French tighten security after threat from 'Jackal'

French police intensified security around President Francois Mitterrand and senior ministers, anticipating an impending deadline set by ''Carlos.'' The international terrorist has threatened Interior Minister Gaston Defferre if two members of his organization arrested in February are not released.

In an ultimatum March 1, the Venezuelan-born terrorist, known in some countries as ''the Jackal,'' gave the authorities one month to release the two men.

Carlos, who is wanted worldwide for a series of hijackings and murders in the 1970s, has a reputation for acting on threats, Interior Ministry sources said.