Word: bidault
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...when "Max"-Jean Moulin-was caught and killed by the Nazis, Bidault was chosen to replace him as chief of the Resistance. The Gestapo marked him for torture and death, frequently came close to catching him. But it was Georges Bidault who gave the signal for Paris' rise against the occupiers in 1944, and who was there to greet General Charles de Gaulle on his triumphal return with the Franco-American Liberation forces...
Many politicians have come and gone since that day, but Georges Bidault has hung on. In the ten years-and 19 cabinets-since, he has been out of office only 33 months, has been Premier twice (for 14 months in all), Vice Premier four times, Defense Minister twice, Foreign Minister eight times. To his countrymen, to the diplomats of other governments, even to those who know him best, there is no clear answer to how Georges Bidault has done it. He has no real copains (buddies), and only a few who consider themselves friends; Bidault has barely concealed his feeling...
Dogs & Cats. At dinner parties-where he may nibble nothing but the lemon slice on a filet-Bidault sometimes amuses himself by classifying each guest as "dog" or "cat." He insists he is "dog," but many others-including Madame Bidault-would classify Georges Bidault as "cat." He has a catlike walk, a heavy-lidded, sleepy, catlike look, and a catlike smile. In politics and diplomacy he walks fences with a cat's tread, pounces like a tiger on a succulent opportunity...
There have been times when it seemed that ambivalence was Georges Bidault's chief stock in trade. The quality is essential to political survival in France, helpful to a diplomat, but frequently maddening to those who must do business with him. Bidault speaks in images and parables, abhors the straight yes or no. A bureaucrat asks if he will accept a luncheon invitation. "If only I am hungry by then . . ." murmurs Bidault obliquely. The bureaucrat backs away, unsure whether the date is set or not. Bidault is apt to speak similarly of bigger issues-EDC, the Saar, Indo-China...
...Berlin Conference, with a divided government and country behind him, he spoke out firmly and unequivocally. "He is a realist who will not let the dream of the best prevent him from grasping the good," said one who considers himself a friend. "The core of Bidault is rigidly moral and deeply religious." On such a man last week fell the bitter task of laying before the Communists France's terms of retreat in Indo-China...