<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 24, 1999
REGISTRATION NOS.: 33-46049
811-6572
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
----------------
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
[X] POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 9 [X]
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
ACT OF 1940 [ ]
AMENDMENT NO. 10 [X]
----------------
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
(A MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST)
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (212) 392-1600
BARRY FINK, ESQ.
TWO WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
----------------
COPY TO:
DAVID M. BUTOWSKY, ESQ.
GORDON ALTMAN BUTOWSKY
WEITZEN SHALOV & WEIN
114 WEST 47TH STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
----------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
As soon as practicable after 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 June 28, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b)
----
---- 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
---- on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485.
AMENDING THE PROSPECTUS AND UPDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS - JUNE 28, 1999
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
---------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
A MUTUAL FUND THAT SEEKS TO EARN A HIGH LEVEL OF
CURRENT INCOME WHILE MAINTAINING RELATIVELY LOW
VOLATILITY OF PRINCIPAL
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
The Fund Investment Objective ....................................... 1
Principal Investment Strategies ............................ 1
Principal Risks ............................................ 3
Past Performance ........................................... 5
Fees and Expenses .......................................... 6
Additional Investment Strategy Information ................. 7
Additional Risk Information ................................ 7
Fund Management ............................................ 9
Legal Proceedings .......................................... 9
Shareholder Information Pricing Fund Shares ....................................... 11
How to Buy Shares ........................................ 11
How to Exchange Shares .................................... 12
How to Sell Shares ........................................ 15
Distributions.............................................. 16
Tax Consequences .......................................... 16
Financial Highlights .......................................................... 18
This Prospectus contains important information about the Fund.
Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust seeks to earn
a high level of current income while maintaining relatively low volatility of
principal.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund will normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in fixed-income
securities issued or guaranteed by the United States, Canadian or Mexican
governments, their subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities. These securities
are referred to generally as "government securities." In the case of the United
States and Canada, a substantial portion of these securities will be
mortgage-backed securities.
(sidebar)
INCOME
An investment objective having the goal of selecting securities to pay out
income rather than rise in price.
(/sidebar)
The Fund will normally invest at least fifty percent of its assets in U.S.
government securities, and no more than twenty-five percent each in Canadian or
Mexican government securities. The Fund will invest in fixed-income securities
that are investment grade; the Fund's investments in Canadian government
securities, however, will be rated at least A by Moody's Investors Services
Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or, if not rated,
determined to be of comparable quality by the Sub-Advisor.
The Fund's "Sub-Advisor," TCW Funds Management, Inc., will allocate Fund assets
among the three countries based on its analysis of market, economic and
political conditions in those countries. When deciding whether to buy, hold or
sell a security for the Fund, the Sub-Advisor will consider various factors,
such as changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates, to attempt to
take advantage of favorable investment opportunities in each country. The
Sub-Advisor expects that, under normal circumstances, the weighted average
maturity (or period until the next time the interest rate is reset) of the
Fund's investment securities will be no greater than 3 years. In addition, the
Fund will purchase Mexican government securities that have remaining maturities
of one year or less.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. One type of mortgage-backed security, in which the
Fund may invest, is a mortgage pass-through security. These securities
represent a participation interest in a pool of residential mortgage loans
originated by governmental or private lenders such as banks. They differ from
conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of interest in
fixed amounts and principal payments at maturity or on specified call dates.
Mortgage pass-through securities provide for monthly payments that are a
"pass-through" of the monthly interest and principal payments made by the
individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans.
The U.S. mortgage pass-through securities in which the Fund may invest include
those issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association
("GNMA" or "Ginnie Mae"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA" or
"Fannie Mae") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC" or
"Freddie Mac"). GNMA certificates are backed by the "full faith and credit" of
the United States. FNMA and FHLMC certificates are not backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States but the issuing agency or instrumentality has
the right to borrow, to meet its obligations, from an existing line of credit
with the U.S. Treasury.
1
<PAGE>
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. The Fund may invest in "CMOs" --
collateralized mortgage obligations. CMOs are debt obligations collateralized
by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities (collectively "Mortgage
Assets"). Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets and any
reinvestment income are used to make payments on the CMOs. CMOs are issued in
multiple classes. Each class has a specific fixed or floating coupon rate and a
stated maturity or final distribution date. The principal and interest on the
Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the classes in a number of different
ways. Certain classes will, as a result of the collection, have more
predictable cash flows than others. As a general matter, the more predictable
the cash flow, the lower the yield relative to other Mortgage Assets. The less
predictable the cash flow, the higher the yield and the greater the risk. The
Fund may invest in any class of CMO.
INVERSE FLOATERS. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in inverse
floaters. An inverse floater has a coupon rate that moves in the direction
opposite to that of a designated interest rate index.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase stripped
mortgage-backed securities, which are usually structured in two classes. One
class entitles the holder to receive all or most of the interest but little or
none of the principal of a pool of Mortgage Assets (the interest-only or "IO"
Class), while the other class entitles the holder to receive all or most of the
principal but little or none of the interest (the principal-only or "PO"
Class).
OTHER SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in securities
that are not government securities. This group of securities also will be
issued by U.S., Canadian or Mexican issuers and may include corporate debt
securities and securities backed by other assets, such as automobile or credit
card receivables or home equity loans. They are rated at least Aa by Moody's or
AA by S&P or, if not rated, determined to be of comparable quality by the
Sub-Advisor.
Fixed-income securities are debt securities and can take the form of bonds,
notes or commercial paper. The issuer of the debt security borrows money from
the investor who buys the security. Most debt securities pay either fixed or
adjustable rates of interest at regular intervals until they mature, at which
point investors get their principal back. The Fund's fixed-income investments
may include zero coupon securities, which are purchased at a discount and
either (i) pay no interest, or (ii) accrue interest, but make no payments until
maturity.
In addition, the Fund may invest in futures, options, currency forward and
reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls.
In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Sub-Advisor has considerable
leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day
basis -- and which trading or investment strategies it uses. For example, the
Sub-Advisor in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading or
investment strategies while not using others.
2
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PRINCIPAL RISKS
- -------------------------------------------
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The
Fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the
Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less
than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in
this Fund.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. All fixed-income securities are subject to two types
of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the
possibility that the issuer of a security will be unable to make interest
payments and/or repay the principal on its debt. While the Fund invests in
investment grade securities, these securities may have speculative
characteristics.
Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a fixed-income
security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. When
the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income
securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the
prices of most fixed-income securities go up. (Zero coupon securities are
typically subject to greater price fluctuations than comparable securities that
pay interest.) Accordingly, a rise in the general level of interest rates may
cause the price of the Fund's fixed-income securities to fall substantially.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-backed securities have different risk
characteristics than traditional debt securities. Although generally the value
of fixed-income securities increases during periods of falling interest rates
and decreases during periods of rising interest rates, this is not always the
case with mortgage-backed securities. This is due to the fact that principal on
underlying mortgages may be prepaid at any time as well as other factors.
Generally, prepayments will increase during a period of falling interest rates
and decrease during a period of rising interest rates. The rate of prepayments
also may be influenced by economic and other factors. Prepayment risk includes
the possibility that, as interest rates fall, securities with stated interest
rates may have the principal prepaid earlier than expected, requiring the Fund
to invest the proceeds at generally lower interest rates.
Investments in mortgage-backed securities are made based upon, among other
things, expectations regarding the rate of prepayments on underlying mortgage
pools. Rates of prepayment, faster or slower than expected by the Sub-Advisor,
could reduce the Fund's yield, increase the volatility of the Fund and/or cause
a decline in net asset value. Certain mortgage-backed securities in which the
Fund may invest may be more volatile and less liquid than other traditional
types of debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a risk referred to as
"extension risk," which is the possibility that rising interest rates may cause
owners of the underlying mortgages to pay off their mortgages at a slower than
expected rate. This risk may effectively change a security that was was short or
intermediate term into a long term security. Long term securities generally drop
in value more dramatically when the general level of interest rates goes up.
CMOS. Certain mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest (e.g.,
certain classes of CMOs) may increase or decrease in value substantially with
changes in interest rates and/or the rates of prepayment. In addition, if the
collateral securing CMOs or any third party guarantees are insufficient to make
payments, the Fund could sustain a loss.
INVERSE FLOATERS. Like most other fixed-income securities, the value of inverse
floaters will decrease as interest rates increase. They are more volatile,
however, than most other fixed-income securities because the coupon rate on an
inverse floater typically changes at a multiple of the change in the relevant
index rate. Thus, any rise in the index rate (as a consequence of an increase
in interest rates) causes a correspondingly
3
<PAGE>
greater drop in the coupon rate of an inverse floater while a drop in the index
rate causes a correspondingly greater increase in the coupon of an inverse
floater. Some inverse floaters may also increase or decrease substantially
because of changes in the rate of prepayments.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. IOs tend to decrease in value
substantially if interest rates decline and prepayment rates become more rapid.
POs tend to decrease in value substantially if interest rates increase and the
rate of repayment decreases.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. Foreign securities (including depository receipts) involve
risks in addition to the risks associated with domestic securities. One
additional risk is currency risk. While the price of Fund shares is quoted in
U.S. dollars, the Fund generally converts U.S. dollars to a foreign market's
local currency to purchase a security in that market. If the value of that
local currency falls relative to the U.S. dollar, the U.S. dollar value of the
foreign security will decrease. This is true even if the foreign security's
local price remains unchanged.
Foreign securities also have risks related to economic and political
developments abroad, including effects of foreign social, economic or political
instability. Foreign issuers, in general, are not subject to the regulatory
requirements of U.S. issuers and, as such, there may be less publicly available
information about these issuers. Moreover, foreign accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards generally are different from those applicable to
U.S. companies. Finally, in the event of a default of any foreign debt
obligations, it may be more difficult for the Fund to obtain or enforce a
judgment against the issuers of the securities.
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 U.S. counterparts.
The Mexican securities in which the Fund may invest are issued by a developing
country. Compared to the United States and other developed countries,
developing countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based
on only a few industries and securities markets that trade a small number of
securities. Prices of these securities tend to be especially volatile and, in
the past, securities in these countries have offered greater potential loss
than securities of companies located in developed countries.
CANADIAN AND MEXICAN SECURITIES. The Canadian debt securities market is
significantly smaller than the U.S. debt securities market. In particular, the
Canadian mortgage-backed securities market is of recent origin, and, although
continued growth is anticipated, is less well developed and less liquid than
its U.S. counterpart.
Because the Fund intends to invest in Mexican debt instruments, investors in
the Fund should be aware of certain special considerations associated with
investing in debt obligations of the Mexican government.
The Mexican government has exercised and continues to exercise a significant
influence over many aspects of the private sector in Mexico. Mexican government
actions concerning the economy could have a significant effect on market
conditions and prices and yields of Mexican debt obligations, including those
in which the Fund
4
<PAGE>
invests. Mexico is currently a major debtor nation (among developing countries)
to commercial banks and foreign governments.
The value of the Fund's investments may be affected by changes in oil prices,
interest rates, taxation and other political or economic developments in
Mexico, including recent rates of inflation which have exceeded the rates of
inflation in the U.S. and Canada. The Fund can provide no assurance that future
developments in the Mexican economy will not impair the Fund's investment
flexibility, operations or ability to achieve its investment objective.
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. The Fund is a "non-diversified" mutual fund and, as
such, its investments are not required to meet certain diversification
requirements under federal law. Compared with "diversified" funds, the Fund may
invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of an individual
governmental entity. Thus, the Fund's assets may be invested in fewer
securities than other funds. A decline in the value of those investments would
cause the Fund's overall value to decline to a greater degree. The Fund's
investments, however, are currently diversified and may remain diversified in
the future.
OTHER RISKS. The performance of the Fund also will depend on whether the
Sub-Advisor is successful in pursuing the Fund's investment strategy. In
addition, the Fund is subject to other risks from its permissible investments
including those risks associated with futures, options, currency forwards and
reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls. For information about these
risks, see the "Additional Risk Information" section.
Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by
the FDIC or any other government agency.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PAST PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing
in the Fund. The Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will
perform in the future.
(sidebar)
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
This chart shows how the performance of the Fund's shares has varied from year
to year for the past 6 calendar years.
(end sidebar)
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS -- CALENDAR YEARS
8.11% -15.59% 16.00% 4.01% 7.89% 6.75%
1993 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98
5
<PAGE>
During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 5.65% (quarter ended June 30, 1995) and the lowest return for a
calendar quarter was -10.51% (quarter ended December 31, 1994). Year-to-date
total return as of March 31, 1999 was 1.34%.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998)
(sidebar)
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURNS
This table compares the Fund's average annual returns with those of a broad
measure of market performance over time, as well as with an average of funds
with similar objectives.
(end sidebar)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIFE OF FUND
PAST 1 YEAR PAST 5 YEARS (SINCE 7/31/92)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
North American Government
Income Trust 6.75% 3.25% 4.31%
Lehman Brothers Short (1-5)
U.S. Government Index(1) 7.65% 6.15% 6.18%
Lipper Short World Multi-Market
Income Funds Average(2) 5.46% 3.52% 3.42%
</TABLE>
(1) The Lehman Brothers Short (1-5) U.S. Government Index measures the
performance of all U.S. Government agency and U.S. Treasury securities
with maturities of one to five years. The Index does not include any
expenses, fees or charges. The Index is unmanaged and should not be
considered an investment.
(2) The Lipper Short World Multi-Market Income Funds Average tracks the
performance of funds which invest primarily in non U.S. dollar and U.S.
dollar debt instruments and, by policy, keep a dollar-weighted average
maturity of less than 5 years, as reported by Lipper Analytical Services.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
FEES AND EXPENSES
- -----------------------------------------------
The table below briefly describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you
buy and hold shares of the Fund. The Fund does not impose any sales charges and
does not charge account or exchange fees.
(sidebar)
ANNUAL FUND
OPERATING EXPENSES
These expenses are deducted from the Fund's assets and are based on expenses
paid for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998.
(end sidebar)
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Management fee 0.65%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.73%
Other expenses 0.31%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.69%
</TABLE>
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a
5% return each year, and the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the table below shows your
costs at the end of each period based on these assumptions
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
$17 $53 $92 $200
</TABLE>
Long-term shareholders may pay more in distribution fees than the economic
equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by the NASD.
6
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information relating to the Fund's principal
investment strategies.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES. The Fund may invest in put and call options and futures
with respect to financial instruments, interest rate indexes and foreign
currencies. The Fund may use options and futures to facilitate allocation of
the Fund's investments among asset classes, to increase or decrease the Fund's
exposure to a bond market, to generate income or to seek to protect against a
decline in securities or currency prices or an increase in prices of securities
or currencies that may be purchased.
FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS. The Fund's investments also may include forward
currency contracts, which involve the purchase or sale of a specific amount of
foreign currency at the current price with delivery at a specified future date.
The Fund may use these contracts to hedge against adverse price movements in
its portfolio securities and the currencies in which they are denominated.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS. The Fund may use reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls 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. The Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the
Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously
contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities
on a specified future date.
DEFENSIVE INVESTING. The Fund may take temporary "defensive" positions in
attempting to respond to adverse market conditions. The Fund may invest any
amount of its assets in cash or money market instruments in a defensive posture
when the Sub-Advisor believes it is advisable to do so. Although taking a
defensive posture is designed to protect the Fund from an anticipated market
downturn, it could have the effect of reducing the benefit from any upswing in
the market or otherwise affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment
objective.
The percentage limitations relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio
apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment and refer to the Fund's net
assets, unless otherwise noted. Subsequent percentage changes that result from
market fluctuations will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security.
The Fund may change its principal investment strategies without shareholder
approval; however, you would be notified of any changes.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
ADDITIONAL RISK INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information relating to the principal risks of
investing in the Fund.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES. If the Fund invests in options and/or futures, its
participation in these markets would subject it to certain risks. The
Investment Manager's or Sub-Advisor's predictions of movements in the direction
of the stock, bond, currency or interest rate markets may be inaccurate, and
the adverse consequences to the Fund (e.g., a reduction in the Fund's net asset
value or a reduction in the amount of income available for distribution) may
leave the Fund in a worse position than if these
7
<PAGE>
strategies were not used. Other risks inherent in the use of options and
futures include, for example, the possible imperfect correlation between the
price of options and futures contracts and movements in the prices of the
securities being hedged, and the possible absence of a liquid secondary market
for any particular instrument. Certain options may be over-the-counter options,
which are options negotiated with dealers; there is no secondary market for
these investments.
FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS. The Fund's participation in forward currency
contracts also involves risks. If the Sub-Advisor employs a strategy that does
not correlate well with the Fund's investments or the currencies in which the
investments are denominated, currency contracts could result in a loss. The
contracts also may increase the Fund's volatility and may involve a significant
risk.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS. Reverse repurchase agreements
and dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the
Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the
repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse
repurchase agreement or dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent,
the Fund's use of proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a
determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to
enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar rolls are speculative techniques involving leverage, and
are considered borrowings by the Fund.
YEAR 2000. The Fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
necessary for the efficient operation of the Investment Manager, the
Sub-Advisor and the Fund's other service providers, as well as the markets and
corporate and governmental issuers in which the Fund invests do not properly
he Fund invests do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
While year 2000-related computer problems could have a negative effect on the
Fund, the Investment Manager, Sub-Advisor and their affiliates are working hard
to avoid any problems and to obtain assurances from their service providers
that they are taking similar steps.
In addition, it is possible that the markets for securities in which the Fund
invests may be detrimentally affected by computer failures throughout the
financial services industry beginning January 1, 2000. Improperly functioning
trading systems may result in settlement problems and liquidity issues.
Corporate and governmental data processing errors also may result in production
problems for individual companies and overall economic uncertainties. Earnings
or revenues of individual issuers will be affected by remediation costs, which
may be substantial and may be reported inconsistently in U.S. and foreign
financial statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments may be adversely
affected.
8
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
FUND MANAGEMENT
- ---------------------------------------------
Effective June 28, 1999, the Fund retained the Investment Manager - Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. - to provide administrative services, manage
its business affairs and supervise the investment of its assets. The Investment
Manager has, in turn, contracted with the Sub-Advisor - TCW Funds Management,
Inc. - to invest the Funds assets, including the placing of orders for the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities. Prior to June 28, 1999, TCW Funds
Management, Inc. acted as the Fund's advisor and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Services Company Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager,
served as the Fund's manager. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., a preeminent global financial
services firm that maintains leading market positions in each of its three
primary businesses: securities, asset management and credit services. Its main
business office is located at Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.
(sidebar)
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN
WITTER ADVISORS INC.
The Investment Manager is widely recognized as a leader in the mutual fund
industry and together with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc.,
its wholly-owned subsidiary, has more than $134.2 billion in assets under
management or administration as of May 31, 1999.
(endsidebar)
The Sub-Advisor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCW Group, Inc., whose direct
and indirect subsidiaries provide a variety of trust, investment management and
investment advisory services. The Sub-Advisor's main business office is located
at 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017.
Philip A. Barach and Jeffrey E. Gundlach, Group Managing Directors of the
Sub-Advisor, and James M. Goldberg and Frederick H. Horton, Managing Directors
of the Sub-Advisor, are the Fund's primary portfolio managers, and, with the
exception of Mr. Horton, have been so since the Fund's inception in July 1992.
Mr. Horton has been a primary portfolio manager since December, 1994. Messrs.
Barach, Gundlach, Goldberg and Horton have each been portfolio managers with
affiliates of the Sub-Advisor for over five years.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a monthly management fee as full
compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund, and for
Fund expenses assumed by the Investment Manager. The fee is based on the Fund's
average daily net assets. The Investment Manager pays the Sub-Advisor monthly
compensation equal to 40% of this fee. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
1998 the Fund accrued aggregate total compensation to Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Services Company Inc. (at that time the Fund's manager) and TCW Funds
Management, Inc. (at that time acting as the Fund's advisor, rather than
sub-advisor) of 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net assets (0.39% to Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc. and 0.26% to TCW Funds Management,
Inc.).
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- -----------------------------------------------
Several class action lawsuits, which have been consolidated, were instituted in
1995 in the United States District Court, in New York, against the Fund, some
of its Trustees and officers, its underwriter and distributor, the Sub-Advisor,
the Investment Manager, and other defendants, by certain shareholders of the
Fund. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims under the Securities
Act of 1933 and generally alleges that the defendants made inadequate and
misleading disclosures in the prospectuses for the Fund, in particular as such
disclosures relate to the nature and risks of the Fund's
9
<PAGE>
investments in mortgage-backed securities and Mexican securities. The
plaintiffs also challenge certain fees paid by the Fund as excessive. Damages
are sought in an unspecified amount.
All defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint, and on May
8, 1996 the motions to dismiss were denied. The defendants moved for reargument
and on August 28, 1996 the Court issued a second opinion which granted the
motion to dismiss in part. On December 4, 1996, the defendants filed a renewed
motion to dismiss which was denied by the Court on November 20, 1997. The Court
has also certified a plaintiff class pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure. The Sub-Advisor and the Investment Manager believe that the
litigation will not have a material adverse effect on their ability to perform
under their respective agreements with the Fund or a material adverse effect on
the Fund and its shareholders.
10
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PRICING FUND SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------
The price of Fund shares, called "net asset value," is based on the value of
the Fund's portfolio securities.
The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once daily at 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time, on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open (or, on days
when the New York Stock Exchange closes prior to 4:00 p.m., at such earlier
time). Shares will not be priced on days that the New York Stock Exchange is
closed.
The value of the Fund's portfolio securities is based on the securities' market
price when available. When a market price is not readily available, including
circumstances under which the Investment Manager and/or Sub-Advisor determines
that a security's market price is not accurate, a portfolio security is valued
at its fair value, as determined under procedures established by the Fund's
Board of Trustees. In these cases, the Fund's net asset value will reflect
certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price. In
addition, if the Fund holds securities primarily trading in foreign markets,
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you will
not be able to purchase or sell your shares.
An exception to the Fund's general policy of using market prices concerns its
short-term debt portfolio securities. Debt securities with remaining maturities
of sixty days or less at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost.
However, if the cost does not reflect the securities' market value, these
securities will be valued at their fair value.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
HOW TO BUY SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------
You may open a new account to buy Fund shares or buy additional Fund shares for
an existing account by contacting your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial
Advisor or other authorized financial representative. Your Financial Advisor
will assist you, step-by-step, with the procedures to invest in the Fund. You
may also purchase shares directly by calling the Fund's transfer agent and
requesting an application.
(sidebar)
CONTACTING A
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
If you are new to the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds and would like
to contact a Financial Advisor, call (800) THE-DEAN for the telephone number of
the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter office nearest you. You may also access our
office locator on our Internet site at: www.deanwitter.com/funds
(end sidebar)
When you buy Fund shares, the shares are purchased at the next share price
calculated after we receive your purchase order. Your payment is due on the
third business day after you place your purchase order. We reserve the right to
reject any order for the purchase of Fund shares.
11
<PAGE>
MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
INVESTMENT OPTIONS INITIAL ADDITIONAL
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Regular accounts $ 1,000 $ 100
Individual Retirement Accounts: Regular IRAs $ 1,000 $ 100
Education IRAs $ 500 $ 100
EasyInvestSM (Automatically from your
checking or savings account
or Money Market Fund) $ 100* $ 100*
</TABLE>
* Provided your schedule of investments totals $1,000 in twelve months.
(sidebar)
EASYINVESTSM
A purchase plan that
allows you to transfer
money automatically
from your checking or
savings account or from
a Money Market Fund
on a semi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly
basis. Contact your
Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Financial
Advisor for further
information about this
service.
(end sidebar)
There is no minimum investment amount if you purchase Fund shares through: (1)
the Investment Manager's mutual fund asset allocation plan, (2) a program,
approved by the Fund's distributor, in which you pay an asset-based fee for
advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services, or (3) employer-sponsored
employee benefit plan accounts.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS SENT DIRECTLY TO THE FUND. In addition to buying
additional Fund shares for an existing account by contacting your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor, you may send a check directly to the
Fund. To buy additional shares in this manner:
o Write a "letter of instruction" to the Fund specifying the name(s) on the
account, the account number, the social security or tax identification
number, and the investment amount. The letter must be signed by the account
owner(s).
o Make out a check for the total amount payable to: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
North American Government Income Trust.
o Mail the letter and check to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at P.O. Box
1040, Jersey City, NJ 07303.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution in accordance
with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Plan allows the
Fund to pay distribution fees of up to 0.75% for the sale and distribution of
these shares. It also allows the Fund to pay for services to shareholders.
Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over
time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more
than paying other types of sales charges.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
- -------------------------------------------------------
PERMISSIBLE FUND EXCHANGES. You may only exchange shares of the Fund for
shares of other continuously offered Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds if your
Fund shares were acquired in an exchange of shares initially purchased in a
Multi-Class Fund or an FSC Fund (subject to a front-end sales charge). In that
case, the shares may be subsequently re-exchanged for shares of the same Class
of any Multi-Class Fund or FSC Fund or for shares of a No-Load Fund or Money
Market Fund, No-Load Fund or Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust. Of course, if an
exchange is not permitted, you may sell shares of the Fund and buy another
Fund's shares with the proceeds.
12
<PAGE>
See the inside back cover of this Prospectus for each Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund's designation as a Multi-Class Fund, FSC Fund, No-Load Fund or
Money Market Fund. If a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund is not listed, consult
the inside back cover of that Fund's Prospectus for its designation. For
purposes of exchanges, shares of FSC Funds are treated as Class A shares of a
Multi-Class Fund. An exchange privilege account also may be maintained for you
if you acquired Fund shares in exchange for shares of various TCW/DW Funds.
The current Prospectus for each fund describes its investment objective(s),
policies and investment minimums, and should be read before investing.
EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. You can process an exchange by contacting your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative. Otherwise, you must forward an exchange privilege authorization
form to the Fund's transfer agent -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB --
and then write the transfer agent or call (800) 869-NEWS to place an exchange
order. You can obtain an exchange privilege authorization form by contacting
your Financial Advisor or other authorized financial representative, or by
calling (800) 869-NEWS. If you hold share certificates, no exchanges may be
processed until we have received all applicable share certificates.
An exchange to any Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund (except a Money Market Fund)
is made on the basis of the next calculated net asset values of the Funds
involved after the exchange instructions are accepted. When exchanging into a
Money Market Fund, the Fund's shares are sold at their next calculated net
asset value and the Money Market Fund's shares are purchased at their net asset
value on the following business day.
The Fund may terminate or revise the exchange privilege upon required notice.
Certain services normally available to shareholders of Money Market Funds,
including the check writing privilege, are not available for Money Market Fund
shares you acquire in an exchange.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGES. For your protection when calling Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB, we will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that exchange
instructions communicated over the telephone are genuine. These procedures may
include requiring various forms of personal identification such as name,
mailing address, social security or other tax identification number. Telephone
instructions also may be recorded.
