Morgan Stanley Tax Exempt Securities Trust N-CSRS Certified semi-annual shareholder report (management investment company)

                                  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: 811-02979

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt 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: December 31, 2006

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2006

Item 1 - Report to Shareholders

Welcome, Shareholder:

In this report, you’ll learn about how your investment in Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust performed during the semiannual 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. Please see the prospectus for more complete information on investment risks.

	Fund Report
	For the six months ended June 30, 2006

Total Return for the 6 Months Ended June 30, 2006

Class A						Class B						Class C						Class D						Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index1						Lipper General Municipal Debt Funds Index2
0.65%						0.48%						0.42%						0.85%							0.28	%					0.48	%

The performance of the Fund’s four share classes varies because each has different expenses. The Fund’s total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions but do not reflect the deduction of any applicable sales charges. Such costs would lower performance. See Performance Summary for standardized performance and benchmark information.

Market Conditions

The pace of U.S. economic growth remained resilient during the first half of 2006 despite record oil prices and a slowdown in housing. Recently, the market has focused on the change in leadership at the Federal Reserve Board (the ‘‘Fed’’) and uncertainties created by inflationary pressures and forecasts of slower growth.

As investors had anticipated, the Fed continued to raise the federal funds target rate in 25 basis point increments at each of its four meetings in the first six months of 2006, bringing the rate to 5.25 percent as of June 29. Since June 2004, the Fed has raised the rate 17 consecutive times. Representative yields on two-year AAA-rated municipal bonds generally followed the federal funds target rate, rising 50 basis points, while yields on 30-year bonds rose only 25 basis points from 4.40 to 4.65 percent during the first half of 2006. Accordingly, the slope of the municipal yield curve continued to flatten as the spread (the difference between yields on short-term and long-term interest rates) narrowed.

Investors’ quest for yield favored lower-quality bonds over high-grade issues and continued to keep credit spreads relatively tight. Credit spreads measure the incremental yield investors are willing to accept to assume additional credit risk. When credit spreads tighten, lower-quality issues typically outperform high-grade issues.

Reinvestment of an estimated $100 billion of bond maturities, calls and coupons for June, July and August strengthened demand for municipal bonds. Although municipal bond issuance picked up during the quarter, supply continued to lag last year’s record pace. New issue volume in the first six months of 2006 declined by nearly 15 percent. Rising interest rates discouraged municipalities from refinancing debt and the pace of refunding activity slowed substantially. Issuers in California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois accounted for about 40 percent of 2006 year-to-date underwriting volume. Bond issues backed by insurance had close to a 50 percent market share.

Performance Analysis

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust outperformed the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index for the six months ended June 30, 2006, assuming no deduction of applicable sales charges.

2

The Fund’s Class A and D shares outperformed the Lipper General Municipal Debt Funds Index for the six-month period, Class B shares performed in line with the Lipper Index, and Class C shares underperformed the Lipper Index, also assuming no deduction of applicable sales charges.

The Fund made ongoing adjustments to its portfolio to reduce volatility during the period in anticipation of continued Fed tightening and generally higher interest rates. For example, a U.S. Treasury futures hedge was used to reduce the portfolio’s duration.* At the end of June, the Fund’s option-adjusted duration was 6.9 years. This duration positioning helped total returns as rates rose.

The Fund maintained its high-quality bias, with over 82 percent of the portfolio rated A or better. However, exposure to investment-grade bonds rated BBB was modestly increased by purchases of tobacco securitization bonds in the industrial development/ pollution control sector. This had a positive impact on performance as lower-rated issues outperformed. The Fund also favored bonds with strong in-state investor demand. Reflecting a commitment to diversification, the Fund’s net assets of approximately $1.1 billion were invested among 16 long-term sectors and 147 credits.

*    A measure of the sensitivity of a bond’s price to changes in interest rates, expressed in years. Each year of duration represents an expected 1 percent change in the price of a bond for every 1 percent change in interest rates. The longer a bond’s duration, the greater the effect of interest-rate movements on its price. Typically, funds with shorter durations perform better in rising-interest-rate environments, while funds with longer durations perform better when rates decline.

There is no guarantee that any sectors mentioned will continue to perform as discussed herein or that securities in such sectors will be held by the Fund in the future.

3

TOP FIVE SECTORS
Transportation					20.2	%
Water & Sewer					13.4
Electric					13.4
Hospital					10.4
IDR/PCR*					9.4

* Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue

LONG-TERM CREDIT ANALYSIS
Aaa/AAA					62.2	%
Aa/AA					11.8
A/A					8.3
Baa/BBB					11.7
Ba/BB or Less					1.9
NR					4.1

Data as of June 30, 2006. Subject to change daily. All percentages for top five sectors are as a percentage of net assets and all percentages for long-term credit analysis are as a percentage of total long-term investments. These data are 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.

Investment Strategy

The Fund will normally invest at least 80 percent of its assets in securities that pay interest exempt from federal income taxes. This policy is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund’s ‘‘Investment Adviser,’’ Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc., generally invests the Fund’s assets in municipal obligations. Municipal obligations are bonds, notes or short-term commercial paper issued by state governments, local governments, and/or their respective agencies.

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. The semiannual reports and the annual reports are filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form N-CSRS and Form N-CSR, respectively. 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

4

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.

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

	Distribution by Maturity
	(% of Long-Term Portfolio) As of June 30, 2006

Weighted Average Maturity: 16 Years^(a)

(a) Where applicable maturities reflect mandatory tenders, puts and call dates.

Portfolio structure is subject to change.

Geographic Summary of Investments
Based on Market Value as a Percent of Net Assets

Alabama					0.6	%
Alaska					3.1
Arizona					3.3
Arkansas					0.2
California					8.6
Colorado					3.2
Connecticut					1.2
District of Columbia					2.1
Florida					2.6
Georgia					3.9
Hawaii					0.5	%
Idaho					0.1
Illinois					5.1
Indiana					2.5
Iowa					1.1
Kansas					0.6
Kentucky					4.1
Maryland					0.7
Massachusetts					1.7
Michigan					2.2
Missouri					1.8	%
Nevada					2.2
New Hampshire					0.1
New Jersey					4.6
New Mexico					0.9
New York					15.3
North Carolina					1.1
Ohio					3.2
Pennsylvania					1.3
Puerto Rico					1.8
South Carolina					1.5	%
Tennessee					1.4
Texas					8.5
Utah					1.4
Vermont					0.2
Virginia					2.0
Washington					4.0
West Virginia					0.4
Wisconsin					1.1
Joint exemption*					(1.0	)
Total†					99.2	%

* Joint exemption have been included in each geographic location.

† Does not include open short futures contracts with an underlying face amount of $46,750,782 with unrealized appreciation of $202,669.

6

	Call and Cost (Book) Yield Structure
	(Based on Long-Term Portfolio) As of June 30, 2006

Years Bonds Callable—Weighted Average Call Protection: 6 Years

Cost (Book) Yield^(b)—Weighted Average Book Yield: 5.5%

	(a)	May include issues initially callable in previous years.

	(b)	Cost or ‘‘book’’ yield is the annual income earned on a portfolio investment based on its original purchase price before the Fund's operating expenses. For example, the Fund is earning a book yield of 7.4% on 5% of the long-term portfolio that is callable in 2006.

		Portfolio structure is subject to change.

7

	Performance Summary

Average Annual Total Returns — Period Ended June 30, 2006

						Class A Shares* (since 03/27/80)						Class B Shares** (since 07/28/97)						Class C Shares† (since 07/28/97)						Class D Shares†† (since 03/27/80)
Symbol						TAXAX						TAXBX						TAXCX						TAXDX
1 Year							1.27 %	3					0.93 %	3					0.82 %	3					1.52 %	3
							(3.03)	4					(3.86)	4					(0.14)	4					—
5 Years							4.82	3					4.38	3					4.28	3					5.03	3
							3.91	4					4.05	4					4.28	4					—
10 Years							5.37	3					—						—						5.57	3
							4.91	4					—						—						—
Since Inception							7.83	3					4.49	3					4.35	3					8.08	3
							7.65	4					4.49	4					4.35	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 www.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 table does 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.

