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8. As seen from here the chances of external intervention appear to have virtually disappeared. More than 1,100 volunteers have registered for the
spare time Peoples Militia. As I have already reported its creation is largely a public relations exercise, although by the same token it can be seen abroad as a deterrent and a visible sign of a united country. A curfew still applies from 10 pm to 5 am but in practical terms these holiday islands have an outward appearance of normality.
9.
Rene has repeated his pledge to hold elections "as originally envisaged" but has said that the first need is a new constitution. In the meantime he has issued one proclamation and two decrees and has made regulations of some severity under the Public. Security Act. The legal basis for some of the presidential acts may be obscure, but their implement- ation is not in doubt.
10. Future political possibilities need scarcely be spelt out: that Rene's government, having established acceptability, will move slowly and then inexorably to the left; or that, despite Rene's best efforts, it will be subverted and then consumed by the communist supporters in its midst; or that it will succeed in surviving as a moderate socialist government. It is of course too early to say.
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Chancery Nairobi
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Dar Es Salaam Port Louis
Washington
P S-McLean, ODM
J A PUGH
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