Grenades & Gloves

Algerian nationalists jumped to exploit France's internal crisis. In a show of impudent strength, they staged a coordinated attack on Sidi-bel-Abbes, the storied home of the Foreign Legion itself.

A passing cyclist tossed a grenade into the Restaurant de 1'Avenir; another cyclist threw a grenade into a crowd of shoppers a few blocks away. At the Alberti Bar, a khaki-clad man stepped from a black car, slipped a leather-strapped machine gun from his shoulder, and me thodically began pumping bullets into the customers. On Avenue Kleber, an elegantly dressed man unlimbered a machine gun and raked customers and passers-by on the terrace of the Cafe de Palmarium. Total casualties in Sidi-bel-Abbes' 30 minutes of terror: eight dead, 17 wounded.

In a show of soberer responsibility, Algerian nationalists let it be known that Tunisia would speak for them officially in the forthcoming debate at the U.N. Tunisia, said Chief U.N. Delegate Bahi Ladgham, feels that the Algerian Front of National Liberation (FLN) has the support of the majority of Algerians. "We have kept in touch," he said, "and of course we are neighbors." What were the chances of success? Said Mr. Ladgham: "Each side must give."

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