Henri Rollet sums up French Catholic views
"THOSE who are truly building up the future are those
who remain heroically faithful to the principles of justice and love, and thereby moderating the storm of unleashed passions, consecrate themselves disinterestedly to the common good."
This was the conclusion of an appeal made last week by the Archbishop of Algiers, the Bishop of Oran and the Bishop of Constantine, speaking for the Hierarchy of Algeria.
The Bishops observed the mounting of material disaster, the increasing flow of blood, the grave weakening of consciences in Algeria. These together formed a cry of immense suffering.
"In the presence of such perils," the Bishops stated in their appeal " perils which threaten not only persons and goods, but the very foundations of society itself, namely, in the recognition of a right higher than self-interest and ambitions, We believe that we have the duty to recall once again the condi
tions of a true reconciliation and a just peace.
" All solutions based solely on force and violence are to be unhesitatingly put out of mind. We shall not emerge from the difficulties without seeking for loyal relations and for conversations amidst the most diverse groups and at all levels of responsibility so that mutual understanding and constructive collaboration may be obtained."
In view of this grave statement, we are glad to be able to publish this week a report from our French correspondent, Henri Rollet, on the Algerian problem as it is seen by Frenchmen today.