Prospects Of Ending Revolt In Algeria

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28372, 3 September 1957, Page 9

Prospects Of Ending Revolt In Algeria

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 8 p.m.) PARIS, Sept. 1. The situation in Algeria seems to be evolving to a point where responsible French leaders think the chances of ending the revolt on the purely military side may be not far off. At present a race is going on in which the insurgents are trying to smuggle in as many arms from Tunisia and Morocco as possible before the French complete the sealing of Algeria’s frontiers. This race was reflected in three engagements in eastern Algeria yesterday, costing the insurgents 107 dead. The rebel losses since the rebellion started 33 months ago are about 36,000 dead. There are now signs of discouragement and fatigue among the nationalist leaders in French hands. The French Military Command thinks the insurgents are definitely getting near the end of their tether. The Defence Minister, Mr Andre Morice, last week expressed his confidence in an early solution in favour of France on the military side. The Moslem population, he said, was rallying in increasing numbers to France again.

A captured insurgent chief, Mohamed Hattab, said in a broadcast over the French network on Friday: “I think the time has come to end the slaughter. We want an end of terrorism and a transfer of the struggle to the political plane where an understanding can be reached.” Against this background of progressive mastery over the insurgents, the Government is still debating with its political opponents the terms of new political institutions it wants to introduce into Algeria. These provide for local assemblies elected on the basis of universal suffrage, at the same time providing safeguards for the fair representation of both Moslem and European populations. The chief point over which various political leaders in the National Assembly are not yet agreed is whether there shall be a central executive authority in Algeria or whether that authority should be reserved for the Paris Assembly and the Paris Government. Most of the Right-wing and Centre groups in Parliament are opposed to an executive authority in Algeria in which they see an instrument of national independence and secession. The Socialists (represented in the present Government) are divided on the issue. So is the Popular Republican (Catholic) Party which, although in opposition, has throughout the last 20 months supported ihe Govern-

ment in its military operations in Algeria. The main task of the Prime Minister, Mr Maurice BourgesMaunoury, now is to get unity of view among-the chief groups before submitting the new proposals to the Assembly next month. The introduction of these reforms before the United Nations debate on Algeria gets under way is regarded as important in Paris, although the French Government does not recognise that the United Nations has any right to interfere. The newspaper “La Croix” reflecting the views of the Left-

wing of the Popular Republicans, commented that if the Government did not reach agreement soon on the reforms “it may as well pack its bags the first day Parliament reassembles.”