Telephone instructions will be accepted if received by the Fund's transfer
agent between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, on any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for business. 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 Fund in
the past.
EXCHANGING SHARES OF ANOTHER FUND SUBJECT TO A CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
("CDSC"). There are special considerations when you exchange shares subject to
a CDSC of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund for shares of the Fund. When
determining the length of time you held the shares and the corresponding CDSC
rate, any period (starting at the end of the month) during which you held
shares of the Fund will not be counted. Thus, in effect the "holding period"
for purposes of calculating the CDSC is frozen upon exchanging into the Fund.
Nevertheless, if shares
13
<PAGE>
subject to a CDSC are exchanged for shares of the Fund, you will receive a
credit when you sell the shares equal to the distribution (12b-1) fees, if any,
you paid on those shares while in the Fund up to the amount of any applicable
CDSC. See the Prospectus of the Fund that charges the CDSC for more details.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF EXCHANGES. If you exchange shares of the Fund for shares
of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund there are important tax
considerations. For tax purposes, the exchange out of the Fund is considered a
sale of Fund shares--and the exchange into the other Fund is considered a
purchase. As a result, you may realize a capital gain or loss.
You should review the "Tax Consequences" section and consult your own tax
professional about the tax consequences of an exchange.
FREQUENT EXCHANGES. A pattern of frequent exchanges may result in the Fund
limiting or prohibiting, at its discretion, additional purchases and/or
exchanges. The Fund will notify you in advance of limiting your exchange
privileges.
For further information regarding exchange privileges, you should contact your
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or call (800) 869-NEWS.
14
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
HOW TO SELL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------
You can sell some or all of your Fund shares at any time. Your shares will be
sold at the next price calculated after we receive your order to sell as
described below.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OPTIONS PROCEDURES
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Your To sell your shares, simply call your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial
Financial Advisor Advisor or other authorized financial representative.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Payment will be sent to the address to which the account is registered or
deposited in your brokerage account.
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Letter You can also sell your shares by writing a "letter of instruction" that includes:
o your account number;
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] o the dollar amount or the number of shares you wish to sell; and
o the signature of each owner as it appears on the account.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are requesting payment to anyone other than the registered owner(s) or
that payment be sent to any address other than the address of the registered
owner(s) or pre-designated bank account, you will need a signature guarantee.
You can generally obtain a signature guarantee from an eligible guarantor
acceptable to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB. (You should contact
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at (800) 869-NEWS for determination
as to whether a particular institution is an eligible guarantor.) A notary public
cannot provide a signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be
required for shares held by a corporation, partnership, trustee or executor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mail the letter to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at P.O. Box 983, Jersey
City, New Jersey 07303. If you hold share certificates, you must return the
certificates, along with the letter and any required additional documentation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address in which the account is
registered, or otherwise according to your instructions.
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Systematic If your investment in all of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds has
Withdrawal Plan a total market value of at least $10,000, you may elect to withdraw amounts of
$25 or more, or in any whole percentage of a Fund's balance (provided the
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] amount is at least $25), on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis,
from any Fund with a balance of at least $1,000. Each time you add a Fund to
the plan, you must meet the plan requirements.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign up for the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, contact your Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Financial Advisor or call (800) 869-NEWS. You may terminate or
suspend your plan at any time. Please remember that withdrawals from the
plan are sales of shares, not Fund "distributions," and ultimately may exhaust
your account balance. The Fund may terminate or revise the plan at any time.
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PAYMENT FOR SOLD SHARES. After we receive your complete instructions to sell as
described above, a check will be mailed to you within seven days, although we
will attempt to make payment within one business day. Payment may also be sent
to your brokerage account.
Payment may be postponed or the right to sell your shares suspended under
unusual circumstances. If you request to sell shares that were recently
purchased by check, payment of the sale proceeds may be delayed for the minimum
time needed to verify that the check has been honored (not more than fifteen
days from the time we receive the check).
INVOLUNTARY SALES. The Fund reserves the right, on sixty days' notice, to sell
the shares of any shareholder (other than shares held in an IRA or 403(b)
Custodial Account)
15
<PAGE>
whose shares, due to sales by the shareholder, have a value below $100, or in
the case of an account opened through EasyInvestSM, if after 12 months the
shareholder has invested less than $1,000 in the account.
However, before the Fund sells your shares in this manner, we will notify you
and allow you sixty days to make an additional investment in an amount that
will increase the value of your account to at least the required amount before
the sale is processed.
MARGIN ACCOUNTS. If you have pledged your Fund shares in a margin account,
contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized
financial representative regarding restrictions on the sale of such shares.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
DISTRIBUTIONS
- ----------------------------------------
The Fund passes substantially all of its earnings from income and capital gains
along to its investors as "distributions." The Fund earns interest from
fixed-income investments. These amounts are passed along to Fund shareholders as
"income dividend distributions." The Fund realizes capital gains whenever it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them. These amounts are
passed along as "capital gain distributions."
(sidebar)
TARGETED
DIVIDENDS(SM)
You may select to have your Fund distributions automatically invested in
another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund that you own. Contact your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor for further information about this
service.
(end sidebar)
Normally, income dividends are distributed to shareholders monthly. Capital
gains, if any, are usually distributed in December. The Fund, however, may
retain and reinvest any long-term capital gains. The Fund may at times make
payments from sources other than income or capital gains that represent a
return of a portion of your investment.
Distributions are reinvested automatically in additional shares of the Fund and
automatically credited to your account, unless you request in writing that all
distributions be paid in cash. If you elect the cash option, the Fund will mail
a check to you no later than seven business days after the distribution is
declared. No interest will accrue on uncashed checks. If you wish to change how
your distributions are paid, your request should be received by the Fund's
transfer agent, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, at least five business
days prior to the record date of the distributions.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
TAX CONSEQUENCES
- ----------------------------------------------
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment will be
taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general
information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax
consequences of an investment in the Fund.
Unless your investment in the Fund is through a tax-deferred retirement
account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA, you need to be aware of the possible tax
consequences when:
o The Fund makes distributions; and
o You sell Fund shares, including an exchange to another Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Your distributions are normally subject to federal and
state income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest
them in
16
<PAGE>
Fund shares. A distribution also may be subject to local income tax. Any income
dividend distributions and any short-term capital gain distributions are
taxable to you as ordinary income. Any long-term capital gain distributions are
taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned shares in
the Fund.
Every January, you will be sent a statement (IRS Form 1099-DIV) showing the
taxable distributions paid to you in the previous year. The statement provides
full information on your dividends and capital gains for tax purposes.
TAXES ON SALES. Your sale of Fund shares normally is subject to federal and
state income tax and may result in a taxable gain or loss to you. A sale also
may be subject to local income tax. Your exchange of Fund shares for shares of
another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund is treated for tax purposes like a sale
of your original shares and a purchase of your new shares. Thus, the exchange
may, like a sale, result in a taxable gain or loss to you and will give you a
new tax basis for your new shares.
When you open your Fund account, you should provide your social security or tax
identification number on your investment application. By providing this
information, you will avoid being subject to a federal backup withholding tax
of 31% on taxable distributions and redemption proceeds. Any withheld amount
would be sent to the IRS as an advance tax payment.
17
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the past 5 fiscal years of the Fund. Certain
information reflects financial results for a single Fund share throughout each
year. The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have
earned or lost on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions).
This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report,
along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the annual report,
which is available upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.59 $ 8.39 $ 8.33 $ 8.89 $ 10.11
- ------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income 0.49 0.44 0.47 0.69 0.68
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.05) 0.19 0.04 (0.59) (1.18)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations 0.44 0.63 0.51 0.10 (0.50)
- ------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions from :
Net investment income (0.43) (0.43) (0.45) -- (0.47)
Net realized gain -- -- -- -- (0.02)
Paid-in-capital -- -- -- (0.66) (0.23)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions (0.43) (0.43) (0.45) (0.66) (0.72)
- ------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period $ 8.60 $ 8.59 $ 8.39 $ 8.33 $ 8.89
- ------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+ 5.13% 7.80% 6.38% 1.61% (5.06)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses 1.69%(3) 1.65% 1.64% 1.59% 1.52%
Net investment income 5.52% 5.18% 5.71% 8.28% 6.85%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA :
Net assets, end of period, in millions $ 150 $ 212 $ 351 $ 658 $ 1,360
Portfolio turnover rate 8% -- 13% 44% 27%
</TABLE>
* Commencement of operations.
+Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the
period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.
18
<PAGE>
NOTES
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19
<PAGE>
NOTES
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20
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
FAMILY OF FUNDS
The Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds
offers investors a wide range of investment choices.
Come on in and meet the family!
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH FUNDS
GROWTH FUNDS
Aggressive Equity Fund
American Opportunities Fund
Capital Growth Securities
Developing Growth Securities
Equity Fund
Growth Fund
Market Leader Trust
Mid-Cap Equity Trust
Special Value Fund
Value Fund
THEME FUNDS
Financial Services Trust
Health Sciences Trust
Information Fund
Natural Resource Development Securities
Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
Real Estate Fund
Small Cap Growth Fund
GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Competitive Edge Fund - "Best Ideas" Portfolio
European Growth Fund
Fund of Funds - International Portfolio
International Fund
International SmallCap Fund
Japan Fund
Latin American Growth Fund
Pacific Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH & INCOME FUNDS
Balanced Growth Fund
Balanced Income Fund
Convertible Securities Trust
Dividend Growth Securities
Fund of Funds - Domestic Portfolio
Income Builder Fund
Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
S&P 500 Index Fund
S&P 500 Select Fund
Strategist Fund
Total Return Trust
Value/Added Market Series/Equity Portfolio
THEME FUNDS
Global Utilities Fund
Utilities Fund
GLOBAL FUNDS
Global Dividend Growth Securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FUNDS
GOVERNMENT INCOME FUNDS
Federal Securities Trust
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
U.S. Government Securities Trust
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUNDS
Diversified Income Trust
CORPORATE INCOME FUNDS
High Yield Securities
Intermediate Income Securities
Short-Term Bond Fund(NL)
GLOBAL INCOME FUNDS
North American Government Income Trust
World Wide Income Trust
TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS
California Tax-Free Income Fund
Hawaii Municipal Trust(FSC)
Limited Term Municipal Trust(NL)
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust(FSC)
New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Liquid Asset Fund(MM)
U.S. Government Money Market Trust(MM)
TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust(MM)
New York Municipal Money Market Trust(MM)
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust(MM)
There may be Funds created after this Prospectus was published. Please consult
the inside front cover of a new Fund's prospectus for its designations, e.g.,
Multi-Class Fund or Money Market Fund.
Unless otherwise noted, each listed Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund, except for
North American Government Income Trust and Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, is a
Multi-Class Fund. A Multi-Class Fund is a mutual fund offering multiple Classes
of shares. The other types of Funds are: NL -- No-Load (Mutual) Fund; MM --
Money Market Fund; FSC -- A mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge and
a distribution (12b-1) fee.
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Fund's Annual Report,
you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies
that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information also provides additional
information about the Fund. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated herein by reference (legally is part of this Prospectus). For a
free copy of any of these documents to request other information about the
Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries, please call:
(800) 869-NEWS
You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Financial Advisor or by visiting our Internet site at:
(sidebar)
TICKER SYMBOL:
MGTVX
- --------
(end sidebar)
WWW.DEANWITTER.COM/FUNDS
Information about the Fund (including the Statement of Additional Information)
can be viewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information about the Reference Room's
operations may be obtained by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. Reports and
other information about the Fund are available on the SEC's Internet site
(www.sec.gov) and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a
duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC,
Washington, DC 20549-6009.
(THE FUND'S INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. IS 811-6572)
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MORGAN STANLEY
DEAN WITTER
JUNE 28, 1999 NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT
INCOME TRUST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. The
Prospectus dated June 28, 1999 for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American
Government Income Trust may be obtained without charge from the Fund at its
address or telephone number listed below or from Dean Witter Reynolds at any of
its branch offices.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
(800) 869-NEWS
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
I. Fund History .................................................................... 4
II. Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks ........................... 4
A. Classification ............................................................... 4
B. Investment Strategies and Risks .............................................. 4
C. Fund Policies/Investment Restrictions ........................................ 12
III. Management of the Fund .......................................................... 13
A. Board of Trustees ............................................................ 13
B. Management Information ....................................................... 14
C. Compensation ................................................................. 18
IV. Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities ............................. 20
V. Management, Investment Advice and Other Services ................................ 20
A. The Investment Manager and Sub-Advisor ....................................... 20
B. Principal Underwriter ........................................................ 21
C. Services Provided by the Investment Manager, the Sub-Advisor and Fund Expenses
Paid by Third Parties ........................................................ 22
D. Rule 12b-1 Plan .............................................................. 23
E. Other Service Providers ...................................................... 24
VI. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices ........................................ 25
A. Brokerage Transactions ....................................................... 25
B. Commissions .................................................................. 25
C. Brokerage Selection .......................................................... 25
D. Directed Brokerage ........................................................... 26
E. Regular Broker-Dealers ....................................................... 26
VII. Capital Stock and Other Securities .............................................. 26
VIII. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares ...................................... 27
A. Purchase/Redemption of Shares ................................................ 27
B. Offering Price ............................................................... 27
IX. Taxation of the Fund and Shareholders ........................................... 28
X. Underwriters .................................................................... 29
XI. Calculation of Performance Data ................................................. 30
XII. Financial Statements ............................................................ 31
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED DEFINED TERMS
The terms defined in this glossary are frequently used in this Statement
of Additional Information (other terms used occasionally are defined in the
text of the document).
"Custodian" -- The Bank of New York.
"Dean Witter Reynolds" -- Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., a wholly-owned
broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"Distributor" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., a
wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"Financial Advisors" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter authorized financial
services representatives.
"Fund" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income
Trust, a registered open-end investment company.
"Investment Manager" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., a
wholly-owned investment advisor subsidiary of MSDW.
"Independent Trustees" -- Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as
defined by the Investment Company Act) of the Fund.
"Morgan Stanley & Co." -- Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a
wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of MSDW.
"Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds" -- Registered investment companies (i)
for which the Investment Manager serves as the investment advisor; and (ii)
that hold themselves out to investors as related companies for investment and
investor services.
"MSDW" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., a preeminent global financial
services firm.
"MSDW Services Company" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company
Inc., a wholly-owned fund services subsidiary of the Investment Manager.
"Sub-Advisor" -- TCW Funds Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
TCW.
"TCW" -- The TCW Group, Inc., a preeminent investment management and
investment advisory services firm.
"Transfer Agent" -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, a wholly-owned
transfer agent subsidiary of MSDW.
"Trustees" -- The Board of Trustees of the Fund.
3
<PAGE>
I. FUND HISTORY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
on February 19, 1992 as a Massachusetts business trust under the name "TCW/DW
North American Government Income Trust." On February 25, 1999 the Fund's
Trustees adopted an Amendment to the Fund's Declaration of Trust changing the
name of the Fund to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income
Trust, effective June 28, 1999.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. CLASSIFICATION
The Fund is an open-end, non-diversified management investment company
whose investment objective is to earn a high level of current income while
maintaining relatively low volatility of principal.
B. INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The following discussion of the Fund's investment strategies and risks
should be read with the sections of the Fund's Prospectus titled "Principal
Investment Strategies," "Principal Risks," "Additional Investment Strategy
Information" and "Additional Risk Information."
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. The Fund may enter into
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") to facilitate
settlement or in an attempt to limit the effect of changes in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency during the period between the
date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment
is made or received. In addition, the Fund may enter into forward contracts as
a hedge against fluctuations in future foreign exchange rates. The Fund may
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 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 and investment
banks) and their customers. Forward contracts will only be entered into with
United States banks and their foreign branches, insurance companies or other
dealers 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.
The Fund also may from time to time utilize forward contracts to hedge a
foreign security held in the portfolio or a security which pays out principal
tied to an exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency,
against a decline in value of the applicable foreign currency. They also may be
used to lock in the current exchange rate of the currency in which those
securities anticipated to be purchased are denominated. At times, the Fund may
enter into "cross-currency" hedging transactions involving currencies other
than those in which securities are held or proposed to be purchased are
denominated.
The Fund will not enter into forward currency contracts or maintain a net
exposure to these 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.
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.
The Fund may be limited in its ability to enter into hedging transactions
involving forward contracts by the Internal Revenue Code requirements relating
to qualification as a regulated investment company.
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Forward contracts may limit gains on portfolio securities that could
otherwise be realized had they not been utilized and could result in losses.
The contracts also may increase the Fund's volatility and may involve a
significant amount of risk relative to the investment of cash.
OPTION AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may engage in transactions in
listed and OTC options on eligible portfolio securities and stock indexes.
Listed options are issued or guaranteed by the exchange on which they are
traded 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) 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 put 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.
Covered Call Writing. The Fund is permitted to write covered call options
on portfolio securities, without limit, and may also write covered call options
on the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies in which its portfolio securities are
denominated, without limit.
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 (or currencies) alone.
Moreover, the premium received will offset a portion of the potential loss
incurred by the Fund if the securities (or currencies) underlying the option
decline in value.
The Fund may be required, at any time during the option period, to deliver
the underlying security (or currency) against payment of the exercise price on
any calls it has written. 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.
A call option is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security
subject to the option or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that
security without additional cash consideration (or for additional consideration
(in cash, Treasury bills or other liquid portfolio securities) held in a
segregated account on the Fund's books) upon conversion or exchange of other
securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Fund
holds a call on the same security as the call written where the exercise price
of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call
written or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written if the
difference is maintained by the Fund in cash, Treasury bills or other liquid
portfolio securities in a segregated account on the Fund's books.
Options written by the Fund 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.
Covered Put Writing. The Fund may engage in covered put writing. A writer
of a covered put option, the Fund incurs an obligation to buy the security
underlying the option from the purchaser of the put, at the option's exercise
price at any time during the option period, at the purchaser's election.
Through the writing of a put option, the Fund would receive income from the
premium paid by purchasers. The potential gain on a covered put option is
limited to the premium received on the option (less the commissions paid on the
transaction). At any time during the option period, the Fund may be required to
make payment of the exercise price against delivery of the underlying security
(or currency). A put option is "covered" if the Fund maintains cash, Treasury
bills or other liquid portfolio securities with
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a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account on the Fund's
books, or holds a put on the same security as the put written where the
exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price
of the put written. The aggregate value of the obligations underlying puts may
not exceed 50% of the Fund's net assets.
Purchasing Call and Put Options. The Fund may purchase listed and OTC call
and put options in amounts equaling up to 5% of its total assets. The purchase
of a call option would enable the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to lock
in a purchase price for a security or currency during the term of the option.
The purchase of a put option would enable the Fund, in return for a premium
paid, to lock in a price at which it may sell a security or currency during the
term of the option.
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.
OTC Options. 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. The Fund may
engage in OTC option transactions only with member banks of the Federal Reserve
Bank System or primary dealers in U.S. Government securities or with affiliates
of such banks or dealers.
Risks of Options Transactions. The successful use of options depends on
the ability of the Investment Manager or the Sub-Advisor, to forecast correctly
interest rates, currency exchange rates and/or market movements. 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. 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 covered put writer also retains the risk of loss should the market
value of the underlying security decline below the exercise price of the option
less the premium received on the sale of the option. In both cases, the writer
has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation
as a writer of the option. Prior to exercise or expiration, an option position
can only be terminated by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction.
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.
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.
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. In the case of OTC
options, if the transacting dealer fails to make or take delivery of the
securities underlying an option it has written, in accordance with the terms of
that option, due to insolvency or otherwise, the Fund would lose the premium
paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction.
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of call or put options on the same underlying security 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
exchanges 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.
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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.
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. There can be no assurance that a
liquid secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific
time.
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.
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.
Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell interest rate and index
futures contracts that are traded on U.S. commodity exchanges on such
underlying securities as U.S. Treasury bonds, notes, bills,GNMA Certificates
and on any foreign government fixed-income security, on various currencies, and
on such indexes of U.S. securities (and, if applicable, foreign securities) as
may exist or come into existence.
A futures contract purchaser incurs an obligation to take delivery of a
specified amount of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified time
in the future for a specified price. A seller of a futures contract incurs an
obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying obligation at a
specified time in return for an agreed upon price. The purchase of a futures
contract enables the Fund, during the term of the contract, to lock in a price
at which it may purchase a security or currency and protect against a rise in
prices pending purchase of portfolio securities. The sale of a futures contract
enables the Fund to lock in a price at which it may sell a security or currency
and protect against declines in the value of portfolio securities.
Although most 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. Index futures contracts provide for
the delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the
difference between the index value at the open or close of the last trading day
of the contract and the futures contract price. A 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.
Margin. If the Fund enters into a futures contract, it is initially
required to deposit an "initial margin" of cash or U.S. Government securities
or other liquid portfolio securities ranging from approximately 2%
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to 5% 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 broker's 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," which are reflective of price
fluctuations in the futures contract.
Options on Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and write call and put
options on futures contracts 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), and
the writer the obligation, 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 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.
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 into which it has entered; 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 net assets which may be subject to a hedge position.
Risks of Transactions in Futures Contracts and Related Options. 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 securities (and the currencies in which they are denominated).
Also, prices of futures contracts may not move in tandem with the changes in
prevailing interest rates, market movements and/or currency exchange rates
against which the Fund seeks a hedge. A correlation may also be distorted (a)
temporarily, by short-term traders seeking to profit from the difference
between a contract or security price objective and their cost of borrowed
funds; (b) by investors in futures contracts electing to close out their
contracts through offsetting transactions rather than meet margin deposit
requirements; (c) by investors in futures contracts opting to make or take
delivery of underlying securities rather than engage in closing transactions,
thereby reducing liquidity of the futures market; and (d) temporarily, by
speculators who view the deposit requirements in the futures markets as less
onerous than margin requirements in the cash market. Due to the possibility of
price distortion in the futures market and because of the possible imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of securities and movements in the
prices of futures contracts, a correct forecast of interest rate, currency
exchange rate and/or market movement trends by the Investment Manager and/or
the Sub-Advisor may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
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. 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.
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Exchanges also 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 these 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.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in various money market
securities for cash management purposes or when assuming a temporary defensive
position, which among others may include commercial paper, bank acceptances,
bank obligations, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, U.S.
Government securities and obligations of savings institutions and repurchase
agreements. 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 billion 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 billion
or more;
Obligations of Savings Institutions. Certificates of deposit of savings
banks and savings and loan associations, having total assets of $1 billion or
more;
Fully Insured Certificates of Deposit. Certificates of deposit of banks
and savings institutions having total assets of less than $1 billion, if the
principal amount of the obligation is federally insured by the Bank Insurance
Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (each of which is administered
by the FDIC), 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 Corporation ("S&P") or the two highest grade by Moody's
Investor's Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if not rated, issued by a company
having an outstanding debt issue rated at least AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody's;
and
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may invest in 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
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as it may otherwise be invested or used for payments of obligations of the
Fund. These agreements, which may be viewed as a type of secured lending by the
Fund, 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
serving as 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 marked-to-market daily to determine that the value of the collateral, as
specified in the agreement, does not decrease below the purchase price plus
accrued interest. If such decrease occurs, additional collateral will be
requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full
collateralization. The Fund will accrue interest from the institution until the
time when the repurchase is to occur. Although this 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.
While repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with
direct investments in debt securities, the Fund follows procedures designed to
minimize such risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions
only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial institutions
whose financial condition will be continually monitored by the Investment
Manager and/or Sub-Advisor subject to procedures established by the Trustees.
In addition, as described above, the value of the collateral underlying the
repurchase agreement will be at least equal to the repurchase price, including
any accrued interest earned on the repurchase agreement. In the event of a
default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund will seek to
liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Fund's right to
liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the
extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to
repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.
It is the current policy of the Fund not to invest in repurchase agreements
that do not mature within seven days if any such investment, together with any
other illiquid assets held by the Fund, amounts to more than 15% of its net
assets.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND DOLLAR ROLLS. The Fund may use reverse
repurchase agreements as part of its investment strategy and may also use
dollar rolls as part of its investment strategy.
Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by the Fund of assets
concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a
later date at a fixed price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk
that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to purchase under
the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of
securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes
insolvent, the Fund's use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted
pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether
to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities.
Dollar rolls involve the Fund selling securities for delivery in the
current month and simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially
similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During
the roll period, the Fund will forgo principal and interest paid on the
securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales
price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as
the "drop") as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the
initial sale.
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls are speculative techniques
involving leverage and are considered borrowings by the Fund.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities
to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, provided that the loans
are callable at any time by the Fund, and are at all times secured by cash or
cash equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant to
applicable regulations and that are equal to at least 100% of the market value,
determined daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of these 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 more
than 25% of the value of its total assets.
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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.
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 the
rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund's
investment in the loaned securities. The Fund will pay reasonable finder's,
administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. 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 these
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
commitment. 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. The securities so purchased or sold are subject to
market fluctuation and no interest or dividends accrue to the purchaser prior
to the settlement date.
At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase or sell securities
on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis, it will record
the transaction and thereafter reflect the value, each day, of such security
purchased, or if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in determining its net
asset value. At the time of delivery of the securities, their value may be more
or less than the purchase or sale price. 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 its net
asset value. The Fund will also establish a segregated account on the Fund's
books in which it will continually maintain cash or cash equivalents or other
liquid portfolio securities equal in value to commitments to purchase
securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis.
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 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 and/or Sub-Advisor determines that issuance of the
security is probable. At that time, the Fund will record the transaction and,
in determining its net asset value, will reflect the value of the security
daily. At that time, the Fund will also establish a segregated account on the
Fund's books in which it will maintain cash or cash equivalents or other liquid
portfolio securities equal in value to recognized commitments for such
securities.
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 may also sell securities on a
"when, as and if issued" basis provided that the issuance of the security will
result automatically from the exchange or conversion of a security owned by the
Fund at the time of sale.
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to
15% of its net assets in securities which are subject to restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act"), or which are otherwise not readily marketable. (Securities
eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and
determined to be liquid pursuant to the procedures discussed in the following
paragraph, are not subject to the foregoing restriction.) These securities are
generally referred to as "private placements" or "restricted securities."
Limitations on the resale of these 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 the
securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the
registration.
11
<PAGE>
Rule 144A permits the Fund to sell restricted securities to qualified
institutional buyers without limitation. The Investment Manager and/or
Sub-Advisor, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trustees, will make a
determination as to the liquidity of each restricted security purchased by the
Fund. If a restricted security is determined to be "liquid," the security will
not be included within the category "illiquid securities," which may not exceed
15% of the Fund's net assets. However, investing in Rule 144A securities could
have the effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity to the extent the
Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified
institutional buyers interested in purchasing such securities.