Prior to July 28, 1997 the Fund offered only one class of shares. Because the distribution arrangement for Class A most closely resembled the distribution arrangement applicable prior to the implementation of multiple classes (i.e., Class A is sold with a front-end sales charge), historical performance information has been restated to reflect the actual maximum sales charge applicable to Class A (i.e., 4.25%) as compared to the 4.00% sales charge in effect prior to July 28, 1997. In addition, Class A shares are now subject to an ongoing 12b-1 fee, which is reflected in the restated performance for that class.

Because all shares of the fund held prior to July 28, 1997 were designated Class D shares, the Fund's historical performance has been restated to reflect the absence of any sales charge.

* The maximum front-end sales charge for Class A is 4.25%.

** 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 1.0% for shares redeemed within one year of purchase.

†† Class D has no sales charge.

(1) The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index tracks the performance of municipal bonds rated at least Baa or BBB by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation, respectively and with maturities of 2 years or greater. 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 General Municipal Debt Funds Index is an equally weighted performance index of the largest qualifying funds (based on net assets) in the Lipper General Municipal Debt 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.

8

	Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including advisory 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 01/01/06 – 06/30/06.

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 and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) and redemption fees. 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. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

				Beginning Account Value				Ending Account Value				Expenses Paid During Period*
				01/01/06				06/30/06				01/01/06 – 06/30/06
Class A
Actual (0.65% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,006.50			$	3.88
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,020.93			$	3.91
Class B
Actual (0.48% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,004.80			$	5.67
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,019.14			$	5.71
Class C
Actual (0.42% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,004.20			$	6.16
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,018.65			$	6.21
Class D
Actual (0.85% return)				$	1,000.00			$	1,008.50			$	2.69
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)				$	1,000.00			$	1,022.12			$	2.71

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratios of 0.78%, 1.14%, 1.24% and 0.54% for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

9

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

The Board reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the investment advisory services provided by the Investment Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including portfolio management, investment research and fixed income securities trading. The Board also reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the non-advisory, administrative services provided by the Fund’s Administrator under the Administration Agreement, including accounting, clerical, bookkeeping, compliance, business management and planning, and the provision of supplies, office space and utilities at the Investment Adviser’s expense. (The Investment Adviser and the Administrator together are referred to as the ‘‘Adviser’’ and the Advisory and Administration Agreements together are referred to as the ‘‘Management Agreement.’’) The Board also compared the nature of the services provided by the Adviser with similar services provided by non-affiliated advisers as reported to the Board by Lipper Inc. (‘‘Lipper’’).

The Board reviewed and considered the qualifications of the portfolio managers, the senior administrative managers and other key personnel of the Adviser who provide the advisory and administrative services to the Fund. The Board determined that the Adviser’s portfolio managers and key personnel are well qualified by education and/or training and experience to perform the services in an efficient and professional manner. The Board concluded that the nature and extent of the advisory and administrative services provided were necessary and appropriate for the conduct of the business and investment activities of the Fund. The Board also concluded that the overall quality of the advisory and administrative services was satisfactory.

Performance Relative to Comparable Funds Managed by Other Advisers

On a regular basis, the Board reviews the performance of all funds in the Morgan Stanley Fund Complex, including the Fund, compared to their peers, paying specific attention to the underperforming funds. In addition, the Board specifically reviewed the Fund’s performance for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended November 30, 2005, as shown in a report provided by Lipper (the ‘‘Lipper Report’’), compared to the performance of comparable funds selected by Lipper (the ‘‘performance peer group’’). The Board also discussed with the Adviser the performance goals and the actual results achieved in managing the Fund. The Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was competitive with that of its performance peer group.

Fees Relative to Other Priority Funds Managed by the Adviser with Comparable
Investment Strategies

The Board noted that the Adviser did not manage any other proprietary funds with investment strategies comparable to those of the Fund.

Fees and Expenses Relative to Comparable Funds Managed by Other Advisers

The Board reviewed the advisory and administrative fee (together, the ‘‘management fee’’) rate and total expense ratio of the Fund as compared to the average management fee rate and average total expense ratio for funds, selected by Lipper (the ‘‘expense peer group’’), managed by other advisers with investment strategies comparable to those of the Fund, as shown in the Lipper Report. The Board concluded that the Fund’s management fee rate and total expense ratio were competitive with those of its expense peer group.

10

Breakpoints and Economies of Scale

The Board reviewed the structure of the Fund’s management fee schedule under the Management Agreement and noted that it includes breakpoints. The Board also reviewed the level of the Fund’s management fee and noted that the fee, as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets, would decrease as net assets increase because the management fee includes breakpoints. The Board concluded that the Fund’s management fee would reflect economies of scale as assets increase.

Profitability of the Adviser and Affiliates

The Board considered information concerning the costs incurred and profits realized by the Adviser and affiliates during the last year from their relationship with the Fund and during the last two years from their relationship with the Morgan Stanley Fund Complex and reviewed with the Adviser the cost allocation methodology used to determine the profitability of the Adviser and affiliates. Based on its review of the information it received, the Board concluded that the profits earned by the Adviser and affiliates were not excessive in light of the advisory, administrative and other services provided to the Fund.

Fall-Out Benefits

The Board considered so-called ‘‘fall-out benefits’’ derived by the Adviser and affiliates from their relationship with the Fund and the Morgan Stanley Fund Complex, such as sales charges on sales of Class A shares and ‘‘float’’ benefits derived from handling of checks for purchases and sales of Fund shares, through a broker-dealer affiliate of the Adviser. The Board also considered that a broker-dealer affiliate of the Adviser receives from the Fund 12b-1 fees for distribution and shareholder services. The Board concluded that the float benefits were relatively small and the sales charges and 12b-1 fees were competitive with those of other broker-dealers.

Soft Dollar Benefits

The Board considered whether the Adviser realizes any benefits from commissions paid to brokers who execute securities transactions for the Fund (‘‘soft dollars’’). The Board noted that the Fund invests only in fixed income securities, which do not generate soft dollars.

Adviser Financially Sound and Financially Capable of Meeting the Fund’s Needs

The Board considered whether the Adviser is financially sound and has the resources necessary to perform its obligations under the Management Agreement. The Board noted that the Adviser’s operations remain profitable, although increased expenses in recent years have reduced the Adviser’s profitability. The Board concluded that the Adviser has the financial resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under the Management Agreement.

Historical Relationship Between the Fund and the Adviser

The Board also reviewed and considered the historical relationship between the Fund and the Adviser, including the organizational structure of the Adviser, the policies and procedures formulated and adopted by the Adviser for managing the Fund’s operations and the Board’s confidence in the competence and integrity of the senior managers and key personnel of the Adviser. The Board concluded that it is beneficial for the Fund to continue its relationship with the Adviser.

11

Other Factors and Current Trends

The Board considered the controls and procedures adopted and implemented by the Adviser and monitored by the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer and concluded that the conduct of business by the Adviser indicates a good faith effort on its part to adhere to high ethical standards in the conduct of the Fund’s business.

General Conclusion

After considering and weighing all of the above factors, the Board concluded that it would be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to approve renewal of the Management Agreement for another year.

