The results of a Painleve analysis of the K-dV equations with nonlinea
r dispersion; K(m, n):U-t + (Um)(x) + (U-n)(xxx) = 0, where both m and
n can take the values 2 and 3 are presented. It is shown that K(2, 2)
, K(2, 3), K(3, 3) and K(3, 2) [which yield solitary waves with compac
t support] do not possess the Painleve property.