WITTER DEAN EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC
485BPOS, 1996-12-23
Previous: UNIROYAL CHEMICAL CORP /DE/, 8-K/A, 1996-12-23
Next: NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 570, 485BPOS, 1996-12-23



<PAGE>
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 23, 1996
    
 
                                                            FILE NOS.:  33-35530
                                                                        811-6044
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ----------------
 
                                   FORM N-1A
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                     /X/
 
   
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7                       /X/
    
                                     AND/OR
              REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
                                  ACT OF 1940                                /X/
   
                               AMENDMENT NO. 8                               /X/
    
                               ------------------
 
                     DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
 
                            (A MARYLAND CORPORATION)
               (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
 
                              SHELDON CURTIS, 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 this Post-Effective Amendment becomes effective.
 
 IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX)
        ___ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
   
        _X_ on December 26, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b)
    
        ___ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
        ___ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485.
 
   
    THE  REGISTRANT HAS REGISTERED AN INDEFINITE  NUMBER OF ITS SHARES UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT  OF 1933  PURSUANT TO  SECTION  (A)(1) OF  RULE 24F-2  UNDER  THE
INVESTMENT  COMPANY ACT OF 1940.  PURSUANT TO SECTION (B)(2)  OF RULE 24F-2, THE
REGISTRANT FILED A RULE 24F-2 NOTICE FOR ITS FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996,
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 19, 1996.
    
 
           AMENDING THE PROSPECTUS AND UPDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                     DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
 
                                   FORM N-1A
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     ITEM                                                        CAPTION
- -----------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
PART A                                                                         PROSPECTUS
 1.  ..........................................  Cover Page
 2.  ..........................................  Prospectus Summary
 3.  ..........................................  Financial Highlights
 4.  ..........................................  Investment Objective and Policies; Risk Considerations; The Fund and
                                                  its Management, Cover Page; Investment Restrictions; Prospectus
                                                  Summary; Financial Highlights
 5.  ..........................................  The Fund and Its Management; Back Cover; Investment Objective and
                                                  Policies
 6.  ..........................................  Dividends, Distributions and Taxes; Additional Information
 7.  ..........................................  Purchase of Fund Shares; Shareholder Services; Prospectus Summary
 8.  ..........................................  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.  ..........................................  The Fund and Its Management; Directors and Officers
15.  ..........................................  The Fund and Its Management; Directors and Officers
16.  ..........................................  The Fund and Its Management; The Distributor; Shareholder Services;
                                                  Custodian and Transfer Agent; Independent Accountants
17.  ..........................................  Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
18.  ..........................................  Description of Shares of the Fund
19.  ..........................................  The Distributor; Redemptions and Repurchases; Financial Statements;
                                                  Shareholder Services
20.  ..........................................  Dividends, Distributions and Taxes; Financial Statements
21.  ..........................................  Not applicable
22.  ..........................................  Performance Information
23.  ..........................................  Experts; 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
DECEMBER 26, 1996
    
 
              Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc. (the "Fund") is an open-end,
diversified management investment company whose investment objective is to
maximize the capital appreciation of its investments. The Fund seeks to achieve
this objective by investing primarily in securities issued by issuers located in
Europe.
 
               Shares of the Fund are continuously offered at net asset value
without the imposition of a sales charge. However, redemptions and/or
repurchases of shares are subject in most cases to a contingent deferred sales
charge, scaled down from 5% to 1% of the amount redeemed, if made within six
years of purchase, which charge will be paid to the Fund's Distributor, Dean
Witter Distributors Inc. (See "Redemptions and Repurchases--Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge.") In addition, the Fund pays the Distributor a Rule 12b-1
distribution fee pursuant to a Plan of Distribution at the annual rate of 1.0%
of the lesser of the (i) average daily aggregate net sales or (ii) average daily
net assets of the Fund. (See "Purchase of Fund Shares--Plan of Distribution.")
 
   
               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 December 26, 1996, 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/3
Financial Highlights/4
The Fund and its Management/5
Investment Objective and Policies/5
 Risk Considerations/7
Investment Restrictions/15
Purchase of Fund Shares/16
Shareholder Services/18
Redemptions and Repurchases/21
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes/23
Performance Information/24
Additional Information/24
    
 
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 European
     Growth Fund Inc.
     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 an open-end, diversified management investment company investing primarily in securities issued by
Fund                issuers located in Europe.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Offered      Shares of common stock with $0.01 par value (see page 24).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offering Price      At net asset value without sales charge (see page 16). Shares redeemed within six years of purchase are subject
                    to a contingent deferred sales charge under most circumstances (see page 21).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum             Minimum initial investment, $1,000 ($100 if the account is opened through EasyInvest-SM-); minimum subsequent
Purchase            investments, $100 (see page 16).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment          The investment objective of the Fund is to maximize the capital appreciation of its investments (see page 5).
Objective
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment          Dean Witter InterCapital Inc., the Investment Manager of the Fund, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dean Witter
Manager and         Services Company Inc., serve in various investment management, advisory, management and administrative
Sub-Adviser         capacities to 100 investment companies and other portfolios with net assets under management of approximately
                    $91 billion at November 30, 1996. Morgan Grenfell Investment Services Ltd. has been retained by the Investment
                    Manager as Sub-Adviser to provide investment advice and manage the Fund's portfolio. Morgan Grenfell Investment
                    Services Ltd. currently serves as investment adviser for U.S. corporate and public employee benefit plans,
                    investment companies, endowments and foundations with assets of approximately $14.7 billion at September 30,
                    1996 (see page 5).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management          The Investment Manager receives a monthly fee from the Fund at the annual rate of 1.0% of daily net assets on
Fee                 assets not exceeding $500 million; and 0.95% of the daily net assets on assets exceeding $500 million. The
                    Sub-Adviser receives a monthly fee from the Investment Manager equal to 40% of the Investment Manager's monthly
                    fee (see page 5). Although the management fee is higher than that paid by most other investment companies, the
                    fee reflects the specialized nature of the Fund's investment policies.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and       Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net capital gains are paid at least once each year.
Distributions       Dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested in additional shares at net asset value
                    unless the shareholder elects to receive cash (see page 23).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributor         Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"). For its services as Distributor, which include payment of
                    sales commissions to account executives and various other promotional and sales related expenses, the
                    Distributor receives from the Fund a distribution fee accrued daily and payable monthly at the rate of 1% per
                    annum of the lesser of (i) the Fund's average daily aggregate net sales or (ii) the Fund's average daily net
                    assets. This fee compensates the Distributor for services provided in distributing shares of the Fund and for
                    sales related expenses. The Distributor also receives the proceeds of any contingent deferred sales charges (see
                    pages 16 and 21).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption--        At net asset value; redeemable involuntarily if total value of the account is less than $100 or, if the account
Contingent          was opened through EasyInvest, if after twelve months the shareholder has invested less than $1,000 in the
Deferred Sales      account. Although no commission or sales load is imposed upon the purchase of shares, a contingent deferred
Charge              sales charge (scaled down from 5% to 1%) is imposed on any redemption of shares if, after such redemption, the
                    aggregate current value of an account with the Fund is less than the aggregate amount of the investor's purchase
                    payments made during the six years preceding the redemption. However, there is no charge imposed on redemption
                    of shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends or distributions (see pages 18-23).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk                The net asset value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio
Considerations      securities. It should be recognized that the foreign securities and markets in which the Fund invests pose
                    different and greater risks than those customarily associated with domestic securities and their markets.
                    Furthermore, investors should consider other risks associated with a portfolio of international securities,
                    including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (i.e., if a substantial portion of the Fund's assets
                    is denominated in foreign currencies which decrease in value with respect to the U.S. dollar, the value of the
                    investor's shares and the distributions made on those shares will, likewise, decrease in value), foreign
                    securities exchange controls and foreign tax rates, as well as investments in forward currency contracts,
                    options and futures contracts, repurchase agreements, when-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward
                    commitments, when, as and if issued securities and lending of portfolio securities (see pages 7-14). The
                    investor should also note that the Fund intends to invest over 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers
                    located in the United Kingdom.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
  THE ABOVE IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE DETAILED INFORMATION APPEARING
                                   ELSEWHERE
       IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 
                                       2
<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 for  the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1996.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases..............................................  none
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Dividends...................................  none
Deferred Sales Charge
  (as a percentage of the lesser of original purchase price or redemption proceeds)....  5.0%
      A contingent deferred sales charge is imposed at the following declining rates:
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE
PAYMENT MADE                                                                                   PERCENTAGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<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>
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Redemption Fees........................................................................       none
Exchange Fee...........................................................................       none
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fees........................................................................       0.97%
12b-1 Fees*............................................................................       0.91%
Other Expenses.........................................................................       0.25%
Total Fund Operating Expenses..........................................................       2.13%
<FN>
- ------------
*  A PORTION OF  THE 12B-1 FEE  EQUAL TO 0.25%  OF THE FUND'S  AVERAGE DAILY NET
  ASSETS IS  CHARACTERIZED AS  A  SERVICE FEE  WITHIN  THE MEANING  OF  NATIONAL
  ASSOCIATION  OF SECURITIES DEALERS, INC. ("NASD") GUIDELINES (SEE "PURCHASE OF
  FUND SHARES").
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE                                                                   1 year       3 years      5 years     10 years
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,  assuming
 (1)  5% annual  return and  (2) redemption  at the  end of  each time
 period:..............................................................   $      72    $      97    $     134    $     246
You would pay the following expenses on the same investment,  assuming
 no redemption:.......................................................   $      22    $      67    $     114    $     246
</TABLE>
    
 
    THE  ABOVE  EXAMPLE SHOULD  NOT BE  CONSIDERED A  REPRESENTATION OF  PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE.  ACTUAL EXPENSES OF THE  FUND 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,"  "Plan of  Distribution" and  "Redemptions  and
Repurchases."
 
    Long-term  shareholders  of  the Fund  may  pay  more in  sales  charges and
distribution fees than the  economic equivalent of  the maximum front-end  sales
charges permitted by the NASD.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    The  following  data and  ratios for  a share  of capital  stock outstanding
throughout each period have  been audited by  Price Waterhouse LLP,  independent
accountants.  This  data  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 of the
Fund.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   FOR THE
                                                                                                   PERIOD
                                                                                                   MAY 31,
                                                                                                    1990*
                                                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31                THROUGH
                                          -----------------------------------------------------    OCTOBER
                                           1996     1995     1994     1993      1992      1991    31, 1990
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
 
<S>                                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period....  $ 14.44  $13.49   $11.86   $  8.57   $  9.22   $ 9.23   $10.00
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
Net investment income (loss)............     0.02    0.02     0.02     (0.01)     0.01     0.05    0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain
 (loss).................................     3.03    2.00     1.84      3.30     (0.23)    0.07   (0.82)
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
Total from investment operations........     3.05    2.02     1.86      3.29     (0.22)    0.12   (0.77)
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
Less dividends and distributions from:
  Net investment income.................    --       --       --       --        (0.03)   (0.07)   --
  Net realized gain.....................    (0.73)  (1.07)   (0.23)    --        (0.40)   (0.06)   --
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
Total dividends and distributions.......    (0.73)  (1.07)   (0.23)    --        (0.43)   (0.13)   --
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
Net asset value, end of period..........  $ 16.76  $14.44   $13.49   $ 11.86   $  8.57   $ 9.22   $9.23
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
                                          -------  ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ---------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+................    22.27%  16.83%   15.61%    38.74%    (2.39)%   1.33%  (7.70)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses................................     2.13%   2.23%    2.27%     2.38%     2.40%    2.44%   2.45%(2)
Net investment income (loss)............     0.14%   0.13%    0.21%    (0.09)%    0.11%    0.51%   1.52%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in
 millions...............................   $1,228    $868     $759      $459      $297     $316    $304
Portfolio turnover rate.................       49%     61%      72%      120%      116%     111%     36%(1)
Average commission rate paid............  $0.0448    --       --       --        --        --      --
<FN>
- ---------------
 *  COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
 +  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>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
THE FUND AND ITS MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Dean  Witter  European  Growth  Fund  Inc.  (the  "Fund")  is  an  open-end,
diversified  management investment company incorporated in the state of Maryland
on February 13, 1990.
 
    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 Dean Witter,  Discover & Co. ("DWDC"),  a
balanced  financial services organization providing  a broad range of nationally
marketed credit and investment products.
 
   
    InterCapital and its wholly-owned  subsidiary, Dean Witter Services  Company
Inc.,   serve  in  various  investment   management,  advisory,  management  and
administrative capacities to 100 investment companies (the "Dean Witter Funds"),
thirty of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with combined  assets
of approximately $87.9 billion at November 30, 1996. The Investment Manager also
manages  and  advises  portfolios  of  pension  plans,  other  institutions  and
individuals which aggregated approximately $3.1 billion at such date.
    
 
    The Fund  has  retained the  Investment  Manager to  provide  administrative
services, manage its business affairs and supervise the investment of the Fund's
assets.  InterCapital has retained Dean Witter  Services Company Inc. to perform
the aforementioned administrative services for the Fund.
 
    Under a Sub-Advisory Agreement  between Morgan Grenfell Investment  Services
Limited (the "Sub-Adviser") and the Investment Manager, the Sub-Adviser provides
the  Fund with investment advice and portfolio management relating to the Fund's
investments in  securities issued  by issuers  located in  Europe and  in  other
countries located elsewhere around the world, subject to the overall supervision
of  the Investment  Manager. The  Fund's Directors  review the  various services
provided by the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser 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.
 
   
    The Sub-Adviser, whose address is 20 Finsbury Circus, London, England, as of
September 30,  1996, manages  assets  of approximately  $14.7 billion  for  U.S.
corporate  and public  employee benefit plans,  investment companies, endowments
and foundations. The Sub-Adviser is an indirect subsidiary of Deutsche Bank  AG,
the largest commercial bank in Germany.
    
 
    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 1.0% of the portion of the Fund's daily net assets not  exceeding
$500  million;  and 0.95%  of the  portion  of daily  net assets  exceeding $500
million. As compensation for its services provided pursuant to the  Sub-Advisory
Agreement,  the  Investment Manager  pays  the Sub-Adviser  monthly compensation
equal to 40% of its monthly compensation.
 
   
    For the  fiscal  year  ended  October  31,  1996,  the  Fund  accrued  total
compensation  to the Investment Manager amounting to 0.97% of the Fund's average
daily net assets (of which 40% was accrued to the Sub-Adviser by the  Investment
Manager)  and the Fund's total expenses amounted  to 2.13% of the Fund's average
daily net assets.
    
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The investment objective of the Fund is to maximize the capital appreciation
of its investments.
   
There is no  assurance that the  objective will be  achieved. This objective  is
fundamental and may
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
not  be  changed without  shareholder approval.  The  following policies  may be
changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval.
    
 
    The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65%
of its total assets in securities issued by issuers located in countries located
in Europe. Such issuers will include companies (i) which are organized under the
laws of a European country and have a principal office in a European country, or
(ii) which derive 50% or more of  their total revenues from business in  Europe,
or  (iii)  the equity  securities of  which  are traded  principally on  a stock
exchange in Europe.
 
    The principal countries in  which such issuers will  be located are  France;
the  United Kingdom;  Germany; the  Netherlands; Spain;  Sweden; Switzerland and
Italy. The Fund currently intends to invest more than 25% of its total assets in
the United Kingdom.  As such,  the investment performance  of the  Fund will  be
subject to social, political and economic events occurring in the United Kingdom
to a greater extent than those occurring in other European countries.
 
    The  securities  invested in  will  primarily consist  of  equity securities
issued by companies  based in European  countries, but may  also include  fixed-
income  securities issued or guaranteed  by European governments (including zero
coupon treasury  securities),  when  it  is deemed  that  such  investments  are
consistent with the Fund's investment objective. For example, there may be times
when  the Sub-Adviser  determines that the  prices of  government securities are
more likely to  appreciate than  those of  equity securities.  Such an  occasion
might  arise when inflation  concerns have led to  general increases in interest
rates. Such fixed-income  securities which  will be  purchased by  the Fund  are
likely to be obligations of the treasuries of one of the major European nations.
In  addition, the Fund  may invest in fixed-income  securities which are, either
alone or in combination with a warrant, option or other right, convertible  into
the  common  stock of  a European  issuer,  when the  Investment Manager  or the
Sub-Adviser determines that  such securities  are more likely  to appreciate  in
value  than the common stock  of such issuers or  when the Investment Manager or
Sub-Adviser wishes to  hedge the  risk inherent in  the direct  purchase of  the
equity of a given issuer. The Fund will select convertible securities of issuers
whose common stock has, in the opinion of the Investment Manager or Sub-Adviser,
a  superior  investment  potential.  The  Fund  may  also  purchase  equity  and
fixed-income securities which are issued  in private placements and warrants  or
other securities conveying the right to purchase common stock.
 
    The  remainder of the Fund's portfolio equalling, at times, up to 35% of the
Fund's total assets, may be invested in equity and/or government and convertible
securities issued by issuers located anywhere in the world, including the United
States, subject to the Fund's investment objective. In addition, this portion of
the Fund's portfolio will consist of various other financial instruments such as
forward foreign exchange contracts, futures contracts and options (see below).
 
    It is anticipated that the securities held by the Fund in its portfolio will
be denominated,  principally, in  liquid  European currencies.  Such  currencies
include  the  German mark,  French franc,  British  pound, Dutch  guilder, Swiss
franc, Swedish krona, Italian  lira, and Spanish peseta.  In addition, the  Fund
may  hold  securities  denominated in  the  European Currency  Unit  (a weighted
composite of the currencies of member  states of the European Monetary  System).
Securities  of issuers within a given country may be denominated in the currency
of a different country.
 
    The Fund may also  invest in securities  of foreign issuers  in the form  of
American  Depository  Receipts (ADRs),  European  Depository Receipts  (EDRs) or
other similar securities convertible into  securities of foreign issuers.  These
securities  may  not necessarily  be  denominated in  the  same currency  as the
securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically  issued
by a United States bank or trust company evidencing
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
ownership  of the underlying securities. EDRs are European receipts evidencing a
similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs, in  registered form, are designed for  use
in  the United States securities markets and  EDRs, in bearer form, are designed
for use in European securities markets.
 
    There may be  periods during  which 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 net
assets  are  invested  in   cash  or  money   market  instruments.  Under   such
circumstances,  the money  market instruments in  which the Fund  may invest are
securities  issued  or  guaranteed  by   the  U.S.  Government;  American   bank
obligations; Eurodollar certificates of deposit; obligations of American savings
institutions;  fully insured  certificates of  deposit; and  commercial paper of
American issuers rated within the  two highest grades by  Moody's or S&P or,  if
not  rated, issued by a company having  an outstanding debt issue rated at least
AA by S&P or Aa by Moody's.
 
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
 
    FOREIGN SECURITIES.    Investors  should carefully  consider  the  risks  of
investing  in  securities  of  foreign  issuers  and  securities  denominated in
non-U.S. currencies. Fluctuations in the relative rates of exchange between  the
currencies of different nations will affect the value of the Fund's investments.
Changes  in foreign  currency exchange  rates relative  to the  U.S. dollar will
affect the U.S. dollar value of  the Fund's assets denominated in that  currency
and thereby impact upon the Fund's total return on such assets.
 
    Foreign  currency  exchange rates  are determined  by  forces of  supply and
demand on the foreign exchange markets. These forces are themselves affected  by
the   international  balance  of  payments  and  other  economic  and  financial
conditions, government intervention,  speculation and  other factors.  Moreover,
foreign currency exchange rates may be affected by the regulatory control of the
exchanges  on which the  currencies trade. The  foreign currency transactions of
the Fund will  be conducted  on a  spot basis  or through  forward contracts  or
futures  contracts (see below).  The Fund may incur  certain costs in connection
with these currency transactions.
 
   
    Investments in  foreign  securities will  also  occasion risks  relating  to
political  and  economic  developments  abroad,  including  the  possibility  of
expropriations or confiscatory taxation, limitations  on the use or transfer  of
Fund   assets  and  any  effects  of   foreign  social,  economic  or  political
instability. Political and economic developments  in Europe, especially as  they
relate  to changes in the  structure of the European  Economic Community and the
further development of a unified common  market, may have profound effects  upon
the  value of a large segment of the Fund's portfolio. Continued progress in the
evolution of, for  example, a  united European common  market may  be slowed  by
unanticipated  political or social  events and may,  therefore, adversely affect
the value of  certain of the  securities held in  the Fund's portfolio.  Foreign
companies  are not subject to the regulatory requirements of U.S. companies and,
as such, there may be less publicly available information about such  companies.
Moreover,  foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to
U.S. companies.
    
 
    Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid than comparable  securities
of  U.S.  issuers  and, as  such,  their  price changes  may  be  more volatile.
Furthermore, foreign exchanges and broker-dealers are generally subject to  less
government   and   exchange  scrutiny   and   regulation  than   their  American
counterparts. Brokerage commissions,  dealer concessions  and other  transaction
costs may be higher on foreign markets than in the U.S. In addition, differences
in clearance and settlement procedures on foreign markets may occasion delays in
settlements  of Fund  trades effected in  such markets. Inability  to dispose of
portfolio securities due to settlement delays could result in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of such
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
securities and the inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due
to settlement problems could result in a failure of the Fund to make potentially
advantageous investments.
                                  ------------
    To hedge  against adverse  price movements  in the  securities held  in  its
portfolio  and the currencies in  which they are denominated  (as well as in the
securities it might wish to purchase and their denominated currencies) the  Fund
may  engage in  transactions in forward  foreign currency  contracts, options on
securities  and  currencies,  and  futures  contracts  and  options  on  futures
contracts  on securities,  currencies and  indexes. The  Fund may  also purchase
options  on  securities  to  facilitate  its  participation  in  the   potential
appreciation  of the value  of the underlying securities.  A discussion of these
transactions follows and is supplemented by further disclosure in the  Statement
of Additional Information.
 
    FORWARD  FOREIGN  CURRENCY EXCHANGE  CONTRACTS.  A forward  foreign currency
exchange contract ("forward  contract") involves  an obligation  to purchase  or
sell a currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the
date  of the contract agreed upon by the parties,  at a price set at the time of
the contract.  The Fund  may enter  into forward  contracts as  a hedge  against
fluctuations in future foreign exchange rates.
 
    The Fund will enter into forward contracts under various circumstances. When
the  Fund  enters  into  a contract  for  the  purchase or  sale  of  a security
denominated in a foreign currency, it may, for example, desire to "lock in"  the
price  of the security in U.S. dollars  or some other foreign currency which the
Fund is  temporarily  holding in  its  portfolio.  By entering  into  a  forward
contract  for  the purchase  or sale,  for a  fixed amount  of dollars  or other
currency, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying  security
transactions,  the Fund will be  able to protect itself  against a possible loss
resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar  or
other  currency which is  being used for  the security purchase  and the foreign
currency in which the security is denominated during the period between the date
on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made
or received.
 
    At other times, when,  for example, it  is believed that  the currency of  a
particular  foreign country  may suffer a  substantial decline  against the U.S.
dollar or  some  other foreign  currency,  the Fund  may  enter into  a  forward
contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars or other currency, the amount of
foreign  currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities (or  securities  which the  Fund  has purchased  for  its  portfolio)
denominated  in such foreign  currency. Under identical  circumstances, the Fund
may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or
other currency, an amount of foreign  currency other than the currency in  which
the  securities to be hedged are denominated  approximating the value of some or
all of the  portfolio securities to  be hedged. This  method of hedging,  called
"cross-hedging,"  will  be  selected  when it  is  determined  that  the foreign
currency in  which the  portfolio securities  are denominated  has  insufficient
liquidity  or  is trading  at a  discount  as compared  with some  other foreign
currency with which it tends to move in tandem.
 
    In addition, when the Fund anticipates purchasing securities at some time in
the future, and wishes to lock in  the current exchange rate of the currency  in
which  those securities  are denominated against  the U.S. dollar  or some other
foreign currency, it may enter into a forward contract to purchase an amount  of
currency  equal to some or  all of the value of  the anticipated purchase, for a
fixed amount of U.S. dollars or other currency. The Fund may, however, close out
the forward contract without  purchasing the security which  was the subject  of
the "anticipatory" hedge.
 
    Lastly,  the Fund is permitted to  enter into forward contracts with respect
to currencies in which certain of  its portfolio securities are denominated  and
on which options have been written (see "Options and Futures Transactions").
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    In  all of  the above  circumstances, if  the currency  in which  the Fund's
portfolio securities (or anticipated portfolio securities) are denominated rises
in value with respect to the currency  which is being purchased (or sold),  then
the  Fund will have realized fewer gains than  had the Fund not entered into the
forward contracts.  Moreover,  the  precise matching  of  the  forward  contract
amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible,
since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a
consequence  of market  movements in the  value of those  securities between the
date the forward contract is entered into  and the date it matures. The Fund  is
not  required  to  enter  into  such transactions  with  regard  to  its foreign
currency-denominated securities and will not do so unless deemed appropriate  by
the Investment Manager and/or Sub-Adviser.
 
    The  Fund generally will  not enter into  a forward contract  with a term of
greater than one year, although it may enter into forward contracts for  periods
of  up to five  years. To the extent  that the Fund  enters into forward foreign
currency contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of portfolio holdings
denominated  in   a  particular   foreign  currency   resulting  from   currency
fluctuations,  there is a risk that the  Fund may nevertheless realize a gain or
loss as a result of currency fluctuations after such portfolio holdings are sold
if the Fund  is unable to  enter into an  "offsetting" forward foreign  currency
contract  with the same party  or another party. The Fund  may be limited in its
ability to enter into  hedging transactions involving  forward contracts by  the
Internal   Revenue  Code   of  1986   (the  "Code")   requirements  relating  to
qualifications as a regulated investment company (see "Dividends,  Distributions
and Taxes").
 
   
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
    
 
    Call  and put options  on U.S. Treasury  notes, bonds and  bills, on various
foreign currencies  and on  equity securities  are listed  on several  U.S.  and
foreign  securities exchanges  and are written  in over-the-counter transactions
("OTC Options"). Listed  options are  issued or  guaranteed by  the exchange  on
which  they trade  or by  a clearing  corporation such  as the  Options Clearing
Corporation ("OCC"). Ownership of a listed call option gives the Fund the  right
to buy from the OCC (in the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, the
underlying  security or  currency covered by  the option at  the stated exercise
price (the price per unit of the  underlying security or currency) by filing  an
exercise  notice prior to the expiration date of the option. The writer (seller)
of the option would then have the obligation  to sell, to the OCC (in the  U.S.)
or  other clearing corporation or exchange,  the underlying security or currency
at that exercise price prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of
its then current market price. Ownership of  a listed put option would give  the
Fund  the right to sell  the underlying security or currency  to the OCC (in the
U.S.) or other clearing  corporation or exchange at  the stated exercise  price.
Upon  notice of exercise of the put option,  the writer of the option would have
the obligation to purchase the underlying security or currency from the OCC  (in
the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange at the exercise price.
 
    OTC OPTIONS.  Exchange-listed options are issued by the OCC (in the U.S.) or
other  clearing corporation or  exchange which assures  that all transactions in
such options  are properly  executed. OTC  options are  purchased from  or  sold
(written)  to dealers or  financial institutions which  have entered into direct
agreements with the Fund. With OTC  options, such variables as expiration  date,
exercise  price  and  premium will  be  agreed  upon between  the  Fund  and the
transacting dealer, without the intermediation of a third party such as the OCC.
If the transacting dealer fails  to make or take  delivery of the securities  or
amount  of foreign currency  underlying an option it  has written, in accordance
with the terms  of that option,  the Fund would  lose the premium  paid for  the
option  as well  as any  anticipated benefit of  the transaction.  The Fund will
engage in OTC option transactions only with member banks of the Federal  Reserve
System  or primary dealers  in U.S. Government securities  or with affiliates of
such banks or dealers which have capital of at least
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
$50 million or whose obligations are  guaranteed by an entity having capital  of
at least $50 million.
 
    COVERED  CALL WRITING.  The Fund is  permitted to write covered call options
on portfolio securities which are denominated in either U.S. dollars or  foreign
currencies  and on  the U.S.  dollar and  foreign currencies,  without limit, in
order to hedge against the decline in the value of a security or currency and to
close out long call option positions.  Generally, a call option is "covered"  if
the Fund owns the security or the currency underlying the option it has written,
holds  a call option on the same  underlying security or currency with a similar
exercise price or  maintains a sufficient  amount of cash,  cash equivalents  or
liquid  securities to  purchase the underlying  security or to  exchange for the
underlying currency. As a writer of a call option, the Fund has the  obligation,
upon  notice of  exercise of the  option, to  deliver the security  or amount of
currency underlying the option (certain listed  and OTC call options written  by
the Fund will be exercisable by the purchaser only on a specific date).
 