12

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited)

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
				Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds (96.3%)
				General Obligation (6.9%)
				North Slope Borough, Alaska,
$	9,500			Ser 1999 A (MBIA)				0.00  %					06/30/10			$	8,057,425
	25,000			Ser 2000 B (MBIA)					0.00				06/30/11				20,328,500
	5,000			California, Various Purpose Dtd 04/01/02					6.00				04/01/19				5,708,300
	4,000			Connecticut, College Savings 1989 Ser A					0.00				07/01/08				3,704,440
				Chicago, Illinois,
	5,000			Refg Ser 1995 A-2 (Ambac)					6.25				01/01/14				5,641,800
	2,000			Refg 2001 A (MBIA)					0.00	#			01/01/17				1,702,120
	4,280			Chicago Park District, Illinois, Ser 2004 A (Ambac)					5.00				01/01/26				4,374,845
	3,000			Clark County, Nevada, Transportation Ser 1992 A (Ambac)					6.50				06/01/17				3,530,340
	2,000			New York City, New York, 2005 Ser G					5.00				12/01/25				2,029,440
	4,810			New York State, Refg Ser 1995 B					5.70				08/15/10				4,864,786
	10,000			South-Western City School District, Ohio, Ser 1999 (Ambac)					4.75				12/01/19				10,117,600
	5,000			Pennsylvania, First Ser 2003 RITES PA – 1112 B (MBIA)					5.407	‡			01/01/19				5,558,800
	79,590																75,618,396
				Educational Facilities Revenue (3.0%)
	4,000			California Public Works Board, University of California 1993 Refg Ser A					5.50				06/01/21				4,002,400
	1,000			University of Idaho, Student Fee Ser H (FGIC)					5.25				04/01/31				1,034,730
	2,000			Maryland Health & Educational Facilities Authority, The Johns Hopkins University Refg Ser 1998					5.125				07/01/20				2,075,200
				New York State Dormitory Authority,
	5,000			City University Ser 2000 A (Ambac)					6.125				07/01/13				5,445,650
	2,000			State University 1990 Ser					7.50				05/15/13				2,377,040
	5,000			State University 1993 Ser					5.25				05/15/15				5,319,400
	2,000			University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Student Housing Ser 2005 COPs (FGIC)					5.00				06/01/31				2,030,840
	3,280			Texas State University, Ser 1998 A (FSA)					5.125				03/15/18				3,330,315
	3,500			University of Texas, Ser 2004 D					5.00				08/15/25				3,592,645
				University of West Virginia,
	2,000			Ser C 2004 (FGIC)					5.00				10/01/27				2,049,440
	2,000			Ser C 2004 (FGIC)					5.00				10/01/28				2,045,320
	31,780																33,302,980

See Notes to Financial Statements

13

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
				Electric Revenue (13.4%)
				Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement & Power District, Arizona,
$	25,000			Refg 1993 Ser C (Secondary MBIA)					5.50	%			01/01/10			$	26,310,250
	2,500			Refg 2002 Ser A					5.25				01/01/19				2,642,200
	9,000			Southern California Public Power Authority, Mead-Adelanto 1994 Ser A (Ambac)					6.67	‡			07/01/15				10,263,960
	15,000			Colorado Springs, Colorado, Utilities Refg Ser 2002 (Ambac)					5.375				11/15/20				16,006,350
	9,420			Georgia Municipal Electric Power Authority, Fifth Ser (Secondary MBIA)					6.50				01/01/17				10,847,507
	4,000			Indiana Municipal Power Agency, 2004 Ser A (FGIC)					5.00				01/01/32				4,059,480
	3,050			Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, Utility Ser 2004 B (FSA)					5.00				09/01/27				3,124,817
	4,000			Missouri Joint Municipal Electrical Utility Commission, Plum Point Ser 2006					5.00				01/01/25				4,129,840
	5,000			Long Island Power Authority, New York, Ser 2000 A (FSA)					0.00				06/01/17				3,075,650
				North Carolina Municipal Power Agency,
	5,000			Catawba Ser 1998 A (MBIA)					5.50				01/01/15				5,429,100
	4,000			Catawba Ser 2003 A (MBIA)					5.25				01/01/19				4,196,480
	15,000			Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Ser O					0.00				07/01/17				9,026,100
	5,000			South Carolina Public Service Authority, Refg Ser 2002 D (FSA)					5.00				01/01/21				5,148,100
	8,000			Memphis, Tennessee, Ser 2003 A (MBIA)					5.00				12/01/17				8,314,640
	10,105			Intermountain Power Agency, Utah, Refg 1997 Ser B (MBIA)					5.75				07/01/19				10,471,811
	3,000			Chelan County Public Utility District #1, Washington, Hydro Ser 1997 A (AMT)					5.60				07/01/32				3,056,970
				Grant County Public Utility District #2, Washington,
	5,000			Refg Ser 2001 H (FSA)					5.375				01/01/18				5,264,650
	5,000			Wanapum Hydro Refg Ser A 2005					5.00				01/01/38				5,050,000
	7,330			Seattle Municipal Light & Power, Washington, Impr & Refg Ser 2001 (FSA)					5.50				03/01/18				7,739,967
	3,000			Washington Public Power Supply System, Project #2 Refg Ser 1994 A (FGIC)					0.00				07/01/09				2,656,560
	147,405																146,814,432
				Hospital Revenue (10.4%)
	2,220			Birmingham-Carraway Special Care Facilities Financing Authority, Alabama, Carraway Methodist Health Ser 1995 A (Connie Lee)					5.875				08/15/15				2,262,158
				Glendale, Industrial Development Authority, Arizona
	3,250			John C Lincoln Health Ser 2005 B					5.25				12/01/23				3,309,312
	2,250			John C Lincoln Health Ser 2005 B					5.25				12/01/25				2,289,375
	2,000			University of Arkansas, UAMS Campus Ser 2004 B (MBIA)					5.00				11/01/34				2,040,180

See Notes to Financial Statements

14

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
				California Statewide Communities Development Authority,
$	5,000			Adventist Healthwest 2005 Ser A					5.00	%			03/01/30			$	5,001,400
	2,500			Huntington Memorial Hospital Ser 2005					5.00				07/01/35				2,508,075
	7,000			John Muir Health Ser 2006 A					5.00				08/15/32				7,034,440
	3,560			Loma Linda, California, Loma Linda University Medical Center Ser 2005 A					5.00				12/01/22				3,554,731
	4,000			Highlands County Health Facilities Authority, Florida, Adventist Health/ Sunbelt Ser 2006C					5.25				11/15/36				4,094,600
	5,000			Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Loyola University Health Ser 2001 A					6.00				07/01/21				5,222,250
	6,000			Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Medstar Health Refg Ser 2004					5.50				08/15/33				6,191,880
				Michigan Hospital Finance Authority,
	4,000			Henry Ford Refg Ser 2006 A					5.25				11/15/32				4,114,200
	5,000			Henry Ford Refg Ser 2006 A					5.25				11/15/46				5,090,200
	10,000			Missouri Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Barnes-Jewish /Christian Health Ser 1993 A					5.25				05/15/14				10,560,000
				Henderson, Nevada,
	7,760			Catholic Health West 1998 Ser A					5.375				07/01/26				7,877,021
	2,000			Catholic Health West 1998 Ser A					5.125				07/01/28				2,007,880
				New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority,
	9,000			Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Ser 2000					5.75				07/01/25				9,449,910
	2,000			St Barnabas Health Refg Ser 1998 B (MBIA)					5.25				07/01/18				2,071,580
	10,000			New York State Dormitory Authority, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 2003 Ser I					5.00				07/01/34				10,108,300
	3,000			Erie County, Ohio, Firelands Regional Medical Center Ser 2002					5.625				08/15/32				3,121,080
	5,000			Lorain County, Ohio, Catholic Health Ser 9 2001 A					5.25				10/01/33				5,137,600
	5,000			Lehigh County General Purpose Authority, Pennsylvania, St Luke's of Bethlehem Hospital Ser A 2003					5.375				08/15/33				5,110,900
	465			South Carolina Jobs Economic Development Authority, Palmetto Health Alliance Refg Ser 2003 C					6.875				08/01/27				528,180
	5,000			North Central Texas Health Facilities Development Corporation, University Medical Center Inc Ser 1997 (FSA)					5.45				04/01/15				5,129,800
	111,005																113,815,052

