Jamal Awil

← A Savage War of Peace- Algeria 1954-1962

De Gaulle's charisma threatened FLN authority among Algerians [causal]

Then, suddenly, there occurred the extraordinary phenomenon of the “fraternisation” of 16 May; rigged in part by the Cinquième Bureau but also deeply and disturbingly symptomatic of the hope that the mere name of de Gaulle could inspire in the breast of many a simple, peace-craving Algerian. And immediately de Gaulle had begun talking about true “equality” within the French republic and the end of second-class citizenry, words that from his mouth alone sounded true and meaningful. If de Gaulle were to follow this up with a massive appeal to the battered, disillusioned but still extant “third force” of Muslims, then this could only present the F.L.N. with the gravest menace to its prestige and war aims.

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 963