English Abstract

During the Algerian war, the Fourth International shaped the first network in order to help the National Liberation Front (FLN). The French section, headed by Pierre Frank, was the first one to support the FLN, considered to be the leader of the Algerian revolution, because Troskyistes approuved of the claims of the colonised population, but also because they hoped to destabilise the French Capitalism system and spread the “colonial revolution” in Europe.

Beside the “classic” activities of “carriers” (porteurs de valises), the Trotskyiste network set up two large-scale operations, under Michel Raptis, called Pablo, head of the International and of Greek origin. À weapons factory was first set up in Marocco in 1960 by voluntary workers of different nationalities. Pablo also tred to forge French money in order to support the FLN, which brought about his arrest and trial in Amsterdam. Pablo and his followers moved to Algeria after independence until Boumedien took power in 1965, when Pablo became one of Ben Bella’s advisers.

The IVth International network was less mediatized than the Jeanson or Curiel networks. Their supporters were extremely efficient on the practical side, despite some very marked illusions. In this way the Trotskyistes participed in a movement which exceeded their usual influence, generally quite minor. However they won few political benefits. Internal quarrelling took over and in 1965 it ended with the split between Pablo and his followers.

Sylvain Pattieu

The full text of the article is available in French on ESSF (article 25996), Le « camarade » Pablo, la IV^e Internationale, et la guerre d’Algérie.]]