Word: algerias
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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Either-secession, in which some believe they will find independence. France would then leave the Algerians, who had expressed their wish to become separated from it . . . I am convinced personally that such an outcome would be incredible and disastrous. Algeria being what it is at the present time, and the world what we know it to be, secession would carry in its wake the most appalling poverty, frightful political chaos, and, soon after, the warlike dictatorship of the Communists. But this devil must be exorcised, and by the Algerians themselves...
...votes of the citizens. Why then should the odious strife and fratricidal murders that are still drenching the Algerian soil with blood continue, unless they be the work of a group of ambitious agitators determined to establish by brute force and terror their totalitarian dictatorship? The future of Algeria rests with the Algerians, not as thrust upon them by knife and machine gun, but according to the will which they will express legitimately through universal suffrage. With them, and for them, France will see to it that their choice is free...
Limited Pacification? From sources close to De Gaulle came predictions that the new plan would offer Algeria alternatives under which "nothing will be excluded-not even independence." Almost certainly, the general would call for "pacification" as a first step in his plan, if only to keep the touchy and victory-hungry French army behind him. But pacification could fall far short of a fight to the finish; De Gaulle might well decree within the next few months that rebel resistance in Algeria was no longer widespread enough to warrant the title of "civil war," and that pacification had been achieved...
...that De Gaulle's scheme would then provide for "electoral consultation" with the Algerian people to allow them at least limited self-determination of their future relationship with France. Either through a popular referendum or an elected Assembly, Algerians might be permitted to choose among full integration of Algeria with France, some form of regional autonomy within the French Republic, or home rule as a member of the French Community in Africa. In time-perhaps after five years-Algeria might even be granted the right to opt for full independence...
...Gambler. If this was the kind of solution De Gaulle had in mind, he would be taking a mighty gamble. In the army there would be the risk of attempted revolt by officers adamantly opposed to any solution that did not keep Algeria an integral part of France. In De Gaulle's own Cabinet there would be outraged protests, perhaps even some resignations. And there was considerable doubt that Algeria's rebel leaders would accept De Gaulle's plan, however liberal it might prove; De Gaulle could only hope that his proposals would appeal to so many...