EUROPE: The Euro

Max Manuel Fodríguez Navarro of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, writes: "Just for clarification: There oes exist a EUR 300 and a EUR 500 denomination banknote, but there certainly does not exist a EUR 1000 banknote. I guess George Sassoon is using irony and pretending the Mafia is counterfeiting EUR 1000 banknotes. I have read nothing about it in the German, international or Spanish press, although of course it could be. Anyway, some Americans should wonder why are usually so annoyed by the EURO and the European Community? It is so passionate that it reminds me more a phobia than an opinion".

RH: I too have been surprised by the vehemence of the anti-euro views expressed by some WAISers. As for counterfeiting, that may be going on, but until I receive more authentic information I shall view stories about it as part of the anti-euro campaign.

Ronald Hilton - 1/19/03