See Notes to Financial Statements

15

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
				Industrial Development/Pollution Control Revenue (9.4%)
$	3,000			California County Tobacco Securitization Agency, Los Angeles County Securitization Corporation Ser 2006					0.00	#%			06/01/28			$	2,354,520
				Tobacco Settlement Authority, Iowa,
	5,000			Ser 2005 C					5.375				06/01/38				5,006,800
	7,000			Ser 2005 C					5.50				06/01/42				7,070,910
	10,000			Michigan Strategic Fund, Detroit Edison Co Ser 1999 B (AMT)					5.65				09/01/29				10,408,500
	4,000			New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Continental Airlines Inc Ser 1999 (AMT)					6.25				09/15/19				4,099,000
	9,355			Nassau County, New York, Tobacco Settlement Corporation, Ser 2006					5.00				06/01/35				9,055,921
				New York City Industrial Development Agency, New York,
	14,000			American Airlines Inc Ser 2005 (AMT)					7.625				08/01/25				16,196,740
	6,000			7 World Trade Center, LLC Ser A					6.25				03/01/15				6,369,000
	5,000			7 World Trade Center, LLC Ser A					6.50				03/01/35				5,318,900
	7,000			TSASC Inc, New York, Tobacco Settlement Ser 2006 – 1					5.125				06/01/42				6,853,420
	3,000			Westchester Tobacco Asset Securitization Corporation, New York, Ser 2005					5.125				06/01/38				2,944,380
	5,000			Brazos River Authority, Texas, Texas Utilities Electric Co Ser 1999 C (AMT)					7.70				03/01/32				5,813,400
	10,000			Sabine River Authority, Texas, Texas Utilities Electric Co Refg Ser 2001 B (AMT) (Mandatory Tender 11/01/11)					5.75				05/01/30				10,548,600
	1,000			Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation, Virginia, Ser 2005					5.50				06/01/26				1,025,810
	10,000			Weston, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public Service Co Refg Ser 1993 A					6.90				02/01/13				10,021,700
	99,355																103,087,601
				Mortgage Revenue – Multi-Family (0.3%)
	3,447			New York City Housing Development Corporation, New York, Ruppert Project – FHA Ins Sec 223F					6.50				11/15/18				3,623,513
				Mortgage Revenue – Single Family (1.3%)
	6,040			Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, 1997 Ser A (MBIA)††					6.00				06/01/27				6,182,302
	1,760			California Housing Finance Agency, Home 1983 Ser B					0.00				08/01/15				779,926
				Colorado Housing & Finance Authority,
	115			1997 Ser B-2 (AMT)					7.00				05/01/26				117,501
	190			1997 Ser C-2 (AMT)					6.875				11/01/28				191,771
	300			1998 Ser A-2 (AMT)					6.60				05/01/28				308,199
	1,490			Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation, Purchase 1997 Ser A (AMT)					5.75				07/01/30				1,497,286

See Notes to Financial Statements

16

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
				Missouri Housing Development Commission,
$	245			Homeownership 1996 Ser C (AMT)					7.45	%			09/01/27			$	246,419
	510			Homeownership 1997 Ser C-1					6.55				09/01/28				523,071
	80			Homeownership 1998 Ser B-2 (AMT)					6.40				03/01/29				82,482
	250			Homeownership Ser 2000 B-1 (AMT)					7.45				09/01/31				250,867
	605			New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, Mortgage Acquisition 2000 Ser B (AMT)					6.70				07/01/29				620,276
	3,810			Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Residential 1996 Ser B-2 (AMT)					6.10				09/01/28				3,822,040
	15,395																14,622,140
				Nursing & Health Related Facilities Revenue (0.4%)
	200			Marion, Iowa, AHF/Kentucky-Iowa Inc Ser 2003					6.50	#			01/01/29				210,444
	405			Kentucky Economic Development Financing Authority, AHF/Kentucky-Iowa Inc Ser 2003					6.50	#			01/01/29				426,149
	1,710			Chester County Industrial Development Authority, Pennsylvania, RHA/PA Nursing Home Inc Ser 1989					8.50				05/01/32				1,718,191
	2,500			Wisconsin Health & Education Facilities Authority, Marshfield Clinic Ser 2006 A					5.375				02/15/34				2,562,900
	4,815																4,917,684
				Public Facilities Revenue (2.4%)
	3,710			Jefferson County, Alabama, School Ser 2004-A					5.25				01/01/23				3,846,083
	2,500			Jacksonville, Florida, Sales Tax Ser 2001 (Ambac)					5.50				10/01/17				2,663,725
	2,500			Miami-Dade County, Florida, Ser 2005 (MBIA)					0.00	#			10/01/35				2,174,700
	3,495			Illinois, Civic Center Dedicated Tax Ser 1991 (Ambac)					6.25				12/15/20				4,061,924
	3,000			Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gross Receipts Lodgers' Tax Refg Ser 2004 A (FSA)					5.00				07/01/37				3,038,490
	5,000			Ohio Building Authority, 2001 Ser A (FSA)					5.50				10/01/18				5,322,600
	5,000			Charleston Educational Excellence Financing Corporation, South Carolina, Charleston County School District Ser 2005					5.25				12/01/30				5,166,800
	25,205																26,274,322
				Recreational Facilities Revenue (3.6%)
	1,650			Metropolitan Football Stadium District, Colorado, Sales Tax Ser 1999 A (MBIA)					0.00	#			01/01/11				1,370,787
	9,000			Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribe, Connecticut, Special 1997 Ser B (a)					5.75				09/01/27				9,167,220
	12,000			District of Columbia, Ballpark Ser 2006 B-1 (FGIC)					5.00				02/01/31				12,205,200

See Notes to Financial Statements

17

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
$	20,000			Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, Illinois, Refg Ser 2002 B (MBIA)					0.00	#%			06/15/22			$	12,102,000
	5,000			Hamilton County, Ohio, Sales Tax Ser 2000 (Ambac)					5.25				12/01/32				5,172,900
	47,650																40,018,107
				Retirement & Life Care Facilities Revenue (1.4%)
				Riverside County Public Financing Authority, California,
	2,000			Air Force Village West Inc COPs					5.75				05/15/19				2,056,820
	3,900			Air Force Village West Inc COPs					5.80				05/15/29				3,990,831
	2,000			Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, White Marsh Ser 2005					6.125				02/01/28				2,104,080
	5,000			Lubbock Health Facilities Development Corporation, Texas, Carillon Senior Life Care Ser 2005 A					6.625				07/01/36				5,073,700
	2,050			Vermont Economic Development Authority, Wake Robin Corp Ser 2006 A (WI)					5.375				05/01/36				2,028,496
	14,950																15,253,927
				Tax Allocation Revenue (0.7%)
	5,000			Rosemead Redevelopment Agency, California, Project #1 Ser 1993 A					5.60				10/01/33				5,001,700
	3,000			Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, Area B Refg Ser 2005					5.00				12/01/20				3,050,610
	8,000																8,052,310
				Transportation Facilities Revenue (20.2%)
	10,000			Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, California, Ser 1999					0.00	#			01/15/27				8,679,300
	5,000			San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, California, Sales Tax Ser 1998 (Ambac)					4.75				07/01/23				5,030,750
				E-470 Public Highway Authority, Colorado,
	20,000			Ser 1997 B (MBIA)					0.00				09/01/14				13,934,200
	5,000			Ser 1997 B (MBIA)					0.00				09/01/16				3,139,150
	10,000			Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, District of Columbia & Virginia, Ser 2001A (AMT) (MBIA)†††					5.50				10/01/27				10,501,800
	8,500			Jacksonville, Florida, Transportation Ser 2001 (MBIA)					5.00				10/01/26				8,626,735
	7,540			Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, Florida, Sr Lien Crossover Refg Ser 1993 A (Ambac)					5.85				10/01/13				7,920,167
				Atlanta, Georgia,
	5,000			Airport Ser 2000 A (FGIC)					5.88				01/01/17				5,334,450
	5,000			Airport Passenger Facilities Charge Ser 2004 C (FSA)					5.00				01/01/33				5,057,500
	4,000			Airport Passenger Facilities Charge Ser 2004 J (FSA)					5.00				01/01/34				4,045,560
	3,460			Hawaii, Airport 2000 Ser B (AMT) (FGIC)					6.63				07/01/17				3,792,125

