UN General Assembly
1959

176. But the French offer has several important qualifications, such as the possibility of partition and the control of the Sahara. The Algerian Nationalists have asked for an opportunity to discuss these matters which are undoubtedly of vital importance to them. Is this unreasonable? Even if we were to admit that Algeria is an integral part of Metropolitan France, an important change is now taking place when France offers complete freedom on the fulfilment of certain conditions. If such a request were made at that time and in that connexion for discussion and further consideration, it would seem to us to be not unreasonable. I feel sure that the French Government would accept this position were it not for what it regards as a fundamental difficulty. It does not recognize the Algerian Provisional Government. It is unable, therefore, to negotiate with it. One can understand this difficulty. On the other hand, the Algerian Provisional Government would find it extremely difficult to dissolve itself unless and until the conditional offer were discussed and clarified.