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constitution, a much more controversial project and one which would have had to be submitted to a referendum.
REACTIONS
4. The President, who had reportedly been opposed to any major constitutional revision, is apparently content with the Prime Minister's proposal, (although he has not yet said so publicly, and some of the press are still hoping for a cohabitation row - they will be disappointed). The coalition parties are unanimously in favour; the Socialists critical and suspicious. But given the massive parliamentary centre right majority and widespread public support for tighter immigration controls, left wing opposition is unlikely to prevail.
COMMENT
5. Balladur and Pasqua have effectively neutralised the opposition and the President by linking the issue of tighter immigration controls and constitutional revision with implementation of the Schengen and Dublin agreements. It will be difficult for the Opposition, despite their suspicion of Pasqua's motives, to argue against measures designed to enable France to honour European commitments which they negotiated when in office.
6. But even if the constitutional amendment is approved by December, Pasqua and others on the Right who have philosophical doubts about easing frontier controls, may still try to delay entry into force of the Schengen Agreement on the grounds that other French conditions about completion of the practical arrangements have not yet been met.
7. FCO please advance LANGDON, HOME OFFICE
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