Challenging De Gaulle

This unique volume tells the story of the Algerian counterrevolution from the viewpoint of the ordinary foot soldier in the O.A.S. (Organisation Armee Secrete). In a series of interviews with former O.A.S. participants, and using many unpublished documents and personal diaries, Harrison examines the motives of these defenders of French Algeria. Were they criminals, sociopaths, or honorable men more sensitive to their country's fate than were many of their contemporaries? Harrison poses this question in the book's introduction and then seeks the answer with an objective eye.Challenging De Gaulle tells the story of the Algerian counterrevolution from the viewpoint of the ordinary foot soldier in the O.A.S. (Organisation Armee Secrete). In a series of interviews with former O.A.S. participants, and using many unpublished documents and personal diaries, Alexander Harrison examines the motives of these defenders of French Algeria. Were they criminals, sociopaths, or honorable men more sensitive to their country's fate than were many of their contemporaries? Harrison poses this question in the book's introduction and then seeks the answer with an objective eye. Students and scholars of twentieth century history, as well as the general reader interested in this fascinating period, will find this volume superb reading.The book begins with a historical view of French colonization of Algeria, outlining the roots of the counter-revolution. Further chapters discuss the three abortive efforts to grant native Algerians their independence. The O.A.S. emerged in the wake of these defeats. Harrison also examines the evolution of counter-terrorism into a full-fledged coalition, under the O.A.S. label, to challenge DeGaulle. Finally, those who fought give personal accounts of the movement's defeat.

"A fascinating account of the fighters for a lost cause -- full of the brutalities and warped heroism which characterized the attempts to keep algeria French, after France decided that it be French no longer."-William Colby, Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency, "This remarkable book . . . the first fully documented history of the OAS . . . based on a wealth of oral testimony and unpublished documentary sources. (Alexander Harrison) writes with insight."-L. H. Gann Hoover Institution, ?. . . Harrison's book is an important contribution to the history of the end of the French Empire. Obviously, normal documentation is very limited. So oral history comes into its own. . . .?-Times Higher Educational Supplement, ?The best account in English to date of the Organization Armee Secrete (OAS) during the French-Algerian war, 1945-1962. Besides using earlier works like Geoffrey Bocca's The Secret Army (CH, May '69), Hamilton has collected a voluminous amount of oral testimony concerning this period. The book is a very informative account of the Algerian War based almost solely on these primary sources. A clear explanation of the bitter struggle between the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale and the OAS is presented with all of its death, torture, and terror. Indeed, the French forces in Algeria became a serious threat to the government of President Charles De Gaulle. Several assassination attempts were made against the French president. De Gaulle described the OAS as "thugs consumed by totalitarian passion . . ." Not only is this work a valuable source for North African specialists, it will also appeal to undergraduates and general readers.--?-Choice, ." . . Harrison's book is an important contribution to the history of the end of the French Empire. Obviously, normal documentation is very limited. So oral history comes into its own. . . ."-Times Higher Educational Supplement

ALEXANDER HARRISON was a resident of France from 1960 to 1963 where he began his research on the participants of the Algerian conflict. The tapes and photos documenting his extensive interviews with these participants are on file in the Hoover Institution archives. Mr. Harrison completed his doctorate at New York University and has had articles published in the New York Times, the Manchester Union-Leader, and Twentieth Century.