September 23.

As the French -- supposed Europhiles -- have voted neither ''Oui'' nor

''Non'' but a definite ''Peut-etre'' on Maastricht, it should be quite

obvious even to Mr Major that a referendum is essential here too.

While I do not believe that referendums should become part of the

political scene, there are three points in favour this time.

First, we have been, possibly deliberately, underinformed about the

possible ramifications of closer links with Europe and are sadly

ignorant of what is before us. Further public discussion and debate is

therefore essential.

Secondly, and perhaps allied to the above, why should we tag along

behind the moderately keen Irish and the positively half-hearted French

without having our tuppence worth?

Thirdly, whatever way we voted, we elected a Government to run the

country. That Government may not ''move the goalposts'' and renege on

its obligation to govern without reference to the public.

As an afterthought I cannot for the life of me see why we must forge

closer links with Europe. While all in favour of international

co-operation, I firmly believe that the proposed close ties will prove

divisive and, ultimately, destructive.

John Douglas,

1 Chacefield Wood,

Denny.