See Notes to Financial Statements

18

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
$	5,000			Chicago, Illinois, O' Hare International Airport Ser 2005 A (MBIA)					5.25	%			01/01/24			$	5,245,950
	6,000			Regional Transportation Authority, Illinois, Refg Ser 1999 (FSA)					5.75				06/01/21				6,776,880
				Kentucky Turnpike Authority,
	9,000			Economic Development Road Refg Ser 1995 (Ambac)					6.50				07/01/08				9,451,080
	30,000			Resource Recovery Road 1987 Ser A					5.00				07/01/08				30,026,400
				Massachusetts Turnpike Authority,
	2,750			Metropolitan Highway ROLS RRII RS36 (MBIA)					7.608	‡			01/01/37				2,819,300
	7,145			Western 1997 Ser A (MBIA)					5.55				01/01/17				7,426,584
	4,140			Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission, Ser A 2001					5.125				02/01/19				4,319,345
	5,000			Clark County, Nevada, Airport Sub Lien Ser 2004 (AMT) (FGIC)					5.50				07/01/23				5,276,200
	5,000			Nevada Department of Business & Industry, Las Vegas Monorail 1st Tier Ser 2000 (Ambac)					5.375				01/01/40				5,138,700
				New Jersey Turnpike Authority,
	10,000			Ser 2003 A (FGIC)					5.00				01/01/27				10,228,100
	3,000			Ser 2003 A (Ambac)					5.00				01/01/30				3,063,030
	6,595			Albuquerque, New Mexico, Airport Refg Ser 1997 (AMT) (Ambac)					6.375				07/01/15				6,877,859
				Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York,
	1,460			Service Contract Ser 2002 A (MBIA)					5.50				01/01/20				1,568,186
	5,000			Service Contract Ser 2002 B (MBIA)					5.50				07/01/24				5,366,400
	10,000			Transportation Refg Ser 2002 A (Ambac)					5.50				11/15/18				10,780,800
	10,000			Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, Refg Ser X					5.50				07/01/15				10,661,100
	10,000			Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, Ser A (AMT) (FSA)					5.25				11/01/24				10,284,200
	4,735			Harris County, Texas, Toll Road Refg Ser 2005 A (FSA)					5.25				08/15/35				4,883,253
	5,000			Houston, Texas, Airport Sub Lien Ser 2000 A (AMT) (FSA)					5.875				07/01/17				5,280,200
	223,325																221,535,304
				Water & Sewer Revenue (13.4%)
	2,000			Phoenix Civic Improvement Corporation, Arizona, Wastewater Ser 2004 (MBIA)					5.00				07/01/27				2,051,040
	795			San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, California, Water 1996 Ser A					5.00				11/01/21				801,304
	4,000			Atlanta, Georgia, Water and Wastewater Ser 2004 (FSA)					5.00				11/01/24				4,110,880
				Augusta, Georgia,
	5,000			Water & Sewer Ser 2000 (FSA)					5.25				10/01/26				5,189,900
	3,000			Water & Sewer Ser 2004 A (FSA)					5.25				10/01/39				3,114,690
	5,000			Fulton County, Georgia, Water & Sewerage Ser 1998 (FGIC)					4.75				01/01/28				4,976,650
	8,000			Indiana Bond Bank, Revolving Fund Ser 2001A					5.375				02/01/19				8,521,520
	2,695			Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, Indiana, Water Works Ser 2002 A (MBIA)					5.125				07/01/27				2,759,680

See Notes to Financial Statements

19

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
$	5,000			Louisville & Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, Kentucky, Ser 1998 A (FGIC)					4.75	%			05/15/28			$	4,976,150
	6,000			Boston Water & Sewer Commission, Massachusetts, 1998 Ser D (FGIC)					4.75				11/01/22				6,034,560
	4,925			Detroit, Michigan, Water Supply Sr Lien Ser 2001 A (FGIC)					5.25				07/01/33				5,104,418
	9,000			Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners, New Jersey, Ser F (FGIC)					5.00				12/01/19				9,352,800
	5,000			New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, Water & Sewer 2005 Ser B (Ambac)					5.00				06/15/28				5,122,900
	2,725			Cleveland, Ohio, Waterworks Impr & Refg 1998 Ser I (FSA)					5.00				01/01/23				2,778,819
	5,000			Spartanburg, South Carolina, Jr Lien Water Ser 1998 (FGIC)					5.25				06/01/28				5,228,700
				Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, Tennessee,
	2,000			Refg 1986					5.50				01/01/16				2,023,900
	5,000			Refg Ser 1998 A (FGIC)					4.75				01/01/22				5,030,450
				Houston, Texas,
	20,000			Combined Utility, First Lien Refg Ser 2004 A (FSA)					5.25				05/15/22				21,041,200
	5,000			Combined Utility, First Lien Refg Ser 2004 A (MBIA)					5.25				05/15/25				5,245,750
				San Antonio, Texas,
	1,000			Water & Refg Ser 2002 (FSA)					5.50				05/15/19				1,068,890
	5,000			Water & Refg Ser 2002 (FSA)					5.00				05/15/28				5,067,000
	5,000			Tarrant Regional Water District, Texas, Water Ser 2002 (FSA)					5.375				03/01/16				5,350,950
	1,300			Wichita Falls, Texas, Water & Sewer Ser 2001 (Ambac)					5.375				08/01/24				1,368,640
	10,000			Richmond, Virginia, Public Utilities Refg Ser 2002 (FSA)					5.00				01/15/33				10,161,700
				Seattle, Washington,
	10,000			Water Refg 2003 (MBIA)					5.00				09/01/20				10,343,100
	10,000			Water Refg 2003 (MBIA)					5.00				09/01/23				10,278,200
	142,440																147,103,791
				Other Revenue (5.4%)
	10,000			California Economic Recovery, Ser 2004 A					5.00				07/01/16				10,467,800
				Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corporation, California,
	4,000			Enhanced Asset Backed Ser 2005 A (Ambac)					5.00				06/01/29				4,058,320
	8,000			Enhanced Asset Backed Ser 2005 A					5.00				06/01/45				7,979,200
				New Jersey Economic Development Authority,
	2,000			Cigarette Tax Ser 2004					5.50				06/15/31				2,061,760
	2,500			Cigarette Tax Ser 2004					5.75				06/15/34				2,617,800
				New York City Transitional Finance Authority, New York,
	8,000			Refg 2003 Ser A					5.50				11/01/26				8,540,880
	7,000			Refg 2003 Ser D (MBIA)					5.25				02/01/21				7,377,650