YEAR 2000. The investment management services provided to the Fund by the
Investment Manager and the Sub-Advisor and the services provided to
shareholders by the Distributor and the Transfer Agent depend on the smooth
functioning of their computer systems. Many computer software systems in use
today cannot recognize the year 2000, but revert to 1900 or some other date,
due to the manner in which dates were encoded and calculated. That failure
could have a negative impact on the handling of securities trades, pricing and
account services. The Investment Manager, the Sub-Advisor, the Distributor and
the Transfer Agent have been actively working on necessary changes to their own
computer systems to prepare for the year 2000 and expect that their systems
will be adapted before that date, but there can be no assurance that they will
be successful, or that interaction with other non-complying computer systems
will not impair their services at that time.
In addition, it is possible that the markets for securities in which the
Fund invests may be detrimentally affected by computer failures throughout the
financial services industry beginning January 1, 2000. Improperly functioning
trading systems may result in settlement problems and liquidity issues. In
addition, corporate and governmental data processing errors may result in
production problems for individual companies and overall economic
uncertainties. Earnings of individual issuers will be affected by remediation
costs, which may be substantial and may be reported inconsistently in U.S. and
foreign financial statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments may be
adversely affected.
C. FUND POLICIES/INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective, policies and restrictions listed below have been
adopted by the Fund as fundamental policies. Under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"), a fundamental policy may not be changed
without the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund. The Investment Company Act defines a majority 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. For purposes of the
following restrictions: (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 will:
1. Seek to earn a high level of current income while maintaining
relatively low volatility of principal.
The Fund may not:
1. Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of
issuers in any one industry, except that the Fund will concentrate in
mortgage-backed securities (unless it has adopted a temporary
"defensive" posture). This restriction does not apply to obligations
issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
2. 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
mortgage-backed securities or asset-backed securities or to any
obligation of the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
12
<PAGE>
3. Purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts except that the
Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and related
options thereon.
4. Purchase or sell real estate or interests therein (including limited
partnership interests), although the Fund may purchase securities of
issuers which engage in real estate operations and securities secured by
real estate or interests therein.
5. 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.
6. Borrow money, except that the Fund (i) 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), and (ii) may engage in reverse repurchase
agreements and dollar rolls.
7. 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 initial or variation margin for futures are
not deemed to be pledges of assets.
8. 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 agreement; (b) purchasing any securities on
a when-issued or delayed delivery basis; (c) purchasing or selling any
financial futures contracts or options thereon; (d) borrowing money; or
(e) lending portfolio securities.
9. Make loans of money or securities, except: (a) by the purchase of
portfolio securities; (b) by investment in repurchase agreements; or (c)
by lending its portfolio securities.
10. Make short sales of securities.
11. Purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term loans as are
necessary for the clearance of portfolio securities. The deposit or
payment by the Fund of initial or variation margin in connection with
futures contracts is not considered the purchase of a security on
margin.
12. Engage in the underwriting of securities, except insofar as the Fund
may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in disposing of a
portfolio security.
13. Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of any
other issuer.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund may not, as to 75% of its total
assets, purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer.
III. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Fund oversees the management of the Fund but
does not itself manage the Fund. The Trustees review various services provided
by or under the direction of the Investment Manager to ensure that the Fund's
general investment policies and programs are properly carried out. The Trustees
also conduct their review to ensure that administrative services are provided
to the Fund in a satisfactory manner.
Under state law, the duties of the Trustees are generally characterized as
a duty of loyalty and a duty of care. The duty of loyalty requires a Trustee to
exercise his or her powers in the interest of the Fund and not the Trustee's
own interest or the interest of another person or organization. A Trustee
satisfies his or her duty of care by acting in good faith with the care of an
ordinarily prudent person and in a manner the Trustee reasonably believes to be
in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.
13
<PAGE>
B. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS. The Board of the Fund consists of eight (8)
Trustees. These same individuals also serve as trustees for all of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds. Six Trustees (75% of the total number) have no
affiliation or business connection with the Investment Manager or any of its
affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities issued by the
Investment Manager's parent company, MSDW or the Sub-Advisor's parent company,
TCW. These are the "disinterested" or "independent" Trustees. The other two
Trustees (the "Management Trustees") are affiliated with the Investment
Manager. All of the Trustees also serve as Trustees of "Discover Brokerage
Index Series," a mutual fund for which the Investment Manager is the investment
advisor.
The Trustees and executive officers of the Fund, their principal business
occupations during the last five years and their affiliations, if any, with the
Investment Manager or the Sub-Advisor, and with the 90 Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series are shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Michael Bozic (58) ........................ Vice Chairman of Kmart Corporation (since
Trustee December, 1998); Director or Trustee of the Morgan
c/o Kmart Corporation Stanley Dean Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage
3100 West Big Beaver Road Index Series; formerly Chairman and Chief
Troy, Michigan Executive Officer of Levitz Furniture Corporation
(November, 1995-November, 1998) and President
and Chief Executive Officer of Hills Department
Stores (May, 1991-July, 1995); formerly variously
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and
Chief Operating Officer (1987-1991) of the Sears
Merchandise Group of Sears, Roebuck and Co.;
Director of Eaglemark Financial Services, Inc. and
Weirton Steel Corporation.
Charles A. Fiumefreddo* (66) .............. Chairman, Director or Trustee and Chief Executive
Chairman of the Board, Officer of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds
Chief Executive Officer and Trustee and Discover Brokerage Index Series; formerly
Two World Trade Center Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
New York, New York the Investment Manager, the Distributor and MSDW
Services Company; Executive Vice President and
Director of Dean Witter Reynolds; Chairman and
Director of the Transfer Agent; formerly Director
and/or officer of various MSDW subsidiaries (until
June, 1998).
Edwin J. Garn (66) ........................ Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley Dean
Trustee Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series;
c/o Huntsman Corporation formerly United States Senator (R-Utah)
500 Huntsman Way (1974-1992) and Chairman, Senate Banking
Salt Lake City, Utah Committee (1980-1986); formerly Mayor of Salt
Lake City, Utah (1971-1974); formerly Astronaut,
Space Shuttle Discovery (April 12-19, 1985); Vice
Chairman, Huntsman Corporation (chemical
company); Director of Franklin Covey (time
management systems), BMW Bank of North
America, Inc. (industrial loan corporation), United
Space Alliance (joint venture between Lockheed
Martin and the Boeing Company) and Nuskin Asia
Pacific (multilevel marketing); member of the board
of various civic and charitable organizations.
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Wayne E. Hedien (65) ...................... Retired; Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley
Trustee Dean Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage Index
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Series; Director of The PMI Group, Inc. (private
Weitzen Shalov & Wein mortgage insurance); Trustee and Vice Chairman
Counsel to the Independent Trustees of The Field Museum of Natural History; formerly
114 West 47th Street associated with the Allstate Companies
New York, New York (1966-1994), most recently as Chairman of The
Allstate Corporation (March, 1993-December,
1994) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
its wholly-owned subsidiary, Allstate Insurance
Company (July, 1989-December, 1994); director
of various other business and charitable
organizations.
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (50) ................ Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc.,
Trustee a consulting firm; Co-Chairman and a founder of
c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. the Group of Seven Council (G7C), an international
1133 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. economic commission; Chairman of the Audit
Washington, D.C. Committee and Director or Trustee of the Morgan
Stanely Dean Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage
Index Series; Director of Greenwich Capital
Markets, Inc. (broker-dealer) and NVR, Inc. (home
construction); Chairman and Trustee of the
Financial Accounting Foundation (oversight
organization of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board); formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System
(1986-1990) and Assistant Secretary of the U.S.
Treasury.
Michael E. Nugent (62) .................... General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P., a private
Trustee investment partnership; Chairman of the Insurance
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P. Committee and Director or Trustee of the Morgan
237 Park Avenue Stanley Dean Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage
New York, New York Index Series; formerly Vice President, Bankers
Trust Company and BT Capital Corporation
(1984-1988); director of various business
organizations.
Philip J. Purcell* (55) ................... Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Trustee Executive Officer of MSDW, Dean Witter Reynolds
1585 Broadway and Novus Credit Services Inc.; Director of the
New York, New York Distributor; Director or Trustee of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage
Index Series; Director and/or officer of various
MSDW subsidiaries.
John L. Schroeder (68) .................... Retired; Chairman of the Deriatives Committee
Trustee and Director or Trustee of the Morgan Stanley
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Dean Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage Index
Weitzen Shalov & Wein Series; Director of Citizens Utilities Company
Counsel to the Independent Trustees (telecommunications, gas, electric and water
114 West 47th Street utilities company); formerly Executive Vice
New York, New York President and Chief Investment Officer of Home
Insurance Company (August, 1991-September,
1995).
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Mitchell M. Merin (45) .................... President and Chief Operating Officer of Asset
President Management of MSDW (since December, 1998);
Two World Trade Center President and Director (since April, 1997) and
New York, New York Chief Executive Officer (since June, 1998) of the
Investment Manager and MSDW Services
Company; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
Director of the Distributor (since June, 1998);
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (since June,
1998) and Director (since January, 1998) of the
Transfer Agent; Director of various MSDW
subsidiaries; President of the Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series
(since May, 1999); previously Chief Strategic Officer
of the Investment Manager and MSDW Services
Company and Executive Vice President of the
Distributor (April, 1997-June, 1998), Vice President
of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and
Discover Brokerage Index Series (May, 1997-April,
1999), and Executive Vice President of Dean
Witter, Discover & Co.
Barry Fink (44) ........................... Senior Vice President (since March, 1997) and
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel (since February,
Secretary and General Counsel 1997) and Director (since July, 1998) of the
Two World Trade Center Investment Manager and MSDW Services
New York, New York Company; Senior Vice President (since March,
1997) and Assistant Secretary and Assistant
General Counsel (since February, 1997) of the
Distributor; Assistant Secretary of Dean Witter
Reynolds (since August, 1996); Vice President,
Secretary and General Counsel of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds (since February, 1997);
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of
Discover Brokerage Index Series; previously First
Vice President (June, 1993-February, 1997), Vice
President and Assistant Secretary and Assistant
General Counsel of the Investment Manager and
MSDW Services Company and Assistant Secretary
of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Philip A. Barach (46) ..................... Group Managing Director and Chief Investment
Vice President Officer--Investment Grade Fixed Income of the
865 South Figueroa Street Sub-Advisor, Trust Company of the West and TCW
Los Angeles, California Asset Management Company.
James M. Goldberg (53) .................... Managing Director of the Sub-Advisor, Managing
Vice President Director and Chairman of the Fixed Income Policy
865 South Figueroa Street Committee of Trust Company of the West and
Los Angeles, California TCW Asset Management Company.
Jeffrey E. Gundlach (39) .................. Group Managing Director and Chairman,
Vice President Multi-Strategy Fixed Income Committee of the
865 South Figueroa Street Sub-Advisor, Trust Company of the West and TCW
Los Angeles, California Asset Management Company.
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Frederick H. Horton (40) .................. Managing Director of the Sub-Advisor, Trust
Vice President Company of the West and TCW Asset Management
865 South Figueroa Street Company (since October, 1993); previously Senior
Los Angeles, California Portfolio Manager for Dewey Square Investors
(June, 1991-September, 1993).
Thomas F. Caloia (53) ..................... First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the
Treasurer Investment Manager, the Distributor and MSDW
Two World Trade Center Services Company; Treasurer of the Morgan
New York, New York Stanley Dean Witter Funds and Discover Brokerage
Index Series.
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Denotes Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Fund as defined by the
Investment Company Act.
In addition, Ronald E. Robison, Executive Vice President, Chief
Administrative Officer and Director of the Investment Manager and MSDW Services
Company, Robert S. Giambrone, Senior Vice President of the Investment Manager,
MSDW Services Company, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent and Director of
the Transfer Agent, and Joseph J. McAlinden, Executive Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer of the Investment Manager and Director of the Transfer
Agent, are Vice Presidents of the Fund.
In addition, Frank Bruttomesso, Marilyn K. Cranney, Lou Anne D. McInnis,
Carsten Otto and Ruth Rossi, First Vice Presidents and Assistant General
Counsels of the Investment Manager and MSDW Services Company, and Todd Lebo,
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the Investment Manager and MSDW
Services Company, are Assistant Secretaries of the Fund.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES AND THE COMMITTEES. Law and regulation establish both
general guidelines and specific duties for the Independent Trustees. The Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds seek as Independent Trustees individuals of
distinction and experience in business and finance, government service or
academia; these are people whose advice and counsel are in demand by others and
for whom there is often competition. To accept a position on the Funds' Boards,
such individuals may reject other attractive assignments because the Funds make
substantial demands on their time. Indeed, by serving on the Funds' Boards,
certain Trustees who would otherwise be qualified and in demand to serve on
bank boards would be prohibited by law from doing so. All of the Independent
Trustees serve as members of the Audit Committee. In addition, three of the
Trustees, including two Independent Trustees, serve as members of the
Derivatives Committee and the Insurance Committee.
The Independent Trustees are charged with recommending to the full Board
approval of management, advisory and administration contracts, plans and
distribution and underwriting agreements; continually reviewing Fund
performance; checking on the pricing of portfolio securities, brokerage
commissions, transfer agent costs and performance, and trading among Funds in
the same complex; and approving fidelity bond and related insurance coverage
and allocations, as well as other matters that arise from time to time. The
Independent Trustees are required to select and nominate individuals to fill
any Independent Trustee vacancy on the Board of any Fund that has a Rule 12b-1
plan of distribution. Most of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds have a Rule
12b-1 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 the 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.
The Board of each Fund has a Derivatives Committee to approve parameters
for and monitor the activities of the Fund with respect to derivative
investments, if any, made by the Fund.
17
<PAGE>
Finally, the Board of each Fund has formed an Insurance Committee to
review and monitor the insurance coverage maintained by the Fund.
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING SAME INDIVIDUALS AS INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES FOR ALL
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS. The Independent Trustees and the Funds'
management believe that having the same Independent Trustees for each of the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds avoids the duplication of effort that would
arise from having different groups of individuals serving as Independent
Trustees for each of the Funds or even of sub-groups of Funds. They believe
that having the same individuals serve as Independent Trustees of all the Funds
tends to increase their knowledge and expertise regarding matters which affect
the Fund complex generally and enhances their ability to negotiate on behalf of
each Fund with the Fund's service providers. This arrangement also precludes
the possibility of separate groups of Independent Trustees arriving at
conflicting decisions regarding operations and management of the Funds and
avoids the cost and confusion that would likely ensue. Finally, having the same
Independent Trustees serve on all Fund Boards enhances the ability of each Fund
to obtain, at modest cost to each separate Fund, the services of Independent
Trustees, of the caliber, experience and business acumen of the individuals who
serve as Independent Trustees of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION. The Fund's Declaration of Trust
provides that no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Fund is liable to
the Fund or to a shareholder, nor is any Trustee, officer, employee or agent
liable to any third persons in connection with the affairs of the Fund, except
as such liability may arise from his/her or its own bad faith, willful
misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his/her or its duties.
It also provides that all third persons shall look solely to the Fund property
for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Fund.
With the exceptions stated, the Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee,
officer, employee or agent is entitled to be indemnified against all liability
in connection with the affairs of the Fund.
C. COMPENSATION
The Fund pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $800 plus a per
meeting fee of $50 for meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Independent
Trustees or Committees of the Board of Trustees attended by the Trustee (the
Fund pays the Chairman of the Audit Committee an additional annual fee of $750,
and the Chairman of the Derivatives and Insurance Committees additional annual
fees of $500). If a Board meeting and a meeting of the Independent Trustees or
a Committee meeting, or a meeting of the Independent Trustees and/or more than
one Committee meeting, take place on a single day, the Trustees are paid a
single meeting fee by the Fund. The Fund also reimburses such Trustees for
travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with
attending such meetings. Trustees and officers of the Fund who are or have been
employed by the Investment Manager or an affiliated company receive no
compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund for their services as
Trustee. Dr. Johnson serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
At their June 8, 1999 meeting, shareholders elected or re-elected, as
appropriate, the following eight individuals to the Fund's Board of Trustees to
serve for indefinite terms: Michael Bozic, Charles A. Fiumefreddo, Edwin Jacob
(Jake) Garn, Wayne E. Hedien, Dr. Manuel H. Johnson, Michael E. Nugent, Philip
J. Purcell and John L. Schroeder. Messrs. Fiumefreddo, Johnson, Nugent and
Schroeder previously served as Trustees of the Fund and were previously elected
by shareholders. Messrs. Bozic, Garn, Hedien and Purcell previously held
directorships or trusteeships with the other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds
and were elected to replace Messrs. Argue, DeMartini, Larkin and Stern who
resigned as Trustees. Messrs. Bozic, Garn, Hedien and Purcell commenced service
at the time the new Investment Management Agreement took effect on June 28,
1999. Prior to the effectiveness of the election of Messrs. Bozic, Garn, Hedien
and Purcell and the resignation of Messrs. Argue, DeMartini, Larkin and Stern,
the Fund paid each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $2,225 plus a per
meeting fee of $200 for meetings of the Board of Trustees or committees of the
Board attended by the Trustee. The fee paid by the Fund to the Chairman of the
Audit Committee and the Chairman of the Independent Trustees remained
unchanged.
18
<PAGE>
The following table illustrates the compensation that the Fund paid to
those of its Independent Trustees who were Trustees of the Fund on October 31,
1998, for the fiscal year ended on that date.
FUND COMPENSATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE FROM THE FUND
- ------------------------------- --------------
<S> <C>
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson ......... $5,256
Michael E. Nugent ............. 5,256
John L. Schroeder ............. 5,456
</TABLE>
At such time as the Fund has paid fees to the Independent Trustees for a
full fiscal year at the lower current compensation rates set forth above, and
assuming that during such fiscal year the Fund holds the same number of
meetings of the Board, the Independent Trustees and the Committees as were held
by the other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds during the calendar year ended
December 31, 1998, it is estimated that the compensation paid to each
Independent Trustee during such fiscal year will be $1,650 and an additional
$750 to Dr. Johnson who serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
The following table illustrates the compensation paid to the Fund's
Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998 for services
to the 90 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds that were in operation at December
31, 1998. No compensation was paid to the Fund's Independent Trustees by
Discover Brokerage Index Series for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998.
CASH COMPENSATION FROM MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL CASH
COMPENSATION
FOR SERVICES TO
90 MORGAN
NAME OF STANLEY DEAN
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE WITTER FUNDS
- ------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Michael Bozic ................. $120,150
Edwin J. Garn ................. 132,450
Wayne E. Hedien ............... 132,350
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson ......... 155,681
Michael E. Nugent ............. 159,731
John L. Schroeder ............. 160,731
</TABLE>
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, 55 of the
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, not including the Fund, have adopted a
retirement program under which an Independent Trustee who retires after serving
for at least five years (or such lesser period as may be determined by the
Board) as an Independent Director or Trustee of any Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Fund that has adopted the retirement program (each such Fund referred to as an
"Adopting Fund" and each such Trustee referred to as an "Eligible Trustee") is
entitled to retirement payments upon reaching the eligible retirement age
(normally, after attaining age 72), Annual payments are based upon length of
service.
Currently, upon retirement, each Eligible Trustee is entitled to receive
from the Adopting Fund, commencing as of his or her retirement date and
continuing for the remainder of his or her life, an annual retirement benefit
(the "Regular Benefit") equal to 30.22% of his or her Eligible Compensation
plus 0.5036667% 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 60.44% after ten years of
19
<PAGE>
service. The foregoing percentages may be changed by the Board(1). "Eligible
Compensation" is one-fifth of the total compensation earned by such Eligible
Trustee for service to the Adopting Fund in the five year period prior to the
date of the Eligible Trustee's retirement. Benefits under the retirement
program are accrued as expenses on the books of the Adopting Funds. Such
benefits are not secured or funded by the Adopting Funds.
The following table illustrates the retirement benefits accrued to the
Fund's Independent Trustees by the 55 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds (not
including the Fund) for the year ended December 31, 1998, and the estimated
retirement benefits for the Independent Trustees, to commence upon their
retirement, from the 55 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds as of December 31,
1998.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS FROM ALL MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR ALL ADOPTING FUNDS
---------------------------------
ESTIMATED
CREDITED
YEARS ESTIMATED RETIREMENT BENEFITS ESTIMATED ANNUAL
OF SERVICE AT PERCENTAGE OF ACCRUED AS EXPENSES BENEFITS UPON RETIREMENT
NAME OF RETIREMENT ELIGIBLE BY ALL FROM ALL
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (MAXIMUM 10) COMPENSATION ADOPTING FUNDS ADOPTING FUNDS(2)
- --------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Bozic ............. 10 60.44% $22,377 $52,250
Edwin J. Garn ............. 10 60.44 35,225 52,250
Wayne E. Hedien ........... 9 51.37 41,979 44,413
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson 10 60.44 14,047 52,250
Michael E. Nugent ......... 10 60.44 25,336 52,250
John L. Schroeder ......... 8 50.37 45,117 44,343
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) An Eligible Trustee may elect alternative payments of his or her
retirement benefits based upon the combined life expectancy of the
Eligible Trustee and his or her spouse on the date of such Eligible
Trustee's retirement. In addition, the Eligible Trustee may elect that
the surviving spouse's periodic payment of benefits will be equal to a
lower percentage of the periodic amount when both spouses were alive. The
amount estimated to be payable under this method, through the remainder
of the later of the lives of the Eligible Trustee and spouse, will be the
actuarial equivalent of the Regular Benefit.
(2) Based on current levels of compensation. Amount of annual benefits also
varies depending on the Trustee's elections described in Footnote (1)
above.
IV. CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No persons owned 5% or more of the Shares of the Fund as of May 31, 1999.
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the aggregate
number of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund owned by the Fund's
officers and Trustees as a group was less than 1% of the Fund's shares of
beneficial interest outstanding.
V. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES
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A. INVESTMENT MANAGER AND SUB-ADVISOR
The Investment Manager to the Fund is Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors
Inc., a Delaware corporation, whose address is Two World Trade Center, New
York, New York 10048. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
MSDW, a Delaware corporation. MSDW is a preeminent global financial services
firm that maintains leading market positions in each of its three primary
businesses: securities, asset management and credit services.
The Sub-Advisor is TCW Funds Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary
of TCW, whose direct and indirect subsidiaries provide a variety of trust,
investment management and investment advisory services. The Sub-Advisor is
headquartered at 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California
90017. Robert A. Day, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCW, may be
deemed to be a control person of the Sub-Advisor by virtue of the aggregate
ownership by Mr. Day and his family of more than 25% of the outstanding voting
stock of TCW. The Sub-Advisor was retained to provide sub-advisory services to
the Fund effective June 28, 1999.
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Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement (the "Management Agreement
") with the Investment Manager, the Fund has retained the Investment Manager to
provide administrative services, manage its business affairs and supervise the
investment of the Fund's assets. The Fund pays the Investment Manager monthly
compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual rates to the net
assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day: 0.65% to
the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; and 0.60% to the
portion of daily net assets exceeding $500 million. The Investment Manager has
retained its wholly-owned subsidiary, MSDW Services Company, to perform
administrative services for the Fund.
Under a Sub-Advisory Agreement (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement ") between the
Sub-Advisor and the Investment Manager, the Sub-Advisor provides the Fund with
investment advice and portfolio management relating to the Fund's investments
in securities, subject to the overall supervision of the Investment Manager.
The Investment Manager pays the Sub-Advisor monthly compensation equal to 40%
of the Investment Manager's fee.
Prior to June 28, 1999, the Fund was managed by MSDW Services Company,
pursuant to a management agreement between the Fund and MSDW Services Company
and was advised by TCW Funds Management, Inc. pursuant to an advisory agreement
between the Fund and TCW Funds Management, Inc. As part of an overall
consolidation of the TCW/DW Family of Funds and the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Family of Funds, the Fund's Board of Trustees recommended on February 25, 1999
and shareholders of the Fund approved on June 8, 1999 the Investment Management
Agreement between the Fund and the Investment Manager. The Board also
recommended and shareholders also approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement between
the Investment Manager and TCW Funds Management, Inc. The fee rate under the
Management Agreement with the Investment Manager is identical to the total
aggregate fee rate in effect under the previous management and advisory
agreements. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 MSDW
Services Company accrued total compensation under the old management agreement
in the amounts of $1,912,210, $1,052,959 and $697,150, respectively. For the
same periods, TCW Funds Management, Inc. accrued total compensation in its
capacity of adviser to the Fund in the amounts of $1,274,806, $701,973 and
$464,767, respectively.
B. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
The Fund's principal underwriter is the Distributor (which has the same
address as the Investment Manager). In this capacity, the Fund's shares are
distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor has entered into a Selected
Dealer Agreement with Dean Witter Reynolds, which through its own sales
organization sells shares of the Fund. In addition, the Distributor may enter
into similar agreements with other selected broker-dealers. The Distributor, a
Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSDW.
The Distributor bears all expenses it may incur in providing services
under the Distribution Agreement. These expenses include the payment of
commissions for sales of the Fund's shares and incentive compensation to
Financial Advisors. 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 and
pays filing fees in accordance with state securities laws.
The Fund and the Distributor have agreed to indemnify each other against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. 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.
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C. SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE INVESTMENT MANAGER, THE SUB-ADVISOR AND FUND
EXPENSES PAID BY THIRD PARTIES
The Investment Manager supervises the investment of the Fund's assets. The
Investment Manager obtains and evaluates the 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, the office space, facilities, equipment, clerical help, bookkeeping
and certain legal services as the Fund may reasonably require in the conduct of
its business, including the preparation of prospectuses, 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.
Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Advisor has been retained,
subject to the overall supervision of the Investment Manager, to continuously
furnish investment advice concerning individual security selections, asset
allocations and overall economic trends.
Expenses not expressly assumed by the Investment Manager or the
Sub-Advisor under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement or by
the Distributor, will be paid by the Fund. Such expenses include, but are not
limited to: expenses of the Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1;
charges and expenses of any registrar, custodian, stock transfer and dividend
disbursing agent; brokerage commissions; taxes; engraving and printing 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 of the Fund and supplements thereto to the Fund's
shareholders; all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of
preparing, printing and mailing of proxy statements and reports to
shareholders; fees and travel expenses of Trustees or members of any advisory
board or committee who are not employees of the Investment Manager or the
Sub-Advisor or any corporate affiliate of the Investment Manager or the
Sub-Advisor; all expenses incident to any dividend, withdrawal or redemption
options; charges and expenses of any outside service used for pricing of the
Fund's shares; fees and expenses of legal counsel, including counsel to the
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund or of the Investment
Manager (not including compensation or expenses of attorneys who are employees
of the Investment Manager); fees and expenses of the Fund's independent
accountants; membership dues of industry associations; interest on Fund
borrowings; postage; insurance premiums on property or personnel (including
officers and Trustees) of the Fund which inure to its benefit; extraordinary
expenses (including, but not limited to, legal claims and liabilities and
litigation costs and any indemnification relating thereto); and all other costs
of the Fund's operation.
