fixed-income securities, the Investment Manager believes that
in many instances such securities may provide higher yields than similar
securities of domestic issuers. With the expiration of the Interest Equalization
Tax in 1974, many of these investments currently enjoy increased liquidity,
although such securities are generally less liquid than the securities of United
States corporations, and are certainly less liquid than securities issued by the
United States Government or its agencies.
 
    Foreign investments involve certain risks, including the political or
economic instability of the issuer or of the country of issue, the difficulty of
predicting international trade patterns and the possibility of imposition of
exchange controls. Such securities may also be subject to greater fluctuations
in price than securities of United States corporations or of the United States
Government. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about
a foreign company than about a domestic company. Foreign companies generally are
not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
comparable to those applicable to domestic companies. There is generally less
government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad
than in the United States, and with respect to certain foreign countries, there
is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, or diplomatic
developments which could affect investment in those countries. Finally, in the
event of a default of any such foreign debt obligations, it may be more
difficult for the Fund to obtain or to enforce a judgment against the issuers of
such securities.
 
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, consistent with applicable regulatory
requirements, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
other financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time
by the Fund (subject to notice provisions described below), and are at all times
secured by cash or cash equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated
account pursuant to applicable regulations and that are equal to at least the
market value, including accrued interest, determined daily, of the loaned
securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to receive
the income on the loaned securities while at the same time earning interest on
the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short-term
obligations. The Fund will not lend its portfolio securities if such loans are
not permitted by the laws or regulations of any state in which its shares are
qualified for sale and will not lend more than 25% of the value of its total
assets. A loan may be terminated by the borrower on one business day's notice,
or by the Fund on two business days' notice. If the borrower fails to deliver
the loaned securities within two days after receipt of notice, the Fund could
use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable
for any excess of replacement cost over the value of the collateral. As with any
extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases
even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to
firms deemed by the Fund's management to be creditworthy and when the income
which can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant risks. Upon
termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to
the Fund. Any gain or loss in the market price during the loan period would
inure to the Fund. The creditworthiness of firms to which the Fund lends its
portfolio securities will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the Investment
Manager pursuant to procedures adopted and reviewed, on an ongoing basis, by the
Board of Trustees of the Fund.
 
    When voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the
borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loaned securities, to
be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of such rights
if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund's investment in
such loaned securities. The Fund will pay reasonable finder's, administrative
and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities. However, the
Fund does not presently intend to lend any of its portfolio securities in the
foreseeable future.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
    When cash may be available for only a few days, it may be invested by the
Fund in repurchase agreements until such time as it may otherwise be invested or
used for payments of obligations of the Fund. A repurchase agreement may be
viewed as a type of secured lending by the Fund which typically involves the
acquisition by the Fund of government securities from a selling financial
institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The
agreement provides that the Fund will sell back to the institution, and that the
institution will repurchase, the underlying security ("collateral") at a
specified price and at a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven
days from the date of purchase. In the event the original seller defaults on its
obligation to repurchase, as a result of its bankruptcy or otherwise, the Fund
will seek to sell the collateral, which action could involve costs or delays. In
such case, the Fund's ability to dispose of the collateral to recover its
investment may be restricted or delayed.
 
    The Fund will accrue interest from the institution until the time when the
repurchase is to occur. Although such date is deemed by the Fund to be the
maturity date of a repurchase agreement, the maturities of securities subject to
repurchase agreements are not subject to any limits and may exceed one year.
 
    While repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct
investments in debt securities, the Fund follows procedures designed to minimize
such risks. Repurchase agreements will be transacted only with large,
well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions whose financial
condition will be continuously monitored by the Investment Manager subject to
procedures established by the Trustees. The procedures also require that the
collateral underlying the agreement be specified. The Fund does not presently
intend to enter into repurchase agreements so that more than 5% of the Fund's
net assets are subject to such agreements.
 
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, from time to time, in the ordinary course of
business, the Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis--i.e., delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date
of the transactions. The securities so purchased are subject to market
fluctuation and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. While
the Fund will only purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or
forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities, the
Fund may sell the securities before the settlement date, if it is deemed
advisable. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, the Fund will record the transaction and
thereafter reflect the value, each day, of such security in determining the net
asset value of the Fund. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value
may be more or less than the purchase price. The Fund will also establish a
segregated account with the Fund's custodian bank in which it will continuously
maintain cash or U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities
equal in value to commitments for such when-issued or delayed delivery
securities; subject to this requirement, the Fund may purchase securities on
such basis without limit. An increase in the percentage of the Fund's assets
committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis may increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value. The Investment
Manager and the Board of Trustees do not believe that the Fund's net asset value
or income will be adversely affected by its purchase of securities on such
basis.
 
WHEN, AS AND IF ISSUED SECURITIES
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase securities on a "when,
as and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the security depends upon
the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a merger, corporate
reorganization, leveraged buyout or debt restructuring. The commitment for the
purchase of any such security will not be recognized in the portfolio of the
Fund until the Investment Manager determines that issuance of the security is
probable. At such time, the Fund will record the transaction and, in determining
its net asset value, will reflect the value of the security daily. At such time,
the Fund will also establish a segregated account with its custodian bank in
which it will continuously maintain cash or U.S. Government securities or other
liquid portfolio securities equal in
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
value to recognized commitments for such securities. Settlement of the trade
will occur within five business days of the occurrence of the subsequent event.
The value of the Fund's commitments to purchase the securities of any one
issuer, together with the value of all securities of such issuer owned by the
Fund, may not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time the
initial commitment to purchase such securities is made (see "Investment
Restrictions"). Subject to the foregoing restrictions, the Fund may purchase
securities on such basis without limit. An increase in the percentage of the
Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if
issued" basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value. The Investment
Manager and the Trustees do not believe that the net asset value of the Fund
will be adversely affected by its purchase of securities on such basis. The Fund
may also sell securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis provided that the
issuance of the security will result automatically from the exchange or
conversion of a security owned by the Fund at the time of sale.
 
OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Fund has no current intention to engage in options transactions. In the
event the Fund wishes to engage in options transactions in the future, the
Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information will be amended and
sent to shareholders in advance of the change.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
   
    The Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997
was 98%. A 100% turnover rate would occur, for example, if 100% of the
securities held in the Fund's portfolio (excluding all securities whose
maturities at acquisition were one year or less) were sold and replaced within
one year.
    
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    In addition to the investment restrictions enumerated in the Prospectus, the
investment restrictions listed below have been adopted by the Fund as
fundamental policies, except as otherwise indicated. Under the Act, a
fundamental policy may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the Act. Such a
majority is defined as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares present at a
meeting of shareholders, if the holders of 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund.
 
    The Fund may not:
 
         1. Invest in securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge of the Fund,
    any officer or trustee/ director of the Fund or of the Investment Manager
    owns more than 1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such issuer, and
    such officers and trustees/directors who own more than 1/2 of 1% own in the
    aggregate more than 5% of the outstanding securities of such issuers.
 
         2. Purchase or sell real estate or interests therein, although the Fund
    may purchase securities of issuers which engage in real estate operations
    and securities secured by real estate or interests therein.
 
         3. Purchase oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or royalty
    contracts or exploration or development programs, except that the Fund may
    invest in the securities of companies which operate, invest in, or sponsor
    such programs.
 
         4. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except in
    connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of
    assets.
 
         5. Pledge its assets or assign or otherwise encumber them except to
    secure borrowings effected within the limitations set forth in restriction
    (6) in the Prospectus.
 
         6. Issue senior securities as defined in the Act except insofar as the
    Fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security by reason of borrowing
    money in accordance with restriction (6) in the Prospectus.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
         7. Make loans of money or securities, except: (a) by the purchase of
    publicly distributed debt obligations in which the Fund may invest
    consistent with its investment objective and policies; (b) by investment in
    repurchase agreements; or (c) by lending its portfolio securities.
 
         8. Make short sales of securities.
 
         9. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity futures contracts.
 
        10. Purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term loans as
    are necessary for the clearance of portfolio securities.
 
        11. Engage in the underwriting of securities, except insofar as the Fund
    may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in disposing
    of a portfolio security.
 
        12. Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of any
    other issuer.
 
    In addition, the Fund, as a non-fundamental policy, will not invest in
warrants, although it may acquire warrants attached to other securities
purchased by the Fund.
 
    If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later
increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in values of
portfolio securities or amount of total or net assets will not be considered a
violation of any of the foregoing restrictions.
 
    Notwithstanding any other investment policy or restriction, the Fund may
seek to achieve its investment objective by investing all or substantially all
of its assets in another investment company having substantially the same
investment objective and policies as the Fund.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    Subject to the general supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, the
Investment Manager is responsible for the investment decisions and the placing
of orders for portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Fund's portfolio
transactions will occur primarily with issuers, underwriters or major dealers in
fixed-income securities acting as principals. Such transactions are normally on
a net basis which do not involve payment of brokerage commissions. The cost of
securities purchased from an underwriter usually includes a commission paid by
the issuer to the underwriter; transactions with dealers normally reflect the
spread between bid and asked prices. During the fiscal years ended August 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997, the Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions.
    
 
   
    The Investment Manager currently serves as investment manager to a number of
clients, including other investment companies, and may in the future act as
investment manager or adviser to others. It is the practice of the Investment
Manager to cause purchase and sale transactions to be allocated among the Fund
and others whose assets it manages in such manner as it deems equitable. In
making such allocations among the Fund and other client accounts, various
factors may be considered, including the respective investment objectives, the
relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the
availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments
generally held and the opinions of the persons responsible for managing the
portfolios of the Fund and other client accounts. In the case of certain initial
and secondary public offerings, the Investment Manager may utilize a pro rata
allocation process based on the size of the Dean Witter Funds involved and the
number of shares available from the public offering.
    
 
    The policy of the Fund regarding purchases and sales of securities for its
portfolio is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most
favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. In seeking to
implement the Fund's policies, the Investment Manager effects transactions with
those brokers and dealers who the Investment Manager believes provide the most
favorable prices and are capable of providing efficient executions. If the
Investment Manager believes such prices and executions are obtainable from more
than one broker or dealer, it may give consideration to placing portfolio
transactions with those brokers and dealers who also furnish research and other
services to the Fund or the Investment Manager. Such services may include, but
are not limited to, any one or more of
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
the following: information as to the availability of securities for purchase or
sale; statistical or factual information or opinions pertaining to investment;
wire services; and appraisals or evaluations of portfolio securities.
 
    The information and services received by the Investment Manager from brokers
and dealers may be of benefit to the Investment Manager in the management of
accounts of some of its other clients and may not in all cases benefit the Fund
directly. While the receipt of such information and services is useful in
varying degrees and would generally reduce the amount of research or services
otherwise performed by the Investment Manager and thereby reduce its expenses,
it is of indeterminable value and the management fee paid to the Investment
Manager is not reduced by any amount that may be attributable to the value of
such services.
 
    Pursuant to an order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund may
effect principal transactions in certain money market instruments with DWR. The
Fund will limit its transactions with DWR to U.S. Government and Government
Agency Securities, Bank Money Instruments (i.e., Certificates of Deposit and
Bankers' Acceptances) and Commercial Paper. Such transactions will be effected
with DWR only when the price available from DWR is better than that available
from other dealers.
 
   
    Consistent with the policy described above, brokerage transactions in
securities listed on exchanges or admitted to unlisted trading privileges may be
effected through DWR and other affiliated brokers and dealers. In order for an
affiliated broker or dealer to effect any portfolio transactions for the Fund,
the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the affiliated broker or
dealer must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other
remuneration paid to other brokers in connection with comparable transactions
involving similar securities being purchased or sold on an exchange during a
comparable period of time. This standard would allow the affiliated broker or
dealer to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be
received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arm's-length transaction.
Furthermore, the Board of Trustees of the Fund, including a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the Act,
have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any
commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker or dealer
are consistent with the foregoing standard. For the fiscal years ended August
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Fund did not effect any securities transactions
with or through DWR. During the period June 1 through August 31, 1997, the Fund
did not effect any securities transactions with or through Morgan Stanley & Co.,
Incorporated, which broker-dealer became an affiliate of the Investment Manager
on May 31, 1997 upon consummation of the merger of Dean Witter, Discover & Co.
with Morgan Stanley Group Inc. The Fund does not reduce the management fee it
pays to the Investment Manager by any amount of the brokerage commissions it may
pay to an affiliated broker or dealer.
    
 
THE DISTRIBUTOR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, shares of the Fund are distributed by Dean
Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"). The Distributor has entered into a
selected dealer agreement with DWR, which through its own sales organization
sells shares of the Fund. In addition, the Distributor may enter into selected
dealer agreements with other selected broker-dealers. The Distributor, a
Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSDWD. The Trustees of the
Fund, including a majority of the Trustees who are not, and were not at the time
they voted, interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the Act (the
"Independent Trustees"), approved, at their meeting held on June 30, 1997, the
current Distribution Agreement appointing the Distributor exclusive distributor
of the Fund's shares and providing for the Distributor to bear distribution
expenses not borne by the Fund. By its terms, the Distribution Agreement has an
initial term ending April 30, 1998 and will remain in effect from year to year
thereafter if approved by the Board.
 
    The Distributor bears all expenses it may incur in providing services under
the Distribution Agreement. Such expenses include the payment of commissions for
sales of the Fund's shares and incentive compensation to account executives. The
Distributor also pays certain expenses in connection with the
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
distribution of the Fund's shares, including the costs of preparing, printing
and distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the costs of printing
and distributing prospectuses and supplements thereto used in connection with
the offering and sale of the Fund's shares. The Fund bears the costs of initial
typesetting, printing and distribution of prospectuses and supplements thereto
to shareholders. The Fund also bears the costs of registering the Fund and its
shares under federal securities laws and pays filing fees in accordance with
state securities laws. The Fund and the Distributor have agreed to indemnify
each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Under the Distribution Agreement, the
Distributor uses its best efforts in rendering services to the Fund, but in the
absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of its obligations, the Distributor is not liable to the Fund or any
of its shareholders for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act
or omission or for any losses sustained by the Fund or its shareholders.
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.
 
   
    The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Act (the "Plan") pursuant to which each Class, other than Class D, pays the
Distributor compensation accrued daily and payable monthly at the following
annual rates: 0.25% and 0.85% of the average daily net assets of Class A and
Class C, respectively, and, with respect to Class B, 0.85% of the lesser of: (a)
the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the
inception of the Fund (not including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's
Class B shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a contingent
deferred sales charge has been imposed or upon which such charge has been
waived; or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B. The Distributor also
receives the proceeds of front-end sales charges and of contingent deferred
sales charges imposed on certain redemptions of shares, which are separate and
apart from payments made pursuant to the Plan (see "Purchase of Fund Shares" in
the Prospectus). The Distributor has informed the Fund that it and/or DWR
received approximately $500,000, $364,492 and $285,035 in contingent deferred
sales charges for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997
respectively, none of which was retained by the Distributor. These amounts were
received from Class B only. No front-end sales charges were received from Class
A and no contingent deferred sales charges were received from Class A or Class C
for the period July 28 through August 31, 1997.
    
 
    The Distributor has informed the Fund that the entire fee payable by Class A
and a portion of the fees payable by each of Class B and Class C each year
pursuant to the Plan equal to 0.20% of the average daily net assets of Class B
and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class C are currently each
characterized as a "service fee" under the Rules of the Association of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (of which the Distributor is a
member). The "service fee" is a payment made for personal service and/or the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. The remaining portion of the Plan fees
payable by a Class, if any, is characterized as an "asset-based sales charge" as
such is defined by the aforementioned Rules of the Association.
 
    The Plan was adopted by a vote of the Trustees of the Fund on April 27,
1989, at a Meeting of the Trustees called for the purpose of voting on such
Plan. The vote included the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who
are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the Act) and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan (the
"Independent 12b-1 Trustees"). In making their decision to adopt the Plan, the
Trustees requested from DWR and received such information as they deemed
necessary to make an informed determination as to whether or not adoption of the
Plan was in the best interests of the shareholders of the Fund. After due
consideration of the information received, the Trustees, including the
Independent 12b-1 Trustees, determined that adoption of the Plan would benefit
the shareholders of the Fund. DWR, as then sole shareholder of the Fund,
approved the Plan on April 28, 1989, and the Plan was approved by shareholders
of the Fund at a Meeting of Shareholders on December 21, 1989.
 
    At their meeting held on October 30, 1992, the Trustees of the Fund,
including all of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, approved certain amendments to
the Plan which took effect in January, 1993 and were
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
designed to reflect the fact that upon an internal reorganization the share
distribution activities theretofore performed for the Fund by DWR were assumed
by the Distributor and DWR's sales activities are now being performed pursuant
to the terms of a selected dealer agreement between the Distributor and DWR. The
amendments provide that payments under the Plan will be made to the Distributor
rather than to DWR as before the amendment, and that the Distributor in turn is
authorized to make payments to DWR, its affiliates or other selected
broker-dealers (or direct that the Fund pay such entities directly). The
Distributor is also authorized to retain part of such fee as compensation for
its own distribution-related expenses. At their meeting held on April 28, 1993,
the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, also
approved certain technical amendments to the Plan in connection with amendments
adopted by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. to its Rules of
the Association. At their meeting held on October 26, 1995, the Trustees of the
Fund, including all of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, approved an amendment to
the Plan to permit payments to be made under the Plan with respect to certain
distribution expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of shares,
including personal services to shareholders with respect to holdings of such
shares, of an investment company whose assets are acquired by the Fund in a
tax-free reorganization. At their meeting held on June 30, 1997, the Trustees,
including a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, approved amendments to
the Plan to reflect the multiple-class structure for the Fund, which took effect
on July 28, 1997.
 
   
    Under the Plan and as required by Rule 12b-1, the Trustees will receive and
review promptly after the end of each fiscal quarter a written report provided
by the Distributor of the amounts expended by the Distributor under the Plan and
the purpose for which such expenditures were made. Class B shares of the Fund
accrued $1,578,380 payable to the Distributor, pursuant to the Plan, for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1997. This is an accrual at an annual rate of 0.85%
of the average daily net assets of Class B and was calculated pursuant to clause
(b) of the compensation formula under the Plan. This amount is treated by the
Fund as an expense in the year it is accrued. For the period July 28 through
August 31, 1997, Class A and Class C shares of the Fund accrued payments under
the Plan amounting to $3 and $18, respectively, which amounts are equal to 0.25%
and 0.85% of the average daily net assets of Class A and Class C, respectively,
for such period.
    
 
    The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund's
method of distribution. Under this distribution method the Fund offers four
Classes of shares, each with a different distribution arrangement as set forth
in the Prospectus.
 
   
    With respect to Class A shares, DWR compensates its account executives by
paying them, from proceeds of the front-end sales charge, commissions for the
sale of Class A shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 4.0% of the
amount sold (except as provided in the following sentence) and an annual
residual commission, currently a residual of up to 0.20% of the current value of
the respective accounts for which they are the account executives or dealers of
record in all cases. On orders of $1 million or more (for which no sales charge
was paid) or net asset value purchases by 401(k) plans or other
employer-sponsored plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code for which Dean Witter Trust FSB ("DWT") serves as Trustee or the 401(k)
Support Services Group of DWR serves as recordkeeper, the Investment Manager
compensates DWR's account executives by paying them, from its own funds, a gross
sales credit of 1.0% of the amount sold.
    
 
   
    With respect to Class B shares, DWR compensates its account executives by
paying them, from its own funds, commissions for the sale of Class B shares,
currently a gross sales credit of up to 4.0% of the amount sold (except as
provided in the following sentence) and an annual residual commission, currently
a residual of up to 0.20% of the current value (not including reinvested
dividends or distributions) of the amount sold in all cases. In the case of
retirement plans qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and
other employer-sponsored plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code for which DWT serves as Trustee or the 401(k) Support Services
Group of DWR serves as recordkeeper, and which plans are opened on or after July
28, 1997, DWR compensates its account executives by paying them, from its own
funds, a gross sales credit of 3.0% of the amount sold.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    With respect to Class C shares, DWR compensates its account executives by
paying them, from its own funds, commissions for the sale of Class C shares,
currently a gross sales credit of up to 1.0% of the amount sold and an annual
residual commission, currently a residual of up to 0.85% of the current value of
the respective accounts for which they are the account executives of record.
 