    The  Fund  will receive  from the  purchaser, in  return for  a call  it has
written, a "premium"; i.e., the price  of the option. The premium received  will
offset  a portion of the  potential loss incurred by  the Fund if the securities
underlying the option are ultimately sold by the Fund at a loss. Furthermore,  a
premium  received on a  call written on  a foreign currency  will ameliorate any
potential loss of value on the portfolio security due to a decline in the  value
of the currency. However, during the option period, the covered call writer has,
in  return for the premium  on the option, given  up the opportunity for capital
appreciation above the exercise price should the market price of the  underlying
security  (or the  exchange rate  of the  currency in  which it  is denominated)
increase, but has retained the risk of  loss should the price of the  underlying
security  (or the  exchange rate  of the  currency in  which it  is denominated)
decline. The size of premiums will fluctuate with varying market conditions.
 
    PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS.  The Fund may purchase listed and OTC  call
and  put options in amounts equalling up to 5% of its total assets. The Fund may
purchase call options to close out a covered call position or to protect against
an increase in the price of a security it anticipates purchasing or, in the case
of call options on a foreign currency, to hedge against an adverse exchange rate
change of  the currency  in  which the  security  it anticipates  purchasing  is
denominated  vis-a-vis the currency in which  the exercise price is denominated.
The Fund may purchase put options on securities which it holds in its  portfolio
only  to protect itself against  a decline in the value  of the security. If the
value of the underlying security  were to fall below  the exercise price of  the
put  purchased in an  amount greater than  the premium paid  for the option, the
Fund would  incur no  additional  loss. Similarly,  the  Fund may  purchase  put
options on currencies in which securities which it holds are denominated only to
protect  itself  against  a decline  in  value  of such  currency  vis-a-vis the
currency in  which  the exercise  price  is denominated.  If  the value  of  the
currency  underlying the option were to fall below the exercise price of the put
purchased in an amount greater  than the premium paid  for the option, the  Fund
would  incur no additional loss. There are no other limits on the Fund's ability
to purchase call and put options.
 
    FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The  Fund may purchase and  sell futures contracts  that
are  currently  traded, or  may in  the future  be traded,  on U.S.  and foreign
commodity exchanges on common stocks, such underlying fixed-income securities as
U.S. Treasury bonds, notes, and bills and/or any foreign government fixed-income
security ("interest rate" futures),  on various currencies ("currency"  futures)
and on such indexes of U.S. or foreign equity and fixed-income securities as may
exist  or  come into  being, such  as the  Standard  & Poor's  500 Index  or the
Financial Times Equity Index ("index" futures). As a futures contract purchaser,
the Fund incurs  an obligation to  take delivery  of a specified  amount of  the
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
obligation  underlying the  contract at  a specified  time in  the future  for a
specified price.  As  a  seller  of  a futures  contract,  the  Fund  incurs  an
obligation  to deliver  the specified amount  of the underlying  obligation at a
specified time in return for an agreed upon price.
 
    The Fund  will purchase  or sell  interest rate  futures contracts  for  the
purpose  of hedging  some or all  of the  value of its  portfolio securities (or
anticipated portfolio securities) against changes in prevailing interest  rates.
If  it is anticipated that interest rates may rise and, concomitantly, the price
of certain of its portfolio securities fall, the Fund may sell an interest  rate
futures  contract. If  declining interest  rates are  anticipated, the  Fund may
purchase an  interest  rate futures  contract  to protect  against  a  potential
increase  in the price of securities the Fund intends to purchase. Subsequently,
appropriate securities may be  purchased by the Fund  in an orderly fashion;  as
securities are purchased, corresponding futures positions would be terminated by
offsetting sales of contracts.
 
    The  Fund will purchase or  sell index futures contracts  for the purpose of
hedging some or all of its portfolio (or anticipated portfolio) against  changes
in  their prices. If it is anticipated that the prices of securities held by the
Fund may fall, the Fund may sell  an index futures contract. Conversely, if  the
Fund  wishes to hedge against anticipated  price rises in those securities which
the Fund intends to purchase, the Fund may purchase an index futures contract.
 
    The Fund will purchase or sell  currency futures on currencies in which  its
portfolio  securities (or anticipated portfolio  securities) are denominated for
the purposes of hedging against anticipated changes in currency exchange  rates.
The  Fund will enter into currency futures contracts for the same reasons as set
forth above for  entering into  forward foreign currency  contracts; namely,  to
"lock-in"  the  value  of a  security  purchased  or sold  in  a  given currency
vis-a-vis a different currency or to hedge against an adverse currency  exchange
rate  movement of a  portfolio security's (or  anticipated portfolio security's)
denominated currency vis-a-vis a different currency.
 
    In addition to the above, interest rate, index and currency futures will  be
bought  or sold in order to close out a short or long position maintained by the
Fund in a corresponding futures contract.
 
    OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The Fund may purchase and write call and  put
options  on futures  contracts which  are traded on  an exchange  and enter into
closing transactions  with respect  to  such options  to terminate  an  existing
position.  An option  on a  futures contract gives  the purchaser  the right (in
return for the premium paid) to assume a position in a futures contract (a  long
position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at
a  specified exercise  price at  any time  during the  term of  the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the  delivery of the futures  position by the writer  of
the  option  to the  holder  of the  option is  accompanied  by delivery  of the
accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account, which represents the
amount by which the market price of the futures contract at the time of exercise
exceeds, in the  case of a  call, or is  less than, in  the case of  a put,  the
exercise price of the option on the futures contract.
 
   
    The  Fund will purchase and write options on futures contracts for identical
purposes to  those  set forth  above  for the  purchase  of a  futures  contract
(purchase  of a call option)  and the sale of a  futures contract (purchase of a
put option or sale of a call option),  or to close out a long or short  position
in  futures contracts.  If, for example,  the Investment  Manager or Sub-Adviser
wished to  protect against  an  increase in  interest  rates and  the  resulting
negative  impact on  the value  of a portion  of its  fixed-income portfolio, it
might write a call option on  an interest rate futures contract, the  underlying
security  of which correlates  with the portion of  the portfolio the Investment
Manager or Sub-Adviser seeks to hedge.  Any premiums received in the writing  of
options on futures contracts may, of course, provide
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
a  further hedge against losses resulting from price declines in portions of the
Fund's portfolio.
 
    LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS  ON FUTURES.  The Fund may  not
enter into futures contracts or purchase related options thereon if, immediately
thereafter, the amount committed to margin plus the amount paid for premiums for
unexpired  options on futures  contracts exceeds 5%  of the value  of the Fund's
total assets, after taking into  account unrealized gains and unrealized  losses
on such contracts it has entered into, provided, however, that in the case of an
option that is in-the-money (the exercise price of the call (put) option is less
(more)  than  the  market price  of  the  underlying security)  at  the  time of
purchase, the  in-the-money  amount  may  be excluded  in  calculating  the  5%.
However,  there is no overall limitation on  the percentage of the Fund's assets
which may be subject to a hedge  position. Except as described above, there  are
no other limitations on the use of futures and options thereon by the Fund.
 
    RISKS  OF  OPTIONS AND  FUTURES  TRANSACTIONS. The  Fund  may close  out its
position as writer of an option, or as a buyer or seller of a futures  contract,
only  if a liquid  secondary market exists  for options or  futures contracts of
that series. There is no assurance  that such a market will exist,  particularly
in the case of OTC options, as such options will generally only be closed out by
entering into a closing purchase transaction with the purchasing dealer.
 
    Exchanges  may limit the amount by which the price of many futures contracts
may move on  any day. If  the price moves  equal the daily  limit on  successive
days,  then it may  prove impossible to  liquidate a futures  position until the
daily limit moves have ceased.
 
    The extent to which the Fund  may enter into transactions involving  options
and   futures  contracts  may   be  limited  by   the  Code's  requirements  for
qualification as  a regulated  investment company  and the  Fund's intention  to
qualify as such. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
 
    While the futures contracts and options transactions to be engaged in by the
Fund  for  the  purpose  of  hedging the  Fund's  portfolio  securities  are not
speculative in nature, there are risks inherent in the use of such  instruments.
One  such  risk  is  that  the  Fund's  management  could  be  incorrect  in its
expectations as to  the direction or  extent of various  interest rate or  price
movements  or the time span within which  the movements take place. For example,
if the Fund sold futures contracts for the sale of securities in anticipation of
an increase  in interest  rates,  and then  interest  rates went  down  instead,
causing bond prices to rise, the Fund would lose money on the sale.
 
    Another  risk  which may  arise in  employing  futures contracts  to protect
against the  price volatility  of portfolio  securities is  that the  prices  of
securities, currencies and indexes subject to futures contracts (and thereby the
futures contract prices) may correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the U.S.
dollar  cash prices  of the  Fund's portfolio  securities and  their denominated
currencies. Another such risk is that prices of interest rate futures  contracts
may  not move in  tandem with the  changes in prevailing  interest rates against
which the Fund seeks a  hedge. A correlation may also  be distorted by the  fact
that  the futures  market is dominated  by short-term traders  seeking to profit
from the difference  between a contract  or security price  objective and  their
cost  of borrowed funds. Such distortions are generally minor and would diminish
as the contract approached maturity.
 
    The Fund,  by entering  into  transactions in  foreign futures  and  options
markets,  will  also incur  risks  similar to  those  discussed above  under the
section entitled "Foreign Securities."
 
    Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of  call
or  put options on  futures contracts involves  less potential risk  to the Fund
because the maximum amount  at risk is  the premium paid  for the options  (plus
transaction  costs). However,  there may be  circumstances when a  purchase of a
call or put option on a futures
con-
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
tract would result in a loss to the Fund when the purchase or sale of a  futures
contract  would not result in a  loss, such as when there  is no movement in the
prices of the underlying securities.  The writing of a put  or call option on  a
futures  contract involves  risks similar to  those relating  to transactions in
futures contracts, as are described above.
 
   
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES
    
 
    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  to
minimize  such risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions
only with large,  well-capitalized and  well-established financial  institutions
and maintaining adequate collateralization.
 
    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.
 
    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
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
purchase  of securities  on a "when,  as and  if issued" basis  may increase the
volatility of its net asset value.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
 
    The Fund's portfolio is actively managed  by its Investment Manager and  the
Sub-Adviser  with  a  view  to achieving  the  Fund's  investment  objective. In
determining which securities  to purchase  for the Fund  or hold  in the  Fund's
portfolio,  the Investment Manager and the  Sub-Adviser will rely on information
from various sources, including research, analysis and appraisals of brokers and
dealers, the  views of  Directors  of the  Fund  and others  regarding  economic
developments  and  interest  rate  trends,  and  the  Investment  Manager's  and
Sub-Adviser's own analysis  of factors  they deem relevant.  The Fund's  primary
portfolio  manager  is Jeremy  G. Lodwick,  a Director  of the  Sub-Adviser. Mr.
Lodwick has been the  Fund's primary portfolio manager  since April 1, 1994  and
has  been managing portfolios consisting of equity securities issued by European
issuers for the Sub-Adviser since January, 1992; prior thereto, he was  employed
by the Sub-Adviser in another capacity.
 
    Personnel  of  the  Investment  Manager  and  Sub-Adviser  have  substantial
experience in the  use of the  investment techniques described  above under  the
heading  "Options  and Futures  Transactions,"  which techniques  require skills
different from  those  needed  to select  the  portfolio  securities  underlying
various options and futures contracts.
 
    Orders  for  transactions in  portfolio  securities and  commodities  may be
placed for  the  Fund with  a  number of  brokers  and dealers,  including  DWR.
Pursuant  to an order  of the Securities  and Exchange Commission,  the Fund may
effect principal  transactions in  certain money  market instruments  with  Dean
Witter  Reynolds  Inc.  ("DWR").  In  addition,  the  Fund  may  incur brokerage
commissions on transactions conducted through DWR.
 
    The portfolio trading  engaged in by  the Fund may  result in its  portfolio
turnover  rate exceeding 100%. The Fund is  expected to incur higher than normal
brokerage commission costs due to its portfolio turnover rate. Short-term  gains
and  losses  taxable at  ordinary income  rates may  result from  such portfolio
transactions. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" for a full discussion  of
the  tax implications of the Fund's  trading policy. A more extensive discussion
of the Fund's  portfolio brokerage  policies is set  forth in  the Statement  of
Additional Information.
 
    The  expenses of the Fund relating to its portfolio management are likely to
be greater than those incurred by other investment companies investing primarily
in  securities  issued  by  domestic  issuers  as  custodial  costs,   brokerage
commissions  and  other  transaction  charges related  to  investing  in foreign
markets are generally higher than in the United States.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
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. As to 75%  of its total assets,  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. As to 75% of its total  assets, purchase more than 10% of all  outstanding
voting securities or any class of securities of any one issuer.
 
   3.  Invest 25%  or more  of the value  of its  total assets  in securities of
issuers in any one industry.
 
   4. 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.
 
   5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts except that the Fund
may  purchase or write interest rate, currency  and stock and bond index futures
contracts and related options thereon.
 
   6. Pledge its assets  or assign or otherwise  encumber them except to  secure
permitted   borrowings.  (For  the  purpose   of  this  restriction,  collateral
arrangements with respect to the writing of options and collateral  arrangements
with  respect to initial  or variation margin  for futures are  not deemed to be
pledges of assets.)
 
   7. Purchase securities on margin (but the Fund may obtain short-term loans as
are necessary for the clearance of transactions). The deposit or payment by  the
Fund  of initial  or variation  margin in  connection with  futures contracts or
related options thereon is not considered the purchase of a security on margin.
 
   8. 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.  In
addition,  no more than  15% of the Fund's  net assets will  be invested in such
illiquid securites and foreign securities not traded on a recognized domestic or
foreign exchange.
 
    Generally, OTC  options and  the  assets used  as  "cover" for  written  OTC
options  are illiquid  securities. However, the  Fund is permitted  to treat the
securities it  uses as  cover for  written  OTC options  as liquid  provided  it
follows  a procedure whereby it will sell  OTC options only to qualified dealers
who agree that the  Fund may repurchase  such options at a  maximum price to  be
calculated  pursuant  to  a  predetermined  formula  set  forth  in  the  option
agreement. The formula may  vary from agreement to  agreement, but is  generally
based  on a multiple of the premium received  by the Fund for writing the option
plus the amount,  if any,  of the  option's intrinsic  value. An  OTC option  is
considered  an illiquid  asset only  to the  extent that  the maximum repurchase
price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Fund offers 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  which  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 minimum initial purchase is $1,000. Subsequent purchases of $100 or more
may be made  by sending a  check, payable  to Dean Witter  European Growth  Fund
Inc.,  directly to Dean Witter Trust Company  (the "Transfer Agent") at P.O. Box
1040, Jersey City, N.J. 07303  or by contacting an  account executive of DWR  or
other  Selected  Broker-Dealer. The  minimum initial  purchase,  in the  case of
investments through  EasyInvest, 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.
In  the  case  of investments  pursuant  to Systematic  Payroll  Deduction Plans
(including Individual Retirement Plans), the Fund, in its discretion, may accept
investments without  regard to  any  minimum amounts  which would  otherwise  be
required,  if the  Fund 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. Since DWR  and
other  Selected Broker-Dealers forward investors'  funds on settlement date they
will benefit  from the  temporary use  of the  funds if  payment is  made  prior
thereto.  As noted above, orders placed directly with the Transfer Agent must be
accompanied by payment. Investors will  be entitled to receive income  dividends
and  capital  gain distributions  if their  order  is received  by the  close of
business  on  the  day  prior  to  the  record  date  for  such  dividends   and
distributions.  The offering price  will be the  net asset value  per share next
determined following receipt of an order (see "Determination of Net Asset Value"
below). While no sales  charge is imposed  at the time  shares are purchased,  a
contingent  deferred sales charge may be imposed  at the time of redemption (see
"Redemptions and  Repurchases"). Sales  personnel  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.
    
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Act (the "Plan"),  under which the  Fund pays  the Distributor a  fee, which  is
accrued daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 1% of the lesser of: (a)
the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Fund's 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
shares  redeemed since  the Fund's  inception upon  which a  contingent deferred
sales charge has been  imposed or waived;  or (b) the  Fund's average daily  net
assets. This fee is treated by the Fund as an expense in the year it is accrued.
A  portion of the fee payable pursuant to  the Plan equal to 0.25% of the Fund's
average daily net assets, is characterized  as a service fee within the  meaning
of NASD guidelines. The service fee is
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
a  payment  made  for personal  service  and/or the  maintenance  of shareholder
accounts.
 
    Amounts paid under the Plan are 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, including the payment of commissions for
sales of the  Fund's shares and  incentive compensation to  and expenses of  DWR
account executives and others 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 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 distribution expenses incurred.
 
   
    For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996, the Fund accrued payments  under
the  Plan amounting to $9,213,394, which amount  is equal to 0.91% of the Fund's
average daily net  assets for the  fiscal year. The  payments accrued under  the
Plan  were calculated pursuant  to clause (a) of  the compensation formula under
the Plan.
    
 
   
    At  any  given  time,  the   Distributor  may  have  incurred  expenses   in
distributing  shares of the Fund which may be  in excess of 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 the  redemption of
shares (see "Redemptions and  Repurchases-- Contingent Deferred Sales  Charge").
For  example, if the Distributor incurred $1 million in expenses in distributing
shares of the Fund and $750,000 had been received by the Distributor 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 $25,872,741 at October 31, 1996, which equalled 2.11%
of the Fund's net assets at 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, this 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  contingent  deferred  sales charges  paid  by  the  investors upon
redemption of shares,  if for any  reason the Plan  is terminated the  Directors
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.
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
 
    The  net asset value per share 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  all
its  liabilities, dividing by the number  of shares outstanding and adjusting to
the nearest cent. 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 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 (in cases where securities
are traded  on  more  than  one  exchange, the  securities  are  valued  on  the
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
exchange  designated as the primary market pursuant to procedures adopted by the
Directors); and (2)  all other portfolio  securities for which  over-the-counter
market  quotations are readily available are  valued at the latest available bid
price prior to  the time of  valuation. When market  quotations are not  readily
available,   including  circumstances  under  which  it  is  determined  by  the
Investment Manager or Sub-Adviser that sale or 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 Fund's Directors. For valuation purposes, quotations
of foreign  portfolio  securities,  other assets  and  liabilities  and  forward
contracts stated in foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents
at  the  prevailing  market rates  prior  to the  close  of the  New  York Stock
Exchange. Dividends receivable are accrued as  of the ex-dividend date or as  of
the time that the relevant ex-dividend date and amounts become known.
 
   
    Short-term  debt securities with remaining maturities  of sixty days or less
to maturity at the  time of purchase  are valued at  amortized cost, unless  the
Directors 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
Directors.
    
 
   
    Certain securities  in the  Fund's portfolio  may be  valued by  an  outside
pricing  service  approved  by the  Fund's  Directors. 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.
    
 
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  Fund (or,  if specified by  the shareholder,  any other  open-end
investment   company  for  which  InterCapital   serves  as  investment  manager
(collectively, with the Fund, the "Dean Witter Funds")), unless the  shareholder
requests  that they be paid  in cash. Shares so acquired  are not subject to the
imposition of  a contingent  deferred sales  charge upon  their redemption  (see
"Redemption and Repurchases").
    
 
    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, on a semi-monthly,
monthly  or quarterly basis, to  the Transfer Agent for  investment in shares of
the   Fund   (see   "Purchase   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 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 not  subject to  the imposition  of a  contingent
deferred sales charge upon their redemption (see "Redemptions and Repurchases").
 
    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
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
annualized  basis.  The  shares  will  be  redemed  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 brokerage account, within  five business days after the date
of redemption. Any applicable contingent  deferred sales charge will be  imposed
on   shares   redeemed  under   the  Withdrawal   Plan  (see   "Redemptions  and
Repurchases--Contingent Deferred  Sales  Charge").  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  contingent
deferred  sales charge)  to the  shareholder will  be the  designated monthly or
quarterly amount.
    
 
    TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS.  Retirement  plans are available for use  by
corporations,  the self-employed,  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.
 
    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.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
    The Fund  makes  available  to  its  shareholders  an  "Exchange  Privilege"
allowing  the exchange  of shares of  the Fund  for shares of  other Dean Witter
Funds sold with a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC funds"), for shares of
Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury  Trust, Dean Witter Limited Term  Municipal
Trust,  Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund, Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund, Dean
Witter Balanced Income Fund, Dean  Witter Intermediate Term U.S. Treasury  Trust
and  five Dean Witter Funds  which are money market  funds (the foregoing eleven
non-CDSC funds are hereinafter collectively referred  to in this section as  the
"Exchange  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 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
money  market funds and any of the CDSC funds can be effected on the same basis.
No contingent  deferred sales  charge ("CDSC")  is imposed  at the  time of  any
exchange, although any applicable CDSC will be imposed upon ultimate redemption.
Shares of the Fund acquired in exchange for shares of another CDSC fund having a
different  CDSC schedule  than that  of this  Fund will  be subject  to the CDSC
schedule of this  Fund, even if  such shares are  subsequently re-exchanged  for
shares  of the  CDSC fund  originally purchased. During  the period  of time the
shareholder remains invested in the Exchange Fund (calculated from the last  day
of  the month  in which  the Exchange  Fund shares  were 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 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 CDSC fund are reacquired. Thus, the  CDSC
is  based  upon the  time (calculated  as described  above) the  shareholder was
invested in a CDSC fund (see "Redemptions and Repurchases-- Contingent  Deferred
Sales  Charge").  However, in  the case  of  shares exchanged  for shares  of an
Exchange Fund,  upon  a redemption  of  shares which  results  in a  CDSC  being
imposed, a credit
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
(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.)
 
    In addition, shares of the  Fund may be acquired  in exchange for shares  of
Dean  Witter Funds sold  with a front-end sales  charge ("front-end sales charge
funds"), but shares  of the  Fund, however acquired,  may not  be exchanged  for
shares  of  front-end sales  charge funds.  Shares  of a  CDSC fund  acquired in
exchange for shares of a front-end sales charge fund (or in exchange for  shares
of  other Dean Witter  Funds for which  shares of a  front-end sales charge fund
have been exchanged) are not subject to any CDSC upon their redemption.
 
    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  to the  shareholder not later  than ten  days following  such
shareholder's most recent exchange.
 
    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(s)
and  policies, and  shareholders should obtain  a copy and  examine it carefully
before investing. Exchanges  are subject to  the minimum investment  requirement
and  any other conditions imposed  by each fund. In  the case of any 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.
 
   
    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 another  Selected  Broker-Dealer 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 Distributor, 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 communi-
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
cated  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 case 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 the Fund can be redeemed for cash at any time at the
net asset value per share next determined; however, such redemption proceeds may
be reduced by  the amount of  any applicable contingent  deferred sales  charges
(see  below). If  shares are  held in  a shareholder's  account without  a share
certificate, a written request for redemption sent to the Fund's Transfer  Agent
at  P.O. Box 983, Jersey City, N.J.  07303 is required. If certificates are held
by  the  shareholder(s),  the  shares  may  be  redeemed  by  surrendering   the
certificate(s)  with a written request for redemption, along with any additional
documentation required by the Transfer Agent.
 
   
    CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE.  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 charge upon  redemption.
Shares  redeemed sooner than six years  after purchase will, however, be subject
to a charge upon redemption. This charge is called a "contingent deferred  sales
charge"  ("CDSC"), and it  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>
                                       CONTINGENT DEFERRED
            YEAR SINCE                    SALES CHARGE
             PURCHASE                  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>
 
    A  CDSC will not be imposed on:  (i) any amount which represents an increase
in value of shares purchased within the six years preceding the redemption; (ii)
the current net asset value of shares purchased more than six 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 Dean Witter Funds sold  with a front-end sales charge 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.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    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 corporate  or  self-employed  retirement  plan
qualified  under  Section  401(k)  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 Dean Witter Trust Company  or Dean Witter Trust FSB,  each of which is  an
affiliate of the Investment Manager, serves as Trustee ("Eligible 401(k) Plan"),
provided that either: (A) the plan continues to be an Eligible 401(k) 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.
 
    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 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  or  other  Selected Broker-Dealer,  reduced  by  any
applicable CDSC.
 
    The  CDSC, if any, will be the only fee imposed upon repurchase by the Fund,
the Distributor or  other Selected Broker-Dealer.  The offers 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 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 (including a government, certified 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). 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
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
and has not previously exercised this reinstatement privilege may, within thirty
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  at
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 of any shareholder (other than
shares held  in an  Individual  Retirement Account  or custodial  account  under
Section  403(b)(7)  of  the  Code)  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 Directors or,  in the case  of an account  opened through EasyInvest,  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  intends to  pay dividends  and to
distribute substantially  all  of  the  Fund's net  investment  income  and  net
realized  short-term and  long-term capital  gains, if  any, at  least once each
year. The Fund may, however, determine either to distribute or to retain all  or
part of any long-term capital gains in any year for reinvestment.
 
    All dividends and any capital gains distributions will be paid in additional
Fund  shares  and automatically  credited to  the shareholder's  account without
issuance of a share certificate unless the shareholder requests in writing  that
all   dividends  and/or  distributions  be   paid  in  cash.  (See  "Shareholder
Services--Automatic Investment of Dividends and Distributions".)
 
   
    TAXES.  Because the Fund  intends to continue to  distribute all of its  net
investment  income  and any  net short-term  capital  gains to  shareholders and
otherwise qualify as a  regulated investment company under  Subchapter M of  the
Code,  it is  not expected  that the Fund  will be  required to  pay any federal
income tax on such income and capital gains.
    
 
    Gains or losses  on the  Fund's transactions  in certain  listed options  on
securities  and on futures and  options on futures generally  are treated as 60%
long-term gain or loss and 40% short-term gain or loss. When the Fund engages in
options and futures transactions, various tax regulations applicable to the Fund
may have the  effect of causing  the Fund to  recognize a gain  or loss for  tax
purposes  before that  gain or loss  is realized,  or to defer  recognition of a
realized loss for tax purposes. Recognition, for tax purposes, of an  unrealized
loss  may  result in  a lesser  amount of  the Fund's  realized net  gains being
available for distribution.
 
    As a regulated investment  company, the Fund is  subject to the  requirement
that  less than  30% of  its gross income  be derived  from the  sale of certain
investments held for  less than  three months.  This requirement  may limit  the
Fund's ability to engage in options and futures transactions.
 
    Shareholders  will  normally  have  to pay  federal  income  taxes,  and any
applicable state and/or local 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 and  net short-term capital gains,
are taxable to the shareholder as ordinary dividend income regardless of whether
the shareholder receives such distributions in additional shares or in cash. Any
dividends declared in the last  quarter of any calendar  year which are paid  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.
 
    Distributions of  net  long-term  capital  gains, if  any,  are  taxable  to
shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of how long a shareholder has
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
held the Fund's shares and regardless of whether the distribution is received in
additional  shares or in cash.  It is anticipated that  only a small portion, if
any, of the  Fund's distributions will  be eligible for  the dividends  received
deduction to corporate shareholders.
 
   
    The  Fund may at times  make payments from sources  other than income or net
capital gains. Payments from such sources will, in effect, represent a return of
a portion of each shareholder's investment. All, or a portion, of such  payments
will not be taxable to shareholders.
    
 
    After  the end  of the 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 long-term capital gains.
 
    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.
 
    Dividends,  interest  and  gains  received  by the  Fund  may  give  rise to
withholding and other taxes  imposed by foreign countries.  If it qualifies  for
and  has made  the appropriate election  with the Internal  Revenue Service, the
Fund will  report annually  to its  shareholders the  amount per  share of  such
taxes,  to enable shareholders  to deduct their  pro rata portion  of such taxes
from their  taxable income  or  claim United  States  foreign tax  credits  with
respect to such taxes. In the absence of such an election, the Fund would deduct
foreign tax in computing the amount of its distributable income.
 
    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 "total return" in  advertisements
and  sales  literature. The  total return  of  the Fund  is based  on historical
earnings and is not intended to indicate future performance. 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 the
Fund of $1,000 over  a period of one  year and five years,  as well as over  the
life  of the Fund. 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 Fund and all sales charges which would be incurred by redeeming
shareholders, for  the  stated periods.  It  also assumes  reinvestment  of  all
dividends and distributions paid by the Fund.
    
 
    In  addition to the foregoing, the Fund  may advertise its total return over
different periods of time  by means of aggregate,  average, and 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 shares of the Fund.
Such calculations  may  or may  not  reflect  the deduction  of  the  contingent
deferred  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  the Fund are  of common stock  of $0.01  par
value  and are equal as to earnings,  assets and voting privileges. There are no
conversion,  pre-emptive  or  other  subscription   rights.  In  the  event   of
liquidation,  each share of common stock of  the Fund is entitled to its portion
of all of the  Fund's assets after  all debts and expenses  have been paid.  The
shares do not have cumulative voting rights.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    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
Directors  may call Special  Meetings of Shareholders  for action by shareholder
vote as may be required by the Act or the Fund's By-Laws.
 