The 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 will remain in effect from year to year, provided
continuance of the Management Agreement is approved at least annually by the
vote of the holders of a majority, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of
the outstanding shares of the Fund, or by the Trustees; provided that in either
event such continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the Management Agreement or the Sub-Advisory
Agreement or are "independent Trustees," which votes must be cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
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D. RULE 12B-1 PLAN
In accordance with a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act between the Fund and the Distributor, the Distributor
provides certain services in connection with the promotion of sales of Fund
shares (the "Plan").
The Plan provides that the Distributor bears the expense of all
promotional and distribution related activities on behalf of the Fund, except
for expenses that the Trustees determine to reimburse, as described below. The
following activities and services may be provided by the Distributor under the
Plan: (1) compensation to and expenses of Dean Witter Reynolds' Financial
Advisors and other Selected Broker-Dealers' account executives and other
employees, including overhead and telephone expenses; (2) sales incentives and
bonuses to sales representatives and to marketing personnel in connection with
promoting sales of the Fund's shares; (3) expenses incurred in connection with
promoting sales of the Fund's shares; (4) preparing and distributing sales
literature; and (5) providing advertising and promotional activities, including
direct mail solicitation and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other
media advertisements.
The Fund is authorized to reimburse specific expenses incurred or to be
incurred in promoting the distribution of the Fund's shares. Reimbursement is
made through payments at the end of each month. The amount of each monthly
payment may in no event exceed an amount equal to a payment at the annual rate
of 0.75 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets during the month. No
interest or other financing charges will be incurred for which reimbursement
payments under the Plan will be made. In addition, no interest charges, if any,
incurred on any distribution expenses will be reimbursable under the Plan. In
the case of all expenses other than expenses representing a residual to
Financial Advisors and other authorized financial representatives, such amounts
shall be determined at the beginning of each calendar quarter by the Trustees,
including a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees. Expenses representing a
residual to Financial Advisors and other authorized financial representatives,
may be reimbursed without prior determination. In the event that the
Distributor proposes that monies shall be reimbursed for other than such
expenses, then in making quarterly determinations of the amounts that may be
expended by the Fund, the Investment Manager provides and the Trustees review a
quarterly budget of projected incremental distribution expenses to be incurred
on behalf of the Fund, together with a report explaining the purposes and
anticipated benefits of incurring such expenses. The Trustees determine which
particular expenses, and the portions thereof, that may be borne by the Fund,
and in making such a determination shall consider the scope of the
Distributor's commitment to promoting the distribution of the Fund's shares.
The Fund accrued a total of $1,299,994 pursuant to the Plan of
Distribution for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998. It is estimated that
the amounts paid by the Fund for distribution were for expenses which relate to
compensation of sales personnel and associated overhead expenses.
Under the Plan, 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.
Under the Plan, the Distributor provides the Fund, for review by the
Trustees, and the Trustees review, promptly after the end of each calendar
quarter, a written report regarding the incremental distribution expenses
incurred on behalf of the Fund during such calendar quarter, which report
includes (1) an itemization of the types of expenses and the purposes
therefore; (2) the amounts of such expenses; and (3) a description of the
benefits derived by the Fund. In the Trustees' quarterly review of the Plan
they consider its continued appropriateness and the level of compensation
provided therein.
No interested person of the Fund nor any Independent Trustee has any
direct financial interest in the operation of the Plan except to the extent
that the Distributor, the Investment Manager, Dean Witter Reynolds, MSDW
Services Company or certain of their employees may be deemed to have such an
interest as a result of benefits derived from the successful operation of the
Plan or as a result of receiving a portion of the amounts expended thereunder
by the Fund.
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On an annual basis, the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent
Trustees, consider whether the Plan should be continued. Prior to approving the
last continuation of the Plan, the Trustees requested and received from the
Distributor and reviewed all the information which they deemed necessary to
arrive at an informed determination. In making their determination to continue
the Plan, the Trustees considered: (1) the Fund's experience under the Plan and
whether such experience indicates that the Plan is operating as anticipated;
(2) the benefits the Fund had obtained, was obtaining and would be likely to
obtain under the Plan, including that: the Plan is essential in order to enable
the Fund to continue to grow and avoid a pattern of net redemptions which, in
turn, is essential for effective investment management; and without the
compensation to individual brokers and the reimbursement of distribution and
account maintenance expenses of Dean Witter Reynolds's branch offices made
possible by the 12b-1 fees, Dean Witter Reynolds could not establish and
maintain an effective system for distribution, servicing of Fund shareholders
and maintenance of shareholder accounts; 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 Trustees, including each of the
Independent Trustees, determined that continuation of the Plan would be in the
best interest of the Fund and would have a reasonable likelihood of continuing
to benefit the Fund and its shareholders. In the Trustees' quarterly review of
the Plan, they will consider its continued appropriateness and the level of
compensation provided therein.
The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent
for the services described therein without approval by the shareholders of the
Fund, and all material amendments to the Plan must also be approved by the
Trustees. The Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any
penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the
Investment Company 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 Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the
Independent Trustees.
E. OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
(1) TRANSFER AGENT/DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB is the Transfer Agent for the Fund's
shares and the Dividend Disbursing Agent for payment of dividends and
distributions on Fund shares and Agent for shareholders under various
investment plans. The principal business address of the Transfer Agent is
Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311.
(2) CUSTODIAN AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is
the Custodian of the Fund's assets. Any of the Fund's cash balances with the
Custodian in excess of $100,000 are unprotected by federal deposit insurance.
These balances may, at times, be substantial.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10036, serves as the independent accountants of the Fund. The independent
accountants are responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the
Fund.
(3) AFFILIATED PERSONS
The Transfer Agent is an affiliate of the Investment Manager, and of the
Distributor. As Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, the Transfer
Agent'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, the Transfer Agent receives a per shareholder account fee from the
Fund and is reimbursed for its out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such
services.
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VI. BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
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A. BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS
Subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, the Investment Manager
and/or Sub-Advisor are responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for
the Fund, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions, and
the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. The Fund expects that the
primary market for the securities in which it invests will generally be the
over-the-counter market. In the over-the-counter market, securities are
generally traded on a "net" basis with 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. On occasion, the Fund may also purchase certain money
market instruments directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or
discounts are paid.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Fund
paid no brokerage commissions.
B. COMMISSIONS
Pursuant to an order of the SEC, the Fund may effect principal
transactions in certain money market instruments with Dean Witter Reynolds. The
Fund will limit its transactions with Dean Witter Reynolds to U.S. Government
and government agency securities, bank money instruments (i.e., certificates of
deposit and bankers' acceptances) and commercial paper. The transactions will
be effected with Dean Witter Reynolds only when the price available from Dean
Witter Reynolds is better than that available from other dealers.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Fund
did not effect any principal transactions with Dean Witter Reynolds.
Brokerage transactions in securities listed on exchanges or admitted to
unlisted trading privileges may be effected through Dean Witter Reynolds,
Morgan Stanley & Co. and other affiliated brokers and dealers. In order for an
affiliated broker or dealer to effect any portfolio transactions on an exchange
for the Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the
affiliated broker or dealer must be reasonable and fair compared to the
commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other brokers in connection
with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or
sold on an exchange during a comparable period of time. This standard would
allow the affiliated broker or dealer to receive no more than the remuneration
which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker in a
commensurate arm's-length transaction. Furthermore, the Trustees, including the
Independent Trustees, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to
provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated
broker or dealer are consistent with the foregoing standard. The Fund does not
reduce the management fee it pays to the Investment Manager by any amount of
the brokerage commissions it may pay to an affiliated broker or dealer.
C. BROKERAGE SELECTION
The policy of the Fund regarding purchases and sales of securities for its
portfolio is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most
favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions.
In seeking to implement the Fund's policies, the Investment Manager and
the Sub-Advisor effect transactions with those brokers and dealers who the
Investment Manager and/or Sub-Advisor believes provide the most favorable
prices and are capable of providing efficient executions. If the Investment
Manager and/or Sub-Advisor believes the prices and executions are obtainable
from more than one broker or dealer, it may give consideration to placing
portfolio transactions with those brokers and dealers who also furnish research
and other services to the Fund or the Investment Manager and the Sub-Advisor.
The 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/or Sub-Advisor
from brokers and
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dealers may be of benefit to the Investment Manager and/or Sub-Advisor in the
management of accounts of some of their other clients and may not in all cases
benefit the Fund directly.
The Investment Manager and the Sub-Advisor currently serve as investment
advisors to a number of clients, including other investment companies, and may
in the future act as investment manager or advisor to others. It is the
practice of the Investment Manager and the Sub-Advisor to cause purchase and
sale transactions to be allocated among the Fund and others whose assets they
manage in such manner as they deem 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 utilizes a pro rata allocation process based on the size
of the funds involved and the number of shares available from the public
offering.
D. DIRECTED BROKERAGE
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund did not pay any
brokerage commissions to brokers because of research services provided.
E. REGULAR BROKER-DEALERS
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund did not purchase
securities issued by brokers or dealers that were among the ten brokers or the
ten dealers that executed transactions for or with the Fund in the largest
dollar amounts during the year.
VII. CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
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The shareholders of the Fund are entitled to a full vote for each full
share of beneficial interest held. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited
number of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of beneficial interest of
the Fund are of $0.01 par value and are equal as to earnings, assets and voting
privileges.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to authorize the
creation of additional series of shares (the proceeds of which would be
invested in separate, independently managed portfolios) and additional Classes
of shares within any series. The Trustees have not presently authorized any
such additional series or Classes of shares other than as set forth in the
Prospectus.
The Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and in
ordinary circumstances the Fund does not intend to hold such meetings. The
Trustees may call special meetings of shareholders for action by shareholder
vote as may be required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust. Under certain circumstances the Trustees may be removed by action of the
Trustees. In addition, under certain circumstances the shareholders may call a
meeting to remove Trustees and the Fund is required to provide assistance in
communicating with shareholders about such a meeting. The voting rights of
shareholders are not cumulative, so that holders of more than 50 percent of the
shares voting can, if they choose, elect all Trustees being selected, while the
holders of the remaining shares would be unable to elect any Trustees.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under
certain limited circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the
obligations of the Fund. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund,
requires that notice of such Fund obligations include such disclaimer, and
provides for indemnification out of the Fund's property for any shareholder
held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a
shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and
the nature of the Fund's assets and operations, the possibility of the Fund
being unable to meet its obligations is remote and thus, in the opinion of
Massachusetts counsel to the Fund, the risk to Fund shareholders of personal
liability is remote.
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All of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders of the Fund,
most recently at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on June 8, 1999. The
Trustees themselves have the power to alter the number and the terms of office
of the Trustees (as provided for in the Declaration of Trust), and they may at
any time lengthen or shorten their own terms or make their terms of unlimited
duration and appoint their own successors, provided that always at least a
majority of the Trustees has been elected by the shareholders of the Fund.
VIII. PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
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A. PURCHASE/REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Information concerning how Fund shares are offered to the public (and how
they are redeemed and exchanged) is provided in the Fund's Prospectus.
TRANSFER AGENT AS AGENT. With respect to the redemption or repurchase of
Fund shares, the application of proceeds to the purchase of new shares in the
Fund or any other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund and the general
administration of the exchange privilege, the Transfer Agent acts as agent for
the Distributor and for the shareholder's authorized 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 authorized broker-dealer.
The Distributor and any authorized broker-dealer have 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 continuously offered Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund and the general
administration of the exchange privilege. No commission or discounts will be
paid to the Distributor or any authorized broker-dealer for any transaction
pursuant to the exchange privilege.
B. OFFERING PRICE
The price of Fund shares, called "net asset value," is based on the value
of the Fund's portfolio securities. Net asset value per Fund share is
calculated by dividing the value of the portion of the Fund's securities and
other assets, less the liabilities by the number of shares outstanding.
In the calculation of the Fund's net asset value all portfolio securities
for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued
at the latest bid price. When market quotations are not readily available,
including circumstances under which it is determined by the Investment Manager
or the Sub-Advisor 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 Trustees. 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.
Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less
at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost, unless the Trustees
determine such does not reflect the securities' market value, in which case
these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the
Trustees.
Certain of the Fund's portfolio securities may be valued by an outside
pricing service approved by the Fund's Trustees. The pricing service may
utilize a matrix system incorporating security quality, maturity and coupon as
the evaluation model parameters, and/or research evaluations by its staff,
including review of broker-dealer market price quotations in determining what
it believes is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such
pricing service.
Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as corporate bonds, U.S.
Government securities and money market instruments, is substantially completed
each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange.
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 the close of the New York Stock
Exchange. Occasionally, events which may affect
27
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the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur between the
times at which they are determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange
and will therefore not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset
value. If events that may affect the value of such securities occur during such
period, then these securities may be valued at their fair value as determined
in good faith under procedures established by and under the supervision of the
Trustees.
IX. TAXATION OF THE FUND AND SHAREHOLDERS
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The Fund generally will make two basic types of distributions: ordinary
dividends and long-term capital gain distributions. These two types of
distributions are reported differently on a shareholder's income tax return and
they are also subject to different rates of tax. The tax treatment of the
investment activities of the Fund will affect the amount and timing and
character of the distributions made by the Fund. Tax issues relating to the
Fund are not generally a consideration for shareholders such as tax exempt
entities and tax-advantaged retirement vehicles such as an IRA or 401(k) plan.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals regarding
specific questions as to federal, state or local taxes.
INVESTMENT COMPANY TAXATION. The Fund intends to remain qualified as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on its net
investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it distributes
such income and capital gains to its shareholders.
The Fund generally intends to distribute sufficient income and gains so
that the Fund will not pay corporate income tax on its earnings. The Fund also
generally intends to distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year a
sufficient amount of ordinary income and capital gains to avoid the imposition
of a 4% excise tax. However, the Fund may instead determine to retain all or
part of any net long-term capital gains in any year for reinvestment. In such
event, the Fund will pay federal income tax (and possibly excise tax) on such
retained gains.
Gains or losses on sales of securities by the Fund will be long-term
capital gains or losses if the securities have a tax holding period of more
than one year. Gains or losses on the sale of securities with a tax holding
period of one year or less will be short-term gains or losses.
Under certain tax rules, the Fund may be required to accrue a portion of
any discount at which certain securities are purchased as income each year even
though the Fund receives no payments in cash on the security during the year.
To the extent that the Fund invests in such securities, it would be required to
pay out such accrued discount as an income distribution in each year in order
to avoid taxation at the Fund level. Such distributions will be made from the
available cash of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities if
necessary. If a distribution of cash necessitates the liquidation of portfolio
securities, the Investment Manager and/or Sub-Advisor will select which
securities to sell. The Fund may realize a gain or loss from such sales. In the
event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its
shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they
would in the absence of such transactions.
TAXATION OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Shareholders normally will have
to pay federal income taxes, and any state and/or local income taxes, on the
dividends and other distributions they receive from the Fund. Such dividends
and distributions, to the extent that they are derived from net investment
income or short-term capital gains, are taxable to the shareholder as ordinary
income regardless of whether the shareholder receives such payments in
additional shares or in cash.
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 held the Fund's shares and regardless of whether the distribution is
received in additional shares or in cash. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
reduced the maximum tax on long-term capital gains applicable to individuals
from 28% to 20%.
Shareholders are generally taxed on any ordinary dividend or capital gain
distributions from the Fund in the year they are actually distributed. However,
if any such dividends or distributions are declared in October, November or
December and paid in January then such amounts will be treated for tax purposes
as received by the shareholders on December 31, to shareholders of record of
such month.
28
<PAGE>
Subject to certain exceptions, a corporate shareholder may be eligible for
a 70% dividends received deduction to the extent that the Fund earns and
distributes qualifying dividends from its investments. Distributions of net
capital gains by the Fund will not be eligible for the dividends received
deduction.
Shareholders who are not citizens or residents of the United States and
certain foreign entities may be subject to withholding of United States tax on
distributions made by the Fund of investment income and short term capital
gains.
After the end of each calendar year, shareholders will be sent full
information on their dividends and capital gain distributions for tax purposes,
including the portion taxable as ordinary income, the portion taxable as
long-term capital gains and the amount of any dividends eligible for the
federal dividends received deduction for corporations.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES OF FUND SHARES. 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, such dividends and capital gains
distributions 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 long-term capital gains,
such payment or distribution would be in part a return of the shareholder's
investment but nonetheless would be taxable to the shareholder. Therefore, an
investor should consider the tax implications of purchasing Fund shares
immediately prior to a distribution record date.
In general, a sale of shares results in capital gain or loss, and for
individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length
of time the shares were held. A redemption of a shareholder's Fund shares is
normally treated as a sale for tax purposes. Fund shares held for a period of
one year or less will, for tax purposes, generally result in short-term gains
or losses and those held for more than one year generally result in long-term
gain or loss. Any loss realized by shareholders upon a redemption of shares
within six months of the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net long-term capital gains
with respect to such shares during the six-month period.
Gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares in the Fund is measured
by the difference between the amount received and the tax basis of the shares.
Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the
tax basis of their shares. Under certain circumstances a shareholder may
compute and use an average cost basis in determining the gain or loss on the
sale or redemption of shares.
Exchanges of Fund shares for shares of any other continuously offered
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund are also subject to similar tax treatment. Such
an exchange is treated for tax purposes as a sale of the original shares in the
first fund, followed by the purchase of shares in the second fund.
If a shareholder realizes a loss on the redemption or exchange of a fund's
shares and reinvests in that fund's shares within 30 days before or after the
redemption or exchange, the transactions may be subject to the "wash sale"
rules, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for tax
purposes.
X. UNDERWRITERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's shares are offered to the public on a continuous basis. The
Distributor, as the principal underwriter of the shares, has certain
obligations under the Distribution Agreement concerning the distribution of the
shares. These obligations and the compensation the Distributor receives are
described above in the sections titled "Principal Underwriter" and "Rule 12b-1
Plans".
29
<PAGE>
XI. CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time the Fund may quote its "yield" and/or its "total return"
in advertisements and sales literature.
Yield is calculated for any 30-day period as follows: the amount of
interest income for each security in the Fund's portfolio is determined as
described below; the total for the entire portfolio constitutes the Fund's
gross income for the period. Expenses accrued during the period are subtracted
to arrive at "net investment income." The resulting amount is divided by the
product of the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
(reduced by any undeclared earned income per share that is expected to be
declared shortly after the end of the period) multiplied by the average number
of Fund shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to dividends.
This amount is added to 1 and raised to the sixth power. 1 is then subtracted
from the result and the difference is multiplied by 2 to arrive at the
annualized yield.
To determine interest income from debt obligations, a yield-to-maturity,
expressed as a percentage, is determined for obligations held at the beginning
of the period, based on the current market value of the security plus accrued
interest, generally as of the end of the month preceding the 30-day period, or,
for obligations purchased during the period, based on the cost of the security
(including accrued interest). The yield-to-maturity is multiplied by the market
value (plus accrued interest) for each security and the result is divided by
360 and multiplied by 30 days or the number of days the security was held
during the period, if less. Modifications are made for determining
yield-to-maturity on certain tax-exempt securities. For the 30-day period ended
October 31, 1998, the Fund's yield, calculated pursuant to the formula
described above was 8.95%.
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. 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 (which is reduced by the initial sales charge), 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. Based on this calculation, the average
annual total returns of the Fund for the one and five year periods ended
October 31, 1998 and for the period July 31, 1992 (commencement of operations)
through October 31, 1998 were 5.13%, 3.07% and 4.13%, 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
reduction for any sales charge) by the initial $1,000 investment and
subtracting 1 from the result. Based on this calculation, the Fund's total
returns for the one and five year periods ended October 31, 1998 and for the
period July 31, 1992 through October 31, 1998 were 5.13%, 16.31% and 28.81%,
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 and multiplying $10,000, $50,000 or $100,000.
Investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in the Fund since inception would
have grown to $12,881, $64,405, and $128,810, respectively, at October 31,
1998.
The Fund from time to time may also advertise its performance relative to
certain performance rankings and indexes compiled by recognized organizations.
30
<PAGE>
XII. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPERTS. The financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended
Ocrober 31, 1998 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 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
* * * * *
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 SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from
the SEC.
31
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ----------- -------------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U. S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (40.7%)
$ 4,702 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. ARM ............................ 7.643% 08/01/23 $ 4,775,792
3,577 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. ARM ............................ 7.659 03/01/25 3,629,879
2,434 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. PC GOLD ........................ 6.00 12/01/00 2,451,186
935 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. ................................ 9.50 06/01/20 987,985
19,289 Government National Mortgage Assoc. II ARM ...................... 6.875 06/20/22-
06/20/25 19,532,347
29,594 Government National Mortgage Assoc. II ARM ...................... 7.00 08/20/22-
12/20/24 29,892,536
------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Identified Cost $60,918,681)............................................................ 61,269,725
------------
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (44.4%)
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (29.1%)
14 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1370 K (PAC I/O) ............... 1,089.16 09/15/22 274,331
2,070 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1504 A (PAC) ................... 7.00 07/15/22 2,077,457
1,835 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1560 A (PAC) ................... 6.50 02/15/23 1,830,790
17,168 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. G 21 P ......................... 6.50 10/25/23 16,460,661
2,325 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-163 A ..................... 7.00 03/25/23 2,331,848
9,017 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-165 SE .................... 8.593+ 09/25/23 8,887,382
6,567 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. 1993-167 M (PAC) ............... 6.00 09/25/23 6,562,106
5,000 Federal National Mortgage Assoc. G96-1 PJ (PAC) ................. 7.50 11/17/25 5,282,750
------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (Identified Cost $44,293,261)............................. 43,707,325
------------
PRIVATE ISSUES (15.3%)
433 Citicorp Mortgage Securities, Inc. 1991-1 A ..................... 8.50 03/25/06 434,022
12,232 CountryWide Funding Corp. 1993-7 AS3 (TAC) ...................... 10.423+ 11/25/23 11,681,772
1,859 General Electric Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. 1992-11M ....... 8.00 09/25/22 1,884,443
7,000 Residential Funding Mortgage Security I, 1997-S12 A10 (PAC) ..... 6.70 08/25/27 7,053,625
1,954 Resolution Trust Corp. 1991- 6 C1 ............................... 9.00 09/25/28 1,979,422
------------
TOTAL PRIVATE ISSUES (Identified Cost $24,031,806)....................................... 23,033,284
------------
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (Identified Cost $68,325,067).................. 66,740,609
------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
32
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT IN COUPON MATURITY
THOUSANDS RATE DATE VALUE
- ------------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (11.9%)
MEXICAN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES (a) (7.7%)
MXN 12,495 Cetes (Amortized Cost $13,560,599).............................. 17.01-% 11/19/98-
33.06 03/11/99 $ 11,598,391
------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY (a) (1.7%)
$2,500 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Amortized Cost $2,495,992).... 4.81 11/13/98 2,495,992
------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (2.5%)
The Bank of New York (dated 10/30/98; proceeds $3,841,829) (b)
(Identified Cost $3,840,189).................................... 5.125 11/02/98 3,840,189
------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Identified Cost $19,896,780)............................... 17,934,572
------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Identified Cost $149,140,528) (c)....................... 97.0% 145,944,906
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES ..................................... 3.0 4,496,052
----- ------------
NET ASSETS ................................................................ 100.0% $150,440,958
===== ============
</TABLE>
- --------------
ARM Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
I/O Interest-only securities.
PAC Planned Amortization Class.
PC Participation Certificate.
TAC Targeted Amortization Class.
+ Inverse floater: interest rate moves inversely to a designated index,
such as LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) or COFI (Cost of Funds
Index), typically at a multiple of the changes of the relevant index
rate.
(a) Securities were purchased on a discount basis. The interest rates shown
have been adjusted to reflect a money market equivalent yield. The yield
for Mexican Cetes does not reflect the effect of exchange rates. The
weighted average yield to maturity at date of purchase for Mexican Cetes
is 22.17%.
(b) Collateralized by $3,867,973 U.S. Treasury Inflation Note 3.625% due
04/15/28 valued at $3,916,993.
(c) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates
identified cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is
$1,246,042 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is
$4,441,664, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of $3,195,622.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS OPEN AT OCTOBER 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACTS TO IN DELIVERY UNREALIZED
DELIVER EXCHANGE FOR DATE DEPRECIATION
- ------------------- -------------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
MXN 37,902,000 $ 3,749,000 11/04/98 $ (26,079)
</TABLE>
Currency Abbreviation:
MXN Mexican Peso.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
33
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $149,140,528)................ $145,944,906
Receivable for:
Investments sold ........................... 3,749,021
Interest ................................... 718,420
Principal paydowns ......................... 412,578
Shares of beneficial interest sold ......... 12,284
Prepaid expenses ................................ 33,159
------------
TOTAL ASSETS ............................... 150,870,368
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for:
Plan of distribution fee ................... 98,188
Shares of beneficial interest
repurchased ............................. 93,946
Dividends to shareholders .................. 58,882
Management fee ............................. 51,057
Investment advisory fee .................... 34,038
Accrued expenses ................................ 93,299
Contingencies (Note 10) ......................... --
------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES .......................... 429,410
------------
NET ASSETS ................................. $150,440,958
============
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital ................................. 383,541,250
Net unrealized depreciation ..................... (3,195,622)
Accumulated undistributed net investment
income ....................................... 622,302
Accumulated net realized loss ................... (230,526,972)
------------
NET ASSETS ................................. $150,440,958
============
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE,
17,502,018 shares outstanding (unlimited
shares authorized of $.01 par value).......... $ 8.60
============
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended October 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME ............................... $12,869,087
-----------
EXPENSES
Plan of distribution fee ...................... 1,299,994
Management fee ................................ 697,150
Investment advisory fee ....................... 464,767
Transfer agent fees and expenses .............. 289,215
Professional fees ............................. 112,315
Shareholder reports and notices ............... 45,626
Registration fees ............................. 33,233
Trustees' fees and expenses ................... 32,181
Custodian fees ................................ 22,162
Other ......................................... 29,533
-----------
TOTAL EXPENSES ........................... 3,026,176
Less: expense offset .......................... (21,320)
-----------
NET EXPENSES ............................. 3,004,856
-----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME .................... 9,864,231
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS:
Net realized loss ............................. (790,110)
Net change in unrealized depreciation ......... (70,301)
-----------
NET LOSS ................................. (860,411)
-----------
NET INCREASE .................................. $9,003,820
===========
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
34
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1998 OCTOBER 31, 1997
------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................................ $ 9,864,231 $ 13,981,737
Net realized loss .................................... (790,110) (2,132,540)
Net change in unrealized depreciation ................ (70,301) 6,751,649
------------- --------------
NET INCREASE ...................................... 9,003,820 18,600,846
Dividends from net investment income ................. (8,875,486) (13,827,194)
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial
interest ........................................... (61,727,111) (143,263,528)
------------- --------------
NET DECREASE ...................................... (61,598,777) (138,489,876)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period .................................. 212,039,735 350,529,611
------------- --------------
END OF PERIOD
(Including undistributed net investment income of
$622,302 and $391,193, respectively) .............. $ 150,440,958 $ 212,039,735
============= ==============
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
35
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust (the "Fund") is registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as a
non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund's investment
objective is to earn a high level of income while maintaining
relatively low volatility of principal. The Fund was organized as a
Massachusetts business trust on
February 19, 1992 and commenced operations on July 31, 1992.