    With respect to Class D shares other than shares held by participants in
InterCapital's mutual fund asset allocation program, the Investment Manager
compensates DWR's account executives by paying them, from its own funds,
commissions for the sale of Class D shares, currently a gross sales credit of up
to 1.0% of the amount sold. There is a chargeback of 100% of the amount paid if
the Class D shares are redeemed in the first year and a chargeback of 50% of the
amount paid if the Class D shares are redeemed in the second year after
purchase. The Investment Manager also compensates DWR's account executives by
paying them, from its own funds, an annual residual commission, currently a
residual of up to 0.10% of the current value of the respective accounts for
which they are the account executives of record (not including accounts of
participants in the InterCapital mutual fund asset allocation program).
 
    The gross sales credit is a charge which reflects commissions paid by DWR to
its account executives and DWR's Fund-associated distribution-related expenses,
including sales compensation, and overhead and other branch office
distribution-related expenses including (a) the expenses of operating DWR's
branch offices in connection with the sale of Fund shares, including lease
costs, the salaries and employee benefits of operations and sales support
personnel, utility costs, communications costs and the costs of stationery and
supplies, (b) the costs of client sales seminars, (c) travel expenses of mutual
fund sales coordinators to promote the sale of Fund shares and (d) other
expenses relating to branch promotion of Fund sales. The distribution fee that
the Distributor receives from the Fund under the Plan, in effect, offsets
distribution expenses incurred under the Plan on behalf of the Fund and, in the
case of Class B shares, opportunity costs, such as the gross sales credit and an
assumed interest charge thereon ("carrying charge"). In the Distributor's
reporting of the distribution expenses to the Fund, in the case of Class B
shares, such assumed interest (computed at the "broker's call rate") has been
calculated on the gross credit as it is reduced by amounts received by the
Distributor under the Plan and any contingent deferred sales charges received by
the Distributor upon redemption of shares of the Fund. No other interest charge
is included as a distribution expense in the Distributor's calculation of its
distribution costs for this purpose. The broker's call rate is the interest rate
charged to securities brokers on loans secured by exchange-listed securities.
 
   
    The Fund is authorized to reimburse expenses incurred or to be incurred in
promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class A and Class C shares and in
servicing shareholder accounts. Reimbursement will be made through payments at
the end of each month. The amount of each monthly payment may in no event exceed
an amount equal to a payment at the annual rate of 0.25%, in the case of Class
A, and 0.85%, in the case of Class C, of the average net assets of the
respective Class during the month. No interest or other financing charges, if
any, incurred on any distribution expenses on behalf of Class A and Class C will
be reimbursable under the Plan. With respect to Class A, in the case of all
expenses other than expenses representing the service fee, and, with respect to
Class C, in the case of all expenses other than expenses representing a gross
sales credit or a residual to account executives, such amounts shall be
determined at the beginning of each calendar quarter by the Trustees, including
a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees. Expenses representing the service
fee (for Class A) or a gross sales credit or a residual to account executives
(for Class C) may be reimbursed without prior determination. In the event that
the Distributor proposes that monies shall be reimbursed for other than such
expenses, then in making quarterly determinations of the amounts that may be
reimbursed by the Fund, the Distributor will provide and the Trustees will
review a quarterly budget of projected distribution expenses to be incurred on
behalf of the Fund, together with a report explaining the purposes and
anticipated benefits of incurring such expenses. The Trustees will determine
which particular expenses, and the portions thereof, that may be borne by the
Fund, and in making such a determination shall consider the scope of the
Distributor's commitment to promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class A and
Class C shares.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
   
    Each Class paid 100% of the amounts accrued under the Plan with respect to
the Class for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, to the Distributor. The
Distributor and DWR estimate that they have spent, pursuant to the Plan,
$21,554,000 on behalf of Class B since the inception of the Plan. It is
estimated that this amount was spent in approximately the following ways: (i)
11.15% ($2,404,293)--advertising and promotional expenses; (ii) 0.75%
($161,334)--printing of prospectuses for distribution to other than current
shareholders; and (iii) 88.10% ($18,989,037)--other expenses, including the
gross sales credit and the carrying charge, of which 9.53% ($1,809,826)
represents carrying charges, 35.85% ($6,808,121) represents commission credits
to DWR branch offices for payments of commissions to account executives and
54.62% ($10,371,090) represents overhead and other branch office
distribution-related expenses. The amounts accrued by Class A and Class C for
distribution during the period July 28 through August 31, 1997 were for expenses
which relate to compensation of sales personnel and associated overhead
expenses.
    
 
   
    In the case of Class B shares, at any given time, the expenses in
distributing shares of the Fund may be more or less than the total of (i) the
payments made by the Fund pursuant to the Plan and (ii) the proceeds of
contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of shares.
The Distributor has advised the Fund that in the case of Class B shares such
excess amount, including the carrying charge designed to approximate the
opportunity costs incurred which arise from it having advanced monies without
having received the amount of any sales charges imposed at the time of sale of
the Fund's Class B shares, totalled $5,734,753 as of August 31, 1997. Because
there is no requirement under the Plan that the Distributor be reimbursed for
all expenses with respect to Class B shares or any requirement that the Plan be
continued from year to year, this excess amount does not constitute a liability
of the Fund. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay
distribution expenses in excess of payments made under the Plan and the proceeds
of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of
shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the Trustees will consider at
that time the manner in which to treat such expenses. Any cumulative expenses
incurred, but not yet recovered through distribution fees or contingent deferred
sales charges, may or may not be recovered through future distribution fees or
contingent deferred sales charges.
    
 
    No interested person of the Fund, nor any Trustee of the Fund who is not an
interested person of the Fund, as defined in the Act, has any direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Plan except to the extent that the
Distributor, InterCapital, DWR, DWSC or certain of their employees may be deemed
to have such an interest as a result of benefits derived from the successful
operation of the Plan or as a result of receiving a portion of the amounts
expended thereunder by the Fund.
 
   
    Under its terms, the Plan continued until April 30, 1990 and will remain in
effect from year to year thereafter, provided such continuance is approved
annually by a vote of the Trustees in the manner described above. Prior to the
Board's approval of amendments to the Plan to reflect the multiple-class
structure for the Fund, the most recent continuance of the Plan for one year,
until April 30, 1998, was approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
including a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, at a Board meeting held
on April 24, 1997. Prior to approving the continuation of the Plan, the Trustees
requested and received from the Distributor and reviewed all the information
which they deemed necessary to arrive at an informed determination. In making
their determination to continue the Plan, the Trustees considered: (1) the
Fund's experience under the Plan and whether such experience indicates that the
Plan is operating as anticipated; (2) the benefits the Fund had obtained, was
obtaining and would be likely to obtain under the Plan; and (3) what services
had been provided and were continuing to be provided under the Plan the
Distributor to the Fund and its shareholders. Based upon their review, the
Trustees of the Fund, including each of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees,
determined that continuation of the Plan would be in the best interest of the
Fund and would have a reasonable likelihood of continuing to benefit the Fund
and its shareholders. In the Trustees' quarterly review of the Plan, they will
consider its continued appropriateness and the level of compensation provided
therein.
    
 
    The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent
for the services described therein without approval of the shareholders of the
affected Class or Classes of the Fund, and all material amendments of the Plan
must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
above. The Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty,
by vote of a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees or by a vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the
Act) on not more than thirty days written notice to any other party to the Plan.
So long as the Plan is in effect, the election and nomination of Independent
12b-1 Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent 12b-1
Trustees.
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less at the
time of purchase are valued at amortized cost, unless the Trustees determine
such does not reflect the securities' market value, in which case these
securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the Trustees.
Other short-term debt securities will be valued on a mark-to-market basis until
such time as they reach a remaining maturity of sixty days, whereupon they will
be valued at amortized cost using their value on the 61st day unless the
Trustees determine such does not reflect the securities' market value, in which
case these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the
Trustees. All other securities and other assets are valued at their fair value
as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the
supervision of the Trustees.
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the net asset value per share for each Class
of shares of the Fund is determined once daily at 4:00 p.m., New York time (or,
on days when the New York Stock Exchange closes prior to 4:00 p.m., at such
earlier time), on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open by taking
the value of all assets of the Fund, subtracting its liabilities, dividing by
the number of shares outstanding and adjusting to the nearest cent. The New York
Stock Exchange currently observes the following holidays: New Year's Day,
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund offers four Classes of shares as
follows:
 
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A SHARES
 
    Class A shares are sold to investors with an initial sales charge that
declines to zero for larger purchases; however, Class A shares sold without an
initial sales charge are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
of 1.0% if redeemed within one year of purchase, except in the circumstances
discussed in the Prospectus.
 
    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION.  As discussed in the Prospectus, investors may
combine the current value of shares purchased in separate transactions for
purposes of benefitting from the reduced sales charges available for purchases
of shares of the Fund totalling at least $25,000 in net asset value. For
example, if any person or entity who qualifies for this privilege holds Class A
shares of the Fund and/or other Dean Witter Funds that are multiple class funds
("Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds") or shares of other Dean Witter Funds sold with
a front-end sales charge purchased at a price including a front-end sales charge
having a current value of $5,000, and purchases $20,000 of additional shares of
the Fund, the sales charge applicable to the $20,000 purchase would be 4.0% of
the offering price.
 
   
    The Distributor must be notified by the selected broker-dealer or the
shareholder at the time a purchase order is placed that the purchase qualifies
for the reduced charge under the Right of Accumulation. Similar notification
must be made in writing by the selected broker-dealer or shareholder when such
an order is placed by mail. The reduced sales charge will not be granted if: (a)
such notification is not furnished at the time of the order; or (b) a review of
the records of the Distributor or Dean Witter Trust FSB (the "Transfer Agent")
fails to confirm the investor's represented holdings.
    
 
    LETTER OF INTENT.  As discussed in the Prospectus, reduced sales charges are
available to investors who enter into a written Letter of Intent providing for
the purchase, within a thirteen-month period, of Class A shares of the Fund from
the Distributor or from a single Selected Broker-Dealer.
 
    A Letter of Intent permits an investor to establish a total investment goal
to be achieved by any number of purchases over a thirteen-month period. Each
purchase of Class A shares made during the
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
period will receive the reduced sales commission applicable to the amount
represented by the goal, as if it were a single purchase. A number of shares
equal in value to 5% of the dollar amount of the Letter of Intent will be held
in escrow by the Transfer Agent, in the name of the shareholder. The initial
purchase under a Letter of Intent must be equal to at least 5% of the stated
investment goal.
 
    The Letter of Intent does not obligate the investor to purchase, nor the
Fund to sell, the indicated amount. In the event the Letter of Intent goal is
not achieved within the thirteen-month period, the investor is required to pay
the difference between the sales charge otherwise applicable to the purchases
made during this period and sales charges actually paid. Such payment may be
made directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor is authorized
by the shareholder to liquidate a sufficient number of his or her escrowed
shares to obtain such difference.
 
    If the goal is exceeded and purchases pass the next sales charge level, the
sales charge on the entire amount of the purchase that results in passing that
level and on subsequent purchases will be subject to further reduced sales
charges in the same manner as set forth above under "Right of Accumulation," but
there will be no retroactive reduction of sales charges on previous purchases.
For the purpose of determining whether the investor is entitled to a further
reduced sales charge applicable to purchases at or above a sales charge level
which exceeds the stated goal of a Letter of Intent, the cumulative current net
asset value of any shares owned by the investor in any other Dean Witter Funds
held by the shareholder which were previously purchased at a price including a
front-end sales charge (including shares of the Fund and other Dean Witter Funds
acquired in exchange for those shares, and including in each case shares
acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) will be added to
the cost or net asset value of shares of the Fund owned by the investor.
However, shares of "Exchange Funds" (see "Shareholder Services--Exchange
Privilege") and the purchase of shares of other Dean Witter Funds will not be
included in determining whether the stated goal of a Letter of Intent has been
reached.
 
    At any time while a Letter of Intent is in effect, a shareholder may, by
written notice to the Distributor, increase the amount of the stated goal. In
that event, only shares purchased during the previous 90-day period and still
owned by the shareholder will be included in the new sales charge reduction. The
5% escrow and minimum purchase requirements will be applicable to the new stated
goal. Investors electing to purchase shares of the Fund pursuant to a Letter of
Intent should carefully read such Letter of Intent.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS B SHARES
 
    Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a
CDSC payable upon most redemptions within six years after purchase. As stated in
the Prospectus, a CDSC will be imposed on any redemption by an investor if after
such redemption the current value of the investor's Class B shares of the Fund
is less than the dollar amount of all payments by the shareholder for the
purchase of Class B shares during the preceding six years (or, in the case of
shares held by certain employer-sponsored benefit plans, three years). However,
no CDSC will be imposed to the extent that the net asset value of the shares
redeemed does not exceed: (a) the current net asset value of shares purchased
more than six years (or, in the case of shares held by certain
employer-sponsored benefit plans, three years) prior to the redemption, plus (b)
the current net asset value of shares purchased through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions of the Fund or another Dean Witter Fund (see
"Shareholder Services-- Targeted Dividends"), plus (c) the current net asset
value of shares acquired in exchange for (i) shares of Dean Witter front-end
sales charge funds, or (ii) shares of other Dean Witter Funds for which shares
of front-end sales charge funds have been exchanged (see "Shareholder
Services--Exchange Privilege"), plus (d) increases in the net asset value of the
investor's shares above the total amount of payments for the purchase of Fund
shares made during the preceding six (three) years. The CDSC will be paid to the
Distributor.
 
    In determining the applicability of the CDSC to each redemption, the amount
which represents an increase in the net asset value of the investor's shares
above the amount of the total payments for the purchase of shares within the
last six years (or, in the case of shares held by certain employer-sponsored
benefit plans, three years) will be redeemed first. In the event the redemption
amount exceeds such increase in value, the next portion of the amount redeemed
will be the amount which represents the net
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
asset value of the investor's shares purchased more than six (three) years prior
to the redemption and/or shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends or
distributions and/or shares acquired in exchange for shares of Dean Witter
front-end sales charge funds, or for shares of other Dean Witter funds for which
shares of front-end sales charge funds have been exchanged. A portion of the
amount redeemed which exceeds an amount which represents both such increase in
value and the value of shares purchased more than six years (or, in the case of
shares held by certain employer-sponsored benefit plans, three years) prior to
the redemption and/or shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends or
distributions and/or shares acquired in the above-described exchanges will be
subject to a CDSC.
 
    The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years
from the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares of the Fund until
the time of redemption of such shares. For purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchase of shares, all payments made
during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the last day
of the month. The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to
most Class B shares of the Fund:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       YEAR SINCE
                                        PURCHASE                                             CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE OF
                                      PAYMENT MADE                                               AMOUNT REDEEMED
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
First....................................................................................                5.0%
Second...................................................................................                4.0%
Third....................................................................................                3.0%
Fourth...................................................................................                2.0%
Fifth....................................................................................                2.0%
Sixth....................................................................................                1.0%
Seventh and thereafter...................................................................             None
</TABLE>
 
   
    The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC applicable to Class B
shares of the Fund held by 401(k) plans or other employer-sponsored plans
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code for which DWT serves
as Trustee or the 401(k) Support Services Group of DWR serves as recordkeeper
and whose accounts are opened on or after July 28, 1997:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       YEAR SINCE
                                        PURCHASE                                             CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE OF
                                      PAYMENT MADE                                               AMOUNT REDEEMED
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
First....................................................................................                2.0%
Second...................................................................................                2.0%
Third....................................................................................                1.0%
Fourth and thereafter....................................................................             None
</TABLE>
 
    In determining the rate of the CDSC, it will be assumed that a redemption is
made of shares held by the investor for the longest period of time within the
applicable six-year or three-year period. This will result in any such CDSC
being imposed at the lowest possible rate. The CDSC will be imposed, in
accordance with the table shown above, on any redemptions within six years (or,
in the case of shares held by certain employer-sponsored benefit plans, three
years) of purchase which are in excess of these amounts and which redemptions do
not qualify for waiver of the CDSC, as described in the Prospectus.
 
LEVEL LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS C SHARES
 
    Class C shares are sold without a sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of
1.0% on most redemptions made within one year after purchase, except in the
circumstances discussed in the Prospectus.
 
NO LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS D SHARES
 
    Class D shares are offered without any sales charge on purchase or
redemption. Class D shares are offered only to those persons meeting the
qualifications set forth in the Prospectus.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    Upon the purchase of shares of the Fund, a Shareholder Investment Account is
opened for the investor on the books of the Fund and maintained by Dean Witter
Trust FSB (the "Transfer Agent"). This is an open account in which shares owned
by the investor are credited by the Transfer Agent in lieu of issuance of a
share certificate. If a share certificate is desired, it must be requested in
writing for each transaction. Certificates are issued only for full shares and
may be redeposited in the account at any time. There is no charge to the
investor for issuance of a certificate. Whenever a shareholder-instituted
transaction takes place in the Shareholder Investment Account, the shareholder
will be mailed a confirmation of the transaction from the Fund or from DWR or
another selected broker-dealer.
    
 
    INVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN CASH.  As discussed in
the Prospectus, any shareholder who receives a cash payment representing a
dividend or distribution may invest such dividend or distribution in shares of
the applicable Class at net asset value, without the imposition of a CDSC upon
redemption, by returning the check or the proceeds to the Transfer Agent within
30 days after the payment date. If the shareholder returns the proceeds of a
dividend or distribution, such funds must be accompanied by a signed statement
indicating that the proceeds constitute a dividend or distribution to be
invested. Such investment will be made at the net asset value per share next
determined after receipt of the check or proceeds by the Transfer Agent.
 
   
    AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.  As stated in the
Prospectus, all income dividends and capital gains distributions are
automatically paid in full and fractional shares of the applicable Class of the
Fund, unless the shareholder requests that they be paid in cash. Each purchase
of shares of the Fund is made upon the condition that the Transfer Agent is
thereby automatically appointed as agent of the investor to receive all
dividends and capital gains distributions on shares owned by the investor. Such
dividends and distributions will be paid, at the net asset value per share, in
shares of the applicable Class of the Fund (or in cash if the shareholder so
requests) as of the close of business on the monthly payment date, as stated in
the Prospectus. At any time an investor may request the Transfer Agent, in
writing, to have subsequent dividends and/or capital gains distributions paid to
him or her in cash rather than shares. To assure sufficient time to process the
change, such request should be received by the Transfer Agent as least five
business days prior to the payment date of the dividend or distribution or the
record date of the distribution. In the case of recently purchased shares for
which registration instructions have not been received on the record date, cash
payments will be made to the Distributor, which will be forwarded to the
shareholder, upon the receipt of proper instructions. It has been and remains
the Fund's policy and practice that, if checks for dividends or distributions
paid in cash remain uncashed, no interest will accrue on amounts represented by
such uncashed checks.
    
 
    TARGETED DIVIDENDS-SM-.  In states where it is legally permissible,
shareholders may also have all income dividends and capital gains distributions
automatically invested in shares of any Class of a Dean Witter Fund other than
Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities or in another Class of Dean Witter
Intermediate Income Securities. Such investment will be made as described above
for automatic investment in shares of the applicable Class of the Fund, at the
net asset value per share of the selected Dean Witter Fund as of the close of
business on the payment date of the dividend or distribution and will begin to
earn dividends, if any, in the selected Dean Witter Fund the next business day.
To participate in the Targeted Dividends program, shareholders should contact
their DWR or other selected broker-dealer account executive or the Transfer
Agent. Shareholders of the Fund must be shareholders of the selected Class of
the Dean Witter Fund targeted to receive investments from dividends at the time
they enter the Targeted Dividends program. Investors should review the
prospectus of the targeted Dean Witter Fund before entering the program.
 
