It falls roughly into three phases; first there is that of establishment and survival, over the cruel winter of 1954—the truly "heroic" days. Then comes the time of consolidation: new recruits, new leaders—and with them new policies and new discords—were now acquired. Falling into several distinct categories, the new recruits included a large body from previously uncommitted Muslims; the wholesale "conversion" of Messali's rival M.N.A., and the absorption of members of the Algerian Communist Party (P.C.A.) and desertions from the Algerian units serving with the French army; and the support of pro-Muslim individuals among the European and Jewish communities.

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 400