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) 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; (2) when market
quotations are not readily available, including circumstances under which it is
determined by TCW Funds Management, Inc. (the "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 Trustees (valuation of
debt securities for which market quotations are not readily available may be
based upon current market prices of securities which are comparable in coupon,
rating and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing similar factors); and
(3) 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.
The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts based on the respective life
of the securities. Interest income is accrued daily.
C. 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 foreign
currency 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
36
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
Statement of Operations as realized and unrealized gain/loss on foreign
exchange transactions. 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.
D. 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 foreign currency gain or loss. 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.
E. DOLLAR ROLLS -- The Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the Fund sells
securities for delivery and simultaneously contracts to repurchase
substantially similar securities at the current sales price on a specified
future date. The difference between the current sales price and the lower
forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") is
amortized over the life of the dollar roll.
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.
37
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
2. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to a Management Agreement with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services
Company Inc. (the "Manager"), the Fund pays the 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:
0.39% to the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $3 billion and 0.36% to
the portion of daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the 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 Manager. The Manager also bears the cost of telephone services, heat,
light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser, the Fund pays an
advisory fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, by applying the following
annual rates to the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each
business day: 0.26% to the portion of average daily net assets not exceeding $3
billion and 0.24% to the portion of average daily net assets exceeding $3
billion.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Fund has retained the Adviser to invest
the Fund's assets, including placing orders for the purchase and sale of
portfolio securities. The Adviser obtains and evaluates such information and
advice relating to the economy, securities markets, and specific securities as
it considers necessary or useful to continuously manage the assets of the Fund
in a manner consistent with its investment objective. In addition, the Adviser
pays the salaries of all personnel, including officers of the Fund, who are
employees of the Adviser.
4. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate
of the Manager, is the distributor of the Fund's shares and, in accordance with
a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, finances certain expenses in connection with the
distribution of shares of
the Fund.
Under the Plan, the Distributor bears the expense of all promotional and
distribution related activities on behalf of the Fund, except for expenses that
the Trustees determine to reimburse, as described below. The following
activities and services may be provided by the Distributor, Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"),
38
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
an affiliate of the Manager and Distributor, its affiliates or other selected
broker-dealers under the Plan: (1) compensation to, and expenses of Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisors and others, including overhead and
telephone expenses; (2) sales incentives and bonuses to sales representatives
and to marketing personnel in connection with promoting sales of the Fund's
shares; (3) expenses incurred in connection with promoting sales of the Fund's
shares; (4) preparing and distributing sales literature; and (5) providing
advertising and promotional activities, including direct mail solicitation and
television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other media advertisements.
The Fund is authorized to reimburse the Distributor for specific expenses the
Distributor incurs or plans to incur in promoting the distribution of the
Fund's shares. The amount of each monthly reimbursement payment may in no event
exceed an amount equal to a payment at the annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's
average daily net assets during the month. Expenses incurred pursuant to the
Plan in any fiscal year in excess of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net
assets will not be reimbursed by the Fund through payments accrued in any
subsequent fiscal year. For the year ended October 31, 1998, the distribution
fee was accrued at the annual rate of 0.73%.
5. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The proceeds from sales/prepayments of portfolio securities, excluding
short-term investments, for the year ended October 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES/
PURCHASES PREPAYMENTS
------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. Government Agencies ......... $5,187,500 $85,407,329
Private Issue CMOs ............... 7,024,063 2,239,110
</TABLE>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Manager and
Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent. At October 31, 1998, the Fund had
transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $5,600.
6. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE YEAR
ENDED ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 1998 OCTOBER 31, 1997
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sold .............................. 8,261,398 $ 71,093,361 2,792,480 $ 23,503,988
Reinvestment of dividends ......... 760,095 6,519,534 1,223,673 10,240,883
Repurchased ....................... (16,198,924) (139,340,006) (21,098,837) (177,008,399)
----------- -------------- ----------- --------------
Net decrease ...................... (7,177,431) $ (61,727,111) (17,082,684) $ (143,263,528)
=========== ============== =========== ==============
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
7. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
At October 31, 1998, the Fund had a net capital loss carryover of approximately
$230,527,000 which may be used to offset future capital gains to the extent
provided by regulations, which is available through October 31 of the following
years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS
- -----------------------------------------------------------
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
- ------------ ---------- ---------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 53,086 $160,560 $14,716 $2,013 $152
========= ======== ======= ====== ====
</TABLE>
As of October 31, 1998, the Fund had permanent book/tax differences
attributable to foreign currency losses. To reflect reclassifications arising
from these differences, accumulated undistributed net investment income was
charged and accumulated net realized loss was credited $757,636.
8. REVERSE REPURCHASE AND DOLLAR ROLL AGREEMENTS
Reverse repurchase and dollar roll agreements involve the risk that the market
value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement
may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities
under a reverse repurchase or dollar roll agreement files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, the Fund's use of proceeds of the agreement may be
restricted pending a determination by the other party, its trustee or receiver,
whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities.
Reverse repurchase agreements are collateralized by Fund securities with a
market value in excess of the Fund's obligation under the contract.
9. 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.
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.
At October 31, 1998, there were outstanding forward contracts.
40
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 31, 1998, continued
10. LITIGATION
Several class action lawsuits, which have been consolidated for pretrial
purposes, were instituted in 1995 in the United States District Court, in New
York, against the Fund, some of its Trustees and officers, its underwriter and
distributor, the Adviser, the Manager, and other defendants, by certain
shareholders of the Fund. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims
under the Securities Act of 1933 and generally alleges that the defendants made
inadequate and misleading disclosures in the prospectuses for the Fund, in
particular as such disclosures relate to the nature and risks of the Fund's
investments in mortgage-backed securities and Mexican securities. The
plaintiffs also challenge as excessive certain fees paid by the Fund. Damages
are sought in an unspecified amount. All defendants have moved to dismiss the
consolidated amended complaint, and on May 8, 1996 the motions to dismiss were
denied. The defendants then moved for reargument and on August 28, 1996 the
Court issued a second opinion which granted the motion to dismiss in part. The
Court has also certified a plaintiff class pursuant to the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure. On December 4, 1996, the defendants filed a renewed motion to
dismiss which was denied by the Court on November 20, 1997. The ultimate
outcome of these matters is not presently determinable, and no provision has
been made in the Fund's financial statements for the effect, if any, of such
matters.
41
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period :
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period ......... $ 8.59 $ 8.39 $ 8.33 $ 8.89 $ 10.11 $ 9.96
--------- ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Net investment income ........................ 0.49 0.44 0.47 0.69 0.68 0.77
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ...... (0.05) 0.19 0.04 (0.59) ( 1.18) 0.14
--------- ------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ............. 0.44 0.63 0.51 0.10 ( 0.50) 0.91
--------- ------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ....................... (0.43) (0.43) (0.45) -- ( 0.47) ( 0.76)
Net realized gain ........................... -- -- -- -- ( 0.02) --
Paid-in-capital ............................. -- -- -- (0.66) ( 0.23) --
--------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ............ (0.43) (0.43) (0.45) (0.66) ( 0.72) ( 0.76)
--------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period ............... $ 8.60 $ 8.59 $ 8.39 $ 8.33 $ 8.89 $ 10.11
========= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+ ..................... 5.13% 7.80% 6.38% 1.61% (5.06)% 9.35%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses ..................................... 1.69%(3) 1.65% 1.64% 1.59% 1.52 % 1.54%
Net investment income ........................ 5.52% 5.18% 5.71% 8.28% 6.85 % 7.78%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in millions ....... $ 150 $ 212 $ 351 $ 658 $1,360 $ 2,986
Portfolio turnover rate ...................... 8% -- 13% 44% 27 % 77%
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 31, 1992*
THROUGH
OCTOBER 31, 1992
-----------------
<S> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period ......... $ 10.00
---------
Net investment income ........................ 0.18
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ...... ( 0.05)
---------
Total from investment operations ............. 0.13
---------
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income ....................... ( 0.17)
Net realized gain ........................... --
Paid-in-capital ............................. --
---------
Total dividends and distributions ............ ( 0.17)
---------
Net asset value, end of period ............... $ 9.96
=========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+ ..................... 1.28%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses ..................................... 1.80%(2)
Net investment income ........................ 8.36%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in millions ....... $ 762
Portfolio turnover rate ...................... 2%(1)
</TABLE>
- -------------
* Commencement of operations.
+ Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of
the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
42
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
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 TCW/DW North American Government
Income Trust (the "Fund") at October 31, 1998, 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 July 31, 1992 (commencement
of operations) through October 31, 1992, 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, 1998 by correspondence with the
custodian, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
November 20, 1998
43
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
(PROPOSED TO BE RENAMED
"MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST")
PART C OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
1(a). Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated February 19, 1992, is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of Post-Effective Amendment No.
4 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on January 25,
1996.
1(b). Amendment dated May 18, 1992 to the Declaration of Trust of the
Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on January 25, 1996.
1(c). Form of Amendment dated June 25, 1999 to the Declaration of Trust of
the Registrant, to be filed herein.
2. Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, dated May 1, 1999, is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of Post-Effective Amendment No.
8 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on April 26, 1999.
3. Not Applicable.
4(a). Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant and
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., dated June 28, 1999, to be
filed herein.
4(b) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Advisors Inc. and TCW Funds Management Inc., dated June 28, 1999, to
be filed herein.
5(a). Amended Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., dated June 22, 1998.
5(b). Selected Dealer Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Distributors Inc. and Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., dated January 4, 1993,
is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(c) of Post-Effective No. 4 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on January 25, 1996.
6. Not Applicable.
7(a). Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York,
dated January 2, 1992, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on January 25, 1996.
1
<PAGE>
7(b). Amendment, dated April 17, 1996, to the Custody Agreement between the
Registration and The Bank of New York is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 8 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 4, 1997.
8(a). Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June
22, 1998 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8 to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on
November 25, 1998.
8(b). Amended and Restated Services Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company
Inc., dated June 22, 1998, to be filed herein.
9(a). Opinion of Sheldon Curtis, Esq., dated May 20, 1992, is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form
N-1A, filed on May 21, 1992, and filed herein.
9(b). Opinion of Lane, Altman & Owens, Massachusetts Counsel, dated May 18,
1992, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 9 on Form N-1A, filed on May 21, 1992, and filed
herein.
10. Consent of Independent Accountants.
11. Not Applicable.
12. Not Applicable.
13. Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors
Inc., dated June 28, 1999.
Other Powers of Attorney of Trustees are incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(Other) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 on Form N-1A, filed on
January 25, 1996 and filed herein.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund.
None
Item 25. Indemnification.
Pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust and under
Section 4.8 of the Registrant's By-Laws, the indemnification of the Registrant's
trustees, officers, employees and agents is permitted if it is determined that
they acted under the belief that their actions were in or not opposed to the
best interest of the Registrant, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding,
they had reasonable cause to believe their conduct was not unlawful. In
addition, indemnification is permitted only if it is determined that the actions
in question did not render them liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of their obligations and duties to the Registrant. Trustees,
officers, employees and agents will be indemnified for the expense of litigation
if it is determined that they are entitled to indemnification against any
liability established in such litigation. The Registrant may also advance money
for these expenses provided that they give their undertakings to repay the
Registrant unless their conduct is later determined to permit indemnification.
2
<PAGE>
Pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust
and paragraph 8 of the Registrant's Investment Management Agreement, neither the
Investment Manager nor any trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant
shall be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of bad
faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to
the Registrant.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to trustees, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer, or controlling
person of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such trustee,
officer or controlling person in connection with the shares being registered,
the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the
indemnification provision of its by-laws in a manner consistent with Release
11330 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, so long as the interpretation of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act
remains in effect.
Registrant, in conjunction with the Investment Manager,
Registrant's Trustees, and other registered investment management companies
managed by the Investment Manager, maintains insurance on behalf of any person
who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of Registrant, or who is or
was serving at the request of Registrant as a trustee, director, officer,
employee or agent of another trust or corporation, against any liability
asserted against him and incurred by him or arising out of his position.
However, in no event will Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such
person for any act for which Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify
him.
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
See "The Fund and Its Management" in the Prospectus regarding the
business of the investment advisor. The following information is given regarding
officers of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. ("MSDW Advisors"). MSDW
Advisors is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
The term "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds" refers to the following
registered investment companies:
Closed-End Investment Companies
(1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Insured Municipal Income Trust
(2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Quality Municipal Securities
(3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Government Income Trust
(4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust II
3
<PAGE>
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust III
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Securities Inc.
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured California Municipal Securities
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Income Trust
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Securities
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Trust
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust II
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Opportunities Trust III
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust II
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Income Trust III
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Municipal Premium Income Trust
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Quality Municipal Securities
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Prime Income Trust
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Investment Trust
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Securities
Open-end Investment Companies
(1) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(2) Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(3) Active Assets Money Trust
(4) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Opportunities Fund
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "Best Ideas Portfolio"
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
(25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
(28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
(29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
(30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
4
<PAGE>
(31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
(32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
(34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Latin American Growth Fund
(35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
(37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
(39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Equity Trust
(40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
(45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
(47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
(48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(49) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
(50) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
(51) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
(52) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
(53) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(54) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Small Cap Growth Fund
(55) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(56) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(57) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
(58) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(59) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Total Return Trust
(60) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(61) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(62) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(63) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(64) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
(65) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(66) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
The term "TCW/DW Funds" refers to the following registered investment companies:
Closed-End Investment Companies
(1) TCW/DW Term Trust 2000
(2) TCW/DW Term Trust 2002
(3) TCW/DW Term Trust 2003
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Mitchell M. Merin President and Chief Operating Officer of Asset Management of
President, Chief Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. ("MSDW); Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and Executive Officer and Director of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Director Distributors Inc. ("MSDW Distributors") and Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW Trust"); President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services
Company Inc. ("MSDW Services"); President of the Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index
Series; Executive Vice President and Director of Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"); Director of various MSDW subsidiaries.
Joseph J. McAlinden Executive Vice President of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and
Vice President Discover Brokerage Index Series; Director of MSDW Trust.
and Chief Investment
Officer
Ronald E. Robison President MSDW Trust; Executive Vice President, Chief
Executive Vice President, Administrative Officer and Director of MSDW Services; Vice
Chief Administrative President of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds
Officer and Director and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Edward C. Oelsner, III
Executive Vice President
Barry Fink Assistant Secretary of DWR; Senior Vice President, Secretary,
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Director of MSDW Services; Senior Vice
Secretary, General President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of
Counsel and Director MSDW Distributors; Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover
Brokerage Index Series.
Peter M. Avelar Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
and Director of the High
Yield Group
Mark Bavoso Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
Douglas Brown
Senior Vice President
6
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Rosalie Clough
Senior Vice President
and Director of Marketing
Richard Felegy
Senior Vice President
Edward F. Gaylor Senior Vice PresidentVice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds.
Robert S. Giambrone Senior Vice President of MSDW Services, MSDW Distributors and MSDW
Senior Vice President Trust and Director of MSDW Trust; Vice President of the Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage
Index Series.
Rajesh K. Gupta Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President,
Director of the Taxable
Fixed Income Group and
Chief Administrative Officer-
Investments
Kenton J. Hinchliffe Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds and
Senior Vice President Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Kevin Hurley Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
Jenny Beth Jones Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
Michelle Kaufman Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
John B. Kemp, III President of MSDW Distributors.
Senior Vice President
Anita H. Kolleeny Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
and Director of Sector
Rotation
Jonathan R. Page Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
and Director of the Money
Market Group
7
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Ira N. Ross Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
Guy G. Rutherfurd, Jr. Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
and Director of the Growth
Group
Rochelle G. Siegel Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
James Solloway
Senior Vice President
Jayne M. Stevlingson Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
Paul D. Vance Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
and Director of the Growth
and Income Group
Elizabeth A. Vetell
Senior Vice President
and Director of Shareholder
Communication
James F. Willison Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Senior Vice President
and Director of the
Tax-Exempt Fixed
Income Group
Frank Bruttomesso First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Services;
First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the Morgan Stanley Dean
Assistant Secretary Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Thomas F. Caloia First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of MSDW Services;
First Vice President Assistant Treasurer of MSDW Distributors; Treasurer and Chief
and Assistant Financial and Accounting Officer of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Treasurer Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series
Thomas Chronert
First Vice President
8
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Marilyn K. Cranney Assistant Secretary of DWR; First Vice President and Assistant
First Vice President Secretary of MSDW Services; Assistant Secretary of MSDW
and Assistant Secretary Distributors, the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds
and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Salvatore DeSteno First Vice President of MSDW Services.
First Vice President
Peter W. Gurman
First Vice President
Michael Interrante First Vice President and Controller of MSDW Services; Assistant
First Vice President Treasurer of MSDW Distributors; First Vice President and Treasurer
and Controller of MSDW Trust.
David Johnson
First Vice President
Stanley Kapica
First Vice President
Lou Anne D. McInnis First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Services;
First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the Morgan Stanley Dean
Assistant Secretary Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Carsten Otto First Vice President First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Services;
and Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Ruth Rossi First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Services;
First Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Distributors the Morgan Stanley Dean
Assistant Secretary Witter Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
James P. Wallin
First Vice President
Robert Abreu
Vice President
Dale Albright
Vice President
9
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Joan G. Allman
Vice President
Andrew Arbenz
Vice President
Joseph Arcieri Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Armon Bar-Tur
Vice President
Raymond Basile
Vice President
Nancy Belza
Vice President
Maurice Bendrihem
Vice President and
Assistant Controller
Dale Boettcher
Vice President
Ronald Caldwell
Vice President
Joseph Cardwell
Vice President
Liam Carroll
Vice President
Philip Casparius
Vice President
Aaron Clark
Vice President
William Connerly
Vice President
David Dineen
Vice President
10
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheila Finnerty Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Prime Income Trust
Vice President
Jeffrey D. Geffen
Vice President
Sandra Gelpieryn
Vice President
Charmaine George
Vice President
Michael Geringer
Vice President
Gail Gerrity
Vice President
Ellen Gold
Vice President
Stephen Greenhut
Vice President
Trey Hancock
Vice President
Matthew Haynes Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Peter Hermann Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
David T. Hoffman
Vice President
Kevin Jung Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Carol Espejo-Kane
Vice President
Nancy Karole-Kennedy
Vice President
Doug Ketterer
Vice President
11
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Paula LaCosta Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Kimberly LaHart
Vice President
Thomas Lawlor
Vice President
Todd Lebo Vice President and Assistant Secretary of MSDW Services; Assistant
Vice President and Secretary of MSDW Distributors, the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Assistant Secretary Funds, TCW/DW Funds and Discover Brokerage Index Series.
Gerard J. Lian Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Nancy Login
Vice President
Sharon Loguercio
Vice President
Steven MacNamara
Vice President
Catherine Maniscalco Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource
Vice President Development Securities Inc.
Albert McGarity
Vice President
Teresa McRoberts Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund.
Vice President
Mark Mitchell
Vice President
Julie Morrone
Vice President
Mary Beth Mueller
Vice President
David Myers Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource
Vice President Development Securities Inc.
12
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
James Nash
Vice President
Richard Norris
Vice President
Anne Pickrell Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Dawn Rorke
Vice President
John Roscoe Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
Vice President
Hugh Rose
Vice President
Robert Rossetti Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Carl F. Sadler
Vice President
Deborah Santaniello
Vice President
Patrice Saunders
Vice President
Howard A. Schloss Vice President of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities
Vice President Trust.
Peter J. Seeley Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
Robert Stearns
Vice President
Naomi Stein
Vice President
Michael Strayhorn
Vice President
Kathleen H. Stromberg Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
13
<PAGE>
NAME AND POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN OR EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING NAME, PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
WITTER ADVISORS INC. AND NATURE OF CONNECTION
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Marybeth Swisher
Vice President
Michael Thayer
Vice President
Robert Vanden Assem
Vice President
David Walsh
Vice President
Alice Weiss Vice President of various Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds.
Vice President
John Wong
Vice President
</TABLE>
The principal address of MSDW Advisors, MSDW Services, MSDW
Distributors, DWR, the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, the TCW/DW Funds and
Discover Brokerage Index Series is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York
10048. The principal address of MSDW is 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036.
The principal address of MSDW Trust is 2 Harborside Financial Center, Jersey
City, New Jersey 07311.
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
(a) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. ("MSDW Distributors"), a
Delaware corporation, is the principal underwriter of the Registrant. MSDW
Distributors is also the principal underwriter of the following investment
companies:
(1) Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
(2) Active Assets Government Securities Trust
(3) Active Assets Money Trust
(4) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
(5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
(6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Opportunities Fund
(7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
(8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
(9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
(11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
(12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "Best Ideas Portfolio"
(13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
(14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
(15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
(16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
(17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
14
<PAGE>
(18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
(19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
(20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
(21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
(23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
(24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
(25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
(26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
(27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
(28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
(29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
(30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
(31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
(32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
(33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
(34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Latin American Growth Fund
(35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
(36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
(37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
(38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
(39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Equity Trust
(40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
(42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
(43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
(44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
(45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
(46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
(47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Prime Income Trust
(48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
(49) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
(50) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
(51) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
(52) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
(53) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Small Cap Growth Fund
(54) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
(55) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
(56) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
(57) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
(58) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Total Return Trust
(59) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
(60) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
(61) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
(62) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
(63) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
(64) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(65) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
(b) The following information is given regarding directors and officers of MSDW
Distributors not listed in Item 26 above. The principal address of MSDW
Distributors is Two World Trade
15
<PAGE>
Center, New York, New York 10048. Other than Mr. Purcell, who is a Trustee of
the Registrant, none of the following persons has any position or office with
the Registrant.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Positions and Office with MSDW Distributors
- ---- ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Michael T. Gregg Vice President and Assistant Secretary.
James F. Higgins Director
Fredrick K. Kubler Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief Compliance
Officer.
Philip J. Purcell Director
John Schaeffer Director
Charles Vadala Senior Vice President and Financial Principal.
</TABLE>
Item 28. 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 29. Management Services
Registrant is not a party to any such management-related service
contract.
Item 30. Undertakings
Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to
shareholders, upon request and without charge.
16
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York
and State of New York on the 24th day of June, 1999.
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
By: /s/ Barry Fink
------------------------------------------
Barry Fink
Vice President and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
(1) Principal Executive Officer Chief Executive
Officer, Trustee
and Chairman 06/24/99
By: /s/ Charles A. Fiumefreddo
--------------------------------------
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
(2) Principal Financial Officer Treasurer and Principal
Accounting Officer
06/24/99
By: /s/ Thomas F. Caloia
--------------------------------------
Thomas F. Caloia
(3) Majority of the Trustees
Charles A. Fiumefreddo (Chairman)
Thomas E. Larkin, Jr.
Richard M. DeMartini
Marc I. Stern
By: /s/ Barry Fink 06/24/99
--------------------------------------
Barry Fink
Attorney-in-Fact
John C. Argue Michael E. Nugent
Manuel H. Johnson John L. Schroeder
By: /s/David M. Butowsky 06/24/99
--------------------------------------
David M. Butowsky
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
(PROPOSED TO BE RENAMED "MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST")
EXHIBIT INDEX
1. Form of Amendment dated June 25, 1999 to the Declaration of Trust of
the Registrant.
4(a). Form of Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant and
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., dated June 28, 1999.
4(b) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Advisors Inc. and TCW Funds Management Inc., dated June 28, 1999.
5(a) Amended Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., dated June 22, 1998.
5.(b) Amended Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., dated June 22, 1998.
8.(b) Amended and Restated Services Agreement between Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Advisors Inc. and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company
Inc., dated June 22, 1998.
9(a) General Counsel Opinion, dated May 20, 1992.
9(b) Lane Altman & Owens, LLP Opinion, dated May 18, 1992.
10. Consent of Independent Accountants.
13. Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
between the Registrant and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors
Inc., dated June 28, 1999.
14.
Other Powers of Attorney of Trustees are incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(Other) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 on Form N-1A, filed on
January 25, 1996 and filed herein.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the Secretary of TCW/DW
North American Government Income Trust (the "Trust"), an unincorporated business
trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that
annexed hereto is an Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Trust adopted
by the Trustees of the Trust on February 25, 1999 as provided in Section 9.3 of
the said Declaration, said Amendment to take effect on June 28, 1999, and I do
hereby further certify that such amendment has not been amended and is on the
date hereof in full force and effect.
Dated this 25th day of June, 1999.
-------------------------------
Barry Fink
Secretary
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT
Dated: June 25, 1999
To be Effective: June 28, 1999
TO
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
DECLARATION OF TRUST
DATED
FEBRUARY 19, 1992
<PAGE>
Amendment dated June 25, 1999 to the Declaration of Trust (the
"Declaration") of TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust (the "Trust")
dated February 19, 1992
WHEREAS, the Trust was established by the Declaration on the date
hereinabove set forth under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Trust have deemed it advisable to change
the name of the Trust to "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government
Income Trust," such change to be effective on June 28,1999;
NOW, THEREFORE:
1. Section 1.1 of Article I of the Declaration is hereby amended so
that that Section shall read in its entirety as follows:
"Section 1.1. Name. The name of the Trust created hereby is
the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government
Income Trust and so far as may be practicable the Trustees
shall conduct the Trust's activities, execute all documents
and sue or be sued under that name, which name (and the word
"Trust" whenever herein used) shall refer to the Trustees as
Trustees, and not as individuals, or personally, and shall not
refer to the officers, agents, employees or Shareholders of
the Trust. Should the Trustees determine that the use of such
name is not advisable, they may use such other name for the
Trust as they deem proper and the Trust may hold its property
and conduct its activities under such other name."