    EASYINVEST-SM-.  Shareholders may subscribe to Easyinvest, an automatic
purchase plan which provides for any amount from $100 to $5,000 to be
transferred automatically from a checking or savings account or following
redemption of shares of a Dean Witter money market fund, on a semi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis, to the Transfer Agent for investment in shares of
the Fund. Shares purchased through Easyinvest will be added to the shareholder's
existing account at the net asset value calculated
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
the same business day the transfer of funds is effected (subject to any
applicable sales charges). Shares of the Dean Witter money market funds redeemed
in connection with EasyInvest are redeemed on the business day preceding the
transfer of Funds. For further information or to subscribe to Easyinvest,
shareholders should contact their DWR or other selected broker-dealer account
executive or the Transfer Agent.
    
 
    SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.  As discussed in the Prospectus, a systematic
withdrawal plan (the "Withdrawal Plan") is available for shareholders who own or
purchase shares of the Fund having a minimum value of $10,000 based upon the
then current net asset value. The Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly or
quarterly (March, June, September and December) checks in any dollar amount, not
less than $25, or in any whole percentage of the account balance, on an
annualized basis. Any applicable CDSC will be imposed on shares redeemed under
the Withdrawal Plan (see "Purchase of Fund Shares"). Therefore, any shareholder
participating in the Withdrawal Plan will have sufficient shares redeemed from
his or her account so that the proceeds (net of any applicable CDSC) to the
shareholder will be the designated monthly or quarterly amount.
 
    The Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in tendering to the
Fund for redemption sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount
of the periodic withdrawal payment designated in the application. The shares
will be redeemed at their net asset value determined, at the shareholder's
option, on the tenth or twenty-fifth day (or next following business day) of the
relevant month or quarter and normally a check for the proceeds will be mailed
by the Transfer Agent, or amounts credited to a shareholder's DWR or other
selected broker-dealer brokerage account within five business days after the
date of redemption. The Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the
Fund.
 
    Withdrawal Plan payments should not be considered as dividends, yields or
income. If periodic withdrawal plan payments continuously exceed net investment
income and net capital gains, the shareholder's original investment will be
correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
 
    Each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares and any gain or loss
realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. Although the
shareholder may make additional investments of $2,500 or more under the
Withdrawal Plan, withdrawals made concurrently with purchases of additional
shares may be inadvisable because of sales charges which may be applicable to
purchases or redemptions of shares (see "Purchase of Fund Shares").
 
    Any shareholder who wishes to have payments under the Withdrawal Plan made
to a third party or sent to an address other than the one listed on the account
must send complete written instructions to the Transfer Agent to enroll in the
Withdrawal Plan. The shareholder's signature on such instructions must be
guaranteed by an eligible guarantor acceptable to the Transfer Agent
(shareholders should contact the Transfer Agent for a determination as to
whether a particular institution is such an eligible guarantor.) A shareholder
may, at any time, change the amount and interval of withdrawal payments through
his or her account executive or by written notification to the Transfer Agent.
In addition, the party and/or the address to which checks are mailed may be
changed by written notification to the Transfer Agent, with signature guarantees
required in the manner described above. The shareholder may also terminate the
Withdrawal Plan at any time by written notice to the Transfer Agent. In the
event of such termination, the account will be continued as a regular
shareholder investment account. The shareholder may also redeem all or part of
the shares held in the Withdrawal Plan account (see "Redemptions and
Repurchases" in the Prospectus) at any time.
 
    DIRECT INVESTMENTS THROUGH TRANSFER AGENT.  As discussed in the Prospectus,
shareholders may make additional investments in any Class of shares of the Fund
for which they qualify at any time by sending a check in any amount, not less
than $100, payable to Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities, and indicating
the selected Class, directly to the Fund's Transfer Agent. In the case of Class
A shares, after deduction of any applicable sales charge, the balance will be
applied to the purchase of Fund shares, and, in the case of shares of the other
Classes, the entire amount will be applied to the purchase of Fund shares, at
the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of the check or
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
purchase payment by the Transfer Agent. The shares so purchased will be credited
to the investor's account.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund makes available to its shareholders
an Exchange Privilege whereby shareholders of each Class of shares of the Fund
may exchange their shares for shares of the same Class of shares of any other
Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund without the imposition of any exchange fee. Shares
may also be exchanged for shares of any of the following funds: Dean Witter
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust, Dean
Witter Short-Term Bond Fund, Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust
and five Dean Witter Funds which are money market funds (the foregoing nine
funds are hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Funds"). Class A shares may
also be exchanged for shares of Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
and Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust, which are Dean Witter Funds sold with a
front-end sales charge ("FSC Funds"). Class B shares may also be exchanged for
shares of Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc., Dean Witter High
Income Securities and Dean Witter National Municipal Trust, which are Dean
Witter Funds offered with a CDSC ("CDSC Funds"). Exchanges may be made after the
shares of the Fund acquired by purchase (not by exchange or dividend
reinvestment) have been held for thirty days. There is no waiting period for
exchanges of shares acquired by exchange or dividend reinvestment. An exchange
will be treated for federal income tax purposes the same as a repurchase or
redemption of shares, on which the shareholder may realize a capital gain or
loss.
 
    Any new account established through the Exchange Privilege will have the
same registration and cash dividend or dividend reinvestment plan as the present
account, unless the Transfer Agent receives written notification to the
contrary. For telephone exchanges, the exact registration of the existing
account and the account number must be provided.
 
    Any shares held in certificate form cannot be exchanged but must be
forwarded to the Transfer Agent and deposited into the shareholder's account
before being eligible for exchange. (Certificates mailed in for deposit should
not be endorsed.)
 
    As described below, and in the Prospectus under the caption "Purchase of
Fund Shares," a CDSC may be imposed upon a redemption, depending on a number of
factors, including the number of years from the time of purchase until the time
of redemption or exchange ("holding period"). When shares of a Dean Witter
Multi-Class Fund or any CDSC Fund are exchanged for shares of an Exchange Fund,
the exchange is executed at no charge to the shareholder, without the imposition
of the CDSC at the time of the exchange. During the period of time the
shareholder remains in the Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day of the
month in which the Exchange Fund shares were acquired), the holding period or
"year since purchase payment made" is frozen. When shares are redeemed out of
the Exchange Fund, they will be subject to a CDSC which would be based upon the
period of time the shareholder held shares in a Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund or
in a CDSC Fund. However, in the case of shares exchanged into an Exchange Fund
on or after April 23, 1990, upon a redemption of shares which results in a CDSC
being imposed, a credit (not to exceed the amount of the CDSC) will be given in
an amount equal to the Exchange Fund 12b-1 distribution fees incurred on or
after that date which are attributable to those shares. Shareholders acquiring
shares of an Exchange Fund pursuant to this exchange privilege may exchange
those shares back into a Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund or a CDSC Fund from the
Exchange Fund, with no CDSC being imposed on such exchange. The holding period
previously frozen when shares were first exchanged for shares of the Exchange
Fund resumes on the last day of the month in which shares of a Dean Witter
Multi-Class Fund or of a CDSC Fund are reacquired. A CDSC is imposed only upon
an ultimate redemption, based upon the time (calculated as described above) the
shareholder was invested in a Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund or in a CDSC Fund. In
the case of exchanges of Class A shares which are subject to a CDSC, the holding
period also includes the time (calculated as described above) the shareholder
was invested in a FSC Fund.
 
    When shares initially purchased in a Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund or in a
CDSC Fund are exchanged for shares of a Dean Witter Multi-Class Fund, shares of
a CDSC Fund, shares of a FSC Fund,
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
or shares of an Exchange Fund, the date of purchase of the shares of the fund
exchanged into, for purposes of the CDSC upon redemption, will be the last day
of the month in which the shares being exchanged were originally purchased. In
allocating the purchase payments between funds for purposes of the CDSC, the
amount which represents the current net asset value of shares at the time of the
exchange which were (i) purchased more than one, three or six years (depending
on the CDSC schedule applicable to the shares) prior to the exchange, (ii)
originally acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions and (iii)
acquired in exchange for shares of FSC Funds, or for shares of other Dean Witter
Funds for which shares of FSC Funds have been exchanged (all such shares called
"Free Shares"), will be exchanged first. After an exchange, all dividends earned
on shares in an Exchange Fund will be considered Free Shares. If the exchanged
amount exceeds the value of such Free Shares, an exchange is made, on a
block-by-block basis, of non-Free Shares held for the longest period of time
(except that, with respect to Class B shares, if shares held for identical
periods of time but subject to different CDSC schedules are held in the same
Exchange Privilege account, the shares of that block that are subject to a lower
CDSC rate will be exchanged prior to the shares of that block that are subject
to a higher CDSC rate). Shares equal to any appreciation in the value of
non-Free Shares exchanged will be treated as Free Shares, and the amount of the
purchase payments for the non-Free Shares of the fund exchanged into will be
equal to the lesser of (a) the purchase payments for, or (b) the current net
asset value of, the exchanged non-Free Shares. If an exchange between funds
would result in exchange of only part of a particular block of non-Free Shares,
then shares equal to any appreciation in the value of the block (up to the
amount of the exchange) will be treated as Free Shares and exchanged first, and
the purchase payment for that block will be allocated on a pro rata basis
between the non-Free Shares of that block to be retained and the non-Free Shares
to be exchanged. The prorated amount of such purchase payment attributable to
the retained non-Free Shares will remain as the purchase payment for such
shares, and the amount of purchase payment for the exchanged non-Free Shares
will be equal to the lesser of (a) the prorated amount of the purchase payment
for, or (b) the current net asset value of, those exchanged non-Free Shares.
Based upon the procedures described in the Prospectus under the caption
"Purchase of Fund Shares," any applicable CDSC will be imposed upon the ultimate
redemption of shares of any fund, regardless of the number of exchanges since
those shares were originally purchased.
 
    With respect to the redemption or repurchase of shares of the Fund, the
application of proceeds to the purchase of new shares in the Fund or any other
of the funds and the general administration of the Exchange Privilege, the
Transfer Agent acts as agent for the Distributor and for the shareholder's
selected broker-dealer, if any, in the performance of such functions. With
respect to exchanges, redemptions or repurchases, the Transfer Agent shall be
liable for its own negligence and not for the default or negligence of its
correspondents or for losses in transit. The Fund shall not be liable for any
default or negligence of the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or any selected
broker-dealer.
 
    The Distributor and any selected broker-dealer have authorized and appointed
the Transfer Agent to act as their agent in connection with the application of
proceeds of any redemption of Fund shares to the purchase of shares of any other
fund and the general administration of the Exchange Privilege. No commission or
discounts will be paid to the Distributor or any selected broker-dealer for any
transactions pursuant to this Exchange Privilege.
 
    Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirement and any other
conditions imposed by each fund. (The minimum initial investment for the
Exchange Privilege account of each Class is $5,000 for Dean Witter Liquid Asset
Fund Inc., Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust, Dean Witter California
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust and Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market
Trust, although those funds may, at their discretion, accept initial investments
of as low as $1,000. The minimum initial investment for the Exchange Privilege
account of each Class is $10,000 for Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust,
although that fund, in its discretion, may accept initial purchases as low as
$5,000. The minimum initial investment for the Exchange Privilege account of
each Class is $5,000 for Dean Witter Special Value Fund. The minimum initial
investment for the Exchange Privilege account of each Class for all other Dean
Witter Funds for which the Exchange Privilege is available is $1,000.) Upon
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
exchange into an Exchange Fund, the shares of that fund will be held in a
special Exchange Privilege Account separately from accounts of those
shareholders who have acquired their shares directly from that fund. As a
result, certain services normally available to shareholders of those funds,
including the check writing feature, will not be available for funds held in
that account.
 
    The Fund and each of the other Dean Witter Funds may limit the number of
times this Exchange Privilege may be exercised by any investor within a
specified period of time. Also, the Exchange Privilege may be terminated or
revised at any time by the Fund and/or any of the Dean Witter Funds for which
shares of the Fund have been exchanged, upon such notice as may be required by
applicable regulatory agencies (presently sixty days' prior written notice for
termination or material revision), provided that six months' prior written
notice of termination will be given to the shareholders who hold shares of
Exchange Funds, pursuant to the Exchange Privilege, and provided further that
the Exchange Privilege may be terminated or materially revised without notice at
times (a) when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary
weekends and holidays, (b) when trading on that Exchange is restricted, (c) when
an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, (d) during any
other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission by order so permits
(provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c)
exist) or (e) if the Fund would be unable to invest amounts effectively in
accordance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions.
 
    The current prospectus for each fund describes its investment objectives and
policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it carefully before
investing. An exchange will be treated for federal income tax purposes the same
as a repurchase or redemption of shares, on which the shareholder may realize a
capital gain or loss. However, the ability to deduct capital losses on an
exchange may be limited in situations where there is an exchange of shares
within ninety days after the shares are purchased. The Exchange Privilege is
only available in states where an exchange may legally be made.
 
    For further information regarding the Exchange Privilege, shareholders
should contact their DWR or other selected broker-dealer account executive or
the Transfer Agent.
 
REDEMPTIONS AND REPURCHASES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    REDEMPTION.  As stated in the Prospectus, shares of each Class of the Fund
can be redeemed for cash at any time at the net asset value per share next
determined; however, such redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amount of
any applicable CDSC. If shares are held in shareholder's account without a share
certificate, a written request for redemption to the Fund's Transfer Agent at
P.O. Box 983, Jersey City, NJ 07303 is required. If certificates are held by the
shareholder, the shares may be redeemed by surrendering the certificates with a
written request for redemption. The share certificate, or an accompanying stock
power, and the request for redemption, must be signed by the shareholder or
shareholders exactly as the shares are registered. Each request for redemption,
whether or not accompanied by a share certificate, must be sent to the Fund's
Transfer Agent, which will redeem the shares at their net asset value next
computed (see "Purchase of Fund Shares") after it receives the request, and
certificate, if any, in good order. Any redemption request received after such
computation will be redeemed at the next determined net asset value. The term
"good order" means that the share certificate, if any, and request for
redemption are properly signed, accompanied by any documentation required by the
Transfer Agent, and bear signature guarantees when required by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. If redemption is requested by a corporation, partnership, trust
or fiduciary, the Transfer Agent may require that written evidence of authority
acceptable to the Transfer Agent be submitted before such request is accepted.
 
    Whether certificates are held by the shareholder or shares are held in a
shareholder's account, if the proceeds are to be paid to any person other than
the record owner, or if the proceeds are to be paid to a corporation (other than
the Distributor or a selected broker-dealer for the account of the shareholder),
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
partnership, trust or fiduciary, or sent to a shareholder at an address other
than the registered address, signatures must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor. A stock power may be obtained from any dealer or commercial bank. The
Fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from time to time upon
notice to shareholders, which may be by means of a supplement to the prospectus
or a new prospectus.
 
    REPURCHASE.  As stated in the Prospectus, DWR and other selected
broker-dealers are authorized to repurchase shares represented by a share
certificate which is delivered to any of their offices. Shares held in a
shareholder's account without a share certificate may also be repurchased by DWR
and other selected broker-dealers upon the telephonic request of the
shareholder. The repurchase price is the net asset value next computed after
such purchase order is received by DWR or other selected broker-dealer reduced
by any applicable CDSC.
 
   
    PAYMENT FOR SHARES REDEEMED OR REPURCHASED.  As discussed in the Prospectus,
payment for shares of any Class presented for repurchase or redemption will be
made by check within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the
certificate and/or written request in good order. The term good order means that
the share certificate, if any, and request for redemption are properly signed,
accompanied by any documentation required by the Transfer Agent, and bear
signature guarantees when required by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Such
payment may be postponed or the right of redemption suspended at times (a) when
the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary weekends and
holidays, (b) when trading on that Exchange is restricted, (c) when an emergency
exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund
fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (d) during any other period
when the Securities and Exchange Commission by order so permits; provided that
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission shall
govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist. If the
shares to be redeemed have recently been purchased by check (including a
certified check or bank cashier's check), payment of the redemption proceeds may
be delayed for the minimum time needed to verify that the check used for
investment has been honored (not more than fifteen days from the time of receipt
of the check by the Transfer Agent). It has been and remains the Fund's policy
and practice that, if checks for redemption proceeds remain uncashed, no
interest will accrue on amounts represented by such uncashed checks.
Shareholders maintaining accounts with DWR or another selected broker-dealer are
referred to their account executive regarding restrictions on redemption of
shares of the Fund pledged in the margin account.
    
 
    TRANSFERS OF SHARES.  In the event a shareholder requests a transfer of any
shares to a new registration, such shares will be transferred without sales
charge at the time of transfer. With regard to the status of shares which are
either subject to the CDSC or free of such charge (and with regard to the length
of time shares subject to the charge have been held), any transfer involving
less than all of the shares in an account will be made on a pro rata basis (that
is, by transferring shares in the same proportion that the transferred shares
bear to the total shares in the account immediately prior to the transfer). The
transferred shares will continue to be subject to any applicable CDSC as if they
had not been so transferred.
 
    REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE.  As discussed in the Prospectus, a shareholder who
has had his or her shares redeemed or repurchased and has not previously
exercised this reinstatement privilege may within 35 days after the date of
redemption or repurchase reinstate any portion or all of the proceeds of such
redemption or repurchase in shares of the Fund in the same Class at the net
asset value next determined after a reinstatement request, together with such
proceeds, is received by the Transfer Agent.
 
    Exercise of the reinstatement privilege will not affect the federal income
tax treatment of any gain or loss realized upon the redemption or repurchase,
except that if the redemption or repurchase resulted in a loss and reinstatement
is made in shares of the Fund, some or all of the loss, depending on the amount
reinstated, will not be allowed as a deduction for federal income tax purposes,
but will be applied to adjust the cost basis of the shares acquired upon
reinstatement.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund will determine either to distribute
or to retain all or part of any net long-term and mid-term capital gains in any
year for reinvestment. If any such gains are retained, the Fund will pay federal
income tax thereon, and will notify shareholders that, following an election by
the Fund, the shareholders will be required to include such undistributed gains
in determining their taxable income and may claim their share of the tax paid by
the Fund as a credit against their individual federal income tax.
    
 
    In computing net investment income, the Fund will not amortize premiums or
accrue discounts on fixed-income securities in the portfolio, except those
original issue discounts for which amortization is required for federal income
tax purposes. Additionally, with respect to market discounts on bonds issued
after July 18, 1984, and all bonds purchased after April 30, 1993, a portion of
any capital gain realized upon disposition may be re-characterized as taxable
ordinary income in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on the
identified cost method.
 
   
    Gains or losses on sales of securities by the Fund will be long-term capital
gains or losses if the securities have been held by the Fund for more than
eighteen months and will be mid-term gains if the securities have been held by
the Fund for more than twelve months and not more than eighteen months. Gains or
losses on the sale of securities held for twelve months or less will be
short-term gains or losses.
    
 
    Because the Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income and
capital gains to shareholders and otherwise continue to qualify as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, it is not
expected that the Fund will be required to pay any federal income tax.
Shareholders will normally have to pay federal income taxes, and any state
income taxes, on the dividends and distributions they receive from the Fund.
Such dividends and distributions, to the extent that they are derived from net
investment income or short-term capital gains, are taxable to the shareholder as
ordinary income regardless of whether the shareholder receives such payments in
additional shares or in cash. Any dividends declared in the last quarter of any
year to shareholders of record of such period which are paid in the following
calendar year prior to February 1 will be deemed received by the shareholder in
the prior calendar year.
 
   
    Any dividend or capital gains distribution received by a shareholder from
any regulated investment company will have the effect of reducing the net asset
value of the shareholder's stock in that company by the exact amount of the
dividend or capital gains distribution. Furthermore, capital gains distributions
and dividends are subject to federal income taxes. If the net asset value of the
shares should be reduced below a shareholder's cost as a result of the payment
of dividends or realized net long-term and mid-term capital gains, such payment
would be in part a return of the shareholder's investment to the extent of such
reduction below the shareholder's cost, but nonetheless would be fully taxable.
Therefore, an investor should consider the tax implications of purchasing Fund
shares immediately prior to a distribution record date.
    
