February 1, 1960
CHARLES DE GAULLE: London, 29 – The war between the legitimate French government and the rebel colonists in Algeria, led by Pierre Lagaillarde and Joseph Ortiz and some military leaders, was officially declared this evening when President Charles de Gaulle went live on the radio to make what was in fact a declaration of adherence to the principle of self-determination. The president said he had already issued orders to impose law and order in Algeria. No one can tell what the outcome will be. Everything will depend on the degree of devotion the French military in Algeria shows toward the government. The rebels in Algeria responded angrily to De Gaulle’s speech and have declared that they will react. The military also listened carefully, though in silence. There is no doubt that the events in Algeria have strengthened the Algerian liberation movement. The government of Tunisia, meanwhile, is standing by its ultimatum to France to withdraw its forces from the military base in Bizerte. US REACTION: London, 29 – According to reports from Washington DC, the USA is watching the situation in Algeria anxiously but believes General de Gaulle will prevail. Officially, however, there has been no statement.