FROM radios and television sets throughout France last week came the hoarse, oracular voice that every Frenchman tries hopelessly to imitate. It belonged to Charles de Gaulle, who in a nationwide address announced his plans for a strengthened presidential system by which his successor would be elected directly by the people (TIME, Sept. 21). Though De Gaulle's proposal would short-circuit the constitution and has already enraged politicians of all parties, his grandiloquent dialogue between "you Frenchmen and Frenchwomen and my self" only heightened the curious blend of awe, irritation and amusement with...
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