Soviet help.
_ Despite Algeria's cesperate needs during the first year of its hard-won .freedom, Khrushchev made no move to help relieve distress beyond a few gestures such as sending technicians and ecuipment to help clear the huge mine fields left by the French forces. During the same period, Kennedy likewise’ remained aloof because of Ben Bella's courageous display of friendship for beleaguered Cuba.
Thus the Ben Bella government was forced to rely on assistance, calculatingly doled out, from the former master of the country, French capitalism,
Soviet confidence in the future of Algeria should help the country to establish its credit rating with other powers, thus further relieving the heavy pressure from France, . In any case, the Soviet move, coming on the eve of a projected visit by Ben Bella to the United Nations, is undoubtedly highly appreciated by the government and people of revolutionary Algeria,
ALGERIA ON THE BVE OF THE