France: Down from Olympus

Withdrawn and hurt, Charles de Gaulle brooded for two days in his Colombey chateau. Then he descended on Paris by helicopter to inform his Cabinet and the nation that "Naturally, [ will be present on December 19."

Premier Georges Pompidou thereupon summoned good Gaullists everywhere to "general mobilization" on le general's behalf in the Dec. 19 presidential run off. "It must be demonstrated," exhort ed a perturbed Pompidou, "that in the face of the dazzling demagoguery of the opposition, Gaullism, too, can open paths to the future." Premier Pompidou then conjured up some sample rewards in the Gaullist future straight...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!