In Algeria he had the pieds noirs at least temporarily under control. But as far as peace was concerned only disappointment could be recorded. His first attempt to obtain a cease-fire had been rejected with a crushing snub by the F.L.N. and the November elections had not led to the emergence of any tangible “third force” of interlocuteurs valables. Thus everything was at an impasse, and would remain so for the best part of the ensuing year. And, as well as that initial momentum, he had lost time that was irretrievable.

XREF: Connects to the broader historical context of the Algerian War of Independence and the failure of French negotiations with the FLN.

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 957