61.   While the U. S. economy remains strong, Britain, which has not yet adopted the euro, is showing signs of recovery.

62.   Others will be prevented from adopting the euro because they fail to meet the entry conditions of low inflation, narrow deficits and falling public debt.

63.   Portugal has adopted the euro.

64.   A dozen nations, including Italy, have adopted the euro.

65.   A strong endorsement for the euro from Blair last week sparked speculation that he will call a referendum next year on whether Britain should adopt the euro.

66.   All EU nations will be targeted by the drive, regardless of their chances to meet the strict economic criteria for adopting the euro.

67.   All those places will have to adopt the euro too.

68.   All three are free to adopt the euro later, as are a dozen eastern and southern European countries that are applying to join the EU.

69.   Already, Montenegro has adopted the euro as its official currency, while Serbia uses the dinar.

70.   Britain does not plan to adopt the euro then.