    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
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 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.
 
    The  Fund's  Sub-Adviser  also has  a  Code  of Ethics  which  complies with
regulatory requirements and, insofar  as it relates  to persons associated  with
the  Fund, the 1994 report by the Investment Company Institute Advisory Group on
Personal Investing.
 
    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.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
   
Dean Witter
European Growth Fund Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
DIRECTORS
Michael Bozic                       Dean Witter
Charles A. Fiumefreddo              European
Edwin J. Garn                       Growth Fund
John R. Haire
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
Michael E. Nugent
Philip J. Purcell
John L. Schroeder
OFFICERS
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Sheldon Curtis
Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel
Thomas F. Caloia
Treasurer
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank N.A.
One Chase Plaza
New York, New York 10005
TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT
Dean Witter Trust Company
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.
SUB-ADVISER
Morgan Grenfell Investment Services
Limited
                                        PROSPECTUS -- DECEMBER 26, 1996
 
    
<PAGE>
   
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                                   DEAN WITTER
                                                                   EUROPEAN
GROWTH
DECEMBER 26, 1996
    
                                                                   FUND INC.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Dean  Witter  European  Growth  Fund  Inc.  (the  "Fund")  is  an  open-end,
diversified management  investment company,  whose  investment objective  is  to
maximize  the capital appreciation of its investments. The Fund seeks to achieve
its investment objective by investing primarily in securities issued by  issuers
located in Europe.
 
   
    A  Prospectus for the Fund dated December 26, 1996, 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 or
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
European Growth Fund Inc.
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
 
Directors and Officers.................................................................          7
 
Investment Practices and Policies......................................................         13
 
Investment Restrictions................................................................         26
 
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage...................................................         27
 
The Distributor........................................................................         29
 
Determination of Net Asset Value.......................................................         32
 
Shareholder Services...................................................................         33
 
Redemptions and Repurchases............................................................         37
 
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.....................................................         39
 
Performance Information................................................................         40
 
Description of Common Stock............................................................         41
 
Custodian and Transfer Agent...........................................................         42
 
Independent Accountants................................................................         42
 
Reports to Shareholders................................................................         42
 
Legal Counsel..........................................................................         42
 
Experts................................................................................         42
 
Registration Statement.................................................................         42
 
Financial Statements -- October 31, 1996...............................................         43
 
Report of Independent Accountants......................................................         58
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
THE FUND AND ITS MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE FUND
 
    The  Fund  was incorporated  under  the laws  of  the state  of  Maryland on
February 13, 1990.
 
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 Dean Witter, Discover &  Co. ("DWDC"), 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  Dean  Witter  InterCapital  Inc.  thereafter.)  The  daily
management of the Fund is conducted by or under the direction of officers of the
Fund and of  the Investment Manager  and Sub-Adviser, subject  to review by  the
Fund's  Board of  Directors. Information as  to these Directors  and Officers is
contained under the caption "Directors and Officers".
    
 
   
    The Investment Manager is also the investment manager or investment  adviser
of  the  following investment  companies: Dean  Witter  Liquid Asset  Fund Inc.,
InterCapital Income Securities  Inc., Dean  Witter High  Yield Securities  Inc.,
Dean   Witter  Tax-Free  Daily  Income  Trust,  Dean  Witter  Developing  Growth
Securities Trust, Dean Witter American  Value Fund, Dean Witter Dividend  Growth
Securities  Inc., Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc., Dean
Witter U.S.  Government  Money Market  Trust,  Dean Witter  California  Tax-Free
Income  Fund, 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  New York  Tax-Free Income Fund,
Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust, Dean Witter Federal Securities  Trust,
Dean  Witter Value-Added Market Series, High Income Advantage Trust, High Income
Advantage Trust  II, High  Income Advantage  Trust III,  Dean Witter  Government
Income  Trust, Dean Witter  California Tax-Free Daily  Income Trust, Dean Witter
Utilities Fund,  Dean Witter  Strategist  Fund, Dean  Witter World  Wide  Income
Trust,  Dean Witter Intermediate  Income Securities, Dean  Witter Capital Growth
Securities, Dean Witter European  Growth Fund Inc.,  Dean Witter Pacific  Growth
Fund  Inc., Dean Witter  Precious Metals and Minerals  Trust, Dean Witter Global
Short-Term Income Fund  Inc., Dean  Witter Multi-State  Municipal Series  Trust,
Dean  Witter  New  York  Municipal  Money  Market  Trust,  InterCapital  Quality
Municipal Investment  Trust,  Dean  Witter Premier  Income  Trust,  Dean  Witter
Short-Term  U.S.  Treasury  Trust, InterCapital  Insured  Municipal  Bond Trust,
InterCapital Insured  Municipal  Trust, InterCapital  Quality  Municipal  Income
Trust,  Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust, Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust,
Dean  Witter  Retirement  Series,  InterCapital  Quality  Municipal  Securities,
InterCapital  California  Quality  Municipal Securities,  InterCapital  New York
Quality Municipal  Securities, Dean  Witter Global  Dividend Growth  Securities,
Dean  Witter Global  Utilities Fund,  Dean Witter  High Income  Securities, Dean
Witter Limited  Term Municipal  Trust, Dean  Witter Short-Term  Bond Fund,  Dean
Witter International SmallCap Fund, Dean Witter Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Dean Witter
Select Dimensions Series, Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund, Dean Witter Balanced
Income   Fund,  Dean  Witter   Hawaii  Municipal  Trust,   Dean  Witter  Capital
Appreciation Fund,  Dean  Witter Intermediate  Term  U.S. Treasury  Trust,  Dean
Witter  Information Fund,  Dean Witter  Japan Fund,  Dean Witter  Income Builder
Fund, Dean Witter Special Value Fund, InterCapital Insured Municipal Securities,
InterCapital  Insured  California  Municipal  Securities,  InterCapital  Insured
Municipal  Income Trust, InterCapital California Insured Municipal Income Trust,
Active Assets  Money  Trust, Active  Assets  California Tax-Free  Trust,  Active
Assets  Tax-Free  Trust, Active  Assets  Government Securities  Trust, Municipal
Income Trust, Municipal Income Trust  II, Municipal Income Trust III,  Municipal
Income  Opportunities Trust, Municipal Income  Opportunities Trust II, Municipal
Income Opportunities Trust III, Municipal Premium Income Trust and Prime  Income
Trust.   The  foregoing  investment  companies,  together  with  the  Fund,  are
collectively referred to as the Dean Witter Funds.
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
    In addition,  Dean Witter  Services Company  Inc. ("DWSC"),  a  wholly-owned
subsidiary  of InterCapital, serves  as manager for  the following 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 Total  Return Trust, TCW/DW  Mid-Cap Equity Trust,  TCW/DW
Global  Telecom, TCW/DW Strategic  Income Trust, TCW/DW  Term Trust 2000, TCW/DW
Term  Trust  2002,  TCW/DW   Term  Trust  2003   and  TCW/DW  Emerging   Markets
Opportunities  Trust (the  "TCW/ DW  Funds"). InterCapital  also serves  as: (i)
sub-adviser to  Templeton Global  Opportunities  Trust, an  open-end  investment
company;  (ii)  administrator  of The  BlackRock  Strategic Term  Trust  Inc., a
closed-end  investment  company;  and  (iii)  sub-administrator  of   MassMutual
Participation   Investors  and   Templeton  Global   Governments  Income  Trust,
closed-end investment companies.
    
 
   
    Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement (the "Management  Agreement")
with  the Investment  Manager, the Fund  has retained the  investment Manager to
supervise the investment of the  Fund's assets. The Investment Manager,  through
consultation   with   Morgan   Grenfell   Investment   Services   Limited   (the
"Sub-Adviser") and  through  its own  portfolio  management staff,  obtains  and
evaluates  such  information  and  advice relating  to  the  economy, securities
markets, and  specific  securities  as  it  considers  necessary  or  useful  to
continuously  oversee  the management  of the  assets  of the  Fund in  a manner
consistent with its investment objective.
    
 
    Under the terms  of the  Management Agreement, the  Investment Manager  also
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 certain 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  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 Management Agreement.
    
 
    Expenses  not  expressly  assumed  by  the  Investment  Manager  under   the
Management  Agreement, by the Sub-Adviser pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement
(see  below),  or  by  the  Distributor  of  the  Fund's  shares,  Dean   Witter
Distributors  Inc. ("Distributors" or the "Distributor") (see "The Distributor")
will be paid by the  Fund. The expenses borne by  the Fund include, but are  not
limited  to: expenses of  the Plan of  Distribution pursuant to  Rule 12b-1 (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 directors'  meetings  and of
preparing, printing and mailing of proxy statements and reports to shareholders;
fees and  travel expenses  of directors  or  members of  any advisory  board  or
committee  who are not employees of the Investment Manager or Sub-Adviser or any
corporate affiliate  of  the Investment  Manager  or Sub-Adviser;  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 the Fund's  legal counsel,  including counsel to  the directors  who are  not
interested  persons of the Fund or of the Investment Manager or Sub-Adviser (not
including compensation  or  expenses  of  attorneys who  are  employees  of  the
Investment Manager) and
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
independent  accountants; membership dues of  industry associations; interest on
Fund borrowings; postage; insurance premiums on property or personnel (including
officers and directors) 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   Management  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  Management Agreement in no
way restricts  the  Investment Manager  from  acting as  investment  manager  or
adviser to others.
 
   
    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 annual
rates of 1.0% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; and
0.95% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $500 million. For the  fiscal
years  ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and  1996 the Fund accrued to the Investment
Manager total  compensation under  the Management  Agreement in  the amounts  of
$6,274,989, $7,653,283 and $9,903,670, respectively.
    
 
   
    Pursuant  to  a Sub-Advisory  Agreement between  the Investment  Manager and
Sub-Adviser,  the  Sub-Adviser  has  been  retained,  subject  to  the   overall
supervision  of  the  Investment  Manager  and the  Directors  of  the  Fund, to
continuously  furnish   investment   advice   concerning   individual   security
selections, asset allocations and overall economic trends with respect to Europe
and  to manage the portion of the Fund's portfolio invested in securities issued
by issuers  located in  Europe, subject  to the  supervision of  the  Investment
Manager.  On occasion, the Sub-Adviser will  also provide the Investment Manager
with investment  advice concerning  potential investment  opportunities for  the
Fund which are available outside of Europe.
    
 
   
    Morgan  Grenfell  Investment Services  Limited ("MGIS")  was organized  as a
British corporation in  1972 and manages,  as of September  30, 1996, assets  of
approximately  $14.7  billion for  U.S.  corporate and  public  employee benefit
plans, investment companies, endowments and foundations. MGIS' principal  office
is  located at  20 Finsbury  Circus, London,  England. MGIS  is a  subsidiary of
London based  Morgan  Grenfell  Asset  Management Limited,  which  is  itself  a
subsidiary of London-based Morgan Grenfell Group plc (which is owned by Deutsche
Bank  AG,  an  international commercial  and  investment banking  group)  and is
registered as an investment adviser under  the Investment Advisers Act of  1940.
In  1838,  Morgan Grenfell  was founded  to  provide merchant  banking services,
primarily trade financing between Great Britain and the United States. In  1958,
its investment management arm began operations. In recent years, Morgan Grenfell
Group  plc  has achieved  a  prominent position  in  the securities  industry by
providing investment and  commercial banking services,  financial services,  and
discretionary  management  and advisory  services  covering all  of  the world's
leading securities markets.  Morgan Grenfell Asset  Management Limited,  through
its  various investment management subsidiaries, which have extensive experience
in global  investment  management,  is  managing,  as  of  September  30,  1996,
approximately $111.6 billion worldwide.
    
 
    Both the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser have authorized any of their
directors, officers and employees who have been elected as Directors or officers
of the Fund to serve in the capacities in which they have been elected. Services
furnished  by the  Investment Manager  and the  Sub-Adviser may  be furnished by
directors, officers and employees of the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser.
In connection with  the services  rendered by the  Sub-Adviser, the  Sub-Adviser
bears  the following expenses:  (a) the salaries and  expenses of its personnel;
and (b) all expenses incurred by  it in connection with performing the  services
provided by it as Sub-Adviser, as described above.
 
   
    As  full compensation for the services  and facilities furnished to the Fund
and the Investment Manager and expenses  of the Fund and the Investment  Manager
assumed  by the Sub-Adviser, the Investment Manager pays the Sub-Adviser monthly
compensation equal  to  40% of  the  Investment Manager's  monthly  compensation
payable  under the Management Agreement. For  the fiscal years ended October 31,
1994,
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
1995 and 1996, the Investment Manager informed  the Fund that it accrued to  the
Sub-Adviser  total compensation under the  Sub-Advisory Agreement of $2,509,996,
$3,061,313 and $3,961,468, respectively.
    
 
   
    The Management Agreement and  the Sub-Advisory Agreement (the  "Agreements")
were  initially approved by  the Board of  Directors of the  Fund on October 30,
1992 and  by the  shareholders at  a  Special Meeting  of Shareholders  held  on
January  12,  1993.  The Agreements  are  substantially identical  to  the prior
investment management agreement  and sub-advisory agreement  which were  entered
into  on  March  16, 1990  and  originally approved  by  DWR, as  the  then sole
shareholder, on March 28, 1990. The Agreements took effect on June 30, 1993 upon
the spin-off by  Sears, Roebuck and  Co. of  its remaining shares  of DWDC.  The
Agreements  may  be terminated  at any  time, without  penalty, on  thirty days'
notice by the Directors of the Fund, by the holders of a majority, as defined in
the Act, of the Fund's shares, or by the Investment Manager. The Agreements will
automatically terminate in the  event of its assignment  (as defined in the  Act
and the rules thereunder).
    
 
   
    Under  their terms, the Agreements had an initial term ended April 30, 1994,
and provide  that each  will continue  from year  to year  thereafter,  provided
continuance  of the Agreements are 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 Board  of Directors of the Fund;  provided that in either event
such continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Directors
of the Fund who are  not parties to the  Agreements or "interested persons"  (as
defined in the Act) of any such party (the "Independent Directors"), which votes
must  be cast in  person at a meeting  called for the purpose  of voting on such
approval. At a meeting  held on April  8, 1994, the  Fund's Board of  Directors,
including  all of the Independent Directors,  approved an amendment to the terms
of the  Investment Management  Agreement  to lower  management fees  charged  on
average  daily net assets of the Fund to 1.0% of the portion of daily net assets
not exceeding  $500  million; and  0.95%  of the  portion  of daily  net  assets
exceeding  $500 million.  At their  meeting held on  April 17,  1996, the Fund's
Board of Directors,  including all  of the Independent  Directors, approved  the
continuation of these Agreements until April 30, 1997.
    
 
   
    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 InterCapital 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.
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    The  Directors 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 82 Dean Witter Funds and the 14 TCW/DW Funds are shown
below.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS            PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
Michael Bozic (55)                             Chairman  and  Chief Executive  Officer of  Levitz Furniture
Director                                       Corporation (since November, 1995);  Director or Trustee  of
c/o Levitz Furniture Corporation               the  Dean Witter Funds; formerly  President and Chief Execu-
6111 Broken Sound Parkway, N.W.                tive Officer  of Hills  Department Stores  (May,  1991-July,
Boca Raton, Florida                            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* (63)                   Chairman,  Chief   Executive   Officer   and   Director   of
Chairman of the Board, President,              InterCapital,  Distributors and DWSC; Director and Executive
Chief Executive Officer and Director           Vice President of DWR; Chairman, Director or Trustee, Presi-
Two World Trade Center                         dent and Chief Executive Officer  of the Dean Witter  Funds;
New York, New York                             Chairman,  Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the TCW/DW
                                               Funds; Chairman and  Director of Dean  Witter Trust  Company
                                               ("DWTC");   Director   and/or   officer   of   various  DWDC
                                               subsidiaries; formerly Executive Vice President and Director
                                               of DWDC (until February, 1993).
 
Edwin J. Garn (64)                             Director or  Trustee  of  the Dean  Witter  Funds;  formerly
Director                                       United  States  Senator (R-Utah)  (1974-1992)  and Chairman,
c/o Huntsman Chemical Corporation              Senate Banking Committee (1980-1986); formerly Mayor of Salt
500 Huntsman Way                               Lake  City,  Utah  (1971-1974);  formerly  Astronaut,  Space
Salt Lake City, Utah                           Shuttle   Discovery  (April  12-19,  1985);  Vice  Chairman,
                                               Huntsman  Chemical   Corporation  (since   January,   1993);
                                               Director  of  Franklin Quest  (time management  systems) and
                                               John Alden Financial Corp.; member  of the board of  various
                                               civic and charitable organizations.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS            PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
John R. Haire (71)                             Chairman   of  the  Audit  Committee  and  Chairman  of  the
Director                                       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).
 
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (47)                     Senior  Partner,  Johnson   Smick  International,  Inc.,   a
Director                                       consulting  firm  (since  June,  1985);  Koch  Professor  of
c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc.          International Economics  and  Director  of  the  Center  for
1133 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.                  Global  Market  Studies  at  George  Mason  University;  Co-
Washington, DC                                 Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council  (G7C),
                                               an international economic commission; Director or Trustee of
                                               the Dean Witter Funds; Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Director
                                               of  NASDAQ (since June, 1995); Director of Greenwich Capital
                                               Markets, Inc. (broker-dealer); formerly Vice Chairman of the
                                               Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (1986-1990)
                                               and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury (1982-1986).
 
Michael E. Nugent (60)                         General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P., a private investment
Director                                       partnership; Director or Trustee  of the Dean Witter  Funds;
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.                      Trustee  of  the  TCW/DW  Funds;  formerly  Vice  President,
237 Park Avenue                                Bankers   Trust   Company   and   BT   Capital   Corporation
New York, New York                             (1984-1988); director of various business organizations.
 
Philip J. Purcell* (53)                        Chairman  of  the  Board of  Directors  and  Chief Executive
Director                                       Officer  of  DWDC,  DWR  and  Novus  Credit  Services  Inc.;
Two World Trade Center                         Director of InterCapital, DWSC and Distributors; Director or
New York, New York                             Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds; Director and/or officer of
                                               various DWDC subsidiaries.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS            PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
John L. Schroeder (66)                         Retired;  Director  or  Trustee of  the  Dean  Witter Funds;
Director                                       Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Director of Citizens  Utilities
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky                     Company; formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Invest-
  Weitzen Shalov & Wein                        ment   Officer  of  the   Home  Insurance  Company  (August,
Counsel to the Independent Directors           1991-September, 1995)  and  Chairman  and  Chief  Investment
114 West 47th Street                           Officer  of  Axe-Houghton  Management  and  the Axe-Houghton
New York, New York                             Funds (1983-1991).
Sheldon Curtis (64)                            Senior Vice  President,  Secretary and  General  Counsel  of
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel  InterCapital  and DWSC; Senior  Vice President and Secretary
Two World Trade Center                         of DWTC;  Senior  Vice President,  Assistant  Secretary  and
New York, New York                             Assistant   General   Counsel  of   Distributors;  Assistant
                                               Secretary of  DWR;  Vice President,  Secretary  and  General
                                               Counsel of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.
Thomas F. Caloia (50)                          First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of InterCapital
Treasurer                                      and  DWSC; Treasurer of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW
Two World Trade Center                         Funds.
New York, New York
- ---------
 *Denotes Directors who are "interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the Act.
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    In addition, Robert M.  Scanlan, President and  Chief Operating Officer,  of
InterCapital  and DWSC,  Executive Vice President  of Distributors  and DWTC and
Director of  DWTC,  Robert S.  Giambrone,  Executive Vice  President  and  Chief
Administrative Officer of InterCapital, DWSC, Distributors and DWTC and Director
of  DWTC and Joseph J. McAlinden,  Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of InterCapital and Director of  DWTC, are Vice Presidents of the  Fund.
Marilyn  K. Cranney and Barry Fink,  First Vice Presidents and Assistant General
Counsels of InterCapital and DWSC, and Lou Anne D. McInnis and Ruth Rossi,  Vice
Presidents  and Assistant General Counsels of InterCapital and DWSC, and Carsten
Otto and Frank  Bruttomesso, Staff  Attorneys with  InterCapital, are  Assistant
Secretaries of the Fund.
    
 
   
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS, AND THE COMMITTEES
    
 
   
    The  Board  of  Directors  consists  of  eight  (8)  directors.  These  same
individuals also  serve as  directors or  trustees for  all of  the Dean  Witter
Funds,  and are referred to in this section as Directors. As of the date of this
Statement of Additional Information, there are a total of 82 Dean Witter  Funds,
comprised  of 122 portfolios. As of November 30, 1996, the Dean Witter Funds had
total net  assets of  approximately $82.2  billion and  more than  five  million
shareholders.
    
 
   
    Six  Directors (75%  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, DWDC.  These
are the "disinterested" or "independent" Directors. The other two Directors (the
"management  Directors")  are  affiliated  with InterCapital.  Four  of  the six
independent Directors are also Independent Directors of the TCW/DW Funds.
    
 
   
    Law and regulation establish both general guidelines and specific duties for
the Independent Directors. The Dean  Witter Funds seek as Independent  Directors
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
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
   
substantial  demands on  their time.  Indeed, by  serving on  the Funds' Boards,
certain Directors 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 Directors serve as members of the Audit Committee and
the  Committee of the Independent Directors. Three of them also serve as members
of the Derivatives Committee. During the calendar year ended December 31,  1995,
the  three Committees held a combined  total of fifteen meetings. The Committees
hold some  meetings at  InterCapital's offices  and some  outside  InterCapital.
Management  Directors 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  Directors 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 Directors  are required  to select and  nominate individuals  to
fill  any Independent Director 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 DIRECTORS AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
    
 
   
    The Chairman of  the Committee of  the Independent Directors  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  Directors  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  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 Directors  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 Directors.
    
 
   
    The Chairman of  the Committee of  the Independent Directors  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
Director of the Dean Witter Funds and as an Independent Director and, since July
1,  1996,  as Chairman  of the  Committee  of the  Independent Trustees  and the
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
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 DIRECTORS FOR ALL DEAN
WITTER FUNDS
    
 
   
    The  Independent Directors and the Funds' management believe that having the
same Independent  Directors  for  each  of the  Dean  Witter  Funds  avoids  the
duplication  of  effort  that  would  arise  from  having  different  groups  of
individuals serving as Independent  Directors for each of  the Funds or even  of
sub-groups  of Funds.  They believe  that having  the same  individuals serve as
Independent Directors 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 Directors 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  Directors serve on all Fund Boards
enhances the ability of  each Fund to  obtain, at modest  cost to each  separate
Fund, the services of Independent Directors, and a Chairman of their Committees,
of  the caliber, experience and business acumen  of the individuals who serve as
Independent Directors of the Dean Witter Funds.
    
 
   
COMPENSATION OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
    
 
   
    The Fund pays each Independent Director an  annual fee of $1,000 plus a  per
meeting  fee of $50 for meetings of the  Board of Directors or committees of the
Board of Directors attended by the Director  (the Fund pays the Chairman of  the
Audit  Committee an annual fee of $750 and pays the Chairman of the Committee of
the Independent Directors  an additional annual  fee of $1,200).  The Fund  also
reimburses  such Directors for travel  and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by them in connection  with attending such meetings.  Directors 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.
    
 
   
    The  following  table  illustrates  the  compensation  paid  to  the  Fund's
Independent Directors by the Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996.
    
 
   
                               FUND COMPENSATION
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 AGGREGATE
                                                                COMPENSATION
                                                                 FROM THE
NAME OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR                                       FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                             <C>
Michael Bozic.................................................      $1,750
Edwin J. Garn.................................................       1,850
John R. Haire.................................................       3,900
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson.........................................       1,800
Michael E. Nugent.............................................       1,750
John L. Schroeder.............................................       1,800
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
    The  following  table  illustrates  the  compensation  paid  to  the  Fund's
Independent Directors for the calendar year ended December 31, 1995 for services
to  the 79 Dean Witter Funds and, in  the case of Messrs. Haire, Johnson, Nugent
and Schroeder, the 11 TCW/DW Funds that were in operation at December 31,  1995.
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. Mr. Schroeder was elected as a Trustee
of the TCW/DW Funds on April 20, 1995.
    
 
   
              COMPENSATION FROM DEAN WITTER FUNDS AND TCW/DW FUNDS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        TOTAL
                                                                   FOR SERVICE AS   COMPENSATION
                               FOR SERVICE                          CHAIRMAN OF         PAID
                              AS DIRECTOR OR                       COMMITTEES OF    FOR SERVICES
                               TRUSTEE AND       FOR SERVICE AS     INDEPENDENT          TO
                             COMMITTEE MEMBER     TRUSTEE AND        DIRECTORS/        79 DEAN
                                OF 79 DEAN      COMMITTEE MEMBER   DIRECTORS AND       WITTER
NAME OF INDEPENDENT               WITTER          OF 11 TCW/DW         AUDIT        FUNDS AND 11
 DIRECTOR                         FUNDS              FUNDS           COMMITTEES     TCW/DW FUNDS
- ---------------------------  ----------------   ----------------   --------------   -------------
<S>                          <C>                <C>                <C>              <C>
Michael Bozic..............      $126,050           --                 --             $126,050
Edwin J. Garn..............       136,450           --                 --              136,450
John R. Haire..............        98,450           $82,038           $217,350(1)      397,838
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson......       136,450            82,038            --              218,488
Michael E. Nugent..........       124,200            75,038            --              199,238
John L. Schroeder..........       136,450            46,964            --              183,414
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
(1) For the 79  Dean Witter Funds  in operation at December  31, 1995. As  noted
    above,  on July 1, 1996,  Mr. Haire became Chairman  of the Committee of the
    Independent Trustees and the Audit Committee of the TCW/DW Funds in addition
    to continuing to serve in such positions for the Dean Witter Funds.
    
 
   
    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 Director 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 Director referred to
as an "Eligible Director") 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 Director
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.(2) "Eligible Compensation" is one-fifth
of the total compensation  earned by such Eligible  Director for service to  the
Adopting  Fund  in  the five  year  period prior  to  the date  of  the Eligible
Director's retirement. Benefits under the retirement program are not secured  or
funded by the Adopting Funds.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
   
    The  following  table illustrates  the  retirement benefits  accrued  to the
Fund's Independent Directors by the Fund  for the fiscal year ended October  31,
1996  and by the  57 Dean Witter Funds  (including the Fund)  as of December 31,
1995, and the estimated retirement benefits for the Fund's Independent Directors
from the Fund as  of October 31, 1996  and from the 57  Dean Witter Funds as  of
December 31, 1995.
    
 
   
          RETIREMENT BENEFITS FROM THE FUND AND ALL DEAN WITTER FUNDS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FOR ALL ADOPTING FUNDS           RETIREMENT BENEFITS       ESTIMATED ANNUAL
                                  --------------------------------------   ACCRUED AS EXPENSES           BENEFITS
                                       ESTIMATED                                                    UPON RETIREMENT(3)
                                    CREDITED YEARS         ESTIMATED      ----------------------  ----------------------
                                     OF SERVICE AT       PERCENTAGE OF                 BY ALL       FROM      FROM ALL
                                      RETIREMENT           ELIGIBLE        BY THE     ADOPTING       THE      ADOPTING
NAME OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR         (MAXIMUM 10)        COMPENSATION       FUND        FUNDS       FUND        FUNDS
- --------------------------------  -------------------  -----------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                               <C>                  <C>                <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
Michael Bozic...................              10               50.0%      $     393  $    26,359  $     950  $    51,550
Edwin J. Garn...................              10               50.0             577       41,901        950       51,550
John R. Haire...................              10               50.0             372      261,763      2,343      130,404
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson...........              10               50.0             240       16,748        950       51,550
Michael E. Nugent...............              10               50.0             413       30,370        950       51,550
John L. Schroeder...............               8               41.7             763       51,812        792       42,958
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
(2)  An Eligible Director may elect alternate  payments of his or her retirement
    benefits based upon the combined  life expectancy of such Eligible  Director
    and  his or her spouse  on the date of  such Eligible Director's retirement.
    The amount estimated to be payable under this method, through the  remainder
    of  the later of the lives of such Eligible Director and spouse, will be the
    actuarial equivalent  of  the Regular  Benefit.  In addition,  the  Eligible
    Director  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.
    
 
   
(3)  Based on  current levels  of compensation.  Amount of  annual benefits also
    varies depending  on  the Director's  elections  described in  Footnote  (2)
    above.
    
 
   
    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 Directors  as a  group was  less  than 1  percent of  the Fund's  shares  of
beneficial interest outstanding.
    
 
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As  stated in the Prospectus, while the Fund currently anticipates investing
over 25% of  its total assets  in securities  of issuers located  in the  United
Kingdom,  it may also invest more than 25%  of its total assets, at any time, in
the securities of issuers  located in each of  the following countries:  France,
Germany,  the Netherlands and Switzerland. While  it is not anticipated that the
Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of  issuers
located  in any such country, the  Fund's Registration Statement will be amended
to contain disclosure discussing the risks pertaining to a concentration of  the
Fund's assets in such country at such time as the 25% level is exceeded.
 