 
   
    Distributions of net long-term and net mid-term capital gains, if any, are
taxable to shareholders as long-term and mid-term capital gains, respectively,
regardless of how long a shareholder has held the Fund's shares and regardless
of whether the distribution is received in additional shares or in cash. Capital
gains distributions are not eligible for the dividends received deduction. It is
expected that the Treasury will issue regulations or other guidance to permit
shareholders to take into account their proportionate share of the Fund's
capital gains distributions that will be subject to a reduced rate under the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The Taxpayer Relief Act reduces the maximum tax on
long-term capital gains from 28% to 20%, however, it also lengthens the required
holding period to obtain the lower rate from more than 12 months to more than 18
months. The lower rates do not apply to collectibles and certain other assets.
Additionally, the maximum capital gain rate for assets that are held more than 5
years and that are acquired after December 31, 2000 is 18%.
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
   
    Dividend payments will be eligible for the federal dividends received
deduction available to the Fund's corporate shareholders only to the extent the
aggregate dividends received by the Fund would be eligible for the deduction if
the Fund were the shareholder claiming the dividends received deduction. The
amount of dividends paid by the Fund which may qualify for the dividends
received deduction is limited to the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends
which the Fund derives from its portfolio investments which the Fund has held
for a minimum period, usually 46 days within a 90 day period beginning 45 days
before the ex-dividend date of each qualifying dividend. Shareholders must meet
a similar holding period requirement with respect to their shares to claim the
dividends received deduction with respect to any distribution of qualifying
dividends. Any long-term and mid-term capital gain distributions will also not
be eligible for the dividends received deduction. The ability to take the
dividends received deduction will also be limited in the case of a Fund
shareholder which incurs or continues indebtedness which is directly
attributable to its investment in the Fund.
    
 
   
    After the end of the calendar year, shareholders will be sent full
information on their dividends and capital gains distributions for tax purposes,
including information as to the portion taxable as ordinary income, the portion
taxable as long-term and mid-term capital gains and the portion eligible for the
dividends received deduction. To avoid being subject to a 31% federal backup
withholding tax on taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and the
proceeds of redemptions and repurchases, shareholders' taxpayer identification
numbers must be furnished and certified as to their accuracy.
    
 
    Shareholders are urged to consult their attorneys or tax advisers regarding
specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    As discussed in the Prospectus, from time to time the Fund may quote its
"yield" and/or its "total return" in advertisements and sales literature. These
figures are computed separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shares. Yield is calculated for any 30-day period as follows: the amount of
interest income for each security in the Fund's portfolio is determined in
accordance with regulatory requirements; the total for the entire portfolio
constitutes the Fund's gross income for the period. Expenses accrued during the
period are subtracted to arrive at "net investment income" of each Class. The
resulting amount is divided by the product of the maximum offering price per
share on the last day of the period multiplied by the average number of shares
of the applicable Class outstanding during the period that were entitled to
dividends. This amount is added to 1 and raised to the sixth power. 1 is then
subtracted from the result and the difference is multiplied by 2 to arrive at
the annualized yield. For the 30-day period ended August 31, 1997, the yield,
calculated pursuant to this formula, was 3.56% for Class A, 4.88% for Class B,
2.41% for Class C and 5.65% for Class D.
    
 
   
    The Fund's "average annual total return" represents an annualization of the
Fund's total return over a particular period and is computed by finding the
annual percentage rate which will result in the ending redeemable value of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of a one, five or ten year
period, or for the period from the date of commencement of the Fund's
operations, if shorter than any of the foregoing. The ending redeemable value is
reduced by any CDSC at the end of the one, five or ten year or other period. For
the purpose of this calculation, it is assumed that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. The formula for computing the average annual total
return involves a percentage obtained by dividing the ending redeemable value by
the amount of the initial investment, taking a root of the quotient (where the
root is equivalent to the number of years in the period) and subtracting 1 from
the result. The average annual total returns of Class B for the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1997, the five year period ended August 31, 1997 and for the
period from May 3, 1989 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 1997
were 2.93%, 4.81% and 6.54%, respectively.
    
 
   
    For periods of less than one year, the Fund quotes its total return on a
non-annualized basis. Accordingly, the Fund may compute its aggregate total
return for each of Class A, Class C and Class D for specified periods by
determining the aggregate percentage rate which will result in the ending value
of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of the period. For the
purpose of this
    
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
   
calculation, it is assumed that all dividends and distributions are reinvested.
The formula for computing aggregate total return involves a percentage obtained
by dividing the ending value by the initial $1,000 investment and subtracting 1
from the result. The ending redeemable value is reduced by any CDSC at the end
of the period. Based on the foregoing calculations, the total returns for the
period July 28, 1997 through August 31, 1997 were -0.46%, -0.31% and -0.44% for
Class A, Class C and Class D, respectively.
    
 
   
    In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may advertise its total return for
each Class over different periods of time by means of aggregate, average,
year-by-year or other types of total return figures. Such calculations may or
may not reflect the imposition of the maximum front-end sales charge for Class A
or the deduction of the CDSC for each of Class B and Class C which, if
reflected, would reduce the performance quoted. For example, the average annual
total returns of the Fund may be calculated in the manner described above, but
without deduction for any applicable sales charge. Based on this calculation,
the average annual total returns for Class B for the fiscal year ended August
31, 1997, the five year period ended August 31, 1997 and for the period from May
3, 1989 through August 31, 1997 were 7.93%, 5.12% and 6.54%, respectively.
    
 
   
    In addition, the Fund may compute its aggregate total return for each Class
for specified periods by determining the aggregate percentage rate which will
result in the ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the period. For the purpose of this calculation, it is assumed that
all dividends and distributions are reinvested. The formula for computing
aggregate total return involves a percentage obtained by dividing the ending
value (without reduction for any sales charge) by the initial $1,000 investment
and subtracting 1 from the result. Based on the foregoing calculation, the total
returns for Class B for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 was 7.93% and the
total return for the five year period ended August 31, 1997 and for the period
from May 3, 1989 through August 31, 1997 were 28.36% and 69.50%, respectively.
Based on the foregoing calculations, the total returns for Class A, Class C and
Class D for the period July 28 through August 31, 1997 were -0.46%, -0.31% and
- -0.44%, respectively.
    
 
   
    The Fund may also advertise the growth of hypothetical investments of
$10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each Class of shares of the Fund by adding 1 to
the Fund's aggregate total return to date (expressed as a decimal and without
taking into account the effect of any applicable CDSC) and multiplying by
$9,575, $48,250 and $97,250 in the case of Class A (investments of $10,000,
$50,000 and $100,000 adjusted for the initial sales charge) or by $10,000,
$50,000 and $100,000 in the case of each of Class B, Class C and Class D, as the
case may be. Investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each Class at
inception of the Class would have grown (or declined) to the following amounts
at August 31, 1997:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Investment at Inception of:
            Inception   ---------------------------------
  Class       Date:      $10,000    $50,000    $100,000
- ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
Class A       7/28/97   $   9,531  $  48,028  $    96,803
Class B        5/3/89      16,950     84,750      169,500
Class C       7/28/97       9,969     49,845       99,690
Class D       7/28/97       9,956     49,780       99,560
</TABLE>
    
 
    The Fund from time to time may also advertise its performance relative to
certain performance rankings and indices compiled by independent organizations.
 
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the shareholders of the Fund are entitled to
a full vote for each full share held. All of the Trustees have been elected by
the shareholders of the Fund, most recently at a Special Meeting of Shareholders
on May 21, 1997. The Trustees themselves have the power to alter the number and
the terms of office of the Trustees, and they may at any time lengthen their own
terms or
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
make their terms of unlimited duration and appoint their own successors,
provided that always at least a majority of the Trustees has been elected by the
shareholders of the Fund. Under certain circumstances the Trustees may be
removed by action of the Trustees. The shareholders also have the right under
certain circumstances to remove the Trustees. The voting rights of shareholders
are not cumulative, so that holders of more than 50 percent of the shares voting
can, if they choose, elect all Trustees being selected, while the holders of the
remaining shares would be unable to elect any Trustees.
 
    The Fund is not required to hold Annual Meetings of Shareholders and in
ordinary circumstances the Fund does not intend to hold such meetings. The
Trustees may call Special Meetings of Shareholders for action by shareholder
vote as may be required by the Act or the Declaration of Trust.
 
    The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to authorize the creation of
additional series of shares (the proceeds of which would be invested in
separate, independently managed portfolios) and additional classes of shares
within any series. The Trustees have not authorized any such additional series
or classes of shares other than as set forth in the Prospectus.
 
    Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain
limited circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for obligations of
the Fund. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund, requires that Fund
obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for indemnification and
reimbursement of expenses out of the Fund's property for any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a
shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and
the nature of the Fund's assets and operations, in the opinion of Massachusetts
counsel to the Fund, the risk to shareholders of personal liability is remote.
 
    The Declaration of Trust further provides that no Trustee, officer, employee
or agent of the Fund is liable to the Fund or to a shareholder, nor is any
Trustee, officer, employee or agent liable to any third persons in connection
with the affairs of the Fund, except as such liability may arise from his/her or
its own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard
of his/her or its duties. It also provides that all third persons shall look
solely to the Fund's property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection
with the affairs of the Fund. With the exceptions stated, the Declaration of
Trust provides that a Trustee, officer, employee or agent is entitled to be
indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Fund.
 
    The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial
interest. The Fund shall be of unlimited duration subject to the provisions in
the Declaration of Trust concerning termination by action of the shareholders.
 
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286 is the
Custodian of the Fund's assets. Any of the Fund's cash balances with the
Custodian in excess of $100,000 are unprotected by federal deposit insurance.
Such balances may, at times, be substantial.
 
   
    Dean Witter Trust FSB ("DWT"), Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two,
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 is the Transfer Agent of the Fund's shares and
Dividend Disbursing Agent for payment of dividends and distributions on Fund
shares and Agent for shareholders under various investment plans described
herein. DWT is an affiliate of Dean Witter InterCapital Inc., the Fund's
Investment Manager, and of Dean Witter Distributors Inc., the Fund's
Distributor. As Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, DWT's
responsibilities include maintaining shareholder accounts, disbursing cash
dividends and reinvesting dividends, processing account registration changes,
handling purchase and redemption transactions, mailing prospectuses and reports,
mailing and tabulating proxies, processing share certificate transactions, and
maintaining shareholder records and lists. For these services DWT receives a per
shareholder account fee from the Fund.
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Price Waterhouse LLP serves as the independent accountants of the Fund. The
independent accountants are responsible for auditing the annual financial
statements of the Fund.
 
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Fund will send to shareholders, at least semi-annually, reports showing
the Fund's portfolio and other information. An annual report containing
financial statements, together with a report of its independent accountants,
will be sent to shareholders each year.
 
    The Fund's fiscal year ends on August 31. The financial statements of the
Fund must be audited at least once a year by independent accountants whose
selection is made annually by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Barry Fink, Esq., who is an officer and the General Counsel of the
Investment Manager, is an officer and the General Counsel of the Fund.
 
EXPERTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    The annual financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended August
31, 1997, which are included in this Statement of Additional Information and
incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, have been so included and
incorporated in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
    
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus do not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement the Fund has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The complete Registration
Statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
payment of the fee prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
 
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Dean Witter Intermediate Income
Securities (the "Fund") at August 31, 1997, the results of its operations for
the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in
the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods
presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as
"financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; 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 securities at August
31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
OCTOBER 10, 1997
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN                                                                                     COUPON  MATURITY
THOUSANDS                                                                                     RATE      DATE          VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>          <S>                                                                              <C>     <C>         <C>
             CORPORATE BONDS (83.3%)
             AUTOMOBILE - RENTALS (1.8%)
$   3,250    Hertz Corp.....................................................................  6.00%    01/15/03   $   3,138,687
                                                                                                                  -------------
             AUTOMOTIVE - FINANCE (4.2%)
    2,000    Ford Motor Credit Co...........................................................  6.50     02/28/02       1,990,760
    4,975    General Motors Acceptance Corp.................................................  8.40     10/15/99       5,177,383
                                                                                                                  -------------
                                                                                                                      7,168,143
                                                                                                                  -------------
             BANK HOLDING COMPANIES (2.8%)
    4,975    Star Bank N.A..................................................................  6.375    03/01/04       4,846,894
                                                                                                                  -------------
             BANKS (10.5%)
    4,000    Bank One Corp..................................................................  7.60     05/01/07       4,160,440
    3,000    Banque Nationale De Paris (France).............................................  7.20     01/15/07       3,005,880
    5,045    Shawmut Bank Connecticut, N.A..................................................  8.625    02/15/05       5,529,320
    5,000    Societe Generale...............................................................  7.40     06/01/06       5,092,700
                                                                                                                  -------------
                                                                                                                     17,788,340
                                                                                                                  -------------
             BANKS - INTERNATIONAL (1.2%)
    2,000    Industrial Finance Corp. (Thailand) - 144A*....................................  7.00     08/04/07       1,972,700
                                                                                                                  -------------
             BANKS - THRIFT INSTITUTIONS (2.9%)
    4,900    Long Island Savings Bank.......................................................  7.00     06/13/02       4,928,714
                                                                                                                  -------------
             BROKERAGE (4.7%)
    3,000    Lehman Brothers Inc............................................................  6.125    02/01/01       2,950,950
    5,000    Salomon, Inc...................................................................  7.00     05/15/99       5,050,850
                                                                                                                  -------------
                                                                                                                      8,001,800
                                                                                                                  -------------
             CABLE & TELECOMMUNICATIONS (3.5%)
    4,000    News American Holdings, Inc....................................................  7.50     03/01/00       4,084,680
    2,000    Tele-Communications, Inc.......................................................  6.875    02/15/06       1,919,140
                                                                                                                  -------------
                                                                                                                      6,003,820
                                                                                                                  -------------
             CHEMICALS (1.2%)
    2,000    Millennium America, Inc........................................................  7.00     11/15/06       1,970,620
                                                                                                                  -------------
             CHEMICALS - SPECIALTY (1.2%)
    2,000    W. R. Grace & Co...............................................................  7.40     02/01/00       2,045,400
                                                                                                                  -------------
             COMPUTERS (1.1%)
    1,900    Oracle Corp....................................................................  6.91     02/15/07       1,889,645
                                                                                                                  -------------
             ELECTRONICS -
             SEMICONDUCTORS/COMPONENTS (1.9%)
    3,000    Applied Materials Inc..........................................................  8.00     09/01/04       3,179,040
                                                                                                                  -------------
             FINANCIAL (4.2%)
    2,000    Ikon Capital Inc...............................................................  6.73     06/15/01       2,009,320
    5,037    Nac Re Corp. ..................................................................  8.00     06/15/99       5,177,331
                                                                                                                  -------------
                                                                                                                      7,186,651
                                                                                                                  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       38
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN                                                                                     COUPON  MATURITY
THOUSANDS                                                                                     RATE      DATE          VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>          <S>                                                                              <C>     <C>         <C>
             FOREIGN GOVERNMENT (3.0%)
$   5,250    Israel (State of)..............................................................  6.375%   12/15/05   $   5,025,563
                                                                                                                  -------------
             FUNERAL SERVICES (1.7%)
    3,000    Stewart Enterprises............................................................  6.70     12/01/03       2,956,290
                                                                                                                  -------------
             HEALTHCARE (2.9%)
    4,975    Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp...................................................  6.87     09/15/03       4,884,455
                                                                                                                  -------------
             LEISURE (1.8%)
    2,900    Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (Liberia)........................................  8.25     04/01/05       3,071,520
                                                                                                                  -------------
             OIL INTEGRATED - INTERNATIONAL (3.0%)
    5,000    Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (France).......................................  7.75     05/01/99       5,124,050
                                                                                                                  -------------
             PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS (4.7%)
    3,000    Donohue Forest Products (Canada)...............................................  7.625    05/15/07       3,079,200
    4,900    Noranda Forest, Inc. (Canada)..................................................  6.875    11/15/05       4,824,785
                                                                                                                  -------------
                                                                                                                      7,903,985
                                                                                                                  -------------
             PHOTOGRAPHY/IMAGING (2.4%)
    4,000    Polaroid Corp..................................................................  8.00     03/15/99       4,101,320
                                                                                                                  -------------
             RETAIL STORES (1.8%)
    3,000    TJX Companies, Inc.............................................................  6.625    06/15/00       3,008,250
                                                                                                                  -------------
             STEEL & IRON (3.4%)
    6,000    Pohang Iron & Steel Co. (South Korea)..........................................  7.125    11/01/06       5,787,120
                                                                                                                  -------------
             TEXTILES (1.7%)
    2,975    Burlington Industries, Inc.....................................................  7.25     09/15/05       2,953,699
                                                                                                                  -------------
             TRANSPORTATION (3.0%)
    5,000    Norfolk Southern Corp..........................................................  6.70     05/01/00       5,039,950
                                                                                                                  -------------
             UTILITIES - ELECTRIC (12.7%)
    2,000    Arizona Public Service Co......................................................  7.625    06/15/99       2,045,980
    2,000    Commonwealth Edison Co.........................................................  7.50     01/01/01       2,015,400
    4,700    Connecticut Light & Power Co...................................................  7.875    06/01/01       4,741,642
    5,000    DR Investments (England) - 144A*...............................................  7.45     05/15/07       5,113,650
    1,500    Niagara Mohawk Power Corp......................................................  8.00     06/01/04       1,534,125
    3,000    System Energy Resources, Inc...................................................  7.71     08/01/01       3,083,160
    3,000    Western Resources, Inc.........................................................  6.875    08/01/04       2,972,100
                                                                                                                  -------------
                                                                                                                     21,506,057
                                                                                                                  -------------
 
             TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
             (IDENTIFIED COST $141,069,863)....................................................................     141,482,713
                                                                                                                  -------------
 
             U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (13.3%)
    1,700    Federal Home Loan Banks........................................................  7.05     03/24/04       1,690,293
    1,000    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp................................................  6.07     11/20/98       1,000,240
      136    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp................................................  8.50     12/01/01         138,357
       99    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp................................................  8.50     01/01/02         100,375
      299    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp................................................  8.50     07/01/02         303,290
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       39
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN                                                                                     COUPON  MATURITY
THOUSANDS                                                                                     RATE      DATE          VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>          <S>                                                                              <C>     <C>         <C>
$     150    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp................................................  9.00%    08/01/02   $     153,747
    3,230    Federal National Mortgage Assoc................................................  5.30     03/11/98       3,225,284
       41    Federal National Mortgage Assoc................................................  8.50     12/01/01          42,204
    2,000    Federal National Mortgage Assoc................................................  7.55     06/10/04       2,024,180
    2,000    Federal National Mortgage Assoc................................................  7.73     08/26/04       2,036,580
    2,520    Private Export Funding Corp....................................................  6.86     04/30/04       2,550,164
    1,000    U.S. Treasury Note.............................................................  6.125    03/31/98       1,003,080
    1,425    U.S. Treasury Note.............................................................  7.75     11/30/99       1,475,787
    1,700    U.S. Treasury Note.............................................................  5.875    02/15/00       1,693,285
    5,000    U.S. Treasury Note.............................................................  6.875    05/15/06       5,153,400
                                                                                                                  -------------
 
             TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
             (IDENTIFIED COST $22,232,549).....................................................................      22,590,266
                                                                                                                  -------------
 
             SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (1.9%)
             REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
    3,163    The Bank of New York (dated 08/29/97; proceeds $3,165,341) (a)
             (IDENTIFIED COST $3,163,496)...................................................  5.25     09/02/97       3,163,496
                                                                                                                  -------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                         <C>                   <C>
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(IDENTIFIED COST $166,465,908) (B)........................................................    98.5%                 167,236,475
 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES.....................................................     1.5                    2,496,070
                                                                                            -------               -------------
 
