French Parties

Since The Times is considered reference material in this community, I would like, for the benefit of your readers, to rectify an erroneous piece of information published in your obituary (May 8) of Gaston Defferre.

According to the article, “ . . . The Socialists, once a small collection of fractious independents, now are France’s second largest political party behind the Communists.”

Any observer of the French political scene, including your own Paris correspondent, knows that the Socialist Party is the largest in France, as was demonstrated by the last national elections held on March 16, 1986, with the participation of more than 29 million voters. The Socialist Party obtained 31% of the vote (or 8.7 million votes).

As far as the Communist Party is concerned, it is far from being the first party in France. It has steadily declined during the last decade and received 9.78% of the vote. (2.7 million votes) in mid-March.

The Communist Party does claim 700,000 members, more than other parties do, but there is no way to verify these claims.

In any case, very few of the 37.5 million registered workers are members of parties. Unlike what happens in the United States, when a Frenchman registers to vote, he does so without ever mentioning his political preference or affiliation.

MARIE-FRANCE TWINING

Press Attache

Consulate General

of France

Beverly Hills