European Economic Community

The European Economic Community, referred to in the novel as the Common Market, shapes events in two sharply different ways. Its membership provides a practical convenience for the Jackal’s travel from Italy into France; its exclusion of Britain, announced by Charles de Gaulle, becomes a source of diplomatic anger for Sir Jasper Quigley.

Identity and Membership

The narrative identifies France and Italy as members of the European Economic Community. It does not dwell on the institution’s internal structure; instead, it presents the Common Market through its consequences for movement between the two countries and through the political controversy surrounding Britain’s exclusion.

Cross-Border Mobility

The Jackal’s preparations show the Common Market’s practical significance. Before driving an Italian-registered hire car into France, he had checked with the Automobile Association in London. He understood that, because both countries belonged to the Community, crossing the border involved no complicated formalities, provided he had the necessary driving licences, car-registration and hire documents, and insurance cover.

He also made a separate inquiry at the Automobil Club Italiano in Milan and bought additional insurance for travel in France. The firm he chose was said to have a mutual arrangement with a large French insurer, so its cover would be accepted without question. The Community does not replace the paperwork or insurance in his plan; it makes the cross-border journey workable when those conditions are in order.

Britain’s Exclusion

The Community also figures in a political setback for Britain. At a press conference on 14 January 1963, Charles de Gaulle barred Britain from joining the Common Market. Sir Jasper Quigley, who already disliked France, had to endure an uncomfortable twenty minutes with the Minister after the announcement. His hostility toward the French President intensified in the wake of the decision.

Narrative Significance

These two appearances place the European Economic Community at different scales of the story. For the Jackal, membership becomes a logistical advantage, helping him prepare a route into France using an Italian-registered car. For Sir Jasper, the blocked British entry is a diplomatic affront that sharpens his personal antagonism toward Charles de Gaulle. The institution is thus present less as an abstract political structure than as a force shaping mobility and international relations.