    PRIVATE  PLACEMENTS.  The Fund  may invest up to 10%  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 of 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
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
Investment Manager, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Directors of the Fund,
will make  a determination  as  to the  liquidity  of each  restricted  security
pruchased  by the Fund. If  a restricted secruity 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.
    
 
    CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES.   The  Fund may  invest in  fixed-income  securities
which  are convertible into common stock.  Convertible securities rank senior to
common stocks in a corporation's  capital structure and, therefore, entail  less
risk than the corporation's common stock. The value of a convertible security is
a  function  of its  "investment  value" (its  value  as if  it  did not  have a
conversion privilege), and its  "conversion value" (the  security's worth if  it
were  to be exchanged for the underlying  security, at market value, pursuant to
its conversion privilege).
 
   
    To the extent that a convertible security's investment value is greater than
its conversion  value,  its  price  will  be  primarily  a  reflection  of  such
investment  value and its price  will be likely to  increase when interest rates
fall and decrease when interest rates rise, as with a fixed-income security (the
credit standing of the issuer and other  factors may also have an effect on  the
convertible  security's value). If  the conversion value  exceeds the investment
value, the price  of the  convertible security  will rise  above its  investment
value  and, in addition,  will sell at  some premium over  its conversion value.
(This premium  represents  the  price  investors are  willing  to  pay  for  the
privilege  of purchasing a  fixed-income security with  a possibility of capital
appreciation due to the  conversion privilege.) At such  times the price of  the
convertible  security  will tend  to fluctuate  directly with  the price  of the
underlying equity security. Convertible securities may be purchased by the  Fund
at  varying price levels  above their investment  values and/or their conversion
values in keeping with the Fund's objective.
    
 
    WARRANTS.   The Fund  may  acquire warrants,  including warrants  which  are
attached  to fixed-income securities purchased for  its portfolio, and hold such
warrants until the Investment  Manager and/or the  Sub-Adviser determines it  is
prudent  to  sell.  Warrants  are,  in  effect,  an  option  to  purchase equity
securities at a specific price, generally  valid for a specific period of  time,
and  have no voting rights, pay no dividends  and have no rights with respect to
the corporations issuing them.
 
    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 30 years.
 
    Neither the value nor the yield of the U.S. Government securities which  may
be  invested in by the  Fund are guaranteed by  the U.S. Government. Such values
and yield will  fluctuate with changes  in prevailing interest  rates and  other
factors.  Generally, as  prevailing interest rates  rise, the value  of any U.S.
Government securities held by  the Fund will fall.  Such securities with  longer
maturities  generally tend to  produce higher yields and  are subject to greater
market fluctuation as a result of changes in interest rates than debt securities
with shorter maturities.
 
    ZERO  COUPON  TREASURY  SECURITIES.    A  portion  of  the  U.S.  Government
securities purchased by the Fund may be "zero coupon" Treasury securities. These
are  U.S. Treasury  bills, notes  and bonds  which have  been stripped  of their
unmatured interest coupons and receipts  or which are certificates  representing
interests  in such  stripped debt obligations  and coupons.  Such securities are
purchased at a discount
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
from their face  amount, giving the  purchaser the right  to receive their  full
value  at maturity. A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holder during
its life. Its value to an investor  consists of the difference between its  face
value  at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which is
generally an amount significantly less  than its face value (sometimes  referred
to  as a "deep discount" price). The Fund  intends to invest in such zero coupon
treasury  securities  as  STRIPS,  Treasury  Receipts,  Physical  Coupons,   and
Proprietary  Receipts. However,  the Fund  does not  intend, during  its current
fiscal year, to invest in such securities  in amounts totalling more than 5%  of
its total assets.
 
    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 market  price fluctuations  during periods  of
changing  prevailing interest  rates than  are comparable  debt securities which
make current distributions of interest. 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.
 
    Currently the  only U.S.  Treasury security  issued without  coupons is  the
Treasury  bill. However, in the  last few years a  number of banks and brokerage
firms have  separated  ("stripped")  the  principal  portions  from  the  coupon
portions  of the U.S. Treasury  bonds and notes and  sold them separately in the
form of  receipts  or certificates  representing  undivided interests  in  these
instruments  (which instruments are generally  held by a bank  in a custodial or
trust account).
 
    As stated in the Prospectus, the money market instruments which the Fund may
purchase  include  U.S.  Government  securities,  bank  obligations,  Eurodollar
certificates  of  deposit, obligations  of  savings institutions,  fully insured
certificates of deposit and commercial paper. Such securities are limited to:
 
    U.S.  GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES.    Obligations  issued  or  guaranteed  as  to
principal  and  interest by  the  United States  or  its agencies  (such  as the
Export-Import Bank  of the  United States,  Federal Housing  Administration  and
Government  National Mortgage Association) or its instrumentalities (such as the
Federal Home Loan Bank), including Treasury bills, notes and bonds;
 
    BANK OBLIGATIONS.    Obligations  (including  certificates  of  deposit  and
bankers'  acceptances) of banks subject to regulation by the U.S. Government and
having total assets of $1,000,000,000 or  more, and instruments secured by  such
obligations,  not including  obligations of  foreign branches  of domestic banks
except to the extent below;
 
    EURODOLLAR CERTIFICATES  OF DEPOSIT.    Eurodollar certificates  of  deposit
issued   by  foreign  branches   of  domestic  banks   having  total  assets  of
$1,000,000,000 or more;
 
    OBLIGATIONS OF SAVINGS  INSTITUTIONS.   Certificates of  deposit of  savings
banks  and savings and loan associations,  having total assets of $1,000,000,000
or more;
 
    FULLY INSURED CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT.  Certificates of deposit of banks and
savings institutions, having total  assets of less  than $1,000,000,000, if  the
principal  amount of the obligation is  insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, limited to $100,000 principal amount per certificate and to 10%  or
less  of the  Fund's total assets  in all  such obligations and  in all illiquid
assets, in the aggregate;
 
   
    COMMERCIAL PAPER.  Commercial paper rated  within the two highest grades  by
Standard & Poor's (S&P) or the highest grade by Moody's or, if not rated, issued
by  a company having an outstanding debt issue rated at least AA by S&P or Aa by
Moody's.
    
 
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
    As discussed in  the Prospectus,  the Fund  may enter  into forward  foreign
currency   exchange  contracts   ("forward  contracts")   as  a   hedge  against
fluctuations in future foreign exchange rates. The Fund will conduct its foreign
currency exchange transactions either on a  spot (i.e., cash) basis at the  spot
rate  prevailing in  the foreign currency  exchange market,  or through entering
into forward contracts
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
   
to  purchase  or  sell  foreign  currencies.  A  forward  contract  involves  an
obligation  to purchase or sell a specific  currency at a future date, which may
be any fixed number  of days from the  date of the contract  agreed upon by  the
parties,  at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded
in the interbank  market conducted  directly between  currency traders  (usually
large  commercial banks and investment banks)  and their customers. Such forward
contracts will only be entered into  with United States banks and their  foreign
branches  or foreign  banks whose  assets total  $1 billion  or more.  A forward
contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at
any stage for trades.
    
 
   
    When management  of the  Fund believes  that the  currency of  a  particular
foreign  country may suffer  a substantial movement against  the U.S. dollar, it
may enter into a  forward contract to  purchase or sell, for  a fixed amount  of
dollars  or other  currency, the  amount of  foreign currency  approximating the
value of some  or all  of the Fund's  portfolio securities  denominated in  such
foreign  currency. The Fund will  also not enter into  such forward contracts or
maintain a  net  exposure  to  such contracts  where  the  consummation  of  the
contracts  would obligate the Fund  to deliver an amount  of foreign currency in
excess of  the  value  of  the  Fund's  portfolio  securities  or  other  assets
denominated  in that currency. Under  normal circumstances, consideration of the
prospect for  currency  parities  will  be incorporated  into  the  longer  term
investment  decisions made  with regard  to overall  diversification strategies.
However, the management of the  Fund believes that it  is important to have  the
flexibility  to enter  into such forward  contracts when it  determines that the
best interests of the Fund will be served. The Fund's custodian bank will  place
cash,   U.S.  Government  securities  or   other  appropriate  liquid  portfolio
securities in a segregated account of the  Fund in an amount equal to the  value
of  the Fund's total  assets committed to the  consummation of forward contracts
entered into  under the  circumstances set  forth  above. If  the value  of  the
securities  placed  in  the  segregated  account  declines,  additional  cash or
securities will be placed in the account on  a daily basis so that the value  of
the account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitments with respect to such
contracts.
    
 
    Where,  for example, the Fund is  hedging a portfolio position consisting of
foreign fixed-income  securities  denominated  in  a  foreign  currency  against
adverse  exchange rate moves vis-a-vis  the U.S. dollar, at  the maturity of the
forward contract for delivery by  the Fund of a  foreign currency, the Fund  may
either sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or
it  may retain the security and  terminate its contractual obligation to deliver
the foreign  currency  by purchasing  an  "offsetting" contract  with  the  same
currency  trader obligating it to purchase, on  the same maturity date, the same
amount of the foreign currency. It is impossible to forecast the market value of
portfolio securities at the expiration of  the contract. Accordingly, it may  be
necessary  for  the Fund  to purchase  additional foreign  currency on  the spot
market (and  bear the  expense of  such purchase)  if the  market value  of  the
security  is less than the  amount of foreign currency  the Fund is obligated to
deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of  the
foreign  currency. Conversely, it  may be necessary  to sell on  the spot market
some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio  securities
if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated
to deliver.
 
    If  the Fund retains  the portfolio securities and  engages in an offsetting
transaction, the Fund will  incur a gain  or loss to the  extent that there  has
been  movement in  spot or forward  contract prices.  If the Fund  engages in an
offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to
sell the  foreign currency.  Should  forward prices  decline during  the  period
between  the Fund's entering into  a forward contract for  the sale of a foreign
currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase  of
the  foreign currency, the Fund  will realize a gain to  the extent the price of
the currency it  has agreed to  sell exceeds the  price of the  currency it  has
agreed  to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss
to the extent the price  of the currency it has  agreed to purchase exceeds  the
price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
 
    If  the Fund purchases a fixed-income  security which is denominated in U.S.
dollars but which will pay  out its principal based upon  a formula tied to  the
exchange  rate between  the U.S.  dollar and  a foreign  currency, it  may hedge
against a decline  in the principal  value of  the security by  entering into  a
forward  contract to sell  an amount of  the relevant foreign  currency equal to
some or all of the principal value of the security.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
   
    At  times when the Fund has written a call option on a fixed-income security
or the currency in which it is denominated, it may wish to enter into a  forward
contract  to purchase  or sell  the foreign  currency in  which the  security is
denominated. A  forward contract  would,  for example,  hedge  the risk  of  the
security on which a call option has been written declining in value to a greater
extent  than the  value of the  premium received  for the option.  The Fund will
maintain with its Custodian  at all times cash,  U.S. Government securities  and
liquid  portfolio  securities in  a  segregated account  equal  in value  to all
forward contract obligations  and option  contract obligations  entered into  in
hedge situations such as this.
    
 
    Although  the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does
not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on  a
daily  basis. It will, however, do so from time to time, and investors should be
aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers  do
not  charge a fee for  conversion, they do realize a  profit based on the spread
between the prices  at which  they are  buying and  selling various  currencies.
Thus,  a dealer may  offer to sell a  foreign currency to the  Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange  should the Fund desire to resell  that
currency to the dealer.
 
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
 
    As  discussed in  the Prospectus,  the Fund  may write  covered call options
against securities held in its portfolio and purchase options of the same series
to effect closing transactions, and may  hedge against potential changes in  the
market  value of its investments (or  anticipated investments) by purchasing put
and call  options  on portfolio  (or  eligible portfolio)  securities  (and  the
currencies in which they are denominated) and engaging in transactions involving
futures contracts and options on such contracts.
 
    OPTIONS  ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES.  The Fund  may purchase and write options on
foreign currencies  for purposes  similar to  those involved  with investing  in
forward  foreign currency exchange  contracts. For example,  in order to protect
against  declines  in  the  dollar  value  of  portfolio  securities  which  are
denominated  in a  foreign currency,  the Fund  may purchase  put options  on an
amount of such foreign currency equivalent to the current value of the portfolio
securities involved. As a result, the Fund would be enabled to sell the  foreign
currency  for a fixed  amount of U.S.  dollars, thereby "locking  in" the dollar
value of the portfolio securities (less the amount of the premiums paid for  the
options).  Conversely, the Fund may purchase  call options on foreign currencies
in which securities it  anticipates purchasing are denominated  to secure a  set
U.S. dollar price for such securities and protect against a decline in the value
of  the U.S. dollar  against such foreign  currency. The Fund  may also purchase
call and put options to close out written option positions.
 
    The Fund may also write call options on foreign currency to protect  against
potential  declines in its portfolio securities which are denominated in foreign
currencies. If the  U.S. dollar  value of the  portfolio securities  falls as  a
result  of a decline in the exchange  rate between the foreign currency in which
it is denominated and  the U.S. dollar,  then a loss to  the Fund occasioned  by
such  value decline would be ameliorated by receipt of the premium on the option
sold. At the same time,  however, the Fund gives up  the benefit of any rise  in
value  of  the relevant  portfolio securities  above the  exercise price  of the
option and, in fact, only receives a  benefit from the writing of the option  to
the  extent that the value of the  portfolio securities falls below the price of
the premium received. The  Fund may also  write options to  close out long  call
option positions.
 
    The  markets in foreign  currency options are relatively  new and the Fund's
ability to establish and close out positions  on such options is subject to  the
maintenance of a liquid secondary market. Although the Fund will not purchase or
write  such options unless  and until, in  the opinion of  the management of the
Fund, the market for them has developed sufficiently to ensure that the risks in
connection with such options are not  greater than the risks in connection  with
the  underlying  currency, there  can be  no assurance  that a  liquid secondary
market will exist  for a particular  option at any  specific time. In  addition,
options  on  foreign  currencies are  affected  by  all of  those  factors which
influence foreign exchange rates and investments generally.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    The value  of  a foreign  currency  option depends  upon  the value  of  the
underlying  currency relative to the U.S. dollar.  As a result, the price of the
option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both  currencies
and  have  no  relationship to  the  investment  merits of  a  foreign security,
including foreign securities  held in a  "hedged" investment portfolio.  Because
foreign   currency  transactions  occurring  in  the  interbank  market  involve
substantially larger  amounts than  those that  may be  involved in  the use  of
foreign currency options, investors may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an
odd  lot market (generally  consisting of transactions of  less than $1 million)
for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for
round lots.
 
    There is  no  systematic reporting  of  last sale  information  for  foreign
currencies  or  any  regulatory requirement  that  quotations  available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis.  Quotation
information  available is generally representative of very large transactions in
the interbank market and  thus may not  reflect relatively smaller  transactions
(i.e.,  less than $1 million)  where rates may be  less favorable. The interbank
market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent
that the U.S. options  markets are closed while  the markets for the  underlying
currencies  remain open, significant price and  rate movements may take place in
the underlying markets that are not reflected in the options market.
 
   
    COVERED CALL WRITING.  As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund is permitted to
write covered call options  on portfolio securities and  on the U.S. Dollar  and
foreign  currencies, without limit, in order  to aid in achieving its investment
objectives. Generally, a call option is "covered"  if the Fund owns, or has  the
right  to acquire, without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash
consideration held for the  Fund by its Custodian  in a segregated account)  the
underlying  security (currency) subject to the option except that in the case of
call options on U.S. Treasury Bills, the Fund might own U.S. Treasury Bills of a
different series from  those underlying the  call option, but  with a  principal
amount  and value  corresponding to  the exercise price  and a  maturity date no
later than that of the security (currency) deliverable under the call option.  A
call option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same security as the
underlying  security (currency) of the written  option, where the exercise price
of the call used for coverage is equal to or less than the exercise price of the
call written or  greater than  the exercise  price of  the call  written if  the
mark-to-market  difference is  maintained by the  Fund in  cash, U.S. Government
securities or  other liquid  portfolio  securities which  the  Fund holds  in  a
segregated account maintained with its Custodian.
    
 
    The  Fund  will receive  from the  purchaser, in  return for  a call  it has
written, a "premium"; i.e., the price  of the option. Receipt of these  premiums
may  better enable  the Fund to  earn a higher  level of current  income than it
would earn from holding the underlying securities (currencies) alone.  Moreover,
the premium received will offset a portion of the potential loss incurred by the
Fund  if the securities  (currencies) underlying the  option are ultimately sold
(exchanged) by the  Fund at  a loss. The  premium received  will fluctuate  with
varying  economic  market  conditions.  If the  market  value  of  the portfolio
securities (or the  currencies in which  they are denominated)  upon which  call
options  have been written increases, the Fund  may receive a lower total return
from the portion of  its portfolio upon  which calls have  been written than  it
would have had such calls not been written.
 
    As  regards  listed options  and  certain over-the-counter  ("OTC") options,
during the option period, the Fund may be required, at any time, to deliver  the
underlying  security (currency)  against payment  of the  exercise price  on any
calls it has written (exercise of certain listed and OTC options may be  limited
to specific expiration dates). This obligation is terminated upon the expiration
of  the option period or at such earlier  time when the writer effects a closing
purchase  transaction.  A  closing  purchase  transaction  is  accomplished   by
purchasing  an  option of  the  same series  as  the option  previously written.
However, once the Fund has  been assigned an exercise  notice, the Fund will  be
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction.
 
    Closing purchase transactions are ordinarily effected to realize a profit on
an  outstanding call option,  to prevent an  underlying security (currency) from
being called, to permit the sale of  an underlying security (or the exchange  of
the  underlying currency)  or to  enable the Fund  to write  another call option
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
on the underlying security (currency) with either a different exercise price  or
expiration  date or both. The Fund may realize a net gain or loss from a closing
purchase transaction depending upon whether  the amount of the premium  received
on  the call  option is  more or  less than  the cost  of effecting  the closing
purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a closing purchase transaction may be
wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation in the market value of the
underlying security  (currency). Conversely,  a gain  resulting from  a  closing
purchase  transaction  could be  offset in  whole or  in part  or exceeded  by a
decline in the market value of the underlying security (currency).
 
    If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain in the amount
of the premium on the option less the commission paid. Such a gain, however, may
be offset  by  depreciation in  the  market  value of  the  underlying  security
(currency)  during the option  period. If a  call option is  exercised, the Fund
realizes a gain  or loss  from the sale  of the  underlying security  (currency)
equal  to the difference  between the purchase price  of the underlying security
(currency) and the  proceeds of  the sale of  the security  (currency) plus  the
premium received for the option less the commission paid.
 
   
    Options  written by the  Fund will normally  have expiration dates  of up to
eighteen months from the date written. The  exercise price of a call option  may
be  below, equal to or above the current market value of the underlying security
at the time the option is written.
    
 
    PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS.  As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund  may
purchase  listed and OTC call  and put options in amounts  equalling up to 5% of
its total assets. The Fund  may purchase a call option  in order to close out  a
covered  call position (see "Covered Call Writing" above), to protect against an
increase in price of a security it  anticipates purchasing or, in the case of  a
call  option on foreign currency, to hedge against an adverse exchange rate move
of the currency in which the  security it anticipates purchasing is  denominated
vis-a-vis  the currency in which the exercise price is denominated. The purchase
of  the  call  option  to  effect  a  closing  transaction  on  a  call  written
over-the-counter  may be  a listed or  an OTC  option. In either  case, the call
purchased is likely to be on the same securities (currencies) and have the  same
terms  as the  written option. If  purchased over-the-counter,  the option would
generally be acquired from the  dealer or financial institution which  purchased
the call written by the Fund.
 
    The  Fund may purchase put options on securities (currencies) which it holds
in its portfolio only to  protect itself against a decline  in the value of  the
security.  If the value of the underlying security (currency) were to fall below
the exercise price of the  put purchased in an  amount greater than the  premium
paid  for the option, the Fund would  incur no additional loss. In addition, the
Fund may sell a put option which  it has previously purchased prior to the  sale
of  the securities (currencies) underlying such option. Such a sale would result
in a net gain or  loss depending on whether the  amount received on the sale  is
more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put option
which  is sold. And such gain  or loss could be offset in  whole or in part by a
change in  the market  value of  the underlying  security (currency).  If a  put
option  purchased  by the  Fund  expired without  being  sold or  exercised, the
premium would be lost.
 
    RISKS OF OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS.  The successful use of options depends on the
ability of  the Investment  Manager  to forecast  correctly interest  rates  and
market  movements. If  the market value  of the portfolio  securities upon which
call options have  been written increases,  the Fund may  receive a lower  total
return from the portion of its portfolio upon which calls have been written than
it would have had such calls not been written. In writing puts, the Fund assumes
the  risk of loss should  the market value of  the underlying securities decline
below the exercise price of the option (any loss being decreased by the  receipt
of  the premium on  the option written).  During the option  period, the covered
call writer  has,  in  return for  the  premium  on the  option,  given  up  the
opportunity  for capital appreciation above the exercise price should the market
price of the  underlying security  (or the  value of  its denominated  currency)
increase,  but has retained the risk of  loss should the price of the underlying
security (or the value of its  denominated currency) decline. The writer has  no
control  over the time  when it may be  required to fulfill  its obligation as a
writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice,  it
cannot  effect  a  closing  purchase  transaction  in  order  to  terminate  its
obligation  under  the  option  and  must  deliver  or  receive  the  underlying
securities at the exercise price.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    Prior  to exercise or expiration, an  option position can only be terminated
by entering  into a  closing purchase  or sale  transaction. If  a covered  call
option  writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction or to purchase
an offsetting  OTC option,  it cannot  sell the  underlying security  until  the
option  expires or the  option is exercised. Accordingly,  a covered call option
writer may not be able  to sell an underlying security  at a time when it  might
otherwise be advantageous to do so.
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund's ability to close out its position
as  a writer of an option is dependent  upon the existence of a liquid secondary
market on Option Exchanges. There is no assurance that such a market will exist,
particularly in the case of OTC options, as such options will generally only  be
closed  out by entering into a  closing purchase transaction with the purchasing
dealer. However, the  Fund may be  able to purchase  an offsetting option  which
does  not close out its  position as a writer but  constitutes an asset of equal
value to the obligation  under the option  written. If the Fund  is not able  to
either  enter  into a  closing purchase  transaction  or purchase  an offsetting
position, it will be required to maintain the securities subject to the call, or
the collateral underlying the put, even  though it might not be advantageous  to
do  so,  until a  closing  transaction can  be entered  into  (or the  option is
exercised or expires).
 
    Among the possible reasons for the  absence of a liquid secondary market  on
an  exchange are:  (i) insufficient  trading interest  in certain  options; (ii)
restrictions on  transactions  imposed  by an  exchange;  (iii)  trading  halts,
suspensions  or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or
series of  options or  underlying securities;  (iv) interruption  of the  normal
operations  on an exchange; (v)  inadequacy of the facilities  of an exchange or
the Options Clearing Corporation  ("OCC") to handle  current trading volume;  or
(vi)  a decision by one or more  exchanges to discontinue the trading of options
(or a  particular class  or series  of options),  in which  event the  secondary
market  on that exchange (or in that class  or series of options) would cease to
exist, although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the
OCC as  a result  of trades  on that  Exchange would  generally continue  to  be
excercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
    In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages in
transactions  in  options, the  Fund could  experience  delays and/or  losses in
liquidating open positions purchased or sold  through the broker and/or incur  a
loss  of all or part  of its margin deposits with  the broker. Similarly, in the
event of the bankruptcy of  the writer of an OTC  option purchased by the  Fund,
the  Fund could experience  a loss of  all or part  of the value  of the option.
Transactions are  entered  into by  the  Fund  only with  brokers  or  financial
institutions deemed creditworthy by the Fund's management.
 
    Each  of  the exchanges  has established  limitations governing  the maximum
number of options on the same  underlying security or futures contract  (whether
or  not covered) which may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone
or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the
same or different exchange  or are held  or written on one  or more accounts  or
through one or more brokers). An exchange may order the liquidation of positions
found  to be in violation  of these limits and it  may impose other sanctions or
restrictions. These position limits  may restrict the  number of listed  options
which the Fund may write.
 
    The  hours of trading for options may  not conform to the hours during which
the underlying securities  are traded.  To the  extent that  the option  markets
close  before the markets  for the underlying  securities, significant price and
rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected
in the option markets.
 
    FUTURES CONTRACTS.  As stated in  the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase  and
sell interest rate, currency, and index futures contracts ("futures contracts"),
that  are traded  on U.S.  and foreign  commodity exchanges,  on such underlying
securities as U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills and/or any foreign government
fixed-income  security  ("interest   rate"  futures),   on  various   currencies
("currency  futures") and on such indexes of  U.S. and foreign securities as may
exist or come into being ("index" futures).
 
    Although most interest rate  futures contracts call  for actual delivery  or
acceptance  of  securities,  the contracts  usually  are closed  out  before the
settlement   date   without    the   making   or    taking   of   delivery.    A
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
futures contract sale is closed out by effecting a futures contract purchase for
the  same aggregate amount of  the specific type of  security (currency) and the
same delivery date. If the sale price exceeds the offsetting purchase price, the
seller would be paid the difference and would realize a gain. If the  offsetting
purchase  price exceeds the sale price, the  seller would pay the difference and
would realize a loss.  Similarly, a futures contract  purchase is closed out  by
effecting  a futures contract sale for the same aggregate amount of the specific
type of security (currency) and the  same delivery date. If the offsetting  sale
price exceeds the purchase price, the purchaser would realize a gain, whereas if
the  purchase  price  exceeds the  offsetting  sale price,  the  purchaser would
realize a loss. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into a
closing transaction.
 
   
    INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS.  When the Fund enters into an interest rate
futures contract, it is initially required to deposit with the Fund's Custodian,
in a segregated account in the name of the broker performing the transaction, an
"initial margin" of cash or U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio
securities equal  to approximately  3% of  the contract  amount. Initial  margin
requirements  are established by the Exchanges  on which futures contracts trade
and may, from time  to time, change. In  addition, brokers may establish  margin
deposit requirements in excess of those required by the Exchanges.
    
 
   
    Initial   margin  in  futures  transactions  is  different  from  margin  in
securities transactions in that initial margin does not involve the borrowing of
funds by a brokers' client but is,  rather, a good faith deposit on the  futures
contract  which will be returned to the  Fund upon the proper termination of the
futures contract. The margin  deposits made are marked  to market daily and  the
Fund  may be  required to  make subsequent deposits  of cash  or U.S. Government
securities called "variation margin," with the Fund's futures contract  clearing
broker,  which are  reflective of  price fluctuations  in the  futures contract.
Currently, interest rate futures contracts  can be purchased on debt  securities
such  as  U.S. Treasury  Bills and  Bonds, U.S.  Treasury Notes  with Maturities
between 6 1/2 and 10 years, GNMA Certificates and Bank Certificates of Deposit.
    
 
    CURRENCY FUTURES.    Generally, foreign  currency  futures provide  for  the
delivery  of a specified amount of a given currency, on the delivery date, for a
set exercise  price  denominated in  U.S.  dollars or  other  currency.  Foreign
currency  futures contracts would be entered into  for the same reason and under
the same  circumstances  as forward  foreign  currency exchange  contracts.  The
Investment  Manager  will assess  such factors  as  cost spreads,  liquidity and
transaction costs in determining whether to utilize futures contracts or forward
contracts its in foreign currency transactions and hedging strategy.  Currently,
currency  futures exist for,  among other foreign  currencies, the Japanese yen,
German marks, Canadian dollars, British pound, Swiss franc and European currency
unit.
 
    Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency futures contracts are subject  to
the  same risks that  apply to the  buying and selling  of futures generally. In
addition, there are risks associated with foreign currency futures contracts and
their use  as a  hedging device  similar  to those  associated with  options  on
foreign  currencies described above.  Further, settlement of  a foreign currency
futures contract must occur within the country issuing the underlying  currency.
Thus,  the Fund must accept or make  delivery of the underlying foreign currency
in accordance with any U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulation regarding  the
maintenance  of  foreign  banking  arrangements by  U.S.  residents  and  may be
required to pay any fees, taxes  or charges associated with such delivery  which
are assessed in the issuing country.
 
   
    Options on foreign currency futures contracts may involve certain additional
risks.  The ability  to establish  and close  out positions  on such  options is
subject to the maintenance  of a liquid secondary  market. To reduce this  risk,
the  Fund  will  not  purchase  or write  options  on  foreign  currency futures
contracts unless and until, in the Investment Manager's opinion, the market  for
such  options has developed sufficiently that  the risks in connection with such
options are not greater  than the risks in  connection with transactions in  the
underlying foreign currency futures contracts.
    
