31.   Speculation mounted that South Korea would request a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, but the government said it has no plan to do so.

32.   Since the events of the past week, speculation has mounted that the National Front would finally split over the bitter struggle.

33.   Speculation has been mounting that Kaizaki may demote or fire Masatoshi Ono, chief executive and chairman of Firestone, based in Nashville, Tenn.

34.   Speculation mounted Saturday that the IRA might now withdraw all of its disarmament reassurances.

35.   Speculation mounted that the National Front would finally split over the bitter struggle.

36.   Speculation mounted that the party would finally split.

37.   Speculation mounted, however, that the plane was seized as part of an elaborate bid for political asylum.

38.   Speculation has been mounting since Russia said last week that it might declare Norwegian diplomats persona non-grata.

39.   Speculation has mounted that he would try to win them back before handing over power to his anointed successor, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

40.   Speculation mounted Saturday that the IRA might now withdraw these disarmament reassurances.