OPINION

January 21, 1960

FRENCH OF ALGERIA: Paris, 20 – France is facing an ultimatum which, according to the Associated Press correspondent, the military and political authorities in Algeria have given the government of President Charles de Gaulle. A meeting is to be held at the Elysee Palace on Friday to discuss the revolt of French colonists whose anger was expressed by General Jacques Massu in an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung, although he later denied making the statements in question. The atmosphere in Algiers is electric, and violent incidents cannot be ruled out. Cars are circulating with megaphones calling on the population to have faith in de Gaulle, who is soon to meet with US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev. Despite warnings from the military, newspapers are reporting that Massu has been called to Paris. The million French colonists in Algeria are afraid of a compromise being reached with the Algerian rebels. Extremists and moderates have united in the climate of uncertainty and are issuing appeals for a general mobilization. «The people of Algeria will show their unanimous desire to remain united with France, even if they are forced to fight,» warns a proclamation signed by 150 mayors.

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