Algeria Rebellion and Revolution by Joan Gillespie (1960) Hardcover

RECENT FRENCH POLICY in Algeria has aroused considerable controversy in many countries within the Western alliance. The American author of this timely addition to the Nations of the Modern World series visited both sides in this tragic conflict, and in this book she gives the facts about Algerian national- ism, its historical antecedents and the conduct and aims of the present revolution.

In emphasising that Algeria is unique in the history of colonisation, the author considers the many influences, cults and regimes that have contributed to the growth of the country and thereby to the immensely difficult situation that still remains to be solved. Beginning with a full discussion of the 'colon', or European settler, of the Algerian him- self and of the relationship that grew up between the two, she traces the history of a country that has always been accustomed to diverse political and military influences, most recently those exerted by the French. The nationalist rebellion, which became for some the hope of full French status, and for others the potential means of independence, was the foreseeable climax and-with De Gaulle's latest statements-leaves a great many questions unanswered.

Miss Gillespie's conclusion is that independence will be gained and that with the help of newly discovered mineral resources in the Sahara, Western economic and technical aid, agrarian reform and a common, anti-Communist foreign policy with her neighbours, Algeria could become a country in which order and contentment might prevail in all quarters