Algerian Rebel Regime Gains Recognition

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28697, 22 September 1958, Page 11

Algerian Rebel Regime Gains Recognition

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) PARIS, September 20*. France may break off diplomatic relations with Morocco and Tunisia after their recognition of the rebel “Algerian Provisional Government” which was proclaimed in Cairo yesterday. The French Foreign Ministry hhs declared that recognition of the provisional government, which, it claimed, has no sovereignty, territory or effectiveness, would be regarded as an unfriendly act by France and might lead to a diplomatic break. But it was not clear today whether the French Government would take such a drastic step in the case of Morocco and Tunisia, which have long been deeply committed to support demands for an independent Algeria.

Some political observers believed that General de Gaulle, who succeeded in restoring normal relations with Tunisia after a long period of tension, would be reluctant to reopen old quarrels. In Rabat, Morocco, no instructions for immediate action by the French Ambassador had been, received from Paris by late last night, Embassy sources said. Peking Radio, today described the proclamation of the provisional government as “a major victory for the National Independence Movement of Algeria” and .“a telling blow to de Gaulle’s colonialist policy of annexing Algeria.’’ In Cairo President Nasser, whose United .Arab Republic has recognised the new Algerian “Government-in-Exile,’’ has sent a cable of congratulations to its premier, Mr Ferhat Abbas. He described the formation of the government as a “glorious historic moment in the Algerian people’s struggle’’ and said the libera] conscience of the world would regard it as “a victory for the principles of freedom and self-determination.”

The Arab League announced today that It will accept the “Free Algerian Government.’’ The league was formed in 1945 to co-ordinate the policies of the Arab States. Mr Abbas went to the Presidency today to thank President Nasser for his congratulations on yesterday’s proclamation. According to the British United Press, an Algerian rebel spokesman claimed in Tunis last night that the Tunisian government had recognised the Algerian rebel government-in-exile. The Tunisian Government had not yet confirmed this claim, although it was expected to do so some time today. The American Associated Press reported from Amman that a Jordanian government spokesman said today that Jordan would grant prompt recognition to the new Algerian government. “Our recognition may come in a matter of hours or possibly tomorrow after a Cabinet meetirfg,” he said;

Whitehead Dies In Crash

CARPJENTRAS (Southern

France), September 21. The British racing driver, Peter Whitehead was killed, and his brother Alfred Whitehead injured, when their Jaguar car somersaulted into a ravine last night during the Automobile Tour de France. The Whiteheads were leading in the tourist category of the race when their car left the road, near the village of Lasalle, .west of Carpentras, o.n the fourth stage of the tour. The Whiteheads crashed on a winding stretch of the tour, on which seven other competitors dropped out through accidents and mechanical trouble.

Whitehead has competed with great success in New Zealand, including events at Christchurch.

Recognised.— Amman Radio tonight announced that the Jordan Government recognised the Algerian rebel government in exile, formed in Cairo yesterday, according to British United Press. —Cairo, September 20. X