France: Close Victory

After watching the contenders on TV, Paris' Le Monde dubbed President Charles de Gaulle the "champion in all weight classes without challenger."

The bout in question was this week's referendum to decide whether future French Presidents are to be elected by direct vote. De Gaulle's opponents were operating under handicaps. The crisis in Cuba has reinforced the French tendency to rally behind a strong leader. Said De Gaulle pointedly: "In our world, which is so dangerous—one sees it now at this very moment—France cannot survive if she falls back into the impotence...

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!