2. Subsection (p) of Section 1.2 of Article I of the Declaration is
hereby amended so that that subsection shall read in its entirety as follows:
"Section 1.2. Definitions...
"(p) "Trust" means the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North
American Government Income Trust."
3. Section 11.7 of Article I of the Declaration is hereby amended so
that that section shall read as follows:
"Section 11.7. Use of the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter."
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. ("MSDW") has consented to the
use by the Trust of the identifying name "Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter," which is a property right of MSDW. The Trust will
only use the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" as a component
of its name and for no other purpose, and will not purport to
grant to any third party the right to use
<PAGE>
the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" for any purpose. MSDW,
or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, may use or grant to others
the right to use the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter," or any
combination or abbreviation thereof, as all or a portion of a
corporate or business name or for any commercial purpose,
including a grant of such right to any other investment
company. At the request of MSDW or any corporate affiliate of
MSDW, the Trust will take such action as may be required to
provide its consent to the use of the name "Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter," or any combination or abbreviation thereof, by
MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, or by any person to
whom MSDW or a corporate affiliate of MSDW shall have granted
the right to such use. Upon the termination of any investment
advisory agreement into which a corporate affiliate of MSDW
and the Trust may enter, the Trust shall, upon request of MSDW
or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, cease to use the name
"Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" as a component of its name, and
shall not use the name, or any combination or abbreviation
thereof, as part of its name or for any other commercial
purpose, and shall cause its officers, Trustees and
Shareholders to take any and all actions which MSDW or any
corporate affiliate of MSDW may request to effect the
foregoing and to reconvey to MSDW any and all rights to such
name."
4. The Trustees of the Trust hereby reaffirm the Declaration, as
amended, in all respects.
5. This Amendment may be executed in more than one counterpart, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same document.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, the Trustees of the Trust, have executed
this instrument this day of , 1999.
- ----------------------------- ---------------------------
John C. Argue, as Trustee Thomas E. Larkin, Jr., as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
c/o Argue, Pearson, Harbison & Meyers 865 South Figueroa Street
801 South Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017
Los Angeles, CA 90017
- ----------------------------- ---------------------------
Richard M. DeMartini, as Trustee Michael E. Nugent, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
Two World Trade Center c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.
New York, New York 10048 237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
- ----------------------------- -------------------------
Charles A. Fiumefreddo, as Trustee John L. Schroeder, as Trustee
and not individually and not individually
Two World Trade Center c/o Gordon, Altman, Butowsky,
New York, NY 10048 Weitzen, Shavlov & Wein
Counsel to the Independent Trustees
114 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
---------------------------
Marc I. Stern, as Trustee
and not individually
865 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
- ------------------------------
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson, as Trustee
and not individually
c/o Johnson Smick International Inc.
1133 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
<PAGE>
STATE OF NEW YORK )
)ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
On this 25TH day of June, 1999, JOHN C. ARGUE, THOMAS E. LARKIN,
RICHARD M. DEMARTINI, CHARLES A. FIUMEFREDDO, MANUEL H. JOHNSON, MICHAEL E.
NUGENT, MARC I. STERN and JOHN L. SCHROEDER, known to me to be the individuals
described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, personally appeared
before me and they severally acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be their
free act and deed.
-----------------------------
Notary Public
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 28th day of June, 1999 by and between Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust, a Massachusetts
business trust (hereinafter called the "Fund"), and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Advisors Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the "Investment
Manager"):
WHEREAS, The Fund is engaged in business as an open-end management
investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, The Investment Manager is registered as an investment advisor
under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, and engages in the business of
acting as investment advisor; and
WHEREAS, The Fund desires to retain the Investment Manager to render
management and investment advisory services in the manner and on the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, The Investment Manager desires to be retained to perform services
on said terms and conditions:
Now, Therefore, this Agreement
W I T N E S S E T H:
that in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter
contained, the Fund and the Investment Manager agree as follows:
1. The Fund hereby retains the Investment Manager to act as investment
manager of the Fund and, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees,
to supervise the investment activities of the Fund as hereinafter set forth.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Manager shall
obtain and evaluate such information and advice relating to the economy,
securities and commodities markets and securities and commodities as it deems
necessary or useful to discharge its duties hereunder; shall continuously
manage the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with the investment
objectives and policies of the Fund; shall determine the securities and
commodities to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of by the Fund and the
timing of such purchases, sales and dispositions; and shall take such further
action, including the placing of purchase and sale orders on behalf of the
Fund, as the Investment Manager shall deem necessary or appropriate. The
Investment Manager shall also furnish to or place at the disposal of the Fund
such of the information, evaluations, analyses and opinions formulated or
obtained by the Investment Manager in the discharge of its duties as the Fund
may, from time to time, reasonably request.
2. The Investment Manager may, at its own expense, enter into a
Sub-Advisory Agreement with a Sub-Advisor to make determinations as to certain
or all of the securities and commodities to be purchased, sold or otherwise
disposed of by the Fund and the timing of such purchases, sales and
dispositions and to take such further action, including the placing of purchase
and sale orders on behalf of the Fund, as the Sub-Advisor, in consultation with
the Investment Manager, shall deem necessary or appropriate; provided that the
Investment Manager shall be responsible for monitoring compliance by such
Sub-Advisor with the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund and with
such other limitations or directions as the Trustees of the Fund may from time
to time prescribe.
3. The Investment Manager shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff
and employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it
shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to the performance
of its obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of the Investment Manager shall be deemed to
include persons employed or otherwise retained by the Investment Manager to
furnish statistical and other factual data, advice regarding economic factors
and trends, information with respect to technical and scientific developments,
and such other information, advice and assistance as the Investment Manager may
desire. The Investment Manager shall, as agent for the Fund, maintain the
Fund's records and books of account (other than those maintained by the Fund's
transfer agent, registrar, custodian and other agencies). All such books and
records so maintained shall be the property of the Fund and, upon request
therefor, the Investment Manager shall surrender to the Fund such of the books
and records so requested.
1
C60036-NORTHAGIMA
<PAGE>
4. The Fund will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make available
to the Investment Manager such financial reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund as the Investment
Manager may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations
hereunder.
5. The Investment Manager shall bear the cost of rendering the investment
management and supervisory services to be performed by it under this Agreement,
and shall, at its own expense, pay the compensation of the officers and
employees, if any, of the Fund, and provide such office space, facilities and
equipment and such clerical help and bookkeeping services as the Fund shall
reasonably require in the conduct of its business. The Investment Manager shall
also bear the cost of telephone service, heat, light, power and other utilities
provided to the Fund.
6. The Fund assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all other expenses
of the Fund, including without limitation; fees pursuant to any plan of
distribution that the Fund may adopt; the charges and expenses of any
registrar, any custodian or depository appointed by the Fund for the
safekeeping of its cash, portfolio securities or commodities and other
property, and any stock transfer or dividend agent or agents appointed by the
Fund; brokers' commissions chargeable to the Fund in connection with portfolio
transactions to which the Fund is a party; all taxes, including securities or
commodities issuance and transfer taxes, and fees payable by the Fund to
federal, state or other governmental agencies; the cost and expense of
engraving or printing certificates representing shares of the Fund; all costs
and expenses in connection with the registration and maintenance of
registration of the Fund and its shares with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and various states and other jurisdictions (including filing fees
and legal fees and disbursements of counsel); the cost and expense of printing,
including typesetting, and distributing prospectuses and statements of
additional information of the Fund and supplements thereto to the Fund's
shareholders; all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of
preparing, printing and mailing proxy statements and reports to shareholders;
fees and travel expenses of trustees or members of any advisory board or
committee who are not employees of the Investment Manager or any corporate
affiliate of the Investment Manager; all expenses incident to the payment of
any dividend, distribution, withdrawal or redemption, whether in shares or in
cash; charges and expenses of any outside service used for pricing of the
Fund's shares; charges and expenses of legal counsel, including counsel to the
Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of
the Fund or the Investment Manager, and of independent accountants, in
connection with any matter relating to the Fund; membership dues of industry
associations; interest payable on Fund borrowings; postage; insurance premiums
on property or personnel (including officers and Trustees) of the Fund which
inure to its benefit; extraordinary expenses (including but not limited to
legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification
related thereto); and all other charges and costs of the Fund's operation
unless otherwise explicitly provided herein.
7. For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the
expenses assumed by the Investment Manager, the Fund shall pay to the
Investment Manager monthly compensation determined by applying the following
annual rates to the Fund's average daily net assets: 0.65% of the portion of
the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500 million and 0.60% of the
portion of the Fund's daily net assets exceeding $500 million. Except as
hereinafter set forth, compensation under this Agreement shall be calculated
and accrued daily and the amounts of the daily accruals shall be paid monthly.
Such calculations shall be made by applying 1/365ths of the annual rates to the
Fund's net assets each day determined as of the close of business on that day
or the last previous business day. If this Agreement becomes effective
subsequent to the first day of a month or shall terminate before the last day
of a month, compensation for that part of the month this Agreement is in effect
shall be prorated in a manner consistent with the calculation of the fees as
set forth above.
Subject to the provisions of paragraph 8 hereof, payment of the Investment
Manager's compensation for the preceding month shall be made as promptly as
possible after completion of the computations contemplated by paragraph 8
hereof.
8. In the event the operating expenses of the Fund, including amounts
payable to the Investment Manager pursuant to paragraph 6 hereof, for any
fiscal year ending on a date on which this Agreement
2
<PAGE>
is in effect, exceed the expense limitations applicable to the Fund imposed by
state securities laws or regulations thereunder, as such limitations may be
raised or lowered from time to time, the Investment Manager shall reduce its
management fee to the extent of such excess and, if required, pursuant to any
such laws or regulations, will reimburse the Fund for annual operating expenses
in excess of any expense limitation that may be applicable; provided, however,
there shall be excluded from such expenses the amount of any interest, taxes,
brokerage commissions, distribution fees and extraordinary expenses (including
but not limited to legal claims and liabilities and litigations costs and any
indemnification related thereto) paid or payable by the Fund. Such reduction,
if any, shall be computed and accrued daily, shall be settled on a monthly
basis, and shall be based upon the expense limitation applicable to the Fund as
at the end of the last business day of the month. Should two or more such
expense limitations be applicable as at the end of the last business day of the
month, that expense limitation which results in the largest reduction in the
Investment Manager's fee shall be applicable.
For purposes of this provision, should any applicable expense limitation
be based upon the gross income of the Fund, such gross income shall include,
but not be limited to, interest on debt securities in the Fund's portfolio
accrued to and including the last day of the Fund's fiscal year, and dividends
declared on equity securities in the Fund's portfolio, the record dates for
which fall on or prior to the last day of such fiscal year, but shall not
include gains from the sale of securities.
9. The Investment Manager will use its best efforts in the supervision and
management of the investment activities of the Fund, but in the absence of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations hereunder, the Investment Manager shall not be liable to the Fund
or any of its investors for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any
act or omission by the Investment Manager or for any losses sustained by the
Fund or its investors.
10. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Investment
Manager or any affiliated person of the Investment Manager from acting as
investment advisor or manager for any other person, firm or corporation and
shall not in any way bind or restrict the Investment Manager or any such
affiliated person from buying, selling or trading any securities or commodities
for their own accounts or for the account of others for whom they may be
acting. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any
Director, officer or employee of the Investment Manager to engage in any other
business or to devote his time and attention in part to the management or other
aspects of any other business whether of a similar or dissimilar nature.
11. This Agreement shall remain in effect until April 30, 2000 and from
year to year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually
by the vote of holders of a majority, as defined in the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund or by the Trustees of the Fund; provided, that in either event such
continuance is also approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Trustees
of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as
defined in the Act) of any such party, which vote must be cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; provided, however,
that (a) the Fund may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty,
terminate this Agreement upon thirty days' written notice to the Investment
Manager, either by majority vote of the Trustees of the Fund or by the vote of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; (b) this Agreement
shall immediately terminate in the event of its assignment (to the extent
required by the Act and the rules thereunder) unless such automatic
terminations shall be prevented by an exemptive order of the Securities and
Exchange Commission; and (c) the Investment Manager may terminate this
Agreement without payment of penalty on thirty days' written notice to the
Fund. Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing, addressed and
delivered, or mailed post-paid, to the other party at the principal office of
such party.
12. This Agreement may be amended by the parties without the vote or
consent of the shareholders of the Fund to supply any omission, to cure,
correct or supplement any ambiguous, defective or inconsistent provision
hereof, or if they deem it necessary to conform this Agreement to the
requirements of applicable federal laws or regulations, but neither the Fund
nor the Investment Manager shall be liable for failing to do so.
3
<PAGE>
13. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York and the applicable provisions of the Act. To the extent the
applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein,
conflict with the applicable provisions of the Act, the latter shall control.
14. The Investment Manager and the Fund each agree that the name "Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter," which comprises a component of the Fund's name, is a
property right of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. ("MSDW"), the parent of the
Investment Manager. The Fund agrees and consents that (i) it will only use the
name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" as a component of its name and for no other
purpose, (ii) it will not purport to grant to any third party the right to use
the name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" for any purpose, (iii) MSDW, or any
corporate affiliate of MSDW, may use or grant to others the right to use the
name "Morgan Stanley Dean Witter," or any combination or abbreviation thereof,
as all or a portion of a corporate or business name or for any commercial
purpose, including a grant of such right to any other investment company, (iv)
at the request of MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, the Fund will take
such action as may be required to provide its consent to the use of the name
"Morgan Stanley Dean Witter," or any combination or abbreviation thereof, by
MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, or by any person to whom MSDW or a
corporate affiliate of MSDW shall have granted the right to such use, and (v)
upon the termination of any investment advisory agreement into which a
corporate affiliate of MSDW and the Fund may enter, or upon termination of
affiliation of the Investment Manager with its parent, the Fund shall, upon
request of MSDW or any corporate affiliate of MSDW, cease to use the name
"Morgan Stanley Dean Witter" as a component of its name, and shall not use the
name, or any combination or abbreviation thereof, as a part of its name or for
any other commercial purpose, and shall cause its officers, trustees and
shareholders to take any and all actions which MSDW or any corporate affiliate
of MSDW may request to effect the foregoing and to reconvey to MSDW any and all
rights to such name.
15. The Declaration of Trust establishing Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
North American Government Income Trust, dated February 19, 1992, a copy of
which, together with all amendments thereto (the "Declaration"), is on file in
the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that
the name Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
refers to the Trustees under the Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not
as individuals or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or
agent of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust shall
be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private
property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise, in
connection with the affairs of said Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American
Government Income Trust, but the Trust Estate only shall be liable.
4
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement on June 28, 1999, in New York, New York.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
By: ....................................
Attest:
....................................
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS INC.
By: ....................................
Attest:
....................................
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<PAGE>
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 28th day of June, 1999 by and between Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Advisors, a Delaware corporation (herein referred to as the
"Investment Manager"), and TCW Funds Management, Inc., a California
Corporation, (herein referred to as the "Sub-Advisor").
WHEREAS, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
(herein referred to as the "Fund") is engaged in business as an open-end
management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Investment Manager has entered into an Investment Management
Agreement with the Fund (the "Investment Management Agreement") wherein the
Investment Manager has agreed to provide investment management services to the
Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor is registered as an investment advisor under the
Investment Advisors Act of 1940, and engages in the business of acting as an
investment advisor; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Manager desires to retain the services of the
Sub-Advisor to render investment advisory services for the Fund in the manner
and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Advisor desires to be retained by the Investment Manager
to perform services on said terms and conditions:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of
the parties hereto as herein set forth, the parties covenant and agree as
follows:
1. Subject to the supervision of the Fund, its officers and Trustees, and
the Investment Manager, and in accordance with the investment objectives,
policies and restrictions set forth in the then-current Registration Statement
relating to the Fund, and such investment objectives, policies and restrictions
from time to time prescribed by the Trustees of the Fund and communicated by
the Investment Manager to the Sub-Advisor, the Sub-Advisor agrees to provide
the Fund with investment advisory services with respect to the Fund's
investments to obtain and evaluate such information and advice relating to the
economy, securities markets and securities as it deems necessary or useful to
discharge its duties hereunder; to continuously manage the assets of the Fund
in a manner consistent with the investment objective and policies of the Fund;
to make decisions as to foreign currency matters and make determinations as to
forward foreign exchange contracts and options and futures contracts in foreign
currencies; shall determine the securities to be purchased, sold or otherwise
disposed of by the Fund and the timing of such purchases, sales and
dispositions; to take such further action, including the placing of purchase
and sale orders on behalf of the Fund, as it shall deem necessary or
appropriate; to furnish to or place at the disposal of the Fund and the
Investment Manager such of the information, evaluations, analyses and opinions
formulated or obtained by it in the discharge of its duties as the Fund and the
Investment Manager may, from time to time, reasonably request. The Investment
Manager and the Sub-Advisor shall each make its officers and employees
available to the other from time to time at reasonable times to review
investment policies of the Fund and to consult with each other.
2. The Sub-Advisor shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and
employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall
from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to the performance of its
obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of the Sub-Advisor shall be deemed to
include persons employed or otherwise retained by the Sub-Advisor to furnish
statistical and other factual data, advice regarding economic factors and
trends, information with respect to technical and scientific developments, and
such other information, advice and assistance as the Investment Manager may
desire. The Sub-Advisor shall maintain whatever records as may be required to
be maintained by it under the Act. All such records so maintained shall be made
available to the Fund, upon the request of the Investment Manager or the Fund.
3. The Fund will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make available
to the Sub-Advisor such financial reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund
1
C60036-NORTHAGSUB
<PAGE>
as the Sub-Advisor may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and
obligations hereunder or to comply with any applicable law and regulations and
the investment objectives, policies and restrictions from time to time
prescribed by the Trustees of the Fund.
4. The Sub-Advisor shall bear the cost of rendering the investment
advisory services to be performed by it under this Agreement, and shall, at its
own expense, pay the compensation of the officers and employees, if any, of the
Fund, employed by the Sub-Advisor, and such clerical help and bookkeeping
services as the Sub-Advisor shall reasonably require in performing its duties
hereunder.
5. The Fund assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all other expenses
of the Fund, including, without limitation: any fees paid to the Investment
Manager; fees pursuant to any plan of distribution that the Fund may adopt; the
charges and expenses of any registrar, any custodian, sub-custodian or
depository appointed by the Fund for the safekeeping of its cash, portfolio
securities and other property, and any stock transfer or dividend agent or
agents appointed by the Fund; brokers' commissions chargeable to the Fund in
connection with portfolio securities transactions to which the Fund is a party;
all taxes, including securities issuance and transfer taxes, and fees payable
by the Fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies or pursuant to any
foreign laws; the cost and expense of engraving or printing certificates
representing shares of the Fund; all costs and expenses in connection with the
registration and maintenance of registration of the Fund and its shares with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and various states and other
jurisdictions or pursuant to any foreign laws (including filing fees and legal
fees and disbursements of counsel); the cost and expense of printing (including
typesetting) and distributing prospectuses of the Fund and supplements thereto
to the Fund's shareholders; all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees'
meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing proxy statements and reports to
shareholders; fees and travel expenses of Trustees or members of any advisory
board or committee who are not employees of the Investment Manager or
Sub-Advisor; all expenses incident to the payment of any dividend,
distribution, withdrawal or redemption whether in shares or in cash; charges
and expenses of any outside service used for pricing of the Fund's shares;
charges and expenses of legal counsel, including counsel to the Trustees of the
Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund, the
Investment Manager or the Sub-Advisor, and of independent accountants, in
connection with any matter relating to the Fund; membership dues of industry
associations; interest payable on Fund borrowings; postage; insurance premiums
on property or personnel (including officers and Trustees) of the Fund which
inure to its benefit; extraordinary expenses (including but not limited to
legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification
related thereto); and all other charges and costs of the Fund's operation
unless otherwise explicitly provided herein.
6. For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the
expenses assumed by the Sub-Advisor, the Investment Manager shall pay to the
Sub-Advisor monthly compensation equal to 40% of its monthly compensation
receivable pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement. Any subsequent
change in the Investment Management Agreement which has the effect of raising
or lowering the compensation of the Investment Manager will have the
concomitant effect of raising or lowering the fee payable to the Sub-Advisor
under this Agreement. In addition, if the Investment Manager has undertaken in
the Fund's Registration Statement as filed under the Act (the "Registration
Statement") or elsewhere to waive all or part of its fee under the Investment
Management Agreement, the Sub-Advisor's fee payable under this Agreement will
be proportionately waived in whole or in part. The calculation of the fee
payable to the Sub-Advisor pursuant to this Agreement will be made, each month,
at the time designated for the monthly calculation of the fee payable to the
Investment Manager pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement. If this
Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month or shall
terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for the part of the
month this Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with
the calculation of the fee as set forth above. Subject to the provisions of
paragraph 7 hereof, payment of the Sub-Advisor's compensation for the preceding
month shall be made as promptly as possible after completion of the
computations contemplated by paragraph 7 hereof.
7. In the event the operating expenses of the Fund, including amounts
payable to the Investment Manager pursuant to the Investment Management
Agreement, for any fiscal year ending on a date on which this Agreement is in
effect, exceed the expense limitations applicable to the Fund imposed by state
2
<PAGE>
securities laws or regulations thereunder, as such limitations may be raised or
lowered from time to time, the Sub-Advisor shall reduce its advisory fee to the
extent of 40% of such excess and, if required, pursuant to any such laws or
regulations, will reimburse the Investment Manager for annual operating
expenses in the amount of 40% of such excess of any expense limitation that may
be applicable, it being understood that the Investment Manager has agreed to
effect a reduction and reimbursement of 100% of such excess in accordance with
the terms of the Investment Management Agreement; provided, however, there
shall be excluded from such expenses the amount of any interest, taxes,
brokerage commissions, distribution fees and extraordinary expenses (including
but not limited to legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any
indemnification related thereto) paid or payable by the Fund. Such reduction,
if any, shall be computed and accrued daily, shall be settled on a monthly
basis, and shall be based upon the expense limitation applicable to the Fund as
at the end of the last business day of the month. Should two or more such
expense limitations be applicable as at the end of the last business day of the
month, that expense limitation which results in the largest reduction in the
Investment Manager's fee or the largest expense reimbursement shall be
applicable. For purposes of this provision, should any applicable expense
limitation be based upon the gross income of the Fund, such gross income shall
include, but not be limited to, interest on debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio accrued to and including the last day of the Fund's fiscal year, and
dividends declared on equity securities in the Fund's portfolio, the record
dates for which fall on or prior to the last day of such fiscal year, but shall
not include gains from the sale of securities.
8. The Sub-Advisor will use its best efforts in the performance of
investment activities on behalf of the Fund, but in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations hereunder, the Sub-Advisor shall not be liable to the Investment
Manager or the Fund or any of its investors for any error of judgment or
mistake of law or for any act or omission by the Sub-Advisor or for any losses
sustained by the Fund or its investors.
9. It is understood that any of the shareholders, Trustees, officers and
employees of the Fund may be a shareholder, director, officer or employee of,
or be otherwise interested in, the Sub-Advisor, and in any person controlled by
or under common control with the Sub-Advisor, and that the Sub-Advisor and any
person controlled by or under common control with the Sub-Advisor may have an
interest in the Fund. It is also understood that the Sub-Advisor and any
affiliated persons thereof or any persons controlled by or under common control
with the Sub-Advisor have and may have advisory, management service or other
contracts with other organizations and persons, and may have other interests
and businesses, and further may purchase, sell or trade any securities or
commodities for their own accounts or for the account of others for whom they
may be acting.
10. This Agreement shall remain in effect until April 30, 2000 and from
year to year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually
by the vote of holders of a majority, as defined in the Act, of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund or by the Trustees of the Fund; provided, that in
either event such continuance is also approved annually by the vote of a
majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of any such party, which vote must
be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval; provided, however, that (a) the Fund may, at any time and without the
payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon thirty days' written
notice to the Investment Manager and the Sub-Advisor, either by majority vote
of the Trustees of the Fund or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund; (b) this Agreement shall immediately terminate
in the event of its assignment (within the meaning of the Act) unless such
automatic termination shall be prevented by an exemptive order of the
Securities and Exchange Commission; (c) this Agreement shall immediately
terminate in the event of the termination of the Investment Management
Agreement; (d) the Investment Manager may terminate this Agreement without
payment of penalty on thirty days' written notice to the Fund and the
Sub-Advisor and; (e) the Sub-Advisor may terminate this Agreement without the
payment of penalty on thirty days' written notice to the Fund and the
Investment Manager. Any notice under this Agreement shall be given in writing,
addressed and delivered, or mailed post-paid, to the other party at the
principal office of such party.
11. This Agreement may be amended by the parties without the vote or
consent of the shareholders of the Fund to supply any omission, to cure,
correct or supplement any ambiguous, defective or
3
<PAGE>
inconsistent provision hereof, or if they deem it necessary to conform this
Agreement to the requirements of applicable federal laws or regulations, but
neither the Fund, the Investment Manager nor the Sub-Advisor shall be liable
for failing to do so.
12. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the law of the
State of New York and the applicable provisions of the Act. To the extent the
applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein,
conflict with the applicable provisions of the Act, the latter shall control.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement on the day and year first above written in New York, New York.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
ADVISORS INC.
By:-------------------------------------
Attest:
TCW FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC.
By:-------------------------------------
Attest:
Accepted and agreed to as of the day and year first above written:
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
By:-------------------------------------
Attest:
4
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
Two World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
June 28, 1999
To: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors, Inc.
The Distribution Agreement made as of July 28, 1997, and amended as of
June 22, 1998, between you and various open-end investment companies to which
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. acts as investment manager (the
"Agreement") provides that if at any time another such investment company
(a "Fund") desires to appoint you to serve as its principal underwriter and
distributor under the Agreement, it shall notify you in writing, and further
provides that if you are willing to serve as the Fund's principal underwriter
and distributor under the Agreement, you shall notify the Fund in writing,
whereupon such other Fund shall become a Fund under the Agreement.
This Fund hereby informs you that it desires to retain you as its principal
underwriter and distributor under the Agreement.
Very truly yours,
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
by:
------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc. hereby notifies Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter North American Government Income Trust of its willingness to serve as the
Fund's principal underwriter and distributor under the Agreement.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
DISTRIBUTORS INC.
by:
------------------------------------
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of this 28th day of July, 1997, and amended as of June
22, 1998, between each of the open-end investment companies to which Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. acts as investment manager, that are listed
on Schedule A, as may be amended from time to time (each, a "Fund" and
collectively, the "Funds"), and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Distributors Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Distributor").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, each Fund is registered as an open-end investment company under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and it is in
the interest of each Fund to offer its shares for sale continuously, and
WHEREAS, each Fund and the Distributor wish to enter into an agreement
with each other with respect to the continuous offering of each Fund's
transferable shares, of $0.01 par value (the "Shares"), to commence on the date
listed above, in order to promote the growth of each Fund and facilitate the
distribution of its shares.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Appointment of the Distributor.