NET ASSETS................................................................................   100.0%               $ 169,732,545
                                                                                            -------               -------------
                                                                                            -------               -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
 *   Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors.
(a)  Collateralized by $3,863,343 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 6.114% due
     05/01/22 valued at $3,226,766.
(b)  The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates identified
     cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $1,776,246 and the
     aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $1,005,679, resulting in net
     unrealized appreciation of $770,567.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       40
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AUGUST 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                             <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
  (identified cost $166,465,908)..............................................................  $167,236,475
Receivable for:
    Interest..................................................................................     3,191,411
    Shares of beneficial interest sold........................................................     1,890,398
    Principal paydowns........................................................................        21,657
Prepaid expenses and other assets.............................................................        37,219
                                                                                                ------------
     TOTAL ASSETS.............................................................................   172,377,160
                                                                                                ------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
    Shares of beneficial interest repurchased.................................................     2,292,281
    Plan of distribution fee..................................................................       121,084
    Investment management fee.................................................................        87,953
    Dividends and distributions to shareholders...............................................        39,006
Accrued expenses and other payables...........................................................       104,291
                                                                                                ------------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES........................................................................     2,644,615
                                                                                                ------------
     NET ASSETS...............................................................................  $169,732,545
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital...............................................................................  $180,124,413
Net unrealized appreciation...................................................................       770,567
Accumulated undistributed net investment income...............................................        52,362
Accumulated net realized loss.................................................................   (11,214,797)
                                                                                                ------------
     NET ASSETS...............................................................................  $169,732,545
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS A SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................    $1,854,754
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................       193,352
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $ 9.59
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
 
     MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE,
       (NET ASSET VALUE PLUS 4.44% OF NET ASSET
       VALUE).................................................................................        $10.02
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS B SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................  $162,958,969
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................    16,985,340
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $ 9.59
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS C SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................       $38,430
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................         3,999
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $ 9.61
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS D SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................    $4,880,392
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................       508,841
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $ 9.59
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
</TABLE>
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997*
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                              <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
 
INTEREST INCOME................................................................................  $13,337,718
                                                                                                 -----------
 
EXPENSES
Plan of distribution fee (Class B shares)......................................................    1,578,380
Investment management fee......................................................................    1,116,809
Transfer agent fees and expenses...............................................................      159,748
Registration fees..............................................................................       63,901
Professional fees..............................................................................       58,016
Shareholder reports and notices................................................................       47,777
Custodian fees.................................................................................       17,464
Trustees' fees and expenses....................................................................       14,160
Other..........................................................................................        8,926
                                                                                                 -----------
 
     TOTAL EXPENSES............................................................................    3,065,181
                                                                                                 -----------
 
     NET INVESTMENT INCOME.....................................................................   10,272,537
                                                                                                 -----------
 
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized loss..............................................................................   (2,567,762)
Net change in unrealized depreciation..........................................................    6,828,218
                                                                                                 -----------
 
     NET GAIN..................................................................................    4,260,456
                                                                                                 -----------
 
NET INCREASE...................................................................................  $14,532,993
                                                                                                 -----------
                                                                                                 -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
* Class A, Class C and Class D shares were issued July 28, 1997.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       41
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             FOR THE YEAR     FOR THE YEAR
                                                                                ENDED             ENDED
                                                                           AUGUST 31, 1997*  AUGUST 31, 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>
 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income....................................................  $     10,272,537  $    12,684,563
Net realized loss........................................................        (2,567,762)        (788,498)
Net change in unrealized depreciation....................................         6,828,218       (6,023,150)
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
 
     NET INCREASE........................................................        14,532,993        5,872,915
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
 
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Class A shares...........................................................               (58)       --
Class B shares...........................................................       (10,229,881)     (12,688,795)
Class C shares...........................................................               (83)       --
Class D shares...........................................................           (25,048)       --
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
 
     TOTAL DIVIDENDS.....................................................       (10,255,070)     (12,688,795)
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial interest..........       (43,456,259)     (17,024,823)
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
 
     NET DECREASE........................................................       (39,178,336)     (23,840,703)
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period......................................................       208,910,881      232,751,584
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
 
     END OF PERIOD
    (INCLUDING UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME OF $52,362 AND
    $34,895, RESPECTIVELY)...............................................  $    169,732,545  $   208,910,881
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
                                                                           ----------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
* Class A, Class C, and Class D Shares were issued July 28, 1997.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       42
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as a diversified,
open-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is high
current income consistent with safety of principal. The Fund was organized as a
Massachusetts business trust on September 1, 1988 and commenced operations on
May 3, 1989. On July 28, 1997, the Fund commenced offering three additional
classes of shares, with the then current shares, other than shares held by
certain employee benefit plans established by Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and its
affiliate, SPS Transaction Services, Inc., designated as Class B shares. Shares
held by those employee benefit plans prior to July 28, 1997 have been designated
Class D shares.
 
The Fund offers Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D
shares. The four classes are substantially the same except that most Class A
shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase, some Class
A shares, and most Class B shares and Class C shares are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge imposed on shares redeemed within one year, six years and
one year, respectively. Class D shares are not subject to a sales charge.
Additionally, Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares incur
distribution expenses.
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
 
A. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS -- (1) an equity security listed or traded on the
New York, American or other domestic or foreign stock exchange is valued at its
latest sale price on that exchange prior to the time when assets are valued; if
there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the latest bid price;
(2) all other portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations
are readily available are valued at the latest available bid price; (3) when
market quotations are not readily available, including circumstances under which
it is determined by Dean Witter InterCapital Inc (the "Investment Manager") that
sale and bid prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio
securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under
procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trustees
(valuation of debt securities for which market quotations are not readily
available may be based upon current market prices of securities which are
comparable in coupon, rating and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing
similar factors); (4) certain portfolio securities may be valued by an outside
pricing service approved
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997, CONTINUED
 
by the Trustees. The pricing service may utilize a matrix system incorporating
security quality, maturity and coupon as the evaluation model parameters, and/or
research and evaluations by its staff, including review of broker-dealer market
price quotations, in determining what it believes is the fair valuation of the
portfolio securities valued by such pricing service; and (5) short-term debt
securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at time of purchase
are valued on a mark-to-market basis until sixty days prior to maturity and
thereafter at amortized cost based on their value on the 61st day. Short-term
debt securities having a maturity date of sixty days or less at the time of
purchase are valued at amortized cost.
 
B. ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENTS -- Security transactions are accounted for on the
trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and
losses on security transactions are determined on the identified cost method.
Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Discounts are accreted over the life of the respective securities. Interest
income is accrued daily.
 
C. MULTIPLE CLASS ALLOCATIONS -- Investment income, expenses (other than
distribution fees), and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated
to each class of shares based upon the relative net asset value on the date such
items are recognized. Distribution fees are charged directly to the respective
class.
 
D. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.
 
E. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Fund records dividends and
distributions to its shareholders on the record date. The amount of dividends
and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are
determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ
from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax" differences are
either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these
differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the
capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary
differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which
exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains for financial
reporting purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as dividends in excess
of net investment income or distributions in excess of net realized capital
gains. To the extent they exceed net investment income and net realized capital
gains for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of paid-in-capital.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997, CONTINUED
 
2. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement with Dean Witter InterCapital
Inc. (the "Investment Manager"), the Fund pays the Investment Manager a
management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, by applying the following
annual rates to the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each
business day: 0.60% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.50% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not
exceeding $750 million; 0.40% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.30% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion.
 
Under the terms of the Agreement, in addition to managing the Fund's
investments, the Investment Manager maintains certain of the Fund's books and
records and furnishes, at its own expense, office space, facilities, equipment,
clerical, bookkeeping and certain legal services and pays the salaries of all
personnel, including officers of the Fund who are employees of the Investment
Manager. The Investment Manager also bears the cost of telephone services, heat,
light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
 
3. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the
"Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager. The Fund has adopted a
Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. The Plan
provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee which is accrued daily and
paid monthly at the following annual rates: (i) Class A - 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of Class A; (ii) Class B - 0.85% of the lesser of: (a) the
average daily aggregate gross sales of the Class B shares since the inception of
the Fund (not including reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions)
less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Class B shares redeemed
since the Fund's inception upon which a contingent deferred sales charge had
been imposed or waived; or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B; and
(iii) Class C - 0.85% of the average daily net assets of Class C. In the case of
Class A shares, amounts paid under the Plan are paid to the Distributor for
services provided. In the case of Class B and Class C shares, amounts paid under
the Plan are paid to the Distributor for services provided and the expenses
borne by it and others in the distribution of the shares of these Classes,
including the payment of commissions for sales of these Classes and incentive
compensation to, and expenses of, the account executives of Dean Witter Reynolds
Inc. ("DWR"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Distributor, and others
who engage in or support distribution of the shares or who service shareholder
accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and distribution
of prospectuses and reports used in
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997, CONTINUED
 
connection with the offering of these shares to other than current shareholders;
and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising
materials. In addition, the Distributor may utilize fees paid pursuant to the
Plan, in the case of Class B shares, to compensate DWR and other selected
broker-dealers for their opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which
compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any unreimbursed
expenses.
 
In the case of Class B shares, provided that the Plan continues in effect, any
cumulative expenses incurred by the Distributor but not yet recovered may be
recovered through the payment of future distribution fees from the Fund pursuant
to the Plan and contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon
redemption of Class B shares. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund
to pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the
Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors
upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the
Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses.
The Distributor has advised the Fund that such excess amounts, including
carrying charges, totaled $5,734,753 at August 31, 1997.
 
In the case of Class A shares and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to
the Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 0.85% of the average daily
net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the
Fund through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing
a gross sales credit to account executives may be reimbursed in the subsequent
calendar year. For the year ended August 31, 1997, the distribution fee was
accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.25% and
0.85%, respectively.
 
The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the year ended August 31, 1997,
it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the
Fund's Class B shares of $285,035, and received $300 in front-end sales charges
from sales of the Fund's Class A shares. The respective shareholders pay such
charges which are not an expense of the Fund.
 
4. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, excluding
short-term investments, for the year ended August 31, 1997, aggregated
$170,907,463 and $188,266,523, respectively. Included in the aforementioned are
purchases and sales of U.S. Government securities of $50,361,139 and
$66,518,238, respectively.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997, CONTINUED
 
Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Distributor,
is the Fund's transfer agent. At August 31, 1997, the Fund had transfer agent
fees and expenses payable of approximately $2,000.
 
The Fund has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
all independent Trustees of the Fund who will have served as independent
Trustees for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this
plan are based on years of service and compensation during the last five years
of service. At August 31, 1997, the Fund had an accrued pension liability of
$48,811 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities. Aggregate pension costs for the year ended August 31, 1997 included
in Director's fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted to
$3,294.
 
5. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST+
 
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           FOR THE YEAR                  FOR THE YEAR
                                                                              ENDED                         ENDED
                                                                         AUGUST 31, 1997               AUGUST 31, 1996
                                                                   ----------------------------   --------------------------
                                                                     SHARES          AMOUNT         SHARES         AMOUNT
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>
CLASS A SHARES*
Sold.............................................................      193,347   $    1,854,318       --             --
Reinvestment of dividends........................................            5               54       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net increase - Class A...........................................      193,352        1,854,372       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
CLASS B SHARES
Sold.............................................................    8,499,296       80,974,547     5,122,000   $ 49,165,458
Reinvestment of dividends........................................      587,192        5,604,585       725,423      6,970,644
Redeemed.........................................................  (13,839,797)    (131,962,423)   (7,617,219)   (73,160,925)
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net decrease - Class B...........................................   (4,753,309)     (45,383,291)   (1,769,796)   (17,024,823)
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
CLASS C SHARES*
Sold.............................................................        3,993           38,561       --             --
Reinvestment of dividends........................................            6               56       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net increase - Class C...........................................        3,999           38,617       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
CLASS D SHARES*
Sold.............................................................       10,611          102,479       --             --
Reinvestment of dividends........................................        2,476           23,704       --             --
Redeemed.........................................................       (9,547)         (92,140)      --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net increase - Class D...........................................        3,540           34,043       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net decrease in Fund.............................................   (4,552,418)  $  (43,456,259)   (1,769,796)  $(17,024,823)
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>
<FN>
 
- ---------------------
 +   On July 28, 1997, 505,301 shares representing $4,891,310 were transferred
     to Class D.
 *   For the period July 28, 1997 (issue date) through August 31, 1997.
</TABLE>
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUGUST 31, 1997, CONTINUED
 
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
 
At August 31, 1997, the Fund had a net capital loss carryover of approximately
$9,320,000, which may be used to offset future capital gains to the extent
provided by regulations, which is available through August 31 of the following
years:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS
- -------------------------------
  2003       2004       2005
- ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>        <C>        <C>
$   6,656  $     313  $   2,351
- ---------  ---------  ---------
- ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
Capital losses incurred after October 31 ("post-October" losses) within the
taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund's next
taxable year. The Fund incurred and will elect to defer net capital losses of
approximately $1,877,000 during fiscal 1997.
 
As of August 31, 1997, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily
attributable to post-October losses.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     FOR THE
                                                                                                                     PERIOD
                                                                                                                     MAY 3,
                                                                                                                      1989*
                                                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31                                      THROUGH
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    AUGUST
                   1997**++      1996        1995        1994         1993        1992        1991        1990      31, 1989
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
CLASS B SHARES
 
PER SHARE
OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
 
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 period.......... $     9.39  $     9.69  $     9.51  $     10.26  $    10.05  $     9.59  $     9.42  $     9.98   $10.00
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
 
Net investment
 income..........       0.53        0.55        0.59         0.58        0.62        0.70        0.79        0.86     0.28
 
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss)..........       0.20       (0.30)       0.19        (0.73)       0.20        0.46        0.17       (0.55)   (0.02)
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
 
Total from
 investment
 operations......       0.73        0.25        0.78        (0.15)       0.82        1.16        0.96        0.31     0.26
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
 
Less dividends
 and
 distributions
 from:
   Net investment
   income........      (0.53)      (0.55)      (0.59)       (0.56)      (0.61)      (0.70)      (0.79)      (0.86)   (0.28)
   Net realized
   gain..........     --          --           (0.01)       (0.04)     --          --          --           (0.01)    --
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
 
Total dividends
 and
 distributions...      (0.53)      (0.55)      (0.60)       (0.60)      (0.61)      (0.70)      (0.79)      (0.87)   (0.28)
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
 
Net asset value,
 end of period... $     9.59  $     9.39  $     9.69  $      9.51  $    10.26  $    10.05  $     9.59  $     9.42   $ 9.98
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ---------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN+..........       7.93%       2.58%       8.56%       (1.50)%       8.43%      12.58%      10.78%       3.22%   2.57%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE
NET ASSETS:
Expenses.........       1.65%       1.62%       1.63%        1.63%       1.62%       1.69%       1.69%       1.75%    1.42%(2)(3)
 
Net investment
 income..........       5.52%       5.69%       6.23%        5.80%       6.12%       7.11%       8.49%       8.78%    8.18%(2)(3)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end
 of period, in
 thousands.......   $162,959    $208,911    $232,752     $245,750    $254,431    $187,285    $115,204    $114,086     $69,946
 
Portfolio
 turnover rate...         98%        115%        114%         122%        132%         93%        150%        135%      30%(1)
<FN>
 
- ---------------------
 *   Commencement of operations.
**   Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund issued one class of shares. All shares of
     the Fund held prior to that date, other than shares held by certain
     employee benefit plans established by Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and its
     affiliate, SPS Transaction Services, Inc., have been designated as Class B
     shares. Shares held by those employee benefit plans prior to July 28, 1997
     have been designated Class D shares.
++   The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
     outstanding during the period.
 +   Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
     asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1)  Not annualized.
(2)  Annualized.
(3)  If the Fund had borne all the expenses that were assumed or waived by the
     Investment Manager, the above expense and net investment income ratios
     would have been 2.15% and 7.44%, respectively.
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE PERIOD
                                                               JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                  THROUGH
                                                                 AUGUST 31,
                                                                   1997++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
CLASS A SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................      $  9.68
                                                                   ------
Net investment income.......................................         0.06
Net realized and unrealized loss............................        (0.10)
                                                                   ------
Total from investment operations............................        (0.04)
                                                                   ------
Less dividends from net investment income...................        (0.05)
                                                                   ------
Net asset value, end of period..............................      $  9.59
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+....................................        (0.46)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses....................................................         2.18%(2)
Net investment income.......................................         6.10%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands.....................       $1,855
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................           98%
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
CLASS C SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period........................      $  9.68
                                                                   ------
Net investment income.......................................         0.04
Net realized and unrealized loss............................        (0.07)
                                                                   ------
Total from investment operations............................        (0.03)
                                                                   ------
Less dividends from net investment income...................        (0.04)
                                                                   ------
Net asset value, end of period..............................      $  9.61
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+....................................        (0.31)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses....................................................         2.02%(2)
Net investment income.......................................         4.22%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands.....................          $38
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................           98%
<FN>
 
- ---------------------
 *   The date shares were first issued.
++   The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
     outstanding during the period.
 +   Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
     asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1)  Not annualized.
(2)  Annualized.
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE PERIOD
                                                               JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                  THROUGH
                                                                 AUGUST 31,
                                                                   1997++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>                                                           <C>
CLASS D SHARES
 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
 
Net asset value, beginning of period........................      $  9.68
                                                                   ------
 
Net investment income.......................................         0.05
 
Net realized and unrealized loss............................        (0.09)
                                                                   ------
 
Total from investment operations............................        (0.04)
                                                                   ------
 
Less dividends from net investment income...................        (0.05)
                                                                   ------
 
Net asset value, end of period..............................      $  9.59
                                                                   ------
                                                                   ------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+....................................        (0.44)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses....................................................         1.11%(2)
 
Net investment income.......................................         5.91%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands.....................       $4,880
 
Portfolio turnover rate.....................................           98%
<FN>
 
- ---------------------
 *   The date shares were first issued.
++   The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
     outstanding during the period.
 +   Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the
     period.
(1)  Not annualized.
(2)  Annualized.
</TABLE>
    
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE INC. ("MOODY'S")
 
                                  BOND RATINGS
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
Aaa        Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the
           smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge."
           Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and
           principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change,
           such changes as can be visualized are
           most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa         Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
           Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
           bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may
           not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be
           of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the
           long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A          Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be
           considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal
           and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a
           susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa        Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations; i.e., they
           are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal
           security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
           lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such
           bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
           characteristics as well.
           Bonds rated Aaa, Aa, A and Baa are considered investment grade bonds.
Ba         Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future
           cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and
           principal payments may be very moderate, and therefore not well safeguarded during
           both good and bad times in the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds
           in this class.
B          Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment.
           Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of
           the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa        Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
           there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca         Bonds which are rated Ca present obligations which are speculative in a high
           degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C          Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated
           can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
           investment standing.
</TABLE>
 
    RATING REFINEMENTS: Moody's may apply numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in
each generic rating classification from Aa through B in its municipal bond
rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher
end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range
ranking; and a modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its
generic rating category.
 
                            COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
    Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay
punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of
nine months. The ratings apply to Municipal Commercial Paper as well as taxable
Commercial Paper. Moody's employs the following three
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment capacity of rated issuers: Prime-1, Prime-2, Prime-3.
 
    Issuers rated Prime-1 have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 have a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations; and Issuers rated Prime-3 have
an acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating catagories.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION ("STANDARD & POOR'S")
 
                                  BOND RATINGS
 
    A Standard & Poor's bond rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This
assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or
lessees.
 
