SECTION 10(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                                          15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) (1988)

 

            It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce or of the mails, or of any facility of any national securities exchange-

                                                                          * * *

            (b) To use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security registered on a national securities exchange or any security not so registered, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors.