FRANCE: Battle on Sunday

De Gaulle won.

The confidential order from the French Communist Central Committee to regional secretaries had said: "This is not an election—it is a battle." Last Sunday, in 38,000 cities, towns and villages throughout France, the people chose new municipal governments and, for the first time in eleven months, declared their political faith. When the battle of ballots was over, it was clear that their faith had radically changed, and with it the entire French political scene.

Three facts stood out: 1) Charles de Gaulle's R.P.F. won a smashing victory, now held more votes than any other party (6,000,000); 2) Georges...

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!