World Notes FRANCE

The Arc de Triomphe, that proud tribute to French glories in war, has been showing signs of age. Unsettled by shifting foundations and vibrations from traffic, the 151-year-old structure is crumbling. An unsightly nylon net now hangs like ill-fitting panty hose from its ornately carved arches to catch chunks of falling stone.

+ When the Paris office of American Express volunteered to help restore the monument, however, a sensitive national nerve was pricked. "Americans threaten to land on Arc de Triomphe," howled the daily Liberation. Last week the National Federation for Public Works called for a massive fund drive. The Paris government says it will probably allow private companies like American Express to donate up to 40% of the restoration costs, which could come to $6 million.