See Notes to Financial Statements

20

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS								COUPON RATE				MATURITY DATE				VALUE
$	5,000			New York Local Government Assistance Corporation, Ser 1993 C					5.50	%			04/01/17			$	5,460,550
	10,000			Sales Tax Asset Receivable Corporation, New York, 2005 Ser A (Ambac)					5.00				10/15/29				10,276,000
	56,500																58,839,960
				Refunded (4.1%)
	5,000			California Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank, Bay Area Toll Bridges Seismic Retrofit First Lien Ser 2003 A (Ambac)					5.00				07/01/28	†			5,338,600
	2,500			Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, Florida, Ser 1991 A (ETM)					6.875				10/01/22				3,165,350
	1,920			Massachusetts, Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Malden Hospital – FHA Ins Mtge Ser A					5.00				08/01/10	†			1,952,947
	7,000			New Jersey Highway Authority, Senior Parkway 1999 Ser					5.625				01/01/10	†			7,461,230
				New York State Dormitory Authority,
	7,800			State University Ser 2000 B					5.375				05/15/10	†			8,294,208
	11,110			Suffolk County Judicial Ser 1986 (ETM)					7.375				07/01/16				13,076,914
	5,000			Salt Lake City, Utah, IHC Hospital Inc Ser 1983 (ETM)					5.00				06/01/15				5,263,650
	40,330																44,552,899
	1,051,192			Total Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds (Cost $1,005,040,292)													1,057,432,418
				Short-Term Tax-Exempt Municipal Obligations (2.9%)
	5,200			Illinois Finance Authority, Resurrection Health Care System Ser 2005 B (Demand 07/03/06)					4.03	*			05/15/35				5,200,000
	5,515			Illinois Health Facilities Authority, University of Chicago Hospitals Ser 1998 (MBIA) (Demand 07/03/06)					4.03	*			08/01/26				5,515,000
	12,300			Indiana Health Facility Financing Authority, Clarian Health Obligated Group Ser 2000 B (Demand 07/03/06)					4.03	*			03/01/30				12,300,000
	8,200			New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, New York, 2000 Ser C (Demand 07/03/06)					4.01	*			06/15/33				8,200,000
	31,215			Total Short-Term Tax-Exempt Municipal Obligations (Cost $31,215,000)													31,215,000
$	1,082,407			Total Investments (Cost $1,036,255,292) (b) (c)									99.2	%			1,088,647,418
				Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities									0.8				9,161,960
				Net Assets									100.0	%		$	1,097,809,378

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Portfolio of Investments June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

AMT Alternative Minimum Tax.

COPs Certificates of Participation.

ETM Escrowed to Maturity.

RITES Residual Interest Tax-Exempt Securities (Illiquid security).

ROLS Reset Option Longs (Illiquid Security).

WI Security purchased on a when-issued basis.

† Prerefunded to call date shown.

†† A portion of this security has been physically segregated in connection with open futures contracts in the amount of $217,500.

††† Joint exemption in locations shown.

‡ Current coupon rate for inverse floating rate municipal obligation. This rate resets periodically as the auction rate on the related security changes. Positions in inverse floating rate municipal obligations have a total value of $18,642,060 which represents 1.7% of net assets.

# Security is a ‘‘step-up’’ bond where the coupon increases on a predetermined future date.

* Current coupon of variable rate demand obligation.

(a) Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors.

(b) Securities have been designated as collateral in an amount equal to $48,782,107 in connection with open futures contracts and the purchase of a when-issued security.

(c) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates the aggregate cost for book purposes. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $54,273,135 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $1,881,009, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $52,392,126.

Bond Insurance:

Ambac Ambac Assurance Corporation.

Connie Lee Connie Lee Insurance Company – A wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac Assurance Corporation.

FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.

FHA Federal Housing Administration.

FSA Financial Security Assurance Inc.

MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation.

Futures Contracts Open at June 30, 2006:

NUMBER OF CONTRACTS				LONG/SHORT				DESCRIPTION, DELIVERY MONTH AND YEAR				UNDERLYING FACE AMOUNT AT VALUE				UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
300				Short				U.S. Treasury Notes 5 Yr         September 2006				$(31,021,875)				$146,832
150				Short				U.S. Treasury Notes 10 Yr         September 2006				(15,728,907)				55,837
								Total Unrealized Appreciation								$202,669

See Notes to Financial Statements

22

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Financial Statements

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2006 (unaudited)

Assets:
Investments in securities, at value (cost $1,036,255,292)				$	1,088,647,418
Cash					245,344
Receivable for:
Interest					16,553,858
Investments sold					1,161,667
Shares of beneficial interest sold					114,726
Prepaid expenses and other assets					40,860
Total Assets					1,106,763,873
Liabilities:
Payable for:
Investments purchased					7,544,918
Investment advisory fee					328,237
Dividends to shareholders					271,101
Shares of beneficial interest redeemed					267,305
Variation margin					138,280
Distribution fee					106,055
Administration fee					72,902
Transfer agent fee					14,051
Accrued expenses and other payables					211,646
Total Liabilities					8,954,495
Net Assets				$	1,097,809,378
Composition of Net Assets:
Paid-in-capital				$	1,038,705,029
Net unrealized appreciation					52,594,795
Accumulated undistributed net investment income					1,266,436
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain					5,243,118
Net Assets				$	1,097,809,378
Class A Shares:
Net Assets				$	162,449,919
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					14,285,774
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	11.37
Maximum Offering Price Per Share, (net asset value plus 4.44% of net asset value)				$	11.87
Class B Shares:
Net Assets				$	109,567,990
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					9,593,766
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	11.42
Class C Shares:
Net Assets				$	29,908,687
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					2,626,154
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	11.39
Class D Shares:
Net Assets				$	795,882,782
Shares Outstanding (unlimited authorized, $.01 par value)					70,022,637
Net Asset Value Per Share				$	11.37

See Notes to Financial Statements

23

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Financial Statements continued

Statement of Operations

For the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited)

Net Investment Income:
Interest Income				$	28,973,886
Expenses
Investment advisory fee					2,019,706
Administration fee					451,501
Distribution fee (Class A shares)					195,201
Distribution fee (Class B shares)					353,099
Distribution fee (Class C shares)					108,090
Transfer agent fees and expenses					268,386
Shareholder reports and notices					104,683
Professional fees					40,375
Registration fees					33,795
Custodian fees					24,563
Trustees' fees and expenses					14,960
Other					79,531
Total Expenses					3,693,890
Less: expense offset					(24,921	)
Net Expenses					3,668,969
Net Investment Income					25,304,917
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):
Net Realized Gain on:
Investments					3,724,016
Futures contracts					1,343,401
Net Realized Gain					5,067,417
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on:
Investments					(22,176,440	)
Futures contracts					378,539
Net Depreciation					(21,797,901	)
Net Loss					(16,730,484	)
Net Increase				$	8,574,433

See Notes to Financial Statements

24

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Financial Statements continued

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

				FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006				FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
				(unaudited)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:
Operations:
Net investment income				$	25,304,917			$	55,386,913
Net realized gain					5,067,417				17,337,709
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation					(21,797,901	)			(30,113,565	)
Net Increase					8,574,433				42,611,057
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:
Net investment income
Class A shares					(3,522,223	)			(6,743,121	)
Class B shares					(2,346,194	)			(6,025,274	)
Class C shares					(599,260	)			(1,286,864	)
Class D shares					(18,767,458	)			(40,540,956	)
Net realized gain
Class A shares					(135,798	)			(2,207,891	)
Class B shares					(91,889	)			(1,740,475	)
Class C shares					(25,075	)			(433,854	)
Class D shares					(665,552	)			(11,585,111	)
Total Dividends and Distributions					(26,153,449	)			(70,563,546	)
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial interest					(55,209,886	)			(111,943,378	)
Net Decrease					(72,788,902	)			(139,895,867	)
Net Assets:
Beginning of period					1,170,598,280				1,310,494,147
End of Period (Including accumulated undistributed net investment income of $1,266,436 and $1,196,654, respectively)				$	1,097,809,378			$	1,170,598,280

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements June 30, 2006 (unaudited)

1.   Organization and Accounting Policies

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt 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 to provide a high level of current income which is exempt from federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund was incorporated in Maryland in 1979, commenced operations on March 27, 1980 and reorganized as a Massachusetts business trust on April 30, 1987. 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 eighteen months, 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 Fund will assess a 2% redemption fee, on Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares, and Class D shares, which is paid directly to the Fund, for shares redeemed within seven days of purchase, subject to certain exceptions. The redemption fee is designed to protect the Fund and its remaining shareholders from the effects of short-term trading.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:

A.   Valuation of Investments — (1) portfolio securities are valued by an outside independent pricing service approved by the Trustees. The pricing service uses both a computerized grid matrix of tax-exempt securities and evaluations by its staff, in each case based on information concerning market transactions and quotations from dealers which reflect the mean between the last reported bid and asked price. The portfolio securities are thus valued by reference to a combination of transactions and quotations for the same or other securities believed to be comparable in quality, coupon, maturity, type of issue, call provisions, trading characteristics and other features deemed to be relevant. The Trustees believe that timely and reliable market quotations are generally not readily available for purposes of valuing tax-exempt securities and that the valuations supplied by the pricing service are more likely to approximate the fair value of such securities; (2) futures are valued at the latest sale price on the commodities exchange on which they trade unless it is determined that such price does not reflect their market value, in which case they will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the supervision of the Trustees; and (3) short-term debt securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at time of 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.

