The head of the Algerian rebel group negotiating with France on Algerian independence hinted at a press conference here today that his government would not recognize the existence of separate communities in an independent Algeria.
Bel Hassem Krim, the chief negotiator, also declined to answer questions put to him in writing by correspondents who wanted some indication about the rebel organization’s attitude toward the Jewish community of Algeria. It was noted that throughout their stay in Evian FLN spokesmen have usually expressed themselves freely on most subjects but not on the matter of the future of Algerian Jews.
The French Radio reported today that a Jewish businessman, whose name was not indicated, was stabbed to death Wednesday in Oran by Algerian FLN terrorists. The broadcast said such terrorist attacks were on the increase in spite of the French-Algerian independence talks now underway in Evian.
At the same time it was reported here today from Paris that an armed European underground organization, the OAS, has warned all Europeans in Algeria, including the 150,000 Jews there, that they must not leave their Algerian homes or emigrate, or they would “suffer the consequences,” it was learned here today.
The OAS warning threatens “reprisals” against all Europeans who leave Algeria even for summer vacations, having announced it will bomb and loot the homes of all who leave even temporarily. The warning by the OAS is viewed here as a serious threat to Algerian Jews, many of whom have already registered for emigration to France or to Israel.
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