Spectra are presented for 24 compact extragalactic radio sources from
complete samples being studied with VLBI. New emission line redshifts
are given for 21 of the objects; in 7 of these we have also identified
associated or intervening absorption line systems. In 1 other source
there are absorption lines which provide a lower limit to the redshift
. The remaining 2 objects have strong featureless spectra and are like
ly to be blazars. (C) 1996 American Astronomical Society.