Algerian War Testimonials

France-Info, Les Arènes publishing, Le Nouvel Observateur, El Wattan, and FNACA are working together to collect testimonials of the Algerian War for the 50th anniversary of the war's end in 2012. You can contribute to their forum if:

"Vous étiez Algérien, Français de métropole ou d’Algérie. Entre 1954 et 1962, vous avez été appelé ou militaire d’active, vous étiez harki dans les rangs de l’armée française, vous avez milité pour le FLN, vous avez participé aux combats de l’ALN, vous étiez activiste de l’OAS ou militant contre la guerre."

They are also seeking scanned documents such as personal diaries, notebooks and photos to contribute to their online collection.

You can read some of the collected memories on the France-Info site discussion at http://www.france-info.com/forums-2010-10-21-guerre-d-algerie-vos-temoignages-492389-193-193.html

French ambassador "ignores" Pied-Noir attempts to reclaim belongings

In a fine example of not very good translation, Echorouk Online reports that the French ambassador to Algeria said, "I ignore Pieds-Noirs attempt to claim their belongings in Algeria." He more likely said "J'ignore..." because the story goes on to say that Ambassador Xavier Driencourt "has no idea" about such efforts.

The Ambassador also said, "The Pieds-Noirs come back to Algeria because of nostalgia especially that they receive a wonderful welcome" and that French and Algerian associations have been working together to create a meeting of Algerian and French war veterans.

I look forward to the follow up on that meeting.

Pieds Noirs du Littoral, souvenir

This item keeps appearing on Ebay and is repeatedly picked up by my Google Alert for "Pieds Noirs." I've emailed the seller about its origin, but still know nothing about it. The pin, "Pieds Noirs du Littoral Catalan" is selling for $6.25 USD if you're interested: I'd just like to know its background. Any guesses?