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    PR # 31520                                                                   
     The galactic source 4U1700+24 has been associated with the M3II star        
     HD154791 by Garcia et al (1983). It shows hard X-ray spectrum with va       
     riable slope (kT 3-15 keV) and absorption, and huge time variability        
     (Dal Fiume et al 1990). Past observations suggest a binary system wit       
     h an accreting object as source of the X-ray emission. This source ca       
     n be of exceptional interest, being one of the few X-ray binaries com       
     posed by a neutron star orbiting around an M giant. No definitive ans       
     wer can be given on the basis of existing data. ASCA offers optimal s       
     pectroscopy cababilities and operative energy band, allowing a detail       
     ed observation even with the source in its low state. The detection a       
     nd study of possible Fe line emission can be a major step to understa       
    nd the nature of this source.                                                
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