In the gilt isolation of Paris' Elysee Palace, President Charles de Gaulle last week savored his victory in the nationwide referendum. "A good result," said De Gaulle contentedly. When a Minister suggested that he should make a speech of thanks to the electorate, De Gaulle replied loftily, "France cannot thank France," and then retired into that aloof silence which he has said "enhances authority."
Peaceful Yes. His attitude—somewhere between that of a benevolent emperor and a stern schoolteacher—was justified by the results. Fully 75% of French voters said yes to De Gaulle, and he carried every single department in France. Jacques...
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