26

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

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. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily.

C.   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.

D.   Futures Contracts — A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell financial instruments or contracts based on financial indices at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities equal to the minimum initial margin requirements of the applicable futures exchange. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments known as variation margin are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains and losses. Upon closing of the contract, the Fund realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

E.   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 and nontaxable income to its shareholders. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.

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

G.   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 Advisory/Administration Agreements

Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. (the ‘‘Investment Adviser’’), the Fund pays the Investment Adviser an advisory fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the following annual rates to the Fund's net assets determined as of the close of each business day: 0.42% to the portion of the daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.345% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $750 million; 0.295% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $750 million but not exceeding $1 billion; 0.27% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1 billion but not exceeding $1.25 billion; 0.245% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $1.25 billion but not exceeding $2.5 billion; and 0.22% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $2.5 billion.

27

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

Pursuant to an Administration Agreement with Morgan Stanley Services Company Inc. (the ‘‘Administrator’’), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, the Fund pays an administration fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the annual rate of 0.08% to the Fund’s daily net assets.

3.   Plan of Distribution

Shares of the Fund are distributed by Morgan Stanley Distributors Inc. (the ‘‘Distributor’’), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser and Administrator. 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 0.60% of the average daily net assets of Class B; and (iii) Class C – up to 0.70% 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 $4,577,070 at June 30, 2006.

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 0.70% of the average daily net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be 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 six months ended June 30, 2006, the distribution fee was accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.24% and 0.70%, respectively.

The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the six months ended June 30, 2006, it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the Fund's Class B shares and Class C shares of $110,252 and $1,717, respectively and received $62,750 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 six months ended June 30, 2006, aggregated $76,679,615 and $148,011,701, respectively.

Morgan Stanley Trust, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, Administrator and Distributor, is the Fund's transfer agent.

28

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

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. 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. Aggregate pension costs for the six months ended June 30, 2006, included in Trustees' fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations amounted to $7,423. At June 30, 2006, the Fund had an accrued pension liability of $117,255 which is included in accrued expenses in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The Fund has 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 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.   Expense Offset

The expense offset represents a reduction of custodian and transfer agent fees and expenses for earnings on cash balances maintained by the Fund.

6.   Risks Relating to Certain Financial Instruments

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in residual interest bonds, which are inverse floating rate municipal obligations. The prices of these securities are subject to greater market fluctuations during periods of changing prevailing interest rates than are comparable fixed rate obligations.

To hedge against adverse interest rate changes, the Fund may invest in financial futures contracts or municipal bond index futures contracts (‘‘futures contracts’’).

These futures contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amount reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the value of the underlying securities. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

29

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

7.   Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

				FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006								FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
				(unaudited)
				SHARES				AMOUNT				SHARES				AMOUNT
CLASS A SHARES
Sold					579,152			$	6,659,302				1,488,336			$	17,540,872
Conversion from Class B					704,749				8,101,689				4,070,960				47,855,606
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions					200,859				2,304,697				514,918				6,019,708
Redeemed					(1,305,970	)			(15,005,346	)			(2,842,286	)			(33,372,070	)
Net increase – Class A					178,790				2,060,342				3,231,928				38,044,116
CLASS B SHARES
Sold					189,731				2,194,684				689,165				8,149,112
Conversion to Class A					(701,802	)			(8,101,689	)			(4,053,583	)			(47,855,606	)
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions					103,439				1,192,048				338,683				3,977,967
Redeemed					(971,692	)			(11,230,421	)			(2,497,406	)			(29,507,159	)
Net decrease – Class B					(1,380,324	)			(15,945,378	)			(5,523,141	)			(65,235,686	)
CLASS C SHARES
Sold					117,768				1,356,698				349,255				4,129,824
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions					34,459				395,944				99,486				1,164,502
Redeemed					(284,581	)			(3,273,304	)			(668,759	)			(7,885,370	)
Net decrease – Class C					(132,354	)			(1,520,662	)			(220,018	)			(2,591,044	)
CLASS D SHARES
Sold					641,301				7,373,015				1,108,486				13,039,474
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions					850,698				9,758,198				2,303,932				26,935,049
Redeemed					(4,953,118	)			(56,935,401	)			(10,390,894	)			(122,135,287	)
Net decrease – Class D					(3,461,119	)			(39,804,188	)			(6,978,476	)			(82,160,764	)
Net decrease in Fund					(4,795,007	)		$	(55,209,886	)			(9,489,707	)		$	(111,943,378	)

8.   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.

30

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Notes to Financial Statements June 30, 2006 (unaudited) continued

As of December 31, 2005, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily attributable to mark-to-market of open futures contracts and book amortization of discounts on debt securities.

9.   Legal Matters

The Investment Adviser, certain affiliates of the Investment Adviser, certain officers of such affiliates and certain investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, including the Fund, are named as defendants in a consolidated class action. This consolidated action also names as defendants certain individual Trustees and Directors of the Morgan Stanley funds. The consolidated amended complaint, filed in the United States District Court Southern District of New York on April 16, 2004, generally alleges that defendants, including the Fund, violated their statutory disclosure obligations and fiduciary duties by failing properly to disclose (i) that the Investment Adviser and certain affiliates of the Investment Adviser allegedly offered economic incentives to brokers and others to recommend the funds advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates to investors rather than funds managed by other companies, and (ii) that the funds advised by the Investment Adviser 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. On March 9, 2005, Plaintiffs sought leave to supplement their complaint to assert claims on behalf of other investors, which motion defendants opposed. On April 14, 2006, the Court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss in its entirety. Additionally, the Court denied Plaintiff’s motion to supplement their complaint. This matter is now concluded.

10.   New Accounting Pronouncement

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position must meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Fund will adopt FIN 48 during 2007 and the impact to the Fund's financial statements, if any, is currently being assessed.

31

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Financial Highlights

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

				FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006				FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
								2005				2004				2003				2002				2001
				(unaudited)
Class A Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	11.55			$	11.82			$	11.97			$	11.88			$	11.50			$	11.71
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income					0.25				0.52				0.53				0.54				0.56				0.59
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					(0.17	)			(0.12	)			(0.09	)			0.10				0.46				(0.12	)
Total income from investment operations					0.08				0.40				0.44				0.64				1.02				0.47
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income					(0.25	)			(0.51	)			(0.53	)			(0.54	)			(0.56	)			(0.58	)
Net realized gain					(0.01	)			(0.16	)			(0.06	)			(0.01	)			(0.08	)			(0.10	)
Total dividends and distributions					(0.26	)			(0.67	)			(0.59	)			(0.55	)			(0.64	)			(0.68	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	11.37			$	11.55			$	11.82			$	11.97			$	11.88			$	11.50
Total Return†					0.65	% (1)			3.46	%			3.82	%			5.53	%			9.03	%			4.05	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):
Total expenses (before expense offset)					0.78	% (2)(4)			0.69	%			0.65	%			0.70	%			0.67	%			0.66	% (4)
Net investment income					4.35	% (2)			4.39	%			4.48	%			4.58	%			4.74	%			4.97	%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands				$	162,450			$	162,922			$	128,578			$	119,199			$	120,659			$	26,984
Portfolio turnover rate					7	% (1)			17	%			14	%			15	%			13	%			17	%

† 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) Not annualized.

