Prime Minister Michel Debre today pledged that the French Government will always safeguard the interests of Algerians who want to stay French, no matter what the outcome of the self-determination issue in Algeria. In an address in Strasbourg, the Premier declared:
“France will do all in her power to ensure the security and the fundamental freedom of those who, whatever their religion, wish to remain French. If the self-determination vote is for union or association with France, she is ready to undertake a great work of cultural, social and economic development. If the vote rules this out, you may rest assured France will ensure the safeguarding of her national interests. “
Algerian Jews, meanwhile, are anxiously awaiting the outcome of talks now taking place between representatives of the French Government and the Algerian FLN nationalist organization with regard to their future status. The FLN has been circulating a pamphlet advocating the position that Algerian Jews were to be considered Algerians.
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