 
    INDEX  FUTURES  CONTRACTS.   As discussed  in the  Prospectus, the  Fund may
invest in index  futures contracts. An  index futures contract  sale creates  an
obligation  by the Fund, as seller, to  deliver cash at a specified future time.
An index futures contract  purchase would create an  obligation by the Fund,  as
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
purchaser,  to  take  delivery  of  cash at  a  specified  future  time. Futures
contracts on indexes  do not require  the physical delivery  of securities,  but
provide  for  a final  cash  settlement on  the  expiration date  which reflects
accumulated profits and losses credited or debited to each party's account.
 
    The Fund  is  required to  maintain  margin deposits  with  brokerage  firms
through  which it effects  index futures contracts  in a manner  similar to that
described above  for interest  rate futures  contracts. Currently,  the  initial
margin  requirements  range from  3% to  10%  of the  contract amount  for index
futures. In  addition, due  to current  industry practice,  daily variations  in
gains  and losses on open contracts are required  to be reflected in cash in the
form of variation margin payments. The  Fund may be required to make  additional
margin payments during the term of the contract.
 
    At  any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect
to close  the position  by taking  an opposite  position which  will operate  to
terminate  the Fund's position in the futures contract. A final determination of
variation margin is  then made, additional  cash is  required to be  paid by  or
released to the Fund and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.
 
    OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The writer of an option on a futures contract
is  required to  deposit initial and  variation margin  pursuant to requirements
similar to those  applicable to  futures contracts. Premiums  received from  the
writing  of  an option  on a  futures  contract are  included in  initial margin
deposits.
 
    RISKS OF  TRANSACTIONS  IN  FUTURES  CONTRACTS AND  RELATED  OPTIONS.    The
successful  use of  futures and  related options depends  on the  ability of the
Investment Manager to accurately predict market and interest rate movements.  As
stated  in  the Prospectus,  the Fund  may  sell a  futures contract  to protect
against the decline in the  value of securities (or  the currency in which  they
are  denominated) held  by the  Fund. However, it  is possible  that the futures
market may advance and the  value of securities (or  the currency in which  they
are  denominated)  held  in the  portfolio  of  the Fund  may  decline.  If this
occurred, the Fund would lose money on the futures contract and also  experience
a  decline in value of its portfolio securities. However, while this could occur
for a very brief  period or to  a very small  degree, over time  the value of  a
diversified  portfolio will tend  to move in  the same direction  as the futures
contracts.
 
    If the Fund purchases  a futures contract to  hedge against the increase  in
value  of  securities it  intends  to buy  (or the  currency  in which  they are
denominated), and the value of such securities (currencies) decreases, then  the
Fund may determine not to invest in the securities as planned and will realize a
loss  on the futures contract that is not  offset by a reduction in the price of
the securities.
 
    In order to assure  that the Fund is  entering into transactions in  futures
contracts  for  hedging purposes  as such  is defined  by the  Commodity Futures
Trading Commission either: 1) a  substantial majority (i.e., approximately  75%)
of  all anticipatory hedge transactions (transactions in which the Fund does not
own at  the time  of the  transaction, but  expects to  acquire, the  securities
underlying  the  relevant futures  contract) involving  the purchase  of futures
contracts will be completed by the purchase of securities which are the  subject
of  the  hedge or  2)  the underlying  value of  all  long positions  in futures
contracts will not exceed the total value of a) all short-term debt  obligations
held  by the Fund; b) cash held by the Fund; c) cash proceeds due to the Fund on
investments within thirty days; d) the margin deposited on the contracts; and e)
any unrealized appreciation in the value of the contracts.
 
   
    If the Fund has sold a call option on a futures contract, it will cover this
position by holding, in a segregated account maintained at its Custodian,  cash,
U.S.  Government securities or other liquid  portfolio securities equal in value
(when added to any initial or variation  margin on deposit) to the market  value
of  the securities (currencies) underlying the  futures contract or the exercise
price of  the  option.  Such a  position  may  also be  covered  by  owning  the
securities  (currencies) underlying the  futures contract, or  by holding a call
option permitting the Fund to  purchase the same contract  at a price no  higher
than the price at which the short position was established.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
   
    In addition, if the Fund holds a long position in a futures contract it will
hold cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities equal
to  the purchase price of the contract  (less the amount of initial or variation
margin on  deposit) in  a segregated  account  maintained for  the Fund  by  its
Custodian. Alternatively, the Fund could cover its long position by purchasing a
put option on the same futures contract with an exercise price as high or higher
than the price of the contract held by the Fund.
    
 
    Exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a futures contract may move
on any day. If the price moves equal the daily limit on successive days, then it
may prove impossible to liquidate a futures position until the daily limit moves
have ceased. In the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to
be  required to  make daily  cash payments of  variation margin  on open futures
positions. In such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to
sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a  time
when  it may be disadvantageous to do so.  In addition, the Fund may be required
to take or  make delivery of  the instruments underlying  interest rate  futures
contracts  it holds at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so. The inability
to close out options and futures positions could also have an adverse impact  on
the Fund's ability to effectively hedge its portfolio.
 
    Futures contracts and options thereon which are purchased or sold on foreign
commodities  exchanges  may  have  greater  price  volatility  than  their  U.S.
counterparts. Furthermore, foreign commodities  exchanges may be less  regulated
and under less governmental scrutiny than U.S. exchanges. Brokerage commissions,
clearing  costs and other transaction costs  may be higher on foreign exchanges.
Greater margin requirements may limit the  Fund's ability to enter into  certain
commodity  transactions on foreign exchanges. Moreover, differences in clearance
and delivery  requirements  on foreign  exchanges  may occasion  delays  in  the
settlement of the Fund's transactions effected on foreign exchanges.
 
    In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages in
transactions  in futures  or options thereon,  the Fund  could experience delays
and/or losses in liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker
and/or incur a  loss of  all or  part of its  margin deposits  with the  broker.
Similarly,  in  the event  of  the bankruptcy  of the  writer  of an  OTC option
purchased by the Fund, the  Fund could experience a loss  of all or part of  the
value of the option. Transactions are entered into by the Fund only with brokers
or financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the Investment Manager.
 
    While the futures contracts and options transactions to be engaged in by the
Fund  for  the  purpose  of  hedging the  Fund's  portfolio  securities  are not
speculative in nature, there are risks inherent in the use of such  instruments.
One  such risk which may arise in employing futures contracts to protect against
the price volatility of portfolio securities  (and the currencies in which  they
are denominated) is that the prices of securities and indexes subject to futures
contracts  (and thereby the  futures contract prices)  may correlate imperfectly
with the behavior of the cash prices of the Fund's portfolio securities (and the
currencies in which they are denominated).  Another such risk is that prices  of
interest  rate futures  contracts may  not move  in tandem  with the  changes in
prevailing interest rates against  which the Fund seeks  a hedge. A  correlation
may  also  be distorted  by the  fact that  the futures  market is  dominated by
short-term traders seeking to profit from  the difference between a contract  or
security  price objective and their cost of borrowed funds. Such distortions are
generally minor and would diminish as the contract approached maturity.
 
    As stated  in  the Prospectus,  there  may exist  an  imperfect  correlation
between  the price movements of futures contracts  purchased by the Fund and the
movements in the prices of the securities (currencies) which are the subject  of
the  hedge.  If participants  in the  futures  market elect  to close  out their
contracts through  offsetting  transactions  rather  than  meet  margin  deposit
requirements, distortions in the normal relationship between the debt securities
or  currency markets and  futures markets could  result. Price distortions could
also result if investors in  futures contracts opt to  make or take delivery  of
underlying  securities rather  than engage  in closing  transactions due  to the
resultant reduction in the liquidity of the futures market. In addition, due  to
the  fact that, from the point of  view of speculators, the deposit requirements
in the futures  markets are less  onerous than margin  requirements in the  cash
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
market, increased participation by speculators in the futures market could cause
temporary  price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the
futures market and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the
prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures contracts, a correct
forecast of interest rate  trends may still not  result in a successful  hedging
transaction.
 
    As  stated in the Prospectus, there is  no assurance that a liquid secondary
market will exist for  futures contracts and related  options in which the  Fund
may  invest. In the event a liquid market does not exist, it may not be possible
to close out a futures  position, and in the  event of adverse price  movements,
the  Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation
margin. In addition,  limitations imposed by  an exchange or  board of trade  on
which  futures contracts are traded may compel  or prevent the Fund from closing
out a contract which may result in  reduced gain or increased loss to the  Fund.
The absence of a liquid market in futures contracts might cause the Fund to make
or take delivery of the underlying securities (currencies) at a time when it may
be disadvantageous to do so.
 
    Compared  to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of call
or put options  on futures contracts  involves less potential  risk to the  Fund
because  the maximum amount  at risk is  the premium paid  for the options (plus
transaction costs). However, there may be  circumstances when the purchase of  a
call  or put option  on a futures  contract would result  in a loss  to the Fund
notwithstanding that the purchase or sale of a futures contract would not result
in a loss, as in the  instance where there is no  movement in the prices of  the
futures contract or underlying securities (currencies).
 
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES
 
    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.  The
collateral   will  be   maintained  in   a  segregated   account  and   will  be
marked-to-market daily to determine  that the full value  of the collateral,  as
specified  in the agreement, is always at least equal to the purchase price plus
accrued interest.  If  required, additional  collateral  will be  added  to  the
account  to maintain  full collateralization. In  the event  the original seller
defaults on its  obligations 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 management of the Fund  subject
to procedures established by the Directors. The procedures also require that the
collateral  underlying the agreement be specified. The  Fund has not to date nor
does it presently intend to enter  into repurchase agreements so that more  than
5% of the Fund's net assets are subject to such agreements.
 
    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
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
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 or cash equivalents  or other portfolio securities
(i.e., U.S. Government securities) equal in value to its obligations in  respect
of  reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse  repurchase agreements are considered
borrowings by the Fund and, in accordance with legal requirements, the Fund will
maintain an  asset coverage  (including  the proceeds)  of  at least  300%  with
respect  to all reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements may
not exceed 10%  of the Fund's  total assets.  The Fund will  make no  purchases,
during  its  current fiscal  year,  of portfolio  securities  while it  is still
subject to a reverse repurchase agreement. The Fund has not to date nor does  it
presently intend to enter into any reverse repurchase agreements.
 
   
    WHEN-ISSUED  AND DELAYED  DELIVERY SECURITIES  AND FORWARD  COMMITMENTS.  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 and 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.  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 Fund's
management and the Directors 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 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  Fund's management and the
Directors 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 the sale.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    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 notice provisions described below), and are at all times
secured by cash or appropriate high-grade debt obligations, 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.  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 days'  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 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 Fund's management pursuant to procedures
adopted  and reviewed,  on an ongoing  basis, by  the Board of  Directors 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. The Fund has not
to date nor does it presently intend to lend any of its portfolio securities.
 
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.  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.
 
        2.    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.
 
        3.   Purchase  securities  of  other  investment  companies,  except  in
    connection  with a  merger, consolidation, reorganization  or acquisition of
    assets or in accordance with the provisions of Section 12(d) of the Act  and
    any  Rules  promulgated  thereunder.  The  Fund,  however,  has  no  present
    intention to  make  any investments,  during  the current  fiscal  year,  in
    securities issued by other investment companies.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
        The  Fund anticipates that it will  incur any indirect expenses incurred
    through investment  in an  investment  company, such  as  the payment  of  a
    management  fee.  Furthermore, it  should be  noted that  foreign investment
    companies are not subject to the U.S. securities laws and may be subject  to
    fewer or less stringent regulations than U.S. investment companies.
 
        4.   Borrow  money (except  insofar as  the Fund  may be  deemed to have
    borrowed by entrance into a reverse repurchase agreement up to an amount not
    exceeding 10% of the Fund's total  assets), except that the Fund may  borrow
    from  a bank for temporary or emergency purposes in amounts not exceeding 5%
    (taken at the  lower of  cost or  current value)  of its  total assets  (not
    including the amount borrowed).
 
        5.   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  (a)
    entering into any repurchase or reverse repurchase agreement; (b) purchasing
    any securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis; (c) purchasing or
    selling  futures contracts,  forward foreign exchange  contracts or options;
    (d) borrowing money in accordance with restrictions described above; or  (e)
    lending portfolio securities.
 
        6.   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 objectives and policies; (b) by investment in
    repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements; or (c) by lending its portfolio
    securities.
 
        7.   Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, unless
    at all times when a short position is open it either owns an equal amount of
    such securities or  owns securities  which, without payment  of any  further
    consideration,  are convertible into  or exchangeable for  securities of the
    same issue as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short.
 
        8.  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.
 
        9.   Invest for the  purpose of exercising control  or management of any
    other issuer.
 
    In addition, as a nonfundamental policy, the Fund will not invest more  than
5%  of its net assets in warrants, including  not more than 2% of such assets in
warrants not  listed  on  either  a recognized  domestic  or  foreign  exchange.
However, the acquisition of warrants attached to other securities is not subject
to this restriction.
 
    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.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
    Subject  to the general supervision of  the Fund's Directors, the Investment
Manager and  the Sub-Adviser  are  responsible for  decisions  to buy  and  sell
securities  of the  Fund, the  selection of  brokers and  dealers to  effect the
transactions, and the  negotiation of brokerage  commissions, if any.  Purchases
and  sales of securities  on a stock  exchange are effected  through brokers who
charge  a  commission  for  their  services.  In  the  over-the-counter  market,
securities  are generally  traded on a  "net" basis  with non-affiliated dealers
acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although
the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. The Fund also
expects that securities  will be  purchased at times  in underwritten  offerings
where  the price includes a fixed  amount of compensation, generally referred to
as the  underwriter's concession  or discount.  In the  underwritten  offerings,
securities  are  purchased  at  a  fixed  price  which  includes  an  amount  of
compensation equal to the underwriter's  concession. On occasion, certain  money
market  instruments may be purchased  directly from an issuer,  in which case no
commissions or discounts  are paid. During  the fiscal years  ended October  31,
1994,
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
   
1995   and  1996,   the  Fund   paid  $1,844,101,   $1,887,191  and  $2,545,689,
respectively, in brokerage commissions.
    
 
   
    The Investment Manager  and the  Sub-Adviser currently  serve as  investment
advisors  to  a number  of clients,  including,  in the  case of  the Investment
Manager, other investment  companies, and may  in the future  act as  investment
manager  or adviser to others. It is the practice of each the Investment Manager
and the Sub-Adviser  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. Consistent with this
policy, when  securities transactions  are  effected on  a stock  exchange,  the
Fund's  policy is  to pay commissions  which are considered  fair and reasonable
without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in
all circumstances.  The Fund  believes that  a requirement  always to  seek  the
lowest  possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and
preclude the Fund and the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser from  obtaining
a  high quality of brokerage and research  services. In seeking to determine the
reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the  Investment
Manager  and the Sub-Adviser rely upon  their experience and knowledge regarding
commissions generally  charged  by various  brokers  and on  their  judgment  in
evaluating  the  brokerage  and  research  services  received  from  the  broker
effecting the transaction.  Such determinations are  necessarily subjective  and
imprecise,  as in  most cases an  exact dollar  value for those  services is not
ascertainable.
 
    The Fund  anticipates that  certain of  its transactions  involving  foreign
securities  will be effected on securities  exchanges. Fixed commissions on such
transactions are  generally  higher  than  negotiated  commissions  on  domestic
transactions. There is also generally less government supervision and regulation
of foreign securities exchanges and brokers than in the United States.
 
    In  seeking to implement the Fund's policies, the Investment Manager and the
Sub-Adviser  effect  transactions  with  those  brokers  and  dealers  who   the
Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser believe provide the most favorable prices
and  are capable  of providing efficient  executions. If  the Investment Manager
and/or the Sub-Adviser believe  such prices and  executions are obtainable  from
more than one broker or dealer, they 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 and/or  the Sub-Adviser.  Such
services  may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of 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 and  the
Sub-Adviser from brokers and dealers may be of benefit to the Investment Manager
and the Sub-Adviser in the management of accounts of some of their 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 the Sub-Adviser and thereby reduce  their expenses, it is of  indeterminable
value  and the fees paid  to the Investment Manager  and the Sub-Adviser are 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
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
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. In order for these broker-dealers to effect any portfolio
transactions for the Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration  received
by  them 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 them  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 Directors of
the Fund, including a majority of the Directors 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
these broker-dealers are consistent with the foregoing standard.
 
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 DWDC. The Directors 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 Directors"), approved, at their  meeting held on October 30,  1992,
the  current  Distribution  Agreement appointing  the  Distributor  as exclusive
distributor of  the Fund's  shares and  providing for  the Distributor  to  bear
distribution  expenses not borne by the Fund. The present Distribution Agreement
took effect on June 30, 1993 upon the spin-off by Sears, Roebuck and Co. of  its
remaining  shares of DWDC.  The present Distribution  Agreement is substantively
identical  to  the  Fund's  previous  Distribution  Agreement  in  all  material
respects,  except for the dates of effectiveness. By its terms, the Distribution
Agreement has an initial term ending April  30, 1994, and provides that it  will
remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved by the Board. At their
meeting  held on April 17, 1996, the Directors, including all of the Independent
Directors, approved the continuation of  the Distribution Agreement until  April
30, 1997.
    
 
    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 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  and 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.   To compensate  the Distributor for  the services it
provides and for the  expenses borne by the  Distributor or any selected  dealer
under  the Distribution Agreement,  the Fund has adopted  a Plan of Distribution
pursuant to Rule 12b-1  under the Act  (the "Plan") pursuant  to which the  Fund
pays  the  Distributor compensation  accrued daily  and  payable monthly  at the
annual rate of 1% of the lesser
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
   
of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross  sales of the Fund's 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
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 Fund's average daily net assets. The Distributor also receives the  proceeds
of  contingent deferred sales charges imposed  on certain redemptions of shares,
which are  separate and  apart from  payments  made pursuant  to the  Plan  (see
"Redemption  and  Repurchases  --  Contingent  Deferred  Sales  Charge"  in  the
Prospectus).  The  Distributor   has  informed   the  Fund   that  it   received
approximately  $883,430, $1,628,209 and $1,047,000, in contingent deferred sales
charges  for  the  fiscal  years  ended   October  31,  1994,  1995  and   1996,
respectively.
    
 
   
    Under  its terms, the  Plan had an  initial term ending  April 30, 1990, and
provided that it will  remain in effect from  year to year thereafter,  provided
such  continuance is approved annually  by a vote of  the Directors, including a
majority of  the Directors  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 Directors"). The  Plan was most
recently submitted to and approved for continuance by the Directors of the Fund,
including a majority of the Independent  12b-1 Directors, at their meeting  held
on April 17, 1996, after evaluating all the information they deemed necessary to
make  an  informed determination  of whether  the Plan  should be  continued. In
making their determination to continue  the Plan, the Directors 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  to
the  Fund and its  shareholders. Based upon  their review, the  Directors of the
Fund, including  each  of  the  Independent  12b-1  Directors,  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 Directors' quarterly review of the Plan, they will consider
its continued appropriateness and the level of compensation provided therein.
    
 
    At  their  meeting held  on October  30,  1992, the  Directors of  the Fund,
including  all  of  the  independent  12b-1  Directors,  had  approved   certain
amendments  to the Plan which took effect  in January, 1993 and were designed to
reflect the  facts that,  upon  the reorganization  described above,  the  share
distribution  activities theretofore performed for the  Fund by DWR were assumed
by the  Distributor and  that DWR's  sales activities  are now  being  performed
pursuant  to the  terms of a  selected dealer agreement  between the Distributor
rather than  by  DWR  as they  had  been  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 Directors, including  a majority of  the independent  12b-1
Directors,  had  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 Fair Practice. At  their meeting held on October
26, 1995, the  Directors of  the Fund, including  all of  the Independent  12b-1
Directors, 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.
 
    The Distributor has informed the Fund that a portion of the fees payable  by
the  Fund each year  pursuant to the Plan  equal to 0.25%  of the Fund's average
daily net assets is  characterized as a  "service fee" under  the Rules of  Fair
Practice  of the National Association of  Securities Dealers, Inc. (of which the
Distributor is a member). Such portion of the fee is a payment made for personal
service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The remaining portion of
the Plan fees  payable by  the Fund is  characterized as  an "asset-based  sales
charge" as defined in the aforementioned Rules of Fair Practice.
 
    Pursuant  to the Plan and  as required by Rule  12b-1, the Directors receive
and review promptly  after the  end of each  calendar quarter  a written  report
provided by the Distributor of the amounts expended by
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
   
the  Distributor under the Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were
made. The Fund accrued amounts payable to the Distributor under the Plan, during
the fiscal year ended October  31, 1996 of $9,213,394.  This amount is equal  to
payments  required to  be paid monthly  by the  Fund which were  computed at the
annual rate of 0.91% of  the average daily aggregate  gross sales of the  Fund's
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 shares  redeemed since the  Fund's inception  upon which  a
contingent  deferred sales charge has been imposed  or waived. This 12b-1 fee is
treated by the Fund as an expense in the year it is accrued.
    
 
    The Plan was  adopted in order  to permit the  implementation of the  Fund's
method  of distribution. Under  this distribution method shares  of the Fund are
sold without a sales load  being deducted at the time  of purchase, so that  the
full amount of an investor's purchase payment will be invested in shares without
any  deduction  for  sales charges.  Shares  of the  Fund  may be  subject  to a
contingent deferred sales charge, payable to the Distributor, if redeemed during
the six years after  their purchase. DWR compensates  its account executives  by
paying  them, from its own funds, commissions for the sale of the Fund's shares,
currently a gross  sales credit of  up to 5%  of the amount  sold and an  annual
residual commission of up to 0.25 of 1% of the current value of the amount sold.
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  share  sales.  The distribution  fee  that  the  Distributor
receives  from the Fund under the Plan, in effect, offsets distribution expenses
incurred on behalf of the Fund opportunity costs, such as the gross sales credit
and an assumed interest charge thereon ("carrying charge"). In the Distributor's
reporting of  its  distribution expenses  to  the Fund,  such  assumed  interest
(computed  at the "broker's call  rate") has been calculated  on the gross sales
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 paid 100% of the $9,213,394  accrued under the Plan for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1996 to the Distributor. The Distributor and DWR estimate
that they have spent, pursuant  to the Plan, $66,429,507  on behalf of the  Fund
since  the inception of the Fund. It is  estimated that this amount was spent in
approximately the  following ways;  (i) 5.72%  ($3,800,879) --  advertising  and
promotional  expenses;  (ii) 0.54%  ($357,384) --  printing of  prospectuses for
distribution to other than current shareholders; and (iii) 93.74%  ($62,271,245)
- --  other expenses, including the gross sales credit and the carrying charge, of
which 8.51%  ($5,298,634)  represents  carrying  charges,  35.98%  ($22,407,328)
represents  commission credits to DWR branch offices for payments of commissions
to account executives  and 55.51%  ($34,565,283) represents  overhead and  other
branch office distribution-related expenses.
    
 
   
    At  any given time, the  expenses of 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. DWR has  advised the Fund that such excess
amount, including the  carrying charge designed  to approximate the  opportunity
costs  incurred by DWR 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  shares, totalled $25,872,741 as of October 31, 1996. Because there is no
requirement under  the Plan  that  the Distributor  be  reimbursed for  all  its
expenses  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 expenses in excess of payments made to the
Distributor under the Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
paid by investors  upon redemption  of shares,  if for  any reason  the Plan  is
terminated,  the Directors  will consider  at that time  the manner  in which to
treat such expenses.  Any cumulative  expenses incurred, but  not yet  recovered
through  future 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 Director 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 or certain of its 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.
 
    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
Fund, and all  material amendments  of the  Plan must  also be  approved by  the
Directors in the manner described above. The Plan may be terminated at any time,
without  payment of any penalty, by vote  of a majority of the Independent 12b-1
Directors 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 Directors shall be committed to the discretion of the
Independent Directors.
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The net asset value per share 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,  President's   Day,  Good  Friday,  Memorial  Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
    Short-term debt securities with remaining  maturities of sixty days or  less
at  the time  of purchase  are valued  at amortized  cost, unless  the Directors
determine such does not reflect the securities' fair value, in which case  these
securities  will be valued at  their fair value as  determined by the Directors.
Other short-term debt securities will be valued on a mark-to-market basis  until
such  time as they reach a remaining maturity of 60 days, whereupon they will be
valued at amortized cost using their value on the 61st day unless the  Directors
determine  such does not reflect the securities' fair value, in which case these
securities will be valued  at their fair value  as determined by the  Directors.
Options  are  valued at  the mean  between  their latest  bid and  asked prices.
Futures are valued at  the last sale  price as of the  close of the  commodities
exchange on which they trade unless the Directors determine that such price does
not  reflect their market value, in which case they will be valued at their fair
value as determined by the Directors. 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 Directors.
 
    Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as corporate bonds, United
States government  securities and  money  market instruments,  is  substantially
completed  each day  at various  times prior  to 4:00  p.m., New  York time. The
values of such securities used  in computing the net  asset value of the  Fund's
shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also
generally  determined prior  to 4:00 p.m.,  New York  time. Occasionally, events
which affect the  values of such  securities and such  exchange rates may  occur
between the times at which they are determined and 4:00 p.m., New York time, and
will  therefore not  be reflected  in the  computation of  the Fund's  net asset
value. If events materially affecting the value of such securities occur  during
such  period,  then these  securities  will be  valued  at their  fair  value as
determined  in  good  faith  under  procedures  established  by  and  under  the
supervision of the Directors.
 
                                       32
<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 the Fund's
Transfer Agent, Dean  Witter Trust Company  (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 other selected broker-dealer.
 
    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  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 Fund (or in cash
if the shareholder so requests) as of the close of business on the record  date.
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 at  least five business  days
prior  to  the record  date  of the  dividend or  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 DWR or other selected
broker-dealer,  and will  be forwarded to  the shareholder, upon  the receipt of
proper instructions.
 
   
    TARGETED  DIVIDENDSSM.    In  states   where  it  is  legally   permissible,
shareholders  may also have all income dividends and capital gains distributions
automatically invested in shares of an open-end Dean Witter Fund other than Dean
Witter European Growth Fund Inc. Such investment will be made as described above
for automatic investment in shares 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 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.
    
 
   
    EASYINVESTSM.   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, 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 the same  business day the
transfer of  funds is  effected.  For further  information  or to  subscribe  to
EasyInvest,   shareholders   should  contact   their   DWR  or   other  selected
broker-dealer account executive or the Transfer Agent.
    
 
    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  at the  net
asset  value next  determined after receipt  by the Transfer  Agent, without the
imposition of a contingent deferred  sales charge 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.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    SYSTEMATIC  WITHDRAWAL PLAN.   As discussed in  the Prospectus, a 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.
 
    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 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  the contingent  deferred  sales charge
applicable to the redemption of shares purchased during the preceding six  years
(see "Redemptions and Repurchases -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").
 
    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 a commercial bank or trust company  (not a savings bank), or by a
member of a national securities exchange. 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.
 
    DIRECT  INVESTMENTS THROUGH TRANSFER AGENT.  As discussed in the Prospectus,
a shareholder may  make additional  investments in Fund  shares at  any time  by
sending  a  check in  any amount,  not less  than $100,  payable to  Dean Witter
European Growth Fund Inc., directly to  the Fund's Transfer Agent. Such  amounts
will  be applied to the purchase of Fund shares at the net asset value per share
next computed after  receipt of the  check or 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 the Fund may exchange their shares
for  shares of  other Dean  Witter Funds sold  with a  contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC funds"), for shares of Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust,
Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust, Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund, Dean
Witter Balanced  Growth Fund,  Dean  Witter Balanced  Income Fund,  Dean  Witter
Intermediate  Term U.S. Treasury Trust and for  shares of five Dean Witter Funds
which are money market funds (the  foregoing eleven non-CDSC funds are  referred
to  hereinafter as "Exchange 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.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    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  captions "Exchange
Privilege" and "Contingent Deferred Sales  Charge," a contingent deferred  sales
charge  ("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 the  Fund or any
other 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 CDSC fund. However, in the case of shares exchanged
for shares of 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 the  Exchange Fund  pursuant to  this
exchange  privilege may  exchange those  shares back into  a CDSC  fund from the
money market fund, with no CDSC  being imposed on such exchange. The  investment
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  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
CDSC fund.
 
    In  addition, shares of the  Fund may be acquired  in exchange for shares of
Dean Witter Funds sold  with a front-end sales  charge ("front-end sales  charge
funds"),  but shares  of the  Fund, however acquired,  may not  be exchanged for
shares of  front-end sales  charge funds.  Shares  of a  CDSC fund  acquired  in
exchange  for shares of a front-end sales charge fund (or in exchange for shares
of other Dean Witter  Funds for which  shares of a  front-end sales charge  fund
have been exchanged) are not subject to any CDSC upon their redemption.
 
