1.   French officials, doubtless scenting contracts, started talks with the mullahs, arousing speculation that diplomatic recognition would eventually follow.

2.   That discovery, in turn, aroused fervent speculation about the possibility of life.

3.   The announcement aroused speculation that the businessman did not consider the program cost-efficient.

4.   But last week, he abruptly started campaigning for party candidates, arousing speculation about a comeback.

5.   He did not attend a Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning, arousing speculation that he already has submitted his resignation.

6.   His failure to do so has aroused speculation that he may be ill or face internal resistance.

7.   His public criticism of Rao has aroused speculation of a permanent split in the Congress, especially if it fares badly in the state elections.

8.   That has aroused speculation the junior Kim may be ill or faces domestic resistance.

9.   That meeting was likely to arouse South Korean speculation that the North used it for political purposes.

10.   The delay in the junior Kim assuming full power has aroused speculation that he may be ill or face internal resistance.