Not adopted by the French legislature until 31 January 1958, the loi-cadre aimed at a political solution that looked like a mixture of federalism and partition. Algeria was to be divided into several self-governing territories, with a common electoral roll, and each responsible to an elected national assembly under the sovereignty of France. The concept drew forth vigorous opposition from many, including Chevallier and Soustelle, the latter condemning it as "hastily creating an organisation that would confer upon Algeria certain characteristics of a veritable state".

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 478