World: Europe's Destiny Is Shaped by Their Debate

THREE STRONG MEN

THE Western alliance today is seriously strained by the ever-widening political rift between President John Kennedy and President Charles de Gaulle. At stake are the future leadership of Europe and the shape of the Continent's fast-emerging political union. The conflict reached a climax last week when De Gaulle used his first press conference in six months to decry Europe's Atlantic partnership, offering instead a grandiose, 18th century vision of an independent continent dominated by France. De Gaulle's rhetoric prompted the resignations of five French Cabinet ministers, drew worried disavowals from De Gaulle's frequent partner-in-criticism, West Germany's Konrad Adenauer,...

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!