<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                                                      7
<CIK>                                                 0000021175
<NAME>                                 CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>                                           1,000,000
       
<S>                                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                  3-MOS
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<PERIOD-END>                                              MAR-31-1998
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<CASH>                                                       201
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<INCOME-TAX>                                                 (98)
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<DISCONTINUED>                                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                0
<CHANGES>                                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                                 233
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<PROVISION-CURRENT>                                        2,492
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                                             21
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<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                                       21
        

</TABLE>