Socialist Report On Algeria

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28554, 7 April 1958, Page 11

Socialist Report On Algeria

(Rec. 7 p.m.) PARIS, April 5. A privately circulated periodical said yesterday that the threemarl commission of the Socialist International which investigated the situation in Algeria had reported that talks between France and the rebels were impossible at the present time. The periodical, “Political Information Letter,” published by Mr Andre Noel, former member of the National Assembly, said that the commission's hitherto unpublished report criticised the rebel organisation. French newspapers have claimed that the British Labour Party’s “shadow” foreign minister, Mr Aneurin Bevan, had opposed publication of the teport because it justified the French Government’s policy of putting down the Algerian rebellion while introducing reforms.

The commission, sent to Algeria last December, consisted, of Mr Sam Watson (Britain), Mr Jules Bary (Belgium), and Mr John Sannes (Norway). ‘'Negotiations Best” The periodical said that the delegation considered ’the best way of solving the Algerian problem was to open negotiations. But it concluded these were impossible as long as there was no change of atmosphere. According to the publication, the delegation’s report said: “It is evident that the proposals made at present by the F.L.N. [the Algerian insurgent organisation J contain nothing that can lead to a political settlement, or even useful conversations.

“There are, without doubt, other groups in Algeria that do not exclude integration with France, and others who want the independence of Algeria, but by pacific means.”