Time

COVER: The Stark disaster stirs 16

fears about the U. S. role in a far- off war

As Americans struggle to understand how a senseless military mishap in the Persian Gulf cost the lives of 37 sailors, Congress is concerned that the U. S. will be drawn into the Iran- Iraq war. -- Analysts ponder why the Stark, with its array of electronic gadgetry, was unable to defend itself. -- Could the planned 600- ship Navy become a fleet of sitting ducks? See NATION.

WORLD: They' re off ! Britain' s top 34

contenders unveil their campaign themes

With a huge lead in the polls, Margaret Thatcher' s Tories begin the election campaign touting the country' s "revived spirit," while Labor depicts a land of Dickensian misery and the Alliance aims for the middle. -- South Africa' s Conservative Party, the new official opposition, makes State President P. W. Botha sound like a moderate. -- Fiji faces an uncertain future.

BUSINESS: Citicorp sets aside $3 billion 48

to cover its Third World debt losses

The chairman of the largest U. S. bank admits it may never collect on major portions of its foreign debt. Citicorp will post a loss of $2.5 billion for the quarter, which may lessen to $1 billion for the year. -- Prosperity and controversy on the U. S.- Mexican border. -- Madison Avenue fights a new service tax. -- Want an oddball investment? Try baseball trading cards.

24

Nation

Reagan claims exemption from the Boland amendment amid new tales of seeming violation. -- Parents try to restrict violent videos.

58

Space

A powerful new rocket booster sparks fresh talk of a Soviet shuttle flight and highlights Moscow' s high- frontier technology.

60

Computers

For the first time, the FAA can view all of the nation' s airways on one display screen. -- A "magician" exploits bank cash machines.

62

Press

At 100, the Hearst empire thrives in ways its founder would appreciate but not recognize. -- An old hand for sassy young Manhattan, inc.

68

Books

Wilbur and Orville shows how the Wright stuff got aviation off the ground. -- The restless, searching stories of Jayne Anne Phillips.

74

Show Business

At the 40th Cannes Film Festival, the best show is offscreen, as celebs like Princess Di and Supersvelte Liz steal the limelight.

77

Art

Fluffily hyped, Andrew Wyeth' s Helga pictures go on view at the National Gallery and prove to be too much of a medium- good thing.

78

Essay

When a mother grows old, the nature and perception of her role as mother changes. Is she, at long last, a person of her own?

8 Letters

14 American Scene

57 People

59 Medicine

63 Science

64 Religion

66 Food

67 Health & Fitness

71 Music

73 Cinema

Cover: U. S. Navy photograph