A Question of Honor

If de Gaulle has maintained a position of honor in his struggle against the O.A.S., yesterday he betrayed it. His offer to trade the life of General Jouhaud for a cessation of terror in Algeria belies his role as the protector of justice and discipline amidst bitter hatreds and conflicting allegiances. Moreover, this desperate attempt to gain peace has no chance of success.

Previously de Gaulle has demanded strict obedience from the French Army in achieving an independent Algeria. According to his standard, Generals Jouhaud and Salan have committed treason in their efforts to keep Algeria French and therefore ought to be executed, regardless of their past records. Although many Frenchmen sympathize with the two officers as men driven to extremes by a sense of honor, the President's position has enjoyed almost universal support among his countrymen. In offering to trade a life for a life, deGaulle lowers himself to the level of the O.A.S. and tacitly admits that his former position is untenable. Once he relaxes his rigid stance, he can never regain it.

Further, neither the O.A.S. nor Jouhaud will agree to the deal. They have proved themselves engaged in a fight to the death; the O.A.S. would not lay down their arms merely to save Johaud, nor would Jouhaud desire the collapse of the O.A.S. himself. DeGaulle's offer can only be met by increased slaughter and violence. Hopefully de Gaulle will reassert his authority--he cannot leave any doubt as to who is master in Algeria. As it stands, his offer will be greeted by the contempt of the O.A.S.; Algeria will suffer further bloodshed and violence.