This article is based on research in the French archives. It argues that French policy towards enlargement was primarily motivated by political rather than economic considerations. As in 1961-63, the French were determined to preserve their position of leadership within the EEC. The French did not want the Community to break up. Their diplomacy was based on the need to preserve the Community of Six while barring Britain. Although France succeeded in excluding Britain in the short term, in the longer term the French had to adjust their stance to enlargement in order to retain influence. Leadership within the Community was the foundation of France's international status.