FRANCE: Victor Vanquished

In 79 years, no one has ever dared challenge the Deputies of France in their one-sided warfare against Premiers. At their whim, Premiers came, and Premiers fell, but Deputies went on forever—or at least until the end of their appointed terms. No one could have been more surprised than the Deputies themselves when Premier Edgar Faure, of all people, that most artful of political dodgers, suddenly turned on them. Muttered old Robert Schuman in amazement: "The rabbits are shooting at the hunters."

The Deputies were almost gay as they assembled early last...