(2) Annualized.

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

(4) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.

See Notes to Financial Statements

32

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Financial Highlights continued

				FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006				FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
								2005				2004				2003				2002				2001
				(unaudited)
Class B Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	11.60			$	11.87			$	12.02			$	11.93			$	11.56			$	11.76
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income					0.23				0.47				0.48				0.50				0.51				0.54
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					(0.17	)			(0.12	)			(0.09	)			0.09				0.45				(0.11	)
Total income from investment operations					0.06				0.35				0.39				0.59				0.96				0.43
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income					(0.23	)			(0.46	)			(0.48	)			(0.49	)			(0.51	)			(0.53	)
Net realized gain					(0.01	)			(0.16	)			(0.06	)			(0.01	)			(0.08	)			(0.10	)
Total dividends and distributions					(0.24	)			(0.62	)			(0.54	)			(0.50	)			(0.59	)			(0.63	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	11.42			$	11.60			$	11.87			$	12.02			$	11.93			$	11.56
Total Return†					0.48	% (1)			3.00	%			3.34	%			5.12	%			8.44	%			3.68	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):
Total expenses (before expense offset)					1.14	% (2)(4)			1.13	%			1.11	%			1.09	%			1.09	%			1.09	% (4)
Net investment income					3.99	% (2)			3.95	%			4.02	%			4.19	%			4.32	%			4.54	%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands				$	109,568			$	127,327			$	195,859			$	231,146			$	235,358			$	200,293
Portfolio turnover rate					7	% (1)			17	%			14	%			15	%			13	%			17	%

† 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) Not annualized.

(2) Annualized.

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

(4) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.

See Notes to Financial Statements

33

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Financial Highlights continued

				FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006				FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
								2005				2004				2003				2002				2001
				(unaudited)
Class C Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	11.57			$	11.84			$	11.99			$	11.90			$	11.53			$	11.73
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income					0.22				0.45				0.46				0.49				0.50				0.52
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					(0.17	)			(0.12	)			(0.09	)			0.09				0.44				(0.10	)
Total income from investment operations					0.05				0.33				0.37				0.58				0.94				0.42
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income					(0.22	)			(0.44	)			(0.46	)			(0.48	)			(0.49	)			(0.52	)
Net realized gain					(0.01	)			(0.16	)			(0.06	)			(0.01	)			(0.08	)			(0.10	)
Total dividends and distributions					(0.23	)			(0.60	)			(0.52	)			(0.49	)			(0.57	)			(0.62	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	11.39			$	11.57			$	11.84			$	11.99			$	11.90			$	11.53
Total Return†					0.42	% (1)			2.89	%			3.24	%			5.02	%			8.34	%			3.58	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):
Total expenses (before expense offset)					1.24	% (2)(4)			1.22	%			1.21	%			1.19	%			1.19	%			1.19	% (4)
Net investment income					3.89	% (2)			3.86	%			3.92	%			4.09	%			4.22	%			4.44	%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands				$	29,909			$	31,911			$	35,265			$	41,661			$	29,648			$	16,270
Portfolio turnover rate					7	% (1)			17	%			14	%			15	%			13	%			17	%

† 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) Not annualized.

(2) Annualized.

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

(4) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.

See Notes to Financial Statements

34

Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

Financial Highlights continued

				FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006				FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
								2005				2004				2003				2002				2001
				(unaudited)
Class D Shares
Selected Per Share Data:
Net asset value, beginning of period				$	11.55			$	11.82			$	11.96			$	11.88			$	11.50			$	11.70
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income					0.26				0.54				0.55				0.57				0.58				0.61
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)					(0.17	)			(0.12	)			(0.08	)			0.08				0.46				(0.11	)
Total income from investment operations					0.09				0.42				0.47				0.65				1.04				0.50
Less dividends and distributions from:
Net investment income					(0.26	)			(0.53	)			(0.55	)			(0.56	)			(0.58	)			(0.60	)
Net realized gain					(0.01	)			(0.16	)			(0.06	)			(0.01	)			(0.08	)			(0.10	)
Total dividends and distributions					(0.27	)			(0.69	)			(0.61	)			(0.57	)			(0.66	)			(0.70	)
Net asset value, end of period				$	11.37			$	11.55			$	11.82			$	11.96			$	11.88			$	11.50
Total Return†					0.85	% (1)			3.52	%			4.05	%			5.67	%			9.21	%			4.31	%
Ratios to Average Net Assets(3):
Total expenses (before expense offset)					0.54	% (2)(4)			0.53	%			0.51	%			0.49	%			0.49	%			0.49	% (4)
Net investment income					4.59	% (2)			4.55	%			4.62	%			4.79	%			4.92	%			5.14	%
Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands				$	795,883			$	848,438			$	950,792			$	1,067,805			$	1,152,783			$	1,189,492
Portfolio turnover rate					7	% (1)			17	%			14	%			15	%			13	%			17	%

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

(1) Not annualized.

(2) Annualized.

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

(4) Does not reflect the effect of expense offset of 0.01%.

See Notes to Financial Statements

35

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 Michael E. Nugent Chairman of the Board Ronald E. Robison President and Principal Executive Officer J. David Germany Vice President Dennis F. Shea Vice President Barry Fink Vice President Amy R. Doberman Vice President Carsten Otto Chief Compliance Officer Stefanie V. Chang Yu Vice President Francis J. Smith Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer 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 Adviser Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 The financial statements included herein have been taken from the records of the Fund without examination by the independent auditors and accordingly they do not express an opinion thereon. 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. © 2006 Morgan Stanley TAXSAR37950RPT-RA06-00726P-Y06/06		MORGAN STANLEY FUNDS
		Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust Semiannual Report June 30, 2006

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semiannual reports.


Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semiannual reports.


Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Not applicable for semiannual reports.


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable for semiannual reports.


Item 6.

Refer to Item 1.


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

Not applicable for semiannual reports.


Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

Applicable only to reports filed by closed-end funds.


Item 9. Closed-End Fund Repurchases

Applicable to reports filed by closed-end funds.


Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.



Item 11. 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.

(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered
by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


Item 12. Exhibits

(a) Code of Ethics - Not applicable for semiannual reports.

(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.









                                       2





                                   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 Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

/s/ Ronald E. Robison
Ronald E. Robison
Principal Executive Officer
August 10, 2006


     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
August 10, 2006

/s/ Francis Smith
Francis Smith
Principal Financial Officer
August 10, 2006




                                       3



                                                                   EXHIBIT 12 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 Tax-Exempt
     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) and internal
     control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) 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)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
     internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
     supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
     financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
     external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
     principles;

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):


                                       4


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

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: August 10, 2006
                                                   /s/ Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Ronald E. Robison
                                                   Principal Executive Officer





                                       5



                                                                   EXHIBIT 12 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 Tax-Exempt
     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) and internal
     control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) 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)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
     internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
     supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
     financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
     external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
     principles;

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):



                                       6



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

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: August 10, 2006
                                                   /s/ Francis Smith
                                                   Francis Smith
                                                   Principal Financial  Officer






                                       7



                            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 Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

     In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended June 30, 2006 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: August 10, 2006                              /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 Tax-Exempt Securities Trust and will be retained by
Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.







                                       8



                            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 Tax-Exempt Securities Trust

     In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the "Report") of the
above-named issuer for the period ended June 30, 2006 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: August 10, 2006                              /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 Tax-Exempt Securities Trust and will be retained by
Morgan Stanley Tax-Exempt Securities Trust and furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.




                                       9