11.  Attempting to calm market fears that Chirac may seek to devalue the franc, French minister Alain Madelin even suggested the value of French currency should be increased.

12.  German officials fear Chirac might chose to fight unemployment by weakening ties between the franc and the German mark so the French currency could devalue.

13.  This caused the renewed fall Monday of the French currency, which drove traders to the German mark, whose strength helped the dollar fall.

14.  Traders said the Bank of France had been discreetly supporting the French currency.

15.  Traders, however, said the French currency could be buffeted by polls and opposition speeches over the next month.

16.  Hawkins said the French currency could continue to weaken in coming months, although he did not foresee a sharp fall.

17.  He made the remark in a television interview that came at the end of a week that saw the French currency come under consistent pressure on money markets.

18.  In Paris, the French currency held firm against the mark in quiet trading.

19.  It is understood that Chancellor Kohl has decided to overrule objections from the Bundesbank and support the French currency in return for policy concessions over Europe.

20.  A French tourist has been arrested in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai for passing fake French currency, police said Tuesday.