Algerian Arrested In Paris

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28133, 23 November 1956, Page 13

Algerian Arrested In Paris

(Rec. 8 p.m.) PARIS, November 21

A man alleged to be one of the top representatives in France of the Algerian nationalist insurgents has been arrested in Paris. The police said today that they were holding Doum Ulias Redah on a alleging an attempt against foe external security of the State.

The Lord Privy Seal, Mr Butler, will preside over Cabinet meetings and bear the brunt of attacks from the Labour Parliamentary Opposition, which has bitterly opposed the British and French intervention in Egypt. Later today, Mr Butler is expected to make a statement on the situation in Egypt to the House of Commons. He will be speaking after last night’s statement in New York by the Foreign Secretary, Mr Selwyn Lloyd, that Britain was withdrawing a battalion of troops from Port Said as evidence of good faith.

The detail, manner and timing of the Government’s next step in the withdrawal of its forces from Egypt has sparked a heated, controversy within the Conservative Party. A powerful section of the party, according to political quarters, is prepared to resist strongly any premature withdrawal from Egypt. These quarters say that if the Cabinet, in Sir Anthony Eden’s absence, were to pull out of Port Said without acequate safeguards, a large number of Conservative M.P.’s would be openly rebellious.

The strength of this group has been estimated at between 25 and 50 by political commentators. The safeguards that these Conservatives are said to- consider necessary include effective guarantees of the •international control of the canal and the clearing of the blocked waterway. Conservative back-benchers holding this view made their views plain at a private meeting last night. "Growing Tension”

Newspaper political correspondents today talked of a new political crisis of growing tension in the Conservative Party and of the administration facing its toughest test x since the Suez Canal dispute began.

"The Times” spoke of the growing tension in the party and said that Conservatives recognised the Government was bound by the undertaking to withdraw when replaced by an effective United Nations force.

But. there was much argument about the definition of “effective” and many Conservatives took the view that the United Nations force as at present envisaged was not likely to be effective. The “Daily Express” said the Prime Minister’s decision to leave Britain at this particular moment had caused widespread comment in Westminster.

“With ‘the Suez situation in such a critical position there is considerable speculation as to how Sir Anthony Eden can retain effective direction of the Government from abroad. There is, of course, no suggestion that he does not well deserve his holiday,” said the "Daily Express.” “There is a clear indication that if Britain bows to the United Nations demands there will be a revolt of Tory M.P.’s that could bring the Government down.”

Another pro-Government newspaper, the' “Daily Mail,” published a frontpage assessment of the situation which said that the Cabinet was faced with a situation which could bring down the Government at the first sign of weakness.

The “News Chronicle” said that the decision when to pull out would be decided before the Prime Minister’s departure as moderates in the Cabinet were anxious to avoid any suggestion that a decision, which could prove political dynamite was taken behind a Prime Minister’s back.

“Ministers cannot accept the demand for immediate withdrawal. Apart from anything else, they could never sell it to the Tory Party,” the “News Chronicle” further commented.

The “Daily Herald” said: “The position of even comparatively moderate Tory opinion is simple and very firm. “Britain must not leave unless there is a United Nations force in Egypt of sufficient size to impose its will on Nasser.

"To give way on this issue, they believe, would be to hand the game, set. and match to him.

“Sir Anthony Eden would have got nothing out of this gamble.”