BOB HOPE AVOIDS INTERNATIONAL CATFIGHT

BOB HOPE AVOIDS INTERNATIONAL CATFIGHT

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (Wireless Flash) -- The Y2K risk is bad enough but now comes word that Bob Hope's New Year's plans could have triggered an international catfight. According to Hope's publicist, the 96-year-old comedian recently received invitations to spend New Year's Eve in both Washington, D.C. with President Clinton and in England with Queen Elizabeth. Although Hope was thankful to be invited to both century- ending shindigs, he didn't want to cause an "international incident" by choosing one country over the other. So, rather than start another revolution, Hope has chosen to spend New Year's Eve with his family and friends at his Palm Springs mansion.