ALGERIA THE FLN:

The Newsletter, vol. 3 no. 122, 17 October 1959 · scan pages 4, 5

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Way has the Algerian Provisional Government, composed of leaders of the National Liberation Front (FLN), not turned down flat the de Gaulle plan offering so-called ‘self-determination’ to Algeria in four year’s time?

Why did ten days have to elapse before any agreed answer was forthcoming?

As suggested in this journal some weeks ago, a turning point is being. reached in Algeria.

That is why the statement, when it was made by Ferhat Abbas in Tunis, was accorded very special attention, including promise and negotiation until soon there will be little difference ; between what it says and what he does: and this despite columns of sarcasm at the expense of the ‘left Gaullists’ in the past. Not a word about imperialist exploitation or about the Algerian peasants and workers. There is only thought for the diplomatic smoothness of the Algerian leaders, so much like themselves, after all . "

And yet—the moderation of the FLN can co-exist with — terrorism, including the political gansterism which has done the national movement irreparable harm both in Algeria and. in France.!

There is no doubt that the FLN leaders are a quite willing to 1 The French police have now been able to form special antiFLN detachments from Algerian mercenaries to operate in France. Its ability to do so, as well as the recruitment of ‘harkis’ (Algerian bands in French service), owes not a little to the methods of the FLN.

trade social revolution, or even national independence, against political concessions to themselves and their class. That is the meaning of recent developments. But this may be an unreal hope. The possibilities of a negotiated settlement are probably less than the ‘left’ Press hopes. The imperialist interests entrenched in Algeria will not willingly give up any 17, 1959 position, nor will the army chiefs.

In the last analysis social forces decide. That the present situation has arisen is attributable primarily to the failure of the French working class to intervene—and the main responsibility for that lies with the Communist Party. Its record will be examined in a later article..