(a) Each Fund hereby appoints the Distributor as the principal underwriter
and distributor of the Fund to sell Shares to the public on the terms set forth
in this Agreement and that Fund's prospectus and the Distributor hereby accepts
such appointment and agrees to act hereunder. Each Fund, during the term of
this Agreement, shall sell Shares to the Distributor upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein.
(b) The Distributor agrees to purchase Shares, as principal for its own
account, from each Fund and to sell Shares as principal to investors, and
securities dealers, including Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), an affiliate
of the Distributor, upon the terms described herein and in that Fund's
prospectus (the "Prospectus") and statement of additional information included
in the Fund's registration statement (the "Registration Statement") most
recently filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") and effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), and the 1940 Act or as the Prospectus may be otherwise amended or
supplemented and filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 497 under the 1933 Act.
SECTION 2 Exclusive Nature of Duties. The Distributor shall be the
exclusive principal underwriter and distributor of each Fund, except that the
exclusive rights granted to the Distributor to sell the Shares shall not apply
to Shares issued by each Fund: (i) in connection with the merger or
consolidation of any other investment company or personal holding company with
the Fund or the acquisition by purchase or otherwise of all (or substantially
all) the assets or the outstanding shares of any such company by the Fund; (ii)
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions; or (iii)
pursuant to the reinstatement privilege afforded redeeming shareholders.
SECTION 3. Purchase of Shares from each Fund. The Shares are offered in
four classes (each, a "Class"), as described in the Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented from time to time.
(a) The Distributor shall have the right to buy from each Fund the Shares
of the particular class needed, but not more than the Shares needed (except for
clerical errors in transmission), to fill unconditional orders for Shares of
the applicable class placed with the Distributor by investors or securities
dealers. The price which the Distributor shall pay for the Shares so purchased
from the Fund shall be the net asset value, determined as set forth in the
Prospectus, used in determining the public offering price on which such orders
were based.
(b) The Shares are to be resold by the Distributor at the public offering
price of Shares of the applicable class as set forth in the Prospectus, to
investors or to securities dealers, including DWR, who have entered into
selected dealer agreements with the Distributor upon the terms and conditions
set forth in Section 7 hereof ("Selected Dealers").
1
66882DWDISTRIB
<PAGE>
(c) Each Fund shall have the right to suspend the sale of the Shares at
times when redemption is suspended pursuant to the conditions set forth in
Section 4(f) hereof. Each Fund shall also have the right to suspend the sale of
the Shares if trading on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended,
if a banking moratorium shall have been declared by federal or New York
authorities, or if there shall have been some other extraordinary event which,
in the judgment of a Fund, makes it impracticable to sell its Shares.
(d) Each Fund, or any agent of a Fund designated in writing by the Fund,
shall be promptly advised of all purchase orders for Shares received by the
Distributor. Any order may be rejected by a Fund; provided, however, that a
Fund will not arbitrarily or without reasonable cause refuse to accept orders
for the purchase of Shares. The Distributor will confirm orders upon their
receipt, and each Fund (or its agent) upon receipt of payment therefor and
instructions will deliver share certificates for such Shares or a statement
confirming the issuance of Shares. Payment shall be made to the Fund in New
York Clearing House funds. The Distributor agrees to cause such payment and
such instructions to be delivered promptly to the Fund (or its agent).
(e) With respect to Shares sold by any Selected Dealer, the Distributor is
authorized to direct each Fund's transfer agent to receive instructions
directly from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor as to
registration of Shares in the names of investors and to confirm issuance of the
Shares to such investors. The Distributor is also authorized to instruct the
transfer agent to receive payment directly from the Selected Dealer on behalf
of the Distributor, for prompt transmittal to each Fund's custodian, of the
purchase price of the Shares. In such event the Distributor shall obtain from
the Selected Dealer and maintain a record of such registration instructions and
payments.
SECTION 4. Repurchase or Redemption of Shares.
(a) Any of the outstanding Shares of a Fund may be tendered for redemption
at any time, and each Fund agrees to redeem its Shares so tendered in
accordance with the applicable provisions set forth in its Prospectus. The
price to be paid to redeem the Shares shall be equal to the net asset value
determined as set forth in the Prospectus less any applicable contingent
deferred sales charge ("CDSC"). Upon any redemption of Shares the Fund shall
pay the total amount of the redemption price in New York Clearing House funds
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Prospectus.
(b) The redemption by a Fund of any of its Class A Shares purchased by or
through the Distributor will not affect the applicable front-end sales charge
secured by the Distributor or any Selected Dealer in the course of the original
sale, except that if any Class A Shares are tendered for redemption within
seven business days after the date of the confirmation of the original
purchase, the right to the applicable front-end sales charge shall be forfeited
by the Distributor and the Selected Dealer which sold such Shares.
(c) The proceeds of any redemption of Class A, Class B or Class C Shares
shall be paid by each Fund as follows: (i) any applicable CDSC shall be paid to
the Distributor or to the Selected Dealer, or, when applicable, pursuant to the
Rules of the Association of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. ("NASD"), retained by the Fund and (ii) the balance shall be paid to the
redeeming shareholders, in each case in accordance with applicable provisions
of its Prospectus in New York Clearing House funds. The Distributor is
authorized to direct a Fund to pay directly to the Selected Dealer any CDSC
payable by a Fund to the Distributor in respect of Class A, Class B, or Class C
Shares sold by the Selected Dealer to the redeeming shareholders.
(d) The Distributor is authorized, as agent for the Fund, to repurchase
Shares, represented by a share certificate which is delivered to any office of
the Distributor in accordance with applicable provisions set forth in each
Fund's Prospectus. The Distributor shall promptly transmit to the transfer
agent of the Fund for redemption all Shares so delivered. The Distributor shall
be responsible for the accuracy of instructions transmitted to the Fund's
transfer agent in connection with all such repurchases.
(e) The Distributor is authorized, as agent for each Fund, to repurchase
Shares held in a shareholder's account with a Fund for which no share
certificate has been issued, upon the telephonic request of the shareholders,
or at the discretion of the Distributor. The Distributor shall promptly
transmit to the
2
<PAGE>
transfer agent of the Fund, for redemption, all such orders for repurchase of
Shares. Payment for Shares repurchased may be made by a Fund to the Distributor
for the account of the shareholder. The Distributor shall be responsible for
the accuracy of instructions transmitted to the Fund's transfer agent in
connection with all such repurchases.
(f) Redemption of its Shares or payment by a Fund may be suspended at
times when the New York Stock Exchange is closed, when trading on said Exchange
is restricted, when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by a Fund
of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for a Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or
during any other period when the SEC, by order, so permits.
(g) With respect to its Shares tendered for redemption or repurchase by
any Selected Dealer on behalf of its customers, the Distributor is authorized
to instruct the transfer agent of a Fund to accept orders for redemption or
repurchase directly from the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor and
to instruct the Fund to transmit payments for such redemptions and repurchases
directly to the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor for the account of
the shareholder. The Distributor shall obtain from the Selected Dealer, and
shall maintain, a record of such orders. The Distributor is further authorized
to obtain from the Fund, and shall maintain, a record of payment made directly
to the Selected Dealer on behalf of the Distributor.
SECTION 5. Duties of the Fund.
(a) Each Fund shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information,
financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably
request for use in connection with the distribution of its Shares, including
one certified copy, upon request by the Distributor, of all financial
statements prepared by the Fund and examined by independent accountants. Each
Fund shall, at the expense of the Distributor, make available to the
Distributor such number of copies of its Prospectus as the Distributor shall
reasonably request.
(b) Each Fund shall take, from time to time, but subject to the necessary
approval of its shareholders, all necessary action to fix the number of its
authorized Shares and to register Shares under the 1933 Act, to the end that
there will be available for sale such number of Shares as investors may
reasonably be expected to purchase.
(c) Each Fund shall use its best efforts to pay the filing fees for an
appropriate number of its Shares to be sold under the securities laws of such
states as the Distributor and the Fund may approve. Any qualification to sell
its Shares in a state may be withheld, terminated or withdrawn by a Fund at any
time in its discretion. As provided in Section 8(c) hereof, such filing fees
shall be paid by the Fund. The Distributor shall furnish any information and
other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by a
Fund in connection with the sale of its Shares in any state.
(d) Each Fund shall, at the expense of the Distributor, furnish, in
reasonable quantities upon request by the Distributor, copies of its annual and
interim reports.
SECTION 6. Duties of the Distributor.
(a) The Distributor shall sell shares of each Fund through DWR and may
sell shares through other securities dealers and its own Financial Advisors,
and shall devote reasonable time and effort to promote sales of the Shares, but
shall not be obligated to sell any specific number of Shares. The services of
the Distributor hereunder are not exclusive and it is understood that the
Distributor may act as principal underwriter for other registered investment
companies, so long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is not
impaired thereby. It is also understood that Selected Dealers, including DWR,
may also sell shares for other registered investment companies.
(b) Neither the Distributor nor any Selected Dealer shall give any
information or make any representations, other than those contained in the
Registration Statement or related Prospectus and any sales literature
specifically approved by the appropriate Fund.
(c) The Distributor agrees that it will at all times comply with the
applicable terms and limitations of the Rules of the Association of the NASD.
3
<PAGE>
SECTION 7. Selected Dealers Agreements.
(a) The Distributor shall have the right to enter into selected dealer
agreements with Selected Dealers for the sale of Shares. In making agreements
with Selected Dealers, the Distributor shall act only as principal and not as
agent for a Fund. Shares sold to Selected Dealers shall be for resale by such
dealers only at the public offering price set forth in the Prospectus. With
respect to Class A Shares, in such agreement the Distributor shall have the
right to fix the portion of the applicable front-end sales charge which may be
allocated to the Selected Dealers.
(b) Within the United States, the Distributor shall offer and sell Shares
only to Selected Dealers that are members in good standing of the NASD.
(c) The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures, as approved by each
Fund, for the confirmation of sales of its Shares to investors and Selected
Dealers, the collection of amounts payable by investors and Selected Dealers on
such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be necessary
to comply with the requirements of the NASD, as such requirements may from time
to time exist.
SECTION 8. Payment of Expenses.
(a) Each Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the Fund, including
fees and disbursements of legal counsel including counsel to the
Directors/Trustees of each Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of the Fund or the Distributor, and independent accountants, in
connection with the preparation and filing of any required Registration
Statements and Prospectuses and all amendments and supplements thereto, and the
expense of preparing, printing, mailing and otherwise distributing prospectuses
and statements of additional information, annual or interim reports or proxy
materials to shareholders.
(b) The Distributor shall bear all expenses incurred by it in connection
with its duties and activities under this Agreement including the payment to
Selected Dealers of any sales commissions, service fees and other expenses for
sales of a Fund's Shares (except such expenses as are specifically undertaken
herein by a Fund) incurred or paid by Selected Dealers, including DWR. The
Distributor shall bear the costs and expenses of preparing, printing and
distributing any supplementary sales literature used by the Distributor or
furnished by it for use by Selected Dealers in connection with the offering of
the Shares for sale. Any expenses of advertising incurred in connection with
such offering will also be the obligation of the Distributor. It is understood
and agreed that, so long as a Fund's Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1 Plan") continues in effect, any expenses
incurred by the Distributor hereunder may be paid in accordance with the terms
of such Rule 12b-1 Plan.
(c) Each Fund shall pay the filing fees, and, if necessary or advisable in
connection therewith, bear the cost and expense of qualifying each Fund as a
broker or dealer, in such states of the United States or other jurisdictions as
shall be selected by the Fund and the Distributor pursuant to Section 5(c)
hereof and the cost and expenses payable to each such state for continuing to
offer Shares therein until the Fund decides to discontinue selling Shares
pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof.
SECTION 9. Indemnification.
(a) Each Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each
person, if any, who controls the Distributor against any loss, liability,
claim, damage or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or
defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damage or expense and reasonable
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person
acquiring any Shares, which may be based upon the 1933 Act, or on any other
statute or at common law, on the ground that the Registration Statement or
related Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as from time to
time amended and supplemented, or the annual or interim reports to shareholders
of a Fund, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made
in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Fund in
connection therewith by or on behalf of the Distributor; provided, however,
that in no case (i) is the indemnity of a Fund in
4
<PAGE>
favor of the Distributor and any such controlling persons to be deemed to
protect the Distributor or any such controlling persons thereof against any
liability to a Fund or its security holders to which the Distributor or any
such controlling persons would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or
by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement; or (ii) is a Fund to be liable under its indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the
Distributor or any such controlling persons, unless the Distributor or any such
controlling persons, as the case may be, shall have notified the Fund in
writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process
giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the
Distributor or such controlling persons (or after the Distributor or such
controlling persons shall have received notice of such service on any
designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any such claim shall not
relieve it from any liability which it may have to the person against whom such
action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph. Each Fund will be entitled to participate at its
own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense, of any
such suit brought to enforce any such liability, but if a Fund elects to assume
the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and
satisfactory to the Distributor or such controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Fund elects to assume the
defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the Distributor or such
controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear
the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them, but, in case
the Fund does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, it will
reimburse the Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant or
defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel
retained by them. Each Fund shall promptly notify the Distributor of the
commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers
or Directors/Trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of the Shares.
(b) (i) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Fund and
each of its Directors/
Trustees and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Fund against
any loss, liability, claim, damage, or expense described in the indemnity
contained in subsection (a) of this Section, but only with respect to
statements or omissions made in reliance upon, and in conformity with,
information furnished to a Fund in writing by or on behalf of the Distributor
for use in connection with the Registration Statement or related Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as from time to time amended, or the
annual or interim reports to shareholders.
(ii) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Fund and
each Fund's transfer agent, individually and in its capacity as the Fund's
transfer agent, from and against any claims, damages and liabilities which
arise as a result of actions taken pursuant to instructions from, or on behalf
of, the Distributor to: (1) redeem all or a part of shareholder accounts in the
Fund pursuant to Section 4(g) hereof and pay the proceeds to, or as directed
by, the Distributor for the account of each shareholder whose Shares are so
redeemed; and (2) register Shares in the names of investors, confirm the
issuance thereof and receive payment therefor pursuant to Section 3(e) hereof.
(iii) In case any action shall be brought against a Fund or any person
so indemnified by this Section 9(b) in respect of which indemnity may be sought
against the Distributor, the Distributor shall have the rights and duties given
to a Fund, and the Fund and each person so indemnified shall have the rights
and duties given to the Distributor, by the provisions of subsection (a) of
this Section 9.
(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable
or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or
(b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses
(or actions in respect thereof) referred to herein, then each indemnifiying
party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party
as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative benefits received by a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on the
other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by
the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then
each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such
indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such
relative benefits but also the relative fault of a Fund on the one hand and the
Distributor on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which
resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions
5
<PAGE>
in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The relative benefits received by a Fund on the one hand and the Distributor on
the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net
proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Fund
bear to the total compensation received by the Distributor, in each case as set
forth in the Prospectus. The relative fault shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by a Fund or the Distributor and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission. Each Fund and the Distributor agree that it
would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take into
account the equitable considerations referred to above. The amount paid or
payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall
be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such claim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (c), the Distributor shall
not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the
total price at which the Shares distributed by it to the public were offered to
the public exceeds the amount of any damages which it has otherwise been
required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.
SECTION 10. Duration and Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement
shall remain in force until April 30, 1999, and thereafter, but only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board of
Directors/Trustees of each Fund, or by the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund, cast in person or by proxy, and (ii)
a majority of those Directors/Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or
interested persons of any such party and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in this Agreement or in the operation of the Fund's Rule
12b-1 Plan or in any agreement related thereto, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting upon such approval.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any
penalty, by the Directors/Trustees of a Fund, by a majority of the
Directors/Trustees of a Fund who are not interested persons of the Fund and who
have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement, or by vote of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, or by the
Distributor, on sixty days' written notice to the other party. This Agreement
shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,"
"assignment" and "interested person," when used in this Agreement, shall have
the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act.
SECTION 11. Amendments of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended by
the parties only if such amendment is specifically approved by (i) the
Directors/Trustees of a Fund, or by the vote of a majority of outstanding
voting securities of a Fund, and (ii) a majority of those Directors/Trustees of
a Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such
party and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in this Agreement
or in any Agreement related to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
SECTION 12. Additional Funds. If at any time another Fund desires to
appoint the Distributor as its principal underwriter and distributor under this
Agreement, it shall notify the Distributor in writing. If the Distributor is
willing to serve as the Fund's principal underwriter and distributor under this
Agreement, it shall notify the Fund in writing, whereupon such other Fund shall
become a Fund hereunder.
SECTION 13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with the law of the State of New York and the applicable provisions of the 1940
Act. To the extent the applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the
provisions herein, conflicts with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act,
the latter shall control.
6
<PAGE>
SECTION 14. Personal Liability. With respect to any Fund that is organized
as an unincorporated business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, its Declaration of the Trust (each, a "Declaration") is on file
in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each
Declaration provides that the name of the Fund refers to the Trustees under the
Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and
no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of any Fund shall be held
to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private property
for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise, in connection
with the affairs of any Fund, but the Trust Estate only shall be liable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on June 22, 1998 in New York, New York.
ON BEHALF OF THE FUNDS SET FORTH ON
SCHEDULE A, ATTACHED HERETO
By:
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER DISTRIBUTORS INC.
By:
7
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE A
AT JUNE 28, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
2) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Opportunities Fund
3) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
4) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
5) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
6) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
7) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "Best Ideas" Portfolio
8) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
9) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
10) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
11) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
12) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
13) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
14) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
15) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
16) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
17) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
18) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
19) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
20) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
21) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
22) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
23) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
24) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
25) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
26) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
27) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
28) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Latin American Growth Fund
29) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
30) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
31) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
32) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Equity Trust
33) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
34) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
35) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
36) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
37) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
38) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
39) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Small Cap Growth Fund
40) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
41) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
42) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
43) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
44) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
45) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Total Return Trust
46) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
47) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
48) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
49) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
50) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
51) Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS INC.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
June 28, 1999
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Re: MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
(THE "FUND")
Dear Sirs:
Please be advised that, having entered into an Investment Management
Agreement with the Fund, we wish to retain you to perform administrative
services in respect of the Fund under our Services Agreement with you, dated
April 17, 1995 and as amended June 22, 1998 (attached hereto), for the fee set
forth in Schedule B to said agreement, as amended from time to time. It is
agreed that no compensation will be paid by the Fund for such services.
Your execution of this letter, where indicated, shall constitute
notification to us of your willingness to render administrative services in
respect to the Fund under the attached Services Agreement, in consideration of
the above-stated compensation.
Very truly yours,
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors, Inc.
By:
------------------------------------
ACCEPTED: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc.
By:
----------------------------------
<PAGE>
SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 17th day of April, 1995, and amended as of June
22, 1998, by and between Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc., a Delaware
corporation (herein referred to as "MSDW Advisors"), and Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Services Company Inc., a Delaware corporation (herein referred to as
"MSDW Services").
WHEREAS, MSDW Advisors has entered into separate agreements (each such
agreement being herein referred to as an "Investment Management Agreement")
with certain investment companies as set forth on Schedule A (each such
investment company being herein referred to as a "Fund" and, collectively, as
the "Funds") pursuant to which MSDW Advisors is to perform, or supervise the
performance of, among other services, administrative services for the Funds
(and, in the case of Funds with multiple portfolios, the Series or Portfolios
of the Funds (such Series and Portfolio being herein individually referred to
as "a Series" and, collectively, as "the Series"));
WHEREAS, MSDW Advisors desires to retain MSDW Services to perform the
administrative services as described below; and
WHEREAS, MSDW Services desires to be retained by MSDW Advisors to perform
such administrative services:
Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of
the parties hereto as herein set forth, the parties covenant and agree as
follows:
1. MSDW Services agrees to provide administrative services to each Fund as
hereinafter set forth. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, MSDW
Services shall (i) administer the Fund's business affairs and supervise the
overall day-to-day operations of the Fund (other than rendering investment
advice); (ii) provide the Fund with full administrative services, including the
maintenance of certain books and records, such as journals, ledger accounts and
other records required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "Act"), the notification to the Fund and MSDW Advisors of available funds
for investment, the reconciliation of account information and balances among
the Fund's custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent and MSDW
Advisors, and the calculation of the net asset value of the Fund's shares;
(iii) provide the Fund with the services of persons competent to perform such
supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide
effective operation of the Fund; (iv) oversee the performance of administrative
and professional services rendered to the Fund by others, including its
custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, as well as accounting,
auditing and other services; (v) provide the Fund with adequate general office
space and facilities; (vi) assist in the preparation and the printing of the
periodic updating of the Fund's registration statement and prospectus (and, in
the case of an open-end Fund, the statement of additional information), tax
returns, proxy statements, and reports to its shareholders and the Securities
and Exchange Commission; and (vii) monitor the compliance of the Fund's
investment policies and restrictions.
In the event that MSDW Advisors enters into an Investment Management
Agreement with another investment company, and wishes to retain MSDW Services
to perform administrative services hereunder, it shall notify MSDW Services in
writing. If MSDW Services is willing to render such services, it shall notify
MSDW Advisors in writing, whereupon such other Fund shall become a Fund as
defined herein.
2. MSDW Services shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and employ
or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall from
time to time determine to be necessary or useful to the performance of its
obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of MSDW Services shall be deemed to include
officers of MSDW Services and persons employed or otherwise retained by MSDW
Services (including officers and employees of MSDW Advisors, with the consent
of MSDW Advisors) to furnish services, statistical and other factual data,
information with respect to technical and scientific developments, and such
other information, advice and assistance as MSDW Services may desire. MSDW
Services shall maintain each Fund's records and books of account (other than
those maintained by the Fund's transfer agent, registrar, custodian and other
agencies). All such books and records so maintained shall be the property of
the Fund and, upon request therefor, MSDW Services shall surrender to MSDW
Advisors or to the Fund such of the books and records so requested.
1
C65500
<PAGE>
3. MSDW Advisors will, from time to time, furnish or otherwise make
available to MSDW Services such financial reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to the business and affairs of the Fund as MSDW Services
may reasonably require in order to discharge its duties and obligations to the
Fund under this Agreement or to comply with any applicable law and regulation
or request of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund.
4. For the services to be rendered, the facilities furnished, and the
expenses assumed by MSDW Services, MSDW Advisors shall pay to MSDW Services
monthly compensation calculated daily (in the case of an open-end Fund) or
weekly (in the case of a closed-end Fund) by applying the annual rate or rates
set forth on Schedule B to the net assets of each Fund. Except as hereinafter
set forth, (i) in the case of an open-end Fund, compensation under this
Agreement shall be calculated by applying 1/365th of the annual rate or rates
to the Fund's or the Series' daily net assets determined as of the close of
business on that day or the last previous business day and (ii) in the case of
a closed-end Fund, compensation under this Agreement shall be calculated by
applying the annual rate or rates to the Fund's average weekly net assets
determined as of the close of the last business day of each week. If this
Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a month or shall
terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for that part of the
month this Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner consistent with
the calculation of the fees as set forth on Schedule B. Subject to the
provisions of paragraph 5 hereof, payment of MSDW Services' compensation for
the preceding month shall be made as promptly as possible after completion of
the computations contemplated by paragraph 5 hereof.
5. In the event the operating expenses of any open-end Fund and/or any
Series thereof, or of InterCapital Income Securities Inc., including amounts
payable to MSDW Advisors pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, for
any fiscal year ending on a date on which this Agreement is in effect, exceed
the expense limitations applicable to the Fund and/or any Series thereof
imposed by state securities laws or regulations thereunder, as such limitations
may be raised or lowered from time to time, or, in the case of InterCapital
Income Securities Inc. or Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
or any Series thereof, the expense limitation specified in the Fund's
Investment Management Agreement, the fee payable hereunder shall be reduced on
a pro rata basis in the same proportion as the fee payable by the Fund under
the Investment Management Agreement is reduced.
6. MSDW Services shall bear the cost of rendering the administrative
services to be performed by it under this Agreement, and shall, at its own
expense, pay the compensation of the officers and employees, if any, of the
Fund employed by MSDW Services, and such clerical help and bookkeeping services
as MSDW Services shall reasonably require in performing its duties hereunder.
7. MSDW Services will use its best efforts in the performance of
administrative activitives on behalf of each Fund, but in the absence of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations hereunder, MSDW Services shall not be liable to the Fund or any of
its investors for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission by MSDW Services or for any losses sustained by the Fund or its
investors. It is understood that, subject to the terms and conditions of the
Investment Management Agreement between each Fund and MSDW Advisors, MSDW
Advisors shall retain ultimate responsibility for all services to be performed
hereunder by MSDW Services. MSDW Services shall indemnify MSDW Advisors and
hold it harmless from any liability that MSDW Advisors may incur arising out of
any act or failure to act by MSDW Services in carrying out its responsibilities
hereunder.
8. It is understood that any of the shareholders, Directors/Trustees,
officers and employees of the Fund may be a shareholder, director, officer or
employee of, or be otherwise interested in, MSDW Services, and in any person
controlling, controlled by or under common control with MSDW Services, and that
MSDW Services and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control
with MSDW Services may have an interest in the Fund. It is also understood that
MSDW Services and any affiliated persons thereof or any persons controlling,
controlled by or under common control with MSDW Services have and may have
advisory, management, administration service or other contracts with other
organizations and persons, and may have other interests and businesses, and
further may purchase, sell or trade any securities or commodities for their own
accounts or for the account of others for whom they may be acting.
2
<PAGE>
9. This Agreement shall continue until April 30, 1999, and thereafter
shall continue automatically for successive periods of one year unless
terminated by either party by written notice delivered to the other party
within 30 days of the expiration of the then-existing period. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated at any time, by either party on
30 days' written notice delivered to the other party. In the event that the
Investment Management Agreement between any Fund and MSDW Advisors is
terminated, this Agreement will automatically terminate with respect to such
Fund.
10. This Agreement may be amended or modified by the parties in any manner
by written agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.
11. This Agreement may be assigned by either party with the written
consent of the other party.
12. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as amended, on June 22, 1998 in New York, New York.
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS
INC.
By:
-----------------------------------
Attest:
- -------------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER SERVICES
COMPANY INC.