    When  shares initially purchased in a CDSC  fund are exchanged for shares of
another CDSC fund, or for  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 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 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  (all  such shares  called  "Free Shares"),  will be
exchanged first.  Shares  of  Dean  Witter Strategist  Fund  acquired  prior  to
November  8, 1989, shares of  Dean Witter American Value  Fund acquired prior to
April 30, 1984, and  shares of Dean Witter  Dividend Growth Securities Inc.  and
Dean  Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc. acquired prior to July
2, 1984, will be the first Free  Shares to be exchanged. 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 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
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
   
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
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge," 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 is $5,000 for
Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc., Dean Witter New York Municipal Money  Market
Trust,  Dean  Witter  Tax-Free Daily  Income  Trust and  Dean  Witter California
Tax-Free Daily  Income Trust  although  those funds  may, at  their  discretion,
accept  initial investments of as low  as $1,000. The minimum initial investment
is $10,000 for Dean Witter Short-Term  U.S. Treasury Trust, although that  fund,
in its discretion, may accept initial purchases of as low as $5,000. The minimum
investment  is $5,000  for Dean Witter  Special Value Fund.  The minimum initial
investment for all other Dean Witter  Funds for which the Exchange Privilege  is
available  is $1,000.) Upon 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 money
market 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 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
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
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(s), policies and restrictions.
 
   
    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 the Fund can be redeemed
for  cash at any time at the net asset value per share next determined; however,
such redemption  proceeds  may  be  reduced by  the  amount  of  any  applicable
contingent  deferred  sales  charges  (see  below).  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.
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),
partnership,  trust or fiduciary, or sent to the shareholder at an address other
than the  registered  address, signatures  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  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.
    
 
   
    CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE.  As stated in the Prospectus, a contingent
deferred sales charge ("CDSC") will be imposed on any redemption by an  investor
if  after such redemption the current value of the investor's shares of the Fund
is less  than the  dollar amount  of all  payments by  the shareholder  for  the
purchase of Fund shares during the preceding six 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
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  years. The CDSC will be
paid to the Distributor.
    
 
    In determining the applicability  of a 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 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
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
represents  the net asset value of the investor's shares purchased more than six
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 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 Fund  shares until  the time of
redemption of such shares. For purposes of determining the number of years  from
the  time of any payments 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:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      CONTINGENT DEFERRED
                             YEAR SINCE                                SALES CHARGE AS A
                              PURCHASE                                PERCENTAGE OF AMOUNT
                            PAYMENT MADE                                    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 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 period. This will result  in any such CDSC being imposed  at
the   lowest  possible  rate.  Accordingly,  shareholders  may  redeem,  without
incurring any CDSC,  amounts equal to  any net  increase in the  value of  their
shares  above the  amount of  their purchase payments  made within  the past six
years and amounts equal to the current  value of shares purchased more than  six
years  prior  to the  redemption and  shares  purchased through  reinvestment of
dividends or distributions  or 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. The  CDSC will be
imposed, in accordance with the table shown above, on any redemptions within six
years of purchase which are in excess of these amounts and which redemptions are
not (a)  requested  within  one  year  of  death  or  initial  determination  of
disability   of  a  shareholder,  or  (b)   made  pursuant  to  certain  taxable
distributions from retirement plans or retirement accounts, as described in  the
Prospectus.
 
   
    PAYMENT FOR SHARES REDEEMED OR REPURCHASED.  As discussed in the Prospectus,
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.  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  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
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
   
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.
    
 
    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  contingent deferred sales charge  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 contingent  deferred sales  charge 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 thirty 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 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.
    
 
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  capital gains in  any year for
reinvestment. If any such gains are  retained, the Fund will pay federal  income
tax  thereon, and, if the Fund makes an election, the shareholders would include
such undistributed gains in their income and shareholders will be able to  claim
their  share of the  tax paid by the  Fund as a  credit against their individual
federal income tax.
 
    Gains or  losses  on sales  of  securities by  the  Fund will  generally  be
long-term  capital gains or losses if the  securities have been held by the Fund
for more than twelve months. Gains or losses on the sale of securities held  for
twelve months or less will be generally short-term gains or losses.
 
   
    The Fund intends to remain qualified as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter  M of the  Internal Revenue Code  of 1986 (the  "Code"). As such, the
Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income  and
capital  gains, if any, realized during any  fiscal year in which it distributes
such income and capital gains to its shareholders.
    
 
    Any dividend or capital  gains distribution received  by a shareholder  from
any  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 the distribution of  realized net long-term capital gains,  such
payment  or  distribution  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.
 
    Dividends,  interest and capital gains received by the Fund may give rise to
withhholding and  other  taxes imposed  by  foreign countries.  Tax  conventions
between  certain countries  and the United  States may reduce  or eliminate such
taxes. Investors may be entitled to claim United States foreign tax credits with
respect to such taxes, subject  to certain provisions and limitations  contained
in the Code. If more
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
than  50% of the Fund's total assets at  the close of its fiscal year consist of
securities of  foreign  corporations,  the  Fund would  be  eligible  and  would
determine  whether or not to file an  election with the Internal Revenue Service
pursuant to which  shareholders of the  Fund will be  required to include  their
respective  pro rata portions  of such withholding taxes  in their United States
income tax returns as gross income,  treat such respective pro rata portions  as
taxes  paid by them, and  deduct such respective pro  rata portions in computing
their taxable income or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits  against
their  United States income taxes.  If the Fund does  elect to file the election
with the  Internal  Revenue  Service,  the Fund  will  report  annually  to  its
shareholders the amount per share of such withholding.
 
    SPECIAL  RULES FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS.  In general, gains
from foreign  currencies and  from foreign  currency options,  foreign  currency
futures and forward foreign exchange contracts relating to investments in stock,
securities  or  foreign currencies  are  currently considered  to  be qualifying
income for purposes  of determining whether  the Fund qualifies  as a  regulated
investment company. It is currently unclear, however, who will be treated as the
issuer  of certain foreign currency instruments or how foreign currency options,
futures, or forward foreign  currency contracts will be  valued for purposes  of
the  regulated investment company diversification requirements applicable to the
Fund.
 
    Under Code Section 988, special rules are provided for certain  transactions
in  a  foreign currency  other than  the  taxpayer's functional  currency (I.E.,
unless certain special rules apply, currencies  other than the U.S. dollar).  In
general,  foreign currency gains or losses  from forward contracts, from futures
contracts that are not "regulated futures contracts", and from unlisted  options
will be treated as ordinary income or loss under Code Section 988. Also, certain
foreign  exchange gains or  losses derived with  respect to foreign fixed-income
securities are also  subject to  Section 988 treatment.  In general,  therefore,
Code  Section 988 gains  or losses will  increase or decrease  the amount of the
Fund's  investment  company  taxable  income  available  to  be  distributed  to
shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount
of  the Fund's net capital gain. Additionally, if Code Section 988 losses exceed
other investment company taxable  income during a taxable  year, the Fund  would
not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions.
 
    The  Fund may be subject to taxes  in foreign countries in which it invests.
In addition, if the Fund were deemed to be a resident of the United Kingdom  for
United  Kingdom tax purposes or  if the Fund were treated  as being engaged in a
trading activity through an agent  in the United Kingdom,  there is a risk  that
the  United Kingdom would attempt to tax all or a portion of the Fund's gains or
income. In light of the  structure of the Fund and  the terms and conditions  of
the  Investment Management and Sub-Advisory Agreements,  it is believed that any
such risk is minimal.
 
    If the Fund invests in an entity  which is classified as a "passive  foreign
investment  company" ("PFIC") for U.S. tax  purposes, the application of certain
technical tax  provisions  applying  to  such  companies  could  result  in  the
imposition  of federal income tax  with respect to such  investments at the Fund
level which could not be eliminated  by distributions to shareholders. The  U.S.
Treasury  issued  proposed  regulation  section  1.1291-8  which  establishes  a
mark-to-market regime which allows investment  companies investing in PFIC's  to
avoid  most, if  not all  of the difficulties  posed by  the PFIC  rules. In any
event, it  is  not anticipated  that  any taxes  on  the Fund  with  respect  to
investments in PFIC's would be significant.
 
    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
"total  return"  in advertisements  and  sales literature.  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 contingent  deferred
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
   
sales  charge 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  return of the Fund for  the one year and five
year  period  ended  October  31,  1996  and  the  period  from  June  1,   1990
(commencement  of operations)  through October 31,  1996 was  17.27%, 17.26% and
12.19%, respectively.
    
 
   
    In addition to the foregoing, the  Fund may advertise its total return  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
deduction  of the  contingent deferred sales  charge which,  if reflected, would
reduce the performance quoted. For example,  the average annual total return  of
the  Fund may be calculated in the manner described above, but without deduction
for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Based on this  calculation,
the  average annual  total return  of the Fund  for the  one year  and five year
period ended October 31, 1996 and the period from June 1, 1990 (commencement  of
operations)   through  October   31,  1996   was  22.27%,   17.47%  and  12.19%,
respectively.
    
 
   
    In addition, the Fund may compute  its aggregate total return 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 the
reduction for  any  contingent deferred  sales  charge) by  the  initial  $1,000
investment   and  subtracting  1  from  the   result.  Based  on  the  foregoing
calculation, the Fund's total return for the one year and five year period ended
October 31, 1996 and the period  from June 1, 1990 (commencement of  operations)
through October 31, 1996 was 22.27%, 123.65% and 109.18%, respectively.
    
 
   
    The  Fund  may  also advertise  the  growth of  hypothetical  investments of
$10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in  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 $10,000,  $50,000
or $100,000, as the case may be. Investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in
the  Fund  at inception  would  have grown  to  $20,918, $104,590  and $209,180,
respectively, at October 31, 1996.
    
 
    The Fund from time  to time may also  advertise its performance relative  to
certain performance rankings and indexes compiled by independent organizations.
 
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The  Fund is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock of $0.01
par value. Shares  of the  Fund, when  issued, are  fully paid,  non-assessable,
fully  transferable and redeemable at  the option of the  holder. All shares are
equal as to  earnings, assets and  voting privileges. There  are no  conversion,
preemptive or other subscription rights. In the event of liquidation, each share
of  common stock of  the Fund is  entitled to its  portion of all  of the Fund's
assets after  all debts  and  expenses have  been  paid. Except  for  agreements
entered  into  by  the  Fund  in its  ordinary  course  of  business  within the
limitations of the Fund's fundamental investment policies (which may be modified
only by shareholder  vote), the Fund  will not issue  any securities other  than
common stock.
 
    The  shares of the  Fund do not  have cumulative voting  rights, which means
that the holders  of more  than 50%  of the shares  voting for  the election  of
directors  can elect 100% of the directors if  they choose to do so, and in such
event, the holders of the remaining less  than 50% of the shares voting for  the
election  of directors will  not be able to  elect any person  or persons to the
Board of Directors.
 
    The Fund's By-Laws provide that one or  more of the Fund's Directors may  be
removed,  either with or without  cause, at any time  by the affirmative vote of
the Fund's shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to
vote for the  election of Directors.  A special meeting  of the shareholders  of
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
the  Fund will  be called by  the Fund's  Secretary upon the  written request of
shareholders entitled to vote at least 25% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
 
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., One Chase Plaza, New York, New York 10005 is
the Custodian of the Fund's assets in the United States and around the world. As
Custodian, The Chase Manhattan  Bank has contracted  with various foreign  banks
and  depositaries to hold portfolio securities  of non-U.S. issuers on behalf of
the Fund.  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  Company, 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. Dean
Witter Trust  Company is  an affiliate  of Dean  Witter InterCapital  Inc.,  the
Fund's  Investment  Manager  and  Dean  Witter  Distributors  Inc.,  the  Fund's
Distributor. As Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, Dean Witter  Trust
Company'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
Dean Witter Trust Company receives a per shareholder account fee.
    
 
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  audited  by  independent  accountants  will  be  sent  to
shareholders each year.
 
    The Fund's fiscal year ends on  October 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 Directors.
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Sheldon Curtis,  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  financial statements of  the Fund for  the year ended  October 31, 1996
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.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
     AMOUNT                                           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
                   COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS, BONDS AND
                   WARRANTS (97.5%)
                   AUSTRIA (0.4%)
                   TRANSPORTATION
         108,000   Flughafen Wien AG..........  $       5,314,495
                                                -----------------
                   BELGIUM (1.1%)
                   RETAIL
         330,154   G.I.B. Holdings Ltd........         13,895,886
                                                -----------------
                   DENMARK (2.1%)
                   PHARMACEUTICALS
          81,900   Novo-Nordisk AS (Series
                   B).........................         13,597,324
                                                -----------------
                   TRANSPORTATION
         119,900   Kobenhavns Lufthavne AS....         12,441,386
                                                -----------------
 
                   TOTAL DENMARK..............         26,038,710
                                                -----------------
 
                   FRANCE (14.0%)
                   BUILDING MATERIALS
          89,400   IMETAL.....................         13,905,503
                                                -----------------
                   ENERGY
         208,500   Societe National Elf
                   Aquitaine..................         16,634,426
                                                -----------------
                   FINANCIAL SERVICES
          63,475   Cetelem Group..............         13,515,071
                                                -----------------
                   FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
          55,835   LVMH Moet-Hennessy Louis
                   Vuitton....................         12,760,106
         427,500   SEITA......................         17,178,425
          56,250   Societe BIC S.A............          8,419,936
                                                -----------------
                                                       38,358,467
                                                -----------------
                   INSURANCE
         160,000   AXA........................          9,970,336
         160,326   Scor S.A...................          6,148,333
                                                -----------------
                                                       16,118,669
                                                -----------------
                   PHARMACEUTICALS
         158,437   Sanofi S.A.................         14,319,316
     FRF  12,850K  Sanofi S.A. 4.00% due
                   01/01/00 (Conv.)*..........          1,286,505
                                                -----------------
                                                       15,605,821
                                                -----------------
 
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
     AMOUNT                                           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
                   RETAIL
          34,541   Carrefour Supermarche......  $      19,124,281
          89,731   Castorama Dubois
                   Investissement.............         15,322,917
     FRF   2,331K  Castorama Dubois
                   Investissement 3.15% due
                   01/01/03 (Conv.)*..........            539,533
                                                -----------------
                                                       34,986,731
                                                -----------------
                   STEEL & IRON
         899,000   Usinor Sacilor.............         13,307,797
                                                -----------------
                   TEXTILES
          32,666   Christian Dior S.A.........          4,335,066
           4,666   Christian Dior S.A.
                   (Warrants due 06/30/98)*...             96,981
          18,734   Hermes International.......          4,745,654
                                                -----------------
                                                        9,177,701
                                                -----------------
 
                   TOTAL FRANCE...............        171,610,186
                                                -----------------
 
                   GERMANY (8.7%)
                   AUTOMOTIVE
          18,500   Bayerische Motoren Werke
                   (BMW) AG...................         10,797,760
          50,560   Volkswagen AG..............         19,859,289
                                                -----------------
                                                       30,657,049
                                                -----------------
                   CHEMICALS
         489,000   BASF AG....................         15,591,304
         464,950   Bayer AG...................         17,525,981
          99,000   SGL Carbon AG..............         11,119,565
                                                -----------------
                                                       44,236,850
                                                -----------------
                   HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE
          60,000   Rhoen-Klinikum AG..........          7,193,676
          34,596   Rhoen-Klinikum AG
                   (Pref.)....................          4,056,711
                                                -----------------
                                                       11,250,387
                                                -----------------
                   MANUFACTURING
         113,450   Adidas AG..................          9,700,797
                                                -----------------
                   MERCHANDISING
         168,750   Gehe AG....................         11,338,933
                                                -----------------
 
                   TOTAL GERMANY..............        107,184,016
                                                -----------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       43
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
     AMOUNT                                           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
                   ITALY (4.0%)
                   APPLIANCES & HOUSEHOLD DURABLES
         204,000   Industrie Natuzzi SpA
                   (ADR)......................  $       9,256,500
                                                -----------------
                   FOOD MANUFACTURER
       9,692,800   Parmalat Finanzeria SpA....         13,882,418
                                                -----------------
                   OIL & GAS PRODUCTS
       3,120,700   Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi
                   SpA........................         14,929,465
                                                -----------------
                   TELECOMMUNICATIONS
       5,426,850   Telecom Italia Mobile
                   SpA........................         11,203,197
                                                -----------------
                   TOTAL ITALY................         49,271,580
                                                -----------------
 
                   NETHERLANDS (13.1%)
                   BANKING
         204,196   ABN-AMRO Holding NV........         11,514,993
                                                -----------------
                   CHEMICALS
         115,000   Akzo Nobel.................         14,457,838
                                                -----------------
                   FOOD PROCESSING
          85,506   Nutricia Vereenigde
                   Bedrijven NV...............         11,966,616
                                                -----------------
                   INSURANCE
         224,799   Aegon NV...................         11,407,829
         485,572   ING Groep NV...............         15,104,527
                                                -----------------
                                                       26,512,356
                                                -----------------
                   MANUFACTURING
         176,000   ASM Lithography Holding
                   NV*........................          6,313,066
                                                -----------------
                   MERCHANDISING
         140,000   Gucci Group NV.............          9,566,036
                                                -----------------
                   MULTI-INDUSTRY
         148,163   Hunter Douglas NV..........         10,454,875
                                                -----------------
                   PUBLISHING
       1,130,000   Elsevier NV................         18,738,092
         820,000   Ver Ned Uitgev Ver Bezit
                   NV.........................         14,851,229
          82,419   Wegener NV.................          6,881,982
         123,615   Wolters Kluwer NV..........         15,853,482
                                                -----------------
                                                       56,324,785
                                                -----------------
                   RETAIL
         242,071   Koninklijke Ahold NV.......         14,092,102
                                                -----------------
 
                   TOTAL NETHERLANDS..........        161,202,667
                                                -----------------
 
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
     AMOUNT                                           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
 
                   NORWAY (0.5%)
                   INSURANCE
       1,075,000   UNI Storebrand AS (A
                   Shares)*...................  $       6,283,504
                                                -----------------
 
                   SPAIN (6.7%)
                   BANKS
         334,401   Banco Bilbao Vizcaya.......         16,214,016
          60,388   Banco Popular Espanol
                   S.A........................         11,518,443
                                                -----------------
                                                       27,732,459
                                                -----------------
                   FINANCIAL SERVICES
         133,080   Corporacion Financiera
                   Alba.......................         11,240,041
                                                -----------------
                   OIL RELATED
          54,309   Gas Natural SDG S.A.
                   (Series E).................          9,479,760
                                                -----------------
                   TELECOMMUNICATIONS
         851,000   Telefonica de Espana.......         17,037,303
                                                -----------------
                   UTILITIES
       1,590,300   Iberdrola S.A..............         16,851,932
                                                -----------------
 
                   TOTAL SPAIN................         82,341,495
                                                -----------------
 
                   SWEDEN (7.7%)
                   BUSINESS & PUBLIC SERVICES
         500,000   Assa Abloy AB (Series B)...          7,673,722
                                                -----------------
                   BUSINESS SERVICES
         599,650   Securitas AB (Series "B"
                   Free)......................         15,490,359
                                                -----------------
                   HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE
         443,655   Getinge Industrier AB (B
                   Shares)....................          8,089,866
                                                -----------------
                   INSURANCE
         456,992   Scandia Forsakrings AB.....         12,812,081
                                                -----------------
                   PHARMACEUTICALS
         345,000   Astra AB (B Shares)........         15,727,332
                                                -----------------
                   RETAIL
         159,860   Hennes & Mauritz AB (B
                   Shares)....................         20,672,075
                                                -----------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       44
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
     AMOUNT                                           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
                   TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
         506,480   Ericsson (L.M.) Telephone
                   Co. AB (Series "B" Free)...  $      13,699,257
                                                -----------------
                   TOTAL SWEDEN...............         94,164,692
                                                -----------------
                   SWITZERLAND (5.5%)
                   INSURANCE
          15,000   Schweizerische
                   Rueckversicherungs-
                   Gesellschaft...............         16,041,009
                                                -----------------
                   MULTI-INDUSTRY
           8,091   ABB AG - Bearer............          9,966,989
                                                -----------------
                   PHARMACEUTICALS
           6,095   Ciba-Geigy AG..............          7,484,160
           2,026   Roche Holdings AG..........         15,274,890
           9,780   Sandoz AG..................         11,268,596
           6,000   Sandoz AG (Series B).......          6,927,445
                                                -----------------
                                                       40,955,091
                                                -----------------
                   TOTAL SWITZERLAND..........         66,963,089
                                                -----------------
                   UNITED KINGDOM (33.7%)
                   AEROSPACE & DEFENSE
         572,222   British Aerospace PLC......         10,863,495
       1,950,000   Rolls-Royce PLC*...........          8,073,402
                                                -----------------
                                                       18,936,897
                                                -----------------
                   AUTOMOTIVE
       1,910,000   BBA Group PLC..............         11,123,733
       1,300,000   LucasVarity PLC*...........          5,255,377
                                                -----------------
                                                       16,379,110
                                                -----------------
                   BANKING
       1,050,000   Abbey National PLC.........         10,897,933
         925,000   Lloyds TSB Group PLC.......          5,861,157
         475,000   National Westminster Bank
                   PLC........................          5,416,837
                                                -----------------
                                                       22,175,927
                                                -----------------
                   BREWERS
         815,000   Scottish & Newcastle
                   Breweries PLC..............          8,465,501
                                                -----------------
                   BROADCAST MEDIA
         608,274   Flextech PLC*..............          6,085,672
                                                -----------------
 
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
     AMOUNT                                           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
                   BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
       1,626,000   Blue Circle Industries
                   PLC........................  $      10,509,287
                                                -----------------
                   BUILDING MATERIALS
       1,250,000   Redland PLC................          8,540,700
                                                -----------------
                   BUSINESS SERVICES
         648,000   Reuters Holdings PLC.......          8,064,373
                                                -----------------
                   CHEMICALS
       1,326,000   Albright & Wilson PLC......          4,184,845
         850,000   Courtaulds PLC.............          6,291,649
                                                -----------------
                                                       10,476,494
                                                -----------------
                   COMPUTER SOFTWARE & SERVICES
       1,000,000   Sage Group (The) PLC.......          7,792,372
                                                -----------------
                   COMPUTERS
         750,000   Amstrad PLC................          1,830,150
         568,090   SEMA Group PLC.............          8,234,344
                                                -----------------
                                                       10,064,494
                                                -----------------
                   CONGLOMERATES
       1,871,857   BTR PLC....................          7,841,228
       2,020,000   Tomkins PLC................          8,445,369
       1,130,200   Williams Holdings PLC......          6,692,538
                                                -----------------
                                                       22,979,135
                                                -----------------
                   CONSTRUCTION PLANT & EQUIPMENT
       1,320,000   CRH PLC....................         13,592,890
                                                -----------------
                   ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
       1,481,818   The BICC Group PLC.........          7,051,068
                                                -----------------
                   ELECTRONICS
         498,000   Smiths Industries PLC......          6,651,302
                                                -----------------
                   FOOD PROCESSING
         950,000   Associated British Foods
                   PLC........................          6,537,296
                                                -----------------
                   FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
         663,153   B.A.T. Industries PLC......          4,595,762
         869,600   Grand Metropolitan PLC.....          6,535,754
         900,000   Guinness PLC...............          6,442,128
         836,000   Tate & Lyle PLC............          6,500,823
       1,565,000   Vaux Group PLC.............          6,415,774
                                                -----------------
                                                       30,490,241
                                                -----------------
                   FOREST PRODUCTS, PAPER & PACKAGING
         650,000   De La Rue PLC..............          6,196,481
                                                -----------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       45
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
     AMOUNT                                           VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
                   INSURANCE
         319,000   Britannic Assurance PLC....  $       3,793,519
         619,884   Commercial Union PLC.......          6,554,777
       1,262,800   Prudential Corp. PLC.......          9,552,602
       1,526,246   Royal & Sun Alliance
                   Insurance Group PLC........         10,428,167
                                                -----------------
                                                       30,329,065
                                                -----------------
                   LEISURE
         872,000   Granada Group PLC..........         12,554,341
                                                -----------------
                   MISCELLANEOUS
         622,000   Vendome Luxury Group PLC
                   (Units)++..................          5,868,844
                                                -----------------
                   OIL RELATED
       2,627,000   Lasmo PLC..................          9,102,776
       1,250,000   Shell Transport & Trading
                   Co. PLC....................         20,477,345
                                                -----------------
                                                       29,580,121
                                                -----------------
                   PHARMACEUTICALS
         959,620   British Biotech PLC*.......          3,528,108
       1,354,325   Glaxo Wellcome PLC.........         21,261,034
       2,759,166   Medeva PLC.................         11,849,934
                                                -----------------
                                                       36,639,076
                                                -----------------
                   REAL ESTATE
       1,000,000   Hammerson PLC..............          6,214,376
                                                -----------------
                   RETAIL
         370,000   Boots Co. PLC..............          3,749,937
         518,000   Great Universal Stores
                   PLC........................          5,174,070
       2,211,000   Morrison (W.M.)
                   Supermarkets PLC...........          5,754,968
       1,030,000   Next PLC...................          9,349,870
         771,500   W.H. Smith Group PLC.......          5,748,249
                                                -----------------
                                                       29,777,094
                                                -----------------
                   TELECOMMUNICATIONS
       3,262,000   British Telecommunications
                   PLC........................         18,891,573
       1,776,330   Securicor PLC..............          8,004,562
                                                -----------------
                                                       26,896,135
                                                -----------------
                   TRANSPORTATION
       1,032,800   British Airways PLC........          9,291,279
                                                -----------------
                   UTILITIES
         964,250   Scottish Power PLC.........          4,925,536
                                                -----------------
                   TOTAL UNITED KINGDOM.......        413,065,107
                                                -----------------
 
                   TOTAL COMMON AND PREFERRED
                   STOCKS, BONDS AND WARRANTS
                   (IDENTIFIED COST
                   $927,196,477)..............      1,197,335,427
                                                -----------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    CURRENCY
    AMOUNT IN
    THOUSANDS                                         VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
 
                   PURCHASED PUT OPTION ON FOREIGN CURRENCY
                   (0.0%)
     FRF  74,000   November 5, 1996/
                   FRF 5.192 (Identified
                   Cost $1,494,800)...........  $          44,400
                                                -----------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    PRINCIPAL
    AMOUNT IN
    THOUSANDS                                         VALUE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                <S>                          <C>
 
                   SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (a) (2.9%)
                   U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY
 $        35,000   Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                   Corp. 5.53% due 11/01/96
                   (Amortized Cost
                   $35,000,000)...............         35,000,000
                                                -----------------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(IDENTIFIED COST
$963,691,277) (B)..........      100.4%  1,232,379,827
 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS......       (0.4)     (4,529,867)
                                 -----   -------------
 
NET ASSETS.................      100.0%  $1,227,849,960
                                 -----   -------------
                                 -----   -------------
 
<FN>
- ---------------------
ADR  American Depositary Receipt.
 *   Non-income producing security.
++   Consists of one or more class of securities traded together as a unit;
     generally stocks with attached warrants.
(a)  Security was purchased on a discount basis. The interest rate shown has
     been adjusted to reflect a money market equivalent yield.
(b)  The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $969,666,680; the
     aggregate gross unrealized appreciation was $274,847,596 and the aggregate
     gross unrealized depreciation was $12,134,449, resulting in net unrealized
     appreciation of $262,713,147.
</TABLE>
 
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS OPEN AT OCTOBER 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACT TO        IN       DELIVERY    UNREALIZED
  RECEIVE     EXCHANGE FOR    DATE     APPRECIATION
- ----------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>           <C>       <C>
    $22,423     NLG 38,133  11/01/96      $ 141
                                          -----
                                          -----
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       46
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
 
