BREAKDOWN IN PARIS
Poher Had To Wait
(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)
PARIS, May 11
The secret procedure for setting off France's nuclear deterrent broke down for four days after Mr Alain Poher took over as Acting President on April 28, according to informed sources in Paris.
Apparently Mr Poher was not told of the secret procedure whereby the French President is constitutionally responsible for activating the nation’s nuclear forces in case of attack. The break occurred because there was no formal handingover of power to Mr Poher after President de Gaulle resigned.
Mr Poher’s staff arrived at the Elysee Palace to find that General de Gaulle’s aides had already departed, taking with them all documents relating to business in hand, and it took the acting President’s staff four days to re-establish the broken chain of command
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19690512.2.113
Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 13
Word Count
133BREAKDOWN IN PARIS Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 13
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