By:
-----------------------------------
Attest:
- -------------------------------
3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER FUNDS
AS AMENDED AS OF JUNE 28, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OPEN-END FUNDS
1. Active Assets California Tax-Free Trust
2. Active Assets Government Securities Trust
3. Active Assets Money Trust
4. Active Assets Tax-Free Trust
5. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Aggressive Equity Fund
6. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter American Opportunities Fund
7. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Growth Fund
8. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Balanced Income Fund
9. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
10. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Tax-Free Income Fund
11. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Growth Securities
12. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Competitive Edge Fund, "Best Ideas" Portfolio
13. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Convertible Securities Trust
14. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Developing Growth Securities Trust
15. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Diversified Income Trust
16. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Dividend Growth Securities Inc.
17. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund
18. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter European Growth Fund Inc.
19. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Federal Securities Trust
20. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Services Trust
21. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund of Funds
(i) Domestic Portfolio
(ii) International Portfolio
22. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Dividend Growth Securities
23. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global Utilities Fund
24. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Growth Fund
25. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Hawaii Municipal Trust
26. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Health Sciences Trust
27. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Yield Securities Inc.
28. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Builder Fund
29. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Information Fund
30. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Intermediate Income Securities
31. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International Fund
32. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter International SmallCap Fund
33. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Japan Fund
34. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Latin American Growth Fund
35. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Limited Term Municipal Trust
36. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc.
37. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Managers Focus Fund
38. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Market Leader Trust
39. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities
40. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mid-Cap Equity Trust
41. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
42. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Natural Resource Development Securities Inc.
43. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Municipal Money Market Trust
44. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Tax-Free Income Fund
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
45. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
46. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Pacific Growth Fund Inc.
47. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
48. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Real Estate Fund
49. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Dimensions Investment Series
(i) American Opportunities Portfolio
(ii) Balanced Growth Portfolio
(iii) Developing Growth Portfolio
(iv) Diversified Income Portfolio
(v) Dividend Growth Portfolio
(vi) Emerging Markets Portfolio
(vii) Global Equity Portfolio
(viii Growth Portfolio
(ix) Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio
(x) Money Market Portfolio
(xi) North American Government Securities Portfolio
(xii) Utilities Portfolio
(xiii) Value-Added Market Portfolio
50. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select Municipal Reinvestment Fund
51. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term Bond Fund
52. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
53. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Small Cap Growth Fund
54. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Special Value Fund
55. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Strategist Fund
56. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Index Fund
57. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter S&P 500 Select Fund
58. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
59. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust
60. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Total Return Trust
61. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Securities Trust
62. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust
63. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Utilities Fund
64. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value Fund
65. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Value-Added Market Series
66. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Variable Investment Series
(i) Aggressive Equity Portfolio
(ii) Capital Growth Portfolio
(iii) Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" Portfolio
(iv) Dividend Growth Portfolio
(v) Equity Portfolio
(vi) European Growth Portfolio
(vii) Global Dividend Growth Portfolio
(viii) High Yield Portfolio
(ix) Income Builder Portfolio
(x) Money Market Portfolio
(xi) Quality Income Plus Portfolio
(xii) Pacific Growth Portfolio
(xiii) S&P 500 Index Portfolio
(xiv) Short-Term Bond Portfolio
(xv) Strategist Portfolio
(xvi) Utilities Portfolio
</TABLE>
A-2
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<TABLE>
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67. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter World Wide Income Trust
68. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Worldwide High Income Fund
CLOSED-END FUNDS
69. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust
70. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust II
71. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter High Income Advantage Trust III
72. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Income Securities Inc.
73. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Government Income Trust
74. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Bond Trust
75. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Trust
76. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Income Trust
77. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Insured Municipal Income Trust
78. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured Municipal Securities
79. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Insured California Municipal Securities
80. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Investment Trust
81. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Income Trust
82. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Quality Municipal Securities
83. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter California Quality Municipal Securities
84. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter New York Quality Municipal Securities
</TABLE>
A-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER SERVICES COMPANY INC.
SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
AS AMENDED AS OF JUNE 28, 1999
Monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual
rates to a fund's daily net assets:
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Balanced Income Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
California Tax-Free Income Fund $500 million; 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.050%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.25
billion; and 0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.25 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Convertible Securities Trust $750 million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of
the portion of the daily net assets of the exceeding $1 billion
but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2
billion; 0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.0425% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Diversified Income Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
Federal Securities Trust billion; 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.050% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.045% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $7.5 billion;
0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $7.5
billion but not exceeding $10 billion; 0.0375% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding
$12.5 billion; and 0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $12.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Hawaii Municipal Trust
</TABLE>
B-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
High Yield Securities Inc. $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $2 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2
billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.030% of the portion
of daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Intermediate Income Securities $500 million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.040%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $1 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Limited Term Municipal Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
(10 Series)
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
New York Tax-Free Income Fund $500 million; and 0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North 0.039% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
American Government Income $3 billion; and 0.036% of the portion of the daily net assets
Trust exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Dimensions Investment Series--
Diversified Income Portfolio
North American Government 0.039% of the daily net assets.
Securities Portfolio
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Municipal Reinvestment Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.070% of the daily net assets.
Short-Term Bond Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the daily net assets.
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Tax-Exempt Securities Trust $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.035% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.25
billion; .0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1.25 billion.
</TABLE>
B-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
U.S. Government Securities Trust billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.045% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2 billion; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.040% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $5 billion; 0.0375% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding $7.5 billion;
0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $7.5
billion but not exceeding $10 billion; 0.0325% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding
$12.5 billion; and 0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $12.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Variable Investment Series-- $500 million; and 0.0425% of the daily net assets exceeding
High Yield Portfolio $500 million.
Quality Income Plus Portfolio 0.050% of the portion of the daily the net assets up to
$500 million; and 0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeds $500 million.
Short-Term Bond Portfolio 0.045% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets up to $250 million;
World Wide Income Trust 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$250 million but not exceeding $500 million; 0.050% of the
portion of the daily net assets of the exceeding $500 million
but not exceeding $750 million; 0.040% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not exceeding $1
billion; and 0.030% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Worldwide High Income Fund
EQUITY FUNDS
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Aggressive Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
American Opportunities Fund $250 million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $250 million but not exceeding $2.25 billion; 0.0475%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.25 billion
but not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.0450% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $3.5 billion but not exceeding $4.5
billion; and 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $4.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Balanced Growth Fund $500 million; and 0.0575% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Capital Growth Securities $500 million; 0.055% of the portion exceeding $500 million but
not exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; and
0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1.5
Competitive Edge Fund, billion; and 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets
"Best Ideas" Portfolio exceeding $1.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Developing Growth Securities $500 million; and 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
Trust exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Dividend Growth Securities Inc. $250 million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $250 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not
exceeding $2 billion; 0.045% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $3 billion;
0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3
billion but not exceeding $4 billion; 0.040% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $4 billion but not exceeding $5
billion; 0.0375% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$5 billion but not exceeding $6 billion; 0.035% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $6 billion but not exceeding $8
billion; 0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$8 billion but not exceeding $10 billion; 0.030% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $10 billion but not exceeding
$15 billion; and 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $15 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.051% of the daily net assets.
Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
European Growth Fund Inc. $500 million; 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $2 billion; and
0.051% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Financial Services Trust $500 million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Fund of Funds--
Domestic Portfolio None
International Portfolio None
</TABLE>
B-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Global 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
Dividend Growth Securities billion; 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.070% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding
$2.5 billion; 0.0675% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2.5 billion but not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.0650%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3.5 billion but
not exceeding $4.5 billion; and 0.0625% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $4.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Global Utilities Fund $500 million; 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1
billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.048% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding
Growth Fund $750 million; 0.045% of the portion of daily net assets
exceeding $750 million but not exceeding $1.5 billion; and
0.042% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $1.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.10% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding
Health Sciences Trust $500 million; and 0.095% of the portion of daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the net assets not exceeding
Income Builder Fund $500 million; and 0.0725% of the portion of daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Information Fund $500 million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
International Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.069% of the daily net assets.
International SmallCap Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.057% of the daily net assets.
Japan Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Latin 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
American Growth Fund $500 million; and 0.0725% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.0625% of the daily net assets.
Managers Focus Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Market Leader Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075 of the daily net assets.
Mid-Cap Dividend Growth
Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Mid-Cap Equity Trust $500 million; and 0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Natural Resource Development $250 million and 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
Securities Inc. exceeding $250 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
Pacific Growth Fund Inc. billion; 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$1 billion but not exceeding $2 billion; and 0.051% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.080% of the daily net assets.
Precious Metals and
Minerals Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Real Estate Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select
Dimensions Investment Series--
American Opportunities Portfolio 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
$500 million; and 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Balanced Growth Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Developing Growth Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1
billion.
Emerging Markets Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Global Equity Portfolio 0.10% of the daily net assets.
Growth Portfolio 0.048% of the daily net assets.
Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets
Utilities Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Value-Added Market Portfolio 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Small 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Cap Growth Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Special Value Fund $500 million; and 0.0725% of the portion of daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Strategist Fund $500 million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.050% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not
exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.0 billion; and
0.045% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.0
billion.
</TABLE>
B-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.040% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1.5
S&P 500 Index Fund billion; 0.0375% of the portion of daily net assets exceeding
$1.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.035% of the
portion of daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Select Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Total 0.045% of the daily net assets.
Return Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Utilities Fund $500 million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0525% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not
exceeding $1.5 billion; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net
assets exceeding $1.5 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion;
0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5
billion but not exceeding $3.5 billion; 0.045% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $3.5 but not exceeding $5 billion;
and 0.0425% of the daily net assets exceeding $5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the daily net assets.
Value Fund
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Value-Added Market Series $500 million; 0.45% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0425% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion but
not exceeding $2.0 billion; and 0.040% of the portion of the
daily net assets exceeding $2 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Variable Investment Series--
Aggressive Equity Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Capital Growth Portfolio 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Competitive Edge "Best Ideas" 0.065% of the daily net assets.
Portfolio
Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.0625% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.0475% of
the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion but
not exceeding $2.0 billion; 0.045% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and
0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3
billion.
Equity Portfolio 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; and 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1 billion.
European Growth Portfolio 0.057% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
$500 million; and 0.054% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million.
</TABLE>
B-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Global Dividend Growth Portfolio 0.075% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1
billion; and 0.0725% of the portion of daily net assets
exceeding $1 billion.
Income Builder Portfolio 0.075% of the daily net assets.
Pacific Growth Portfolio 0.057% of the daily net assets.
S&P 500 Index Portfolio 0.040% of the daily net assets.
Strategist Portfolio 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $1.5
billion; and 0.0475% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $1.5 billion.
Utilities Portfolio 0.065% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
$500 million; 0.055% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.0525% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1
billion.
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Active Assets Trusts:
(1) Active Assets Tax-Free Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
(2) Active Assets California $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
Tax-Free Trust exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
(3) Active Assets Government of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
Securities Trust but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
(4) Active Assets Money Trust 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
$500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; 0.025% of the portion
of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion but not exceeding
$15 billion; 0.0249% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $15 billion but not exceeding $17.5 billion; and
0.0248% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $17.5
billion.
</TABLE>
B-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
California Tax-Free Daily $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
Income Trust exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Liquid 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Asset Fund Inc. $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.35 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.35
billion but not exceeding $1.75 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $1.75 billion but not exceeding
$2.15 billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $2.15 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; 0.025%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion but
not exceeding $15 billion; 0.0249% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $15 billion but not exceeding $17.5 billion;
and 0.0248% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$17.5 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
New York Municipal Money $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
Market Trust exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Select 0.050% of the daily net assets.
Dimensions Investment Series--
Money Market Portfolio
</TABLE>
B-9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter U.S. 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Government Money Market Trust $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.0375%
of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million
but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.035% of the portion of the daily
net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion;
0.0325% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.5
billion but not exceeding $2 billion; 0.030% of the portion of
the daily net assets exceeding $2 billion but not exceeding $2.5
billion; 0.0275% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$2.5 billion but not exceeding $3 billion; and 0.025% of the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $3 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding
Variable Investment Series-- $500 million; 0.0425% of the portion of the daily net assets
Money Market Portfolio exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; and
0.0375% of the portion of the daily net assets exceeding
$750 million.
</TABLE>
Monthly compensation calculated weekly by applying the following annual
rates to a fund's weekly net assets:
CLOSED-END FUNDS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.060% of the average weekly net assets.
Government Income Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
High Income Advantage Trust exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750 million;
0.040% of the portion of average weekly net assets exceeding
$750 million and not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.030% of the
portion of average weekly net assets exceeding $1 billion.
</TABLE>
B-10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
High Income Advantage Trust II exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750 million;
0.040% of the portion of average weekly net assets exceeding
$750 million and not exceeding $1 billion; and 0.030% of the
portion of average weekly net assets exceeding $1 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.075% of the portion of the average weekly net assets not
High Income Advantage Trust III exceeding $250 million; 0.060% of the portion of average
weekly net assets exceeding $250 million and not exceeding
$500 million; 0.050% of the portion of average weekly net
assets exceeding $500 million and not exceeding $750 million;
0.040% of the portion of the average weekly net assets
exceeding $750 million and not exceeding $1 billion; and
0.030% of the portion of average weekly net assets exceeding
$1 billion.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.050% of the average weekly net assets.
Income Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Insured Municipal Bond Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Insured Municipal Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Insured Municipal Income Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
California Insured Municipal
Income Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Quality Municipal Investment
Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
New York Quality Municipal
Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Quality Municipal Income Trust
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Quality Municipal Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
California Quality Municipal
Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Insured Municipal Securities
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter 0.035% of the average weekly net assets.
Insured California Municipal
Securities
</TABLE>
B-11
<PAGE>
Default Page Layout
TCW/DW NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
May 20, 1992
TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Dear Sirs:
With respect to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No.
33-46049) (the "Registration Statement") filed by TCW/DW North American
Government Income Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund"), with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, an indefinite number of shares of
Beneficial Interest of $0.01 par value of the Fund (the "Shares"), I, as your
counsel, have examined such Fund records, certificates and other documents and
reviewed such questions of law as I have considered necessary or appropriate
for the purposes of this opinion, and on the basis of such examination and
review, I advise you that, in my opinion, proper trust proceedings have been
taken by the Fund so that the Shares have been validly authorized; and when the
Shares have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms of the
Underwriting Agreement referred to in the Registration Statement, the Shares
will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
As to matters of Massachusetts law contained in the foregoing opinion, I
have relied upon the opinion of Lane & Altman, dated May 18, 1992.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to me under the caption "Legal
Counsel" in the Statement of Additional Information forming a part of the
Registration Statement. In giving this consent, I do not thereby admit that I
am within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Sheldon Curtis
Sheldon Curtis
Vice President
and General Counsel
<PAGE>
Lane & Altman 101 Federal Street Telephone
Boston, Massachusetts 617 345-9800
Counsellors at Law 02110 Telefax
617 345-0400
Reference
May 18, 1992
Sheldon Curtis, Esq.
Two World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
Gentlemen:
We Understand that the trustees (the "Trustees") of TCW/DW North American
Government Income Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), intend,
on or about May 7, 1992, to cause to be filed on behalf of the Trust a
Pre-effective Amendment to Registration Statement No. 33-46049 (the
"Registration Statement") for the purpose of registering for sale shares of
Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value of the Trust (the "Shares"). We further
understand that the Shares will be issued and sold pursuant to an underwriting
agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") to be entered into between the Trust
and Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., as underwriter (the "Underwriter").
You have requested that we act as special counsel to the Trust regarding
certain matters of Massachusetts law respecting the organization of the Trust,
and in such capacity we are furnishing you with this opinion.
The Trust is a trust created under a written declaration of trust finally
executed and delivered in Boston, Massachusetts on February 19, 1992 (the "Trust
Agreement"). The Trustees (as defined in the Trust Agreement) have the powers
set forth in the Trust Agreement, subject to the terms, provisions and
conditions therein provided.
In connection with the opinions set forth herein, you and the Trust have
provided to us originals, copies or facsimile transmissions of, and we have
reviewed, among other things: a copy of the Declaration of Trust dated February
19, 1992; certificate of the Secretary of the Trust dated May 4, 1992 attesting
to the due adoption of certain resolutions attached thereto; a form of
Underwriting Agreement; and the Registration Statement (including the exhibits
thereto). We have assumed that the by-laws filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement have been duly adopted by the Trustees.
<PAGE>
Lane & Altman Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
May 18, 1992
Counsellors at Law Page 2
In rendering this opinion we have assumed, without independent
verification, (i) the due authority of all individuals signing in representative
capacities and the genuineness of signatures, (ii) the authenticity and
completeness of all documents or copies furnished to us and (iii) that no
amendments, agreements, resolutions or actions have been approved, executed or
adopted which would limit, supersede or modify the items described above. We
have also examined such questions of law as we have concluded necessary or
appropriate for purposes of the opinions expressed below. Where documents are
referred to in resolutions approved by the Trustees, or in the Registration
Statement, we assume such documents are the same as in the most recent form
provided to us, whether as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, or
otherwise. When any opinion set forth below relates to the existence or standing
of the Trust, such opinion is based entirely upon and is limited by the items
referred to above, and we understand that the foregoing assumptions, limitations
and qualifications are acceptable to you.
Based upon the foregoing, and with respect to Massachusetts law only
(except that no opinion is herein expressed with respect to compliance with the
Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act), to the extent that Massachusetts law may
be applicable, and without reference to the laws of any of the other several
states or of the United States of America, including State and Federal
securities laws, we are of the opinion that :
1. The Trust is a business trust with transferable shares, organized in
compliance with the requirements of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the
Trust Agreement is legal and valid.
2. The Shares to which the Registration Statement relates and which are to
be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, will be legally and
validly issued upon receipt by the Trust of consideration determined by the
Trustees in compliance with Article VI, Section 6.4 of the Trust Agreement. We
are further of the opinion that such Shares, when issued, will be fully paid and
non-assessable by the Trust.
We understand that you will rely on this opinion solely in connection with
your opinion to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
Exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to such use of this
opinion and
<PAGE>
Lane & Altman Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
May 18, 1992
Counsellors at Law Page 3
We also consent to the filing of said opinion with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. In so consenting, we do not thereby admit to be within the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ LANE & ALTMAN
----------------------
LANE & ALTMAN
<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. 9 to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated
November 20, 1998, relating to the financial statements and financial
highlights of TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust, which appears in
such Statement of Additional Information, and to the incorporation by reference
of our report into the Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration
Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings
"Custodian and Independent Accountants" and "Experts" in such Statement of
Additional Information and to the reference to us under the heading "Financial
Highlights" in such Prospectus.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
June 24, 1999
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
OF
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
WHEREAS, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
(the "Fund") is engaged in business as an open-end management investment
company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, on July 23, 1997, the Fund most recently amended and restated a
Plan and Agreement of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act which
had initially been adopted on June 2, 1992, and the Trustees then determined
that there was a reasonable likelihood that the Plan of Distribution, as then
amended and restated, would benefit the Fund and its shareholders; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees believe that continuation of said Plan of
Distribution, as amended and restated herein, is reasonably likely to continue
to benefit the Fund and its shareholders; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement incorporated in said initial Plan and Agreement of
Distribution was entered into by the Fund with Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
("DWR"); and
WHEREAS, on January 4, 1993, the Fund and DWR substituted Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor") in the place of DWR as
distributor of the Fund's shares; and
WHEREAS, the Fund, DWR and the Distributor intend that DWR will continue
to promote the sale of Fund shares and provide personal services to Fund
shareholders with respect to their holdings of Fund shares; and
WHEREAS, the Fund and the Distributor have entered into a separate
Distribution Agreement dated as of May 31, 1997, pursuant to which the Fund has
employed the Distributor in such capacity during the continuous offering of
shares of the Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund hereby amends and restates the Plan of
Distribution previously adopted and amended and restated, and the Distributor
hereby agrees to the terms of said Plan of Distribution (the "Plan"), as
amended and restated herein, in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act on the
following terms and conditions:
1. The Fund is hereby authorized to utilize its assets to finance certain
activities in connection with the distribution of its shares.
2. Subject to the supervision of the Trustees and the terms of the
Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is authorized to promote the
distribution of the Fund's shares and to provide related services through DWR,
its affiliates or other broker-dealers it may select, and its own Registered
Representatives. The Distributor, DWR, its affiliates and said broker-dealers
shall be reimbursed, directly or through the Distributor, as it may direct, as
provided in paragraph 4 hereof for their services and expenses, which may
include one or more of the following: (1) compensation to, and expenses of,
account executives and other employees, including overhead and telephone
expenses; (2) sales incentives and bonuses to sales representatives of the
Distributor, DWR, its affiliates and other broker-dealers, and to marketing
personnel in connection with promoting sales of shares of the Fund; (3)
expenses incurred in connection with promoting sales of shares of the Fund; (4)
preparing and distributing sales literature; and (5) providing advertising and
promotional activities, including direct mail solicitation and television,
radio, newspaper, magazine and other media advertisements.
3. The Distributor hereby undertakes to directly bear all costs of
rendering the services to be performed by it under this Plan and under the
Distribution Agreement, except for those specific expenses that the Trustees
determine to reimburse as hereinafter set forth.
4. The Fund is hereby authorized to reimburse the Distributor, DWR, its
affiliates and other broker-dealers for incremental distribution expenses
incurred by them specifically on behalf of the Fund. Reimbursement will be made
through payments at the end of each month. The amount of each monthly payment
may in no event exceed an amount equal to a payment at the annual rate of 0.75
of 1% of the Fund's average net assets during the month. In the case of all
expenses other than expenses representing
C60068--MSDWNORAM
<PAGE>
a residual to account executives, such amounts shall be determined at the
beginning of each calendar quarter by the Trustees, including a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the Act.
Expenses representing a residual to account executives may be reimbursed
without prior determination. In the event that the Distributor proposes that
monies shall be reimbursed for other than such expenses, then in making the
quarterly determinations of the amounts that may be expended by the Fund, the
Distributor shall provide, and the Trustees shall review, a quarterly budget of
projected incremental distribution expenses to be incurred by the Distributor,
DWR, its affiliates or other broker-dealers on behalf of the Fund, together
with a report explaining the purposes and anticipated benefits of incurring
such expenses. The Trustees shall determine the particular expenses, and the
portion thereof, that may be borne by the Fund, and in making such
determination shall consider the scope of the Distributor's commitment to
promoting the distribution of the shares of the Fund directly or through DWR,
its affiliates or other broker-dealers. All payments made hereunder pursuant to
the Plan shall be in accordance with the Rules of the Association of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
5. The Distributor may direct that all or any part of the amounts
receivable by it under this Plan be paid directly to DWR, its affiliates or
other broker-dealers.
6. If, as of the end of any calendar year, the actual expenses incurred by
the Distributor, DWR, its affiliates and other broker-dealers on behalf of the
Fund (including accrued expenses and amounts reserved for incentive
compensation and bonuses) are less than the amount of payments made by the Fund
pursuant to this Plan, the Distributor shall promptly make appropriate
reimbursement to the Fund. If, however, as of the end of any calendar year, the
actual expenses of the Distributor, DWR, its affiliates and other
broker-dealers are greater than the amount of payments made by the Fund
pursuant to this Plan, the Fund will not reimburse the Distributor, DWR, its
affiliates or other broker-dealers for such expenses through payments accrued
pursuant to this Plan in the subsequent calendar year.
7. The Distributor shall provide to the Trustees of the Fund and the
Trustees shall review, promptly after the end of each calendar quarter, a
written report regarding the incremental distribution expenses incurred by the
Distributor, DWR, its affiliates or other broker-dealers on behalf of the Fund
during such calendar quarter, which report shall include: (1) an itemization of
the types of expenses and the purposes therefor; (2) the amounts of such
expenses; and (3) a description of the benefits derived by the Fund.
8. This Plan, as amended and restated, shall become effective upon
approval by a vote of the Trustees of the Fund, and of the Trustees 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 this Plan, cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.
9. This Plan shall continue in effect until April 30, 2000 and from year
to year thereafter, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually in the manner provided for approval of this Plan in paragraph 8
hereof. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be
spent for the services described herein unless such amendment is approved by a
vote of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund,
as defined in the Act, and no material amendment to this Plan shall be made
unless approved in the manner provided for approval in paragraph 8 hereof.
10. This Plan may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any
penalty, by vote of a majority of the Trustees 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 this Plan or by a vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the Act, on no
more than thirty days' written notice to any other party to this Plan.
11. While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees
who are not interested persons of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion
of the Trustees who are not interested persons.
12. The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and all reports made
pursuant to paragraph 7 hereof, for a period of not less than six years from
the date of this Plan, as amended and restated herein, or any such report, as
the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
13. This Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of New York and the applicable provisions of the Act. To the extent the
applicable law of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein,
conflicts with the applicable provisions of the Act, the latter shall control.
2
<PAGE>
14. The Declaration of Trust establishing Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North
American Government Income Trust, dated February 19, 1992, a copy of which,
together with all amendments thereto (the "Declaration"), is on file in the
office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that the
name Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust refers
to the Trustees under the Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as
individuals or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or
agent of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North American Government Income Trust
shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their
private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise,
in connection with the affairs of said Morgan Stanley Dean Witter North
American Government Income Trust, but the Trust Estate only shall be liable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund, the Distributor and DWR have executed this
amended and restated Plan of Distribution as of the day and year set forth
below in New York, New York.
Date: June 2, 1992 MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH
As amended on January 4, 1993, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
April 28, 1993, July 23, 1997
and June 28, 1999
By:............................
Attest:
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
................................... DISTRIBUTORS INC.
By:............................
Attest:
................................... DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
By:............................
Attest:
...................................
3
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Edwin J. Garn, whose signature
appears below, constitutes and appoints David M. Butowsky, Ronald M. Feiman and
Stuart M. Strauss, or any of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution among himself and each of the persons
appointed herein, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any amendments to any registration statement of MORGAN
STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Dated: June 28, 1999
/s/ Edwin J. Garn
-------------------------
Edwin J. Garn
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Michael Bozic, whose signature
appears below, constitutes and appoints David M. Butowsky, Ronald M. Feiman and
Stuart M. Strauss, or any of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution among himself and each of the persons
appointed herein, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any amendments to any registration statement of MORGAN
STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Dated: June 28, 1999
/s/ Michael Bozic
-------------------------
Michael Bozic
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Philip J. Purcell, whose signature
appears below, constitutes and appoints Marilyn K. Cranney and Barry Fink, or
either of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution among himself and each of the persons appointed herein,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
amendments to any registration statement of MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, or either of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Dated: June 28, 1999
/s/ Philip J. Purcell
-------------------------
Philip J. Purcell
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Wayne E. Hedien, whose signature
appears below, constitutes and appoints David M. Butowsky, Ronald M. Feiman and
Stuart M. Strauss, or any of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution among himself and each of the persons
appointed herein, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any amendments to any registration statement of MORGAN
STANLEY DEAN WITTER NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Dated: June 28, 1999
/s/ Wayne E. Hedien
-------------------------
Wayne E. Hedien