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             PERCENT OF
INDUSTRY                                                                                 VALUE               NET ASSETS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                            <C>                         <C>
Aerospace & Defense..........................................................  $               18,936,897           1.5%
Appliances & Household Durables..............................................                   9,256,500           0.8
Automotive...................................................................                  47,036,159           3.8
Banking......................................................................                  33,690,920           2.7
Banks........................................................................                  27,732,459           2.3
Brewers......................................................................                   8,465,501           0.7
Broadcast Media..............................................................                   6,085,672           0.5
Building & Construction......................................................                  10,509,287           0.9
Building Materials...........................................................                  22,446,204           1.8
Business & Public Services...................................................                   7,673,722           0.6
Business Services............................................................                  23,554,731           1.9
Chemicals....................................................................                  69,171,183           5.6
Computer Software & Services.................................................                   7,792,372           0.6
Computers....................................................................                  10,064,494           0.8
Conglomerates................................................................                  22,979,135           1.9
Construction Plant & Equipment...............................................                  13,592,890           1.1
Electrical Equipment.........................................................                   7,051,068           0.6
Electronics..................................................................                   6,651,302           0.5
Energy.......................................................................                  16,634,426           1.4
Financial Services...........................................................                  24,755,112           2.0
Food, Beverage, Tobacco & Household Products.................................                  68,848,708           5.6
Food Manufacturer............................................................                  13,882,418           1.1
Food Processing..............................................................                  18,503,912           1.5
Foreign Currency Put Option..................................................                      44,400           0.0
Forest Products, Paper & Packaging...........................................                   6,196,481           0.5
Health & Personal Care.......................................................                  19,340,254           1.6
Insurance....................................................................                 108,096,685           8.9
Leisure......................................................................                  12,554,341           1.0
Manufacturing................................................................                  16,013,863           1.3
Merchandising................................................................                  20,904,968           1.7
Miscellaneous................................................................                   5,868,844           0.5
Multi-Industry...............................................................                  20,421,864           1.7
Oil & Gas Products...........................................................                  14,929,465           1.2
Oil Related..................................................................                  39,059,880           3.2
Pharmaceuticals..............................................................                 122,524,643          10.0
Publishing...................................................................                  56,324,785           4.6
Real Estate..................................................................                   6,214,376           0.5
Retail.......................................................................                 113,423,888           9.2
Steel & Iron.................................................................                  13,307,797           1.1
Telecommunication Equipment..................................................                  13,699,257           1.1
Telecommunications...........................................................                  55,136,636           4.5
Textiles.....................................................................                   9,177,701           0.7
Transportation...............................................................                  27,047,160           2.2
U.S. Government Agency.......................................................                  35,000,000           2.9
Utilities....................................................................                  21,777,467           1.8
                                                                               --------------------------        ------
                                                                               $            1,232,379,827         100.4%
                                                                               --------------------------        ------
                                                                               --------------------------        ------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             PERCENT OF
TYPE OF INVESTMENT                                                                       VALUE               NET ASSETS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                            <C>                         <C>
Common Stocks................................................................               1,191,355,697          97.1%
Convertible Bonds............................................................                   1,826,038           0.1
Foreign Currency Put Option..................................................                      44,400           0.0
Preferred Stocks.............................................................                   4,056,711           0.3
Short-Term Investment........................................................                  35,000,000           2.9
Warrants.....................................................................                      96,981           0.0
                                                                               --------------------------        ------
                                                                               $            1,232,379,827         100.4%
                                                                               --------------------------        ------
                                                                               --------------------------        ------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       47
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
OCTOBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
  (identified cost $963,691,277)............................  $1,232,379,827
Cash (including $9,331,541 in foreign currency).............      10,183,725
Receivable for:
    Investments sold........................................       5,273,748
    Capital stock sold......................................       3,381,628
    Dividends...............................................       1,835,708
    Foreign withholding taxes reclaimed.....................       1,634,306
Prepaid expenses and other assets...........................          48,794
                                                              --------------
     TOTAL ASSETS...........................................   1,254,737,736
                                                              --------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
    Investments purchased...................................      24,129,370
    Investment management fee...............................         994,328
    Plan of distribution fee................................         893,180
    Capital stock repurchased...............................         462,752
Accrued expenses and other payables.........................         408,146
                                                              --------------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES......................................      26,887,776
                                                              --------------
NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital.............................................     860,072,771
Net unrealized appreciation.................................     268,682,630
Accumulated undistributed net investment income.............       1,933,547
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain.................      97,161,012
                                                              --------------
     NET ASSETS.............................................  $1,227,849,960
                                                              --------------
                                                              --------------
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE,
  73,246,986 SHARES OUTSTANDING (200,000,000 SHARES
  AUTHORIZED OF $.01 PAR VALUE).............................
                                                                      $16.76
                                                              --------------
                                                              --------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INCOME
Dividends (net of $3,625,117 foreign withholding tax).......  $ 20,698,341
Interest....................................................     2,332,257
                                                              ------------
     TOTAL INCOME...........................................    23,030,598
                                                              ------------
EXPENSES
Investment management fee...................................     9,903,670
Plan of distribution fee....................................     9,213,394
Transfer agent fees and expenses............................     1,347,660
Custodian fees..............................................       731,558
Registration fees...........................................       144,553
Shareholder reports and notices.............................       120,391
Professional fees...........................................        84,050
Directors' fees and expenses................................        18,339
Other.......................................................        51,882
                                                              ------------
     TOTAL EXPENSES.........................................    21,615,497
                                                              ------------
     NET INVESTMENT INCOME..................................     1,415,101
                                                              ------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN:
Net realized gain on:
    Investments.............................................    97,683,962
    Foreign exchange transactions...........................       758,999
                                                              ------------
     NET GAIN...............................................    98,442,961
                                                              ------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation on:
    Investments.............................................   106,414,452
    Translation of forward foreign exchange contracts, other
      assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
      currencies............................................       417,811
                                                              ------------
     NET APPRECIATION.......................................   106,832,263
                                                              ------------
     NET GAIN...............................................   205,275,224
                                                              ------------
NET INCREASE................................................  $206,690,325
                                                              ------------
                                                              ------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE YEAR       FOR THE YEAR
                                                                   ENDED              ENDED
                                                              OCTOBER 31, 1996   OCTOBER 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income.......................................   $     1,415,101     $  1,002,440
Net realized gain...........................................        98,442,961       41,187,148
Net change in unrealized appreciation.......................       106,832,263       79,053,572
                                                              ----------------   ----------------
     NET INCREASE...........................................       206,690,325      121,243,160
Distributions from net realized gain........................       (44,251,712)     (60,625,845)
Net increase from capital stock transactions................       197,680,851       48,611,356
                                                              ----------------   ----------------
     NET INCREASE...........................................       360,119,464      109,228,671
                                                              ----------------   ----------------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.........................................       867,730,496      758,501,825
                                                              ----------------   ----------------
     END OF PERIOD
    (INCLUDING UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME OF
    $1,933,547 AND ACCUMULATED NET INVESTMENT LOSS OF
    $240,553, RESPECTIVELY).................................   $ 1,227,849,960     $867,730,496
                                                              ----------------   ----------------
                                                              ----------------   ----------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc. (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 to
maximize the capital appreciation of its investments. The Fund was incorporated
in Maryland on February 13, 1990 and commenced operations on May 31, 1990.
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 (in
cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are
valued on the exchange designated as the primary market by the Directors); (2)
listed options are valued at the latest sale price on the exchange on which they
are listed unless no sales of such options have taken place that day, in which
case they will be valued at the mean between their latest bid and asked price;
(3) all other portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations
are readily available are valued at the latest available bid price prior to the
time of valuation; (4) when market quotations are not readily available,
including circumstances under which it is determined by the Investment Manager
that sale or 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
Directors (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); 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 by the identified cost method.
Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
 
ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities which are
recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Discounts
are accreted over the life of the respective securities. Interest income is
accrued daily.
C. OPTION ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES -- When the Fund writes a call option, an amount
equal to the premium received is included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and
Liabilities as a liability which is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the
current market value of the option written. If a written option either expires
or the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund realizes a gain
or loss without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security
or currency and the liability related to such option is extinguished. If a
written call option is exercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss from the sale
of the underlying security or currency and the proceeds from such sale are
increased by the premium originally received.
When the Fund purchases a call or put option, the premium paid is recorded as an
investment and is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market
value. If a purchased option expires, the Fund will realize a loss to the extent
of the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, a gain
or loss is realized for the difference between the proceeds from the sale and
the cost of the option. If a put option is exercised, the cost of the security
or currency sold upon exercise will be increased by the premium originally paid.
If a call option is exercised, the cost of the security purchased upon exercise
will be increased by the premium originally paid.
D. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION -- The books and records of the Fund are
maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market value of
investment securities, other assets and liabilities and forward contracts are
translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2)
purchases, sales, income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates
prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The resultant exchange
gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations. Pursuant to U.S.
Federal income tax regulations, certain foreign exchange gains/losses included
in realized and unrealized gain/loss are included in or are a reduction of
ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not isolate that
portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the
foreign exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of the securities.
E. FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS -- The Fund may enter into forward foreign
currency contracts which are valued daily at the appropriate exchange rates. The
resultant unrealized exchange gains and losses are included in the Statement of
Operations as unrealized gain/loss on
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
 
foreign exchange transactions. The Fund records realized gains or losses on
delivery of the currency or at the time the forward contract is extinguished
(compensated) by entering into a closing transaction prior to delivery.
F. 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.
G. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Fund records dividends and
distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend 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.
2. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment
Manager a management fee, accrued 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: 1.0% of the portion of net assets not exceeding $500
million and 0.95% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $500 million.
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.
Under a Sub-Advisory Agreement between Morgan Grenfell Investment Services
Limited (the "Sub-Advisor") and the Investment Manager, the Sub-Advisor provides
the Fund with investment advice
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
 
and portfolio management relating to the Fund's investments in securities,
subject to the overall supervision of the Investment Manager. As compensation
for its services provided pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Investment
Manager pays the Sub-Advisor compensation equal to 40% of its monthly
compensation.
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 pursuant
to which the Fund pays the Distributor compensation, accrued daily and payable
monthly, at an annual rate of 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily
aggregate gross sales of the Fund's shares since the Fund's inception (not
including reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions) less the
average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's 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 Fund's average daily net
assets. Amounts paid under the Plan are paid to the Distributor to compensate it
for the services provided and the expenses borne by it and others in the
distribution of the Fund's shares, including the payment of commissions for
sales of the Fund's shares 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 other employees or selected
broker-dealers who engage in or support distribution of the Fund's 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 and printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising
materials. In addition, the Distributor may be compensated under the Plan for
its opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in
the form of a carrying charge on any unreimbursed expenses incurred by the
Distributor.
Provided that the Plan continues in effect, any cumulative expenses incurred but
not yet recovered, may be recovered through future distribution fees from the
Fund and contingent deferred sales charges from the Fund's shareholders.
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
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
 
the 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 $25,872,741 at October 31, 1996.
The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the year ended October 31, 1996,
it received approximately $1,047,000 in contingent deferred sales charges from
certain redemptions of the Fund's shares.
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 October 31, 1996 aggregated
$656,461,382 and $473,648,972, respectively.
Dean Witter Trust Company, an affiliate of the Investment Manager and
Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent. At October 31, 1996, the Fund had
transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $139,000.
The Fund has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
all independent Directors of the Fund who will have served as independent
Directors 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. Aggregate pension costs for the year ended October 31, 1996 included
in Directors' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted to
$2,820. At October 31, 1996, the Fund had an accrued pension liability of
$47,866 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1996, CONTINUED
 
5. CAPITAL STOCK
Transactions in capital stock were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           FOR THE YEAR                   FOR THE YEAR
                                                                              ENDED                          ENDED
                                                                         OCTOBER 31, 1996               OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                   ----------------------------   ----------------------------
                                                                      SHARES         AMOUNT          SHARES         AMOUNT
                                                                   ------------   -------------   ------------   -------------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Sold.............................................................    24,444,448   $ 371,386,556     15,721,889   $ 209,149,980
Reinvestment of distributions....................................     3,030,461      41,577,920      4,855,138      56,984,815
                                                                   ------------   -------------   ------------   -------------
                                                                     27,474,909     412,964,476     20,577,027     266,134,795
Repurchased......................................................   (14,340,465)   (215,283,625)   (16,689,142)   (217,523,439)
                                                                   ------------   -------------   ------------   -------------
Net increase.....................................................    13,134,444   $ 197,680,851      3,887,885   $  48,611,356
                                                                   ------------   -------------   ------------   -------------
                                                                   ------------   -------------   ------------   -------------
</TABLE>
 
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
As of October 31, 1996, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily
attributable to income from the mark-to-market of passive foreign investment
companies and permanent book/tax differences attributable to foreign currency
gains. To reflect reclassifications arising from permanent
book/tax differences for the year ended October 31, 1996, accumulated
undistributed net realized gain was charged $591,974, paid-in-capital was
charged $167,025 and accumulated undistributed net investment income was
credited $758,999.
7. PURPOSES OF AND RISKS RELATING TO CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts ("forward contracts")
to facilitate settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio transactions
or to manage foreign currency exposure associated with foreign currency
denominated securities.
At October 31, 1996, there were no outstanding forward contracts other than that
used to facilitate settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio
transactions.
Forward contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts
reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of
an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rates underlying the forward
contracts. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the
potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of capital stock outstanding
throughout each period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 FOR THE PERIOD
                                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31                          MAY 31, 1990*
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------       THROUGH
                                       1996        1995        1994         1993         1992         1991      OCTOBER 31, 1990
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
 
Net asset value, beginning of
 period............................  $ 14.44     $   13.49   $   11.86   $     8.57   $     9.22   $     9.23         $ 10.00
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------          ------
 
Net investment income (loss).......     0.02          0.02        0.02        (0.01)        0.01         0.05            0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain
 (loss)............................     3.03          2.00        1.84         3.30        (0.23)        0.07           (0.82)
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------          ------
 
Total from investment operations...     3.05          2.02        1.86         3.29        (0.22)        0.12           (0.77)
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------          ------
 
Less dividends and distributions
 from:
   Net investment income...........    --           --          --           --            (0.03)       (0.07)       --
   Net realized gain...............    (0.73)        (1.07)      (0.23)      --            (0.40)       (0.06)       --
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------          ------
 
Total dividends and
 distributions.....................    (0.73)        (1.07)      (0.23)      --            (0.43)       (0.13)       --
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------          ------
 
Net asset value, end of period.....  $ 16.76     $   14.44   $   13.49   $    11.86   $     8.57   $     9.22         $  9.23
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------          ------
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------          ------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+...........    22.27%        16.83%      15.61%       38.74%       (2.39)%       1.33%          (7.70)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses...........................     2.13%         2.23%       2.27%        2.38%        2.40%        2.44%           2.45%(2)
 
Net investment income (loss).......     0.14%         0.13%       0.21%       (0.09)%       0.11%        0.51%           1.52%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in
 millions..........................   $1,228          $868        $759         $459         $297         $316            $304
 
Portfolio turnover rate............       49%           61%         72%         120%         116%         111%             36%(1)
 
Average commission rate paid.......  $0.0448        --          --           --           --           --            --
<FN>
 
- ---------------------
 *   Commencement of operations.
 +   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
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.
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 European Growth Fund
Inc. (the "Fund") at October 31, 1996, 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 six years in the
period then ended and for the period May 31, 1990 (commencement of operations)
through October 31, 1990, 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 October 31, 1996 by correspondence with the
custodian and brokers, and the application of alternative auditing procedures
where confirmations from brokers were not received, provide a reasonable basis
for the opinion expressed above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
DECEMBER 17, 1996
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      1996 FEDERAL TAX NOTICE (UNAUDITED)
       During the year ended October 31, 1996, Fund paid to shareholders
       $0.73 per share from long-term capital gains.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>


                      DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.

                            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 June 1, 1990                 4
          through October 31, 1991 and for the fiscal years
          ended October 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.....

          (2)  Financial statements included in the Statement of Additional
          Information (Part B):
                                                                        Page
                                                                          in
                                                                         SAI
                                                                         ---
          Portfolio of Investments at October 31, 1996................... 43
          Statement of assets and liabilities at
          October 31, 1996............................................... 48

          Statement of operations for the year ended
          October 31, 1996............................................... 49

          Statement of changes in net assets for the
          years ended October 31, 1995 and 1996.......................... 50

          Notes to Financial Statements.................................. 51

          Financial highlights for the period June 1, 1990
          through October 31, 1991 and for the fiscal years
          ended October 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.............. 57

          (3) Financial statements included in Part C:

          None

   (b)    EXHIBITS

 2.    --     Amended and Restated By-Laws

11.    --     Consent of Independent Accountants

16.    --     Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations

27.    --     Financial Data Schedule
- --------------------------------
     All other exhibits previously filed and incorporated by
     reference.




<PAGE>


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 NOVEMBER 30, 1996
     --------------                  ------------------------

Shares of Common Stock                       122,237

Item 27.  INDEMNIFICATION

     Reference is made to Section 3.15 of the Registrant's By-Laws and Section
2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the  Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant
in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted against the Registrant by such director, 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
Directors, and other registered investment management companies managed by the
Investment Manager, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
Director, 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


                                        2
<PAGE>


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 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
 (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


                                        3
<PAGE>


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

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


                                        4
<PAGE>


 (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

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          Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"); Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and    Executive Officer and Director of Dean Witter
Director                 Distributors Inc. ("Distributors") and Dean
                         Witter Services Company Inc. ("DWSC"); Chairman and
                         Director of Dean Witter Trust Company ("DWTC");
                         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; Formerly Executive Vice President and
                         Director of Dean Witter, Discover & Co. ("DWDC");
                         Director and/or officer of various DWDC subsidiaries.

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

Richard M. DeMartini     Executive Vice President of DWDC; President and
Director                 Chief Operating Officer of Dean Witter Capital;Director
                         of DWR, DWSC, Distributors and DWTC; Trustee of the
                         TCW/DW Funds; Member (since January, 1993) and Chairman
                         (since January, 1995) of the Board of Directors of
                         NASDAQ.

James F. Higgins         Executive Vice President of DWDC; President and
Director                 Chief Operating Officer of Dean Witter Financial;
                         Director of DWR, DWSC, Distributors and DWTC.

Thomas C. Schneider      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Executive Vice           Officer of DWDC, DWR, DWSC and Distributors;
President, Chief         Director of DWR, DWSC and Distributors.
Financial Officer and
Director


                                        5
<PAGE>


NAME AND POSITION        OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER         OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.        AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------        ------------------------------------------------
Christine A. Edwards     Executive Vice President, Secretary and General
Director                 Counsel of DWDC and DWR; 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 DWTC; Vice
                         President of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW
                         Funds.

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

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

Sheldon Curtis           Assistant Secretary of DWR; Senior Vice President,
Senior Vice President,   Secretary and General Counsel of DWSC; Senior Vice
General Counsel and      President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary                Secretary of Distributors; Senior Vice President
                         and Secretary of DWTC; 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 Gaylor
Senior Vice President    Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

Robert S. Giambrone
Senior Vice President    Senior Vice President of DWSC, Distributors
                         and DWTC and Director of DWTC; 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.


                                        6
<PAGE>



NAME AND POSITION        OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
WITH DEAN WITTER         OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
INTERCAPITAL INC.        AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- -----------------        ------------------------------------------------
Kevin Hurley
Senior Vice President    Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

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

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

Anita 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Barry Fink               First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of
First Vice President     DWSC; Assistant Secretary of the Dean Witter
and Assistant Secretary  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 DWTC.


                                        7
<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 Zimmerman
First Vice President

Joan Allman
Vice President

Joseph Arcieri
Vice President           Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds

Kirk Balzer
Vice President           Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds

Douglas Brown
Vice President

Philip Casparius
Vice President

Thomas Chronert
Vice President

Rosalie Clough
Vice President

Patricia A. Cuddy
Vice President           Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

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

Peter W. Gurman
Vice President



                                        8
<PAGE>


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

John Hechtlinger
Vice President

Peter Hermann
Vice President           Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds

Elizabeth Hinchman
Vice President

David Hoffman
Vice President

David Johnson
Vice President

Christopher Jones
Vice President

James Kastberg
Vice President

Stanley Kapica
Vice President

Michael Knox
Vice President           Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds

Konrad J. Krill
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 Lian
Vice President           Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

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



                                        9
<PAGE>


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

David Myers
Vice President

James Nash
Vice President

Richard Norris
Vice President

Anne Pickrell
Vice President           Vice President of Dean Witter Global Short-
                         Term Income Fund Inc.
Hugh Rose
Vice President

Robert Rossetti
Vice President

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

Rafael Scolari
Vice President           Vice President of Prime Income Trust

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

Jayne M. Stevlingson
Vice President           Vice President of various Dean Witter Funds.

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

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

Katherine Wickham
Vice President

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



                                       10
<PAGE>


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
(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 Premier Income Trust
(43)      Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(44)      Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(45)      Dean Witter High Income Securities
(46)      Dean Witter National Municipal Trust
(47)      Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(48)      Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(49)      Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund


                                       11
<PAGE>


(50)      Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(51)      Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(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
 (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.

                                    Positions and
                                    Office with
     Name                           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
stockholders, upon request and without charge.


                                       12


<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 23rd day of December, 1996.

                                       DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.

                                       By      /s/ Sheldon Curtis
                                           ---------------------------------
                                                   Sheldon Curtis
                                           Vice President and Secretary

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-
Effective Amendment No. 7 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,
                                   Director and Chairman
By  /s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo                             12/23/96
    ----------------------------
        Charles A. Fiumefreddo

(2) Principal Financial Officer    Treasurer and Principal
                                   Accounting Officer

By  /s/ Thomas F. Caloia                                   12/23/96
    ----------------------------
        Thomas F. Caloia

(3) Majority of the Directors

    Charles A. Fiumefreddo (Chairman)
    Philip J. Purcell

By  /s/ Sheldon Curtis                                     12/23/96
    -----------------------------
       Sheldon Curtis
       Attorney-in-Fact

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



By  /s/ David M. Butowsky                                  12/23/96
    ----------------------------
        David M. Butowsky
        Attorney-in-Fact



<PAGE>


                      DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO.    DESCRIPTION
- -----------   ------------

 2. --         By-Laws of the Registrant, Amended and Restated
                    as of October 25, 1996  

11.  --        Consent of Independent Accountants

16.  --        Schedules for Computation of Performance Quotations  
               
27.  --        Financial Data Schedule


<PAGE>

                                   BY-LAWS

                                      OF

                    DEAN WITTER EUROPEAN GROWTH FUND INC.

                 AMENDED AND RESTATED AS OF OCTOBER 25, 1996

                                  ARTICLE I

                                   OFFICES

   SECTION 1.1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation in
the State of Maryland shall be in the City of Baltimore.

   SECTION 1.2. OTHER OFFICES. In addition to its principal office in the
State of Maryland, the Corporation may have an office or offices in the City
of New York, State of New York, and at such other places as the Board of
Directors may from time to time designate or the business of the Corporation
may require.

                                  ARTICLE II

                            STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS

   SECTION 2.1. PLACE OF MEETINGS. Meetings of stockholders shall be held at
such place, within or without the State of Maryland, as may be designated
from time to time by the Board of Directors.

   SECTION 2.2. ANNUAL MEETINGS. Annual or other meetings of the
stockholders, unless required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, or the Maryland General Corporation Law shall not be required to be
held but may, in the discretion of the Directors, be held notwithstanding the
absence of a requirement under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, or the Maryland General Corporation Law to hold such a meeting.

   SECTION 2.3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of stockholders of the
Corporation shall be held whenever called by the Board of Directors or the
President of the Corporation. Special meetings of stockholders shall also be
called by the Secretary upon the written request of the holders of shares
entitled to vote not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of all the votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such request shall state the purpose or
purposes of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on thereat. The
Secretary shall inform such stockholders of the reasonable estimated cost of
preparing and mailing such notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the
Corporation of such costs, the Secretary shall give notice stating the
purpose or purposes of the meeting to all entitled to a vote at such meeting.
Unless requested by stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes
entitled to be cast at the meeting, a special meeting need not be called to
consider any matter which is substantially the same as a matter voted upon at
any special meeting of stockholders held during the preceding twelve months.

   SECTION 2.4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Written or printed notice of every
stockholders' meeting stating the place, date and time, and in the case of a
special meeting the purpose or purposes thereof, shall be given by the
Secretary not less than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90) days before such
meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, either by mail
or by presenting it to him personally, or by leaving it at his residence or
usual place of business. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given
when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the
stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.

   SECTION 2.5. QUORUM AND ADJOURNMENT OF MEETINGS. Except as otherwise
provided by law, by the Charter of the Corporation, or by these By-Laws, at
all meetings of stockholders the holders of a majority of the shares issued
and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall be requisite and shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, the stockholders
present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereat shall have power

                                       1
<PAGE>


to adjourn the meeting from time to time (but in no event to a date more than
120 days after the original record date) without notice other than
announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present. At any
adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be
transacted if the meeting had been held as originally called.

   SECTION 2.6. VOTING RIGHTS, PROXIES. At each meeting of the stockholders
at which a quorum is present, each holder of stock entitled to vote thereat
shall be entitled to one vote (with fractional votes for fractional shares)
in person or by proxy, executed in writing by the stockholder or his duly
authorized attorney-in-fact, for each share of stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote so registered in his name on the books of the Corporation on
the date fixed as the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to vote at such meeting. In all elections of directors, each share
of stock may be voted once for each individual to be elected and for whose
election such share is entitled to be voted. No proxy shall be valid after
eleven months from its date, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. At all
meetings of stockholders, unless the voting is conducted by inspectors, all
questions relating to the qualification of voters and the validity of proxies
and the acceptance or rejection of votes shall be decided by the chairman of
the meeting.

   SECTION 2.7. VOTE REQUIRED. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the
Charter of the Corporation, or by these By-Laws, at each meeting of
stockholders at which a quorum is present, all matters shall be decided by a
majority of the votes cast by the stockholders present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote with respect to any such matter.

   SECTION 2.8. INSPECTORS OF ELECTION. In advance of any meeting of
stockholders, the Directors may appoint Inspectors of Election to act at the
meeting or any adjournment thereof. If Inspectors of Election are not so
appointed, the chairman of any meeting of stockholders may, and on the
request of any stockholder or his proxy shall, appoint Inspectors of Election
of the meeting. In case any person appointed as Inspector fails to appear or
fails or refuses to act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the
Directors in advance of the convening of the meeting or at the meeting by the
person acting as chairman. The Inspectors of Election shall determine the
number of shares of stock outstanding, the shares of stock represented at the
meeting, the existence of a quorum, the authenticity, validity and effect of
proxies, shall receive votes, ballots or consents, shall hear and determine
all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right
to vote, shall count and tabulate all votes or consents, determine the
results, and do such other acts as may be proper to conduct the election or
vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the chairman of the
meeting or of any stockholder or his proxy, the Inspectors of Election shall
make a report in writing of any challenge or question or matter determined by
them and shall execute a certificate of any facts found by them.

   SECTION 2.9. ACTION BY STOCKHOLDERS WITHOUT MEETING. Except as otherwise
provided by law, the provisions of these By-Laws relating to notices and
meetings to the contrary notwithstanding, any action required or permitted to
be taken at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing setting forth the action shall be signed by all the
stockholders entitled to vote upon the action and such consent shall be filed
with the records of the Corporation.

   SECTION 2.10. PRESENCE AT MEETINGS. Presence at meetings of stockholders
requires physical attendance by the stockholder or his or her proxy at the
meeting site and does not encompass attendance by telephonic or other
electronic means.

                                 ARTICLE III

                                  DIRECTORS

   SECTION 3.1. NUMBER AND TERM. The Board of Directors shall consist of not
less than three (3) and not more than fifteen (15) directors, the number of
directors to be fixed from time to time within the above-specified limits by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors. At the
first annual meeting of stockholders and at each meeting thereafter called
for the purpose of electing directors, the stockholders shall elect directors
to hold office until their successors are elected and qualify. Directors need
not be stockholders of the Corporation.

                                       2
<PAGE>


   SECTION 3.2. POWERS. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by
the Board of Directors which may exercise all powers of the Corporation and
do all lawful acts and things which are not by law or by the Charter of the
Corporation, or by these By-Laws, directed or required to be exercised or
done exclusively by the stockholders.

   SECTION 3.3. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETINGS. The first meeting of each newly
elected Board of Directors for the purposes of organization and the election
of officers and otherwise shall be held at such time and place as shall be
specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of
the Board of Directors, or as shall be specified in a written waiver signed
by all directors.

   SECTION 3.4. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors
may be held at such time and place as shall be determined from time to time
by the Board of Directors without further notice.

   SECTION 3.5. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors
may be called at any time by the President and shall be called by such
President or the Secretary upon the written request of any two (2) directors.

   SECTION 3.6. NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS. Written notice of special
meetings of the Board of Directors, stating the place, date and time thereof,
shall be given not less than two (2) days before such meeting to each
director, personally, by telegram, by mail, or by leaving such notice at his
place of residence or usual place of business. If mailed, such notice shall
be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail, postage
prepaid, directed to the director at his address as it appears on the records
of the Corporation.

   SECTION 3.7. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Any member or members of the Board of
Directors or of any committee designated by the Board, may participate in a
meeting of the Board, or any such committee, as the case may be, by means of
a conference telephone or similar communications equipment if all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.
Participation in a meeting by these means constitutes presence in person at
the meeting. This Section 3.7 shall not be applicable to meetings held for
the purpose of voting in respect of approval of contracts or agreements
whereby a person undertakes to serve or act as investment adviser of, or
principal underwriter for, the Corporation, or in respect of other matters as
to which the Investment Company Act of 1940 requires a vote cast in person.

   SECTION 3.8. QUORUM, VOTING AND ADJOURNMENT OF MEETINGS. At all meetings
of the Board of Directors, a majority of the whole Board shall be requisite
to and shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum
is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present shall
be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater
proportion is expressly required for such action by law, the Charter of the
Corporation or these By-Laws. If at any meeting of the Board there be less
than a quorum present, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting
from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting
until a quorum shall have been obtained.

   SECTION 3.9. REMOVAL. Any one or more of the directors may be removed,
either with or without cause, at any time, by the affirmative vote of the
stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote
for the election of directors. (For purposes of determining the circumstances
and procedures under which such removal of directors may take place, the
provisions of Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 shall be
applicable to the same extent as if the Corporation were subject to the
provisions of that Section.) The successor or successors of any director or
directors so removed may be elected by the stockholders entitled to vote
thereon at the same meeting to fill any resulting vacancies for the unexpired
term of removed directors. Except as provided by law, pending, or in the
absence of, such an election, the successor or successors of any director or
directors so removed may be chosen by the Board of Directors.

   SECTION 3.10. VACANCIES. Except as otherwise provided by law, any vacancy
occurring in the Board of Directors and newly created directorships resulting
from an increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by the
vote of a majority of the directors then in office or, if only one director
shall then be in office, by such director. A director elected by the Board of
Directors to fill a vacancy shall be elected to hold office until the next
annual meeting of stockholders or until his successor is elected and
qualifies.

                                       3
<PAGE>


   SECTION 3.11. ACTION BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT MEETING. The provisions of these
By-Laws covering notices and meetings to the contrary notwithstanding, and
except as required by law, any action required or permitted to be taken at
any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing setting forth the action shall be signed by all of the
directors entitled to vote upon the action and such written consent is filed
with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

   SECTION 3.12. EXPENSES AND FEES. Each director may be allowed expenses, if
any, for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of
Directors and shall receive for services rendered as a director of the
Corporation such compensation as may be fixed by the Board of Directors.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from
serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation
therefor.

   SECTION 3.13. EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS AND DOCUMENTS AND SIGNING OF CHECKS
AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND TRANSFERS. All instruments, documents and other
papers shall be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and all
checks, notes, drafts and other obligations for the payment of money by the
Corporation shall be signed, and all transfer of securities standing in the
name of the Corporation shall be executed, by the President, any Vice
President or the Treasurer or by any one or more officers or agents of the
Corporation as shall be designated for that purpose by vote of the Board of
Directors; notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Section 3.13 shall be
deemed to preclude the electronic authorization, by designated persons, of
the Corporation's Custodian (as described herein in Section 10.1) to transfer
assets of the Corporation, as provided for herein in Section 10.1.

   SECTION 3.14. CONTRACTS. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the
Charter of the Corporation, no contract or transaction between the
Corporation and any partnership or corporation, and no act of the
Corporation, shall in any way be affected or invalidated by the fact that any
officer or director of the Corporation is pecuniarily or otherwise interested
therein or is a member, officer or director of such interest shall be known
to the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Specifically, but without
limitation of the foregoing, the Corporation may enter into one or more
contracts appointing Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. investment manager of the
Corporation, and may otherwise do business with Dean Witter InterCapital
Inc., notwithstanding the fact that one or more of the directors of the
Corporation and some or all of its officers are, have been or may become
directors, officers, members, employees, or stockholders of Dean Witter
InterCapital Inc.; and in the absence of fraud, the Corporation and Dean
Witter InterCapital Inc. may deal freely with each other, and neither such
contract appointing Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. investment manager to the
Corporation nor any other contract or transaction between the Corporation and
Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. shall be invalidated or in any wise affected
thereby, nor shall any director or officer of the Corporation by reason
thereof be liable to the Corporation or to any stockholder or creditor of the
Corporation or to any other person for any loss incurred under or by reason
of any such contract or transaction. For purposes of this paragraph, any
reference to "Dean Witter InterCapital Inc." shall be deemed to include said
company and any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of said company and any
successor (by merger, consolidation or otherwise) to said company or any such
parent, subsidiary or affiliate.

   SECTION 3.15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND
AGENTS. (a) The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed
action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent
of the Corporation. The indemnification shall be against judgments,
penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses, including attorneys'
fees, actually incurred in connection with the proceeding, unless it is
established that: (i) the act or omission of the director was material to the
matter giving rise to the proceeding; and (A) was committed in bad faith, or
(B) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; or (ii) the director
actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property, or
services, or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director had
reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Officers,
employees, and agents of the Corporation are entitled to indemnification and
the advancement of expenses to the same extent as directors. The termination
of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order or settlement, shall
not,

                                       4
<PAGE>


of itself, create a presumption that the person did not meet the requisite
standard of conduct set forth above. The termination of any proceeding by
conviction, a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or an entry of an
order of probation prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that
the person did not meet the requisite standard of conduct.

   (b) The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action
or suit by or on behalf of the Corporation to obtain a judgment or decree in
its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer,
employee, or agent of the Corporation. The indemnification shall be against
judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses, including
attorney's fees, actually incurred in connection with the proceeding, if he
met the standard of conduct set forth in paragraph (a) above, except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any proceeding as to which the
person has been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation, except to the
extent that a court of appropriate jurisdiction determines upon application
of that person that, despite the failure to meet the requisite standard of
conduct or an actual adjudication of liability, but in view of all relevant
circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for those expenses which the court shall deem proper, provided such
director or officer is not adjudged to be liable by reason of his willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his office.

   (c) To the extent that a director, officer, employee, or agent of the
Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsection (a) or (b) or in defense
of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against
expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him
in connection therewith.

   (d)(1) Unless a court orders otherwise, any indemnification under
subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be made by the Corporation only as
authorized in the specific case after a determination that indemnification of
the director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances
because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsection
(a) or (b).

      (2) The determination shall be made:

        (i) By the Board of Directors, by a majority vote of a quorum which
     consists of directors who were not parties to the action ("non-party
     directors"), suit or proceeding; or if a quorum of non-party directors
     is not obtainable, by a majority vote of a committee of at least two
     non-party directors; or

       (ii) If the required quorum is not obtainable, or if a quorum of
     disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a
     written opinion; or

      (iii) By the stockholders.

      (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this
subsection (d), no person shall be entitled to indemnification for any
liability, whether or not there is an adjudication of liability, arising by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless
disregard of duties as described in Sections 17(h) and (i) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended ("disabling conduct"). A person shall be
deemed not liable by reason of disabling conduct if, either:

       (i) a final decision on the merits is made by a court or other body
     before whom the proceeding was brought that the person to be indemnified
     ("indemnitee") was not liable by reason of disabling conduct; or

      (ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination,
     based upon a review of the facts, that the indemnitee was not liable by
     reason of disabling conduct, is made by either--

          (A) a majority of a quorum of directors who are neither "interested
         persons" of the Corporation, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the
         Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, nor parties to the
         action, suit or proceeding, or

          (B) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

                                         5
<PAGE>


   (e) Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by a director, officer,
employee or agent of the Corporation in defending a civil or criminal action,
suit or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final
disposition thereof if:

    (1) authorized in the specific case by the Board of Directors; and

    (2) the Corporation receives an undertaking by or on behalf of the
   director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to repay the
   advance if it is not ultimately determined that such person is entitled to
   be indemnified by the Corporation; and

    (3) either

          (i) such person provides a security for his undertaking, or

         (ii) the Corporation is insured against losses by reason of any
       lawful advances, or

        (iii) a determination, based on a review of readily available facts,
       that there is reason to believe that such person ultimately will be
       found entitled to indemnification, is made by either--

            (A) a majority of a quorum which consists of directors who are
           neither "interested persons" of the Corporation, as defined in
           Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
           amended, nor parties to the action, suit or proceeding, or

            (B) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

   (f) The indemnification provided by this Section shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which a person may be entitled under any
by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in
another capacity while holding the office, and shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and inure to the
benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.

   (g) The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the
Corporation, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him
in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such. However, in no
event will the Corporation pay for that portion of the premium, if any, for
insurance to indemnify any officer or director against liability for any act
for which the Corporation itself is not permitted to indemnify him.

   (h) Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to protect any
director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the
Corporation or to its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

   (i) Any indemnification of, or advance of expenses to, a director in
accordance with this Section, if arising out of a proceeding by or in the
right of the Corporation, shall be reported in writing to the shareholders
with the notice of the next stockholders' meeting or prior to the meeting.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                  COMMITTEES

   SECTION 4.1. EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors, by
resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, may designate an
Executive Committee and/or other committees, each committee to consist of two
(2) or more of the directors of the Corporation and may delegate to such
committees, in the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, any
or all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the
business and affairs of the Corporation, except the power to: declare
dividends or distributions of stock; issue stock; recommend to stockholders
any action requiring stockholder approval; amend the By-Laws of the
Corporation; or approve any merger or share exchange which does not require
shareholder approval. In the absence of any member of any such committee, the
members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a
quorum, may appoint a member of the Board of Directors to act in place of
such absent member. Each such committee shall keep a record of its
proceedings.

                                       6
<PAGE>


   The Executive Committee and any other committee shall fix its own rules or
procedure, but the presence of at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of
the whole committee shall in each case be necessary to constitute a quorum of
the committee and the affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the
committee present at the meeting shall be necessary to take action.

   All actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the Board of
Directors at the meeting thereof next succeeding to the taking of such
action.

   SECTION 4.2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The Board of Directors may appoint an
advisory committee which shall be composed of persons who do not serve the
Corporation in any other capacity and which shall have advisory functions
with respect to the investments, business or activities of the Corporation as
may be delegated to it, but which shall have no power to determine that any
security or other investment shall be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed
of by the Corporation, or to take action by or in the name of the
Corporation. The number of persons constituting any such advisory committee
shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The members
of any such advisory committee may receive compensation for their services
and may be allowed such fees and expenses for the attendance at meetings as
the Board of Directors may from time to time determine to be appropriate.

   SECTION 4.3. COMMITTEE ACTION WITHOUT MEETING. The provisions of these
By-Laws covering notices and meetings to the contrary notwithstanding, and
except as required by law, any action required or permitted to be taken at
any meeting of any Committee of the Board appointed pursuant to Section 4.1
of these By-Laws may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing
setting forth the action shall be signed by all members of the Committee
entitled to vote upon the action and such written consent is filed with the
records of the proceedings of the Committee.

                                  ARTICLE V

                                   OFFICERS

   SECTION 5.1. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. The executive officers of the Corporation
shall be a Chairman of the Board, a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a
Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors may also elect one or more
Assistant Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers and
may elect, or may delegate to the President the power to appoint, such other
officers and agents as the Board of Directors shall at any time or from time
to time deem advisable. The Chairman of the Board shall be selected from
among the directors but none of the other executive officers need be a member
of the Board of Directors. Two or more offices, except those of President and
any Vice President, may be held by the same person, but no officer shall
execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity. The
executive officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of
Directors.

   SECTION 5.2. TERM, REMOVAL AND VACANCIES. Each officer of the Corporation
shall hold office until his successor is elected and has qualified. Any
officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed by the Board of Directors
whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Corporation will be
served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the
contractual rights, if any, of the person so removed.

   SECTION 5.3. COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS. The compensation of officers and
agents of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, or by the
President to the extent provided by the Board of Directors with respect to
officers appointed by the President.

   SECTION 5.4. POWER AND DUTIES. All officers and agents of the Corporation,
as between themselves and the Corporation, shall have such authority and
perform such duties in the management of the Corporation as may be provided
in or pursuant to these By-Laws, or, to the extent not so provided, as may be
prescribed by the Board of Directors; provided, that no rights of any third
party shall be affected or impaired by any such By-Law or resolution of the
Board unless he has knowledge thereof.

   SECTION 5.5. THE CHAIRMAN. The Chairman, if any, or in his absence the
President, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board
of Directors; and he shall perform such other duties as the Board of
Directors may from time to time prescribe.

                                        7
<PAGE>


   SECTION 5.6. THE PRESIDENT. The President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation; he shall have general and active management of
the business of the Corporation, shall see that all orders and resolutions of
the Board of Directors are carried into effect, and, in connection therewith,
shall be authorized to delegate to one or more Vice Presidents such of his
powers and duties at such times and in such manner as he may deem advisable.

   In the absence of the Chairman, the President shall preside at all
meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors; and he shall perform
such other duties as the Board of Directors may, from time to time,
prescribe.

   SECTION 5.7. THE VICE PRESIDENTS. The Vice Presidents shall be of such
number and shall have such titles as may be determined from time to time by
the Board of Directors. The Vice President, or, if there be more than one,
the Vice Presidents in the order of their seniority as may be determined from
time to time by the Board of Directors shall, in the absence or disability of
the President, exercise the powers and perform the duties of those officers;
and he or they shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may
from time to time prescibe.

   SECTION 5.8. THE ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS. The Assistant Vice President,
or, if there be more than one, the Assistant Vice Presidents, shall perform
such duties and have such powers as may be assigned them from time to time by
the Board of Directors or the President.

   SECTION 5.9. THE SECRETARY. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the
Board of Directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the
proceedings of the meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors
in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform like duties for the
standing committees when required. He shall give, or cause to be given,
notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board
of Directors, and shall perform such other duties and have such powers as the
Board of Directors, may from time to time prescribe. He shall keep in safe
custody the seal of the Corporation and affix or cause the same to be affixed
to any instrument requiring it, and, when so affixed, it shall be attested by
his signature.

   SECTION 5.10. THE ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. The Assistant Secretary, or, if
there be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by
the Board of Directors or the President, shall in the absence or disability
of the Secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary
and shall perform such duties and have such other powers as the Board of
Directors or the President may from time to time prescribe.

   SECTION 5.11. THE TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be the chief financial
officer of the Corporation. He shall keep or cause to be kept full and
accurate accounts or receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the
Corporation, and he shall render to the Board of Directors whenever any of
them require it, an account of his transactions as Treasurer and of the
financial condition of the Corporation; and he shall perform such other
duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

   SECTION 5.12. THE ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The Assistant Treasurer, or, if
there shall be more than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order
determined by the Board of Directors or the President, shall, in the absence
or disability of the Treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of
the Treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such powers as the
Board of Directors, or the President, may from time to time prescribe.

   SECTION 5.13. DELEGATION OF DUTIES. Whenever an officer is absent or
disabled, or whenever for any reason the Board of Directors may deem it
desirable, the Board may delegate the powers and duties of an officer to any
other officer or officers or to any Director or Directors.

                                  ARTICLE VI

                                CAPITAL STOCK

   SECTION 6.1. ISSUANCE OF STOCK. The Corporation shall not issue its shares
of capital stock except as approved by the Board of Directors.

                                       8
<PAGE>


   SECTION 6.2. CERTIFICATES OF STOCK. Certificates for shares of each class
of the capital stock of the Corporation shall be in such form and of such
design as the Board of Directors shall approve, subject to the right of the
Board of Directors to change such form and design at any time or from time to
time, and shall be entered in the books of the Corporation as they are
issued. Each such certificate shall bear a distinguishing number; shall
exhibit the holder's name and certify the number of full shares owned by such
holder; shall be signed by or in the name of the Corporation by the
President, or a Vice President or an Assistant Vice President, and
countersigned by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer of
the Corporation; shall be sealed with the corporate seal; and shall contain
such recitals as may be required by law. Where any stock certificate is
signed by a Transfer Agent or by a Registrar, the signature of such corporate
officers and the corporate seal may be facsimile, printed or engraved. The
Corporation may, at its option, defer the issuance of a certificate or
certificates to evidence shares of capital stock owned of record by any
stockholder until such time as demand therefor shall be made upon the
Corporation or its Transfer Agent, but upon the making of such demand each
stockholder shall be entitled to such certificate or certificates.

   In case any officer or officers who shall have signed, or whose facsimile
signature or signatures shall appear on, any such certificate or certificates
shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Corporation, whether
because of death, resignation or otherwise, before such certificate or
certificates shall have been delivered by the Corporation, such certificate
or certificates shall, nevertheless, be adopted by the Corporation and be
issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such
certificate or certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures shall
appear therein had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the
Corporation.

   No certificate shall be issued for any share of stock until such share is
fully paid.

   SECTION 6.3. TRANSFER OF STOCK. Transfers of shares of the capital stock
of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation by the
holder thereof, or by his attorney thereunto duly authorized by a power of
attorney duly executed and filed with the Corporation or a Transfer Agent of
the Corporation, if any, upon written request in proper form if no share
certificate has been issued, or in the event such certificate has been
issued, upon presentation and surrender in proper form of said certificate.

   SECTION 6.4. RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a date
as the record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to
notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of stockholders, or stockholders
entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any rights,
or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other purpose.
Such date, in any case shall be not more than ninety (90) days, and in case
of a meeting of stockholders not less than ten (10) days prior to the date on
which particular action requiring such determination of stockholders is to be
taken. In lieu of fixing a record date the Board of Directors may provide
that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not to
exceed, in any case, twenty (20) days. If the stock transfer books are closed
for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of a vote at a
meeting of stockholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten (10)
days immediately preceding such meeting.

   SECTION 6.5. LOST, STOLEN, DESTROYED AND MULTILATED CERTIFICATES. The
Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued
in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon satisfactory
proof of such loss, theft, or destruction; and the Board of Directors may, in
its discretion, require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, or his legal representative, to give to the Corporation and to
such Registrar, Transfer Agent and/or Transfer Clerk as may be authorized or
required to countersign such new certificate or certificates, a bond in such
sum and of such type as they may direct, and with such surety or sureties, as
they may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be against them or
any of them on account of or in connection with the alleged loss, theft or
destruction of any such certificate.

   SECTION 6.6. REGISTERED OWNERS OF STOCK. The Corporation shall be entitled
to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the
owner of shares of stock to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and
to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as
the

                                        9
<PAGE>


owner of shares of stock, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable
or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any
other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof,
except as otherwise provided by the laws of Maryland.

   SECTION 6.7. FRACTIONAL DENOMINATIONS. Subject to any applicable
provisions of law and the Charter of the Corporation, the Corporation may
issue shares of its capital stock in fractional denominations, provided that
the transactions in which and the terms and conditions upon which shares in
fractional denominations may be issued may from time to time be limited or
determined by or under the authority of the Board of Directors.

                                 ARTICLE VII

                                SALE OF STOCK

   SECTION 7.1. SALE OF STOCK. Upon the sale of each share of its Common
Stock, except as otherwise permitted by applicable laws and regulations, the
Corporation shall receive in cash or in securities valued as provided in
Article VIII of these By-Laws, not less than the current net asset value
thereof, exclusive of any distributing commission or discount, and in no
event less than the par value thereof.

   SECTION 7.2. REDEMPTION OF STOCK. Subject to and in accordance with any
applicable laws and regulations and any applicable provisions of the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, the Corporation shall redeem all
outstanding shares of its capital stock duly delivered or offered for
redemption by any registered stockholder in a manner prescribed by or under
authority of the Board of Directors. Any shares so delivered or offered for
redemption shall be redeemed at a redemption price prescribed by the Board of
Directors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; provided that
in no event shall such price be less than the applicable net asset value of
such shares as determined in accordance with the provisions of Article VIII
of these By-Laws. The Corporation may redeem, at current net asset value,
shares not offered for redemption held by any shareholder whose shares have a
value of less than $100, or such lesser amount as may be fixed by the Board
of Directors; provided that before the Corporation redeems such shares it
must notify the shareholder that the value of his shares is less than $100
and allow him 60 days to make an additional investment in an amount which
will increase the value of his account to $100 or more. The Corporation shall
pay redemption prices in cash.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE; VALUATION OF
                    PORTFOLIO SECURITIES AND OTHER ASSETS

   SECTION 8.1. NET ASSET VALUE. The net asset value of a share of Common
Stock of the Corporation shall be determined in accordance with applicable
laws and regulations under the supervision of such persons and at such time
or times as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Each such determination shall be made by subtracting from the value of the
assets of the Corporation (as determined pursuant to Section 8.2 of these
By-Laws) the amount of its liabilities, dividing the remainder by the number
of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, and adjusting the results
to the nearest full cent per share.

   SECTION 8.2. VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES AND OTHER ASSETS. Except as
otherwise required by any applicable law or regulation of any regulatory
agency having jurisdiction over the activities of the Corporation, the
Corporation shall determine the value of its portfolio securities and other
assets as follows:

      (a) securities for which market quotations are readily available shall
    be valued at current market value determined in such manner as the Board
    of Directors may from time to time prescribe;

      (b) all other securities and assets shall be valued at amounts deemed
    best to reflect their fair value as determined in good faith by or under
    the supervision of such persons and at such time or times as shall from
    time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

                                       10
<PAGE>


   All quotations, sale prices, bid and asked prices and other information
shall be obtained from such sources as the persons making such determination
believe to be reliable and any determination of net asset value based thereon
shall be conclusive.

                                  ARTICLE IX

                         DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

   Subject to any applicable provisions of law and the Charter of the
Corporation, dividends and distributions upon the Common Stock of the
Corporation may be declared at such intervals as the Board of Directors may
determine, in cash, in securities or other property, or in shares of stock of
the Corporation, from any sources permitted by law, all as the Board of
Directors shall from time to time determine.

   Inasmuch as the computation of net income and net profits from the sale of
securities or other properties for federal income tax purposes may vary from
the computation thereof on the books of the Corporation, the Board of
Directors shall have power, in its discretion, to distribute as income
dividends and as capital gain distributions, respectively, amounts sufficient
to enable the Corporation to avoid or reduce liability for federal income
taxes.

                                  ARTICLE X

                                  CUSTODIAN

   SECTION 10.1. APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES. The Corporation shall at all times
employ a bank or trust company having the qualifications specified by the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as custodian with authority as
its agent, but subject to such restrictions, limitations and other
requirements, if any, as may be contained in these By-Laws and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended:

      (1) to receive and hold the securities owned by the Corporation and
    deliver the same upon written or electronically transmitted order;

      (2) to receive and receipt for any moneys due to the Corporation and
    deposit the same in its own banking department or elsewhere as the
    Directors may direct;

      (3) to distribute such funds upon orders or vouchers;

      (4) to keep the books and accounts of the Corporation and furnish
    clerical and accounting services;

      (5) to compute the net income of the Corporation and the net asset value
    of the Corporation and its shares;

all upon such basis of compensation as may be agreed upon between the
Directors and the custodian. If so directed by a vote of a majority of the
shares of stock outstanding, the custodian shall deliver and pay over all
property of the Corporation held by it as specified in such vote.

   The Board of Directors may also authorize the custodian to employ one or
more sub-custodians from time to time to perform such of the acts and
services of the custodian and upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed
upon between the custodian and such sub-custodian and approved by the Board
of Directors.

   SECTION 10.2. CENTRAL CERTIFICATE SYSTEM. Subject to such rules,
regulations and orders as the Commission may adopt, the Directors may direct
the custodian to deposit all or any part of the securities owned by the
Corporation in a system for the central handling of securities established by
a national securities exchange or a national securities association
registered with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or
such other person as may be permitted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or otherwise in accordance with the Investment Company Act of
1940, pursuant to which system all securities of any particular class or
series of any issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and
may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery
of such securities, provided that all such deposits shall be subject to
withdrawal only upon the order of the Corporation.

                                      11
<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE XI

                              BOOKS AND RECORDS

   SECTION 11.1. LOCATION. The books and records of the Corporation may be
kept outside the State of Maryland at such place or places as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine, except as otherwise required by
law.

   SECTION 11.2. STOCK LEDGERS. The Corporation shall maintain at the office
of its Transfer Agent an original stock ledger containing the names and
addresses of all stockholders and the number of shares held by each
stockholder. Such stock ledger may be in written form or any other form
capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time for
visual inspection.

   SECTION 11.3. ANNUAL STATEMENT. The President or a Vice President or the
Treasurer shall prepare or cause to be prepared annually a full and correct
statement of the affairs of the Corporation, including a statement of assets
and liabilities and a statement of operations for the preceding fiscal year,
which shall be submitted at the annual meeting of stockholders if such
meeting be held, and shall be filed within twenty (20) days thereafter at the
principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland.

                                 ARTICLE XII

                               WAIVER OF NOTICE

   Whenever any notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting of
stockholders, directors, or of any committee is required to be given under
the provisions of the statute or under the provisions of the Charter of the
Corporation or these By-Laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the
person or persons entitled to such notice and filed with the records of the
meeting, whether before or after the holding thereof, or actual attendance at
the meeting of Directors or committee in person, shall be deemed equivalent
to the giving of such notice to such person.

                                 ARTICLE XIII

                                MISCELLANEOUS

   SECTION 13.1. SEAL. The Board of Directors shall adopt a corporate seal,
which shall be in the form of a circle, and shall have inscribed thereon the
name of the Corporation, the year of its incorporation, and the words
"Corporate Seal--Maryland." Said seal may be used by causing it or a
facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

   SECTION 13.2. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on
such date as the Board of Directors may by resolution specify, and the Board
of Directors may by resolution change such date for future fiscal years at
any time and from time to time.

   SECTION 13.3. ORDERS FOR PAYMENT OF MONEY. All orders or instructions for
the payment of money of the Corporation, and all notes or other evidences of
indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation, shall be signed by such
officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors
may from time to time designate, or as may be specified in or pursuant to the
agreement between the Corporation and the bank or trust company appointed as
Custodian of the securities and funds of the Corporation.

                                 ARTICLE XIV

                     COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS

   The Board of Directors is hereby empowered to take such action as they may
deem to be necessary, desirable or appropriate so that the Corporation is or
shall be in compliance with any federal or state statute, rule or regulation
with which compliance by the Corporation is required.

                                       12
<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE XV

                                  AMENDMENTS

   These By-Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed at any annual or
special meeting of the stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote, provided notice of the general purpose of
the proposed amendment, alteration or repeal is given in the notice of said
meeting; or, at any meeting of the Board of Directors, by a vote of a
majority of the whole Board of Directors, provided, however, that any By-Law
or amendment or alteration of the By-Laws adopted by the Board of Directors
may be amended, altered or repealed and any By-Law repealed by the Board of
Directors may be reinstated, by vote of the stockholders of the Corporation.

                                        13



<PAGE>

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated
December 17, 1996, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights
of Dean Witter European Growth Fund, 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 reference to us under the heading "Financial Highlights" in such
Prospectus and to the references to us under the headings "Independent
Accountants" and "Experts" in the Statement of Additional Information.



PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
December 17, 1996

<PAGE>


          SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
                      EUROPEAN GROWTH SECURITIES




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

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

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

                                                                     (A)
  $1,000        ERV AS OF        AGGREGATE    NUMBER OF        AVERAGE ANNUAL
INVESTED - P    31-Oct-96      TOTAL RETURN    YEARS - n       TOTAL RETURN - T
- ------------    ---------      ------------   ----------       ----------------

  31-Oct-95     $1,172.70        17.27%          1.00              17.27%

  31-Oct-91     $2,216.50        121.65%         5.00              17.26%

  01-Jun-90     $2,091.80        109.18%         6.42              12.19%

(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:       |       |                        |
               |  /\ n |       EV           |
          t  = |    \  | -------------      |  - 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)

                                  (C)                                 (B)
  $1,000         EV AS OF        TOTAL              NUMBER OF   AVERAGE ANNUAL
  INVESTED - P   31-Oct-96       RETURN - TR        YEARS - n   TOTAL RETURN - t
  ------------   ---------       -----------        ---------   ----------------

  31-Oct-95      $1,222.70         22.27%            1.00               22.27%

  31-Oct-91      $2,236.50         123.65%           5.00               17.47%

  01-Jun-90      $2,091.80         109.18%           6.42               12.19%

  (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

                                 (D)              (E)              (F)
                              GROWTH OF        GROWTH OF        GROWTH OF
               TOTAL          $10,000          $50,000          $100,000
INVESTED - P   RETURN - TR    INVESTMENT -G    INVESTMENT - G   INVESTMENT - G
- ------------   -----------    -------------    --------------   --------------
 01-Jun-90       109.18         $20,918           $104,590         $209,180





<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      963,691,277
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                   1,232,379,827
<RECEIVABLES>                               12,125,390
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  48,794
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        10,183,725
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                           1,254,737,736
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    24,129,370
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,758,406
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         26,887,776
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   860,072,771
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       73,246,986
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       60,112,542
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                    1,933,547
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                     97,161,012
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   268,682,630
<NET-ASSETS>                             1,227,849,960
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                           20,698,341
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            2,332,257
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              21,615,497
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,415,101
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    98,442,961
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  106,832,263
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                      206,690,325
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                  (44,251,712)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     24,444,448
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (14,340,465)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          3,030,461
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     360,119,464
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                      (240,553)
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                   43,561,737
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        9,903,670
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             21,615,497
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                     1,016,175,859
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.44
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .02
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           3.03
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                        (.73)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              16.76
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   2.13
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission