UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM N-CSR

                   CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
                         MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-03639


Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)


1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
      (Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip code)


Ronald E. Robison
1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
                     (Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-762-4000

Date of fiscal year end: September 30, 2004

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2004


Item 1 - Report to Shareholders

Welcome, Shareholder:

In this report, you'll learn about how your investment in Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust performed during the annual period. We will provide an overview of the market conditions, and discuss some of the factors that affected performance during the reporting period. In addition, this report includes the Fund's financial statements and a list of Fund investments.

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus for the fund being offered. Market forecasts provided in this report may not necessarily come to pass. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to market risk, which is the possibility that market values of securities owned by the Fund will decline and, therefore, the value of the Fund's shares may be less than what you paid for them. Accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

	Fund Report
	For the year ended September 30, 2004

Total Return for the 12-Months Ended September 30, 2004

Class A						Class B						Class C						Class D						Russell Midcap Growth Index1						Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index2
19.96%							19.06	%					19.14	%					20.26	%					13.68	%					11.22	%

The performance of the Fund's four share classes varies because each has different expenses. The Fund's total return figures assume the reinvestment of all distributions but do not reflect the deduction of any applicable sales charges. Such costs would lower performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. See Performance Summary for standardized performance information.

Market Conditions

Equities produced mixed results for the 12-months ended September 30, 2004. Stocks made sizable gains for the first half of the period as generally positive economic news signaled economic growth and stimulated investment. Low interest rates also provided a favorable environment for corporations and consumers.

The market's momentum slowed in the second half of the period as news of terrorism in Spain and continuing violence in Iraq weighed upon investors' confidence. Stocks were further hampered by rising oil prices, higher interest rates, uncertainties related to the upcoming presidential election and more mixed economic news. Manufacturing activity remained strong for much of the period, but consumer sentiment deteriorated in the second half as consumers' assessment of current conditions and future expectations generally worsened. Employment generally improved over the 12 months of this review period, but importantly this did not happen at either the expected level or pace.

Performance Analysis

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust outperformed both the Russell Midcap Growth Index and the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index for the 12-months ended September 30, 2004. The Fund's outperformance was driven largely by the technology, energy and consumer discretionary sectors. An underweighted position in the underperforming technology sector relative to the Russell Midcap Growth Index helped the Fund, although a number of holdings in the semiconductor and software industries in particular were favorable. Within semiconductors, Marvell Technology Group made significant gains after it delivered notable top- and bottom-line growth in markets such as hard disk drives and Ethernet networking. The software company Adobe Systems was another technology holding that drove outperformance after improving its gross income margin, expanding its operating income margin and reporting a solid order backlog and low channel inventory.

The Fund was also helped by its positions in crude oil producers, which performed well during a period of continually rising oil prices. Ultra Petroleum was a strong contributor to performance, delivering gains as oil sales began from two fields bought in China and three major Pinedale wells commenced production in Wyoming, breaking all previous initial production records.

Among the Fund's consumer discretionary holdings, Wynn Resorts gained from expectations for its new

2

casinos scheduled to open in Las Vegas in April 2005 and in Macau in 2006. Station Casinos also advanced due to its strong businesses in Las Vegas and its management of casinos for Native American tribes. Royal Caribbean was another significant contributor for the period, as it was supported by the recovery of the travel industry and benefited further from having a newer fleet of ships than many of its competitors.

While stock selection in most sectors was largely positive for the Fund, some sector allocations relative to the benchmark hampered performance for the period. An underweighted position in the consumer staples sector became negative for performance when that industry performed strongly. Within the producer durables sector, a lack of exposure to aerospace and identification controls and filters hurt the Fund, as many of these companies performed well.

Investment Strategy

The Fund will normally invest at least 65 percent of its assets in common stocks (including depositary receipts) and other equity securities. In deciding which of these securities to buy, hold or sell, the Fund's Investment Manager, Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc., analyzes a company's potential to grow much more rapidly than the economy, using its proprietary research in pursuing a "bottom up" investment philosophy, which emphasizes individual company selection. Quantitative and qualitative standards also will be used to screen companies to provide a list of potential investment securities. The Investment Manager then subjects the list of securities to a fundamental analysis using a variety of criteria. The Fund's other equity securities may include convertible securities and preferred stocks. The Fund will invest primarily in smaller- and medium-sized companies. The Investment Manager focuses its securities selection upon a diversified group of emerging growth companies that it believes have prospects of achieving significant profit gains. The Fund may also invest in securities issued in initial public offerings (IPOs).

3

TOP 10 HOLDINGS
Ultra Petroleum (Canada)					3.7	%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (Liberia)					2.9
Station Casinos					2.8
Crown Castle International					2.0
Fisher Scientific International					1.9
Univision Communications (Class A)					1.9
Lamar Advertising (Class A)					1.9
GTECH Holdings					1.7
Dade Behring Holdings					1.6
International Game Technology					1.6

TOP FIVE INDUSTRIES
Medical Specialties					9.0	%
Casinos/Gaming					7.2
Oil & Gas Production					5.0
Biotechnology					4.5
Specialty Telecommunications					3.6

Data as of September 30, 2004. Subject to change daily. All percentages for the Top 10 Holdings and Top Five Industries are as a percentage of net assets. Provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed a recommendation to buy or sell the securities mentioned. Morgan Stanley is a full-service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services.

For More Information About
Portfolio Holdings

Each Morgan Stanley fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its semiannual and annual reports within 60 days of the end of the fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters by filing the schedule electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The semiannual reports are filed on Form N-CSRS and the annual reports are filed on Form N-CSR. Morgan Stanley also delivers the semiannual and annual reports to fund shareholders and makes these reports available on its public Web site, www.morganstanley.com. Each Morgan Stanley fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-Q. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to shareholders, nor are the reports posted to the Morgan Stanley public Web site. You may, however, obtain the Form N-Q filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's Web site, http://www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy them at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's e-mail address (publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the Public Reference section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-0102. You may obtain copies of a fund's fiscal quarter filings by contacting Morgan Stanley Client Relations at (800) 869-NEWS.

4

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

A description of (1) the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the voting of proxies relating to the Fund's portfolio securities and (2) how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended September 30, 2004, is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 869-NEWS or by visiting the Mutual Fund Center on our Web site at www.morganstanley.com. This information is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's Web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Annual Householding Notice

To reduce printing and mailing costs, the Fund attempts to eliminate duplicate mailings to the same address. The Fund delivers a single copy of certain shareholder documents, including shareholder reports, prospectuses and proxy materials, to investors with the same last name who reside at the same address. Your participation in this program will continue for an unlimited period of time unless you instruct us otherwise. You can request multiple copies of these documents by calling (800) 350-6414, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., ET. Once our Customer Service Center has received your instructions, we will begin sending individual copies for each account within 30 days.

5

	Performance Summary

Performance of a $10,000 Investment — Class B

6

Average Annual Total Returns — Period Ended September 30, 2004

						Class A Shares* (since 07/28/97)						Class B Shares** (since 04/29/83)						Class C Shares† (since 07/28/97)						Class D Shares†† (since 07/28/97)
Symbol						DGRAX						DGRBX						DGRCX						DGRDX
1 Year							19.96%	3					19.06%	3					19.14%	3					20.26%	3
							13.67	4					14.06	4					18.14	4					—
5 Years							(0.23)	3					(1.00)	3					(0.99)	3					0.00	3
							(1.30)	4					(1.25)	4					(0.99)	4					—
10 Years							—						9.20	3					—						—
							—						9.20	4					—						—
Since Inception							4.96	3					7.53	3					4.18	3					5.20	3
							4.18	4					7.53	4					4.18	4					—

Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. For most recent month-end performance figures, please visit morganstanley.com or speak with your financial advisor. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate and fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Performance for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D shares will vary due to differences in sales charges and expenses.

* The maximum front-end sales charge for Class A is 5.25%.

** The maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class B is 5.0%. The CDSC declines to 0% after six years.

† The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for Class C is 1% for shares redeemed within one year of purchase.

†† Class D has no sales charge.

(1) The Russell Midcap Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The stocks are also members of the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Indexes are unmanaged and their returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

(2) The Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index is an equally weighted performance index of the largest qualifying funds (based on net assets) in the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds classification. The Index, which is adjusted for capital gains distributions and income dividends, is unmanaged and should not be considered an investment. There are currently 30 funds represented in this Index.

(3) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and does not reflect the deduction of any sales charges.

(4) Figure shown assumes reinvestment of all distributions and the deduction of the maximum applicable sales charge. See the Fund's current prospectus for complete details on fees and sales charges.

‡ Ending value assuming a complete redemption on September 30, 2004.

7

	Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period 04/01/04 – 09/30/04.

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing cost of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs, and will not help you determine the relative total cost of owning different funds that have transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), and redemption fees, or exchange fees.

				BEGINNING ACCOUNT VALUE				ENDING ACCOUNT VALUE				EXPENSES PAID DURING PERIOD*
				04/01/04				09/30/04				04/01/04 – 09/30/04
Class A
Actual (1.69% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,016.90			$	5.55
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,019.50			$	5.55
Class B
Actual (1.32% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,013.20			$	9.31
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,015.75			$	9.32
Class C
Actual (1.37% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,013.70			$	9.31
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,015.75			$	9.32
Class D
Actual (1.86% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,018.60			$	4.29
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,020.75			$	4.29

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.10%, 1.85%, 1.85% and 0.85% respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

8

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments September 30, 2004

NUMBER OF SHARES								VALUE
				Common Stocks (99.7%)
				Advertising/Marketing Services (3.5%)
	91,800			Dex Media, Inc.*				$	1,943,406
	71,800			Getty Images, Inc.*					3,970,540
	253,100			Lamar Advertising Co. (Class A)*					10,531,491
	55,900			R.H. Donnelley Corp.*					2,759,224
									19,204,661
				Aerospace & Defense (0.8%)
	43,800			FLIR Systems, Inc.*					2,562,300
	32,400			Precision Castparts Corp.					1,945,620
									4,507,920
				Air Freight/Couriers (1.0%)
	122,050			C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.					5,661,899
				Apparel/Footwear (1.0%)
	126,300			Coach, Inc.*					5,357,646
				Apparel/Footwear Retail (1.4%)
	148,050			Chico's FAS, Inc.*					5,063,310
	82,200			Urban Outfitters, Inc.*					2,827,680
									7,890,990
				Auto Parts: O.E.M. (0.5%)
	79,500			Gentex Corp.					2,792,835
				Biotechnology (4.5%)
	94,200			Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*					1,932,984
	59,900			Celgene Corp.*					3,487,977
	118,565			Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*					5,430,277
	85,000			Gen-Probe Inc.*					3,388,950
	77,300			Genzyme Corp.*					4,205,893
	78,800			Gilead Sciences, Inc.*					2,945,544
	67,100			ImClone Systems, Inc.*					3,546,235
									24,937,860
				Broadcasting (2.9%)
	49,250			Radio One, Inc. (Class D)*					700,827
	335,225			Univision Communications Inc. (Class A)*					10,596,462
	151,700			XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (Class A)*					4,705,734
									16,003,023
				Casino/Gaming (7.2%)
	366,190			GTECH Holdings Corp.				$	9,271,931
	247,101			International Game Technology					8,883,281
	311,700			Station Casinos, Inc.					15,285,768
	128,880			Wynn Resorts, Ltd.*					6,661,807
									40,102,787
				Computer Communications (1.6%)
	260,600			Avaya Inc.*					3,632,764
	225,900			Juniper Networks, Inc.*					5,331,240
									8,964,004
				Computer Peripherals (1.8%)
	48,800			Lexmark International, Inc.*					4,099,688
	260,100			Network Appliance, Inc.*					5,982,300
									10,081,988
				Computer Processing     Hardware (0.5%)
	73,200			Apple Computer, Inc.*					2,836,500
				Construction Materials (1.5%)
	133,100			Rinker Group Ltd. (ADR) (Australia)					8,337,384
				Containers/Packaging (0.8%)
	89,950			Sealed Air Corp.*					4,169,182
				Data Processing Services (1.1%)
	112,675			Global Payments Inc.					6,033,746
				Discount Stores (1.8%)
	296,575			Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.*					7,992,696
	23,100			KMART Holding Corp.*					2,020,557
									10,013,253
				Electric Utilities (0.5%)
	271,200			AES Corp. (The)*					2,709,288
				Electronic Distributors (0.5%)
	43,660			CDW Corp.					2,533,590
				Electronic Production     Equipment (0.4%)
	50,150			KLA-Tencor Corp.*					2,080,222
				Electronics/Appliances (0.8%)
	39,950			Harman International Industries, Inc.					4,304,613

See Notes to Financial Statements

9

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments September 30, 2004 continued

NUMBER OF SHARES								VALUE
				Finance/Rental/Leasing (0.5%)
	65,750			Doral Financial Corp. (Puerto Rico)				$	2,726,653
				Financial Conglomerates (1.5%)
	270,400			Brascan Corp. (Class A) (Canada)					8,166,080
				Financial Publishing/Services (1.0%)
	78,600			Moody's Corp.					5,757,450
				Food Retail (0.5%)
	32,800			Whole Foods Market, Inc.					2,813,912
				Food: Specialty/Candy (1.2%)
	80,600			Hershey Foods Corp.					3,764,826
	80,700			McCormick & Co., Inc. (Non-Voting)					2,771,238
									6,536,064
				Gas Distributors (1.1%)
	128,500			Questar Corp.					5,887,870
				Home Building (0.8%)
	8,025			NVR, Inc.*					4,421,775
				Hotels/Resorts/Cruiselines (3.5%)
	48,700			Four Seasons Hotels, Inc. (Canada)					3,121,670
	372,600			Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Liberia)					16,245,360
									19,367,030
				Industrial Machinery (1.0%)
	170,400			Graco Inc.					5,708,400
				Industrial Specialties (0.5%)
	81,800			Ecolab Inc.					2,571,792
				Information Technology     Services (0.5%)
	97,300			Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.*					2,968,623
				Insurance Brokers/Services (1.4%)
	58,100			Brown & Brown, Inc.					2,655,170
	123,434			ChoicePoint Inc.*					5,264,460
									7,919,630
				Integrated Oil (0.8%)
	145,200			Suncor Energy, Inc. (Canada)					4,647,852
				Internet Software/Services (0.8%)
	134,300			Ask Jeeves, Inc.*				$	4,392,953
				Investment Banks/Brokers (2.8%)
	439,751			Ameritrade Holding Corp.*					5,281,410
	32,300			Chicago Mercantile Exchange (The)					5,209,990
	96,050			Legg Mason, Inc.					5,116,584
									15,607,984
				Medical Distributors (1.0%)
	72,200			Patterson Companies Inc.*					5,527,632
				Medical Specialties (9.0%)
	99,500			Bard (C.R.), Inc.					5,634,685
	122,800			Biomet, Inc.					5,756,864
	162,400			Dade Behring Holdings Inc.*					9,048,603
	183,712			Fisher Scientific International, Inc.*					10,715,921
	62,000			IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*					3,145,880
	150,700			INAMED Corp.*					7,183,869
	161,200			Kinetic Concepts, Inc.*					8,471,060
									49,956,882
				Medical/Nursing Services (1.5%)
	403,000			VCA Antech, Inc.*					8,313,890
				Miscellaneous Commercial     Services (3.3%)
	137,725			Corporate Executive Board Co. (The)					8,434,279
	170,862			Iron Mountain Inc.*					5,783,679
	110,300			Laureate Education Inc.*					4,105,366
									18,323,324
				Oil & Gas Pipelines (1.2%)
	44,300			Kinder Morgan, Inc.					2,782,926
	142,900			Western Gas Resources, Inc.					4,085,511
									6,868,437
				Oil & Gas Production (5.0%)
	99,400			Patina Oil & Gas Corp.					2,939,258
	417,300			Ultra Petroleum Corp. (Canada)*					20,468,565
	134,600			XTO Energy Inc.					4,371,808
									27,779,631

See Notes to Financial Statements

10

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments September 30, 2004 continued

NUMBER OF SHARES								VALUE
				Oilfield Services/Equipment (1.7%)
	80,500			BJ Services Co.				$	4,219,005
	90,000			Smith International, Inc.*					5,465,700
									9,684,705
				Other Consumer Services (1.2%)
	38,500			Apollo Group, Inc. (Class A)*					2,824,745
	60,900			ITT Educational Services, Inc.*					2,195,445
	148,900			ServiceMaster Co. (The)					1,914,854
									6,935,044
				Other Metals/Minerals (0.5%)
	29,400			Phelps Dodge Corp.					2,705,682
				Packaged Software (3.2%)
	168,900			Adobe Systems, Inc.					8,355,483
	89,800			Autodesk, Inc.					4,366,974
	142,950			Mercury Interactive Corp.*					4,986,096
									17,708,553
				Pharmaceuticals: Other (0.9%)
	28,100			Allergan, Inc.					2,038,655
	123,000			Elan Corp. PLC (ADR) (Ireland)*					2,878,200
									4,916,855
				Precious Metals (2.4%)
	189,500			Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. (Class B)					7,674,750
	271,700			Placer Dome Inc. (Canada)					5,401,396
									13,076,146
				Property – Casualty Insurers (1.0%)
	10,295			White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (Bermuda)					5,415,170
				Publishing: Newspapers (0.5%)
	2,925			Washington Post Co. (The) (Class B)					2,691,000
				Real Estate Investment Trusts (0.9%)
	144,300			Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc.					5,054,829
				Recreational Products (1.1%)
	134,517			Electronic Arts Inc.*					6,186,437
				Regional Banks (0.5%)
	66,600			UCBH Holdings, Inc.					2,602,062
				Restaurants (2.6%)
	122,500			Outback Steakhouse, Inc.				$	5,087,425
	121,360			P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc.*					5,884,746
	127,125			Sonic Corp.*					3,258,214
									14,230,385
				Semiconductors (2.7%)
	150,000			Altera Corp.*					2,935,500
	154,700			Linear Technology Corp.					5,606,328
	235,450			Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (Bermuda)*					6,152,309
									14,694,137
				Services to the Health     Industry (1.4%)
	165,000			Stericycle, Inc.*					7,573,500
				Specialty Stores (1.6%)
	235,880			PETsMART, Inc.					6,696,633
	108,900			Toys 'R' Us, Inc.*					1,931,886
									8,628,519
				Specialty     Telecommunications (3.6%)
	744,100			Crown Castle International Corp.*					11,072,208
	142,492			NTL, Inc.*					8,844,478
									19,916,686
				Wireless     Telecommunications (0.9%)
	114,800			NII Holdings, Inc. (Class B)*					4,730,908
				Total Common Stocks
				(Cost $492,940,130)					551,537,873

See Notes to Financial Statements

11

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments September 30, 2004 continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								VALUE
				Short-Term Investment (0.3%) Repurchase Agreement
$	1,928			Joint repurchase agreement account 1.83% due 10/01/04 (dated 09/30/04; proceeds $1,928,098) (a) (Cost $1,928,000)				$	1,928,000

Total Investments (Cost $494,868,130) (b)					100.0	%			553,465,873
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets					(0.0	)			(67,701	)
Net Assets					100.0	%		$	553,398,172

ADR American Depository Receipt.

* Non-income producing security.

(a) Collateralized by federal agency and U.S. Treasury obligations.

(b) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $496,527,564. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $69,072,199 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $12,133,890, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $56,938,309.

See Notes to Financial Statements

12

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Summary of Investments September 30, 2004

INDUSTRY				VALUE				PERCENT OF NET ASSETS
Medical Specialties				$	49,956,882				9.0	%
Casino/Gaming					40,102,787				7.2
Oil & Gas Production					27,779,631				5.0
Biotechnology					24,937,860				4.5
Specialty Telecommunications					19,916,686				3.6
Hotels/Resorts/Cruiselines					19,367,030				3.5
Advertising/Marketing Services					19,204,661				3.5
Miscellaneous Commercial Services					18,323,324				3.3
Packaged Software					17,708,553				3.2
Broadcasting					16,003,023				2.9
Investment Banks/Brokers					15,607,984				2.8
Semiconductors					14,694,137				2.7
Restaurants					14,230,385				2.6
Precious Metals					13,076,146				2.4
Computer Peripherals					10,081,988				1.8
Discount Stores					10,013,253				1.8
Oilfield Services/Equipment					9,684,705				1.7
Computer Communications					8,964,004				1.6
Specialty Stores					8,628,519				1.6
Construction Materials					8,337,384				1.5
Medical/Nursing Services					8,313,890				1.5
Financial Conglomerates					8,166,080				1.5
Insurance Brokers/Services					7,919,630				1.4
Apparel/Footwear Retail					7,890,990				1.4
Services To The Health Industry					7,573,500				1.4
Other Consumer Services					6,935,044				1.2
Oil & Gas Pipelines					6,868,437				1.2
Food: Specialty/Candy					6,536,064				1.2
Recreational Products					6,186,437				1.1
Data Processing Services					6,033,746				1.1
Gas Distributors					5,887,870				1.1
Financial Publishing/Services					5,757,450				1.0
Industrial Machinery					5,708,400				1.0
Air Freight/Couriers					5,661,899				1.0
Medical Distributors					5,527,632				1.0
Property – Casualty Insurers				$	5,415,170				1.0	%
Apparel/Footwear					5,357,646				1.0
Real Estate Investment Trusts					5,054,829				0.9
Pharmaceuticals: Other					4,916,855				0.9
Wireless Telecommunications					4,730,908				0.9
Integrated Oil					4,647,852				0.8
Aerospace & Defense					4,507,920				0.8
Home Building					4,421,775				0.8
Internet Software/Services					4,392,953				0.8
Electronics/Appliances					4,304,613				0.8
Containers/Packaging					4,169,182				0.8
Information Technology Services					2,968,623				0.5
Computer Processing Hardware					2,836,500				0.5
Food Retail					2,813,912				0.5
Auto Parts: O.E.M.					2,792,835				0.5
Finance/Rental/Leasing					2,726,653				0.5
Electric Utilities					2,709,288				0.5
Other Metals/Minerals					2,705,682				0.5
Publishing: Newspapers					2,691,000				0.5
Regional Banks					2,602,062				0.5
Industrial Specialties					2,571,792				0.5
Electronic Distributors					2,533,590				0.5
Electronic Production Equipment					2,080,222				0.4
Repurchase Agreement					1,928,000				0.3
				$	553,465,873				100.0	%

See Notes to Financial Statements

13

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Financial Statements

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

September 30, 2004

Assets:
Investments in securities, at value     (cost $494,868,130)				$	553,465,873
Receivable for:
Investments sold					5,247,470
Shares of beneficial interest sold					159,967
Dividends					54,313
Foreign withholding taxes reclaimed					3,075
Prepaid expenses and other assets					30,318
Receivable from affiliate					5,933
Total Assets					558,966,949
Liabilities:
Payable for:
Investments purchased					3,155,890
Shares of beneficial interest redeemed					1,691,902
Distribution fee					347,596
Investment management fee					222,204
Accrued expenses and other payables					151,185
Total Liabilities					5,568,777
Net Assets				$	553,398,172
Composition of Net Assets:
Paid-in-capital				$	760,124,523
Net unrealized appreciation					58,598,363
Accumulated net investment loss					(60,447	)
Accumulated net realized loss					(265,264,267	)
Net Assets				$	553,398,172
Class A Shares:
Net Assets				$	49,311,514
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					2,486,150
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	19.83
Maximum Offering Price Per Share, (net asset value plus 5.54% of net asset value)				$	20.93
Class B Shares:
Net Assets				$	389,847,620
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					21,081,340
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	18.49
Class C Shares:
Net Assets				$	29,208,382
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					1,574,819
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	18.55
Class D Shares:
Net Assets				$	85,030,656
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					4,202,024
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	20.24

See Notes to Financial Statements

14

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Financial Statements continued

Statement of Operations

For the year ended September 30, 2004

Net Investment Loss:
Income
Dividends (net of $26,661 foreign withholding tax)				$	2,165,733
Interest					93,107
Total Income					2,258,840
Expenses
Distribution fee (Class A shares)					100,926
Distribution fee (Class B shares)					3,926,143
Distribution fee (Class C shares)					266,204
Investment management fee					2,841,975
Transfer agent fees and expenses					1,510,191
Shareholder reports and notices					106,615
Professional fees					73,801
Custodian fees					64,906
Trustees' fees and expenses					14,466
Other					16,410
Total Expenses					8,921,637
Less: amounts waived/reimbursed					(180,000	)
Net Expenses					8,741,637
Net Investment Loss					(6,482,797	)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain:
Net Realized Gain on:
Investments					112,330,135
Foreign exchange transactions					996
Net Realized Gain					112,331,131
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on:
Investments					(13,278,043	)
Translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies					620
Net Depreciation					(13,277,423	)
Net Gain					99,053,708
Net Increase				$	92,570,911

See Notes to Financial Statements

15

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Financial Statements continued

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

				FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004				FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:
Operations:
Net investment loss				$	(6,482,797	)		$	(4,498,348	)
Net realized gain					112,331,131				22,235,164
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation					(13,277,423	)			86,705,321
Net Increase					92,570,911				104,442,137
Net increase (decrease) from transactions in shares of beneficial interest					30,995,483				(34,415,236	)
Net Increase					123,566,394				70,026,901
Net Assets:
Beginning of period					429,831,778				359,804,877
End of Period (Including accumulated net investment losses of $60,447 and $59,237, respectively)				$	553,398,172			$	429,831,778

See Notes to Financial Statements

16

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004

1.   Organization and Accounting Policies

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as a diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital growth. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 28, 1982 and commenced operations on April 29, 1983. On July 28, 1997, the Fund converted to a multiple class share structure.

The Fund offers Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D shares. The four classes are substantially the same except that most Class A shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase and some Class A shares, and most Class B shares and Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed on shares redeemed within one year, six years and one year, respectively. Class D shares are not subject to a sales charge. Additionally, Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares incur distribution expenses.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:

A.   Valuation of Investments — (1) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") or American Stock Exchange or other exchange is valued at its latest sale price prior to the time when assets are valued; if there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price; (2) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on the Nasdaq is valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price; if there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price; (3) all other portfolio securities for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked price. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (4) for equity securities traded on foreign exchanges, the last reported sale price or the latest bid price may be used if there were no sales on a particular day; (5) when market quotations are not readily available or Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Manager") determines that the latest sale price, the bid price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked price do not reflect a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's Trustees. Occasionally, developments affecting the closing prices of securities and other assets may occur between the times at which valuations of such securities are determined (that is, close of the foreign market on which the securities trade) and the close of business on the NYSE. If developments occur during such periods that are expected to materially affect the value of such securities, such valuations may be adjusted to reflect the estimated fair value of such securities as of the close of the NYSE, as determined in good faith by the Fund's Trustees or by the Investment Manager using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Trustees of the Fund; (6) certain portfolio securities may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by the Fund's Trustees; and (7) short-term debt securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at time of

17

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004 continued

purchase are valued on a mark-to-market basis until sixty days prior to maturity and thereafter at amortized cost based on their value on the 61st day. Short-term debt securities having a maturity date of sixty days or less at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost.

B.   Accounting for Investments — Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined by the identified cost method. Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily.

C.   Repurchase Agreements — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other affiliated entities managed by the Investment Manager, may transfer uninvested cash balances into one or more joint repurchase agreement accounts. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements and are collateralized by cash, U.S. Treasury or federal agency obligations. The Fund may also invest directly with institutions in repurchase agreements. The Fund's custodian receives the collateral, which is marked-to-market daily to determine that the value of the collateral does not decrease below the repurchase price plus accrued interest.

D.   Multiple Class Allocations — Investment income, expenses (other than distribution fees), and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative net asset value on the date such items are recognized. Distribution fees are charged directly to the respective class.

E.   Foreign Currency Translation and Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities and forward foreign currency contracts ("forward contracts") are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2) purchases, sales, income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The resultant exchange gains and losses are recorded as realized and unrealized gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions. Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations, certain foreign exchange gains/losses included in realized and unrealized gain/loss are included in or are a reduction of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of the securities. Forward contracts are valued daily at the appropriate exchange rates. The resultant unrealized exchange gains and losses are recorded as unrealized foreign currency gain or loss. The Fund records realized gains or losses on delivery of the currency or at the time the forward contract is extinguished (compensated) by entering into a closing transaction prior to delivery.

F.   Federal Income Tax Policy — It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.

18

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004 continued

G.   Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

H.   Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.   Investment Management Agreement

Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Manager a management fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the following annual rates to the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day: 0.50% to the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500 million and 0.475% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million.

During the year ended September 30, 2004, the Investment Manager waived $180,000 of its fee as part of the Fund's acquisition of Morgan Stanley Next Generation Trust ("Next Generation").

3.   Plan of Distribution

Shares of the Fund are distributed by Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Investment Manager. The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. The Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee which is accrued daily and paid monthly at the following annual rates: (i) Class A – up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A; (ii) Class B – up to 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not including reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions) less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Class B shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a contingent deferred sales charge has been imposed or waived; or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B; and (iii) Class C – up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class C.

In the case of Class B shares, provided that the Plan continues in effect, any cumulative expenses incurred by the Distributor but not yet recovered may be recovered through the payment of future distribution fees from the Fund pursuant to the Plan and contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of Class B shares. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses. The Distributor has advised the Fund that such excess amounts totaled $32,581,835 at September 30, 2004.

In the case of Class A shares and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to the Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be

19

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004 continued

reimbursed by the Fund through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing a gross sales credit to Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or other selected broker-dealer representatives may be reimbursed in the subsequent calendar year. For the year ended September 30, 2004, the distribution fee was accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.23% and 1.0%, respectively.

The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the year ended September 30, 2004, it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the Fund's Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares of $861, $478,206 and $1,821, respectively and received $24,833 in front-end sales charges from sales of the Fund's Class A shares. The respective shareholders pay such charges which are not an expense of the Fund.

4.   Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates

The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended September 30, 2004 aggregated $835,534,927 and $964,092,329, respectively. Included in the aforementioned transactions are purchases and sales of $2,124,766, and $6,697,985, respectively for portfolio transactions with other Morgan Stanley funds, including a realized gain of $2,624,164.

Morgan Stanley Trust, an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent. At September 30, 2004, the Fund had transfer agent fees and expenses payable of approximately $1,600.

For the year ended September 30, 2004, the Fund incurred brokerage commissions of $10,426 with Morgan Stanley & Co., an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Distributor, for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of the Fund.

The Fund has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain independent Trustees of the Fund who will have served as independent Trustees for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this plan are based on factors which include years of service and compensation. Aggregate pension costs for the year ended September 30, 2004 included in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted to $7,327. At September 30, 2004, the Fund had an accrued pension liability of $60,447 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. On December 2, 2003, the Trustees voted to close the plan to new participants and eliminate the future benefits growth due to increases to compensation after July 31, 2003.

Effective April 1, 2004, the Fund began an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan") which allows each independent Trustee to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he receives for serving on the Board of Trustees. Each eligible Trustee generally may elect to have the deferred amounts credited with a return equal to the total return on one or more of the Morgan Stanley funds that are offered as

20

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004 continued

investment options under the Compensation Plan. Appreciation/depreciation and distributions received from these investments are recorded with an offsetting increase/decrease in the deferred compensation obligation and do not affect the net asset value of the Fund.

5.   Federal Income Tax Status

The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as distributions of paid-in-capital.

As of September 30, 2004, the tax-basis components of accumulated losses were as follows:

Net accumulated earnings					—
Capital loss carryforward*				$	(263,604,833	)
Temporary differences					(60,447	)
Net unrealized appreciation					56,938,929
Total accumulated losses				$	(206,726,351	)

*   During the year ended September 30, 2004 the Fund utilized $112,525,605 of its net capital loss carryforward. As of September 30, 2004, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $263,604,833 of which $13,879,300 will expire on September 30, 2009, $180,898,505 will expire on September 30, 2010 and $68,827,028 will expire on September 30, 2011 to offset future capital gains to the extent provided by regulations.

As part of the Fund's acquisition of the assets of Next Generation and Morgan Stanley New Discoveries Fund ("New Discoveries"), the Fund obtained net capital loss carryforwards of $22,666,880 and $323,386,859 from Next Generation and New Discoveries, respectively. Utilization of these carryforwards is subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations, reducing the total carryforward available.

As of September 30, 2004, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily attributable to capital loss deferrals on wash sales and permanent book/tax differences primarily attributable to a net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards written off due to mergers. To reflect reclassifications arising from the permanent differences, paid-in-capital was charged $267,084,702, accumulated net investment loss was credited $6,481,587 and accumulated net realized loss was credited $260,603,115.

21

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004 continued

6.   Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

				FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004								FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003
				SHARES				AMOUNT				SHARES				AMOUNT
CLASS A SHARES
Sold					948,230			$	17,728,821				1,062,886			$	15,278,789
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley Next Generation Trust					88,185				1,597,218				—				—
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley New Discoveries Fund					756,529				13,714,813				—				—
Redeemed					(825,835	)			(15,667,999	)			(727,769	)			(10,326,598	)
Net increase – Class A					967,109				17,372,853				335,117				4,952,191
CLASS B SHARES
Sold					876,978				15,491,181				1,117,330				15,625,470
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley Next Generation Trust					1,109,266				18,868,190				—				—
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley New Discoveries Fund					5,964,678				101,409,720				—				—
Redeemed					(5,774,910	)			(102,217,966	)			(5,515,835	)			(72,798,466	)
Net increase (decrease) – Class B					2,176,012				33,551,125				(4,398,505	)			(57,172,996	)
CLASS C SHARES
Sold					94,153				1,657,971				236,756				3,273,814
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley Next Generation Trust					143,219				2,441,779				—				—
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley New Discoveries Fund					1,416,613				24,158,759				—				—
Redeemed					(523,065	)			(9,390,508	)			(296,523	)			(3,974,071	)
Net increase (decrease) – Class C					1,130,920				18,868,001				(59,767	)			(700,257	)
CLASS D SHARES
Sold					743,791				14,246,304				2,736,782				39,633,346
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley Next Generation Trust					53,964				995,937				—				—
Acquisition of Morgan Stanley New Discoveries Fund					196,092				3,621,801				—				—
Redeemed					(2,983,503	)			(57,660,538	)			(1,466,050	)			(21,127,520	)
Net increase (decrease) – Class D					(1,989,656	)			(38,796,496	)			1,270,732				18,505,826
Net increase (decrease) in Fund					2,284,385			$	30,995,483				(2,852,423	)		$	(34,415,236	)

7.   Purposes of and Risks Relating to Certain Financial Instruments

The Fund may enter into forward contracts to facilitate settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio transactions or to manage foreign currency exposure associated with foreign currency denominated securities.

Forward contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rates

22

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004 continued

underlying the forward contracts. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

8.   Legal Matters

The Investment Manager, certain affiliates of the Investment Manager, certain officers of such affiliates and certain investment companies advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, including the Fund, are named as defendants in a number of similar class action complaints which were recently consolidated. This consolidated action also names as defendants certain individual Trustees and Directors of the Morgan Stanley funds. The consolidated amended complaint generally alleges that defendants, including the Fund, violated their statutory disclosure obligations and fiduciary duties by failing properly to disclose (i) that the Investment Manager and certain affiliates of the Investment Manager allegedly offered economic incentives to brokers and others to recommend the funds advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates to investors rather than funds managed by other companies, and (ii) that the funds advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, including the Fund, allegedly paid excessive commissions to brokers in return for their efforts to recommend these funds to investors. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified compensatory damages, rescissionary damages, fees and costs. The defendants have moved to dismiss the action and intend to otherwise vigorously defend it. While the Fund believes that it has meritorious defenses, the ultimate outcome of this matter is not presently determinable at this early stage of the litigation, and no provision has been made in the Fund's financial statements for the effect, if any, of this matter.

9.   Fund Acquisitions

On December 22, 2003, the Fund acquired all the net assets of Next Generation based on the respective valuations as of the close of business on December 19, 2003 pursuant to a Plan of Reorganization approved by the shareholders of Next Generation on December 16, 2003. The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 88,185 Class A shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $18.12 per share for 220,099 Class A shares of Next Generation; 1,109,266 Class B shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $17.00 per share for 2,678,625 Class B shares of Next Generation; 143,219 Class C shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $17.04 per share for 346,654 Class C shares of Next Generation; and 53,964 Class D shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $18.46 per share for 136,091 Class D shares of Next Generation. The net assets of the Fund and Next Generation immediately before the acquisition were $458,868,676 and $23,903,124, respectively, including unrealized appreciation of $4,011,878 for Next Generation.

On December 22, 2003, the Fund acquired all the net assets of New Discoveries based on the respective valuations as of the close of business on December 19, 2003 pursuant to a Plan of Reorganization approved by the shareholders of New Discoveries on December 16, 2003. The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 756,529 Class A shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $18.12 per share for 2,510,678 Class A shares of New Discoveries; 5,964,678 Class B shares of the Fund at a net asset value of

23

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2004 continued

$17.00 per share for19,024,300 Class B shares of New Discoveries; 1,416,613 Class C shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $17.04 per share for 4,545,968 Class C shares of New Discoveries; and 196,092 Class D shares of the Fund at a net asset value of $18.46 per share for 658,155 Class D shares of New Discoveries. The net assets of the Fund and New Discoveries immediately before the acquisition were $458,868,676 and $142,905,093, respectively, including unrealized appreciation of $20,482,206 for New Discoveries.

Immediately after both acquisitions, the combined net assets of the Fund amounted to $625,676,893.

24

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Financial Highlights

Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:

				FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
				2004				2003				2002				2001				2000
Class A Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	16.53			$	12.52			$	15.20			$	37.74			$	31.44
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)‡					(0.12	)			(0.09	)			(0.11	)			0.00				(0.12	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					3.42				4.10				(2.57	)			(14.40	)			12.89
Total income (loss) from investment operations					3.30				4.01				(2.68	)			(14.40	)			12.77
Less distributions from net realized gain					—				—				—				(8.14	)			(6.47	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	19.83			$	16.53			$	12.52			$	15.20			$	37.74
Total Return†					19.96	%			32.03	%			(17.63	)%			(45.93	)%			40.16	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(1):
Expenses					1.01	%(2)			1.06	%			1.02	%			0.88	%			0.85	%
Net investment loss					(0.62	)%(2)			(0.62	)%			(0.68	)%			0.00	%			(0.35	)%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands					$49,312				$25,111				$14,826				$17,906				$44,008
Portfolio turnover rate					149	%			202	%			237	%			213	%			184	%

‡ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.

† Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.

(1) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

(2) If the Investment Manager had not waived part of its investment management fee, the ratios of expenses and net investment loss to average net assets would have been 1.04% and (0.65)%, respectively.

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Financial Highlights continued

				FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
				2004				2003				2002				2001				2000
Class B Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	15.53			$	11.86			$	14.51			$	36.70			$	30.90
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment loss‡					(0.24	)			(0.19	)			(0.23	)			(0.18	)			(0.44	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					3.20				3.86				(2.42	)			(13.87	)			12.71
Total income (loss) from investment operations					2.96				3.67				(2.65	)			(14.05	)			12.27
Less distributions from net realized gain					—				—				—				(8.14	)			(6.47	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	18.49			$	15.53			$	11.86			$	14.51			$	36.70
Total Return†					19.06	%			30.94	%			(18.26	)%			(46.37	)%			39.12	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(1):
Expenses					1.78	%(2)			1.87	%			1.80	%			1.70	%			1.61	%
Net investment loss					(1.39	)%(2)			(1.43	)%			(1.46	)%			(0.82	)%			(1.11	)%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands					$389,848				$293,619				$276,387				$443,652				$1,056,116
Portfolio turnover rate					149	%			202	%			237	%			213	%			184	%

‡ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.

† Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.

(1) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

(2) If the Investment Manager had not waived part of its investment management fee, the ratios of expenses and net investment loss to average net assets would have been 1.81% and (1.42)%, respectively.

See Notes to Financial Statements

26

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Financial Highlights continued

				FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
				2004				2003				2002				2001				2000
Class C Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	15.57			$	11.88			$	14.54			$	36.76			$	30.95
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment loss‡					(0.24	)			(0.19	)			(0.23	)			(0.18	)			(0.42	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					3.22				3.88				(2.43	)			(13.90	)			12.70
Total income (loss) from investment operations					2.98				3.69				(2.66	)			(14.08	)			12.28
Less distributions from net realized gain					—				—				—				(8.14	)			(6.47	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	18.55			$	15.57			$	11.88			$	14.54			$	36.76
Total Return†					19.14	%			31.06	%			(18.29	)%			(46.37	)%			39.09	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(1):
Expenses					1.78	%(2)			1.82	%			1.80	%			1.70	%			1.61	%
Net investment loss					(1.39	)%(2)			(1.38	)%			(1.46	)%			(0.82	)%			(1.11	)%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands					$29,208				$6,912				$5,986				$7,793				$17,007
Portfolio turnover rate					149	%			202	%			237	%			213	%			184	%

‡ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.

† Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.

(1) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

(2) If the Investment Manager had not waived part of its investment management fee, the ratios of expenses and net investment loss to average net assets would have been 1.81% and (1.42)%, respectively.

See Notes to Financial Statements

27

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Financial Highlights continued

				FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
				2004				2003				2002				2001				2000
Class D Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	16.83			$	12.72			$	15.41			$	38.07			$	31.60
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)‡					(0.07	)			(0.06	)			(0.07	)			0.03				0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					3.48				4.17				(2.62	)			(14.55	)			12.91
Total income (loss) from investment operations					3.41				4.11				(2.69	)			(14.52	)			12.94
Less distributions form net realized gain					—				—				—				(8.14	)			(6.47	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	20.24			$	16.83			$	12.72			$	15.41			$	38.07
Total Return†					20.26	%			32.31	%			(17.46	)%			(45.83	)%			40.53	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(1):
Expenses					0.78	%(2)			0.87	%			0.80	%			0.70	%			0.61	%
Net investment income (loss)					(0.39	)%(2)			(0.43	)%			(0.46	)%			0.18	%			(0.11	)%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands					$85,031				$104,190				$62,606				$57,436				$66,696
Portfolio turnover rate					149	%			202	%			237	%			213	%			184	%

‡ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares outstanding during the period.

† Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the period.

(1) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific expenses.

(2) If the Investment Manager had not waived part of its investment management fee, the ratios of expenses and net investment loss to average net assets would have been 0.81% and (0.42)%, respectively.

See Notes to Financial Statements

28

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust (the "Fund"), including the portfolio of investments, as of September 30, 2004, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended and changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2004, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust as of September 30, 2004, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
November 15, 2004

29

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Trustee and Officer Information

Independent Trustees:

Name, Age and Address of Independent Trustee

Position(s) Held with Registrant

Term of Office and Length of Time Served*

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years**

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee***

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Michael Bozic (63) c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Counsel to the Independent Trustees 919 Third Avenue New York, NY

Trustee

Since April 1994

Private Investor; Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since April 1994) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly Vice Chairman of Kmart Corporation (December 1998-October 2000), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Levitz Furniture Corporation (November 1995-November 1998) and President and Chief Executive Officer of Hills Department Stores (May 1991-July 1995); formerly variously Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer (1987-1991) of the Sears Merchandise Group of Sears, Roebuck & Co.

208

Director of Weirton Steel Corporation.

Edwin J. Garn (71) c/o Summit Ventures LLC 1 Utah Center 201 S. Main Street Salt Lake City, UT

Trustee

Since January 1993

Managing Director of Summit Ventures LLC; Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since January 1993) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); member of the Utah Regional Advisory Board of Pacific Corp.; formerly United States Senator (R-Utah) (1974-1992) and Chairman, Senate Banking Committee (1980-1986), Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah (1971-1974), Astronaut, Space Shuttle Discovery (April 12-19, 1985), and Vice Chairman, Huntsman Corporation (chemical company).

208

Director of Franklin Covey (time management systems), BMW Bank of North America, Inc. (industrial loan corporation), United Space Alliance (joint venture between Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Company) and Nuskin Asia Pacific (multilevel marketing); member of the board of various civic and charitable organizations.

Wayne E. Hedien (70) c/o Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Counsel to the Independent Trustees 919 Third Avenue New York, NY

Trustee

Since September 1997

Retired; Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds; (Since September 1997) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly associated with the Allstate Companies (1966-1994), most recently as Chairman of The Allstate Corporation (March 1993-December 1994) and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Allstate Insurance Company (July 1989-December 1994).

208

Director of The PMI Group Inc. (private mortgage insurance); Trustee and Vice Chairman of The Field Museum of Natural History; director of various other business and charitable organizations.

30

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Trustee and Officer Information continued

Name, Age and Address of Independent Trustee

Position(s) Held with Registrant

Term of Office and Length of Time Served*

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years**

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee***

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (55) c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc. 2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 950 Washington, D.C.

Trustee

Since July 1991

Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc., a consulting firm; Chairman of the Audit Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 1991) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group of Seven Council (G7C), an international economic commission; formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.

208

Director of NVR, Inc. (home construction); Chairman and Trustee of the Financial Accounting Foundation (oversight organization of the Financial Accounting Standards Board); Director of RBS Greenwich Capital Holdings (financial holding company).

Joseph J. Kearns (62) PMB754 23852 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA

Trustee

Since July 2003

President, Kearns & Associates LLC (investment consulting); Deputy Chairman of the Audit Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and the Institutional Funds (since August 1994); previously Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Institutional Funds (October 2001-July 2003); formerly CFO of the J. Paul Getty Trust.

209

Director of Electro Rent Corporation (equipment leasing), The Ford Family Foundation, and the UCLA Foundation.

Michael E. Nugent (68) c/o Triumph Capital, L.P. 445 Park Avenue New York, NY

Trustee

Since July 1991

General Partner of Triumph Capital, L.P., a private investment partnership; Chairman of the Insurance Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 1991) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2001); formerly Vice President, Bankers Trust Company and BT Capital Corporation (1984-1988).

208

Director of various business organizations.

Fergus Reid (72) c/o Lumelite Plastics Corporation 85 Charles Colman Blvd. Pawling, NY

Trustee

Since July 2003

Chairman of Lumelite Plastics Corporation; Chairman of the Governance Committee and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 2003) and the Institutional Funds (since June 1992).

209

Trustee and Director of certain investment companies in the JPMorgan Funds complex managed by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

31

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Trustee and Officer Information continued

Interested Trustees:

Name, Age and Address of Interested Trustee

Position(s) Held with Registrant

Term of Office and Length of Time Served*

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years**

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee***

Other Directorships Held by Trustee

Charles A. Fiumefreddo (71) c/o Morgan Stanley Trust Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, NJ

Chairman of the Board and Trustee

Since July 1991

Chairman and Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since July 1991) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Retail Funds (until September 2002).

208

None

James F. Higgins (56) c/o Morgan Stanley Trust Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, NJ

Trustee

Since June 2000

Director or Trustee of the Retail Funds (since June 2000) and the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Senior Advisor of Morgan Stanley (since August 2000); Director of the Distributor and Dean Witter Realty Inc.; previously President and Chief Operating Officer of the Private Client Group of Morgan Stanley (May 1999-August 2000), and President and Chief Operating Officer of Individual Securities of Morgan Stanley (February 1997-May 1999).

208

Director of AXA Financial, Inc. and The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (financial services).

    * This is the earliest date the Trustee began serving the funds advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (the "Investment Manager") (the "Retail Funds").

  ** The dates referenced below indicating commencement of services as Director/Trustee for the Retail Funds and the funds advised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP (the "Institutional Funds") reflect the earliest date the Director/Trustee began serving the Retail or Institutional Funds as applicable.

*** The Fund Complex includes all open-end and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Investment Manager and any funds that have an investment advisor that is an affiliated person of the Investment Manager (including but not limited to Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.).

32

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Trustee and Officer Information continued

Officers:

Name, Age and Address of Executive Officer

Position(s) Held with Registrant

Term of Office and Length of Time Served*

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years**

Mitchell M. Merin (51) 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY

President

Since May 1999

President and Chief Operating Officer of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; President, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services; Chairman and Director of the Distributor; Chairman and Director of the Transfer Agent; Director of various Morgan Stanley subsidiaries; President of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003) and President of the Retail Funds (since May 1999); Trustee (since July 2003) and President (since December 2002) of the Van Kampen Closed-End Funds; Trustee (since May 1999) and President (since October 2002) of the Van Kampen Open-End Funds.

Ronald E. Robison (65) 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY

Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer

Since April 2003

Principal Executive Officer-Office of the Funds (since November 2003); Managing Director of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley; Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services; Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Transfer Agent; Managing Director and Director of the Distributor; Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003) and the Retail Funds (since April 2003); Director of Morgan Stanley SICAV (since May 2004); previously President and Director of the Retail Funds (March 2001-July 2003) and Chief Global Operations Officer and Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

Joseph J. McAlinden (61) 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY

Vice President

Since July 1995

Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.; Director of the Transfer Agent, Chief Investment Officer of the Van Kampen Funds; Vice President of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003) and the Retail Funds (since July 1995).

Barry Fink (49) 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY

Vice President

Since February 1997

General Counsel (since May 2000) and Managing Director (since December 2000) of Morgan Stanley Investment Management; Managing Director (since December 2000), Secretary (since February 1997) and Director (since July 1998) of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services; Vice President of the Retail Funds; Assistant Secretary of Morgan Stanley DW; Vice President of the Institutional Funds (since July 2003); Managing Director, Secretary and Director of the Distributor; previously Secretary (February 1997-July 2003) and General Counsel (February 1997-April 2004) of the Retail Funds; Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services (February 1997-December 2001).

Amy R. Doberman (42) 1221 Avenue of Americas New York, NY

Vice President

Since July 2004

Managing Director and General Counsel, U.S. Investment Management; Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and the Investment Manager, Vice President of the Institutional and Retail Funds (since July 2004); previously, Managing Director and General Counsel — Americas, UBS Global Asset Management (July 2000 – July 2004) and General Counsel, Aeltus Investment Management Inc. (January 1997 – July 2000).

Stefanie V. Chang (37) 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY

Vice President

Since July 2003

Executive Director of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and the Investment Manager; Vice President of the Institutional Funds (since December 1997) and the Retail Funds (since July 2003); formerly practiced law with the New York law firm of Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance US LLP).

33

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

Trustee and Officer Information continued

Name, Age and Address of Executive Officer

Position(s) Held with Registrant

Term of Office and Length of Time Served*

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years**

Francis J. Smith (39) c/o Morgan Stanley Trust Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, NJ

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Treasurer since July 2003 and Chief Financial Officer since September 2002

Executive Director of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services (since December 2001); previously, Vice President of the Retail Funds (September 2002-July 2003), Vice President of the Investment Manager and Morgan Stanley Services (August 2000-November 2001) and Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (January 1998-August 2000).

Thomas F. Caloia (58) c/o Morgan Stanley Trust Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, NJ

Vice President

Since July 2003

Executive Director (since December 2002) and Assistant Treasurer of the Investment Manager, the Distributor and Morgan Stanley Services; previously Treasurer of the Retail Funds (April 1989-July 2003); formerly First Vice President of the Investment Manager, the Distributor and Morgan Stanley Services.

Mary E. Mullin (37) 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY

Secretary

Since July 2003

Executive Director of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and the Investment Manager; Secretary of the Institutional Funds (since June 1999) and the Retail Funds (since July 2003); formerly practiced law with the New York law firms of McDermott, Will & Emery and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

    * This is the earliest date the Officer began serving the Retail Funds. Each Officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected.

  ** The dates referenced below indicating commencement of service as an Officer for the Retail and Institutional Funds reflect the earliest date the Officer began serving the Retail or Institutional Funds as applicable.

34

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Trustees Michael Bozic Charles A. Fiumefreddo Edwin J. Garn Wayne E. Hedien James F. Higgins Dr. Manuel H. Johnson Joseph J. Kearns Michael E. Nugent Fergus Reid Officers Charles A. Fiumefreddo Chairman of the Board Mitchell M. Merin President Ronald E. Robison Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer Joseph J. McAlinden Vice President Barry Fink Vice President Amy R. Doberman Vice President Stefanie V. Chang Vice President Francis J. Smith Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Thomas F. Caloia Vice President Mary E. Mullin Secretary Transfer Agent Morgan Stanley Trust Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Two Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte & Touche LLP Two World Financial Center New York, New York 10281 Investment Manager Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. For more detailed information about the Fund, its fees and expenses and other pertinent information, please read its Prospectus. The Fund's Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the Fund, including its trustees. It is available, without charge, by calling (800) 869-NEWS. This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective Prospectus. Read the Prospectus carefully before investing. Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley DW Inc., member SIPC. Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc., member NASD. © 2004 Morgan Stanley 37905RPT-RA04-00751P-Y09/04		MORGAN STANLEY FUNDS
		Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust Annual Report September 30, 2004

Item 2.  Code of Ethics.

(a) The Fund has adopted a code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") that applies to
its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions,
regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Fund or a third
party.

(b) No information need be disclosed pursuant to this paragraph.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Not applicable.

(e) Not applicable.

(f)

    (1)  The Fund's Code of Ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

    (2)  Not applicable.

    (3)  Not applicable.


Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Fund's Board of Trustees has determined that it has two "audit committee
financial experts" serving on its audit committee, each of whom are
"independent" Trustees: Dr. Manuel H. Johnson and Joseph J. Kearns. Under
applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee
financial expert will not be deemed an "expert" for any purpose, including
without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial
expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee
financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or
liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities
imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees
in the absence of such designation or identification.





Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a)(b)(c)(d) and (g). Based on fees billed for the periods shown:

2004
                                        REGISTRANT       COVERED ENTITIES(1)
   AUDIT FEES......................     $  36,548        N/A

   NON-AUDIT FEES
      AUDIT-RELATED FEES...........     $     452 (2)    $   5,067,400 (2)
      TAX FEES.....................     $   5,139 (3)    $     545,053 (4)
      ALL OTHER FEES...............     $       -        $           -
   TOTAL NON-AUDIT FEES............     $   5,591        $   5,612,453

   TOTAL...........................     $  42,139        $   5,612,453


2003
                                        REGISTRANT       COVERED ENTITIES(1)
   AUDIT FEES......................     $  30,510        N/A

   NON-AUDIT FEES
      AUDIT-RELATED FEES...........     $     684 (2)    $   1,086,576 (2)
      TAX FEES.....................     $   5,020 (3)    $     252,500 (4)
      ALL OTHER FEES...............     $       -        $           - (5)
   TOTAL NON-AUDIT FEES............     $   5,704        $   1,339,076

   TOTAL...........................     $  36,214        $   1,339,076

N/A- Not applicable, as not required by Item 4.

(1)  Covered Entities include the Adviser (excluding sub-advisors) and any
     entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser
     that provides ongoing services to the Registrant.

(2)  Audit-Related Fees represent assurance and related services provided that
     are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the financial
     statements of the Covered Entities' and funds advised by the Adviser or its
     affiliates, specifically data verification and agreed-upon procedures
     related to asset securitizations and agreed-upon procedures engagements.

(3)  Tax Fees represent tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice services
     provided in connection with the preparation and review of the Registrant's
     tax returns.

(4)  Tax Fees represent tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice services
     provided in connection with the review of Covered Entities' tax returns.

(5)  All other fees represent project management for future business
     applications and improving business and operational processes.


                                       2



(e)(1) The audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures are as
follows:

                                 AUDIT COMMITTEE
                          AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
                       PRE-APPROVAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
                                     OF THE
                  MORGAN STANLEY RETAIL AND INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS

                           AS ADOPTED JULY 31, 2003(1)


1.   STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

     The Audit Committee of the Board is required to review and, in its sole
discretion, pre-approve all Covered Services to be provided by the Independent
Auditors to the Fund and Covered Entities in order to assure that services
performed by the Independent Auditors do not impair the auditor's independence
from the Fund.

     The SEC has issued rules specifying the types of services that an
independent auditor may not provide to its audit client, as well as the audit
committee's administration of the engagement of the independent auditor. The
SEC's rules establish two different approaches to pre-approving services, which
the SEC considers to be equally valid. Proposed services either: may be
pre-approved without consideration of specific case-by-case services by the
Audit Committee ("general pre-approval"); or require the specific pre-approval
of the Audit Committee or its delegate ("specific pre-approval"). The Audit
Committee believes that the combination of these two approaches in this Policy
will result in an effective and efficient procedure to pre-approve services
performed by the Independent Auditors. As set forth in this Policy, unless a
type of service has received general pre-approval, it will require specific
pre-approval by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to
which pre-approval authority has been delegated) if it is to be provided by the
Independent Auditors. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels
or budgeted amounts will also require specific pre-approval by the Audit
Committee.

     The appendices to this Policy describe the Audit, Audit-related, Tax and
All Other services that have the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee.
The term of any general pre-approval is 12 months from the date of pre-approval,
unless the Audit Committee considers and provides a different period and states
otherwise. The Audit Committee will annually review and pre-approve the services
that may be provided by the Independent Auditors without obtaining specific
pre-approval from the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will add to or
subtract from the list of general pre-approved services from time to time, based
on subsequent determinations.


- --------------
(1)  This Audit Committee Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy and
     Procedures (the "Policy"), adopted as of the date above, supercedes and
     replaces all prior versions that may have been adopted from time to time.

                                       3


     The purpose of this Policy is to set forth the policy and procedures by
which the Audit Committee intends to fulfill its responsibilities. It does not
delegate the Audit Committee's responsibilities to pre-approve services
performed by the Independent Auditors to management.

     The Fund's Independent Auditors have reviewed this Policy and believes that
implementation of the Policy will not adversely affect the Independent Auditors'
independence.


2.   DELEGATION

     As provided in the Act and the SEC's rules, the Audit Committee may
delegate either type of pre-approval authority to one or more of its members.
The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational
purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next
scheduled meeting.


3.   AUDIT SERVICES

     The annual Audit services engagement terms and fees are subject to the
specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee. Audit services include the annual
financial statement audit and other procedures required to be performed by the
Independent Auditors to be able to form an opinion on the Fund's financial
statements. These other procedures include information systems and procedural
reviews and testing performed in order to understand and place reliance on the
systems of internal control, and consultations relating to the audit. The Audit
Committee will approve, if necessary, any changes in terms, conditions and fees
resulting from changes in audit scope, Fund structure or other items.

     In addition to the annual Audit services engagement approved by the Audit
Committee, the Audit Committee may grant general pre-approval to other Audit
services, which are those services that only the Independent Auditors reasonably
can provide. Other Audit services may include statutory audits and services
associated with SEC registration statements (on Forms N-1A, N-2, N-3, N-4,
etc.), periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other
documents issued in connection with securities offerings.

     The Audit Committee has pre-approved the Audit services in Appendix B.1.
All other Audit services not listed in Appendix B.1 must be specifically
pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit Committee to
which pre-approval has been delegated).


                                       4


4.   AUDIT-RELATED SERVICES

     Audit-related services are assurance and related services that are
reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Fund's
financial statements and, to the extent they are Covered Services, the Covered
Entities or that are traditionally performed by the Independent Auditors.
Because the Audit Committee believes that the provision of Audit-related
services does not impair the independence of the auditor and is consistent with
the SEC's rules on auditor independence, the Audit Committee may grant general
pre-approval to Audit-related services. Audit-related services include, among
others, accounting consultations related to accounting, financial reporting or
disclosure matters not classified as "Audit services"; assistance with
understanding and implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance
from rulemaking authorities; agreed-upon or expanded audit procedures related to
accounting and/or billing records required to respond to or comply with
financial, accounting or regulatory reporting matters; and assistance with
internal control reporting requirements under Forms N-SAR and/or N-CSR.

     The Audit Committee has pre-approved the Audit-related services in Appendix
B.2. All other Audit-related services not listed in Appendix B.2 must be
specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit
Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).


5.   TAX SERVICES

     The Audit Committee believes that the Independent Auditors can provide Tax
services to the Fund and, to the extent they are Covered Services, the Covered
Entities, such as tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice without impairing
the auditor's independence, and the SEC has stated that the Independent Auditors
may provide such services.

     Pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Audit Committee has pre-approved
the Tax Services in Appendix B.3. All Tax services in Appendix B.3 must be
specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit
Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).


6.   ALL OTHER SERVICES

     The Audit Committee believes, based on the SEC's rules prohibiting the
Independent Auditors from providing specific non-audit services, that other
types of non-audit services are permitted. Accordingly, the Audit Committee
believes it may grant general pre-approval to those permissible non-audit
services classified as All Other services that it believes are routine and
recurring services, would not impair the independence of the auditor and are
consistent with the SEC's rules on auditor independence.



                                       5


     The Audit Committee has pre-approved the All Other services in Appendix
B.4. Permissible All Other services not listed in Appendix B.4 must be
specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or by any member of the Audit
Committee to which pre-approval has been delegated).


7.   PRE-APPROVAL FEE LEVELS OR BUDGETED AMOUNTS

     Pre-approval fee levels or budgeted amounts for all services to be provided
by the Independent Auditors will be established annually by the Audit Committee.
Any proposed services exceeding these levels or amounts will require specific
pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is mindful of the
overall relationship of fees for audit and non-audit services in determining
whether to pre-approve any such services.


8.   PROCEDURES

     All requests or applications for services to be provided by the Independent
Auditors that do not require specific approval by the Audit Committee will be
submitted to the Fund's Chief Financial Officer and must include a detailed
description of the services to be rendered. The Fund's Chief Financial Officer
will determine whether such services are included within the list of services
that have received the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The Audit
Committee will be informed on a timely basis of any such services rendered by
the Independent Auditors. Requests or applications to provide services that
require specific approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit
Committee by both the Independent Auditors and the Fund's Chief Financial
Officer, and must include a joint statement as to whether, in their view, the
request or application is consistent with the SEC's rules on auditor
independence.

     The Audit Committee has designated the Fund's Chief Financial Officer to
monitor the performance of all services provided by the Independent Auditors and
to determine whether such services are in compliance with this Policy. The
Fund's Chief Financial Officer will report to the Audit Committee on a periodic
basis on the results of its monitoring. Both the Fund's Chief Financial Officer
and management will immediately report to the chairman of the Audit Committee
any breach of this Policy that comes to the attention of the Fund's Chief
Financial Officer or any member of management.


9.   ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

     The Audit Committee has determined to take additional measures on an annual
basis to meet its responsibility to oversee the work of the Independent Auditors
and to assure the auditor's independence from the Fund, such as reviewing a
formal written statement from the Independent Auditors delineating all
relationships between the Independent Auditors and the Fund, consistent with
Independence Standards Board No.


                                       6


1, and discussing with the Independent Auditors its methods and procedures for
ensuring independence.


10.  COVERED ENTITIES

     Covered Entities include the Fund's investment adviser(s) and any entity
controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Fund's investment
adviser(s) that provides ongoing services to the Fund(s). Beginning with
non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund's
audit committee must pre-approve non-audit services provided not only to the
Fund but also to the Covered Entities if the engagements relate directly to the
operations and financial reporting of the Fund. This list of Covered Entities
would include:

     Morgan Stanley Retail Funds
     ---------------------------
     Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.
     Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
     Morgan Stanley DW Inc.
     Morgan Stanley Investment Management
     Morgan Stanley Investments LP
     Van Kampen Asset Management Inc.
     Morgan Stanley Services Company, Inc.
     Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc.
     Morgan Stanley Trust FSB

     Morgan Stanley Institutional Funds
     ----------------------------------
     Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
     Morgan Stanley Investments LP
     Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
     Morgan Stanley Distribution, Inc.
     Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP
     Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners LP


(e)(2) Beginning with non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May
6, 2003, the audit committee also is required to pre-approve services to Covered
Entities to the extent that the services are determined to have a direct impact
on the operations or financial reporting of the Registrant. 100% of such
services were pre-approved by the audit committee pursuant to the Audit
Committee's pre-approval policies and procedures (attached hereto).

(f) Not applicable.

(g) See table above.

(h) The audit committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the
provision of services other than audit services performed by the auditors to the
Registrant and


                                       7


Covered Entities is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence in
performing audit services.


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Applicable only for reports covering periods ending on or after the earlier of
(i) the first annual shareholder meeting after January 15, 2004 or (ii) October
31, 2004.


Item 6. Schedule of Investments

Refer to Item 1.


Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End
Management Investment Companies.

Applicable only to annual reports filed by closed-end funds.


Item 8. Closed-End Fund Repurchases

Applicable to reports filed by closed-end funds.


Item 9. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.


Item 10 - Controls and Procedures

(a) The Fund's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have
concluded that the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Fund in this Form N-CSR
was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, based
upon such officers' evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date
within 90 days of the filing date of the report.

     There were no significant changes or corrective actions with regard to
significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Fund's internal controls
or in other factors that could significantly affect the Fund's internal controls
subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

                                       8


(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year
(the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


Item 11 Exhibits

(a) The Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers is
attached hereto.

(b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal
financial officer of the registrant are attached hereto as part of EX-99.CERT.


                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

/s/ Ronald E. Robison
Ronald E. Robison
Principal Executive Officer
November 19, 2004

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.

/s/ Ronald E. Robison
Ronald E. Robison
Principal Executive Officer
November 19, 2004

/s/ Francis Smith
Francis Smith
Principal Financial Officer
November 19, 2004


                                       9


                                                                    EXHIBIT 11 A

      CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS
                              ADOPTED JULY 31, 2003


I.   This Code of Ethics (the "Code") for the investment companies within the
     Morgan Stanley complex identified in Exhibit A (collectively, "Funds" and
     each, a "Fund") applies to each Fund's Principal Executive Officer,
     President, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer (or persons performing
     similar functions) ("Covered Officers" each of whom are set forth in
     Exhibit B) for the purpose of promoting:

     o    honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual
          or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional
          relationships.

     o    full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports
          and documents that a company files with, or submits to, the Securities
          and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in other public communications
          made by the Fund;

     o    compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and
          regulations;

     o    prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate
          person or persons identified in the Code; and

     o    accountability for adherence to the Code.

          Each Covered Officer should adhere to a high standard of business
ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as
well as apparent conflicts of interest. Any question about the application of
the Code should be referred to the General Counsel or his/her designee (who is
set forth in Exhibit C).

II.  COVERED OFFICERS SHOULD HANDLE ETHICALLY ACTUAL AND APPARENT CONFLICTS OF
     INTEREST

     OVERVIEW. A "conflict of interest" occurs when a Covered Officer's private
interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of, or his
service to, the Fund. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a
Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits
as a result of his position with the Fund.

     Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between
Covered Officers and the Fund and already are subject to conflict of interest
provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") and
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Investment Advisers Act"). For example,
Covered Officers may


                                       10


not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of
securities or other property) with the Fund because of their status as
"affiliated persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Fund. The
Fund's and its investment adviser's compliance programs and procedures are
designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions.
This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and
procedures, and such conflicts fall outside the parameters of this Code, unless
or until the General Counsel determines that any violation of such programs and
procedures is also a violation of this Code.

     Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal
benefit, conflicts may arise from, or as a result of, the contractual
relationship between the Fund and its investment adviser of which the Covered
Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that
the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether
formally for the Fund or for the investment adviser, or for both), be involved
in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different
effects on the Fund and its investment adviser. The participation of the Covered
Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between
the Fund and the investment adviser and is consistent with the performance by
the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Fund. Thus, if performed
in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the
Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled
ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Funds' Boards of
Directors/Trustees ("Boards") that the Covered Officers may also be officers or
employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other
codes.

     Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts
of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the
Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of
interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these
examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal
interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the
interest of the Fund.

     Each Covered Officer must not:

     o    use his personal influence or personal relationships improperly to
          influence investment decisions or financial reporting by the Fund
          whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally (directly or
          indirectly) to the detriment of the Fund;

     o    cause the Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the
          individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than the
          benefit of the Fund; or

     o    use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or
          contemplated for, or actions proposed to be taken by, the Fund to
          trade personally or cause others to trade personally in contemplation
          of the market effect of such transactions.

                                       11


     Each Covered Officer must, at the time of signing this Code, report to the
General Counsel all affiliations or significant business relationships outside
the Morgan Stanley complex and must update the report annually.

     Conflict of interest situations should always be approved by the General
Counsel and communicated to the relevant Fund or Fund's Board. Any activity or
relationship that would present such a conflict for a Covered Officer would
likely also present a conflict for the Covered Officer if an immediate member of
the Covered Officer's family living in the same household engages in such an
activity or has such a relationship. Examples of these include:

     o    service or significant business relationships as a director on the
          board of any public or private company;

     o    accepting directly or indirectly, anything of value, including gifts
          and gratuities in excess of $100 per year from any person or entity
          with which the Fund has current or prospective business dealings, not
          including occasional meals or tickets for theatre or sporting events
          or other similar entertainment; provided it is business-related,
          reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so
          frequent as to raise any question of impropriety;

     o    any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment
          relationship with, any of the Fund's service providers, other than its
          investment adviser, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person
          thereof; and

     o    a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction
          charges or spreads paid by the Fund for effecting portfolio
          transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest
          arising from the Covered Officer's employment, such as compensation or
          equity ownership.

III. DISCLOSURE AND COMPLIANCE

     o    Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself/herself with the
          disclosure and compliance requirements generally applicable to the
          Funds;

     o    each Covered Officer must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others
          to misrepresent, facts about the Fund to others, whether within or
          outside the Fund, including to the Fund's Directors/Trustees and
          auditors, or to governmental regulators and self-regulatory
          organizations;

     o    each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his area
          of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the
          Funds and their investment advisers with the goal of promoting full,
          fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports
          and documents the Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other
          public communications made by the Funds; and


                                       12


     o    it is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance
          with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules
          and regulations.

IV.  REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

     Each Covered Officer must:

     o    upon adoption of the Code (thereafter as applicable, upon becoming a
          Covered Officer), affirm in writing to the Boards that he has
          received, read and understands the Code;

     o    annually thereafter affirm to the Boards that he has complied with the
          requirements of the Code;

     o    not retaliate against any other Covered Officer, other officer or any
          employee of the Funds or their affiliated persons for reports of
          potential violations that are made in good faith; and

     o    notify the General Counsel promptly if he/she knows or suspects of any
          violation of this Code. Failure to do so is itself a violation of this
          Code.

     The General Counsel is responsible for applying this Code to specific
situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to
interpret this Code in any particular situation. However, any waivers(2) sought
by a Covered Officer must be considered by the Board of the relevant Fund or
Funds.

     The Funds will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this
Code:

     o    the General Counsel will take all appropriate action to investigate
          any potential violations reported to him;

     o    if, after such investigation, the General Counsel believes that no
          violation has occurred, the General Counsel is not required to take
          any further action;

     o    any matter that the General Counsel believes is a violation will be
          reported to the relevant Fund's Audit Committee;

     o    if the directors/trustees/managing general partners who are not
          "interested persons" as defined by the Investment Company Act (the
          "Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners") of the
          relevant Fund concur that a violation has occurred, they will consider
          appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate
          modifications to, applicable


- ------------------
(2)  Item 2 of Form N-CSR defines "waiver" as "the approval by the registrant of
     a material departure from a provision of the code of ethics."


                                       13


          policies and procedures; notification to appropriate personnel of the
          investment adviser or its board; or a recommendation to dismiss the
          Covered Officer or other appropriate disciplinary actions;

     o    the Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General Partners of the
          relevant Fund will be responsible for granting waivers of this Code,
          as appropriate; and

     o    any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required,
          be disclosed as provided by SEC rules.

V.   OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for
purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and
forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other
policies or procedures of the Funds, the Funds' investment advisers, principal
underwriters, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the
behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code,
they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict
with the provisions of this Code unless any provision of this Code conflicts
with any applicable federal or state law, in which case the requirements of such
law will govern. The Funds' and their investment advisers' and principal
underwriters' codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act
and Morgan Stanley's Code of Ethics are separate requirements applying to the
Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code.

VI.  AMENDMENTS

     Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibits A, B or C,
must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the Board of each Fund,
including a majority of Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing General
Partners.

VII. CONFIDENTIALITY

     All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will
be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly.
Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be
disclosed to anyone other than the Independent Directors/Trustees/Managing
General Partners of the relevant Fund or Funds and their counsel, the relevant
Fund or Funds and their counsel and the relevant investment adviser and its
counsel.


                                       14



VIII. INTERNAL USE

     The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Funds and does not
constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Fund, as to any fact,
circumstance, or legal conclusion



I have read and understand the terms of the above Code. I recognize the
responsibilities and obligations incurred by me as a result of my being subject
to the Code. I hereby agree to abide by the above Code.


- ------------------------------

Date:
      ------------------------


                                       15


                                    EXHIBIT B

                               INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
                                COVERED OFFICERS

                          Mitchell M. Merin - President
  Ronald E. Robison - Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer
            James W. Garrett - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

                                  RETAIL FUNDS
                                COVERED OFFICERS

                          Mitchell M. Merin - President
  Ronald E. Robison - Executive Vice President and Principal Executive Officer
               Frank Smith - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer



                                       16



                                    EXHIBIT C

                                 GENERAL COUNSEL

                                   Barry Fink


                                       17


                                                                   EXHIBIT 11 B1

                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

                                 CERTIFICATIONS

I, Ronald E. Robison, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Developing
     Growth Securities Trust;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
     statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
     were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
     report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial
     information included in this report, fairly present in all material
     respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net
     assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include
     a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
     presented in this report;

4.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
     establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
     in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the
     registrant and have:

a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
     controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
     that material information relating to the registrant, including its
     consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
     entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
     prepared;

[b) Omitted.]

c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
     procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
     effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date
     within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such
     evaluation; and

d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
     over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
     fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of
     an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
     materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
     reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the
     registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
     directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
     operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
     likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
     summarize, and report financial information; and


                                       18


b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
     employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls
     over financial reporting.

Date: November 19, 2004

                                                     /s/ Ronald E. Robison
                                                     Ronald E. Robison
                                                     Principal Executive Officer




                                       19



                                                                   EXHIBIT 11 B2

                  CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

                                 CERTIFICATIONS

I, Francis Smith, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Developing
     Growth Securities Trust;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
     statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
     were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
     report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial
     information included in this report, fairly present in all material
     respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net
     assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include
     a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
     presented in this report;

4.   The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
     establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
     in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the
     registrant and have:

a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
     controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
     that material information relating to the registrant, including its
     consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
     entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
     prepared;

[b) Omitted.]

c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
     procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
     effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date
     within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such
     evaluation; and

d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
     over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
     fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of
     an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
     materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial
     reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the
     registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
     directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
     operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
     likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
     summarize, and report financial information; and

                                       20


b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
     employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls
     over financial reporting.

Date: November 19, 2004

                                                     /s/ Francis Smith
                                                     Francis Smith
                                                     Principal Financial Officer


                                       21



                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

     In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended September 30, 2004 that is accompanied
by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
     respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.



Date: November 19, 2004                              /s/ Ronald E. Robison
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Ronald E. Robison
                                                     Principal Executive Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust and will be
retained by Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust and furnished to
the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


                                       22


                            SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

                Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
                             As Adopted Pursuant to
                  Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust

     In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended September 30, 2004 that is accompanied
by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

1.   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)
     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
     respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.



Date: November 19, 2004                              /s/ Francis Smith
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Francis Smith
                                                     Principal Financial Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust and will be
retained by Morgan Stanley Developing Growth Securities Trust and furnished to
the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





                                       23