    The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. The
ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (1)
likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely
payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of
the obligation; (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (3)
protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
    Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating
and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may
be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability
of, such information, or for other reasons.
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
AAA        Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. Capacity to
           pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA         Debt rated "AA" has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and
           differs from the highest-rated issues only in small degree.
A          Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although
           they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
           circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.
BBB        Debt rated "BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
           repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters,
           adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
           weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
           than for debt in higher-rated categories.
           Bonds rated AAA, AA, A and BBB are considered investment grade bonds.
BB         Debt rated "BB" has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative
           grade debt. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse
           business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity
           or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
B          Debt rated "B" has a greater vulnerability to default but presently has the
           capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
           financial or economic conditions would likely impair capacity or willingness to pay
           interest and repay principal.
CCC        Debt rated "CCC" has a current identifiable vulnerability to default, and is
           dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to meet timely
           payments of interest and repayments of principal. In the event of adverse business,
           financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay
           interest and repay principal.
CC         The rating "CC" is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is
           assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.
</TABLE>
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
C          The rating "C" is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is
           assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" debt rating.
CI         The rating "CI" is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
NR         Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information
           on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular type
           of obligation as a matter of policy.
           Bonds rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC" and "C" are regarded as having predominantly
           speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
           principal. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the highest
           degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
           characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
           exposures to adverse conditions.
           Plus (+) or minus (-): The rating from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
           addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major ratings
           categories.
</TABLE>
 
                            COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
    Standard and Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than
365 days. The commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or
sell a security. The ratings are based upon current information furnished by the
issuer or obtained by Standard and Poor's from other sources it considers
reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of such information. Ratings are graded into group
categories, ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the
lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax-exempt commercial paper.
The categories are as follows:
 
    Issues assigned A ratings are regarded as having the greatest capacity for
timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designation
1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
A-1        indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong.
A-2        indicates capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
           However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
           designated "A-1."
A-3        indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying this
           designation are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
           changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
</TABLE>
 
                                       54

<PAGE>

                      DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
                                           
                              PART C  OTHER INFORMATION
                                           

Item 24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

    (a)     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
    
    (1)     Financial statements and schedules, included 
            in Prospectus (Part A):
                                                                     Page in
                                                                     Prospectus 
                                                                     ----------
            Financial Highlights for the period May 3, 1989  
            (commencement of operations) through August 31, 
            1989 and for the years ended August 31, 1990, 1991,
            1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 (Class B). . . . .      6

            Financial Highlights for the period July 28, 1997
            through August 31, 1997 (Classes A, C and D) . . . . . .      7

    (2)     Financial statements included in the Statement of 
            Additional Information (Part B):

                                                                     Page in
                                                                     SAI
                                                                     ----------

            Portfolio of Investments at August 31, 1997. . . . . . .     38

            Statement of Assets and Liabilities at August 31,1997. .     41

            Statement of Operations for the year ended 
            August 31, 1997. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     41

            Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended 
            August 31, 1996 and August 31, 1997. . . . . . . . . . .     42

            Notes to Financial Statements at August 31, 1997 . . . .     43

            Financial Highlights for the period May 3, 1989 through 
            August 31, 1989 and for the years ended August 31, 1990, 
            1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 (Class B). .     49

            Financial Highlights for the period July 28, 1997 
            through August 31, 1997 (Classes A, C and D) . . . . . .     50

    (3)     Financial statements included in Part C:

            None

<PAGE>


b) EXHIBITS:

         8.   Form of Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service 
              Agreement between the Registrant and Dean Witter Trust FSB.

         11.  Consent of Independent Accountants.

         16.  Schedules for Computation of Performance Quotations.

         27.  Financial Data Schedules.

       Other. Power of Attorney.

All other exhibits were previously filed and are hereby incorporated by
reference.


Item 25.      PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.

              None

Item 26.      NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.

              (1)                                 (2)
                                         Number of Record Holders
         Title of Class                  At September 30, 1997           
         --------------                  ------------------------

         Share of Beneficial Interest

         Class A                                   64    
         Class B                                9,713        
         Class C                                    9                       
         Class D                                    4

Item 27.    INDEMNIFICATION

    Pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust and under
Section 4.8 of the Registrant's By-Laws, the indemnification of the Registrant's
trustees, officers, employees and agents is permitted if it is determined that
they acted under the belief that their actions were in or not opposed to the
best interest of the Registrant, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding,
they had reasonable cause to believe their conduct was not unlawful.  In
addition, indemnification is permitted only if it is determined that the actions
in question did not render them liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of their obligations and duties to the Registrant.  Trustees,
officers, employees and agents will be indemnified for the expense of litigation
if it is determined that they are entitled to indemnification against any
liability established in such litigation.  The Registrant may also advance money
for these expenses provided that they give their undertakings to repay the
Registrant unless their conduct is later determined to permit indemnification.

    Pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust and
paragraph 8 of the Registrant's Investment Management Agreement, neither the
Investment Manager nor any 


<PAGE>

trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant shall be liable for any
action or failure to act, except in the case of bad faith, willful misfeasance,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to the Registrant.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees, 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 trustee, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant
in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted against the Registrant by such trustee, officer or controlling person
in connection with the shares 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.

    The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification
provision of its by-laws in a manner consistent with Release 11330 of the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, so
long as the interpretation of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remains in
effect.

    Registrant, in conjunction with the Investment Manager, Registrant's
Trustees, and other registered investment management companies managed by the
Investment Manager, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of Registrant, or who is or was serving at
the request of Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of
another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against him and
incurred by him or arising out of his position.  However, in no event will
Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which
Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him.

Item 28.    BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.

    See "The Fund and Its Management" in the Prospectus regarding the business
of the investment adviser.  The following information is given regarding
officers of Dean Witter InterCapital Inc.  InterCapital is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co.  The principal address
of the Dean Witter Funds is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.

    The term "Dean Witter Funds" used below refers to the following registered
investment companies:

CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
 (1) InterCapital Income Securities Inc.
 (2) High Income Advantage Trust
 (3) High Income Advantage Trust II
 (4) High Income Advantage Trust III
 (5) Municipal Income Trust
 (6) Municipal Income Trust II
 (7) Municipal Income Trust III


<PAGE>

 (8) Dean Witter Government Income Trust
 (9) Municipal Premium Income Trust
(10) Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
(11) Municipal Income Opportunities Trust II
(12) Municipal Income Opportunities Trust III
(13) Prime Income Trust
(14) InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust
(15) InterCapital Quality Municipal Income Trust
(16) InterCapital Quality Municipal Investment Trust
(17) InterCapital Insured Municipal Income Trust
(18) InterCapital California Insured Municipal Income Trust
(19) InterCapital Insured Municipal Trust
(20) InterCapital Quality Municipal Securities
(21) InterCapital New York Quality Municipal Securities
(22) InterCapital California Quality Municipal Securities
(23) InterCapital Insured California Municipal Securities 
(24) InterCapital Insured Municipal Securities

OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES:
 (1) Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
 (2) Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
 (3) Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
 (4) Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
 (5) Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
 (6) Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
 (7) Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
 (8) Dean Witter Retirement Series
 (9) Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(10) Dean Witter World Wide Investment Trust
(11) Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(12) Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
(13) Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
(14) Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
(15) Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(16) Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(17) Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(18) Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(19) Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation Fund
(20) Dean Witter American Value Fund
(21) Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(22) Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(23) Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
(24) Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(25) Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
(26) Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
(27) Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(28) Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
(29) Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(30) Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(31) Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(32) Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust


<PAGE>

(33) Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(34) Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(35) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(36) Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(37) Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(38) Active Assets Money Trust
(39) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(40) Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(41) Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(42) Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(43) Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(44) Dean Witter High Income Securities
(45) Dean Witter National Municipal Trust
(46) Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(47) Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
(48) Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
(49) Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(50) Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(51) Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(52) Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
(53) Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust 
(54) Dean Witter Information Fund
(55) Dean Witter Japan Fund
(56) Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
(57) Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(58) Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(59) Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(60) Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(61) Dean Witter Fund of Funds

The term "TCW/DW Funds" refers to the following registered investment companies:

OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES
 (1) TCW/DW Core Equity Trust
 (2) TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
 (3) TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
 (4) TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund 
 (5) TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
 (6) TCW/DW Balanced Fund 
 (7) TCW/DW Total Return Trust
 (8) TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
 (9) TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
(10) TCW/DW Strategic Income Trust

CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES 
 (1) TCW/DW Term Trust 2000
 (2) TCW/DW Term Trust 2002 
 (3) TCW/DW Term Trust 2003
 (4) TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust

<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Charles A. Fiumefreddo       Executive Vice President and Director of Dean 
Chairman, Chief Executive    Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"); Chairman, Chief 
Officer and Director         Executive Officer and Director of Dean Witter
                             Distributors Inc. ("Distributors") and Dean Witter
                             Services Company Inc. ("DWSC"); Chairman and
                             Director of Dean Witter Trust FSB ("DWT");
                             Chairman, Director or Trustee, President and Chief
                             Executive Officer of the Dean Witter Funds and
                             Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of
                             the TCW/DW Funds; Director and/or officer of
                             various Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover &
                             Co. ("MSDWD") subsidiaries; Formerly Executive
                             Vice President and Director of Dean Witter,
                             Discover & Co.

Philip J. Purcell            Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director 
Director                     of MSDWD and DWR; Director of DWSC and
                             Distributors; Director or Trustee of the Dean
                             Witter Funds; Director and/or officer of various
                             MSDWD subsidiaries.

Richard M. DeMartini         President and Chief Operating Officer
Director                     of Dean Witter Capital, a division of DWR;
                             Director of DWR, DWSC, Distributors and DWT;
                             Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds.

James F. Higgins             President and Chief Operating Officer of
Director                     Dean Witter Financial; Director of DWR,
                             DWSC, Distributors and DWT.

Thomas C. Schneider          Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic
Executive Vice               and Administrative Officer of MSDWD; Executive
President, Chief             Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 
Financial Officer and        DWSC and Distributors; Director of DWR,
Director                     DWSC, Distributors and MSDWD.
    
Christine A. Edwards         Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
Director                     and Secretary of MSDWD; Executive Vice
                             President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
                             of Distributors; Director of DWR, DWSC and
                             Distributors.

Robert M. Scanlan            President and Chief Operating Officer of DWSC, 
President and Chief          Executive Vice President of Distributors;
Operating Officer            Executive Vice President and Director of DWT;
                             Vice President of the Dean Witter Funds and the
                             TCW/DW Funds.

<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Mitchell M. Merin            President and Chief Strategic Officer of DWSC,
President and Chief          Executive Vice President of Distributors; 
Strategic Officer            Executive Vice President and Director of DWT;
                             Executive Vice President and Director of DWR;
                             Director of SPS Transaction Services, Inc. and
                             various other MSDWD subsidiaries.

John B. Van Heuvelen         President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Executive Vice               of DWT.
President

Joseph J. McAlinden          Vice President of the Dean Witter Funds and
Executive Vice President     Director of DWT.
and Chief Investment
Officer  

Barry Fink                   Assistant Secretary of DWR; Senior Vice President,
Senior Vice President,       Secretary and General Counsel of DWSC; Senior Vice
Secretary and General        President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant 
Counsel                      General Counsel of Distributors; Vice President,
                             Secretary and General Counsel of the Dean Witter 
                             Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.
Peter M. Avelar    
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Mark Bavoso 
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Richard Felegy
Senior Vice President

Edward F. Gaylor   
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Robert S. Giambrone          Senior Vice President of DWSC, Distributors     
Senior Vice President        and DWT and Director of DWT; Vice President
                             of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds. 

Rajesh K. Gupta    
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Kenton J. Hinchcliffe   
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Kevin Hurley
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.


<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Margaret Iannuzzi
Senior Vice President

Jenny Beth Jones             Vice President of Dean Witter Special Value Fund.
Senior Vice President

John B. Kemp, III            Director of the Provident Savings Bank, Jersey
Senior Vice President        City, New Jersey.

Anita H. Kolleeny  
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Jonathan R. Page
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Ira N. Ross 
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Guy G. Rutherfurd, Jr.       Vice President of Dean Witter Market Leader
Senior Vice President        Trust.

Rafael Scolari               Vice President of Prime Income Trust.
Senior Vice President

Rochelle G. Siegel 
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Jayne M. Stevlingston        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President

Paul D. Vance 
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Elizabeth A. Vetell     
Senior Vice President

James F. Willison
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Ronald J. Worobel  
Senior Vice President        Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Douglas Brown 
First Vice President

<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Thomas F. Caloia             First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of
First Vice President         DWSC, Assistant Treasurer of Distributors;
and Assistant                Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the
Treasurer                    Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.

Thomas Chronert    
First Vice President

Rosalie Clough
First Vice President

Marilyn K. Cranney           Assistant Secretary of DWR; First Vice President
First Vice President         and Assistant Secretary of DWSC; Assistant
and Assistant Secretary      Secretary of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW
                             Funds.

Michael Interrante           First Vice President and Controller of DWSC; 
First Vice President         Assistant Treasurer of Distributors; First Vice
and Controller               President and Treasurer of DWT. 

David Johnson
First Vice President

Stanley Kapica
First Vice President

Robert Zimmerman
First Vice President

Dale Albright
Vice President

Joan G. Allman
Vice President

Andrew Arbenz
Vice President

Joseph Arcieri
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Kirk Balzer
Vice President               VicePresident of various Dean Witter Funds.

Nancy Belza
Vice President

<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Dale Boettcher
Vice President

Joseph Cardwell
Vice President

Philip Casparius
Vice President

B. Catherine Connelly
Vice President

Salvatore DeSteno
Vice President               Vice President of DWSC.

Frank J. DeVito
Vice President               Vice President of DWSC.

Bruce Dunn
Vice President

Jeffrey D. Geffen
Vice President

Deborah Genovese
Vice President

Michael Geringer
Vice President

Stephen Greenhut
Vice President

Peter W. Gurman
Vice President

Matthew Haynes               Vice President of Dean Witter
Vice President               Variable Investment Series

Peter Hermann  
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds

Elizabeth Hinchman
Vice President

David Hoffman
Vice President

<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Christopher Jones
Vice President

James P. Kastberg
Vice President
 
Michelle Kaufman   
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds

Michael Knox   
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds 

Paula LaCosta
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Thomas Lawlor
Vice President

Gerard J. Lian     
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Catherine Maniscalco         Vice President of Dean Witter Natural 
Vice President               Resource Development Securities Inc.

Albert McGarity
Vice President

LouAnne D. McInnis           Vice President and Assistant Secretary of DWSC;
Vice President and           Assistant Secretary of the Dean Witter Funds and
Assistant Secretary          the TCW/DW Funds.

Sharon K. Milligan 
Vice President

Julie Morrone 
Vice President

Mary Beth Mueller
Vice President

David Myers                  Vice President of Dean Witter Natural   
Vice President               Resource Development Securities Inc.

James Nash
Vice President

<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Richard Norris
Vice President

Carsten Otto                 Vice President and Assistant Secretary of DWSC;
Vice President and           Assistant Secretary of the Dean Witter Funds and 
Assistant Secretary          the TCW/DW Funds.

George Paoletti
Vice President

Anne Pickrell                Vice President of Dean Witter Global Short-
Vice President               Term Income Fund Inc.
    
Michael Roan
Vice President

Hugh Rose
Vice President

Robert Rossetti              Vice President of Dean Witter Precious Metal and
Vice President               Minerals Trust.

Ruth Rossi                   Vice President and Assistant Secretary of DWSC;
Vice President and           Assistant Secretary of the Dean Witter Funds and
Assistant Secretary          the TCW/DW Funds.

Carl F. Sadler
Vice President

Peter Seeley                 Vice President of Dean Witter World
Vice President               Wide Income Trust

Naomi Stein
Vice President

Kathleen H. Stromberg   
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Marybeth Swisher
Vice President

Vinh Q. Tran
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.


<PAGE>

NAME AND POSITION            OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER             OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.            AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------            ------------------------------------------------

Robert Vanden Assem
Vice President

James P. Wallin
Vice President

Alice Weiss
Vice President               Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.


Item 29.    PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS

(a)      Dean Witter Distributors Inc. ("Distributors"), a Delaware corporation,
         is the principal underwriter of the Registrant.  Distributors is also
         the principal underwriter of the following investment companies:

 (1)     Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
 (2)     Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
 (3)     Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
 (4)     Dean Witter Retirement Series
 (5)     Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
 (6)     Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation
 (7)     Dean Witter World Wide Investment Trust
 (8)     Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities 
 (9)     Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
(10)     Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(11)     Active Assets Money Trust
(12)     Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(13)     Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(14)     Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
(15)     Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
(16)     Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(17)     Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
(18)     Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(19)     Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
(20)     Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(21)     Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(22)     Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(23)     Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
(24)     Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(25)     Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(26)     Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(27)     Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
(28)     Prime Income Trust
(29)     Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(30)     Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
(31)     Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust


<PAGE>

(32)     Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(33)     Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(34)     Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(35)     Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(36)     Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
(37)     Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(38)     Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(39)     Dean Witter American Value Fund
(40)     Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(41)     Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
(42)     Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(43)     Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(44)     Dean Witter High Income Securities
(45)     Dean Witter National Municipal Trust    
(46)     Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(47)     Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(48)     Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(49)     Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(50)     Dean Witter Variable Investment Series   
(51)     Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
(52)     Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(53)     Dean Witter Information Fund
(54)     Dean Witter Japan Fund
(55)     Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
(56)     Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(57)     Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(58)     Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(59)     Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(60)     Dean Witter Fund of Funds
 (1)     TCW/DW Core Equity Trust
 (2)     TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
 (3)     TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
 (4)     TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund
 (5)     TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
 (6)     TCW/DW Balanced Fund
 (7)     TCW/DW Total Return Trust
 (8)     TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
 (9)     TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust 
 (10)    TCW/DW Strategic Income Trust


         (b)  The following information is given regarding directors and 
         officers of Distributors not listed in Item 28 above.  The principal
         address of Distributors is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York
         10048.  None of the following persons has any position or office with 
         the Registrant.

<PAGE>


Name                    Positions and Office with Distributors 
- ----                    --------------------------------------

Fredrick K. Kubler      Senior Vice President, Assistant
                        Secretary and Chief Compliance
                        Officer.

Michael T. Gregg        Vice President and Assistant
                        Secretary.


Item 30.    LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

    All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder are
maintained by the Investment Manager at its offices, except records relating to
holders of shares issued by the Registrant, which are maintained by the
Registrant's Transfer Agent, at its place of business as shown in the
prospectus.


Item 31.    MANAGEMENT SERVICES

    Registrant is not a party to any such management-related service contract.

Item 32.    UNDERTAKINGS

    Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is
delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders,
upon request and without charge.


<PAGE>

                                      SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York
and State of New York on the 24th day of October, 1997.

                        DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES 

                                       By  /s/ Barry Fink          
                                         ----------------
                                               Barry Fink
                                               Vice President and Secretary

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 has been signed below by the following persons
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

    Signatures                         Title                         Date
    ----------                         -----                         ----

(1) Principal Executive Officer        President, Chief 
                                       Executive Officer,
                                       Trustee and Chairman

By  /s/  Charles A. Fiumefreddo                                      10/24/97
    ------------------------------
         Charles A. Fiumefreddo

(2) Principal Financial Officer        Treasurer and Principal
                                       Accounting Officer
                   
By  /s/  Thomas F. Caloia                                            10/24/97
    ------------------------------
         Thomas F. Caloia

(3) Majority of the Trustees 

   Charles A. Fiumefreddo (Chairman)
   Philip J. Purcell

By  /s/  Barry Fink                                                  10/24/97
    ------------------------------
         Barry Fink
         Attorney-in-Fact

  Manuel H. Johnson               Wayne E. Hedien
  Michael Bozic                   Michael E. Nugent
  Edwin J. Garn                   John L. Schroeder
  John R. Haire

                            
By  /s/  David M. Butowsky                                           10/24/97
    ------------------------------
         David M. Butowsky  
         Attorney-in-Fact 
                   
<PAGE>


                                    EXHIBIT INDEX



8.            Form of Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service 
              Agreement between the Registrant and Dean Witter Trust FSB.

11.           Consent of Independent Accountants.

16.           Schedules for Computation of Performance Quotations.

27.           Financial Data Schedules.

Other.        Power of Attorney.





<PAGE>
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                     TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
 
                                      WITH
 
                             DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
 

<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                                                                      PAGE
                                                                      ----

Article 1    Terms of Appointment...................................    1
 
Article 2    Fees and Expenses......................................    2
 
Article 3    Representations and Warranties of DWTFSB...............    3
 
Article 4    Representations and Warranties of the Fund.............    3
 
Article 5    Duty of Care and Indemnification.......................    3
 
Article 6    Documents and Covenants of the Fund and DWTFSB.........    4
 
Article 7    Duration and Termination of Agreement..................    5
 
Article 8    Assignment.............................................    5
 
Article 9    Affiliations...........................................    6
 
Article 10   Amendment..............................................    6
 
Article 11   Applicable Law.........................................    6
 
Article 12   Miscellaneous..........................................    6
 
Article 13   Merger of Agreement....................................    7
 
Article 14   Personal Liability.....................................    7

                                       i
<PAGE>
           AMENDED AND RESTATED TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
 
    AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT made as of the 23rd day of October, 1997 by
and between each of the Funds listed on the signature pages hereof, each of
such Funds acting severally on its own behalf and not jointly with any of such
other Funds (each such Fund hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), each such
Fund having its principal office and place of business at Two World Trade
Center, New York, New York, 10048, and DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB ("DWTFSB"), a
federally chartered savings bank, having its principal office and place of
business at Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, New Jersey
07311.
 
    WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint DWTFSB as its transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent and DWTFSB desires to accept
such appointment;
 
    NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
Article 1  TERMS OF APPOINTMENT; DUTIES OF DWTFSB
 
    1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the
Fund hereby employs and appoints DWTFSB to act as, and DWTFSB agrees to act as,
the transfer agent for each series and class of shares of the Fund, whether now
or hereafter authorized or issued ("Shares"), dividend disbursing agent and
shareholder servicing agent in connection with any accumulation, open-account or
similar plans provided to the holders of such Shares ("Shareholders") and set
out in the currently effective prospectus and statement of additional
information ("prospectus") of the Fund, including without limitation any
periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program.
 
    1.2 DWTFSB agrees that it will perform the following services:
 
        (a) In accordance with procedures established from time to time by
    agreement between the Fund and DWTFSB, DWTFSB shall:
 
           (i) Receive for acceptance, orders for the purchase of Shares, and
       promptly deliver payment and appropriate documentation therefor to the
       custodian of the assets of the Fund (the "Custodian");
 
           (ii) Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of
       Shares and issue certificates therefor or hold such Shares in book form
       in the appropriate Shareholder account;
 
           (iii) Receive for acceptance redemption requests and redemption
       directions and deliver the appropriate documentation therefor to the
       Custodian;
 
           (iv) At the appropriate time as and when it receives monies paid to
       it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, pay over or cause to
       be paid over in the appropriate manner such monies as instructed by the
       redeeming Shareholders;
 
           (v) Effect transfers of Shares by the registered owners thereof upon
       receipt of appropriate instructions;
 
           (vi) Prepare and transmit payments for dividends and distributions
       declared by the Fund;
 
           (vii) Calculate any sales charges payable by a Shareholder on
       purchases and/or redemptions of Shares of the Fund as such charges may be
       reflected in the prospectus;
 
           (viii) Maintain records of account for and advise the Fund and its
       Shareholders as to the foregoing; and
 
           (ix) Record the issuance of Shares of the Fund and maintain pursuant
       to Rule 17Ad-10(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act")
       a record of the total number of Shares of the Fund which are authorized,
       based upon data provided to it by the Fund, and issued and outstanding.
       DWTFSB shall also provide to the Fund on a regular basis the total number
       of Shares that are authorized, issued and outstanding and shall notify
       the Fund in case any proposed issue of Shares by the Fund would result in
       an overissue. In case any issue of Shares
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
       would result in an overissue, DWTFSB shall refuse to issue such Shares
       and shall not countersign and issue any certificates requested for such
       Shares. When recording the issuance of Shares, DWTFSB shall have no
       obligation to take cognizance of any Blue Sky laws relating to the issue
       of sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility
       of the Fund.
 
       (b) In addition to and not in lieu of the services set forth in the above
    paragraph (a), DWTFSB shall:
 
           (i) perform all of the customary services of a transfer agent,
       dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, shareholder servicing agent
       in connection with dividend reinvestment, accumulation, open-account or
       similar plans (including without limitation any periodic investment plan
       or periodic withdrawal program), including but not limited to,
       maintaining all Shareholder accounts, preparing Shareholder meeting
       lists, mailing proxies, receiving and tabulating proxies, mailing
       shareholder reports and prospectuses to current Shareholders, withholding
       taxes on U.S. resident and non-resident alien accounts, preparing and
       filing appropriate forms required with respect to dividends and
       distributions by federal tax authorities for all Shareholders, preparing
       and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account to Shareholders
       for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other confirmable
       transactions in Shareholder accounts, preparing and mailing activity
       statements for Shareholders and providing Shareholder account
       information;
 
           (ii) open any and all bank accounts which may be necessary or
       appropriate in order to provide the foregoing services; and
 
           (iii) provide a system that will enable the Fund to monitor the total
       number of Shares sold in each State or other jurisdiction.
 
       (c) In addition, the Fund shall:
 
           (i) identify to DWTFSB in writing those transactions and assets to be
       treated as exempt from Blue Sky reporting for each State; and
 
           (ii) verify the inclusion on the system prior to activation of each
       State in which Fund shares may be sold and thereafter monitor the daily
       purchases and sales for shareholders in each State. The responsibility of
       DWTFSB for the Fund's status under the securities laws of any State or
       other jurisdiction is limited to the inclusion on the system of each
       State as to which the Fund has informed DWTFSB that shares may be sold in
       compliance with state securities laws and the reporting of purchases and
       sales in each such State to the Fund as provided above and as agreed from
       time to time by the Fund and DWTFSB.
 
       (d) DWTFSB shall provide such additional services and functions not
    specifically described herein as may be mutually agreed between DWTFSB and
    the Fund. Procedures applicable to such services may be established from
    time to time by agreement between the Fund and DWTFSB.
 
Article 2  FEES AND EXPENSES
 
    2.1 For performance by DWTFSB pursuant to this Agreement, each Fund agrees
to pay DWTFSB an annual maintenance fee for each Shareholder account and certain
transactional fees, if applicable, as set out in the respective fee schedule
attached hereto as Schedule A. Such fees and out-of-pocket expenses and advances
identified under Section 2.2 below may be changed from time to time subject to
mutual written agreement between the Fund and DWTFSB.
 
    2.2 In addition to the fees paid under Section 2.1 above, the Fund agrees to
reimburse DWTFSB for out of pocket expenses in connection with the services
rendered by DWTFSB hereunder. In addition, any other expenses incurred by DWTFSB
at the request or with the consent of the Fund will be reimbursed by the Fund.
 
    2.3 The Fund agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within a
reasonable period of time following the mailing of the respective billing
notice. Postage for mailing of dividends, proxies, Fund reports and other
mailings to all Shareholder accounts shall be advanced to DWTFSB by the Fund
upon request prior to the mailing date of such materials.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
Article 3  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DWTFSB
 
    DWTFSB represents and warrants to the Fund that:
 
    3.1 It is a federally chartered savings bank whose principal office is in
New Jersey.
 
    3.2 It is and will remain registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") as a Transfer Agent pursuant to the requirements of Section
17A of the 1934 Act.
 
    3.3 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its charter and By-Laws to
enter into and perform this Agreement.
 
    3.4 All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to
enter into and perform this Agreement.
 
    3.5 It has and will continue to have access to the necessary facilities,
equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this
Agreement.
 
Article 4  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND
 
    The Fund represents and warrants to DWTFSB that:
 
    4.1 It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing
under the laws of Delaware or Maryland or a trust duly organized and existing
and in good standing under the laws of Massachusetts, as the case may be.
 
    4.2 It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of
Incorporation or Declaration of Trust, as the case may be, and under its By-Laws
to enter into and perform this Agreement.
 
    4.3 All corporate proceedings necessary to authorize it to enter into and
perform this Agreement have been taken.
 
    4.4 It is an investment company registered with the SEC under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
 
    4.5 A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
Act") is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state
securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect
to all Shares of the Fund being offered for sale.
 
Article 5  DUTY OF CARE AND INDEMNIFICATION
 
    5.1 DWTFSB shall not be responsible for, and the Fund shall indemnify and
hold DWTFSB harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs,
charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or
attributable to:
 
        (a) All actions of DWTFSB or its agents or subcontractors required to be
    taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such actions are taken in
    good faith and without negligence or willful misconduct.
 
        (b) The Fund's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this
    Agreement, or which arise out of the Fund's lack of good faith, negligence
    or willful misconduct or which arise out of breach of any representation or
    warranty of the Fund hereunder.
 
        (c) The reliance on or use by DWTFSB or its agents or subcontractors of
    information, records and documents which (i) are received by DWTFSB or its
    agents or subcontractors and furnished to it by or on behalf of the Fund,
    and (ii) have been prepared and/or maintained by the Fund or any other
    person or firm on behalf of the Fund.
 
        (d) The reliance on, or the carrying out by DWTFSB or its agents or
    subcontractors of, any instructions or requests of the Fund.
 
        (e) The offer or sale of Shares in violation of any requirement under
    the federal securities laws or regulations or the securities or Blue Sky
    laws of any State or other jurisdiction that notice of
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    offering of such Shares in such State or other jurisdiction or in violation
    of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal agency or
    any State or other jurisdiction with respect to the offer or sale of such
    Shares in such State or other jurisdiction.
 
    5.2 DWTFSB shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from or against any
and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and
liability arising out of or attributable to any action or failure or omission to
act by DWTFSB as a result of the lack of good faith, negligence or willful
misconduct of DWTFSB, its officers, employees or agents.
 
    5.3 At any time, DWTFSB may apply to any officer of the Fund for
instructions, and may consult with legal counsel to the Fund, with respect to
any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed by DWTFSB
under this Agreement, and DWTFSB and its agents or subcontractors shall not be
liable and shall be indemnified by the Fund for any action taken or omitted by
it in reliance upon such instructions or upon the opinion of such counsel.
DWTFSB, its agents and subcontractors shall be protected and indemnified in
acting upon any paper or document furnished by or on behalf of the Fund,
reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person
or persons, or upon any instruction, information, data, records or documents
provided to DWTFSB or its agents or subcontractors by machine readable input,
telex, CRT data entry or other similar means authorized by the Fund, and shall
not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any person, until
receipt of written notice thereof from the Fund. DWTFSB, its agents and
subcontractors shall also be protected and indemnified in recognizing stock
certificates which are reasonably believed to bear the proper manual or
facsimile signature of the officers of the Fund, and the proper countersignature
of any former transfer agent or registrar, or of a co-transfer agent or
co-registrar.
 
    5.4 In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the
terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, strikes, equipment or
transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes
reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the
other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from
such causes.
 
    5.5 Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for
consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement or for any act or
failure to act hereunder.
 
    5.6 In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article 5
shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be
required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall
promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other
party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The party
who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the
party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim. The party seeking
indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any
case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the
other party's prior written consent.
 
Article 6  DOCUMENTS AND COVENANTS OF THE FUND AND DWTFSB
 
    6.1 The Fund shall promptly furnish to DWTFSB the following, unless
previously furnished to Dean Witter Trust Company, the prior transfer agent of
the Fund:
 
       (a) If a corporation:
 
           (i) A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of
       the Fund authorizing the appointment of DWTFSB and the execution and
       delivery of this Agreement;
 
           (ii) A certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of
       the Fund and all amendments thereto;
 
           (iii) Certified copies of each vote of the Board of Directors
       designating persons authorized to give instructions on behalf of the Fund
       and signature cards bearing the signature of any officer of the Fund or
       any other person authorized to sign written instructions on behalf of the
       Fund;
 
           (iv) A specimen of the certificate for Shares of the Fund in the form
       approved by the Board of Directors, with a certificate of the Secretary
       of the Fund as to such approval;
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
       (b) If a business trust:
 
           (i) A certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of
       the Fund authorizing the appointment of DWTFSB and the execution and
       delivery of this Agreement;
 
           (ii) A certified copy of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the
       Fund and all amendments thereto;
 
           (iii) Certified copies of each vote of the Board of Trustees
       designating persons authorized to give instructions on behalf of the Fund
       and signature cards bearing the signature of any officer of the Fund or
       any other person authorized to sign written instructions on behalf of the
       Fund;
 
           (iv) A specimen of the certificate for Shares of the Fund in the form
       approved by the Board of Trustees, with a certificate of the Secretary of
       the Fund as to such approval;
 
       (c) The current registration statements and any amendments and
    supplements thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the
    1933 Act or the 1940 Act;
 
       (d) All account application forms or other documents relating to
    Shareholder accounts and/or relating to any plan, program or service offered
    or to be offered by the Fund; and
 
       (e) Such other certificates, documents or opinions as DWTFSB deems to be
    appropriate or necessary for the proper performance of its duties.
 
    6.2 DWTFSB hereby agrees to establish and maintain facilities and procedures
reasonably acceptable to the Fund for safekeeping of Share certificates, check
forms and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if any; and for the
preparation or use, and for keeping account of, such certificates, forms and
devices.
 
    6.3 DWTFSB shall prepare and keep records relating to the services to be
performed hereunder, in the form and manner as it may deem advisable and as
required by applicable laws and regulations. To the extent required by Section
31 of the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, DWTFSB agrees that
all such records prepared or maintained by DWTFSB relating to the services
performed by DWTFSB hereunder are the property of the Fund and will be
preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with such Section 31 of
the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and will be surrendered
promptly to the Fund on and in accordance with its request.
 
    6.4 DWTFSB and the Fund agree that all books, records, information and data
pertaining to the business of the other party which are exchanged or received
pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this Agreement shall remain
confidential and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person except
as may be required by law or with the prior consent of DWTFSB and the Fund.
 
    6.5 In case of any request or demands for the inspection of the Shareholder
records of the Fund, DWTFSB will endeavor to notify the Fund and to secure
instructions from an authorized officer of the Fund as to such inspection.
DWTFSB reserves the right, however, to exhibit the Shareholder records to any
person whenever it is advised by its counsel that it may be held liable for the
failure to exhibit the Shareholder records to such person.
 
Article 7  DURATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
 
    7.1 This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until August 1,
2000 and from year-to-year thereafter unless terminated by either party as
provided in Section 7.2 hereof.
 
    7.2 This Agreement may be terminated by the Fund on 60 days written notice,
and by DWTFSB on 90 days written notice, to the other party without payment of
any penalty.
 
    7.3 Should the Fund exercise its right to terminate, all out-of-pocket
expenses associated with the movement of records and other materials will be
borne by the Fund. Additionally, DWTFSB reserves the right to charge for any
other reasonable fees and expenses associated with such termination.
 
Article 8  ASSIGNMENT
 
    8.1 Except as provided in Section 8.3 below, neither this Agreement nor any
rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either party without the
written consent of the other party.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
    8.2 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
 
    8.3 DWTFSB may, in its sole discretion and without further consent by the
Fund, subcontract, in whole or in part, for the performance of its obligations
and duties hereunder with any person or entity including but not limited to
companies which are affiliated with DWTFSB; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such person
or entity has and maintains the qualifications, if any, required to perform such
obligations and duties, and that DWTFSB shall be as fully responsible to the
Fund for the acts and omissions of any agent or subcontractor as it is for its
own acts or omissions under this Agreement.
 
Article 9  AFFILIATIONS
 
    9.1 DWTFSB may now or hereafter, without the consent of or notice to the
Fund, function as transfer agent and/or shareholder servicing agent for any
other investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act and for any
other issuer, including without limitation any investment company whose adviser,
administrator, sponsor or principal underwriter is or may become affiliated with
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. or any of its direct or indirect
subsidiaries or affiliates.
 
    9.2 It is understood and agreed that the Directors or Trustees (as the case
may be), officers, employees, agents and shareholders of the Fund, and the
directors, officers, employees, agents and shareholders of the Fund's investment
adviser and/or distributor, are or may be interested in DWTFSB as directors,
officers, employees, agents and shareholders or otherwise, and that the
directors, officers, employees, agents and shareholders of DWTFSB may be
interested in the Fund as Directors or Trustees (as the case may be), officers,
employees, agents and shareholders or otherwise, or in the investment adviser
and/or distributor as directors, officers, employees, agents, shareholders or
otherwise.
 
Article 10  AMENDMENT
 
    10.1 This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written agreement
executed by both parties and authorized or approved by a resolution of the Board
of Directors or the Board of Trustees (as the case may be) of the Fund.
 
Article 11  APPLICABLE LAW
 
    11.1 This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof
interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
 
Article 12  MISCELLANEOUS
 
    12.1 In the event that one or more additional investment companies managed
or administered by Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. or any of its affiliates
("Additional Funds") desires to retain DWTFSB to act as transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and/or shareholder servicing agent, and DWTFSB desires to
render such services, such services shall be provided pursuant to a letter
agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, between DWTFSB and
each Additional Fund.
 
    12.2 In the event of an alleged loss or destruction of any Share
certificate, no new certificate shall be issued in lieu thereof, unless there
shall first be furnished to DWTFSB an affidavit of loss or non-receipt by the
holder of Shares with respect to which a certificate has been lost or destroyed,
supported by an appropriate bond satisfactory to DWTFSB and the Fund issued by a
surety company satisfactory to DWTFSB, except that DWTFSB may accept an
affidavit of loss and indemnity agreement executed by the registered holder (or
legal representative) without surety in such form as DWTFSB deems appropriate
indemnifying DWTFSB and the Fund for the issuance of a replacement certificate,
in cases where the alleged loss is in the amount of $1,000 or less.
 
    12.3 In the event that any check or other order for payment of money on the
account of any Shareholder or new investor is returned unpaid for any reason,
DWTFSB will (a) give prompt notification to the Fund's distributor
("Distributor") (or to the Fund if the Fund acts as its own distributor) of such
non-payment; and (b) take such other action, including imposition of a
reasonable processing or handling fee, as DWTFSB may, in its sole discretion,
deem appropriate or as the Fund and, if applicable, the Distributor may instruct
DWTFSB.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
    12.4 Any notice or other instrument authorized or required by this Agreement
to be given in writing to the Fund or to DWTFSB shall be sufficiently given if
addressed to that party and received by it at its office set forth below or at
such other place as it may from time to time designate in writing.
 
To the Fund:
 
[Name of Fund]
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
 
Attention: General Counsel
 
To DWTFSB:
 
Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
 
Attention: President
 
Article 13  MERGER OF AGREEMENT
 
    13.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter
hereof whether oral or written.
 
Article 14  PERSONAL LIABILITY
 
    14.1 In the case of a Fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust, a
copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund is on file with the Secretary of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this
instrument is executed on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Fund as
Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of this instrument are
not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders individually but are
binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund; provided, however, that
the Declaration of Trust of the Fund provides that the assets of a particular
Series of the Fund shall under no circumstances be charged with liabilities
attributable to any other Series of the Fund and that all persons extending
credit to, or contracting with or having any claim against, a particular Series
of the Fund shall look only to the assets of that particular Series for payment
of such credit, contract or claim.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amended and Restated
Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their
duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.
 
DEAN WITTER FUNDS
 
    MONEY MARKET FUNDS
 
 1. Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
 2. Active Assets Money Trust
 3. Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
 4. Active Assets Government Securities Trust
 5. Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
 6. Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
 7. Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
 8. Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
 9. Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
 
    EQUITY FUNDS
 
10. Dean Witter American Value Fund
11. Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
12. Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
13. Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
14. Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
15. Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
16. Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
17. Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
18. Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
19. Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
20. Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
21. Dean Witter Information Fund
22. Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
23. Dean Witter World Wide Investment Trust
24. Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
25. Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
26. Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
27. Dean Witter Japan Fund
28. Dean Witter Utilities Fund
29. Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
30. Dean Witter Special Value Fund
31. Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
32. Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
33. Dean Witter Managers' Select Fund
34. Dean Witter Fund of Funds
35. Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
 
    BALANCED FUNDS
 
36. Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
37. Dean Witter Balanced Income Trust
 
    ASSET ALLOCATION FUNDS
 
38. Dean Witter Strategist Fund
39. Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation Fund
 
    FIXED INCOME FUNDS
 
40. Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
41. Dean Witter High Income Securities
42. Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
43. Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
44. Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
45. Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
46. Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
47. Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
48. Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
49. Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
50. Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
51. Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust
52. Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
53. Dean Witter National Municipal Trust
55. Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
55. Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
56. Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
57. Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
58. Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
59. Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS
 
60. Dean Witter Retirement Series
61. Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
62. Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
 
    TCW/DW FUNDS
 
63. TCW/DW Core Equity Trust
64. TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
65. TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
66. TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund
67. TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund
68. TCW/DW Balanced Fund
69. TCW/DW Total Return Trust
70. TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust
71. TCW/DW Strategic Income Trust
72. TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust
 
                                          By: __________________________________
                                              Barry Fink
                                              Vice President and General Counsel
 
ATTEST:
 
_____________________________
Assistant Secretary
 
                                          DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
 
                                          By: __________________________________
                                              John Van Heuvelen
                                              President
 
ATTEST:
 
_____________________________
Executive Vice President
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT A
 
Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, NJ 07311
 
Gentlemen:
 
    The undersigned, Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities, a Massachusetts
business trust (the "Fund"), desires to employ and appoint Dean Witter Trust FSB
("DWTFSB") to act as transfer agent for each series and class of shares of the 
Fund, whether now or hereafter authorized or issued ("Shares"), dividend 
disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent, registrar and agent in 
connection with any accumulation, open-account or similar plan provided to 
the holders of Shares, including without limitation any periodic 
investment plan or periodic withdrawal plan.
 
    The Fund hereby agrees that, in consideration for the payment by the Fund to
DWTFSB of fees as set out in the fee schedule attached hereto as Schedule A,
DWTFSB shall provide such services to the Fund pursuant to the terms and
conditions set forth in the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement annexed
hereto, as if the Fund was a signatory thereto.
 
    Please indicate DWTFSB's acceptance of employment and appointment by the
Fund in the capacities set forth above by so indicating in the space provided
below.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          Dean Witter Intermediate
                                          Income Securities
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                              Barry Fink
                                              Vice President and General Counsel
 
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
 
DEAN WITTER TRUST FSB
 
By: __________________________________
 
Its: _________________________________
 
Date: ________________________________
 
                                       10


<PAGE>

                                      SCHEDULE A


Fund:         Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities

Fees:         (1)  Annual maintenance fee of $13.20 per shareholder account,
              payable monthly.

              (2)  A fee equal to 1/12 of the fee set forth in (1) above, for
              providing Forms 1099 for accounts closed during the year, payable
              following the end of the calendar year.

              (3)  Out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with Section 2.2 of the
              Agreement.

              (4)  Fees for additional services not set forth in this Agreement
              shall be as negotiated between the parties.

f:\schedA\13

<PAGE>


                                                                   Exhibit 99.11



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information 
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the registration 
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated 
October 10, 1997, relating to the financial statements and financial 
highlights of Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities, which appears in 
such Statement of Additional Information, and to the incorporation by reference 
of our report into the Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration 
Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings 
"Independent Accountants" and "Experts" in such Statement of Additional 
Information and to the reference to us under the heading "Financial 
Highlights" in such Prospectus.


/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
October 23, 1997













<PAGE>

                 SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
                    DEAN WITTER INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES (B)




(A) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (I.E. STANDARDIZED COMPUTATIONS)

                         _                        _
                        |      ___________________ |
FORMULA:                |     |                    |   
              T =       |/\  n|        ERV         |
                        |  \  |       -----        | - 1
                        |   \ |         P          |
                        |    \|                    |
                        |_                        _|


           T = AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUND RETURN
           n = NUMBER OF YEARS
         ERV = ENDING REDEEMABLE VALUE
           P = INITIAL INVESTMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     (A)
      $1,000                ERV AS OF                AGGREGATE              NUMBER OF           AVERAGE ANNUAL
    INVESTED - P            31-Aug-97               TOTAL RETURN            YEARS - n         COMPOUND RETURN - T
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>
    31-Aug-96                $1,029.30                2.93%                    1.00                 2.93%

    31-Aug-92                $1,264.60               26.46%                    5.00                 4.81%

    03-May-89                $1,695.00               69.50%                    8.33                 6.54%

</TABLE>

(B) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS WITHOUT DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE
    SALES CHARGE  (NON STANDARD COMPUTATIONS)

(C) TOTAL RETURN WITHOUT DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE
    (NON STANDARD COMPUTATIONS)

                         _                        _
                        |      ___________________ |
FORMULA:                |     |                    |   
              t =       |/\  n|         EV         |
                        |  \  |       -----        | - 1
                        |   \ |         P          |
                        |    \|                    |
                        |_                        _|


                            EV
                TR  =   ----------       - 1
                             P


           t = AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
              (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
           n = NUMBER OF YEARS
          EV = ENDING VALUE (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
           P = INITIAL INVESTMENT
          TR = TOTAL RETURN (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        (C)                                          (B)
      $1,000                EV AS OF                   TOTAL                NUMBER OF           AVERAGE ANNUAL
   INVESTED - P             31-Aug-97               RETURN - TR             YEARS - n           TOTAL RETURN - t
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>
    31-Aug-96                $1,079.30                 7.93%                 1.00                  7.93%

    31-Aug-92                $1,283.60                28.36%                 5.00                  5.12%

    03-May-89                $1,695.00                69.50%                 8.33                  6.54%

</TABLE>

(D)      GROWTH OF $10,000
(E)      GROWTH OF $50,000
(F)      GROWTH OF $100,000


FORMULA: G= (TR+1)*P
         G= GROWTH OF  INITIAL INVESTMENT
         P= INITIAL INVESTMENT
         TR= TOTAL RETURN

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       (D)                     (E)                  (F)
       $10,000                 TOTAL                 GROWTH OF              GROWTH OF             GROWTH OF
    INVESTED - P            RETURN - TR          $10,000 INVESTMENT     $50,000 INVESTMENT    $100,000 INVESTMENT
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                    <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>
     03-May-89                 69.50                   $16,950                $84,750               $169,500

</TABLE>
 

<PAGE>


                 SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
                          INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES (A)





(A) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (I.E. STANDARDIZED COMPUTATIONS)

                         _                        _
                        |      ___________________ |
FORMULA:                |     |                    |   
              T =       |/\  n|        ERV         |
                        |  \  |       -----        | - 1
                        |   \ |         P          |
                        |    \|                    |
                        |_                        _|


           T = AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
           n = NUMBER OF YEARS
         ERV = ENDING REDEEMABLE VALUE
           P = INITIAL INVESTMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     (A)
      $1,000                ERV AS OF               AGGREGATE              NUMBER OF           AVERAGE ANNUAL
    INVESTED - P            31-Aug-97              TOTAL RETURN            YEARS - n          TOTAL RETURN - T
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>
    28-Jul-97                $953.10                  -4.69%                  0.09                   NA

</TABLE>
 
(B) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS WITHOUT DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE
    SALES CHARGE  (NON STANDARD COMPUTATIONS)

(C) TOTAL RETURN WITHOUT DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE
    (NON STANDARD COMPUTATIONS)


                         _                        _
                        |      ___________________ |
FORMULA:                |     |                    |   
              t =       |/\  n|         EV         |
                        |  \  |       -----        | - 1
                        |   \ |         P          |
                        |    \|                    |
                        |_                        _|


                            EV
                TR  =   ----------       - 1
                             P


           t = AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
              (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
           n = NUMBER OF YEARS
          EV = ENDING VALUE (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
           P = INITIAL INVESTMENT
          TR = TOTAL RETURN (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       (C)                                         (B)
       $1,000                EV AS OF                 TOTAL               NUMBER OF           AVERAGE ANNUAL
   INVESTED - P             31-Aug-97              RETURN - TR            YEARS - n           TOTAL RETURN - t
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>

    28-Jul-97                $995.40                  -0.46%                 0.09                    NA

</TABLE>
 

(D)      GROWTH OF $10,000*
(E)      GROWTH OF $50,000*
(F)      GROWTH OF $100,000*

FORMULA: G= (TR+1)*P
         G= GROWTH OF INITIAL INVESTMENT
         P= INITIAL INVESTMENT
         TR= TOTAL RETURN SINCE INCEPTION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               TOTAL              (D) GROWTH OF            (E) GROWTH OF           (D) GROWTH OF
    INVESTED - P            RETURN - TR       $10,000 INVESTMENT - G   $50,000 INVESTMENT - G   $100,000 INVESTMENT - G
- -------------------     -------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------   -----------------------
<S>                     <C>                   <C>                      <C>                      <C>
    28-Jul-97                -0.46                    $9,531                   $48,028                  $96,803

</TABLE>
 
*INITIAL INVESTMENT $9,575, $48,250 & 97,250 RESPECTIVELY REFLECTS A 4.25%,
 3.50% & 2.75% SALES CHARGE

<PAGE>

                 SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
                          INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES (C)




(A) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (I.E. STANDARDIZED COMPUTATIONS)


                         _                        _
                        |      ___________________ |
FORMULA:                |     |                    |   
              T =       |/\  n|        ERV         |
                        |  \  |       -----        | - 1
                        |   \ |         P          |
                        |    \|                    |
                        |_                        _|


           T = AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
           n = NUMBER OF YEARS
         ERV = ENDING REDEEMABLE VALUE
           P = INITIAL INVESTMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                     (A)
      $1,000                ERV AS OF               AGGREGATE              NUMBER OF            AVERAGE ANNUAL
    INVESTED - P            31-Aug-97              TOTAL RETURN            YEARS - n           TOTAL RETURN - T
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>
    28-Jul-97                $986.90                  -1.31%                   0.09                   NA

</TABLE>
 
(B) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS WITHOUT DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE
    SALES CHARGE  (NON STANDARD COMPUTATIONS)

(C) TOTAL RETURN WITHOUT DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE
    (NON STANDARD COMPUTATIONS)

                         _                        _
                        |      ___________________ |
FORMULA:                |     |                    |   
              t =       |/\  n|         EV         |
                        |  \  |       -----        | - 1
                        |   \ |         P          |
                        |    \|                    |
                        |_                        _|


                            EV
                TR  =   ----------       - 1
                             P


           t = AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
               (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
           n = NUMBER OF YEARS
          EV = ENDING VALUE (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
           P = INITIAL INVESTMENT
          TR = TOTAL RETURN (NO DEDUCTION FOR APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       (C)                                           (B)
      $1,000                 EV AS OF                 TOTAL                 NUMBER OF           AVERAGE ANNUAL
   INVESTED - P             31-Aug-97              RETURN - TR              YEARS - n           TOTAL RETURN - t
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>

    28-Jul-97                 $996.90                  -0.31%                 0.09                    NA

</TABLE>
 
(D)      GROWTH OF $10,000
(E)      GROWTH OF $50,000
(F)      GROWTH OF $100,000

FORMULA: G= (TR+1)*P
         G= GROWTH OF INITIAL INVESTMENT
         P= INITIAL INVESTMENT
         TR= TOTAL RETURN SINCE INCEPTION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               TOTAL             (D) GROWTH OF            (E) GROWTH OF            (D) GROWTH OF
    INVESTED - P            RETURN - TR       $10,000 INVESTMENT - G   $50,000 INVESTMENT - G   $100,000 INVESTMENT - G
- -------------------     -------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------   -----------------------
<S>                     <C>                   <C>                      <C>                      <C>
    28-Jul-97                 -0.31                    $9,969                  $49,845                  $99,690

</TABLE>
 


<PAGE>

                 SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
                          INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES (D)




(A) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (NO LOAD FUND)

(B) TOTAL RETURN (NO LOAD FUND)


                         _                        _
                        |      ___________________ |
FORMULA:                |     |                    |   
              t =       |/\  n|         EV         |
                        |  \  |       -----        | - 1
                        |   \ |         P          |
                        |    \|                    |
                        |_                        _|


                            EV
                TR  =   ----------       - 1
                             P


      t = AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUND RETURN
      n = NUMBER OF YEARS
     EV = ENDING VALUE
      P = INITIAL INVESTMENT
     TR = TOTAL RETURN


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        (C)                                          (B)
      $1,000                 EV AS OF                  TOTAL               NUMBER OF            AVERAGE ANNUAL
   INVESTED - P              31-Aug-97              RETURN - TR            YEARS - n           TOTAL RETURN - t
- -------------------     -------------------     -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>
    28-Jul-97                $995.60                  -0.44%                  0.09                     NA

</TABLE>
 
(C)      GROWTH OF $10,000
(D)      GROWTH OF $50,000
(E)      GROWTH OF $100,000


FORMULA: G= (TR+1)*P
         G= GROWTH OF INITIAL INVESTMENT
         P= INITIAL INVESTMENT
         TR= TOTAL RETURN SINCE INCEPTION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               TOTAL              (D) GROWTH OF            (E) GROWTH OF           (D) GROWTH OF
    INVESTED - P            RETURN - TR        $10,000 INVESTMENT - G   $50,000 INVESTMENT - G    $100,000 INVESTMENT - G
- -------------------     -------------------    ----------------------   ----------------------    -----------------------
<S>                     <C>                    <C>                      <C>                       <C>
    28-Jul-97                 -0.44                    $9,956                 $49,780                   $99,560

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                      SCHEDULE OF COMPUTATION OF YIELD QUOTATION
                          DW INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
                              30 day Yield as of 8/31/97


                               CLASS A

                                       6
    YIELD = 2{ [ ((a-b)/c * d) + 1] -1}



    WHERE:    a = Dividends and interest earned during the period

              b = Expenses accrued for the period

              c = The average daily number of shares outstanding
                  during the period that were entitled to receive
                  dividends

              d = The maximum offering price per share on the last
                  day of the period


                                                       6
    YIELD = 2{ [(( 58.72-19.31)/1,333.832*10.02)+1] -1}

         =    3.56%


<PAGE>

                      SCHEDULE OF COMPUTATION OF YIELD QUOTATION
                          DW INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
                              30 day Yield as of 8/31/97


                               CLASS B

                                       6
    YIELD = 2{ [ ((a-b)/c * d) + 1] -1}



    WHERE:    a = Dividends and interest earned during the period

              b = Expenses accrued for the period

              c = The average daily number of shares outstanding
                  during the period that were entitled to receive
                  dividends

              d = The maximum offering price per share on the last
                  day of the period


                                                                    6
    YIELD = 2{ [(( 923,592.02-249,864.95)/17,437,202.657*9.59)+1] -1}

         =    4.88%

<PAGE>


                      SCHEDULE OF COMPUTATION OF YIELD QUOTATION
                          DW INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
                              30 day Yield as of 8/31/97


                               CLASS C

                                       6
    YIELD = 2{ [ ((a-b)/c * d) + 1] -1}



    WHERE:    a = Dividends and interest earned during the period

              b = Expenses accrued for the period

              c = The average daily number of shares outstanding
                  during the period that were entitled to receive
                  dividends

              d = The maximum offering price per share on the last
                  day of the period


                                                      6
    YIELD = 2{ [(( 97.27-49.90)/2,461.762*9.61)+1] -1}

         =    2.41%


<PAGE>

                      SCHEDULE OF COMPUTATION OF YIELD QUOTATION
                          DW INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES
                              30 day Yield as of 8/31/97


                               CLASS D

                                       6
    YIELD = 2{ [ ((a-b)/c * d) + 1] -1}



    WHERE:    a = Dividends and interest earned during the period

              b = Expenses accrued for the period

              c = The average daily number of shares outstanding
                  during the period that were entitled to receive
                  dividends

              d = The maximum offering price per share on the last
                  day of the period


                                                              6
    YIELD = 2{ [(( 26,870.99-4,295.62)/505,394.076*9.59)+1] -1}

         =    5.65%



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 001
   <NAME> DWR INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      166,465,908
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     167,236,475
<RECEIVABLES>                                5,103,466
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  37,219
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             172,377,160
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,644,615
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,644,615
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   180,124,413
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          193,352
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       52,362
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                   (11,214,797)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       770,567
<NET-ASSETS>                                 1,854,754
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           13,337,718
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               3,065,181
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     10,272,537
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   (2,567,762)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    6,828,218
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       14,532,993
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (58)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        193,347
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  5
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (39,178,336)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                     12,684,563
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                    (788,498)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        1,116,809
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,065,181
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           121,009
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.68
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .06
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.10)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.05)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.59
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   2.15
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 002
   <NAME> DWR INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES CLASS B
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      166,465,908
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     167,236,475
<RECEIVABLES>                                5,103,466
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  37,219
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             172,377,160
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,644,615
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,644,615
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   180,124,413
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       16,985,340
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       22,243,950
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       52,362
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                   (11,214,797)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       770,567
<NET-ASSETS>                               162,958,969
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           13,337,718
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               3,065,181
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     10,272,537
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   (2,567,762)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    6,828,218
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       14,532,993
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                 (10,229,881)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      8,499,296
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                 13,839,797
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            587,192
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (39,178,336)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                     12,684,563
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                    (788,498)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        1,116,809
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,065,181
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       185,679,429
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.39
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .53
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .20
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (0.53)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.59
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.65
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 003
   <NAME> DWR INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES CLASS C
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      166,465,908
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     167,236,475
<RECEIVABLES>                                5,103,466
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  37,219
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             172,377,160
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,644,615
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,644,615
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   180,124,413
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            3,999
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       52,362
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                   (11,214,797)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       770,567
<NET-ASSETS>                                    38,430
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           13,337,718
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               3,065,181
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     10,272,537
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   (2,567,762)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    6,828,218
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       14,532,993
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (83)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          3,993
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  6
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (39,178,336)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                     12,684,563
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                    (788,498)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        1,116,809
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,065,181
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                            23,906
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.68
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .04
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.07)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.04)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.61
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   2.02
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 004
   <NAME> DWR INTERMEDIATE INCOME SECURITIES CLASS D
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      166,465,908
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     167,236,475
<RECEIVABLES>                                5,103,466
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  37,219
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             172,377,160
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,644,615
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,644,615
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   180,124,413
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          508,841
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       52,362
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                   (11,214,797)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       770,567
<NET-ASSETS>                                 4,880,392
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           13,337,718
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               3,065,181
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     10,272,537
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                   (2,567,762)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    6,828,218
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       14,532,993
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (25,048)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         10,611
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                      9,547
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              2,476
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (39,178,336)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                     12,684,563
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                    (788,498)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        1,116,809
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,065,181
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                         4,864,254
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.68
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .05
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.09)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.05)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.59
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.11
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that WAYNE E. HEDIEN, whose signature
appears below, constitutes and appoints David M. Butowsky, Ronald Feiman and
Stuart Strauss, or any of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution among himself and each of the persons
appointed herein, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any amendments to any registration statement of ANY OF THE
DEAN WITTER FUNDS SET FORTH ON SCHEDULE A ATTACHED HERETO, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
Dated: September 1, 1997
 
                                                   /s/ WAYNE E. HEDIEN
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                     Wayne E. Hedien
 

<PAGE>
                                   SCHEDULE A
 

 1.  Active Assets Money Trust
 2.  Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
 3.  Active Assets Government Securities Trust
 4.  Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
 5.  Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
 6.  Dean Witter American Value Fund
 7.  Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
 8.  Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
 9.  Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
10.  Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
11.  Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
12.  Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
13.  Dean Witter World Wide Investment Trust
14.  Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
15.  Dean Witter Utilities Fund
16.  Dean Witter Strategist Fund
17.  Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
18.  Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
19.  Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
20.  Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
21.  Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
22.  Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
23.  Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
24.  Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
25.  Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
26.  Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
27.  Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
28.  Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
29.  High Income Advantage Trust
30.  High Income Advantage Trust II
31.  High Income Advantage Trust III
32.  InterCapital Insured Municipal Bond Trust
33.  InterCapital Insured Municipal Trust
34.  InterCapital Insured Municipal Income Trust
35.  InterCapital Quality Municipal Investment Trust
36.  InterCapital Quality Municipal Income Trust
37.  Dean Witter Government Income Trust
38.  Municipal Income Trust
39.  Municipal Income Trust II
40.  Municipal Income Trust III
41.  Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
42.  Municipal Income Opportunities Trust II
43.  Municipal Income Opportunities Trust III
44.  Municipal Premium Income Trust
45.  Prime Income Trust
46.  Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
47.  Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
48.  InterCapital California Insured Municipal Income Trust
49.  Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
50.  Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
51.  InterCapital Quality Municipal Securities
 
<PAGE>

52.  InterCapital California Quality Municipal Securities
53.  InterCapital New York Quality Municipal Securities
54.  Dean Witter Retirement Series
55.  Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
56.  Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
57.  Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
58.  InterCapital Insured Municipal Securities
59.  InterCapital Insured California Municipal Securities
60.  Dean Witter High Income Securities
61.  Dean Witter National Municipal Trust
62.  Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
63.  Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund
64.  Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
65.  Dean Witter Global Asset Allocation Fund
66.  Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
67.  Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
68.  Dean Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury Trust
69.  Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
70.  Dean Witter Japan Fund
71.  Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
72.  Dean Witter Information Fund
73.  Dean Witter Fund of Funds
74.  Dean Witter Special Value Fund
75.  Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
76.  Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
77.  Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
78.  Dean Witter Managers' Select Fund
79.  Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
80.  Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
81.  Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
82.  Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
83.  Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
84.  Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
85.  Dean Witter Global Short-Term Income Fund Inc.
86.  InterCapital Income Securities Inc.


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